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No one saw, no one knew	By : ccino49 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 2235 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-No one saw, no one knew
- 1
WARNING: Major spoilers for Deathly Hallows. DO NOT READ if you have not read the seventh and final book.

No one saw, no one knew.

Severus pressed his hand against the agonizing wound in his neck, trying desperately to prevent his life�s blood from escaping. He needed more time. Time to help Potter, time to help defeat Voldemort. Time to prove to everyone that he, Severus Snape, was not the nasty, evil, devotee of Darkness they all thought he was. This was not meant to happen.
The Dark Lord left the Shrieking shack, taking the Elder wand and that monstrosity of a snake with him. The evil tyrant confident now that he was invincible.
�Potter? What the hell is Potter doing? Why is he in the shrieking shack? There is no time for this; the boy needs to be out of here. Not enough time.� Severus thought. It was all going wrong. This was not how things were supposed to be.
�Take � it �Take � it� He rasped.
Severus� memories began to leave him, drifting from him in silvery blue wisps. He watched the boy collect them in a flask.
�Look � at � me� He whispered, wanting desperately to send images to Potter, needing him to know the truth. But he was fading fast. Gods he hoped the boy took the time to look at these memories. If he did not, all would be lost.
Severus was struggling to breath, to think, it became more and more difficult to hold onto that last bit of consciousness.
�Go.� He thought. �Please go.�

Severus felt the blackness overtaking him, filling him, sending him to peaceful oblivion. There was no pain anymore. Just welcoming nothingness. His eyes stared vacantly, unseeing, unaware as his mind shut down. He no longer felt his body, he just was, or was not.

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Severus Snape�s body was never found. When Harry took Arthur Weasley, Minerva McGonagall and Kingsly Shacklebolt, to the Shrieking Shack after showing them Snape�s memories, the body was gone. All that remained was a puddle of dried blood.
It was assumed Voldemort allowed Nagini to eat him. It was never disclosed to the Ministry or the press what happened to Severus Snape in the end, the thought of the Light�s unsung hero being devoured by a snake was just too �ghastly, too gruesome, and too unfair.
Instead, they gave him a hero�s funeral, an empty coffin, a lengthy and praiseworthy eulogy, and a large plaque on top of his tomb, listing his sacrifices, his brave deeds. The empty coffin was laid to rest in a white marble tomb next to that of Albus Dumbledore. Alongside it were those of Nymphadora Tonks, Remus Lupin, and Fredrick Weasley.
The wizarding world mourned them all for a while, then slowly began to rebuild their own lives. Some never forgot the fallen, buried in the grounds of Hogwarts. Their tombs served as a constant reminder every day they attended the school.

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Severus felt pain, unbelievable pain. His body forced him to take a deep, rattling breath, much against his will. Almost without him knowing what he was doing, his fingers found their way into his robe, wrapping around a small bottle and retrieving it.

Slowly, inch by inch, his hand moved nearer and nearer to his face.
�No.� His mind screamed. �No. No. No.�
Yet still his hand moved, as his mind begged for release, his heart begged for mercy, forgiveness, life.
He flicked the top away with some difficulty, using his thumb as a lever. After the third attempt, it flipped off.
He felt the warm glass against his lips now, as trembling, almost numb fingers tilted the bottle. He coughed, a painful racking cough that send shards of pain through every fibre of his body, blood spewing from his mouth. He spat it out, the taste of blood never appealed to him. Again, the trembling fingers tipped the bottle over his lips, spilling a few drops of its contents onto his tongue. He swallowed painfully. Ludicrous images entered his head of the thick liquid pouring from the gaping wound in his neck. Nagini had not just bitten him, she'd taken a piece of his flesh with her. Still he tipped the bottle, pouring more of the fluid down his throat, a little at a time. After what felt like hours, long pain filled hours of drifting in and out of consciousness, but was in fact only minutes, he finished the potion. The bottle fell from his hand and he breathed a shallow sigh, wondering, �had he made the right decision?�
Several long minutes later, he opened his eyes again. The floor felt hard beneath him, he was lying on his side, one leg twisted uncomfortably under him.

