Snape's Heart

Chapter Twelve

(Wedding Day Blues)

Dumbledore did not take the news of Julia and Severus' encounter all that well. He felt that Julia was taking a risk that put her child in extreme danger. Unfortunately, he recognized that the situation had been dire and she did what she needed to do. All they could do was to wait.

Until then, Dumbledore decided that Julia should go and visit a friend from the Order. He felt this person could help Julia with planning the wedding and preparing for the baby. And Molly Weasley was bubbling over with excitement. She was so happy for Snape that he had finally found love and she was also excited to have another baby around. Considering she had seven of her own she felt that she was quite an expert in that field.

Molly and Julia sat at the kitchen table at Twelve Grimmauld Place, where they had decided to meet and spend a few days shopping together. Severus was teaching her classes during her absence and she felt guilty sitting here drinking tea and enjoying the afternoon chatting with Molly. She felt that she should be at Hogwarts.

"Julia dear, don't fuss over such things. If Albus did not think that it was a good idea, than you would not be here. Just relax, you are going to put too much stress on that baby," she said, motheringly.

Julia hated to admit that she enjoyed Molly's tone. "I know... I just feel that I am neglecting my students." She sipped her tea and sighed, "I really did need a break, though. I tend to tire out quicker then I used to."

"See, like I said, too much stress on that baby. Well, why don't we go to Diagon Alley and pick out some nice items for your wedding. I have seen the loveliest white robes...," she was saying, but Julia interrupted.

"Molly, I don't want to sound rude, but I hate wizard robes. I would like to go to Diagon Alley, but while I'm in London I would really love to go to a bridal boutique," she said, trying her hardest to sound polite.

"Alright, love," she said, a little strained. "It is your wedding, we will shop anywhere you like." Then she changed her tone, "We will ask Remus to join us. Then I know that Dumbledore won't fret." She looked over Julia's shoulder to greet the gentleman who was entering the room. "Here comes the lucky bloke now."

"Hello ladies, am I interrupting something?" he asked, looking suspiciously at Mrs. Weasley's smile.

"No my dear, we are just planning an outing to Diagon Alley. We would like for you to escort us," she replied, smoothly.

Looking at both women and their big evil grins, he answered, "Sure, I could stop off to visit a friend of mine."

"Do you mean Beth?" she asked. "I'm quite fond of her, Remus. I think Beth and that little angel of hers, like you very much."

She turned to Julia. "Beth is a friend of the Order. She owns a night club in Knockturn Alley."

She looked back to Lupin, and asked, "Has she had anymore trouble lately?"

"I'm not sure. I haven't had a chance to visit her in a few days," he replied. Then he turned and commented to Julia, "Death Eaters tend to enjoy her singing. I can only visit her when they are not around."

"Geez, I thought I had problems," Julia commented. "Remus, if you want to bring her to the wedding, that would be great, her daughter too. Molly has insisted that we have the wedding at the Burrow."

Lupin's face lit up. "I'll invite her. Now ladies, if we are going to go shopping we should start moving out the door."

They all began to collect their things and as soon as everyone was ready, they apparated.

* * *

Later that evening, Julia was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Shopping was fun, but the reality of the wedding was beginning to take its toll. She decided to go for a run while Molly was preparing dinner. She loved to run. It relaxed her mind as she listened to the rhythmic sounds of her feet hitting the pavement. She enjoyed looking at the old buildings around her. Some of which reminded her of the brownstones in New York City. She missed the States, but she knew that this was her real home and she didn't want to leave.

Severus had just arrived at Grimmauld Place and went immediately to the kitchen, expecting to find Julia there. Finding only Mrs. Weasley, he was more than a little disappointed. He looked at the red head and very sternly asked, "Where is she? Tell me you didn't allow her to go out on her own."

Molly turned around to face Snape. In her calmest, most pleasant voice, she replied, "Professor Snape dear, she is a grown woman and can make her own decisions. While I may not agree with her choice to go running while pregnant, she deserves the right to do as she wishes."

Snape, unable to keep the sternness in his voice, collapsed into the nearest chair. He sighed, "I believe I am going to give myself an ulcer. All I do is worry, if not for Julia, than for Rose." He stopped to collect his thoughts, and then he continued, "How do you do it? Seven children and a husband, how do you not go mad with worry?"

Molly walked over to him, concerned that he had lost the venom in his voice. She replied, "Severus, all I do is worry. I've learned that they will do what they will. You can only protect them so much before it begins to drive you mad. Fred and George, obviously, are my biggest challenge. Even then, I just have to stand back and watch them in amazement." She smiled brightly. "It's what keeps me young."

