A Magical Union
*****Hogwarts******
Her friends’ reactions to the magical castle Severus called home was exactly what she expected. Gunn was the most wigged out while Fred barely seemed surprised. Her time on Pylea had dulled her ability to be surprised. However, she was excited and kept trying to mathematically figure out how certain things were possible.
The ghosts, of course, didn’t make any of them bat an eye. Not even the Bloody Baron caused them to be scared. Instead, they thought it was funny that the school in an old castle had ghosts
“I don’t like them. Muggles should be afraid of me, not amused!” he complained to Severus as he was the Slytherin ghost.
“Although they are muggles, they are not typical. They spend their time fighting monsters, and Cordelia has a ghost for a roommate,” Severus explained.
“Really?” Bloody Baron asked, surprised.
“Yes, so leave them alone. They aren’t impressed. Angel is actually Angelus, a notorious vampire that slaughtered many lords back in his day. He has a soul now that keeps him in check,” he shared. “You best not annoy him. He will find a way to send you to hell. I have no doubt. He’s done that kind of thing before.”
The Baron looked terrified and floated into the ceiling. Severus smiled and resumed sorting his supplies.
Elsewhere, Cordelia was giving a tour as she had lived in the castle for several weeks. Wesley found the moving staircase to be very irresponsible and brought it up to Dumbledore when they were introduced. Xander and Anya with her as Xander wanted to see their reaction to the school. Naturally, Anya didn’t care one way or another, but she was enjoying the exercise. Anytime her exercise did not involve running for her life, she was pleased.
“Yes, I know,” Albus said with a sigh. “The thing is Hogwarts has so much magic in it that it is somewhat symbiont. It cannot be controlled or compelled. In fact, Alexandar Harris has shown a remarkable connection to the entire castle. It seems to whisper to him what it needs. I fear that if he and Anya decide to live elsewhere one day, Hogwarts will become very upset.”
“That sounds insane,” Cordelia said. “But we live with insane, so we’ll let you keep Xander.”
“Yes, please do,” Angel added with a grin.
“Funny,” Xander said. “Anya and I will now go to our quarters as said castle needs me to do a few things.”
“It’s talking to you right now?” Wesley asked, fascinated.
“It’s not like a voice in my head,” Xander said. “It’s like a deep impression that the floor in the dungeon has grown too damp and mold is trying to grow on it. Magical banishment of mold doesn’t help repair the floor that is beginning to rot. I just know things like that suddenly.”
“See,” Albus said. “The castle has been without a true caretaker for many years. The fact that Xander is not a wizard is unprecedented, but he did grow up on a hellmouth, constantly surrounded by magic even if he didn’t know. Then he did know it and never faltered from it.”
“That makes sense,” Cordelia said. “I hope that Loren will be welcomed here since he isn’t exactly normal.”
The demon in question smiled warmly at Albus and held out his hand. “Krevlornswath of the Deathwok Clan,” he introduced. “Please call me Lorne. I am an empath demon.”
“Really?” Albus said, lighting up.
“He reads auras and can put people on their path when they sing,” Cordelia shared.
“How do you feel about children?” Albus asked, predictably.
“I adore them,” he said.
“He is singing at my wedding as he is an amazing singer, and he is not interested in leaving me to work for you,” Cordelia said, glaring at the headmaster.
“A music program is something the children really lack,” Albus said with a sad sigh and forlorn expression.
“Well, that’s just too bad,” Cordelia said, glaring at the manipulative old bastard. “I am his queen, and I forbid him to leave my world!”
“Now, Cordy, you know that you made Pylea a democracy when you gave up the crown,” Wesley could not resist in reminding him.
“I can read your future if you sing for me,” Lorne said, not wanting to offend a man of such power. Lorne could feel his aura as soon as he entered his office.
“Now that would a boon,” Albus remarked. "I would love that.”
He began to sing something Cordelia had never heard before.
