Albus returned just in time to hear Severus say "Always" and then he and Lily shared a joyous and happy embrace. Albus smiled. He was delighted that Severus and Lily had rebuilt their friendship. James was watching them hug. No one was looking at the happy, reunited pair anymore. They were looking at him. Sirius and Remus looked concerned. Tonks looked away as it seemed so odd to her that Severus would smile, let alone show love and care for another person. But James, although cynical at first towards Severus hugging his wife so passionately, allowed his love for Lily and respect for her love for Severus to overcome his angry feelings. He also decided that if Severus was going to be around Lily more often now, he would have to befriend his old nemesis.
Albus eyed them all very closely and when Severus and Lily came apart, he broke the awkward silence with a very pleasant and curiously excited voice.
"Well, now that we're all here and happy at last," he said, "There are some people here who would like to meet you all."
Lily and Severus gasped with delight at Albus' return. She and her friends looked very curious, but felt excitement, except Severus. He was unsure if these people would take too kindly to his presence. Albus saw the nervousness in his face, but ignored it. He knew that he had explained things to some of these people.
"Shall we proceed to the Great Hall?" he said.
Albus led the way back into the Great Hall and Severus and the others saw several familiar faces. Standing there where Albus had come in before were several lost fighters against Voldemort; Fred Weasley, Alastor 'Mad Eye' Moody, Cedric Diggory and Dobby the House Elf.
Remus and Tonks rushed to Fred, whom looked far from happy, which was of course understandable, as he had lost his family, including his twin George behind. They sat him down for comfort. Sirius shook a less deformed Mad Eye warmly by the hand. His magical eye was still in place. Severus overheard him say proudly, "More useful than the original ever was." Cedric and Dobby stood back as did Severus and Peter as everyone was happily reuniting with each other.
Albus decided to interrupt.
"I'd like you all to meet Cedric Diggory, the poor boy to first fall victim to Voldemort on the night of his return. He now lives in Heaven at his old home where he has been kept company by his parents, or at least his childhood memories of them. But I'm certain he'll see the real things again soon." Albus patted a slightly saddened Cedric on the shoulder, then turned to Dobby.
"This young elf here, who I'm sure James and Lily will recognise through the Mortal Glass, is Dobby. He died saving Harry and his friends from the clutches of Voldemort at Malfoy Manor. He is much missed, I daresay, by those people who are forever in his debt." said Albus.
Lily walked up to Dobby and happily welcomed him. "Thank you for saving my son, Dobby." she said kindly.
Dobby squeaked excitedly, "Mrs Potter, such an honour it is to meet you. Dobby is always grateful for Mrs Potter's son's care and generosity towards Dobby." He bowed courteously. Lily grinned and was pleased that Dobby was a friend.
Severus showed some hate towards Dobby naming Lily "Mrs Potter." He was still angered and upset at how she was not "Mrs Snape" instead, but he was determined not to dwell on this tonight. He could now talk to Albus about what to do, but he was unsure if anything else could be done. Lily still loved James and couldn't choose between the two.
"Now," said Albus, "Now that we're all here together, may we have permission to dine with you all here tonight?"
"Of course." said Lily and Remus.
"Sure." said SIrius and Peter.
"No complaint from me." smiled James.
"It'll be great." added Tonks.
