Madness takes its toll...

[Rikki]

She smiled as she politely refused the chair Miss Mackay- coldly- offered her.

It’s good this way.

“Well, what can I do for you?” Miss Mackay tried to smile politely though that Mr Snape seemed a bit … weird to her. But then again, what else had she expected of Miss Brodie’s acquaintances. But now she was curious what this was all about.

“You see… Severus… Mr Snape and I have been together for quite some time now. And now I’ve finally made the decision that I will quit my job here and go with him. I feel that I’m no longer needed here, and I’m sure you’ll agree with me that we did have our differences when it comes to my teaching methods.” Jean was now back to herself but still tried to be polite. She didn’t want her departure to become a scandal or anything.

“Yes, I certainly agree with you in that point. Nonetheless… Might I ask where that sudden change of heart came from? I mean, just a couple of days ago you were talking about your gals and your vocation and that you’d never leave this school. And now…” Miss Mackay was more than satisfied with the current development though she had to admit that it was indeed curious. Just a couple of days ago, Miss Brodie had yelled at her that she’d never leave her girls and this school and that the girls needed her. But now… There was this man who wasn’t even handsome. And Miss Brodie wanted to make her believe that she had been with that man for quite some time now? When everybody at school knew that she had been with Mr Lowther before he had married the chemistry teacher?

“Let me say it this way: That’s none of your business. I’ll stay until the end of the school year which is fortunately in a couple of days. I believe that will give you enough time to find a replacement for me.” Jean nodded curtly, then turned around to leave, with a quite surprised Severus at her heels.

When they had left the headmistress’ office, Severus took her arm and stopped her.
“Well, that was certainly quite impressive. Though I’m not sure it was a wise move to treat her like that. But since you’ll be gone within a couple of days, it doesn’t matter.”

Jean didn’t look at him, so Severus put one long finger under her chin and raised her face to his. He searched her eyes for any signs of regret but all he found was deep relief.

“I know it wasn’t very clever. But I just couldn’t help myself. And I can hardly tell her that I travelled back and forth in time and that you haven’t even been born yet,” Jean said with a crooked smile.

“Fair point,” Severus grinned. “So what now? Can we leave the ball or do you have to stay here?”

Jean looked around but there were only teachers left now. The girls had gone home, it seemed, but then again it was already late enough.

“No, we can go.” Jean linked her arm with Severus, and together they left the building. It seemed to them that nobody had noticed them but they were wrong. Teddy Lloyd had seen them leave together, and he was wondering what on earth was going on with Jean Brodie. Surely she couldn’t have found another guy that quickly.

Or could she?

As Teddy followed the woman he had loved so desperately with his eyes until both she and her dark companion had disappeared from his sight, he searched his mind of memories of the man- had he ever seen that pale face with the prominent nose before- had he ever spotted those dark eyes look at Jean the way they did now?

No, the artist summarized, mere moments later. No, he hadn’t. He would have remembered it- he would have recalled the man’s face and most definitely would he have remembered the way Jean looked at him. It was exactly the way he had once fancied she looked at him, too.

Unfortunately, the man sighed, a faint, bitter smile on his lips, which had not really been more than imagination- and self-deceit.

With a sigh, he turned around, walking inside again. Sandy had left already- he’d seen her leave about an hour earlier- which was a pity. When he had told Jean that he could not, would not, follow where she led, it had mostly been for Sandy. What he felt for Sandy was not quite like what he had felt- and still did- for Jean, but still- he liked the girl, admired her, even, in his way, and he would honestly have liked to apologize to her again. Jean was the past, after all.

Even if he did not quite trust his own feelings, he could not but clearly see hers.

Only as Teddy stepped into the ball room again, blinded for a moment by the heavy lights as well as the white dresses of the mass of girls still gathered there, he finally saw clearly.

[Rikki]

He finally saw why, for some reason, somehow, something in the dark man’s face had seemed so… almost painfully familiar to him. The explanation was complicated, perhaps, or hard to understand- but not to him. Suddenly- not to him, because in the dark eyes- in the dark eyes of the man he had seen earlier, he had recognized something he had most definitely seen before.

He had seen it before in his own heart- only this man had grabbed his chance… and he never had.

For a second Teddy hesitated. Should he follow Jean and that stranger and ask for an explanation? It didn’t seem to be like Jean to fall for a guy that quickly. Not when it was just minutes ago when she still seemed to care for him so much. It seemed all rather fishy to him, so Teddy decided he’d go after them. Perhaps not to question Jean about the man but to see what happened.

Jean and Severus were walking slowly in some distance. But even when Teddy exited the school grounds he could see that his colleague and her new friend had linked their arms and seemed oblivious to everything around them. Teddy wished he could hurry after them and just pretend to go the same way but unfortunately his apartment was in the opposite direction.

Teddy followed the couple quietly. He didn’t know yet what he’d do once they’d arrived at Jean’s flat. But he was rather curious whether that stranger would stay with Jean or not. The thought of another man in Jean’s arms upset him more than he would have thought – and that realization surprised him even more.

Shaking his head to get his mind focus on the couple before him again, Teddy moved quietly along the deserted roads of nightly Edinburgh.

Some meters ahead, Severus turned his head to look at Jean. She had a satisfied smile on her lips.

“Sickle for your thoughts?” he asked.

“What? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about my old life here and the new one with you. And about Miss Mackay’s face when I told her.” Jean actually sniggered a bit at that which made Severus raise an eyebrow in return. Surely, Jean had loosened up considerably since their first meeting. The tough and sometimes rather icy Jean Brodie had turned into a loving and caring person – which had changed him too, as Severus very well knew.

“I’m glad you don’t have second thoughts,” Severus said quietly. He hadn’t been sure whether Jean would see their plan through once she’d be back in her timeline. But now he wondered how he’d ever been able to doubt her. She did love him; and, knowing her past, she’d grabbed the chance for love and was determined not to mess it up this time.

Suddenly Severus heard a noise behind them. All his senses seemed to be alert now. There was someone following them.

His steps quickened. Severus, having been the Head of Slytherin for years, had always been a keen observer- and it didn’t take him long to verify that he was indeed not imagining things. Someone was walking behind Jean and him- and it was not merely a coincidence.

Grabbing the blonde’s hand a little tighter, he answered Jean’s surprised gaze with a mere, short nod- then, unexpectedly for both his companion and the man behind them, turned around.

“Good evening, Mr Lloyd.”

Severus’s voice, which had seemingly grown much warmer over the last few weeks, had very suddenly turned back to the one he kept for particularly misbehaved Gryffindors. Teddy nearly ran into the couple- then, cheeks notably paler than usual, stepped back again, rather difficultly catching his breath again.

“Teddy!”

Jean’s eyes were large and dark as she did indeed recognize the man standing opposite her as Teddy Lloyd- as the man she had very nearly loved the way she loved Severus. Suppressing her surprised shriek had been impossible- but immediately, she remembered her own rule of life.

Remain composed.