It was a knight in Scotland borne
Follow, my love, come over the strand
Was taken prisoner, and left forlorne,
Even by the good Earle of Northumberland.
Then was he cast in prison strong,
Where he could not walk nor lie along,
Even by the good Earle of Northumberland.
And as in sorrow thus he lay,
The Earle's sweet daughter walkt that way,
And she the faire flower of Northumberland.
And passing by, like an angel bright,
The prisoner had of her a sight,
And she the faire flower of Northumberland.
Cordelia was surprised by the old geezer’s strong alto that sang the song with gusto. It wasn’t Lorne level of talent, but it was definitely better than Angel or herself.
“Is that enough?” Albus asked. “The song has about twenty-one more verses.”
Lorne grinned. “Definitely,” he said. “Lovely to hear, by the way.”
“It’s an old childhood song my mother used to sing to us growing up. It was her favorite,” Albus shared.
“Princess, why don’t you finish the tour, and I’ll catch up?” Lorne suggested. “I’d like to talk to Mr. Dumbledore.”
“Please, call me Albus,” Albus said.
The group left with Cordelia giving him a warning glare. The headmaster just gave her a smile.
“What did you see?” Albus asked the empath demon after everyone had left his office.
“Your future is a bit muddled,” Lorne admitted. “It’s like you had a fixed future, but the slayer’s presence has brought too many changes. There are several paths splinting from you.”
“She has been a great addition to our school,” Albus acknowledged.
“If she had not came, both you and Severus and many of your students would be dead over the course of the next few years,” Lorne said grimly.
“Oh, my,” Albus said, taken aback. “The return of an enemy?”
Lorne nodded. “Yes, he brings many enemies with him. Looks like bald snake man or something. Normally, I don’t see such clear impressions, but this one image of him was impossible to ignore,” Lorne added.
“You know having someone with your gifts could save a lot of lives—children’s lives,” Albus pointed out.
Lorne laughed. “Maybe. But I would never underestimate Buffy Summers now Buffy Malfoy,” he replied.
“I don’t and I won’t,” Albus said. “Yet with all her gifts, she does not have yours. You could stop a fight before it begins just by knowing what is to befall our children. Name any price, and I will see that you get it.” When he saw that Lorne did not speak out with a firm no, he pressed on. “I can pay the demon Lucius used to open a portal on our school breaks, so that you can return to your world. You need not abandon it. Summers are three months. The students are out three weeks after Christmas.”
Lorne realized the wizard was not just magically powerful, but he was very crafty. He smiled. “I will think about it,” he said. He had to admit doing more than helping sometimes evil creatures find their path or battling evil with Angel’s team was not always overly fulfilling.
Albus smiled, feeling excited that the gifted demon did not dismiss his offer immediately.
*****Two Days Later*****
Cordelia’s friends were getting used to being encased in magic. Wesley and Cordelia went with Buffy and her father to meet the Rupert Giles of her world. Wesley had much to discuss.
For Rupert, it was very strange to meet Wesley Wyndam-Price’s doppelgänger. They were so very different. This Wesley was rugged, carrying pain-filled eyes and a weight on him that his Wesley did not. His attire was more relaxed, and he wasn’t clean shaven.
“You look much different from the Wesley I know,” Rupert said after introductions were made.
“Oh, Wes was much different when he first arrived at the hellmouth,” Cordelia said grinning.
“Very true,” Buffy agreed. “A lot more strait-laced.”
“I was going to say that he had a stick up his butt,” Cordelia teased, nudging one of her closest friends good-naturedly.
“Yes, well, I was raised to be very formal,” Wes admitted. “However, losing my position with the Council and failing on the hellmouth so miserably really humbled me.”
Cordelia noticed the picture on his desk. “Wow, he really is married to Mrs. Summers,” she commented. “Are those your kids?”
“No, he just takes photos with random children,” Buffy said with a snort.
“Hey! I was just making a polite inquiry,” she said.
