The day before…
Severus stood in the window of the dormitory and stared out at the lake without truly seeing it. Severus' mind was far away… off trying to divine where his errant child was.
It had been months since Severus had seen Harry in person. The only recent proof of life he had was that someone sent Sky Monty to Grimmauld Place to fetch Harry's belongings from Susan Bones. Whatever Harry was doing, wherever he was staying, he was keeping incredibly quiet in a way that was most unlike him.
When warm arms wrapped around Severus from behind, he was jolted back to his present reality.
"You're worrying about Harry," Nymphadora murmured. It was not a question, she knew that it was Severus' main concern.
"I am," Severus agreed. He continued looking out the window and curled an irritated lip up. "I am also questioning how long our hold on the castle will remain."
Theoretically, it should last as long as Black lived, which made Black one of the most necessary wizards on their side.
An utter annoyance.
William Weasley, Fleur Delacour, Filius Flitwick, and Severus himself had ripped out the prior wards that were a part of Hogwarts history and applied their own.
It was long overdue, in Severus' opinion.
No longer could any witch or wizard enter the grounds. Those with the mark on their arms would experience excruciating pain with Severus and Lucius as the sole exceptions. Once Severus showed Filius his own spell to ward a single entrance from any with the mark, Filius had found a way to twist it to stretch around the grounds.
Severus and Lucius had to drive charmed daggers down their left forearms to stay within the castle. Severus had been relieved to see his mark disfigured with the carefully drawn lightning bolt, Lucius had been but a shell when Severus applied his marks.
Lucius and Narcissa were still in Severus' old quarters where their son's body rested. They were so deep in their grief that only Luna Lovegood could visit with them.
Severus wondered if their fate was his own or if he had already lost his son and was merely ignorant to the fact.
"He may already be dead," Severus whispered. He touched his lips after saying it, as if to test if they had changed by allowing his deepest worry to pass through them.
"Sev, listen to me." Nymphadora tugged on Severus' side until he turned to face her. She put a hand on both sides of his face so he had no choice but to stare in her uniquely perfect amethyst colored eyes.
"I love Harry, I do," Nymphadora said firmly. "But Harry would not 'quietly' go die somewhere. If the Minister killed him, the whole world would know. And your son is not a 'go gentle into that good night' person and we both know it.
"Harry is probably finding those things we need and when he's ready, he'll- he'll find us, okay?"
Severus tilted his head down to rest his forehead against Nymphadora's as he felt a rush of affection for the witch. Severus doubted if he could withstand the war without her assistance.
Nymphadora was the one to take the charge on arranging the misfits in dormitories, strategically placing those that were able to apparate with younger students. She also was the one to push Horace from Severus' old quarters to give Lucius and Narcissa a place to stay with their son. In a stroke of brilliance, Nymphadora resigned an unused classroom in the dungeons to become a two person dorm with a large brewing space for Luna, Theodore, and Theodore's daughter.
Then Nymphadora used Luna's kind heart against her when she bemoaned that Severus was too busy to brew Wolfsbane for the dozen werewolves staying within the castle. It had been brilliant, truly. Theodore - who may have been only one within the castle to understand what the girl was going through - used both his daughter and need to brew to keep Luna from falling apart before their eyes.
All the small things that Severus had overlooked in favor of applying wards and sharing pertinent information, Nymphadora handled. She did it without accolades or acknowledgment, she merely saw a task that needed completed and took care of it.
Nymphadora was the only bright spot in Severus' dark world and it had little to do with her penchant for colorful hair.
"I could not do this without you," Severus told her quietly. He could feel Nymphadora's smile even with his eyes closed.
"You could," she whispered. "But you don't have to. Actually…"
Severus opened his eyes when Nymphadora slowly dropped down on one knee and stared up at him with earnest eyes set in a lovely face.
It took Severus a moment to realize what the mad witch intended and he found himself shocked to silence.
Surely not…
"Severus Tobias Snape," Nymphadora pulled a small black box from the inner pocket of Severus' robe that she wore. She opened it and Severus could hardly spare a look for what it was she presented in favor of watching her face as she looked up at him.
"We could die tomorrow," Nymphadora said. "I can't promise you that we'll have the longest marriage, but I can promise you that I love you and if we died tomorrow then I'd rather do it as your wife than as your girlfriend. I love you, Severus. I truly, deeply, love you."
"You mad witch," Severus breathed. "What will you do if we both survive?"
Nymphadora grinned at Severus, an impish and teasing grin that Severus had not seen in what felt as if entirely too long.