Like the Mona Lisa.

Only somehow, the last weeks, more than anything else in her life, had proven to her that sometimes, composure just wasn’t enough. It was a shocking idea- and not one she’d ever believed she’d fancy once.

“I believe we have not been properly introduced yet?”

Teddy’s voice mirrored the coldness in Severus’s very accurately indeed- and that without training, Jean found herself thinking. She nearly smiled- but as she felt a firm hand on her lower arm and looked up at Severus’s face, the woman became serious again. This was- most definitely- no joke.

[Rikki]

“Severus Snape. I believe you to be Mr Lloyd, the school’s Art Master, am I correct?”

“Yes.”

“I did believe so. As you see, I am accompanying Miss Brodie to her flat. Jean,”

He turned towards the stunned woman to his left.

“I suggest we continue our way, yes? I do believe it is rather late already.”

Almost automatically, Jean nodded- but when Teddy’s hand came to rest upon her shoulder, she felt herself turn around. Yes, he’d done her wrong- but did he deserve this?

She wondered.

“And who are you to order her around? She’s a woman who can decide for herself!” Teddy said without letting go of Jean’s shoulder.

“And *she* has a name too,” Jean chimed in, sounding angry. She didn’t like being left out of this. Her previous thoughts of sympathy with Teddy had disappeared as soon as he had started speaking. She knew that he wasn’t good for her. He might like her, sure, but that wasn’t enough. She wanted to be loved. Perhaps he did love her, but he would never leave his wife for her. And he was never able to give her what Severus gave her during the last few days. Reassurance and self-confidence. It might seem strange that someone like Jean Brodie is supposed to be insecure and unsure of herself but that was the truth. Behind all her mannerisms and her sometimes even arrogant attitude lay a highly insecure woman who needed someone by her side.

Severus looked at her for a split second, perhaps a bit amazed at her sudden outburst but he could see her point.

“I’m sorry, Jean. It’s just… who is he? Why is he here? And where do you know him from? You never told me about him. And all of a sudden I’m supposed to believe you’ve found another man? Certainly not.” Teddy nearly spit the last words into Severus’ direction who merely raised an eyebrow. Of course he had expected people to ask questions concerning his sudden appearance.

“Jean and I have known each other for quite some time now. And I don’t think that it’s any of your business, nor is Jean obliged to discuss her love life with you. If you’ll excuse us now, Mr Lloyd,” Severus said before he gently linked his arm with Jean’s and led her away from Teddy.

“Thank you,” Jean managed to whisper as soon as they were out of earshot. She hadn’t really thought about a cover story for her new lover but thankfully Severus had been in control, as always.

A couple of minutes later they arrived at Jean’s flat. When they entered the building, Severus glanced back to the now apparently empty street but he had a feeling that the episode with Teddy wasn’t over yet. The man hadn’t struck him as someone who gave up easily, and where Jean was concerned he seemed to be even more insistent.

[Herzele]

Yay !! I've so been waiting for an update to this story !! It's so great !!! I can't wait for the next one !!

[BlazeFourPaws]

Claps and begs on knees for more. This is wonderful. You Go Severus!! Tell the cheating bastard off.

[Nerweniel]

He didn’t know if Jean shared the sentiment, but somehow, he knew only too well that the woman was too clever to believe that Teddy would just accept his defeat. Still, it was more with relief than with worry that Jean unceremoniously dropped herself on the couch, moments later.

“I am so glad that’s over.”

Severus smiled a bit at her heartfelt exclamation as he, too, threw his cloak off and sat down beside her.

“That what’s over, Jean?”

She looked up with a rather tired smile, then, with a practiced hand, straightened her dishevelled hair and shook her head.

“Well, in the first place Miss Mackay, obviously- but you’re right, perhaps Teddy even more so. He’s no unkind man, Severus, he really isn’t.”

Jean could barely believe her own voice, defending Teddy like that- but as she got up to make a cup of tea for the two of them, so as to be able to do something- she realized it was true.

“Once I was nearly- nearly in love with him. He used to paint my portrait, and he fell in love with me- I stayed away from his studio ever since. I don’t know why, but he is married, he has children- and I guess I never quite liked him enough to be able to always be just his lover, never his wife.”

As she poured out the tea into the cups Severus had quietly put on the table, a small smile crept over her lips.

“I could be your lover.” she then said honestly.

“Even if I couldn’t be your wife.”

Severus smiled as well- but the piercing sound of the doorbell interrupted the scene, and Jean sighed as she immediately gestured to Severus to remain seated.

“I’ll go. It’s probably Sandy- she may want to know where I suddenly went, at the feast. She’s- clever.”

The bell rung again and Jean hurried towards the front door. She didn’t look forward to talking to Sandy and she could apparently not escape- but on the other side, maybe it would be healthy to talk it all over, before she would so suddenly disappear from the young girl’s life.

As she opened the door, Jean held her breath- and the immediately let it out again.

Not Sandy, but Teddy Lloyd was looking at her from the door-opening.

“Don’t scream, Jean. I just wanted to talk to you.”

Severus seemed to have sensed that something was wrong, because suddenly he stood right behind Jean, resting his hand on her shoulder.

“Why don’t you let him in, Jean? I guess the neighbours don’t have to hear what Mr Lloyd has to say.” Gently he pulled Jean out of the doorframe and motioned for Teddy to come in.

The arts master looked at the dark haired man uncomfortable. He had meant to speak to Jean alone, not for the stranger to witness the little chat. But again, Teddy was surprised by Severus as the wizard stepped closer to Jean, whispered something in her ear and kissed her gently on the lips before leaving the room.

“Don’t think of doing anything foolish, Mr Lloyd. I’ll be in the other room, should Jean need me.” Severus gave the other man a dark look and then retreated into Jean’s bedroom. He didn’t really like leaving Jean alone with her former lover but he sensed that it was only fair to grant Teddy a chance to understand everything.

In the meantime, Jean had sat down on her sofa. She didn’t intend to offer Teddy anything; she just wanted him to leave as soon as possible. Of course she knew that Teddy would ask for an explanation. And she wasn’t sure what to tell him except what Severus had already told him.

“Jean, I… I’m sorry,” Teddy started. He really felt sorry, for everything he was never able to give Jean. The love she deserved or the care and security of a loving husband.

“I know, Teddy. I’m sorry too,” Jean said quietly.

“Please, Jean. If you wanted to make me jealous, then you succeeded. I know that I love you. And I know that you love me too. Please, Jean. Help me to make it work.” Teddy sounded desperate.

“No, Teddy. It is right that I used to love you. But I’ve moved on. I can’t be with you, always your mistress and never your wife. And you know that. I’ve found true love with Severus.” Jean looked Teddy in the eye and saw the pain there. She felt sorry for him but then again it was his own fault. She couldn’t sacrifice her own happiness just to ensure his while he couldn’t make up his mind.

“But…” Teddy tried again.