Taking a handkerchief from his pocket, he pressed against the wound once more and sat up slowly, steadying himself with his other hand until the dizzying, nauseous feeling abated somewhat. The blood-replenishing potion had worked.
Now he was never more grateful for the fact that he had always made it a habit of taking an anti-venom potion before meeting with Voldemort. That damned snake Nagini was a snappy bastard. Many a Deatheater had been caught unawares by her sudden desire to take a bite from the nearest piece of living flesh. When Lucius told him the Dark Lord needed him, that he needed a �service� from him, Severus discretely took another dose of the anti-venom. Just because Nagini was in a protected bubble did not mean Severus was safe from it.
Now, after untwisting his leg, he dug into the pockets of his robes, removing several bottles and a jar. Once they were lined up between his legs, he proceeded to drink them all, on after another, then opened the jar and applied Murlap Essence to the wound on his neck, wincing at every touch.
He lay down again, his jaw clenched against the sting of the essence and the agonising sensations caused by the various potions all working together to heal his suffering body. He passed out again, his mind closing off from the renewed agony and sending back to that place of painless, unthinking oblivion.
When he awoke once more, it was still dark, but his body felt renewed, dull aches and throbs replacing the searing pain of earlier.
Gathering up the bottles, he looked round, saw his wand poking out from under his left leg, and picked it up. He vanquished the empty bottles, placed the rest of the Murlap Essence in his pocket and gripped hold of the fallen chair beside him for support as he slowly got to his feet.
He panted with the effort, feeling as though he had not stood on his own two feet in months.

�Strengthening potion. Why did I forget to take the strengthening potion? Idiot.� He admonished himself, removing another bottle from his robes pocket and downing it quickly.
Severus took one last look at the now drying stain on the floor, the stain that was his life�s blood, then turned and made his way shakily from the Shrieking Shack.

Dark though it was, he stayed close to the building as he edged his way round the back. He tapped his wand against on of the weatherboards and it lifted and slid aside.

The small package inside was soon placed securely in his pocket and then he removed the broom.
He could quite easily fly without the aid of a broom now, but he was still weak, plus he was more likely to draw attention to himself of he were seen flying unaided. If he was spotted on the broom, he was less likely to draw that attention. Soaring high, it was minutes until he was skirting the edge of the Forbidden Forest, keeping close to the treetops and landing near a thick coppice that gave him a full view of the grounds without being seen.

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Dead littered the lawns, the living carrying them inside, yet others helping the wounded into the castle.
Four figures emerged from the main entrance of the ruined castle, figures he recognised instantly. He so wanted to step out of the shadows and greet them. Say �look, I�m still alive.� But He did not. They were making their way to the main gates and he knew without a doubt that Potter had seen his memories, that they were heading to the Shrieking Shack to recover his body.

He could save them the trouble of a wasted journey, let them know he still lived. Then what? Severus, we are so sorry for doubting you. We are so glad you are alive. You are a hero now. Come inside, everyone will be so pleased to see you. How did you manage to survive?

Then the ministry, the functions, the Order of Merlin, the falseness of those in power. The rebuilding of Hogwarts. Hogwarts that had been his only true home since he was eleven years old. The rebuilding of the wizarding world, a world that had treated him cruelly all his life. Did he really want to go back to all that? Or did he have the strength to just walk away, leave it all behind?

Severus did not blame the few people left he considered friends for finally doubting him. He would have done the same in their shoes. Yet he was not one to forgive so easily. He harboured resentments, remembered every sleight, no matter how small. They would fester and eat at him until he could stand it no longer.
No. He would walk away, let them think he was dead. And that is exactly what he did.

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The two young wizards thought all their Christmases had come at once when they found the broom hidden in the thicket at the edge of the green when they were playing. It was poking out of the soft, muddy earth after a particularly heavy rainfall. A bit more exploration found a set of robes and an old-fashioned suit, all black except for the once white and blood red, but now muddy brown shirt. They never told anyone of their find, instead taking the things to their boy�s hideout. If their parents found out they had a broom and were using it, it would be taken off them.

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Severus enlarged the small package and changed into the muggle clothes he had stored for so long in the Shrieking Shack. Using his wand, he buried his teaching robes, his severe black suit and white shirt, and the broomstick.

He was going to snap his wand and bury that but could not quite bring himself to do it.
Making his way to nowhere in particular, he picked up occasional work on farms, sleeping in barn and outhouses as he made his way through the muggle world. He had false identification, easy enough with all the muggles Voldemort had killed over the years.
He washed and cleaned himself up as best he could in a small stream before entering a small town somewhere in the north of England. He had spent his first few days as a muggle at Spinners End, destroying almost everything in there apart from his books. Those he reduced and put in his backpack before sealing the house for the last time and leaving. He had taken a few items that he thought might be of value, planning on selling them until he found regular work and a place to live.
The town had a leisure centre that advertised baths and showers. He counted what was left of his money, decided that bathing was as much a priority as food, and went inside to use the facilities.
Feeling cleaner than he had in weeks, Severus emerged and found the local job centre, registered under his false name and studied the little cards that displayed the latest vacancies. As well read and qualified as he was in the wizarding world, Severus was merely unskilled labour in the muggle world and there was not a lot on offer for those without qualifications.