“They are my twins. They will attend Hogwarts next year. Their letters inviting them arrived recently,” Rupert said.
“Congratulations,” Lucius said.
“Yes, that’s great!” Buffy agreed. “I will watch out for them. I’m sure they will be sorted into my house.”
“Michael probably will,” Rupert said. “His sister, however, loves to learn and is very loyal. I don’t know where she will go.”
“Rupert, is it okay if we leave Wes here to discuss nerd things with you while we go dress shopping for Cordelia’s wedding?” Buffy asked.
“Elizabeth, that is not very polite,” Lucius said in disapproval.
“Oh, he used your birth name!” Cordelia pointed out to her friend.
“I know,” Buffy said, grinning. “He and Mother do that when I am not very British in my speech.”
“Not all Americans are without manners,” Lucius said. “I have been to New York and Salem. I met several people that were polite. You, however, are too informal with adults.”
“It is quite all right,” Rupert said, not offended. He had grown used to his slayer’s manner, especially after seeing it so clearly in her memories with his counterpart. “Wesley is welcome. I would love to hear about his adventures in his world.”
Wesley wanted to ask him his thoughts about wand magic, so he was eager to stay.
Lucius was meeting his wife at a diner for lunch before they went shopping. She was excited to dress her daughter and find a new one for her.
Cordelia convinced Narcissa to buy a muggle evening dress, and she was stunning in it. She went with red—much to Buffy’s delight and Lucius’ shock. It flowed down her body with a long train, looking shiny and sexy like satin dresses often did. The plunging neckline would turn every head.
“I am not sure it is decent,” Lucius said. “She is too beautiful.”
Narcissa laughed, delighted at her husband’s reaction. “There’s a red shawl that goes with it,” she assured her husband.
“Like that does anything to make it more modest,” he said.
“Cordelia wants a muggle wedding, and it would be rude to not comply to her wishes,” Narcissa pointed out. “You are the best man, and she picked out a lovely tux for you to wear. Her colors are black and red, but not this shade of red. She said it was okay to wear as it was the holidays.”
Lucius knew he was defeated and quit arguing. “Fine. I will accept the traditions of Severus’ bride and allow you to wear such a provocative dress. However, if you upstage the bride, it will not be my fault.”
Buffy laughed as her mother kissed her father, pleased with his compliment even if he thought he was being harsh.
*****The Wedding Day*****
Since Severus had been a professor for so long and would be leaving, he decided to invite all students in his house. Cordelia, of course, had to invite the Golden Trio and Weasley twins, who she adored. He just knew that his cheeky goddaughter asked her to just to annoy him. However, he was not about to let anything mar his day as he and the only woman he had ever loved for going to be united. He would finally have a family of his own. Living in the muggle world would be challenging, but it would be worth it.
She was worth it; she was worth everything.
He had already packed and shrunk all his supplies. They were going to use Cordelia’s spare bedroom for his lab and extra things. They were going to spend two days honeymooning here in Paris at a wizarding village that he knew about. The group was returning home January second. Buffy was going to keep his bride’s friends entertained until then. Then he would drain his bank account and convert it to American money before they left his world.
“Are you ready?” Lucius asked him.
“I am,” he said.
“I am very happy for you, my old friend,” he said, holding out his hand to Severus.
“I do not like leaving my granddaughter, but I will trust that you will care for her,” he said.
“With everything in me,” he said. “However, she is no one’s easy target.”
Severus smiled. “I know. That’s part of the reason I know that I can leave without too much worry. She is a very formidable witch,” he said.
“She would say slayer,” Lucius remarked.
The two men laughed, knowing it was true.
In Cordelia’s suite, the ladies were getting ready while Lorne was singing softly.
“I cannot believe this is finally happening,” Buffy said, excited.
“Me either,” Cordelia said.
“I can,” Fred said. “I knew Severus would propose. He loved you too much not to.”