“No, Teddy. Please, you have to go now.” Jean stood from the sofa and pointed silently at the door. Teddy looked at her for what seemed to be an eternity but then he finally turned around and left the flat. He knew that Jean had made up her mind about that issue and that there was no chance to win her back. He had lost her. Forever. Just what exactly that forever meant, was something he couldn’t imagine. He would never truly understand what happened to Jean Brodie after she left Edinburgh about 2 weeks after this encounter.

“Are you ok, darling?” Severus had heard the front door and exited the bedroom. He could tell that Jean was rather upset, so he pulled her into a tight embrace. Her slender body trembled and she clung to him as if her life depended on it.

“Yes, I’m ok now. But promise you won’t ever leave me.” Jean pulled back from Severus’ arms and looked at him intensely.

“I promise,” Severus said before he captured her lips with his and sealed the promise with a kiss.

Jean smiled contentedly as she leaned against Severus, then sighed.

For all her brazen talk throughout the years, she had never really been one for change. Not really, anyway- her existence as a teacher had been monotone, and she had liked it like that, despite all her heroine-behaviour and her stories. When she had first been transported to Hogwarts, she had accepted to stay, true- but at the same time, she had secretly wished she could go back as soon as possible.

Then Severus had come- and now, all of a sudden, she was leaving her school, her city, even her time behind- and it was strange, but for some reason, she didn’t even care- not even about Teddy. Teddy, who’d been a lover to her, yes, but also a friend and almost an ally against the rigid regime of Marcia Blaine, was no more than a memory to her now.

As Jean smiled and kissed her lover again, she realized very clearly that she was indeed ready to leave.

[Nerweniel]

Just a few days later, after the weekend, Jean returned to school, to teach for the last couple of days before she would finally leave- and it was already during the first break that she found herself being observed by a set of fierce, grey eyes- and it was with a surprisingly happy smile that she turned around.

“Sandy, dear! I am sorry that I disappeared so suddenly, last night, I-”

“Is it true that you are leaving, Miss Brodie?”

Jean nearly smiled again. Despite everything, and of all her Brodie girls, she had always been, perhaps, the fondest of Sandy. Always straight on- never beside the point. Once she had told Sandy she would make a fine spy- and though a million things had happened since that moment, she remembered one thing very well; the girl was clever.

“Yes, I am. You may have heard about me attending the ball last night with a male friend of mine, and after this term, I plan to leave Edinburgh with him.”

The girl did not change colour- and it was with an unpleasant pang that Jean realized that indeed, there was no love lost between them- not anymore.

“I- I hope you will be alright, Sandy, dear. All my Brodie girls, but maybe most of all you. I liked you the best, I still do.”

“I hope you will be alright too, Miss Brodie.” the girl replied stiffly- but when Jean, uncharacteristically, embraced her, she could not keep herself from hugging her teacher as well- a little.

And as Sandy left the room, she heard Jean’s voice still echoing in her ears.

“And Sandy – look after him for me.”

Jean looked after the young woman for a long time. She could clearly see that Sandy wasn’t as fond of her anymore as she used to be. But Jean could also see Hermione in Sandy’s eyes… the young Gryffindor resembled her grandmother in many ways.

With a sigh Jean turned around and cleared the remains of the last lesson from the blackboard. She didn’t know what there was to come, what the future held for her. And the word future had a whole new meaning now. But Jean was glad that she had made that decision – the decision for Severus and for love. She knew that her girls would be able to cope… and after all she would be able to trace them down with Severus’ help.

“Jean…”

Jean turned around again when she heard a familiar voice.
“Gordon. What a surprise.” Jean tried to smile at the blonde teacher but failed. Though she was deeply in love with Severus she couldn’t quite forgive Gordon for what he had done.

“Yes, well… I’ve heard rumours. Is it true?” Gordon came closer, closing the classroom door behind him.

“Is what true? Is it true that I quit? Yes, it is.” Jean said coldly. She didn’t want to talk to Gordon right now. Severus should have been here any minute, and she hoped it would be soon.

“Oh, right. And…” Gordon didn’t know how to say it. He had heard quite disturbing rumours about a dark-haired stranger who had suddenly appeared at the ball. And who seemed to know Jean more intimately.

“And everything else is none of your business,” came Severus’ cold voice from the door. He had arrived just in time to follow that little interrogation here. Jean couldn’t quite suppress a sigh of relief when she saw her lover standing in the door frame.

“Who are you?” Gordon turned around to face the stranger. Though he wasn’t short himself he couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the stranger’s height and demeanour. The other man seemed… cold and it appeared weird that someone as passionate as Jean would be drawn to such a person.

“My name is Severus Snape, and I’m Jean’s fiancé. And I would like to ask you to leave. Now.” Severus glared at the other man. He didn’t need to ask for his name; Jean had told him everything about him and his little scheme with the chemistry teacher.

Gordon looked as if he was about to argue but apparently thought the better of it. He took one last look at Jean, who avoided his gaze, and then left the classroom which was rather uncomfortable since he had to pass by Severus.

When the other teacher had left, Severus hurried over to Jean. Gently he put his hands on her upper arms and looked at her closely.
“Are you okay, my darling?” he asked.

“Yes. Yes, I’m okay now. Thank God you came in time.” Jean took a deep breath and finally managed to look up at Severus. Suddenly a mischievous smile appeared on her face.
“And you’re my fiancé now?” she nearly grinned.

Severus mirrored her grin, holding the blonde woman a bit closer.

“I suppose this way of proposing is just as good as the next one!”

He started to chuckle- but at the suddenly surprised- serious- expression in Jean’s eyes, Severus quickly became silent again. Only now did he realize what he had just said- an idea that had been present in his mind for quite a time, finally spoken out loud. Hands clenched around Jean’s wrists, the man looked into her eyes.

“Proposing, Severus?”

“Proposing, Jean.”

The woman’s mouth formed a silent “O”.

Marriage. Of course she would be lying if she didn’t admit that she had considered it at various stages throughout her life- though never too seriously. Hugh had always said he would marry her, after the war- but Hugh had died, and since that moment, marriage had always been something rather vague, far away- not destined for her.

It was ironic, she realized, how she had turned Teddy down because he would not marry her- and how she had told off Gordon because he would.

And now Severus stood here, in front of her- and he was proposing. She’d realized that long before he sunk down on one knee, a mere moment later.

“Jean Brodie, I love you, will you marry me?”

She nearly smiled. Never been a man of many words, had he?

And all of a sudden, she knew what she had to do. It was so simple, really, and she was nearly appalled that she had not thought of it earlier.

“Of course I will.”

Only as she was pulled down into a passionate kiss, Jean smiled and realized it all. She knew why she could not have married Teddy, even if he had been free. She knew why she had refused every single of the many times Gordon had proposed. She knew it.

It had been because they were not Severus.

[Nerweniel]

A couple of days later it was – finally – time to leave Edinburgh and this time. Jean had packed only a small suitcase with her most treasured belongings, not much all in all, considering that she’d leave her flat forever.