�Factory work.� He doubted he could stand to be somewhere closed in and noisy. �A brickies mate.� He had no idea what that was. �Care workers.� No. He was not a caring person. �General handyman.� Hmm, sounded like a possibility.

Removing the little card from the display, he stood at the end of a queue and waited to speak to the young woman sitting behind a desk.
Waiting felt like forever, but eventually his turn came and he folded himself into the orange plastic seat on offer.
After a terse, but informative conversation with the young upstart that made Severus� fingers itch to take out his wand and hex, he was eventually set up with an interview two hours from now.
The address took him to the outskirts of town and up a long country lane. The lane became a dirt track and led to a tiny cottage set behind a grove of trees. It looked rather weather beaten, yet solid. Made of stone with a red tiled roof, several outbuildings and what seemed to be miles of broken fencing surrounding the place.
�Marvellous.� He muttered to himself. The gate was hanging on one hinge and almost fell off completely when Severus attempted to open it. He closed it behind him carefully, and set off down the short path that led to the front door. He had to fight his way through thorny brambles and an overgrown climbing rose to get to the door itself, and when he knocked there was no reply. Several more attempts proved fruitless and he scowled. �Bloody typical muggles.� He grumbled, fighting his way back to the gate. �Make appointments and cannot be bothered to keep them. Never mind that I have walked over a mile to get here. And for what?� He complained to no one in particular as he yanked the gate open so hard, this time it fell to the overgrown grass at his feet.
�Hello. Hello. Please wait. I lost track of time and didn�t hear the door.�
Severus turned to the voice calling him and saw a woman in a headscarf, over big apron, Wellington boots and an old checked shirt.

�I, on the other hand Madam, was here at two o�clock precisely, as requested. Clearly, the card in the employment office was placed there on false pretences. Good day to you.�
�What? No it wasn�t. Please don�t go. It�s just that I�ve advertised for so long now, and no one ever bothers to show. Well a couple have turned up, but they were weird and I didn�t trust them. At least come and have a cuppa and a chat, we can see if you�re interested in the job and I can see if you�re suitable to take it.�
Severus scrutinised her for a full minute as she stood giving him the same analysis. He had to admit that a beverage would go down well right now.

�Very well, I accept your offer.� He said, readying to fight through the thorn bushes again.
The woman laughed. �Not that way.� She told him. �You�ll get scratched to high heaven. Round the back.�
His scowl fixed on her back, he turned again and followed the narrow path to the back of the house. The scowl slowly evened out when he discovered this part of the house was not so overgrown. It led round to a large area of concrete slabs where a long wooden table and two benches sat, piled high with what seemed to be fresh vegetables and a brace of pheasants.

Chickens and geese moved freely across the grass beyond the patio, scratting, pecking, and generally making a lot of noise.
The woman shrugged of the heavy Wellington boots and stepped into what looked like it might be the kitchen.

�Sit down, I�ll put the kettle on. Oh and feel free to pod some peas if you want to.�

His eyebrows rose into his hairline as she disappeared. Sitting down he noticed a large tin bucket full of empty green shells, a bowl of what he assumed were the peas and a pile on the table of various kinds of long green pods yet to be opened.
Curious he picked on up and ran his thumbnail down the edge. Pulling it open he found the objects inside were nothing like the tiny green spheres in the bowl. Broad beans, that�s what these were. He recognised them. They were not so dissimilar to the cooked product that was usually served to him at Hogwarts. Picking up on of the smaller pods, he split it open and just had chance to recognise they were peas before most of them fell from the pod and rolled across the ground. Severus fumbled, trying to catch them before they landed but to no avail. He opened another, more carefully this time and over the bowl.

By the time the woman reappeared, he�d managed to place several empty pods into the pea bowl and the ground at his feet was littered with peas.

