A world Abuzz
One would assume that a battle between 2 powerful wizards would be legendary, even if the battle ends quickly it would still take about 10 spells on each side before the battle is won.
So it was really unexpected when the battle between Severus Snape and Lord Voldemort didn’t take more than 5 seconds and it only took a single moving picture in The Daily Prophet to show its beginning and conclusion.
The strangest and most unbelievable part was that Lord Voldemort lost.
“The fall of Lord Voldemort, Severus Snape the second coming of Dumbledore?”
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Rita Skeeter: “Mr. Snape, what can you tell us about the battle between you and He Who Must Not Be Named?”
Severus Snape: “You may call him Voldemort, Ms. Skeeter. The man is dead. As for the battle… it was unexpected. He often tried to recruit wizards and witches rather than attacking immediately when they refuse. I should have known that what applies to others does not extend to me.”
Rita Skeeter: “So the confrontation wasn’t a planned ambush? A showdown long overdue?”
Severus Snape: “No. I had no intention of being involved in this war.”
Rita Skeeter: “May I ask why? Surely a wizard of your talents would be valued on… either side.”
Severus Snape: “Both sides have treated me with disdain because of my bloodline and social standing. I had no desire to become cannon fodder for either of them.”
Rita Skeeter: “But on the other side… Surely they would recognize your worth?”
Severus Snape:[with a slight, sardonic smile] “Worth, perhaps. But trust? Never. I’m neither a hero nor a sacrificial lamb, Ms. Skeeter. The so-called ‘Light’ has its own set of prejudices. I was not about to trade one form of servitude for another.”
As our hero shifts slightly in his chair, your favourite journalist's sharp eyes catch a glint of something on his hand. She leans forward subtly, realizing it’s a ring on his left hand.
Rita Skeeter:[eyes narrowing in curiosity] “How intriguing… But if you had no interest in choosing a side, how did you end up in a duel with Voldemort?”
Severus Snape:[noticing her gaze but ignoring it] “Fate, it seems, has a way of dragging you into conflicts you wish to avoid. My refusal to join him wasn’t met with indifference. Voldemort does not take rejection lightly, especially not from someone he considers… valuable. It was fight or die.”
Rita Skeeter:[still eyeing the ring] “And yet, you did more than just fight—you won. How did you manage that?”
Severus Snape:[pausing, his gaze sharp] “Victory wasn’t the result of a grand plan. It was a matter of survival. He underestimated me, as he often did with those he thought beneath him. His arrogance was his undoing.”
Rita Skeeter:[unable to resist, gestures slightly toward the ring] “Instinct alone? And nothing more? I must say, Mr. Snape, that’s quite an impressive ring you’re wearing. A recent acquisition, perhaps?”
Severus Snape:[glancing briefly at the ring, then back at her with a cold smile] “A personal matter, Ms. Skeeter. I’d advise you to keep your questions focused on the subject at hand.”
Rita Skeeter:[sensing a potential story but deciding to press on carefully] “Of course, of course. But surely, there was more to it than just instinct. You created a spell, didn’t you? One that allowed you to outmanoeuvre him?”
Severus Snape:[expression hardening] “I did what needed to be done. The details are inconsequential. Voldemort’s downfall wasn’t due to any single spell, but rather his overconfidence.”
Rita Skeeter: “Is it true that you’ve kept the spells you used a secret? Why not share them with the world? Think of the recognition you could gain!”
Severus Snape:[with a dismissive glance] “Recognition is of no interest to me, Ms. Skeeter. The spells are mine to keep, and I will do so. Let others speculate as they wish. Voldemort is gone—that’s what matters.”
Rita Skeeter: “But don’t you think the wizarding world deserves to know how you managed to succeed where so many others failed?”
Severus Snape:[leaning in slightly, his voice low and cutting] “The wizarding world has never cared for the truth, only for stories that suit them. I didn’t defeat Voldemort for their sake, nor for yours. I did it because it was necessary. That’s all anyone needs to know.”