Severus had already bought her a beautiful engagement ring, something Jean hadn’t expected but he had insisted on doing. It was a delicate gold band with an emerald surrounded by white diamonds. Jean knew that it must have cost him a fortune, and she didn’t know how he had paid for it. But once Severus had put it on her finger, she hadn’t cared anymore.

After going through the flat one more time to check that she hadn’t forgotten anything important, Jean finally turned around to Severus who had waited patiently in the kitchen. He knew that it wasn’t easy for her to leave everything behind but he also knew that he could offer her a better life – a life with him and his love.

“Ready?” he asked gently, taking the suitcase out of Jean’s hand and then taking her hand into his other one. Jean simply nodded. She didn’t know what to say at the moment but she knew that it wasn’t necessary.

Severus squeezed her hand for a second and then let go to pull the time turner out of his pocket. He checked twice that he got the time right, put the chain around Jean’s and his neck and activated the device.

Jean felt dizzy for a moment, so she closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she found herself looking into a set of sparkling blue eyes, the eyes of Albus Dumbledore. The headmaster was sitting in front of his fireplace, playing chess with Minerva.

“Welcome back, you two.” Albus beamed at them and rose from his chair to welcome his potions master and Jean.

“Thanks, Albus. It’s good to be back.” Severus smiled at the older wizard. Indeed he was glad to be back. It wasn’t that it hadn’t been interesting to go back in time and see part of history for yourself but he hadn’t felt that comfortable around the muggles. Though Jean was a muggle herself, it was different with her.

While the two men were talking, Minerva had literally jumped out of her chair and pulled Jean into a tight embrace. And of course, being a woman herself, Minerva had instantly spotted the engagement ring on Jean’s hand.

“Oh Jean, welcome back and congratulations!” The witch looked truly happy and couldn’t help but laugh at the puzzled expression on Albus’ face.

Gently, she took Jean’s hand and held it in front of her employer’s face. When Albus realized what exactly he was seeing he broke into a wide smile.

“So you finally found the right lady. Congratulations, Severus.” He pulled the younger wizard into a hug before turning to Hogwarts’ new resident. “And of course to you too, Jean.” Being the gentleman he had always been, he gallantly kissed the back of Jean’s hand.

[Herzele]

Yay ! Another wonderful update for a wonderful story !!
Hopefully we're going to see the wedding soon ... ;D

[Rikki]

Hey Sandra,

yeah, I guess so. Just waiting for Lies to send the fic back so I can start writing my part.

Love, Rikki

[Herzele]

YAY !!!!! I so can't wait for the next update ....

[BlazeFourPaws]

Oh this is wonderful.

[Rikki]

The blonde woman smiled in an uncharacteristically shy way, and a dark, deep red blush found its way towards her cheeks.

“Thank you, Albus, Minerva. I am- very happy.”

Minerva, after a lopsided, rather triumphant “I told you so!” grin at her husband, turned towards a suddenly rather different Jean with a kind smile on her lips.

“I think we can all see that, dear. You’re glowing.”

In an instinctive gesture, the blonde woman covered her cheeks, a smile on her lips.

“Am I?”

Albus gently smiled and patted Jean’s shoulder, casting a quick look at his wife, who was grinning broadly.

“You are, my dear, but that’s okay. I know another girl whose cheeks turned quite fiery when I proposed…”

Immediately, though, the man was treated to one of his wife’s sterner glares, as Minerva shook her head.

“My dear Albus, even if you had actually proposed… but you didn’t. It was I who proposed.”

The Headmaster polite smiled and shook his head.

“There, I’m afraid, my dear, you are mistaken. It was indeed I who asked you-”

The black-haired witch rolled her eyes and shook her head in irritation.

“Honestly, Albus, sometimes you are such a child. If I tell you that I-”

“My dear-”

“Albus, I am quite sure-”

“I seem to remember quite clearly, that-”

“You? Remember quite clearly? Honestly, I-”

It was at these words that very quietly, two people, hand in hand, discreetly left the room, leaving the other couple to what apparently was their eternal point of discussion. Once outside, Jean squeezed her lover’s hand with a grin.

“Honestly, if I didn’t know they loved each other the way they do… love, tell me, will we ever turn out like that?”

The Potions Master’s reply was both dry and absolutely typical.

“I don’t have a clue, love- but at least I picked the right woman.”

Recognizing his mockery, Jean, with a small grin and a peck on his lips, raised one eyebrow in question.

“Oh?”

Severus grinned and nodded, pulling the Scottish woman a bit closer.

“Yes. At least you can never hex me into next century!”

Jean tried to look angry or hurt but didn’t succeed. Of course Severus was right, and that was something Jean had thought about for a while now. She was a … what did they call people like her? – oh, right, muggles. So she was a muggle among wizards, and she would live at a wizarding school. Well, at least for the time being; Jean couldn’t quite imagine the headmaster would approve of his potions master living at the castle with his family.

“Well, but don’t you think you can get away with everything just like that.” Jean did her best to look menacingly but she wasn’t sure if she managed. Severus quickly pulled her into his arms and kissed her gently on the lips.

“Of course not, my darling. I wouldn’t think of angering a Scots woman. Believe me, I’ve already managed to get some experience with Minerva. And it’s no fun to have an angry Scot at your heels, especially when she’s a witch.” Severus gave her a slight smile, but Jean could see that he was quite serious. And though she didn’t know Minerva that well, she could tell that you didn’t mess with the deputy headmistress.

Jean chuckled. Severus looked positively frightened, thinking of an angry Minerva.

“See? That’s what you get for messing with me.” Minerva had appeared behind them and apparently heard the last part of their conversation. But she had a smile on her face which seemed to relieve Severus.

[Rikki]

“Well, Minerva, I’ve learnt from my past experience,” Severus said.

“So, when is the wedding?” Minerva asked. She was happy for both of them, and especially for Severus. The young potions master had always had difficulties getting along with the other sex… and well. Minerva just felt that Severus deserved happiness – though some of her colleagues might disagree. They didn’t seem to trust the former Death Eater as much as Albus did. Of course they trusted Albus but that didn’t mean that they had to trust Severus as well.

“In two weeks. The holidays will have started then, so we thought we could get married here at school?” Severus turned to Minerva, a questioning look in his eyes.

“Well, since both of us don’t have any family to attend the ceremony, we thought it would be nice if the teachers of Hogwarts would join us,” Jean said. “I don’t have any family left and well… I feel that Severus’ colleagues are his family.”

Severus looked at the slender woman next to him. He had never really seen it like that but now that Jean had said it… he knew it was true. He might not get along with some of his colleagues, and some might regard him with distrust but they were his family.

“Of course we will,” Minerva said. “So if you need any help with the preparations, just let me know.”

Jean smiled again, then nodded.

“Well, Minerva- actually I think I should go shopping for a wedding dress soon, and since I’m not really aware of how things are with shops nowadays, I’d like it very much, if- I mean, if you are not busy with…”

The blonde woman’s hasty apology was quickly interrupted by a broad smile of Minerva’s, and the Transfiguration teacher nodded.