"Irritate you for the rest of our very long lives," she said.
Severus looked at her and wondered how it had become his life to have a brilliant, charming, powerful, beautiful, young woman on one knee before him proposing that she tied her life to his for all of eternity.
It was more than Severus deserved.
It was more than any mortal in the universe deserved.
"You will regret this," Severus warned her.
Nymphadora's face lit up and there was a fierce explosion of emotions in her eyes- shock, joy, victory, and love.
Love most of all.
"You're saying yes?" she asked.
"I do not recall you asking me a question."
Nymphadora jumped to her feet with all the grace of a twenty-four year old woman and threw her arms around Severus with a joyful noise.
"I didn't want to give you a chance to say no!" she laughed gaily.
Severus held her tightly around the waist and hid an amused smile in her hair.
"Ah, yes, manipulating me into marrying you," he said lightly, perhaps even teasingly. "That is the start to all healthy marriages."
Nymphadora pulled back enough to smile in Severus' face as if she were the absurdly fortunate one in their relationship.
"I thought you'd like my Slytherin tendencies," she grinned. "Oh! Rings! Here!"
Severus did look at the rings within the box then when Nymphadora held the box between them. They were a matched set- a man's band of obsidian black with a single small amethyst nestled in the center. The smaller band was made for a woman's finger and was the same obsidian band with a much larger amethyst gem sparkling in the center.
They were lovely, truly. It was remarkable how the beauty of the gem made the darker bands glow without diminishing them.
It was a perfect coupling.
"This is for you." Nymphadora held up the men's band and Severus graced her with a rare smile as she slid it on the fourth finger of his left hand. Severus plucked the woman's ring from the box and waited for Nymphadora to hold out her left hand.
"And for you," Severus said quietly, overcome by his own emotions.
Nymphadora smiled so guilelessly at Severus that he oddly felt weakened by it.
"Let's do it today," she suggested breathlessly.
Severus bent his head down to press his lips to hers and asked the Gods to forgive him for allowing Nymphadora to tie herself to him.
"Fine," Severus whispered after he attempted to convey the depth of his devotion to Nymphadora through his lips. "I presume your father is here somewhere?"
Nymphadora smiled truly from ear to ear at Severus.
"I was thinking we'd tell everyone after the war ends, you know," she said airily. "But I had a friend help me get the rings - since I am a terribly infamous and wanted criminal - and they were able to get us a marriage certificate and ordained themselves…"
Severus latched on to Nymphadora's cagey response as she carefully evaded the name of her friend. There were very few beings within the castle that could venture out of it.
"Nymphadora… who is your friend that you are proposing marries us?" Severus asked slowly.
"Oh, you'll like this, really… I mean, you two are family now…"
The list of possibilities dropped to a single name and Severus only withheld groaning because he would feel guilty for dampening Nymphadora's joy.
"Very well." Severus reached out with his left hand to grab hers and he smiled softly at their hands. "I will refrain from insulting your cousin until after the vows."
"Oh, Sev." Nymphadora leaned up to press a swift and soft kiss to Severus' lips. "He's your cousin now too."
It was one of two reasons that made Severus second-guess a marriage to Nymphadora.
The second being that Severus' son was not in attendance and Severus had no tangible evidence that he would ever get the chance to earn Harry's forgiveness for not allowing him to wear a bow tie as a best man again.
With formal classes canceled, the students still within the castle were able to mill about freely. There were many families there and the return of the muggleborns that were once imprisoned mixed with the wolves that had resided within Moon Lodge made the castle feel abundantly full.
It was fortunate to have so many witches and wizards seeking safety within the halls. Filius and Blaise Zabini were leading lessons on dueling, Charlie Weasley and Susan Bones were teaching the inhabitants how to defend themselves in a fight. Daphne Greengrass was assisting Poppy with lessons on healing.
William Weasley and his soon-to-be bride were teaching basic wards to anyone who wished to learn. Even Percy Weasley, a recent and rather surprising addition, was assisting muggleborns with finding their families to check on their welfare.
All through the castle, the combined talents of the professors and Harry's misfits were being spread amongst the hundreds of inhabitants to increase their odds of surviving a war.
It was inspiring, in a way.
And an utter annoyance in other ways.
Severus was attempting to subtly move through the castle with Nymphadora to reach Black's office and they were continuously stopped by people.
Frederick stopped Severus to ask if he had heard from Harry.
Severus had not.
Ginevra Weasley stopped Nymphadora to ask if she had seen Ronald Weasley.
