Heart\'s Journal

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Chapter 9: Coming Through
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Severus paced the entrance hall waiting for the school to get in to the great hall for dinner where the rest of the faculty will keep them until the incantation was done and Lissa finally stood in Hogwarts, whisked away to Albus’s office hopefully before Voldemort could sense her presence.

Severus slipped the mirror from his pocket again and whispered Melissa’s name watching her again as she dashed round her home gathering the final things that she could not leave behind. Severus was so nervous his palms were sweaty. That day had seen the reduction of no less that 500 points spread among, surprisingly, all four houses.

Just then a young Hufflepuff second-year came skidding to a halt in front of the Great Hall, “Twenty points from Hufflepuff, Mr. Quinn. Next time be punctual for meals young man.” Severus said silkily watching the young man’s eyes widen for a moment before slamming the door behind him.

\"Severus please relax, I don\'t know if there are anymore house points to be lost thanks to you.\" Minerva said a bit acidly to the visibly distraught potions master.

Severus spun around to retort but Albus interjected quickly.

\"Severus...why don\'t you take a few moments to watch Lissa in private where you will be uninterrupted and perhaps speak with her. I know it costs in strength but so does this needless worry and stress.\" This was said less as a suggestion tan oan order.

Severus huffed loudly a slammed out of the castle with his robes billowing out behind him. Looking into the mirror again he could see his beloved fidgeting with nervous energy. **Darling,** he said opening the connection between them. **Not much longer now.**

**Severus!** Her tones showed much relief. **Forgive me but...I\'m a bit frightened. What if it doesn\'t work? How will I live without you feeling you so close and yet so far away?** Feelings of loss, terror and despair flooded through her and therefore him even as she brought it back under a firm control and pushed them away. **I\'m sorry. I know you don\'t like a loss of control or weakness. I\'ll be good and control myself.**

**Sweetheart it is ok. It is natural to feel that way. You will feel better if you let it out. I have been coping the only way I know how, suffice it to say all four houses have had their house points decimated today.** Severus paused. **It will work. Once the portal is cast, I will come partially through and pull you the rest of the way. In a little while Albus, Minerva and I will begin the incantation and you will finally be here.**

At this he knew her pulse just increased dramatically. **Still, you need me thinking as clearly as possible. Gods! I am so nervous!** He heard her giggle suddenly in his mind. **You are so terrible! Taking all those house points! Severus! Bad boy!** This mock scolding came complete with a mental wagging finger and giggles as she evidently thought it more humorous than tragic.

*Yes, just now I took another twenty from Hufflepuff, a second year was late to dinner.** Severus chuckled knowing that making her laugh was making her for get her nervousness. **Albus is here darling. It is almost time.**

**You are too much Severus! Those poor st--** For a moment her mind went blank with panic then instant calm washed over them both as she sealed away her emotions for this very moment.

The seven chosen to perform this spell all silently gathered in the entrance hall. Albus was the last as he nodded to Flitwick and the others. The rest of the faculty would see that the students would finish dinner and then head to their rooms without disturbing the delicate and powerful casting that needed to be done in just a few moments.

For something to do Lissa looked at herself in her mirror. She was finally healthy again and had dressed for the occasion even applying a little make-up for those very important first impressions. For his sake she wore an emerald green silk blouse with a straight long black skirt slit clear up to the hip, black heels and stockings complete with garter belt. Her jewelry consisted of simple opal studs in her ears and a black silk ribbon about her neck.

Albus had chosen the place and time very carefully trying to use everything in his power and to his knowledge to make this work as it needed to and should. So much time and effort had gone toward this very day and he wanted every advantage he could in this very ancient spell. While researching this both his and Hermione\'s opinions of the old ways had gone up a few notches. The early witches and wizards had very practical reason for doing things the way they did and it wouldn\'t hurt the wizarding community to look back and remember.

The small group trooped outside. Severus, Minerva and Albus stood to the side watching the sun go down unmoving. The Golden Trio stood a little to the right and further back waiting nervously, they had been told their strength would be needed as well. Draco stood silently and in back of Severus waiting and unsure. His presence here was for Severus\'s benefit alone. He owed him that much whether this venture succeeded or failed.

Albus, Minerva, and Severus formed a triangle and began the lengthy incanon jon just as the sun sank below the horizon.

As the three began their incantation they felt the pull on their strength as the wind picked up and all in the vicinity felt the raw power. A howling seemed to infuse the wind a rend began forming in the doorway.