“Of course I will accompany you, my dear. We’ll find you the prettiest dress in England- I have to make sure Severus gets a ravishing bride, or not?” Minerva added with a wink.

Jean smiled gratefully as she slipped her hand into Severus’s.

“Thank you, Minerva. Also-”

She found Severus’s eyes for a second- he immediately understood what she meant, and nodded.

“Also, Severus and I- we would like to spend our honeymoon in Edinburgh, and since I don’t really know any nice addresses there anymore, and Severus has never really been there, we wondered if you or Albus knew a place…”

The grins of both people in front of her made Jean become silent halfway her sentence.

“I do think we do, my dear. Don’t worry.”

***

Not even three days later, two women, one blonde and one black-haired, walked through Muggle London together, happily chattering as if there had never been any tension between them.

It was true- the slight unpleasant feeling Minerva had had towards Jean at first had entirely disappeared, and though they were definitely very different from each other, she could not deny that sometimes, she recognized a lot of herself in the younger woman. Though Jean herself would most probably never agree with it, she was brave, Minerva knew. She’d always been good at estimating people’s characters, and she very well knew that not many people would have agreed to entirely leave not only their own city, but their own time in order to follow the person they loved- forever.

Yes, Minerva knew love could be and was a strong motivation.

But still.

“My, I can’t believe how women appear these days. These clothes seem… so short. And they don’t seem to cover anything.” Jean looked around with a disapproving look as a group of young girls passed them by.

Minerva smiled.
“Yes, I guess fashion has changed quite a bit in the last years. But I still remember the old days… though I have to admit that I like the new styles.”

Jean looked at Minerva, quite surprised.
“What do you mean, you remember the old days?” she asked.

“Well, I’m older than you think. I was born in 1925.”

[Rikki]

“But…” Jean couldn’t hide her surprise. She had estimated that Minerva would be… well, about 60, perhaps. But nearly 80? And still working?

“Witches and wizards have a longer lifespan than muggles. Albus is even older. In fact he was born in 1840.” Minerva had to grin at the incredulous look on the younger woman’s face.

“So… that means that Severus is … what? 60?” Jean couldn’t believe it.

“No, he was born in 1959, so don’t worry.” Minerva patted the other woman’s arm gently. She could understand her confusion. It must be difficult to understand all this. It wasn’t her time, and it was a completely new world to her.

“Oh, thank God,” Jean sighed.

“Yes, thank Merlin,” Minerva said with a wink.

“What? Don’t tell me he really existed.” Suddenly Jean felt the beginnings of a headache. This began to get more and more complicated, the more she learnt about the wizarding world. But she was determined to make this work. And if that meant that she had to study all the books in Hogwarts’ library, she would do that.

“Yes, he did.” Minerva said, but she was a bit distracted. She pointed out a shop to their left. “Look, that’s the bridal shop we’ve been looking for.”

Jean let out a gasp when she saw the beautiful dresses on display. These were just incredible… and probably rather expensive. She’d never be able to pay for one of these.

“Shall we?” Minerva asked, opening the door of the shop without waiting for Jean’s reply.

Jean followed the witch rather hesitantly but after a few minutes a new twinkle appeared in her eyes as she looked around the shop.

“These are just gorgeous,” she whispered. The shop assistant came forward and greeted them jovially.

“Good morning, ladies. How may I assist you? Who of you is the happy bride to be?” The young woman flashed them a bright smile.

“I am,” Jean said.

“Yes, and we’re looking for the most beautiful dress in town for her.” Minerva smiled back.

“Well, then let’s see what I have to offer.” The assistant turned around to go looking through the dresses. It took her about 3 minutes to come up with a dress that could only be described as stunning.

“Come on, Jean, try it on,” Minerva urged the younger woman. She practically shoved Jean into one of the changing cabins. Jean took a deep breath and then started to change into the wedding dress.

When she stepped out again, she could see that it was the perfect dress for her. Minerva had tears in her eyes when she saw Jean.

“You look wonderful Severus will love it,” the witch whispered.

Jean looked at herself in the full body mirror on the wall. The shoulder free dress was a creamy white with a pearl embroidered top and a wide swinging skirt. It accentuated her figure in all the right places, the colour was perfect for her skin tone, and the design… Yes, that was definitely her dress.

“Oh, there’s a veil going with it,” the assistant said. She brought forward the missing part and helped to attach it to Jean’s hair. “Perfect,” the young woman simply said. And she was right. It was indeed perfect.

A couple of minutes later, Jean and Minerva emerged from the shop, the dress, veil and matching shoes carefully packed in bags and packages.

“Well, that lady certainly knew her job,” Minerva remarked. Jean nodded her agreement. She couldn’t quite believe that she’d found the perfect dress in such a short time. Somehow she’d always imagined that she’d be looking for the right thing for ages. But ever since she’d met Severus, she seemed to be under some kind of lucky charm.

She smiled, and it was a happy smile- finally. True, she’d been happy ever since Severus and she had found each other, but somewhere deep down. Jean had always tried to keep up that reserve of hers, that mask of poise, of coldness. She’d realized very soon that with Severus, that was impossible. It was everything or nothing, and because she knew she could never live with nothing, she’d chosen everything. Unfortunately- or maybe not- that had meant that she had to risk something- namely; getting hurt.
Only as, loaded in bags and packages of all sorts, Jean walked down the streets of London alongside Minerva, she realized that she had taken that risk- and had survived.

She smiled again. It was a victory. A small one, but it was.

“By the way, Jean, you said you and Severus considered having your honeymoon in Edinburgh?”

Minerva’s voice next to her ear brought Jean back into reality, and she nodded.

“Yes. I’d like to see my city again, if you know what I mean. I know it’s only been a few days since I left it, of course, but I daresay quite some things have changed since then.”

She smiled.

“I think I’ll only realize that I’ve actually travelled through time when I will see the changes in Edinburgh. I lived there all of my adult life, Minerva, and I love the city. I love Scotland. Surely you, who-”

Jean looked at the other woman, a bit of hesitation obvious in her blue eyes. Minerva nodded, though, and laughed quietly.

“Of course, dear. I am glad that even after so many years living at Hogwarts, I’m still obviously a Scotswoman. Yes, I am Scottish- but more of a Highlands girl, I fear. I didn’t visit Edinburgh often.”

“Oh, you should visit it! It’s the most beautiful city in the world! It’s got such a lot of history, and shops, and beautiful churches- and so much more.”

Jean’s enthusiasm was suddenly very present in her voice, and an earnest look came into Minerva’s dark green eyes.

“Won’t you miss it?”

[Rikki]

“Well- yes and no.” Jean honestly answered, quiet again.