�I am sorry, this is new to me.� He said rather embarrassed at it obvious ineptitude.
�Ruth. Ruth Colly.� She introduced herself with a chuckle and held forth a hand. �Don�t worry about the peas, I�ve plenty more where they came from. What�s your name?�

��Carl Wainright. Tell me Mrs Colly, the position, I take it the job involves � this?� He indicated the various vegetables littering the table.
�Call me Ruth, and the job involves anything and everything actually. You�ve seen the state of the place and I just can�t manage it all on my own. I need help and I need it badly. Repairs, general maintenance, painting. Help with the garden obviously and odd things round the house. I�m mostly self sufficient here. As you can see, I grow most of what I need, and that includes the animals. I can�t offer a high wage, but you�ll get your meals included, providing you take turns at cooking. There�s a small granny flat attached to the house if you need somewhere to stay. I know you�re not local, have you got a place to live?�

His eyes widened at her forthrightness. �Madam, you do not know me, how can you suggest I live under your roof when you have no idea of my intentions toward you?�

�Your eyes, they�re honest enough. I�ll take the risk if you�re up to the job. Are you up to the job?�

He spluttered and stared at her as she poured the tea. Taking another look around, he knew he could deal with most of the repairs and general maintenance provided she stayed out of sight and he could use his wand.
�As for living under my roof, you won�t be. Like I said, the granny flat. Living room, bedroom, bathroom and a kitchenette. It has its own entrance and there�s no access to the main house from it. If I�m honest. I�m desperate for someone to start as soon as possible. Are you interested or not?� She asked him plainly.
The thought of a proper bed and regular meals was more than enough to sway Severus� decision. If things did not work out, the worst that could happen would be that he left and found another job elsewhere.

�I am willing to give it a go, providing you are amiable to the idea of a novice attempting something he has never endeavoured to do before. I think I can tackle most of the repairs providing I am left to my own devices and do not have you breathing down my neck as I work.�
Ruth�s own eyebrows lifted this time. �Fair enough Mr Arrogant. The jobs yours.� She told him passing the tea across the table along with a plate of sandwiches.
He averted his eyes, afraid he would spoil his prospects of room and board if he allowed himself to comment on what she called him. �Arrogant indeed.� He thought, though he had to admit the tea and sandwiches were delicious.
Once the tea was gone and the plate empty, Ruth showed to the annexe and though small, it was more that adequate for his needs.

A small, but comfortable living room, complete with sofa and a chair, table and two chairs for dining and a small bookshelf.

The bedroom was small, but housed a comfortable double bed, a wardrobe with a mirrored door and chest of drawers. The bathroom was adequate and included a shower over the bath and a tiny kitchen, complete with all the necessary equipment. Stove, fridge, kettle and something Ruth told him was a microwave oven. She showed him how everything worked and left him to his own devices, saying he was to settle in and she would bring some groceries and other necessities round in a while. The place was small, cosy, and for the first time in months, Severus felt content. He was given his own key to his own door, and that night as he soaked in the bath, he felt like he was in the lap of luxury. His meagre belongings were all neatly put away, Ruth had taken his clothes and put them into something called a washing machine and now they hung on a line outside, fluttering in the evening breeze. He�d resisted at first, uncomfortable with handing over his smalls to a woman he�d barely knew, but she�d insisted and he finally handed them over. Scourgifying his clothes was not nearly as good as having them properly laundered.

His belly was full from the pheasants she�d served up that evening, and the vegetables were, he had to admit, the best he�s tasted in a long time.

Severus slept that night without the need of Dreamless sleep potion, and for many nights to come.
They soon settle into a kind of irregular routine. Ruth would knock on his door about eight o�clock and start making breakfast while he readied himself for the day. After eating, he would repair fence, or clear an area of garden, while Ruth busied herself with the livestock or the vegetable plots. He did not consider it cheating that he used magic to complete most of his tasks, then sat around idly so it would not appear that he had finished his work so soon. He would make his way to Ruth�s kitchen and make them lunch while she struggled on alone with her own chores. Several times a week she took eggs and various home-grown products to town and sold them, always returning with a newspaper and different odds and ends.

Severus would devour every snippet of news the newspaper had to offer before Ruth had a chance to even skim through it. The following day it usually ended up on the bottom of some cage containing some creature or other.
Ruth was impressed with the work he did, as well as his ability to coax the pigs, chickens and cows to do his bidding.
One of Severus� favourite times of the day was evening, when they would both sit in Ruth�s farmhouse kitchen and eat their evening meal. He�s watched equally engrossed and repulsed the first time he�d seen her neck a chicken, rip its head of and proceed to pluck the bird. Then she gutted it, washed it and threw it into an oven try to roast. His appetite took a nose dive the first few times he witnessed this, but soon his need for the succulent juicy flesh took over his revulsion and he was forced to concede that fresh chicken or goose was preferable to any he�d had before. Even the eggs were tastier, the yolks more golden and did not spread all over the frying pan when cracked.
Weeks turned to months and before he knew it, Ruth appeared from the kitchen one warm, balmy evening with a cake. One candle stood on top. �I thought we�d celebrate. It�s one year today since you came here.� She reminded him.