Lissa heard a knock from her front door and cursed her luck! Trick or Treaters no doubt. She looked through her curtains to see who it was. Police! Why is the world...? She went to the door and opened it a crack.

\"Can I help you gentlemen?\"

\"Ma\'am seems there is some concern in your family that you intend to hurt yourself this evening. We would appreciate it if you would cooperate and come outside so we can discuss this.\"

\"I\'m sorry officer...but I am in the middle of a movie and don\'t want to miss the best part. \'Rocky Horror Picture Show\' It\'s a traditional thing. I promise...I have no intentions of hurting myself.\"

**Love? Is there any way you could hurry things?**

With the completion of the incantation the trio pointed their wands at the door and jets of bright white light raced toward the doors. A swirling silver mist shimmered where the doors once stood.

**Darling the incantation is complete. I am coming through now.**

Lissa closed the door abruptly and whirled around picking up her sea bag swinging it up on her back before grabbing her purse.

Severus stepped up to the swirling silver mist and reached out to touch it rather than the hard barrier he felt before now it felt as if he was stroking silk. Looking once back at Albus he stepped forward.

The pounding on her door began and the police began their forced entrance. She could hear the wood cracking. She ran for the portal that she saw shimmering there.

Severus came through the mist and was looking into his beloved\'s eyes at last taking her hand in his he stepped back taking her with him.

The door gave way just as she was stepping through and the police from their perspective couldn\'t be sure if what they saw was magic or an alien abduction. They looked at each other and decided that they never saw her at all.

She stepped with Severus onto the grs ofs of Hogwarts clutching her beloved in a death grip. She looked about her a bit wearily. That short jaunt had been taxing on them all she knew and she leaned into Severus for comfort before turning to look into his beautiful eyes.

Her body suddenly flushed hot with longing as her hand reached up to caress his jaw line. She wanted him to kiss her so badly!

Severus smiled down at her and kissed her lightly on the lips. Only pulling away when he heard Albus clear his throat.

Grateful as she was to them all she groaned softly when he pulled away from her and was irritated to say the least at this interruption. She had felt herself melting in to his arms... his kiss and felt the wiry strength of his arms holding her so gently to him, aching for at least one hour alone with him. Still she kept her temper in check. *Be polite. Say thank you and see if you can drag Severus off to his rooms ASAP* *

\"Thank you all so very much! I cannot express my gratitude for all you\'ve done... Professor Dumbledore. Yes? And Professor Minerva McGonagall? And who are? Ah yes. They must be the \'Golden Trio\' I have read so much about! And who is this Severus? Pale blonde hair, ice blue eyes...Draco Malfoy? It is truly a pleasure to meet you all!” **How do we politely get rid of them or do we even bother with the \'polite\' aspect of things? Forgive me but...I selfishly want you all to myself for a while.**

“I am sorry my dear, I know how much you would like to spend some time alone with Severus but,” Albus said with a twinkle in his eye, “we have much to accomplish in a short time. Let’s adjourn to my office where Mr. Ollivander is waiting to fit Melissa with a wand. Also, we have some last minute details to cover before you both are summoned to your nuptials.”

When Lissa looked quickly at Severus he smiled at her, **Don’t ask me how he does that. Rather annoying of him isn’t it? But then again he is right dearest. The quicker we get the wedding over with the quicker we will be alone, in my bed.** Severus sent Lissa image after image of things he wanted to do to and with her. When her eyes darkened, he smiled at her with an evil glint in his eye. *Turnabout is fair play, my dear.**

He snaked an arm around her waist and guided her into the castle and up to Albus’s office.

Lissa smiled. Her insides were jelly and her heart was doing flip-fops but she tried to be casual. **Was I really that horrible to you sending those images? And by the way? Where is that collar and chains you promised me?**

**All in good time my darling, all in good time.** Severus teased.

\"Tease!\" Lissa said aloud. **You are so wonderful and beautiful to me Severus! I suppose I can wait a \'bit\' longer....but not too long.**

As they walked into the school and up to Albus\'s office he watched them carefully with a smile. Thank the Heavens this had not been a mistake! It was so obvious that she did love Severus heart and soul... and barely contained lust. He chuckled inwardly at that remembering some of his own past alliances.

Severus smiled as they reached Albus\'s office. Mr. Ollivander immediately assaulted Lissa.

Lissa was a bit timid and took a step back when he came forward so suddenly. In actuality she was not used to being around so many friendly people who were happy to see her unless they wanted something from her so she was taken aback.