“I suppose there’ll be moments when I’ll miss riding my bike through the streets every day, when I’ll miss my flat and my girls- but at the moment, I don’t, and I know that whenever I do, there’ll be Hogwarts to remind me that I made a choice, and that I made the right one. I know I haven’t been there long, but I love Hogwarts, Minerva. And you know something else?”
She smiled, and it was a real smile, Minerva knew.

“I love Severus, too.”

“I know, Jean, and I’m glad to hear it. You know, I’ve known Severus since his student days at Hogwarts, and well… he has never been one to turn a woman’s head. He’d always been a bit too shy around girls, always been the one to be taunted by his school mates. They often played cruel jokes on him, and though he was far from being an angel… he does deserve happiness. He perhaps more than anybody else,” Minerva said quietly. She didn’t know how much Jean already knew about Severus’ past and how much he wanted her to know. But since they were going to get married…

“Do you mean his time with Voldemort?” Jean asked. Severus had told her about his ill-fated time when he had joined the ranks of the Death Eaters.

“Yes, that’s what I meant. Many have always believed that Severus is an evil man, but he isn’t. Voldemort appealed to Severus because he thought he would get recognition from him. And actually that was all he ever wanted. Recognition… and love. But since he couldn’t have the latter one, he decided that he might as well spread fear among those who had treated him so badly during his school days.” A sad smile appeared on Minerva’s lips. How many nights had she lain awake, regretting that she had never tried to protect Severus from the cruel behaviour of her Gryffindor charges. Oh yes, she had known about James and Sirius and their pranks. That’s why Remus had been made a prefect, but he couldn’t do much about it.
“But I’m truly happy that he has finally found a woman who doesn’t resent him for his past but loves him for himself.” Gently, Minerva squeezed Jean’s elbow.

Jean nodded. She was lost in thought. Of course she had known that Severus had been a Death Eater, but Minerva had given her a lot to think about. She had always sensed that Severus craved for love… though he had been quite good at hiding it.

“Thank you, Minerva. I guess I can’t make it up to Severus but at least I can give him the love he deserves.” Jean smiled.

“You’re welcome. And you know what? How about a nice cup of tea?” Minerva asked. It hadn’t been her intention to steer the conversation towards such a rather gloomy topic but she felt that Jean needed to know about Severus’ past. And she also knew that Severus wouldn’t tell Jean about the pranks and everything he had had to endure during his school days. Though she had thought it necessary to tell Jean about it, she also felt that it would be better if Severus didn’t know that Jean knew. Minerva had gotten to know him quite well over the past years, and she was aware that it was important to Severus to keep a certain amount of dignity.

[Herzele]

Yay !!! I love wedding preparations !! ;D
That was a great update ! And the wedding dress sounds really, really great !

[Rikki]

Hope it does. I ususally have a problem visualizing stuff and then describing it. But thanks anyway.

[Herzele]

You're welcome ! You managed to pick exactly my style ... A dress with an embroidered top and a wide skirt is exactly what I would choose at the moment - if I had to choose a wedding dress ...

[Rikki]

Oh, me too. ;D

[BlazeFourPaws]

Wonderful absolutely. I am now throughly and utterly addicted to Potions and Poise fics.

[Rikki]

It became clear very quickly that Jean had indeed understood this – that she kept her unspoken promise. Maybe something in the way she looked at Severus had changed, true- something in the way she smiled at him as she stated that no, he could not see the wedding dress yet- something in the way she listened as he, bit by bit, with difficulty, told her about his past.

But it was something so small, so untouchable, that Minerva knew Severus couldn’t and wouldn’t notice – and because of that she was glad.

The days at Hogwarts grew more and more hectic as the wedding approached, holidays having started and students – except for Hermione, at Jean’s explicit bidding – having gone home. The staff had remained behind for once, even the ones who usually went home for summer – which had surprised Severus quite a bit.

He’d never really believed that anyone of the staff had ever trusted him, ever regarded him as anything more than an ex-Death Eater who’d cleverly switched sides before it had been too late. That anyone but Albus and Minerva could ever have considered him a “friend” merely made him laugh a short, bitter laugh. Frankly, he couldn’t but be surprised when anyone so much as remembered his name.

Now, suddenly – as if Jean had opened his eyes in some way – he saw it all, heard the congratulations and just for once didn’t wonder whether they really meant or not. It didn’t really matter anymore, after all.

Of course the staff didn’t know about Jean’s real origin – to them, she was merely a young, Scottish Muggle woman Severus had fallen in love with over the course of the school year – but they were happy for him nonetheless. But for a few exceptions, the staff had gradually taken Albus’ point of view – and only now, Severus finally started to see that.

And every time he got to think about it, it startled him. He couldn’t quite believe his luck. First he finally found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and then he learnt that his colleagues accepted him. And actually liked him, come to think of it.

He had always known that Minerva was quite fond of him and regarded him as some kind of surrogate son, but he had never known… hadn’t even dared to think that one of the others might actually like him. But, gathering from their behaviour towards him, they did.

Severus thoroughly enjoyed every single minute before the wedding. It was quite exciting, and seeing Minerva and Jean preparing the wedding – nearly giggling all the time, something he’d never thought he’d see from a Minerva McGonagall – gave him a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

“Severus, dear…” Minerva came into the teachers’ common room where he sat making plans for the honeymoon.

“Yes, Minerva, what can I do for you?” He looked up and couldn’t suppress a smile when he saw her flushed cheeks. Obviously Minerva was just as excited about the wedding as Jean was.

“Well, I was wondering if you’ll get married in wizard’s robes or in a muggle outfit. And… no offence but perhaps you could go shopping with Albus and choose something nice for the wedding?” Minerva gave him a look that would have made a student shiver but Severus merely rolled his eyes.

“I guess that husband of yours hasn’t informed you that we’ll go to Edinburgh in about 30 minutes,” Severus grinned.

“Oh. Well, then that’s taken care of. But… robes or muggle suite?” Obviously Severus enjoyed teasing her but Minerva wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

“Jean said something about a muggle wedding dress so I guess I’ll wear a muggle outfit.”

“Right. Ok, then have fun.” Smiling at the younger man, Minerva turned around and rushed out of the room, leaving Severus behind who gave the door an exasperated look.

A couple of minutes later, Albus showed up, dressed in a rather eccentric muggle suite but Severus didn’t care. Now he had to worry about something nice to wear for his wedding, and he was sure that Minerva would give him hell if he couldn’t come up with something other than is usual black suite.

“So, my boy, are you ready?” Albus smiled. He could see that Severus was a bit anxious about the whole affair, but he was also sure that everything would turn out fine. He would see to it.
It was a strange experience to Severus to see Edinburgh the way it actually was- and not the way he had seen it the last time, how it had been. He could only barely imagine how it would feel to Jean to see this city again. She had loved Edinburgh so much- still did, actually, as he was well aware…

Still, he decided, as he looked around him, the city was still very much her city- a few new buildings, true, and a lot more cars, but still- the city and Jean Brodie were still the sisters they had once been.

As he took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a second, Severus smiled.

Indeed they were.

