Lost and Found...Love

Chapter 15

Guess What Everyone!

"That was bizarre." Harry shook his head as he walked back into the house.

"But fun," Anna added, putting her arm around Harry's shoulder. "How many drinks did Vernon have?"

"Just a few, but not too many."

"Ah, that explains a lot."

"You should have heard what Snape..."

"Professor Snape."

"Professor Snape said to my uncle."

Harry related the conversation and Anna roared with laughter.

"I've never know anyone who could slit your throat and make you feel like you were special for the attention, like Severus Snape can. You uncle honestly thought he was complimenting him? He didn't know he was slamming the way they'd treated you as a kid?"

"Apparently not. But he said he was creeped out by Professor Snape, which was the smartest thing I've ever heard Uncle Vernon say."

"Then he's not a dumb as I thought. Oh, well, let's join the party, shall we?"

X # X # X

Most of the guests were in the music room, with a lively discussion going on as to what all of the electronic equipment was for. Hermione and Gwen were trying to explain everything, but when Anna entered, Gwen grabbed her arm, and steered her into a corner.

"Bill Weasley wants a quick word with you, but don't be too obvious."

Nodding, Anna scanned the room and spotted Bill and Fleur in the corner by the rear window. Wending her way over to them, she raised an eyebrow as she approached. Bill leaned over and whispered into her ear, which caused a smile to spread across her face. She glanced down, and then looked up at them.

"No time like the present...just give me a minute."

Going over to Remus, she spoke softly to him; he nodded and left the room, returning with Professor Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Mad-Eye, Severus and 'Gran' Longbottom. He gave Anna a wink and she walked over and shut off the stereo. Holding up a hand to stem the chorus of protests, she cleared her throat.

"If I could have your undivided attention, please; Bill has something he'd like to say." Anna proclaimed, pointing to the back of the room. The entire group swiveled to look at the oldest Weasley son.

"Guess what, everybody? Fleur and I are getting married!"

Fleur held up her left hand and wiggled her fingers, showing off a spectacular ring. All of the girls squealed and surged forward to admire and cluck over it, wishing her and Bill the best. Molly was nearly choking her son and his future wife as she hugged them, each in turn, laughing and crying at the same time. Bill was also being mobbed by his brothers and father.

When the Weasley family finally calmed down, 'Gran' Longbottom spoke for the rest of Anna's guests as she approached the happy couple. "Congratulations William...Miss Delacour. May you have many happy years together."

"Thank you, Madame," whispered Fleur, blushing as the grand old lady kissed her cheeks and gave her a warm embrace.

"Yes, you two really know how to turn the fun up a notch," Anna added as she gave them both a hug. "I think we may have to break out the champagne early tonight. Winky!"

The house elf appeared, with Dobby in tow.

"Yes, Missy Anna?"

"Winky, we need some champagne, but not right this minute. Could you and Dobby set out flutes at each place on the tables, and then we can have a toast at dinner. Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour just announced their engagement."

Winky beamed. "Oh, yes, Missy Anna, that is an excellent reason. I is getting everything right away."

"Splendid. Hello, Dobby, I haven't had a chance to talk to you yet tonight. My, don't you look marvelous! Turn around and let me see if it fits you properly."

Dobby turned around slowly so Anna could see how nicely the ring bearer sized tuxedo jacket, that she had sent for Christmas, fitted him. The pearl gray satin with the matching velvet collar was just the right size but the mismatched socks he was wearing clashed so violently with each other, as to render Anna speechless when she tried to focus on them.

"Dobby wants to thank Missy Anna for the jacket she is sending him for Christmas. And Harry Potter, sir, look! I is wearing the socks you is sending me, too."

Harry had walked over to say hello to the house elf, when he saw his present on display in all their glory. He quickly suppressed the grin threatening to spread across his face.

"Glad you like them, Dobby," he answered in all seriousness. "I searched up and down Oxford Street to find just the right ones for you, you know. And thank you for the scarf you sent me, too. You're really giving Mrs. Weasley some stiff competition in the knitting department."

"I is glad you is liking it, Harry Potter. Oh, I must go help Winky!" And off he trotted.

X # X # X

Anna whispered into Gwen's ear, who turned, grinned at her, nodded and then headed over to the stereo equipment. Running a finger down the collection lining the shelves, she selected a CD and slipped it into the player.

"Dum-dum-dum-dum-da-da-da-dum...woo-hoo!..Dum-dum-dum-dum-dum...It's a Celebration!" Kay C and the Sunshine Band blared forth. Fred and George started dancing with Katie and Angelina, as the infectious beat filled the room, joined quickly by Bill and Fleur, Charlie and Tonks. Hermione dragged Ron out into the middle of the floor and Harry and Ginny looked at each other, shrugged and began to dance. Luna was pulling a reluctant Neville out of the corner as Anna indicated to the older crowd that they should move out of harm's way, into the hall.