Rita Skeeter:[deciding to take one last risk] “Very well, Mr. Snape. One final question: Now that Voldemort is defeated, what’s next for you? Perhaps a new chapter in life? Something more… personal?”
Severus Snape:[standing, his voice calm but final] “I’ll live my life, Ms. Skeeter, as I always intended—away from prying eyes and unwanted questions. That, too, is all you need to know.”
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Severus sighed as he entered his home in Spinner End. The house had been renovated the previous year, one of his fiancé’s many conditions for living here. It was, of course, temporary. They planned to move to a more developed city soon, they were saving up for the whole thing together.
He heard her, working in the kitchen, humming the tune of some muggle song while the song was playing on the radio.
‘If I wanna take a guy, home with me tonight its none o yo business~’
He watched her sway her hips from side to side as she worked with an amused and slightly aroused look in his eyes. Them getting together was something Severus would have never predicted but he had changed a lot since his 5th year at hogwarts and so had she.
Severus slowly walked towards her and slowly wrapped his hands around her waist. He dipped his head into her blonde hair as she let out a startled squeal.
“Why’d you stop? Keep swaying those hips Pet”
Petunia slightly turned her head to look at her soon-to-be betrothed
“Y-you, Snape boy, trying to take advantage of a woman doing honest work? I knew you were a rascal”
Severus found himself exhaling a soft laugh, “With a woman as breathtaking as you, I would be a fool not to.
His hands moved playfully around her waist and perhaps a tad bit lower at certain moments as he continued to talk. “What are we having for dinner?”
It’s a beef stew, with some vegetables from that little market you found last week. Figured I’d try something new," she replied, a hint of pride in her voice.
Severus raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "You’ve been getting quite good at this, haven’t you? I might just have to marry you sooner rather than later," he said, the words slipping out before he could fully consider them.
Petunia paused, her hand hovering over the pot momentarily before she turned to face him, her eyes searching his. There was a flicker of surprise there, mingled with something else—something softer, more vulnerable.
"You’d better mean that, Severus Snape," she said quietly, her voice lacking its usual teasing edge. "Because I’m not in the business of being toyed with."
“Might I remind you that you wanted to wait till I turned 20 so you didn’t look like a cradle robber?” Snape said in a teasing voice.
Petunia looked at her raven-haired rascal, scandalized, picked up one of her cleaner but thicker ladles and brandished it in defence of her honour. “We have a 2-and-a-half-year difference at best you brat!”
Severus, with that mischievous glint in his eyes, took a step back, feigning innocence. "Oh, I’m sorry, did I hit a nerve?" he teased with a sly smile.
Petunia let out an indignant huff, clutching the ladle tightly. "You’re asking for it now, Snape!" she declared, her voice mock serious as she advanced.
Severus, knowing what was coming, turned and bolted for the door, laughter bubbling up in his chest.
"Get back here, you coward!" Petunia called, chasing after him with the ladle in hand, her footsteps quick behind him.
Severus darted into the living room, dodging around furniture as Petunia closed in. "All this over a little joke? You’re relentless!" he shouted back, still laughing.
"Relentless? I’ll show you relentless!" she replied, nearly catching him as they circled the coffee table.
Just as Severus was about to make another break for the kitchen, Petunia grabbed his sleeve, pulling him back just enough to land a playful swat with the ladle. The soft thud of wood against his arm was met with their shared laughter.
Severus pretended to collapse onto the sofa, clutching his side dramatically. "You got me, Pet. I surrender!" he proclaimed, chuckling.
Petunia, still slightly scandalized but smiling, dropped the ladle and flopped down beside him. "Let that be a lesson to you, Severus Snape," she said, a victorious gleam in her eye. "Don’t mess with a woman who knows her way around a kitchen."
Severus turned to look at her, a soft smile on his lips as he reached out to take her hand. "Message received," he murmured, his voice carrying a hint of affection.
All was well in the Snape house.