Chapter 34
Severus disapparates the last of your luggage back to the summer home as you look around the apartment above the potion’s classroom one more time, sighing contentedly.
“Everything alright, love?” He asks, looking at you with a lazy smile.
You nod, settling Nova on your hip as you shake hair away from your face.
“I’m just relieved that the year is over.” You say with a laugh. “My first year as a professor is in the books.”
Severus smiles wider, nodding his head.
“And what a wonderful job you did.” He replies, stepping closer to press a kiss to the top of your head.
You shake your head, scoffing.
“Hardly.” You say lowly. “For all that went on, I’m surprised they learned anything at all.”
Severus shakes his head now, pulling you and Nova into a hug.
“They learned all they needed to.” He replies softly. “Don’t give it another thought, for all that happened, you did exceedingly well.”
You smile, leaning in to his touch.
“Are you ladies ready to go?” He asks, gesturing towards the fireplace.
You nod, taking his hand and following him. He gathers the Floo Powder, and you suddenly whisk away to your summer house in the country.
You spend the evening unpacking and settling into the quiet, light house, enjoying your time together as a family. Nova settles into her crib as the sun sets, and you curl up in Severus’s lap on the porch swing.
The warm, summer breeze floats through your hair as he brushes his long, gentle fingers along your cheek, humming quietly under his breath.
“Do you think it’s really over?” You whisper, suddenly cold, even in the summer heat.
His fingers hesitate for a moment before restarting their path along your skin.
“I don’t know.” He answers, his voice low and resonant. “I think we have severed our ties to The Dark Lord and his army, but I don’t know that he is done trying to do what he desires.”
You nod slowly, knowing that he only confirmed your suspicion.
“And if he does return?” You ask, shifting so that you’re staring up into Severus’ dark eyes.
He exhales slowly, twisting a lock of your hair around his finger.
“Then we fight.” He replies. “We fight for us, we fight for Nova, we fight for the school.”
You nod again.
“We fight for what’s right.” He continues, his eyes sparkling in the moonlight. “Side by side, always.”
You nod too, smiling as you reach up to cup his cheek in your hand.
“Always.”