"How about that tour of the house," she asked, over the din. "I think Molly, Arthur, Remus and Gwen can handle this lot."

"Quite, my dear," agreed 'Gran', linking arms with Anna. "Lead on."

Albus, Mad-Eye and Minerva followed them across the hall to the back parlor. They found Severus Snape chatting with Christopher.

"Hello everyone," Christopher called out, on seeing them, "running for cover or taking the guided tour?"

"Yes, to both questions, dear," Anna replied. "We're just starting the 'ten-pence' tour. Care to join us, Severus?"

"Delighted. We'll talk later, Christopher."

"Certainly. Think I'll pop across the hall and watch the fun."

X # X # X

"And last, but certainly not least, my pride and joy; the conservatory," proclaimed Anna as she led the small group into the glass enclosure.

"How lovely," exclaimed Minerva McGonagall as she surveyed the hanging baskets of ferns and rows of potted plants. "Very spot for an early morning cup of tea."

Peering through the glass, Professor Dumbledore surveyed the back yard and garden.

"The outside portion of your garden must be equally inviting - in the spring and summer that is."

"Yes, it is, Albus, but a bit bleak right now. It was Christopher's territory. I decorated the inside of the house and he had carte blanche with the gardens; here and at Briarwood. I, unfortunately, did not inherit my mother's green thumb. It's all I can do to not kill these ferns."

"Your home is quite beautiful, my dear." 'Gran' Longbottom settled herself on a bistro chair next to a small table in one corner. "I think your suggestion to allow Neville to stay here with you and our young Mister Potter for the rest of the holiday, to save me another trip to London, has merit. I'll send his trunk along from The Leaky Cauldron and I'll trust you to see him safe onto the Express back to Hogwarts."

"Oh, splendid! The boys will have a great time together and I'll see they behave themselves."

"I'm not certain who needs supervision the most, Longbottom and Potter or yourself," teased Professor McGonagall.

"Shhhh!" Anna put her finger to her lips and tried to look innocent.

"I agree with Professor McGonagall, Mrs. Longbottom. Anastasia needs as much, if not more supervision that your grandson, Potter and any of the other students here tonight, combined," Severus commented as he glided past Anna, but he gave her a wink.

"Thanks a lot, Severus, for that little vote of confidence." Anna rolled her eyes as everyone laughed.

"Oh, I think everyone will be just fine, Professor Snape. They'll watch over each others behavior, I'm sure." 'Gran' patted Anna's arm, reassuringly.

"Missy Anna?"

"Yes, Winky. I'm over here."

"Mr. Weasley is wanting to play with the pinball machines, Miss. He has found the games in the back parlor."

"Speaking of needing supervision." Anna shook her head. "Tell Harry or Remus to plug them in and turn them on for him, Winky. They know how the games work."

"Yes, Miss." The house elf padded off.

"Pinball? Well, perhaps we should inspect these games ourselves," suggested Professor Dumbledore.

"Let's!" agreed Minerva McGonagall.

"Augusta?" Mad-Eye offered his arm to 'Gran' Longbottom.

"Thank you, Alastor." The old lady smiled sweetly at the imposing Auror as he steered her into the house.

Severus grabbed Anna's elbow and held her back as the group wended their way to the stairs.

X # X # X

Turning to Anna, when he was sure everyone had gone upstairs, he dug into his pocket.

"I found something."

"What?'

"This." Severus produced a sprig of mistletoe.

"Liar. You nicked that from somewhere upstairs."

"Guilty. But...I understand it's dead useful." Raising it above Anna's head, he bent to kiss her.

Lifting her lips to his, she froze. "Wait! Someone's coming down the stairs."

"Let them. Kiss me."

"It's Gwen and Remus, they'll see us!"

"I don't care. Kiss me."

Gwen and Remus headed into the kitchen.

"It's usually right over..." She jerked to a halt as Remus grabbed her elbow. "What the..."

"Shhh! Look," Remus whispered, pointing through the breakfast room to the conservatory.

Gwen's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open at the sight of Anna and Severus kissing under the sprig of mistletoe being held aloft. Gwen spun around and looked at Remus.

"Did you know anything was going on between them?" she whispered.

Remus shook his head no, gave Gwen's arm a tug and pulled her back into the hall.

"He might just be getting into the holiday spirit," ventured Gwen.

"Severus? That's hard to believe, even having just seen it with my own eyes."

