𝑭𝑳𝑶𝑾𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑰𝑵 𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑯𝑨𝑰𝑹 - Severus Snape

TWENTY EIGHT

28|FAMILY DINNER

Willow paced their bedroom floor, chewing at her nails as she debated everything that could possibly go wrong at dinner. She had neglected to tell her parents that she was dating Severus but now she had to reveal their engagement.

He sat on the edge of their bed, watching her with amusement. He reached out, grabbing her hand and stopping her in her tracks. His lips pressed against her ring, reminding her they were in this together.

"We can cancel." Severus suggested, pulling her on to his lap and wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her tight against his chest. "It's not too late."

"You can never cancel on my parents." Willow stared at him wide eyed, imaging the many howlers she would receive from her parents for cancelling last minute. "I would rather face the Dark Lord without my wand then cancel on my parents."

"What's really bothering you?" He grumbled, his hold on her loosening as he suddenly became insecure. He mentally questioned if it was really about introducing him, a half blood, to her pureblood parents. What if they didn't think he was good enough? What if they tried to stop her from marrying him? What if they found out about his feelings towards Lily?

"I've never seen you this agitated." He swallowed down his guilt and pride, briefly glancing up to meet her stare.

"James and Pads are there tonight and I don't want them to be mean." She let out a deep sigh, stroking her fingers along his jaw and forcing him to face her. "I'm not ashamed of you, Severus. I want to marry you because I love you. I want you to join my family and feel welcomed."

"I had to deal with your brother and his dimwitted friends throughout Hogwarts and I managed to survive. I think I can suffer through a dinner if it means I can get your parents approval." Severus reassured her, staring into her deep green eyes lovingly. He reached up, pushing a strand of curled hair behind her ear. "If you're by my side I could face the Dark Lord without my wand." His voice was low as he spoke, a looming fear hidden deep within his eyes.

"I hope that never happens." Willow placed a gentle kiss on the corner of his lips, sliding off his lap to try and find her heels. "We better go to my parents now. Early is on time, on time is late and late is embarrassing."

"Family moto?" He chuckled at her statement, standing up slowly and following her to the fire place. "Are you sure you want to go?"

"Not one bit." She offered him her hand, holding on to him time as they traveled to the famed Potter mansion.

Willow froze as she heard her mother's booming voice, taking in a deep breath as she prepared for their family dinner. Severus placed a comforting hand on her lower back, glancing around at the large study. His nerves slowly creeped into his head, everything that could possibly go wrong playing in his mind.

"Mother." The youngest Potter entered the room, her green eyes brightening as she stepped forwards, embracing the older woman. "How have you been?"

"I'm much better now that my beautiful daughter is here." Euphemia beamed, holding her daughter close before turning her attention to the awkward man in the doorway. "You must be Severus. It is so lovely to finally meet you."

"Fleamont Potter." Her father moved forwards, offering the young man his hand in greeting. "Thank you for taking care of my little willow tree."

"Father." Willow rolled her eyes at her father's pet name for her. "Please don't be embarrassing. That also means no baby photos."

"I'll show you them when she isn't looking." Fleamont chuckled, winking at Severus before leading them towards the dining room. "James, your sister is here with her partner. Behave. Both of you."

"I'm always on my best behaviour." Sirius grinned widely, standing up to greet Willow. He opened his arms, embracing his adoptive sister quickly. "Damn, Queenie. If I knew you would become this beautiful I would of joined the family years ago."

"Oh, ha ha." She shook her head at his comment. Willow moved away from him, spotting James and Lily talking amongst themselves. "How are the happily married couple?"

"Not murdered one another yet." Lily laughed, smiling at Severus as he trailed after Willow to a chair. "But we are still in the early stages."

"You got married?" Severus spoke up, his eyes filled with hurt as he stared at Lily. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, Sev."

Sirius and James shared a look, both noticing the hesitation Severus subtly displayed when talking with the ginger girl. James huffed in annoyance, knowing he can't spoil his sister's announcement.

"So, dear, what was so important that you wanted to discuss over dinner?" Euphemia questioned her daughter, picking up her spoon to consume the bowl of soup placed in front of her. Her eyes trailed down to Willows stomach, raising a brow curiously.

"Oh, well, Severus and I had something important to tell everyone." Willow cleared her throat, her hand subconsciously searching for Severus's. "We're getting married."

"Welcome to the family, son!" Fleamont stood up excitedly, shaking Severus's hand enthusiastically.

"Oh my, I'm so happy for you both!" Euphemia stood up to hug her daughter and shake her future son-in-law's hand. "Our family just keeps growing."

"Congratulations." James swallowed back his complaints, placing a fake smile on his lips as he looked at the happy pair.

"So, how did he propose?" Sirius asked, a mocking tone in his voice as he tried to hold back his snide comments.

"I kind of ruined his proposal."