\"No worries, dear.\" Ollivander said, grasping her gently by the elbow. \"Come here and let\'s get your measurements.\" In another moment he had his enchanted measuring tape snaking its way around her as he turned to the fireplace and began pulling long slim boxes through. \"That should be enough for the moment Donny. I\'ll floo for more if they are needed. \" There was a mountain of boxes next to the thing older man.

She may have been guided to where she could try out the wands he had brought but she stubbornly refused to let go of Severus. She was too new to this place and uncomfortable without something or someone familiar being right there with her.

Severus disentangled himself from her grasp and sat in a nearby chair. Sensing her fear and her need to be close. She needed to get over her fear now or the doings later that evening would be very dangerous indeed. **Darling, I am right here. I know this is all so new but right now we are with people who *I* trust. Relax and everything will be fine.**

**You don\'t quite understand. The Death Eaters attitude I am quite familiar with. That I understand and can deal with. This....this is something entirely different. I know of these people and I like them. I trust them....on a certain level but they....scare me. They don\'t hold back and they accept me. They aren\'t demanding anything of me and they\'re too.......friendly. It is disconcerting. Forgive me. I had not meant to embarrass you.** Her eyes lowered and she submitted to Mr. Ollivander’s fussing.

**Stop apologizing already!** Severus said, He continued in a softer tone. **Darling, you have not embarrassed me in the least. I do understand it took me a long time to get used to the unconditional caring of these people. You will get used to it in time. Why do you think I shut my self in the dungeons?** Severus smiled. He did know how she felt. It was the same way he had felt when he had first come to Hogwarts and began spying for the Order.

Albus walked over to Severus and asked softly. \"What is wrong, my friend?\"

\"Lissa is a bit overwhelmed at the moment. Could we have less of an audience?\" While Albus shooed the Trio from the room Severus walked over to where Draco had ensconced himself in a corner across the room.

\"Are you sure about her Severus? She seems a bit on the timid side.\"

\"Albus, remember what I was like when I first came to you? It is the same for her. She doesn\'t know how to deal with people who will unconditionally love her after meeting her for five minutes.\"

\"Severus, she has hardly had the life you have lead. Ah yes...I can see the familiar look in her eyes that I so often see in yours.” He sighed sadly. “Seems it will take some time. You are right.\"

Severus turned to his protégé. \"Draco, you understand now what I couldn\'t tell you about Lissa. If your loyalty to your father is still so great then I will obliviate you of tonight\'s events. If not you will always be welcome in my home if the need arises.” Severus looked searchingly into the boy\'s gray eyes, hoping for the answer he had longed to hear ever since the boy had come to Hogwarts seven years ago.

\"I helped you bring her here for your sake. You gave me back my life and my loyalty is to you...not the man who calls himself my father. She doesn\'t seem to have a lot of substance but if she makes you happy then....I have nothing to say. ”Draco paused a moment and turned to look at Lissa who was watching the exchange between her love and his student. “Other than...you had *better* make him happy.\"

\"Draco...I have very little skill in the areas of tact and diplomacy so I won\'t even bother trying. Our relationship is our fucking business. Not yours. I thank you for helping even though I was not really considered by you in this. No matter. The simple fact of the matter is that I am here to marry him... not you. So you have very little say in this. I think we actually understand each other quite well. Don\'t you? I see no need for hostilities but neither will I stand for interference from you in this. And now that we have the \'pleasantries\' out of the way... would you care to start this greeting of each other again?\"


\"Pleased to meet you then. Lissa, is it? Draco Malfoy, seventh year Hogwarts student and Headboy for Slytherin.\" He said moving away from the wall and extending a hand in greeting.

Severus looked quickly at Albus and couldn\'t contain a snigger. Soon the snigger became a laugh and Severus rushed forward and gathered this snarky woman into his arms and spun her around. Looking at Draco he said with a laugh, \"There Draco, now do you see why I love her.”

\"Yes. I do.\" Draco sniggered as Lissa was now looking at his teacher with an exasperated stare.

\"Severus Snape! How am I supposed to complete this truce if he and I cannot shake hands?\"

Albus chuckled. Severus released her after stealing a kiss. He looked over at a smiling Dumbledore and grinned. After a moment he realized he was grinning like a fool then twisted his face back into its every day scowl.

Albus shook with silent laughter, tears streaming down his face. Draco schooled his features to a neutrally respectful expression.

Lissa and Draco shook on things thusly burying the hatchet.