Gwen peeked around the corner, then looked back at Remus, smiling. "They're still at it."

"Humm. That gives me an idea." Taking Gwen in his arms, he kissed her. "Why should Severus have all the fun?" Remus took a peek around the corner himself.

"Or Anna," agreed Gwen, as she pulled Remus back and then wrapped her arms around his neck.

X # X # X

"Ah, hem!"

Remus and Gwen jumped apart, smiling sheepishly.

"You two should get a room."

Anna was standing there, arms crossed, tapping her foot, shaking her head.

"Look who's talking!" Gwen laughed.

"Nonsense. That was an innocent holiday kiss, complete with mistletoe. Not the blatant spit swapping you two were engaging in just now!"

"Spit swap...Anna!"

"Tut...Tut...Tut." Shaking her head sadly, Anna swept regally past them and up the stairs.

Severus emerged from the kitchen and paused next to them. One eyebrow went up. Remus shook his head.

"Don't say a word, Severus .. not .. one."

"I won't .. if you don't .. Remus."

Remus looked at Severus, puzzled and then nodded.

"Fair enough."

Severus held out the mistletoe, which Gwen took and then he followed Anna up the stairs. Gwen and Remus looked at each other. Gwen snickered. Remus shrugged.

"Now, where were we, before we were so rudely interrupted?" he asked, returning his thoughts to matters at hand.

Looking at the sprig in her hand, Gwen flipped it over her shoulder. "Sod mistletoe. Kiss me."

X # X # X

Dinner was declared a spectacular success and Winky received a standing ovation for her efforts. Bill and Fleur had been toasted, and dessert was served, although most took their plates and settled in different parts of the house to chat and finish off the goodies Winky had prepared. Before anyone realized, it was almost midnight. The entire group gathered in the music room to watch the countdown on the telly.

"Has everyone a glass of champagne?" Anna looked around, checking that all of her guests were ready.

"Might I propose a toast?" asked Christopher from his vantage point on the wall.

"Certainly, dear." Anna smiled up at her late husband.

Christopher walked to the front of the painting he was using and looked around at the gathered guests.

"Anna and I had a little tradition of dancing on Christmas Eve to 'Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas'; an old song from the 1940's. So, I'm going to use some of the lyrics, if you don't mind, for my toast.

"Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore, faithful friends, who are dear to us, gather near to us, once more. I know that, in a year we all will be together, if the Fates allow, until then, we'll have to muddle through, somehow, so have yourselves a very Happy New Year now.

"To all of our Friends and families, God bless and watch over us. May we all have a Happy and safe New Year. Cheers!"

"CHEERS!"

"Hey everyone, look at the telly! 10 .. 9 .. 8 .. 7 .. 6 .. 5 .."

Anna felt someone at her elbow, and without looking, knew it was Severus. He slipped his hand around her waist. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

"4 .. 3 .. 2 .. 1 .. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!"

There were kisses and hugs all around; even Severus was seen giving Minerva, Molly and 'Gran' a peck on the cheek. Fred and George had brought a small supply of fireworks which they proceeded to set off outside in the street, to appropriate oohs and aahs. The younger guests then renewed the snowball fight for twenty minutes or so, with the older crowd wisely viewed the goings on from the safety of the parlor and library windows.

Mission Accomplished

Winky had set up a light snack buffet, so the party continued for another hour or so. Finally the guests began to take their leave, reluctantly, but knowing the hour was getting very late.

"We had a marvelous time, Anna, and I know I speak for the entire Weasley clan when I say thank you," Arthur said, as the guests gathered in the front hallway, donning coats and preparing to leave.

"It was my pleasure. And I'm so happy Bill and Fleur took the opportunity to make their big announcement tonight. That was the cherry on the top of the party cake, as far as I'm concerned," Anna added, as she hugged each Weasley and their dates as they filed out the door.

"Harry, mate, you have to pop down to the Burrow. I'm stuck with four females this week, when Dad's at work. I'm out numbered, badly, and, besides, we could get in some practice with our slingshots, come to that."

"Neville's going to be staying here with Anna and me for the rest of the holiday, so we'll both come. Yeah, we'll take the Floo Network and spend some time down there with you. No problem," agreed Harry. "It'll be fun."

"Great. I'll send Pig after I talk it over with Mom and we'll get it planned for later this week. See you!"

X # X # X

"Now, you behave yourself, young man," admonished 'Gran', as she put on her gloves. "I'll send your trunk over first thing in the morning, and if I find anything at home you might need, I'll have is sent here later this week."

"Yes, Gran," Neville nodded, "I'll be fine here with Harry and Anna, don't you worry. And I'll go over to St. Mungo's and see Mum and Dad again before we go back to school, too."