[Rikki]

It was a deep sigh of Albus’s that interrupted the black-haired wizard’s thoughts, and as Severus turned his head, he found himself looking straight into the Headmaster’s twinkling, blue eyes.

“What will we do, my boy? I fear the women have left us alone on this one-”

The bright yellow of his tie clashed with the violent red of his suit in an – as Minerva would put it – endearingly horrible manner, but it took him a surprisingly short time to even find a sort-of appropriate shop – which led Severus to suspect that Minerva had given him close instructions.

A shop assistant spotted them rather quickly – another advantage of Albus’ rather… original attire – and it wasn’t long before Severus was fitting all sorts of Muggle suits – and rejecting them again right away.

“Albus, could you please pick something without any light pink, light blue or- holy Salazar H. Slytherin – is that purple?

Only as the shop assistant decided that “the two gentlemen in the corner” were not exactly capable of finding a suit on their own, Severus finally found himself clad in something rather decent-looking. It was a quite simple, dark suit with a dark green shirt underneath – Slytherin forever – and though it did perhaps seem a little old-fashioned, he didn’t think Jean would mind.

Even Minerva would probably be relieved that at least the shirt was not black – plus he had a nice cloak at home, his newest one, in the same green colour – so at least some piece of clothing would represent the magical world at the otherwise rather Muggle-looking wedding.

“Isn’t that a bit too- dark?” was Albus’s first comment – but then again Severus knew that the Headmaster could barely be considered an objective source. He would probably still consider the attire too dark with a flashy blue shirt and a pair of orange trousers – or, for that matter, the worst of the worst… Saturday Night Fever.

Severus shuddered when he thought about a certain movie night in the staff room – a once in a lifetime experience, most surely.

He almost snorted.

Most surely.

“Oh, excuse me, sir. This goes with the suit.” The shop assistant came over and handed Severus several more items. He looked a bit confused but with a quick movement the shop assistant had attached them to Severus. It turned out that the suit was in fact a tuxedo. With a white bow-tie.

Severus cocked his head and locked at himself in the large mirror. Actually… he didn’t look too bad.

“You look great, my boy. I’m sure Jean will love it,” Albus said with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes.

“Well, I definitely hope so,” Severus said, looking at Albus in the mirror. But he had to admit that his friend and employer was right. This seemed to be just to Jean’s taste. And with the cape he still had at home it wouldn’t be too muggle…

A couple of minutes later Albus and Severus were on their way back to Hogwarts. Unlike the ladies they didn’t linger in the city though Albus could tell that Severus was thinking about something. But he trusted that the younger man would speak if he needed any advice.

When they arrived at the castle, they found the women in the Great Hall, giggling over something. Actually Severus had to grin when he saw Minerva giggling like a school girl. He had never seen that from her before, so Jean seemed to have a good influence on the witch.

“May I ask what’s so amusing?” Albus asked as they approached the two women. Gently he kissed Minerva on the lips and Jean on the cheek.

“Uhm… no.” Minerva raised an eyebrow. She tried to suppress a smile at the expression on Albus’ face but failed.

“I’m sorry, dear. Of course you may know. We were just discussing the seating arrangements. And I was wondering who deserves to be seated next to Sybill.”

Albus chuckled.
“So Jean has already had the pleasure to meet our divination teacher?”

“Well, yes, we… kind of ran into each other this morning when I was walking the grounds. She’s… an interesting woman. And I have to admit that she scared me when she predicted my sudden death.” Jean’s face showed her annoyance.

“Oh, that. Yes, I’m afraid that’s one of her favourite pastimes. Though she did make real predictions.” Albus shrugged apologetically. He would have preferred if Jean had met Sybill with someone else around but now he was sure that Severus would have a word with his colleague.

“Well, so did you find a nice suit?” Minerva asked, indicating the boxes and bags Severus and Albus were still carrying.

“Yes, we did. But… neither of you will get to see it till the wedding,” Severus couldn’t quite suppress a sneer at the disappointed expression on the women’s faces but then again… why should they be allowed to see his suite if he wasn’t allowed to see Jean’s dress.

A rather uncharacteristic pout appeared on Jean’s face, but it was no use – and the date of the wedding crept, despite all fuss and occasional worries, closer and closer. Jean and Minerva went from enthusiastic, to hysterical, to enthusiastic again – and Severus felt both amused and uncomfortable with all the excitement.

Of course he looked forward to the wedding – he didn’t quite believe he’d looked forward this much to anything in his life – but at the same time, he guessed he just wasn’t used to being the centre of – happy – attention. To happiness in general, actually.

But if he believed that Jean didn’t feel any fear about the wedding, he was sorely mistaken. Of course she didn’t have any doubts about her upcoming married state itself – if she had had any, she would never have agreed to it anyway – but despite all business and enthusiasm, she still wondered whether she would ever be able to make Severus a good wife.

She’d had some time, after all, to reflect on her past, and she knew she had been misguided then. No, she still didn’t like Miss Mackay, or most of the other teachers, for that matter – but she had also realized, somehow, that maybe she had not always been that sensible either.

[Rikki]

The night before the wedding, Jean slipped out of bed – she didn’t really know why, except for to go to the next room, where she sat down in one of the chairs in front of the now cold fireplace. Pulling her dressing robe a little closer around her shoulders, she sighed – and then almost shrieked out loud as she heard a voice right next to her ear.

”So I was not the only one lying awake tonight after all.”

Her head snapped up – and the next moment, Jean gently slapped the upper arm of her husband-to-be with a rather tired smile.

”Severus, you scared the hell out of me, you know?”

He smiled too as he sat down next to his fiancée and unusually spontaneously put an arm around her shoulders.

”I’m sorry. Why are you still up?”

”Why are you?”

“Well, I guess you could call it a fit of nerves… “ Severus said while he pulled another chair to the fire and sat down. He had his hand folded in his lap and looked down on them. It wasn’t very often that he was nervous about something. But this was so… important. If he screwed up now…
“So why are you still up?” He raised his gaze to meet Jean’s eyes.

“Oh, I was just thinking. About the past and my time at Marcia Blane, you know. I’ve made so many mistakes…” Jean’s voice trailed off. It wasn’t easy for her to speak about that. She’d never been one to admit her mistakes easily but then again, she was about to marry this man. Surely she should be able to talk about such things with him. And – to her astonishment – it was.

“And so have I. But you know what? I think we should draw a line under the past and let it go. We’ll just start over new.” Severus smiled at her.

Quickly Jean got up from her chair and sat down on Severus’ lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned her face to his and kissed the tip of his nose.
“And right you are.”

“Then let’s see that we get some sleep. The wedding preparations won’t stop tomorrow, and I guess Minerva wouldn’t want you to fall asleep halfway through your discussions about flower arrangements… and whatever you girls talk about,” the wizard said with a lopsided grin. “Actually, what exactly do you talk about?” He couldn’t quite hide his curiosity. It had always been beyond him what women had to talk about all the time. And, from what he could witness with his fellow female professors as well as the female students, it actually was all the time.

