Severus Snape A Soul Undiminished

Chapter 73 - The Order

Today was the fifth day since they'd arrived at Andromeda's. Sirana was surprised that she was able to keep Severus in bed—for the most part—for that long. Madam Pomfrey was right—he really needed the rest. He was still a little unsteady on his feet when he went got out of bed to use the loo. He was awake more of the day now though. Andromeda provided him with books from her library to stay busy.
Sirana brought him dinner, and she stayed with him while he ate.
"Some members of the order are coming here tomorrow," Sirana said. "Grayson said he's heard that there is still some activity within Voldemort's Army since his death. We need to make sure another doesn't try to take over."
Severus looked at his arm. His Dark Mark was starting to fade. "So, when you say 'we', does that mean you're staying with the Order?" Severus asked.
"Yes, I had planned to. Hopefully, not full-time. Especially once everything settles down. Grayson told me you were in the Order—before Albus died," she looked at him expectedly.
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"Yes. Very few knew. And now, it seems that we have lost several of those to the war. Do they know I'm here? That I'm alive?" Severus asked.
"Yes, Harry has told them. It looks like he may become a member himself, along with several of his friends. He also told them about what he learned from the Pensieve. What if they ask you to stay in the Order?" Sirana asked, hopeful that he would.
"That remains to be seen. The Order has played a pivotal role since their inception. I will hear what they have to say," Severus said, finishing up his dinner, then laying back in the bed, obviously weakened.
Sirana moved away his tray, then sat on the bed next to him as he continued, "I have thought about our future, Sirana. I've had plenty of time to think the last few days. I don't plan on returning to Hogwarts. That is no longer part of my future, even if it were possible. There is something I've been considering, and I would like to discuss it with you after the meeting tomorrow. I still need to think through some details, though."
He had successfully piqued her curiosity. She wanted to ask him more, but she heard in his tone that he wasn't ready to discuss it further for the moment. She also saw the fatigue that settled over him. She tucked him in and kissed his cheek.
"I've thought about it too. It is a little scary starting over— again. But it's exciting too, especially with you by my side," she said.
He smiled sleepily. "Albus told me once, that with you at my side, nothing could possibly come between us—or stand against
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us. He was an extraordinary wizard," Severus said, and fell off to sleep.
The next day, they prepared for the meeting with several key members of the Order. Andromeda had washed up Severus's clothes, and Sirana helped Severus change into them. She would have to arrange to get the rest of his wardrobe from Hogwarts, along with the rest of his things. She didn't have to worry about all of that now though.
She looked at Severus. He looked striking in his clothes, although she was getting used to seeing him without them.
"I will never again take for granted the ability to dress myself," Severus said as she put on his shoes.
"Just think of it as practice for fifty years or so from now," Sirana said, smiling up at him. She would love to grow old with this man.
He must have been thinking the same thing. "Fifty years will not be long enough to spend with you. But I will be grateful for every single one," Severus said, giving her his hand to stand.
Sirana smoothed down his jacket. "I will ask you in fifty years, and you'd better have the same answer," she said.
He drew her close and kissed her with a passion that proved his strength was returning. "I hope you still have your humor in fifty years," he said.
"I hope you'll still kiss me like that in fifty years," she replied.
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Sirana heard someone knock on the door, and they went out to the living area. Grayson answered the door and welcomed in the members of the Order. Arthur, Molly, and Bill Weasley were there, along with Hagrid. Sirana felt more at ease. She knew all of them well. Andromeda and Grayson brought everyone drinks after they were seated. Andromeda had already organized the seating area to accommodate everyone.
Arthur spoke first. "I think we all know each other, so we can skip introductions. I would like to remind everyone that the Order is just as important now as it's ever been.The Death Eaters are on the run, and we need to make sure none of them try to step up to take over Voldemort's army. We have agents, including myself, in the Ministry, and we need to help protect the integrity to suppress any further corruption. We will be gaining some new young members as well. My sons, George and Ron, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom."
"Grand," Severus said, and Sirana had to stifle a smile.
Arthur coughed, then continued, "We would like for you, Andromeda, to officially join us. You've been an asset to us all these years."
Sirana saw Grayson place his hand on Andromeda's, looking at her reassuringly.
"Yes. I will be busy with caring for Teddy, but Grayson said he would help, along with Harry Potter. But, yes, I will join you. My daughter would have been happy for me," she said, smiling at Grayson.
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"I'll teach her everything I know," he said. He gave Sirana a quirk of a smile at that, and she knew they would have laughed at the innuendo if company wasn't present. He settled on winking at her, and Severus gave her a sideways glance.
"Severus," Arthur said more seriously, "Harry has brought to my attention the role you played in his life, as well as the other students', and the sacrifices you and Albus made at a great cost to both of you. If you are interested in staying with the Order, we would welcome you back." Arthur turned to speak to everyone in the room, continuing, "Of course, Sirana and Grayson are already members, and they are always welcome. With Voldemort's death, our purpose will change, but we do not plan to disband. The best way to fight the darkness is to be the light, and we will make sure the light has a place to live."
Severus thought about the proposition, knowing it would be important to Sirana. She had found a purpose and a talent with the Order, just as she had with teaching. Even though Severus had been somewhat of a lone wolf most of his life, he had a longing to join forces with others in an effort to do something worthwhile. He had sought that when he joined Voldemort's army, to his own detriment. In its stead, his position at Hogwarts and his association with Dumbledore and the Order had filled that need.
"I would like to accept your invitation. I also have a proposition to make, and it may work to fill a deficit that I have observed over the years. However, I wish to speak with Sirana before I make the proposal," Severus said, glancing at Sirana.
"I look forward to hearing it," Arthur said.
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"As do I," Grayson said, and Sirana was pleased to see the look of mutual respect pass between Grayson and Severus. She heard a chorus of "Ayes" from others in the group, offering their mutual anticipation of his proposition. She offered her "Aye" as well, looking a Severus with a new awareness of the respect he must hold among the Order, especially now with the suspicion of his allegiance to Voldemort dispelled.
"Very well. It seems we are all on board then. We will send word if we need any immediate assistance. We will plan another meeting to prepare for our next mission. Kingsley is recovering from his battle injuries as well as a few others," he said, looking at Severus, who was growing paler by the minute. "Until then, if any of you need anything, just let us know."
"Now, where's the baby? I haven't had a chance to hold the baby yet," Molly said cheerfully.
As if on cue, the baby started crying from the other room. "I'll go get him," Grayson said.