Where the Heart Is

A/N: Well, here is the last chapter now. I thank those that have read this story, and I hope that you enjoyed it. This is my first fanfiction and the first major one I have completed. I greatly enjoyed writing it as it is so far my favorite fanfiction that I have written to date. Reviews and comments are very welcomed. I would like to know what people thought of the story.


Chapter Twenty-One: Where the Heart Is


Severus stood, looking at her. She looked so beautiful which her dark hair framing her upper body. Her skin was a pale creamy white and cool to the touch despite the fire coming from the fireplace in the room. “My dear Cassandra,” he spoke in a low whisper as he placed his hand against her cheek.

He noticed how peaceful she looked. He didn’t remember ever seeing her look so peaceful, even when she slept by his side those nights. They didn’t always sleep much though then. He guessed it was from worry. Everything was riding on her plan. She was the fresh breath they needed to continue on. They had gotten stale with a war that they were not winning. Their faith was placed completely on Potter, and besides that, they had no real plan. She came in though, making realize what was important and created a plan that had saved them. Of course, it helped that everyone involved did their part. She truly was a prophetess. He knew that she knew what was going to happen.

A soft sigh escaped his lips as he bowed his head, taking her hand in his. He had never expected to love her. At first, he found her utterly annoying. Plus, she was related to Sirius Black and a Gryffindor, which were two strikes against her right up front. Things changed though. She didn’t fear him. She treated him like an equal, not that he condoned that. He realized that she was an equal though. She also needed him as much as he needed her. She needed an anchor through all that had happened. He needed hope.

It was so wrong really. He was old enough to be her father. She was in his care in a way. He was supposed to make her ready for the Dark Lord. He was supposed to look out for her. Yet, he remembered that night she looked up at him. Her dark eyes were glistening with her tears as the rims were slightly puffy and red. Her eyes reminded him of a depthless pool of water with the stars shimmering. What he would give for her to open those eyes and look at him right now!

He lightly raised her hand to his lips and then placed it back down beside of her. He felt another presence in the room, and without turning, he spoke, “You don’t have to just stand there and gawk, Mr. Potter.” He turned his head, seeing Potter, Weasley, and Granger. He sighed heavily and glared at them. “I know she’s your friend. You may see her,” he said gruffly as he took one step back away from her to give them more room.

Harry looked to Hermione and Ron and nodded to them, taking the lead into the room. His gaze fell to his friend. She looked so pale, although he did have to admit that she was normally pale. He then looked at Snape, realizing that the wizard did truly love her. He had his doubts, even when she told him about the two of them, but he trusted Snape to take care of her. “Has she woken up yet?”

Severus shook his head. “No, not yet. Madame Pomfrey said that the poisons had cleared her system. She had lost a lot of blood though, so she said that it might take a while for her to wake up.”

Harry nodded. He had spent so many times in the Hospital Wing over the years, and he knew that it could sometimes take a while. Of course, everyone was certain that she was dead at first when she went limp in Snape’s arms. Madame Pomfrey was brilliant though and managed to save her. He went over, lightly touching her hand. “You love her, don’t you, Snape?”

Severus stiffened when he was questioned about his feelings toward Cassandra by Potter. “It’s Professor Snape,” he stated, reminding Potter that he was a professor still. He then looked at the young woman on the bed. “Yes, I do,” he admitted roughly, not looking at them.

Harry nodded slowly. “Then, she’s in good hands. Tell her we stopped by to check on her.” He turned, releasing her hand and going back over to his friends. “Let’s go,” he said to Ron and Hermione. He had made sure his friend was safe, which was actually good enough for him as he left with Ron and Hermione.

Severus pulled a chair over and sat down beside her bed. He had neither slept nor ate anything, and he was getting weary. He would not leave her side thouHe wHe wanted to be the one to be there when she woke up. Slowly, he took her hand in his and bowed his head lowly, resting his forehead against the back of her hand, willing her mentally to wake up.

Cassandra’s eyes slowly fluttered open. They took a minute to focus as she saw Severus there at her side. “Severus?” she said softly in a confused tone. She tried to sit up but hissed in pain at the effort.

He looked up. “Cassandra, you’re awake!” he said in relief. He moved and got another pillow for her, helping her into a slight sitting position. “How are you feeling?”

She smiled softly. “I’ve been better.” There was a sharp pain in her chest if she moved too quickly, but it was mainly a dull ache. She didn’t understand where she was exactly or what happened. Her last memories seemed to be in a complete jumble. “What happened?”