Nymphadora had not.
Astoria Greengrass and Sapphire Herron impeded them on the third floor as they led a group of two dozen students out on the frozen grounds with broomsticks in their hands.
"There's too many people here," Nymphadora muttered when they finally made it to the Headmaster's office.
"Quite," Severus agreed.
Black had removed the password for his office as he claimed that he did not want it to slow anyone down from finding him in an emergency. It was a foolish decision, as the wards were tied to Black himself as Headmaster. If Black perished, the wards would fall and Hogwarts would be vulnerable to attack.
Perhaps not entirely vulnerable… there were acromantula, giants, and other mad beasts on the grounds as a first line of defense in case of attack.
Regardless, Severus kept his thoughts on Black's intelligence to himself as he followed Nymphadora up the staircase to his office.
"You're sure?" Nymphadora asked just outside the door. She looked at Severus and he saw the first flash of worry in her eyes since she decided to propose.
Severus was unsure of many things.
Severus was unsure where his child was or what he was doing. Severus was unsure if it would be a relief to know that he would not have to end Harry's life or a devastating ending to a bright light in Severus' world.
Severus was unsure how much longer the war would wage or what the upcoming new year would bring their world.
Severus was unsure if he would be there to see a world without the threat of the Dark Lord looming over them all.
Severus was not unsure about Nymphadora.
"I am," Severus said. He forced the words out in his moment of privacy with Nymphadora, refusing to say them with Black as an audience.
"I love you."
Less than twenty minutes later, Severus and Nymphadora Snape were legally wed.
"And you'll never be able to forget our anniversary," Nymphadora said brightly when they rather quickly returned to the Slytherin dormitory that Severus had relocated students from to use for himself.
Severus slowly pushed his robe from Nymphadora's shoulders and allowed it to pool on the floor, leaving her in another of Severus' shirts and a pair of trousers.
"I remember every date of significance," Severus said lowly as he grabbed the hem of the shirt she wore and pulled it off her.
"Our first kiss?" Nymphadora asked, already breathless and flushed with want.
"December nineteenth," Severus answered immediately. "Just last year."
Nymphadora had charged in Severus' private quarters and tried to shoot down all his reasons why they should not be together. It was not until Severus saw how much Nymphadora was one of the best human beings he had ever met before he caved.
"How do you do that?" Nymphadora asked as Severus kissed the side of her neck while he unclasped her brassiere.
"I remember dates of importance," Severus told her, whispering the words in her skin. "Ask me when I knew you were master of my heart."
Nymphadora moaned when Severus ran his hands down her side to reach the buckle of her trousers.
"When?" she asked.
"April eleventh," Severus informed her. He unbottoned her trousers and pushed them down as he began moving her backward to the bed they shared.
"You were disguised as Harry, standing before the Dark Lord, and were willing to die for a group of children," Severus said. He bit the side of Nymphadora's neck just hard enough to draw a gasp from her before he pushed her down on their bed.
Severus studied every inch of his wife with immense satisfaction.
There were many things that Nymphadora was - brilliant, loyal, stubborn, powerful, clever, and creative. It was often a surprise to recall that she was as physically alluring as she was in every other aspect of her being.
Nymphadora had long legs that were muscled from her work and a waist that Severus often found himself wanting to bury his face in. From her pink hair that should be ridiculous on a grown woman clear down to her bright yellow painted toenails, Nymphadora Snape was a masterpiece.
"You have made a terrible mistake by marrying me," Severus said as he shed his robe beneath Nymphadora's heated gaze. "Unfortunately, for you, my dear, I have no intentions on allowing you to ever rectify your mistake."
Nymphadora propped herself up on one elbow and watched unashamed as Severus bared himself before her.
"I made a mistake?" Nymphadora trailed a foot up Severus' leg and hummed out around his knee to pull him closer. "Severus, I just pulled off the most impressive stunt of my life. I managed to marry the most brave, brilliant, and caring man that I have ever - or will ever - meet. And I once broke Harry Potter out of Azkaban and broke into Nuremengard, so that's really saying something.
"Now quit being insecure and come consummate our marriage."
Severus could certainly do that.
Severus and Nymphadora stayed in their room for the remainder of the day, simply remaining inside the brief bubble of bliss that Nymphadora's impromptu proposal earned them.
Not that the silly woman would admit it was impromptu.
"I had to buy the rings, get the certificate, and have Sirius get ordained," Nymphadora laughed. She turned so Severus could zip up the back of her dress. "Just because you were caught by surprise doesn't mean I was being impulsive."