She went back to Mr. Ollivander to resume their perusal of the wands. She scowled for a moment as he looked at her with a shocked expression before schooling his own feature and turning back to the task at hand, finding the young lady a wand.

Lissa tried each wand that Mr. Ollivander handed her. It amused her at first that he would spout off the description of each wand as it was placed in her hand, soon though it began to wear on her good humor. She began to think that Severus was wrong that she had no aptitude for magic at all. She had tried all the wands so far and he had to floo for more. As her discouragement grew so did the speed with which the kindly man placed wands in her hand then removed them. Just as she was about to tell him to forget about it and that she didn’t need a wand anyway a wand was slapped into her hand and she felt a tingle radiate through her arm. She raised the wand and a stream of green sparkles trailed from the tip of the wand like the tail of a comet.

“Interesting, very interesting. Cedar, seven inches, Alicorn tail hair. Good for herbology and detection of poisons. Very interesting, indeed.” Ollivander muttered to himself.

Lissa smiled broadly at the sensations and the small show girlish delight illuminating her face showing an innocence that managed to survive despite what her life had been.

Draco walked past his Professor with a look that said he needed to speak with him privately. Draco walked to just outside the headmaster\'s office and waited.

After a few moments Severus followed. Draco began talking before the potions master could speak.

\"My father intends to have your \'bride\' whether you like it or not simply because you told him no and threatened him. You know how he gets Professor. He \'will\' have her at least once and preferably have her as a lover simply to piss you off. Unless she is really strong...she won\'t say no. They never do.\" Draco spat out bitterly. \"I made the mistake of taking a girlfriend home one holiday.\"

\"I\'m sorry for that Draco, I assume he raped her or used the Imperious curse, either way it is the same thing. Lucius could never leave well enough alone could he.\" Severus shook his head just as bitterly. \"It seems my old friend needs to be taught a lesson. Lissa and I will oblige him them.\" Severus\'s eyes took on a malicious glint. \"Draco you had better get back to your common room now otherwise the others will miss you and come looking where they should not.\"

\"You really think she\'ll say no? I\'ve seen him Professor! He\'s a predator of women and they can\'t seem to see or if they do they can\'t escape. I think they don\'t even want to! What will you do? She\'ll probably give in like all the others! I don\'t want to see you hurt by him. She will simply be weak....*him* I can\'t excuse! You are the closest thing I have ever really had to a father! I...I..\"

\"Draco, relax.\" Severus said placing a hand on the boy\'s shoulder. \"There are ways to get him to stay away from her and I believe I know just how to do it. Trust me Draco, I am not going anywhere anytime soon and Lissa is more Slytherin than you think.\"

\"I\'m sorry but my date was Slytherin as well. I hope you are not putting false hope in her. Goodnight professor.\"

Severus shook his head a little watching Slytherin\'s golden boy walk a way. Severus shook his head sadly knowing just how much this boy had to work through if he was going to survive outside the insulation of the Death-eaters.

Severus returned to Albus\'s office where Lissa was happily throwing green sparks around the room. He smiled for a moment before breaking this latest piece of news to the group. \"Well it seems that Lucius intends to have his way with my lovely bride. What do you say darling, should we teach him a lesson?\" Severus said with a smile.

Lissa raised one eyebrow as if to say \'oh really\', thanked Mr. Ollivander and went to her sea bag searching for something. \"I think I have just the thing.\" Smiling evilly.

\"Somehow, I thought you might.\" Severus said.

\"Does this mean I get some time alone with you now?\" She asked a smile playing about her lips.

Severus just shook his head, \"No, now you get to learn some magic. Albus, Minerva I do hope you have some suitably impressive wand waving for Lissa to learn don\'t you? If you learn it quickly you will get a gift\" Severus teased.

\"Really. And just what did you have in mind, love?\"

\"Ah ah ah, magic first gift later...\"

\"I want to know what I\'m working for Severus.\" Here eyes were smoky and hooded and he teasing became more intimate.

Severus just shook his head and crossed to an armchair sitting down at ease. He gave a pointed look at Albus that said \'get started already\'.

Albus quickly cleared his throat while Minerva snorted softly.

Lissa glared first at Severus and then at Albus. \"Shall we begin then?\"

Lissa wasn\'t sure what was worse...being across several universes and unable to touch her love or being in the same room and not able to be close to him. She suddenly decided that the latter was the worst and her irritation level rose a few degrees.

Albus and Minerva had decided to teach Melissa the Avis Charm. It was relatively simple and rarely used. With a simple focus of will the type of bird conjured could be any in existence. It was decided that the raven would be the most suitable for the occasion.