Severus looked appreciatively into her caring eyes, a smile attempting to fit his lips.

Just then, the door to the kitchen burst opened and Julia jogged in, a bit sweaty and out of breath. She looked at the pair suspiciously and went over to the sink for a glass of water. "Did I just miss a Brady Bunch moment or something?" she teased.

They both looked at her as if she had lost her mind. She just shook her head. She was not about to explain.

* * *

After a quick shower and a delicious dinner they all retired to their rooms. Julia wanted to show Severus everything she had purchased, but she knew that she had to keep some secrets.

They were cuddled together on the bed. Severus was holding Julia in his arms and she had her head wresting on his chest.

"I was thinking," she began, lifting her head to gaze into his dark eyes. "I may use hunter green and silver as my signature colors. In honor of your beloved Slytherin. Does that work for you?"

"What ever you wish, just as long as it is not Gryffindor red and gold," he hissed.

She fought with the smile that threatened her mouth. "Well, Molly and Arthur are being very generous with allowing us to have the wedding at their home. Maybe a little Gryffindor red and gold wouldn't hurt," she teased.

He glared at her and she poked him in the ribs. "I don't think anyone is going to notice the color scheme," she scolded. "I don't think that is the reason why they are going to come."

She put her head back on his chest, silently thinking for a few minutes and then asked, "Are you going back to Hogwarts tonight?"

"Yes, love. I have to be back to teach for the last two days," he replied. Then he added, with a sneer, "Even though no one ever pays attention the days before a holiday."

"So, then I won't see you until our wedding. I love you, you know," she said, her voice trembling.

"I love you, too," he replied. Then he asked, "Why are you so sad?"

"I don't know. I think it is just hormones. I just don't want you to go," she replied. "I know, I know, you don't have to say it. I know you want to stay with me. I just can't help the way I feel."

Severus placed one long finger under her chin, lifting her face to his. He kissed her goodbye. She placed her hands behind his head and held him tight. The kiss was intense as their mouths melted together. They kissed as if they knew the world were about to end. Severus could taste her salty tears and pulled away, looking imploringly into her eyes. "What is wrong? There is something else, isn't there?"

"No, nothing else. I-I was just thinking about my Mom and Dad. They should be here. Unfortunately, Molly, that wonderful woman, reminds me of my Mom," she sighed. "You go now, I'll be alright," she said, changing the subject.

He left the bed, and taking her hand, pulled her to stand in front of him. He knelt before her and placed his hands on her slightly protruding belly. "Listen to me little girl, you take care of your Mum. Daddy will be back soon." Then standing again, taking Julia in his arms, he whispered, "I love you, my dear. Don't fret, next time we see each other it will be our wedding day."

She smiled at this and watched as he grabbed a handful of floo powder and vanished in a flash of green.

* * *

The next day Molly and Julia arrived at the Burrow with their packages and supplies for the wedding.

"You'll stay in Ginny's room, because she has that old full length mirror. Her and Hermione will share Bill's old room," Molly stated, as she dusted the ash and soot off of her robes.

"Molly, I can't thank you enough for all your help," she said, placing a hand on the older woman's shoulder. "I can't even begin to tell you how much this means to me."

Molly looked at her and saw the tears forming in Julia's eyes. "Dear, don't fuss, I know you miss your Mum. This is an important time in your life and you wish she could have been here to see it. I'm just glad I can be here as a substitute. Now let's get you settled and resting, while I start to get things ready. We don't have much time."

Julia smiled and followed Molly upstairs to Ginny's room.

* * *

Two days and a ton of work later and the Burrow was humming with excitement. Molly had invited all her children and everyone from the Order. The back yard was packed.

The day was warm and the sky a sparkling blue. Arthur had obtained a garden archway and Molly and Julia had decorated it with streamers of shear white fabric with ribbon accents of hunter green and silver. Severus had hired a string quartet for the occasion. Molly had made a beautiful towering cake and enough food to feed a large army.

Julia was up in Ginny's room getting ready. She had charmed her hair into a loose French twist with soft curls falling around her neck and face. Her dress was a white silk shift with spaghetti straps made of strings of pearls. A Vera Wang knock-off she found in London. It had a biased cut and came above her left knee and then trailed out behind her in a train. She couldn't find shoes that she liked so she decided to go barefoot, with only a string of pearls on her exposed left ankle. She also wore a double strand pearl choker clasped around her neck and a pearl band around her right bicep. Her veil was almost as long as her dress and came down to her ankles in the front.