A few minutes later, she produced two bottles of wine. �Elderberry, I made it myself. It�s pretty strong stuff though so be warned.�
Severus was not only surprised at this, he was also surprised at how she was dressed. It was the first time he�d ever seen her in anything but oversized shirts, baggy trousers and wellies. Now the headscarf was gone, revealing shoulder length, mahogany curls. She wore a simple, plain blue sundress that reached her knees and white sandals.

Severus studied her more closely than he�d ever done before. He realised she was quite attractive, perhaps in her early or mid thirties. Her skin was neither pale nor dark, but smooth with freckles dotted here and there. The most noticeable being ever the bridge of her nose.
By the end of the evening they were both laughing, though neither knew why. The potent wine had taken hold pretty quickly and both of them were unable to sit straight on the benches.
�I really should be going to bed.� Severus said, his words slurred and barely understandable.
�You know, I know nothing about you.� Ruth commented.
�I could say the same to you. Why is there no Mr Colly?� He asked with a hiccup.
�Oh there was. He found a prettier model and left me. Good riddance, that what I say. What about you?�
�Me? I think the man must have been out of his mind.�

�No. I mean were you married, or are you?�
�No. Definitely not. Never had time, besides, look at me woman, I, hardly catch of the month you know.� He hiccupped again.
Ruth�s eyes squinted slightly as she looked at him. �What do you mean? Your alright you know. I think so anyway.�
He guffawed. �Tell me that when you�re sober.� He said with a laugh.
�Why? Just because I�m tiddly, it doesn�t mean I can�t tell the truth. I�ve thought you were a bit of alright since the first time I saw you. Mind�st, I must admit I�d never tell you that if I wasn�t drunk.� She added, sliding down of the bench and pulling herself up again.
He stared at her gob smacked and fell backwards of the bench. �Dammit that hurt.� He complained, dragging himself back up and sitting sideways on the bench now as he rubbed his head. �Have to admit, I never really looked that closely at you until tonight, when you came out in that dress thingy. You normally hide yourself under men�s clothes. I�ve liked you from the start as a person though. You talk straight, no arcy farcy. I like that in a woman. No children then?�
�One, a baby boy, six years ago now. He was stillborn. We named him Michael. It wasn�t long after that Ralph found his piece of fluff.�
Severus was appalled. �He left you after � Dear Gods, the man truly was a bastard.�

�Carl, that�s the first time I�ve ever heard you swear like that.�

�I apologise, I should not have done so.�
�It�s okay, I used some pretty colourful language myself when I found out what he was up to. So how come you never had time for a relationship then?�

�Oh work, and other things.� He said, trying to sound offhanded.
Ruth poured the last of the wine into their glasses, most of it slopping over the sides. �I won�t push you Carl. If you don�t want to talk about your past, that�s fine by me. We�ve all got things we prefer to keep hidden.�
�It�s not that, to be honest with you Ruth, if I told you the truth, you would never believe me.�
�I might. But Like I said, your past is your own. Sometimes it�s best to leave the past in the past, where it belongs.� She raised her glass, wavering it a bit as she spoke. �To life and the present. And to your one year of honest employment.� She said with a smile that took him by surprise.
He�d been about to retort that he�d never been employed dishonestly, but the way she smiled, her eyes shone and she looked � what? She looked beautiful. Yes. He decided. She was beautiful.

�To a woman who showed me trust, gave me gainful employment, and gave me a roof over my head when I most needed it. Gods I fancy you.� He said before he could stop the words leaving his mouth.
Ruth�s eyes widened as Severus clapped a hand over his mouth in shock.

�I am sorry. I should never have � please excuse me.� He said, getting to his feet and staggering to the door of his flat.
�Carl wait.� She cried, stumbling after him.
He stopped, head lowered but did not turn to face her. He felt a hand on his shoulder, gentle, warm.
�Did you mean it?�

�Yes.� He answered simple and making to go inside.
�Carl don�t go in there, not tonight. Please.�
He turned to her, noticing the hand stayed on his shoulder. �Ruth, we have both drunk too much, I have said things I should not have said. It is best we go to bed now. Our own beds.� He added at when she raised her eyes to his. They were dark with desire, there was no mistaking her look and he was using every bit of restrain the possessed to not take her and � No. This was wrong. She had no idea what he�d done in the past, the atrocious ties he�d committed, what he really was.
�I�m glad you said what you said. I don�t want to be on my own tonight Carl.�
Whether it was the wine, or the fact it had been so long, or the fact there was a beautiful, willing woman in front of him, Severus could not honestly say. He lost all control then and captured her mouth in a heated, passionate kiss, and she responded to him, igniting like a flame, kissing him back, pulling at him. He no longer wanted to back away, he could not have if he tried. Their lips stayed locked as they made their way into Ruth�s kitchen, hands everywhere, removing items of clothing, the living room, skin touching skin, the stairs, he naked from the waist up, panting as they reached the landing. Pausing to remove Ruth�s bra, a bedroom door opening, Severus stopping to remove his trousers. The bed, his mouth on her breast, sucking at the nipple, her hands, cupping him, making him groan with want, with need. His fingers straying down, inside her knickers, finding her wet for his, her gasps as he touched her there. Him ripping the material to get at her, she tugging at his pants, yanking them to his knees, him kicking them off. Poised at her entrance, thinking vaguely that he should ask if she was sure about this, she riving at his hips, wrapping her legs round his thighs in a desperate attempt to encourage their coupling. His mind forgetting what he was going to ask as he took the plunge and buried himself inside her. The panting, the deep breaths and soft moans of two people engrossed in the act of intercourse, each striving for that moment when everything fades to nothingness as deep inside something takes over, that hidden, unfathomable pulse that beats stronger and stronger with each stroke, each thrust, each moment of complete and total contact. Together they rise and fall, he driving into her manically, she desperately trying to meet him, and it happens, she rising, crying, clutching his hips with her hands, pulsing around his member so tightly, throbbing, pulling him in, pulling him over until he stiffens , lets out a shout as he releases, holding himself rigidly inside her, their minds gone, pleasure the only thing that matters, slowly relaxing as breathing steadies, him collapsing on top of her after the most mind blowing experience either have ever experienced. The kind of frantic, frenetic kind of sex that happens when you are suddenly thrust into passion with someone for the first time, impatient, overeager sex that seems to be over too quickly, yet needs to reach the pinnacle as soon as possible.
�Oh Gods Ruth. I am so sorry. I should never have ��

�Oh Carl, don�t be so soft. I wanted it as much as you did.�

Severus was appalled next morning when he woke up in Ruth�s bed. Never before had he lost control like that. Never had he drunk so much he�d taken advantage of a venerable young woman.
�But I took advantage, I should have shown more constraint.�
�Well I�m bloody well glad you didn�t. For goodness sake Carl, we had sex. Fantastic sex at that. Besides, I propositioned you if I remember rightly. I�d have felt terrible if you�d turned me down then. So don�t start on a bloody guilt trip for heavens sake. I�m off for a shower. If you want to join me you can. Just don�t sulk about what we did because I�m not complaining.�
He snapped his jaw shut as she trotted out the bedroom. Her footsteps as she crossed the landing sounding like he�d heard them every day of his life, wondering what it would be like to wake with her beside him every day, to lose himself inside of her each night.

Then his other self told him to stop romanticising, it was one night, there was no way she�d want a repeat performance. Was there? Did she invite me to shower with her?
Ruth cleaned her teeth and stepped into the shower cubicle. It wasn�t a large one, only big enough for one really, but when she head Carl use the toilet, then start brushing his teeth, was he using her toothbrush? He must be, she hoped fervently he would join her.
Severus squeezed his way into the small cubicle, their bodies pressed close, holding each other as the water cascaded down them. When they finally stepped out, the plastic screen was cracked from the constant buffering it took from their bodies, neither noticing nor caring as they groped and clawed, thrust and drove at one another. The bathroom filling with steam as two bodies copulated urgently, desperately, cries muffled by the sound of the water until they spilled out, both panting, dripping and smiling.
It was one month to the wedding and Severus had sat Ruth down in the living room of the main house they now shared.

He was determined to tell her truth about what he was, where he was from and what he�d done that led him here. He began by giving her his real name, went on to explain he was a wizard, and proving the fact by producing his wand and showing her some magic when she�d scoffed at his proclamation.
Her shock was short lived though, instead becoming one of horror at what he�d gone through, never once interrupting or apportioning blame. Crying through much of his tale, yet still saying nothing until he�d finished.
�Why are you telling me now Car � Severus? Do you want to go back there, is this what it�s all about? You want to leave me. Or are you simply trying to scare me off because you�ve got cold feet or had a change of heart? I can�t do magic like those other witches you spoke of. I can�t hope to compete C � Severus.�
He closed his eyes against the anguish on her face. �Ruth, to lose you would be the most devastating thing in my life. I have never felt about anyone, the way I feel for you. You are my life now, I don�t want to go anywhere without you. As for competing, none can compare with you, magical or not. You have your own magic, you have bewitched me as no other has. The reason I needed to tell you about my past life is because I want no lies between us. My past life was based on lies and deceit, I do not want that with you.�
Ruth wiped her eyes, the fear of losing him not yet abating, but feeling slightly consoled at his words. �What about those you�ve left behind? Don�t you think it was cruel to let them think you�re dead? What if the day comes when you decide you want to see them again? Because I think that day will come.�
�If it does, would you come with me? I could not do so without you.�
�Severus I would go anywhere for you if you asked me to, I�m just afraid that I won�t fit into your world.�

�Believe me you would. It is only now that I realise how much I want my friends, my true friends to know I have found happiness, to meet the wonderful woman who has brought me that happiness. Ruth I would forget them altogether if it means keeping you, I just � I would like for you to meet them at some point in the future. But I will not pressure you, nor will I resent you if you refuse. You are more important to me than anyone or anything Ruth. I want to spend my life with you, wherever it might be.�

�But why me Severus? Why not another witch? One who can ��
�Ruth no.� He took her hands, encasing them gently but firmly in his own. �No witch could ever make a cup of tea from a weird little bag and make taste like Earl Grey. No witch could take a live bird and turn it into the most sumptuous feast I have ever tasted. No witch could make me feel the way you make me feel each time you touch me. No witch could ever make me feel whole as you have done. No witch could enflame my passions as you do. Ruth I do not love a witch, any witch. I love you. I want no secrets between us, that was my life once, now you are my life. Will you still consent to be my wife?�
Ruth said yes immediately. She did not need to hesitate, or think about what she wanted. She already knew that no matter what happened in his past, she loved what he was now.

�There is just one thing Severus. It seems so weird to be calling you that. Children?�
His breath hitched at the last word. �Ch � children?� He croaked. �What about them?�

�Do you want them? If we had them, would they be � like you, magical?�
�I must confess I had not thought about ever having a child. My life has been such that having one of my own was not an option. There again, nor was marriage. Never the less, should it happen, the probabilities are that most likely the child would be a wizard or witch. What about you, could you cope with that?�
�I might have to Severus.�
�Oh?� He queried, one eyebrow raised. �O do not underst � �The other eyebrow joined the first, his jaw dropped almost to his chest and he forgot to breathe for a moment. �You are � I mean are you � Ruth? Are we � ?�
�Yes.� She said quietly.
�B � but how do you know? What � when � oh Merlin. You mean I am going to be a � ?�
�A father, yes. As for how I know, it�s easy enough to do a test these days. As for when, about four months ago. Did you not notice the extra inches around my middle?�

�We;; yes, I suppose I did but �I thought it was just because you were � content. Four months you say. Why did you not tell me this sooner?�

�Because I needed to be sure Severus. I didn�t want you to marry me because of the baby. I wanted you to ask me for the right reasons, and you did. I�ve seen a doctor and he assures me that what happened with Michael was most likely a one off. He said everything�s fine and doesn�t foresee any problems with this one.�
He could not close his mouth. Short bursts of laughter erupting from him at intervals as his eyes strayed from her face to her stomach, back to her face and then her stomach again.
�I�m sorry it was a bit of a shock for you Severus, it seems to be a day for those doesn�t it?�

�We ye I dooo �� He found it impossible to form an articulate word. He was going to be a father. They were having a baby, a child, his child.

For the first time in many, many years, Severus cried. The tears formed in his eyes, welled up and spilled over to fall down his cheeks. �Thank you.� He whispered. �Thank you so much for this precious, precious gift.� He said in a voice so soft she could only just hear him.

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When Minerva McGonagall went to the records room to collect this year�s list of names for new starters at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry, she did a double take. Four times she checked the list, and still her eyes deceived her.

Filius Flitwick and Pomona Sprout though confirmed what she had seen. Unable to believe her eyes, she�d called them to her office to see for themselves.
�Have you checked future names Minerva? Perhaps there are more of the same name.�

As one they rushed into the record room. Sure enough, there were two more entries under the name of Snape.

�It has to be mere coincidence. You two know as well as I that Severus had no living relatives. How strange though, to think we have a Snape within these walls again. Anthony Albus though. How often does one here of the name Albus from among the muggleborns?�
We don�t.� Filius told her. �Any more than we hear of Sally Minerva and Edward Severus.�
The three looked at each other, each one of them pale, shocked and disbelieving.
Two days later an owl landed in front of the Headmistress.