"A sentiment I'm quite sure your mother will agree with," Severus said sardonically. He finished zipping Nymphadora's dress and allowed her to finish buttoning his robes up.
It was a small moment of domesticity in the middle of a war that left a trail of dead bodies in its wake.
More from the opposing side, to be certain, but they had devastating blows that Severus still ached from.
Draco's death cut Severus down to the quick. Severus was as fond of Draco as he was anyone, only slightly less than his own child. It was a harsh blow made all worse by seeing Lucius and Narcissa aged a decade by their grief.
"She might be a little miffed, but her and Dad eloped too," Nymphadora said cheerily. She finished Severus' buttons and kissed his cheek. "Are you ready to go watch a wedding, Mister Snape?"
Nymphadora was one of two people who could pull a rare smile from Severus.
And the other was currently missing.
"I am, Mrs Snape," Severus said. He paused for a moment, tasting the peculiar words before shaking his head and offering Nymphadora his arm.
"Would you be terribly offended if I charmed our rings to be unseen by the others?" Severus asked before they left for William and Fleur's wedding.
"Of course," Nymphadora agreed easily. "Harry'll probably be hurt if he's not the first to know."
Severus agreed aloud while he quickly tapped each ring with his wand.
In the back of his mind, Severus merely hoped that the child would be around at some point to have his feelings hurt.
Severus truly doubted if the elegant and fashionable Miss Delacour had ever intended to have a Christmas Day wedding held in the dining hall of Hogwarts. She was handling the change in plans with absolute grace though and truly Severus had never seen the castle appear so clean and… floral.
The tables had all been rearranged to face the platform that once held the staff table. William already waited in his place with a perfectly peaceful smile on his face. His family, or the ones that would not be standing with the couple, were seated on William's side.
Molly was already sniffling while her third eldest, Percy, patted her back. Ronald was seated beside his brother and even from the middle row that Severus and Nymphadora sat at, Severus could see the boy's slumped shoulders.
The other misfits sat in the row where Fleur's family would sit if they were able to attend. Severus saw Theodore and no Luna, so he assumed that she had chose to stay with the Malfoy's during the event.
It was understandable. Severus would hardly want to attend a wedding a week after losing one he loved.
Severus was incorrect though, his assumption was proven false only minutes after the music began playing through the hall.
Ginevra Weasley and George made their way down the aisle together. It was… unsettling… seeing the mirror image of Severus' son-in-law guiding his wheelchair down the aisle while grinning sightlessly at the guests. Ginevra looked perfectly adequate, if more drawn than Severus was used to seeing her.
Severus had given the wedding absolutely zero thought past the initial surprise that they would be holding it on Christmas Day at the castle. It was his lack of interest that led him to be surprised when the second attendants stepped in the hall arm-in-arm.
"Oh, lovely," Nymphadora breathed.
It was.
Fleur Delacour, who Severus could find no true fault with, had apparently elected Luna Lovegood to take her sister's place as a bridesmaid.
Luna was pale, the pathetic thing had lost weight recently, but she wore her grace as delicately as she wore the light pink dress. There was a small light in her silver eyes, one that was reflected in Frederick's eyes beside her.
If Severus was correct, they appeared hopeful.
Perhaps weddings were a sign of hope for some.
Susan Bones had the honor to stand beside Fleur and she walked down the aisle beside Charles in a moment of déjà vu for Severus.
It seemed as if just yesterday it had been Harry standing beneath an altar with Susan Bones beside him.
Severus had been in a similar state of despair during that ceremony. It was only weeks after Harry asked Severus to be the one to take his life in the end and Severus spent that ceremony mourning the life that Harry had been cheated of.
And Severus spent the current ceremony mourning the child that may already be gone.
Nymphadora's father made a rather simple speech of how even in the darkest of times, love could be found. The couple exchanged their vows, and Severus looked away from their first kiss as a wed couple when the doors to the hall opened.
"Harry."
Severus was on his feet and running to the back while the other guests were applauding the couple.
Harry stood in the doorway, looking as unkempt as he did the first time Severus saw the child. He had bags beneath his eyes that spoke to chronic insomnia and had lost at least a stone.
Severus grabbed Harry by the shoulders and they stared in each others eyes in the doorway while Ted Tonks introduced William and Fleur Weasley.
"I thought you were dead," Severus said quietly.
"I found them," Harry responded dully. "Merry Christmas, time to kill me."