“Princess, I need to sing a song while guests are coming in, so I’m leaving. I want you to know how happy I am for you. I cannot wait until your baby is born, and I get to be honorary uncle,” Lorne said.
“You will be the best uncle,” Cordelia said, feeling emotional. He hugged her and slipped away.
“So when Uncle Severus gets broody, annoy him. That’s what I do,” Buffy advised.
Cordelia laughed. “He doesn’t get broody when he is with me,” she said.
“I have trouble believing that. It’s his default setting,” Buffy said.
“Before he was lonely and miserable, consumed with being a double agent for Dumbledore,” Cordelia explained. “Now he is happy.”
“Well, he will be when he sees how stunning you look,” Fred said.
“You are beautiful,” Buffy agreed.
Cordelia’s dress had a full princess bodice to hide the baby bump, but her breasts were hinted at in the medium cut neckline. It was lacy with no sleeves as she wanted to wear long white gloves. The ring finger had a Velcro attachment that would easily allow the finger sleeve to be removed for the ring. There was some shimmering glass in the shape of diamonds sewed all over the dress so that it shined in the light.
She felt like a princess about to meet her prince.
Of course, he was a dark prince, and that was okay. She was not the self-centered and ridiculous girl she was before Buffy Summers came into her life and altered it for all time.
Now she was a champion for good, a seer, a lover, and soon to be a mother.
It was going to be magnificent.
About ten minutes later, it was time to start the wedding, and they walked out of her room.
The great thing about being in a magical community was that it was easy to create a beautiful place for the wedding. Lorne and Professor Sprout arranged the flowers in the room of requirement, which was set up as the wedding room. Transformed into a magical place, flowers all around. A skylight was set up to see outside. As it was Scotland in the wintertime, Cordelia refused an outdoor wedding. The reception would be in the dining hall, and there would be dancing.
The audience was excited to be there, surprised but happy for Professor Snape. Many of the Slytherin children and their parents were in the audience even if they were offended at the idea of one of theirs marrying a muggle. Of course, her status as a powerful seer with some weird type of powers was known. Too many had seen Cordelia sparring with the vampire slayer, Buffy Malfoy, and knew she was a powerful woman even though she was a muggle.
The Weasley family was very happy to see Severus smiling and ready to leave their world for a new one. Molly was already crying at the romance of it all. The rest of the Order of Phoenix was there to see their comrade in arms on his happy occasion.
“I cannot believe that the broody git is getting married,” Ron whispered to his two best mates.
“You should just be glad that we will have a new potion master when classes resume,” Harry pointed out.
Ron grinned at that reminder. “That is the best Christmas gift ever!” he exclaimed.
“I heard that Professor Slughorn is coming out of retirement to teach,” Hermoine shared.
“That’s bloody amazing!” Ron said excitedly. “Father has said he is good but fair.”
“I cannot believe Professor Snape is wearing a tux and not robes,” Hermoine remarked.
“I cannot believe Lucius Malfoy is wearing one!” Harry pointed out.
“Mother said that Cordelia insisted that her wedding party dress like American muggles and not robe wearing weirdos,” Ron shared. “Is weirdo an insult or a compliment?”
“Not exactly either,” Hermione said tactfully. “It just means odd or unusual.”
“Oh,” Ron said, appeased.
Hermione and Harry exchanged amused looks. They could imagine exactly her saying that.
The green demon began to sing, and they were struck mute.
Finally, Hermoine spoke. “I did not know a voice could sound so good,” she said in shock.
“Mother said the headmaster is trying to convince him to stay and start a music program,” Ron shared. “He has a seer like ability. When a person sings, he can read their auras and know their future.”
“Not possible,” Hermoine said. “Singing has nothing to do with auras.”
“That would be so much better than our current professor of tea leaf reading who always predicts my death. You can ask him all about his gift at the reception,” Harry said, knowing she would obsess.
Hermoine brightened at the thought.