"That's a good boy. Well, Anna, take care, and don't let these two run you ragged," instructed Mrs. Longbottom, as she kissed her hostess goodbye.

"Everything will be fine, 'Gran', they'll behave and so will I." She winked at the old lady, who chuckled and departed with the Weasleys.

Hermione, Ginny and Luna said their goodbyes and Ginny gave Harry a kiss before running down the stairs. Neville poked his friend in the ribs, but Harry just blushed and smiled.

X # X # X

Mad-Eye stomped up to Anna. "Thanks for inviting me, Anna. I can't remember the last time I was at such a grand party."

"Well, that's high praise, coming from you, Mad-Eye," Anna laughed, giving her old friend a hug and kiss. "Guess that means it was a success."

"Indeed it was, Anna," agreed Minerva McGonagall, as she and Albus Dumbledore made their way to the door. "We had a marvelous time, didn't we Albus."

"We most certainly did. Thank you, Anna, for a delightful evening," Dumbledore said, kissing Anna on the cheek. "We'll see you back at school, the end of next week."

"Certainly, and you enjoy the peace and quiet there at Hogwarts, while you can."

X # X # X

Waving goodbye from the top of the front steps, Anna closed the outside door as Harry and Neville went back into the hall.

"Come on Neville, I'll show you where you're sleeping."

The two teenagers took off up the stairs, laughing and chatting about the evening's events. Anna stood, leaning on the inside door, smiling. She looked to the entrance of the library, as Severus Snape emerged.

"Has everyone gone?"

"Remus and Gwen are still here, but they'll be leaving in a few minutes, I should think. Ah, speak of the devil."

Gwen and Remus were walking down the hall from the back of the house, arms around each other, talking, totally unaware of being watched. Severus took two steps backward and disappeared into the darkened library.

"Anna, we're going now. We straightened up the music collection and unplugged the pinball machines. Anything else we need to help you with?" Remus asked.

"No, thanks, you two. Winky has everything under control. She and Dobby are going to do the tidying up together. So, that's that."

"Happy New Year, Anna." Gwen hugged her step-mother. "Another successful party."

"Happy New Year, dear. And you, too, Remus." Giving him a hug and kiss. "Yes, I think this was one for the books, especially with the snowball fights."

"We'll not be showing up until way past lunchtime tomorrow, whoops, today. I'm planning on a long sleep-in, so you do the same, you hear," admonished Gwen. "You need to relax. You've been on the run since you got here. This is your doctor speaking. Get some rest."

"Right. I solemnly swear to pull the covers over my head and ignore all alarms in the morning. I promise, really."

Remus and Gwen stepped out into the cold night and went down the steps. Anna watched from the vestibule as they made their way along the snow covered sidewalk. She heard Severus behind her. Reaching for the switch on the wall, she turned out the light over their heads, plunging the small space into darkness. His arms went around her and he bent and nuzzled her neck.

Spinning, she put her arms around him and gave herself over to his kisses. They stood there for several minutes, lost in each other and totally oblivious to the world. Harry and Neville came clattering down the stairs, heading for the kitchen, but never noticed the two lovers in the darkened vestibule. Anna smiled and giggled, like a kid who'd just gotten away with something.

"I'd better take my leave, before we're spotted. I'll be missed, as it is, at the Leaky Cauldron, if I don't show up soon." Severus took his traveling cape off its hook and swung it around his shoulders.

"Nonsense, it's not a dorm and you don't have a curfew. Stay a little longer, please."

"Would that I could, but I'd be too tempted to throw caution to the wind and stay all night. That's not a good idea with Potter and Longbottom running loose."

"Well, at least you came to my house for a visit. Now it's my turn to visit you." Anna wiggled her eyebrows. "I'll have Remus see the boys onto the train, so I can come back to Hogwarts, say...next Thursday? We'll have Thursday night and all day Friday and that night, too. And Saturday night, as I know some of the staff will be returning on Saturday morning."

"That's not enough time, as far as I'm concerned."

"Don't be greedy. Besides, as far as I'm concerned, when I'm alone with you, we've got all the time in the world." She stood on tip toe and kissed him on the end of his nose.

"Planning on bringing a Time Turner with you, perhaps?" Severus' eyebrow went up.

"Don't be daft. You know you can't use a Time Turner for the kinds of things we have planned."

"Would that we could."

"Severus, you're a dirty old man!"

"Figured that out on your own, did you?"

"Putz!"

"Kiss me and than shove me out the door, or I'll ravage you right here, woman."

"Yes, Professor."

