Formidable Liaisons

Chapter 19/Epilogue

“I’d like to commend you two on a job well done.” Dumbledore said with his eyes
twinkling. “This potion will be a great assistance to the Order and wizard kind.”

“Iris is the one who completed it Albus.” Severus said, beaming at her.

“I couldn’t have done without Severus though sir.” She said smiling.

They hadn’t exactly kept their relationship a secret but they hadn’t made it
obvious either. Dumbledore did not miss the shared looks.

“It sounds like you are very complimentary to each other.” Dumbledore said
conspiratorially.

“Yes. I think we are.” Severus agreed and reached to squeeze her hand.

“Excellent. Excellent. Well, I won’t keep you. I’m sure you’ll be looking forward to
some time off now.” Albus said with a smile.

“I hadn’t thought about it actually.” Iris said.

“Certainly. That was one of Kingsley’s ideas. Trust me, you’ve earned it.” He
answered as he made his way to the door. “Oh and I do have just one little parting
piece of advice, if you don’t mind.”

“And what’s that Headmaster?” Severus asked.

“Loving and being loved is more magical than any potion or spell.” He answered
mystically.

Iris smiled at Analise’s previous words and realized they must have come straight
from Dumbledore in the first place. Who was she to doubt such a powerful
wizard?

“Oh believe me sir. I know it.” Iris answered slyly before he Disapparated with a
pop.

“I love you Severus.” She said when they were alone.

“I love you too. You make me a whole person, I can’t even remember what it was
like before you.” He said as he pulled her to him for a soul stealing kiss.

“Lucky for you, you don’t have to remember. Because I’m not going anywhere.” She
whispered before he lifted her in his arms as she squealed in surprise.

“Come on you tantalizing temptress. Let’s go make good use of our time off.” He
said lasciviously.

“Let’s go away.” She said suddenly as he carried her up the stairs.

“Where?” He asked.

“Does it matter? As long as you’re there.” She replied as she pulled him to her for
another kiss.

“Good point.” He said when they broke away panting.

“And to think, I used to hate you.” She said teasingly as he tossed her on the bed.

“Hate’s a strong word.” He said.

“Strong but true.” She shot back with a grin.

“Hey. I wasn’t that bad. You weren’t a dazzling rose either, you know.” He
answered.

“Two miserable grouchy ass people who don’t believe in fairy tales or love, meet,
fall in love and live the fairy tale. Ironic isn’t it. But I wouldn’t change anything.”
She said.

“I wouldn’t either.” He replied and sealed it with a kiss.