Then the wedding march began; something only the muggle born recognized. The audience looked as Dawn Malfoy walked and spread rose petals, wearing an attractive red dress.
“Buffy’s sister is a cutie,” Hermoine stated.
After her, a strange teenage boy that they did not know walked, carrying a pillow.
“What’s that?” Ron asked.
“The ring bearer,” Hermoine whispered. “Normally, it’s a younger boy. The wedding rings are on the pillow.”
“That’s the magical son of the vampire,” George leaned over to tell them. “I heard Mom and Pops discussing it. Cordelia’s boss, the other groomsman, is the vampire Buffy Malfoy was in love with when she was our age. She sent him to hell once to save the world, but the powers that rule their world brought him back. Then he had Connor, the mystical teenager carrying the pillow. His mother is a vampire.”
“Not possible,” Hermoine said, outraged at the ridiculous suggestion.
“Mother swears it is true. Severus said he has superstrength like Buffy and fights now on the hellmouth with the other slayer,” George said. “He doesn’t need to drink blood like his parents or normal vampires.”
Hermoine was practically giddy at the thought of learning something new and couldn’t wait until the reception.
The audience began to stand as it was time for the bride to come down.
“She is beautiful,” Hermoine said, smiling.
“I cannot believe that greasy git is marrying someone that looks like that,” Ron said.
“I am happy for him,” Harry said. “He gets a happily ever after. That means anything is possible in this world.”
The teenagers grinned as they sat back down. Loren began to sing a song that was only familiar to some of the muggle born witches and wizards.
Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow
One step closer
I have died every day, waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything, take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath, every hour has come to this
One step closer
I have died every day, waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
And all along I believed, I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me; I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
One step closer
One step closer
I have died every day, waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
And all along I believed, I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me; I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
“This is the most romantic song ever,” Hermione said with a sigh.
The trio stopped talking as they observed the magical union of two unlikely lovers.
Severus smiled in satisfaction as he felt his house magic accept his bride and by extension unborn child.
His bride gave him a beaming smile as Albus said the muggle words Cordelia had insisted on.
“You may now kiss the bride,” Albus said, smiling.
The audience cheered as a few children grimaced at the sight of Professor Snape kissing anyone.
It was the perfect sight as far as Buffy was concerned.
Her eyes locked with Angel, who looked neither happy nor sad. When they walked out, she took his arm instead of her father’s, wanting to talk to him.
“Are you okay?” Buffy asked him.
“I am,” Angel said.
“You didn’t seem too happy to see her marry,” Buffy pointed out.
“I just can’t believe I’ve lost her,” Angel admitted.
“You haven’t,” Buffy said. “She is just changing. Once the baby’s born, it will be much easier for you.”
Angel nodded, knowing that was true. “We missed so much with Connor,” he admitted. “It will be nice to have a baby around again.”
“And you don’t have to worry about slipping and unleashing Angelus,” Buffy said with a grin.
“Ha, ha,” he said, giving her a sour look. “I would never do that.”
“But until you can find a way to make your soul permanent without the curse, you can’t ever make a woman truly happy,” Buffy pointed out.
Angel nodded. “I know,” he said. “I have Connor and my friends. It is enough.”
“I am glad that I met you,” Buffy told him as they walked together to the reception hall. Cordelia wanted photos first thing.
Angel finally gave her a genuine smile. “Not as much as I am. You changed my life and put me on my path,” he said. “Every life I save is because of you.”
Buffy grinned and hugged him. “I love you, Angel. Take care of Cordy and my godfather even though Uncle Severus is formidable. He could still use someone watching his back,” she said.
“Always,” Angel said. Having a wizard as powerful as Severus was a gift that Angel was happy about. His potion skills worked on everyone but Gunn, Wesley, and Fred. Connor, Cordelia, Faith, and vampires like he and Spike could benefit from them as they weren’t normal humans. Angel wondered what Cordelia’s baby would be like now that she wasn’t fully human anymore and the father was a wizard.