A long, deep, passionate goodbye kiss, and then Severus turned on his heels, walked out the door, down the steps and Disapparated. Anna hung her head and smiled sadly as she closed the outside door. Sighing, she lifted her head, turned the vestibule light back on and then went down to the kitchen to help the boys raid the fridge.

X # X # X

"Fifteen minutes visiting time only, Madam Malfoy. No exceptions. I'll return when your time is over. Please leave you cloak, purse, wand and any other personal belongings in this cabinet."

"Very well."

Narcissa Malfoy removed her gloves and put them with her purse and wand on the shelf, then removed her cloak and hung it in the cabinet.

"Your jewelry also, please, including your wedding ring."

"Is that really necessary?"

"Policy, Madam."

Narcissa gave the guard a withering look but removed her rings, bracelets and earrings and laid them next to her wand. She pulled the comb from her hair and shook out the platinum tresses that hung nearly to her waist.

"Is that sufficient?" she inquired as she placed the hair comb on the shelf.

"Yes. Thank you for your cooperation. This way please."

Following the guard down the long, chilly passageway, she shivered; not only from the cold and damp that pervaded the stone fortress, but from nerves. She'd only seen Lucius once since the trial and now the Dark Lord wanted her to deliver his message. And she had to hide that small leather pouch somewhere.

Lucius was waiting for her, standing beside the two wooden chairs that were the only furnishings in the small visitors' room. The guard stepped aside to allow her to enter.

"Fifteen minutes."

He closed and locked the door. His footsteps faded away as Lucius stood staring at his wife.

"Well? When am I getting out of this God forsaken place?"

"Hello to you, too, my darling," replied Narcissa. "I'm glad to see you are well. I've missed you," she added sarcastically.

"Don't get smart with me, Narcissa; it's unbecoming and we both know you haven't missed my companionship. For that matter, companionship is probably the least of your problems."

"You bastard. I didn't come all this way to listen to your insults. I get enough of that kind of snide abuse from the entire Wizarding community. If you think I've been basking in the sympathy of solicitous friends, you are sadly mistaken, Lucius. No one's attitude toward you, and by association, myself and Draco, has softened one bit."

"Speaking of Draco, where is the brat?"

"At home, suffering from a bad case of flu. He's had a rotten holiday, poor dear."

"Ha! Doesn't want to waste his holiday time traveling to see his father, more likely," sneered Lucius. "So...no one cares if I rot in Azkaban, is that what you are trying to tell me in your own subtle way?"

"Precisely."

"Any word from my Master?"

"The Dark Lord is going to rescue all of you."

"When?"

"I don't know. I've just been asked to give you instructions, which you will pass on to the others. Wormtail will tell you when it's to happen."

"Wormtail is here?"

"No, but he'll come when the time is right. He will give you, and the others, a ring to wear."

"Why?"

"The Dark Lord didn't feel it necessary to give me all of the details to his plan. He just needed me to relay his instructions. Put the ring on and wait."

"At least he's finally getting us out of here. Is he...still blaming us...about the loss of the Prophecy?"

"Well, he's not pleased."

They stood for a long moment, staring at each other, and then Lucius walked over to Narcissa. She raised her arms to put them around his neck, but seizing her wrists, Lucius pushed her back against the wall. Holding her hands fast against the cold stone, he kissed her hungrily, deeply, causing Narcissa to moan.

Letting go of one of her wrists, Lucius grabbed the front of her gown and yanked down, ripping the shoulder seam, exposing her breast. Lowering his head, cupping her breast and sucking hard on its nipple, he bit, making her gasp and sob.

Lucius stood upright, released her and began to undo his prison issue pants. Narcissa, staring at him with no expression on her face, lifted her skirt. He pushed her, roughly, to the floor, kicked her legs apart and dropped to his hands and knees. Stifling her cries with his mouth, he took her; brutally, swiftly.

X # X # X

The guard unlocked the door. "Time's up, Madame Mal .. foy"

But Narcissa had pushed past him and started down the hall, her arms crossed over her breasts, her heels clicking loudly on the stone floor. Startled, the guard looked into the visitors' room to see Lucius seated on one of the chairs with his feet propped up on the other. Lucius glanced over at the guard and then threw his head back and started laughing. The sound echoed down the hallway, taunting Narcissa all the way to the door at the far end.

When the guard caught up with her, she had her cloak on and was dumping her jewelry, rather unceremoniously, into her purse. Grabbing her gloves and wand, she turned and headed for the exit without a word to the guard, who followed her in silence. He never noticed the small leather pouch she had thrown between the cabinet and the wall. It lay in the shadows and dust, to be retrieved at the proper time.