“I guess you could call it women’s issues,” Jean giggled.

Severus rolled his eyes at that and scooped his fiancée up in his arms to carry her back to the bedroom. Women’s issues. Whatever that might be…

“Alright, alright. But I suggest we go to sleep now… otherwise you’ll be too tired for these women’s issues tomorrow,” Severus teased as he put Jean down on the bed, tucking her in. When he had settled down in his own bed, he felt her snuggle close to him, wrapping her arms around his chest while resting her head in the crook of his arm.

“Good night, my love,” Jean murmured, already half asleep.

“Good night, sweetheart,” Severus replied. He lay awake a bit longer, still thinking what these women’s issues might be but eventually sleep claimed him as well.

The next morning arrived way too early for both Jean and Severus, but it arrived, and it was actually Severus who managed to leave the bed the first, gently awaking Jean, who was still soundly asleep, curled up against him, in the process.

”Jean – dear, I think it’s time to get up. We’re getting married today, remember?”

The woman merely groaned and turned around again, but Severus laughed.

”Jean, you really need to get up, you know? We overslept a little, and if I know Minerva, she’ll be here in exactly ten minutes, and I believe you’d better be ready then to discuss these women’s issues with her then. Come on, dear.”

Jean groaned once more as he took her blanket away – but two blue eyes opened, and finally, the woman sat up too, smiling rather drowsily at her husband-to-be, who was getting dressed already.

”Good morning, my husband-to-be.”

[Rikki]

Severus had indeed been right – in fact it was only ten minutes until a knock on the door came, and a second later, Minerva waltzed in, a piece of parchment in her hands.

”Morning Jean, Severus. Right – so we have a little over an hour and a half to go. The Hall is ready, or almost ready, Albus and Filius are taking care of that. The flowers are here too – Jean, we’d discussed the arrangements already, so I guess it’s alright. I believe Pomona is helping out with those, so believe me… she may be bad with babies but give her a flower… but anyways-”

Jean nodded as she went to stand beside her friend, so as to have a look on the parchment as well – and as the two women started discussing all kinds of different things at apparently the same time, Severus was still sitting on the bed in a rather stunned manner. Maybe, just maybe, it was true that women could multitask better than men after all…

”Severus, dear, I am sorry, but I’ll have to ask you to leave – go to Albus’ room, your suit is still there. He even refused to show it to me, don’t worry – but you are not supposed to see Jean’s dress either, so out you go!”

The black-haired witch smiled as the couple shared a quick kiss – then shooed Severus out with determination. Turning towards Jean, she smiled again, putting a hand on the younger woman’s arm.

”Nervous, dear?”

Jean knew she could honestly shake her head, though, and mirrored the witch’s smile.

”Excited, yes. Nervous, no – and most definitely happy.”

Minerva smiled as she touched the blonde’s cheek for a second.

”And so is Severus, dear. As it should be.”

Her voice was serious – but the next moment, it was cheerful again, as she started scurrying about the room, picking things up here and there, then turning towards Jean’s closet, taking the dress – safely hidden in a large, plastic bag – out. Before she handed it to Jean, though, Minerva took out her wand – and mumbled something under her breath.

”Now I suggest you put this one on, dear. I put a curse on it – so believe me, neither Severus nor Albus had a look at it, you would have noticed – but it is safe now.”

A couple of minutes later, Jean stood in front of a whole-body mirror, looking at herself critically. She wasn’t really satisfied with her hair, and it showed on her face.
“I wish I had longer hair. It would look a lot better with the veil,” she said while pulling gently on her hair as if to make it grow.

“Oh, that’s no problem, I can fix that in a second,” Minerva smiled before muttering a spell. In the blink of an eye Jean’s hair grew until it was well over her shoulders.

“I guess magic really does have its advantages,” Jean said with a smile on her lips, eyeing herself in the mirror. She liked her hair that way. Now she just had to find a nice hairdo for the wedding.

“Let me take care of that, dear.” Minerva had stepped behind Jean to brush her hair. With some quick movements, she had arranged it on Jean’s head, fixed it there and put the veil on.

“Min, that looks wonderful,” Jean whispered. She couldn’t quite believe what she saw in the mirror. Though she had almost always liked her physical appearance, she had never considered herself a beauty. But with a bit of magic, the right make-up and a wonderful dress she had… well, she had turned into a swan, just like the little duck in the fairy tale.

“Yes, you do look beautiful. Severus will love it.” Minerva smiled. She took a look at her watch. “And I think we should get going, the ceremony will begin in about 5 minutes.”

In the meantime Severus had walked to the rooms Albus and Minerva shared. Not officially, of course, but it was some kind of an open secret among the staff members.

“Oh, there you are, boy,” Albus said when opening the door. Apparently he’d already been waiting for Severus for quite some time… something that was rather obvious from the amount of lemon sherbet wrappings lying on the coffee table in the living room.

“Yes, there I am,” Severus replied when he entered the room. He didn’t want to admit it but he was nervous. Hell, he was even more nervous than he’d ever been before facing Voldemort.

“Oh, come on, Severus, you’re getting married, not executed,” Albus chuckled. It was obvious that the younger man was a bit afraid. But Albus knew that it was the right thing to do and that Jean was the right woman for Severus.

Albus had already prepared everything, the suit was ready, a flower for the button hole… In short, everything a bridegroom needed for the most important day of his life.

“I know, Albus. And thank you.” Severus began to get out of his robes. Suddenly he heard Albus snigger. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Oh, well… nice underwear. I’d never expected you to wear something like… that,” Albus said before he burst into laughter.

Severus looked down at himself… and saw to his horror that he had accidentally chosen the bright red satin thong Jean had given him about a week ago. He blushed deeply while Albus tried to calm down, tears streaming down his face.

“I’m sorry, my boy. It does look good, you know. It was just quite… unexpected on you.”

Severus merely scowled at the older wizard and put on the trousers of his wedding suit… but not before he had transfigured the thong into something more decent.

About two minutes later, Severus was completely dressed – and Albus had finally calmed down.

“Well, I guess it’s time to go…” Severus said, taking one last look at his reflection in the mirror.

[Herzele]

Yay !!!!!! Wonderful update as usual !!! I love Severus's suit ... It must look great !!
And his underwear on his wedding day had me nearly in tears ... Perfect !!!!! ;D

[tanja]

brilliant as always

[Rikki]

herzele said:

Yay !!!!!! Wonderful update as usual !!! I love Severus's suit ... It must look great !!
And his underwear on his wedding day had me nearly in tears ... Perfect !!!!! ;D

I have to admit I was howling with laughter while I wrote that part with the thong. ;D

[Herzele]

I can understand that ... You should make a pic of it ... I know a few persons who would be more than happy to see that ... ;D

[Rikki]

Hm, so either I have to get Alan to take a pic of himself in a red thong... or Lies to photoshop the lot. *g* Guess the latter one is easier. ;D