Buffy was pleased to see that she cheered up her one-time lover.
Cordelia soon had them posing for pictures as the guests came into the reception. A half hour later, she released the wedding part to dance with her new husband.
“I cannot believe you are finally my bride,” Severus said as he held her in his arms.
She flashed a happy smile at her man. “It was perfect, Sev. I am so happy,” she admitted.
Unable to resist, he kissed her.
The wedding, the reception, and the honeymoon were all exactly what the bride hoped for. She was excited to begin her life with her new husband and gathered at Hogwarts for a final goodbye.
The only problem was that the sneaky bastard of a headmaster had succeeded in convincing Lorne to stay.
“What? You can’t do that!” Cordelia exclaimed, glaring at Albus, who quickly said, a goodbye and good luck to Severus before fleeing the scene.
“I am sorry, princess, but how could I say no? Albus says that he will pay for me to go home on every school break,” Lorne said. “I will get to impact the lives of children, possibly save lives of children and still come home. How could I refuse?”
“I knew that crafty old coot would do this,” she complained.
Angel had already been informed, so he wasn’t surprised. He decided to help both his friends by saying, “It will be fine, Cordy. He gets to sing and play the Pied Piper to a bunch of magical kids and come see us in six months.”
“You will miss the birth of my baby,” she pointed out.
“I will make sure it’s recorded for him,” Angel said.
“I will spend the summer spoiling your baby, who will be just old enough to appreciate my music when I get there,” Lorne told her.
Cordelia finally stopped complaining and hugged her beloved demon friend.
Severus knew that the empath demon was a huge boon for his boss and tried to hide his approval as he knew his love was very attached to him.
Soon, the couple was ported to the Malfoy mansion where the demon was meeting them. The group said their goodbyes to the Malfoys.
Draco tried to hide his excitement that Lorne was going to be a professor at his school since he knew how much the new bride was complaining about it.
“This is great!” Buffy exclaimed, not afraid to upset Cordelia.
“For you. It’s horrible for me!” Cordelia said sourly.
“Just think of all the songs those poor neglected witches and wizards are going to learn,” Buffy said.
“Plus, he can,like, warn of danger to the students,” Dawn pointed out.
“Okay, fine! I’ll stop plotting my revenge against Dumbledore,” Cordelia informed them.
The group laughed as they said one more final goodbye.
Then they walked through the portal back to Angel’s hotel where they left.
“Home sweet home,” Gunn said.
“I am glad to be back as too much magic is a bit too much,” Wesley admitted.
“Let’s go home,” Cordelia told her new husband.
The word home had Severus smiling.
She didn’t know that where they lived mattered very little to him.
Cordelia Snape, formerly Cordelia Chase, was home to him.
Two months later, his happiness was complete as he held his newborn son in his arms.
“What should we call him?” he asked his tired wife. The baby had dark hair and wailed his displeasure, sounding as sour as his father.
They had discussed names for several weeks, but they had trouble deciding on a final one.
“Liam Albus Snape,” Cordelia said. “After Angel’s human name and the man who you most admire.”
It was a good name, and he vowed to make sure his son had a good life.
Growing up surrounded by people of power, he would be the beginning of a new type of Champion.
The Powers That Be looked down at the birth, pleased. Plans for his future quickly formed.
The Snapes would be happy, but they would keep fighting the good fight.
Liam would gain a sister two years later and a brother a year after that.
“I am done! You are getting snipped,” Cordelia informed her husband, who looked down at the newest addition in delight.
“What is that?” he asked without looking up.
“No more fishies knocking me up,” she told him.
Severus finally looked up at her, confused.
“Huh?” he asked.
Cordelia laughed, looking forward to making him understand exactly what his future held.
*****The End******
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. A final review and/or kudos, especially if you haven’t yet, is very appreciated. Thanks for reading and following this story/series. That’s it for now.