Finding Severus (A Severus Snape Story)

Chapter 19

As the couple touched down at Chateau lePrince Severus bellowed, "Neder!" 

Neder popped into the foyer where Severus had run half way up the staircase. "Sir is ok?" Neder asked worriedly. 

Daphne was near panic, "Severus what is it?" 

Severus ran back down the stairs stopping in front of Neder, "Neder, I need a bowl. Now." Severus hurried into the sitting room, hardly able to contain himself. Daphne followed anxiously, "Severus, are you alright? What on earth is the matter?"

Neder placed the bowl on a table. Severus took off his coat and rolled up his left sleeve exposing the faded Dark Mark, "I had a thought when I saw the fountain at Beauxbatons. The waters there are the same that flow down to Lourdes. It is just a notion. I'm not putting a lot of hope in it but maybe, just maybe..." Severus positioned his bare arm over the bowl and raised the flask. 

Neder stopped him, "Sir says he has little hope. Perhaps Sir should be more positive. Hope is a powerful thing. Neder is hoping too." 

Daphne added, "Me too. My heart is full of hope, my darling." 

Magic flickered around the room. Severus nodded, "Ok, here's hoping." As he poured the water over the Dark Mark he felt a tingling. Then a burning. Then a bright glow flashed on his forearm over the Dark Mark and disappeared in a puff of white smoke. 

"It's, it's gone," Severus whispered. 

"IT'S GONE!" he shouted as he grabbed Daphne around her waist and lifted the laughing woman off her feet. Twirling her around the room, he kissed her repeatedly. Neder danced about gleefully.

Severus finally collapsed into a chair, Daphne falling on top of him, "Champagne, please, Neder" he commanded respectfully. 

Daphne pulled her legs up across Severus' lap, "You brilliant magical man!" 

Severus shook his head, kissing her, "It was you and Neder and your 'Hope'. That was the magic." 

Neder popped in with the champagne. As Severus filled the glasses, Neder stood straight, hands folded in front,

"Hope is the thing with feathers

by a Miss Emily Dickinson,

'Hope' is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -

And sore must be the storm 

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -

I've heard it in the chillest land -

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me."

Severus and Daphne applauded as Neder bowed, blushing. "Wonderful, Neder," Severus exclaimed. Neder smiled and with a soft 'pop' vanished. 

Daphne kissed Severus on the cheek, "I'm so happy for you, darling." 

Severus kissed Daphne long and deep. Gathering her into his arms he bounded up the stairs to their room. The luster of silk and sateen fabrics, in their 50 shades of green, beckoned like a siren's song. Severus and Daphne sunk down into the plush bedding. A wave of his hand dismissed their clothes. They rolled and rocked, quaked and quivered, savouring each other. Lying exhausted, their limbs entwined, they fell asleep.

Neder set out dinner in a gazebo on the western side of the property. It overlooked the vineyards and the Garonne river beyond. Sunset brushed the sky with orange, pinks, reds and purples. The gazebo was draped in climbing white roses with their glossy green leaves and vines nearly covering the entire structure. Candles danced. 

Daphne sighed, "Severus, thank you. This has been the most enchanting weekend. I'm sorry it's ending." 

Severus' black eyes shown sadly, "Does it have to end, Daphne?" 

Daphne dared to believe, "Severus, what are you saying?"

Severus thought, 'in for a penny in for a pound'. He proceeded, "Daphne, I realize we've only known each other a very short time." 

He took a great gulp of wine, "Before, I never knew who I was. I wasn't anything...inside. I was abused by my father and resented by my mother. I was bullied by my peers. There was nothing but pain inside. I built walls to keep the hurt out. I made bad decisions out of anger, frustration and naiveté. I became a bully for my own protection and then as part of my cover. Eventually I began to feel that I truly was that bitter, mean, horrible person.

 After I was given a second chance I didn't have to be...I don't want to be...that person anymore. I want to be a good man. I found that good man in me the moment I met you. In finding you, I've found myself. I know it's sudden, but," Severus rose from his chair and knelt beside Daphne, "Daphne, will you have me as your husband?" 

Tears streaming down her cheeks Daphne nodded, "Yes, Severus, oh Yes". 

Chateau lePrince lit up, cheers, celebration and fireworks exploded into the night sky. Severus and Daphne laughed, shaking their heads, "Neder", they said simultaneously. 

They embraced, kissing deeply.