She was standing in front of the mirror looking at her reflection; her back was to the door. She had her hands pressed against her belly, checking to see how obvious she looked, when there came a small knock on the door.

"It's open," she called, not turning from the mirror.

"Umm...Professor Lee? Professor Snape just apparated. Mrs. Weasley wants to know if you are ready?" the voice behind her asked.

Turning around quickly, Julia exclaimed, "Harry, just the person I wanted to talk to. Please, come in and shut the door."

Harry looked at her suspiciously, but did as she asked. "What did you want to talk about, Professor Lee?"

"Sit down Hon, I don't bite. I just wanted to ask a favor of you," she replied.

Harry took a seat on Ginny's bed, obviously more than a little uncomfortable to be in this room. He sat there eyeing his teacher, not quite sure what to expect.

"First off Harry, call me Julia, we're not at school. Second, I have wanted to talk to you for awhile now but haven't had the opportunity. You obviously know that Dumbledore and I are close, so obviously, I know all about what you have been through," she said. He continued to look at her as though she could not be trusted. "Harry, I wasn't brought to this school just because I could teach. I was asked here to help you. I have seen how fast you learn. You are a natural at Defense, and what you have done with the D.A. is amazing. Harry, what I am trying to ask is...would you want to help me teach my techniques to the class?"

He wasn't sure what to say. He didn't know why she would need help teaching. He sat there for a moment and then responded, "Why...are you ill?"

Julia closed her eyes and sighed, they were gonna find out soon enough. "I'm pregnant Harry. Pretty soon I won't be able to teach like I have been and I need someone who can help me. You are the best, and I feel that the other students really respect your instruction against the Dark Arts"

"Can I think about it?" he asked. "I mean, I want to but I need to think about this."

"I understand, take your time. It's a lot of extra work and you already have a lot on your plate," she replied. Taking in a breath, she continued, "I also want to let you know that Severus wants you to continue your Occlumency lessons with him. He told me what happened last year and I have talked to him about his irrational behavior. You are a teenager and well, that should account for some of your actions." She looked at him with raised eyebrows.

Harry looked a bit stunned at this information. "He what?"

"Listen, he is still Severus Snape, the grudge holding champion of the universe. I've been pushing him to realize that he should get over it. You didn't pants him, your dad did, and you shouldn't be punished for something that happened before you were even a gleam in your daddy's eye," she exclaimed.

Harry smiled at this, he really did like her, and she was a good teacher. She was always nice to him and his friends. He was always defending her to Malfoy, who seemed to have it in for her. "Okay, I do want to continue Occlumency. Will you be there?"

"If you want me to, kiddo," she smiled. It could just be her raging hormones, but she really did like this kid, and her heart broke at the thought of what he had been through. "Okay," she said, standing up again to look in the mirror and adjust her veil. "Why don't you go downstairs and tell Mrs. Weasley that the bride is ready."

He smiled at her and left the room, soon after she followed and was greeted by her Great Grand Uncle, standing at the foot of the stair. He was dressed in crimson robes that were adorned with gold moons. Julia smiled and thought to herself; leave it Albus to make sure that Gryffindor was represented.

"My dear, you look lovely, positively glowing," he complimented, as he offered her his arm. "Shall we go and get you hitched?" he smiled, with that twinkle in his eye as they walked outside.

* * *

The back yard was packed full of guests who were chatting away, but as soon as the string quartet began to play, they all turned to look at Julia.

At the end of the aisle stood Severus, dressed in soft, black velvet robes with silver trim. In her opinion, he had never looked more handsome than he did at that moment. He smiled when he saw Julia and she could feel tears burning the back of her eyes. She and Dumbledore were slowly making their way up the aisle toward the arch. Once there, Dumbledore took out his wand and Julia's veil swished delicately over her head. Then he took Severus' hand and placed Julia's inside it. He whispered to them, "Never let go."

Dumbledore than walked behind the couple, facing their guests. He was honored to be giving Julia away, but even more honored to be officiating the wedding.

He smiled at the crowd of family and friends and began. "It is not often, in this time that we are living, that we can come together to share such happiness and joy."

"Before you stand two people who, though they have known each other for only a short time, in that time they have lived a lifetime. They have endured such pain and have laughed in the face of adversity just to be here today. Come and be joyous with them on this day and share their love," he announced. Then looking at Severus and Julia he whispered, "Do you have the rings?" They both nodded. "Julia, you may say your vow first."