“A lot actually. The main thing is that we won the battle. Voldemort was completely destroyed.” He grew very serious as he looked at her. “I almost lost you.”

She gently squeezed his hand, realizing that she was truly alive. “I know you did. I thought you were.” She didn’t understand how she could have lived, especially after what her father said. “How long have I been asleep? What has been going on?”

He felt a comfort in her squeezing his hand. “You were asleep for over a day. A lot has happened from what Albus tells me. The whole wizarding world is celebrating the victory. Potter’s getting an Order of Merlin, First Class.” He then smiled. “Albus said that I’m getting an Order of Merlin, Second Class. I always wanted an Order of Merlin, and I’m finally getting it.”

She smiled warmly. “Congratulations!” She was so happy for him. “You deserve it. You have done so much for the cause, especially with spending all that time as a spy.”

He nodded slightly. “All of our crimes have been forgiven by the wizarding community, since we both helped save the wizarding world. It couldn’t have been done without you.”

She blushed lightly at the compliment as she was glad that her sins had been forgiven by the community at large. She only hoped that she could forgive herself eventually. “I did what had to be done. I’m just thankful it worked. What about the casualties? What happened?”

“There were some injuries on our side. Everyone that was injured was easily taken care of. We suffered no casualties in the actual battle. I hear that they had the Longbottoms’ funerals today. As for the Death Eaters, there were a few casualties, including Lucius.” He suddenly realized that that entire pureblood wizarding family was completely decimated, since Lucius and Draco died. They were the last Malfoys. It was a shame, but they knew the risks. He was actually glad Lucius was not able to haassaassandra. “Most of the Death Eaters were rounded up and are waiting trial. A few have managed to escape and aurors are still looking for them. I don’t see them being a threat though.”

She nodded thoughtfully. Everything had worked as planned for the most part. There was something else that was not being spoken that had to be addressed. “What about us?”

He looked at her. He was dreading this. A lot had happened to her, and he wasn’t certain if she would still want him after this. “What do you want?”

She bowed her head slightly, thinking about it. “I think I need some time. My life has changed so much in the year and half since I came to England. I need time to regroup and find my place in this world. I’m not ready to get married or have children or anything to that scale.” She slowly looked at him. “There is one thing I know for certain though. I love you. I want to stay with you. I just need time to figure out everything else.” She reached up, touching his cheek. She could feel the stubble on it from where he hadn’t shaved in a couple of days. “You need time to find your place too. This war has consumed your life for so many years, Severus. What do you want?”

Severus looked at her, slightly leaning his cheek against her hand. “You are right, Cassandra. We both need time to adjust.” He moved and kissed the palm of her hand gently. “I love you and want to still be with you though.” He was so afraid still that she would reject him.

“Good. I don’t want to lose you.” She then laughed slightly, realizing how odd it was for them to be together.

“What’s so funny?”

“Oh, I was just thinking. You know that you are old enough to be my father.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that.”

She smiled. “I don’t mind though. I actually always liked older men better. I never would have thought that all of this would have happened. I never could have been so strong without you though.”

He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips. He believed that some things did happen for a reason. “You are strong actually. More than you know.” A soft smile that he reserved only for her played on his lips. “I’m glad you like older men.”

She laughed lightly as she slightly winced at the pain that went through her because of it. “Where am I?” she asked, not quite recognizing her surroundings yet.

“Hogwarts. Home,” he told her.

She slowly nodded. She was so glad that he was here with her. She didn’t want to wake up alone. Yet, there was something she didn’t understand. Her visions nev never been wrong. Her father specifically stated that she was going to go home. She had assumed he meant that she was going to die, but it slowly dawned on her. She had been at places, and she realized that a house didn’t necessarily make a home. Hogwarts in a way had become a sort of home to her, but there was more than that. A soft smile danced on her lips as she understood. A silly welcome mat saying came to her mind, and she realized that it wasn’t as silly as it use to seem. Her gaze rose to meet his as she slowly nodded. “Yes, home.” She truly was home as long as she was with him. Her hand slightly touched her chest before reaching out to touch his. She rested her hand there, able to feel the steady beating of his heart. “Home,” she stated again, feeling a peace fall over her that had not been there since she came to England. Her voice fell to barely a whisper as she looked at him steadily, “Where the heart is.”


The End


A/N: Again, I hope everyone enjoyed and thank you for reading. Please review!!!