Dear Minerva

I am certain that by now you will have been to the records office and taken note of what was clearly something of a surprise. However, knowing as well as I do, I assume you have drawn your own conclusions and still not come up with the correct answer.

Therefore I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you this weekend so that I might explain to you what really happened that night. I was not, as popular thought would have it, eaten by Nagini. Nor did I desert you until I knew for certain that Voldemort was defeated.

I cannot say in truth that I would definitely have made contact with you were it not for the fact that my eldest son Anthony will begin Hogwarts this coming September, though the thought constantly crosses my mind.

I would very much appreciate if my existence remain between us for the moment, though I am certain the name Anthony Snape is now the main topic of conversation in the staff room.
I shall be at The Leaky Cauldron this Saturday at ten am if you would deign to meet me there.
Yours
SS.

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Ruth�s eyes boggled when he Severus led her into a dingy little pub she�d not even been able to see until he opened the door. Inside was so different to anything she�d ever seen before. It was like something from the Victorian era. Anthony, Sally and Ed were at her mothers for the weekend, being thoroughly spoiled and most likely running ring around their Nan and Grandpa.
As she took in her surroundings, she felt Severus� arm stiffen, his body tense and turned to see a tall woman with a pointed had standing behind a table staring at them. The woman�s eyes were glassy with unshed tears as she shook, a look of incredulity on her face.
�Is it really you? Please tell me it is true. Please.� The woman said, her Scottish brogue strong with emotion.
Ruth let go of her husbands arm and gently urged him forward. �It is I Minerva.� He croaked, his own voice choked softly with emotion as his steps faltered.
Ruth took the initiative and approached the hunched, bald man behind the bar.

�We have a room booked under the name of Colly. If I might have the key please.�

�Tom passed her the key disinterestedly. �Room eleven, first floor, third door on your left.�
Ruth took the key, said thank you and move to her husband. The two hadn�t moved since she went to collect the key so she took his arm, nodded and smiled to the woman and steered him to the stairs.

Ruth held out a hand to the stunned, older woman as they paused at the foot of the stairs and led her to Severus� side.

Witch and wizard stared directly ahead as they climbed the steps, neither will to make contact with the other until they were behind closed door for fear of breaking down.
Ruth unlocked the door and let them in. �Severus, I need a cup of tea. I�ll be back in a while okay?� She knew he didn�t hear her as she closed the door softly and left them alone to head back downstairs to get herself a drink.
Minerva McGonagall stepped up to Severus and pulled him to her, holding tight with every ounce of strength she possessed. Then she stood back and slapped him hard across the face. She followed with another and another. Then she balled her firsts and beat at his chest until her knees gave way.
Severus stood and took it all, never flinching, not trying to protect himself, and only moving to grab her arms when she buckled. The he pulled her close, holding her as he�d never held her before, feeling her emotions wash over him. Her love, her relief, her anger now somewhat abated.
All Minerva could manage was �How.� And �Why?�
A light tap at the door and Ruth�s voice, a tray of tea and what Tom the bartender told her was the wizarding equivalent of whiskey. Three cups and three glasses.
Ruth served as Severus told Minerva what had happened that night and about his travels, then meeting Ruth.
�And now our eldest son Anthony is eagerly awaiting his letter.�

�And a fourth one on the way I see. Ruth, it is indeed a great pleasure to meet you my dear.� Minerva told the younger, and somewhat large bellied woman �Anyone who has done as you have, and lived to tell the tale, is in my estimation a most magnificent. special person.�
�I�m hardly that erm � Professor. I�m just a � �

�Minerva. You must call me Minerva, and do not dare argue with me when I tell you how wonderful you are. You have brought our Severus back to us, given a good and happy life, children. For that you have my undying gratitude child.�
Ruth felt herself pulled into a warm embrace, certain the taller woman would have hugged much harder were it not for the fact that Ruth was seven months pregnant.
The couple agreed to meet Minerva again in four weeks. By then the children would have left Hogwarts for the summer and Severus and Ruth promised to bring their children to meet the Headmistress.
Minerva craftily kept her fingers crossed behind her back as she promised to keep secret Severus� existence.
Thus when the family of six arrived at the gates of Hogwarts via Portkey, Ruth giving birth six weeks earlier than expected to a full term baby boy, they were taken aback by the crowd that awaited them on the lawns.
All the staff were there, as well as Hermione and Ron with their children. Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley with their offspring, Neville Longbottom Severus found to his dismay who now taught Herbology, and so many others the little family were overwhelmed with greeting, hugs and tears.

Severus was unable to hold his glare for more than two seconds, being completely out of practice.
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