Julia took Severus' left hand and held it in hers. She slowly slid a simple silver band onto his ring finger. "Severus, you are the most amazing man I have ever met. You can make me infuriatingly mad and melt me all at once. You can say so much in just a flash of your wonderfully expressive eyes. Your silence speaks volumes and your passion burns me from within. I vow to you, my love, my life, forever." Her tears threatened to return.

Severus in return, began to slide a matching silver band onto Julia's left ring finger. "Julia," he paused and closed his eyes, trying to calm his emotions. "You are the most honest, sincere, reckless and outrageous woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You have the ability to bring me to such wonderful heights with just a smile. You have given me more than I could have ever believed was possible. I vow to you, my love, my life, forever."

Dumbledore smiled at his two 'children'.

"Severus," he continued. "Do you take Julia to be your bride? To be with her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish her for all the days of your life, till death to you part?"

"I do," Severus replied, his eyes never leaving Julia's face.

"Julia, my dear," Dumbledore continued. "Do you take Severus to be your husband? To be with him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish him for all the days of your life, till death to you part?"

"I do," she replied, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Good, if no one objects, I now pronounce you husband and wife," he exclaimed. Then he whispered, nudging Severus, "You can kiss her, you know."

Severus turned to face Julia. Taking her in his arms, he pulled her into a dramatic, yet gentle, kiss. All she could think of was how much she had missed him in just three days. As they turned to face their guests, Severus kept his arm around her and instinctively placed his other hand on her belly. No sense in keeping it a secret any longer.

* * *

Everyone was having a blast. The party was in full swing. Julia was walking around to all the tables greeting her guests.

"Remus, is this your friend you were telling me about?" she asked.

Shyly, he answered, "Yes, Julia, this is Beth and her daughter Zoe. She owns Black Ice. Maybe one night you and Severus could go there. I think the crowd might be surprised to see you."

Julia remembered their conversation from a few days ago about the Death Eaters frequenting the club. She smiled at his offer, "That just might shock the hell out of them. Maybe we will, before school starts up again." Then turning to the woman next to Lupin, "I'm glad you could come. Your daughter is gorgeous, how old is she?"

"She is about a year and a half," Beth replied, proud of her little dark haired beauty.

"She is so good, I hope I'm as lucky," Julia said, patting her belly.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry," the pretty, yet plain blonde responded. "By the way, Remus told me about your little problem with Lucius Malfoy. Speaking from experience, don't trust the bastard."

At that moment, Julia noticed the faint yellow bruise around the young woman's neck. "Did he do that?"

"Yeah, a little present because he doesn't like the company I keep," she replied, looking at Remus.

"Well, I'm not done with him yet, but I'll send him your love," she smiled slyly. Then she quickly changed the subject, "Remus, did you see Minerva? I think she's been hitting the fire whiskey a bit hard. She is dancing with Fred and George," she giggled.

"I saw, she's going to hurt in the morning," he replied, smiling. "Speaking of dancing, Julia, will excuse us. I know two ladies that need a turn on the dance floor," he said, as he stood up to take Beth's hand and lead her away while holding baby Zoe in his arms.

Julia smiled as she watched them walk off. She then scanned the patch of yard they were calling the dance floor. Hagrid was dancing with Tonks, Dumbledore with Molly, and the couple that made her smile the brightest was Arthur and Ginny.

She suddenly felt arms around her waist and she settled into the warmth that was Severus' chest.

"So," she began, leaning her head back onto his shoulder, "you still don't dance?"

"Well, I only dance with my wife," he replied, a smile playing on his lips. "But I don't think she would mind me dancing with you."

"Are you sure?" she asked. "I hear she's the jealous type."

"Well, let's not tell her," he replied, and twirled Julia around to face him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. They began to walk toward the dance floor when Severus stopped and grabbed his left arm, as searing pain coursed through it.

"NO! Not today," he screamed.

Dumbledore rushed to his side. "Severus, you know that you have no choice. Go and come back as quickly as possible before they suspect anything else."

Julia just watched. She was too shocked to speak. Tears filled her eyes as the realization of what was happening began to sink in.

Dumbledore looked at her and quickly said, "Molly, take her inside and calm her down. She doesn't need any extra stress."

Before Molly got to her, Severus grabbed her in his arms, holding her tight. He whispered into her ear, "I will be back before you miss me."

"I miss you already," she whispered back. "I hate them for this, they must have known."

"Don't worry love, I'll take care everything," he said. He kissed her and then walked over to Molly and Arthur and whispered something to them, then he disapparated.

Julia's legs gave out and she crumbled to the ground and wept.