Lissa worked for two complete hours. At first nothing, then a few feathers. After a half an hour she had a single raven. At the end of the two hours she was conjuring a flock of fifty. The clamor of the raven’s calls was enough to make Albus and Minerva decide that Lissa had successfully learned the spell.

As the last raven took flight through the widow Albus had opened. Severus smiled. She would want her gift now. He sat back and waited.

She looked back to him watching for his approval with a small smile on her lips. She waited silently. He would either feel it worth the gift he proposed or not and she would not press the matter.

\"Well Melissa, do you want you gift or not.\" Severus was toying with a medium sized jeweler’s box. Severus rose and strode toward her. He stopped just out of reach

\"I merely wanted to know what it was...the curiosity. I know what I would like...but, I think I\'ll shut up before I muck this up worse than I have.\"

Severus smiled and handed her the box. He smiled when her eye widened. Inside was s Snape family heirloom; a gleaming white-gold v-shaped choker, simple and elegant. He lifted it out of the box and placed it around her neck. Touching his wand to the clasp he whispered. \"Compingere.\"

\"You are mine.\" Severus whispered in her ear still standing behind her. \"No one can remove this necklace but you, my darling.\"

Lissa gasped when he placed it on her neck. It meant more to her than he knew. He owned and wanted to own her. *Did* he know? Could he understand? Wordlessly she tou his his mind trying to convey...trying to see if he understood.

He smiled inwardly when he felt her presence in his mind. He knew what she was looking for, he couldn’t put into words the pride and joy he felt when he locked the collar around her neck claiming her as his own. He wanted her to want to be with him thus he would teach her the charm to unlock the necklace.

**There are...no words, Severus.** She turned around into his arms and whispered. \"Thank you.\"

Minerva stepped forward. \"Severus, are you sure that your... gift is entirely appropriate? I mean...really. A collar?\"

\"Minerva mind your own business. The \'necklace\' happens to be an heirloom. My mother wore it until the day my father died and then she passed it to me to one day give to my wife.\" Severus sneered, knowing Minerva couldn\'t and wouldn\'t say anything more if it was a family tradition. \"Besides does it look like Melissa has a problem with my choice of adornment?\"

Minerva\'s lips thinned as she watched Lissa look at Severus adoringly because she was given a collar. Didn\'t she realize that slavery was still an issue in the wizarding world? Still... they were to be married. There was really nothing more she could say.

\"Albus, will you be performing the ceremony before You-Know-Who does? Or are we letting him do it?\" The distaste of letting Voldemort perform it first was very evident in her tone.

\"We want Albus to perform the ceremony first, of \'course.\" Severus said. As soon as the words left his mouth he felt the familiar burning in his left arm. With a sigh and an apologetic look for Albus, Severus broke the news. Minerva quickly transfigured dress robes for them both and after summoning his Mask they were out of Albus\'s office and hurrying hand in hand across the grounds to apparate.

\"May I assume that we have been summoned?\" Lissa asked a little breathlessly.

\"Yes, sweetheart. Any last questions or concerns before we go?\" Severus asked her..

\"Anything I definitely should not say and....do we *have* to invite them over for the holidays?\" Lissa wondered if he were going to smack her bum right then and there for her humor but...she couldn\'t help it.

Albus watched them hurry across the grounds and wondered if Severus had taught her anything about Occlumency yet. If he hadn\'t....it would be a long night and he would have to replace his potions teacher.

\"You can say what you wish to any of the other deatheaters but with the Dark Lord always be respectful and flattering. Please try to keep all nice and good thoughts of the trio and Albus out of your mind. Voldemort will more than likely try to probe your mind. If he can\'t get in there will be nothing I can do to save you. If you can keep him only to your surface thoughts that is best.. Do you remember the Occlumency that we discussed?\"

\"Yes love, and I remember from the books what you tried to teach Potter. Do something for me please. I know your mind set switches when you go to these meetings. Make the mind switch now and let me feel it and get used to it. That way...I can have a similar mindset. Ok? Please?\"

\"Alright dear...\" Severus closed his eyes for a moment and slipped on his Mask. He felt his eyes go cold, devoid of emotion. His lips made a severe line and his posture straightened. The Death-eater had awakened. Death-eater eyes saw a woman ripe for the taking, a woman under his control, his property.

Lissa saw through his eyes and adjusted her thinking to his...despising Potter and all he stood for, the foolishness of continuing to fight the Dark Lord and healthy respect for said Dark Lord. After all, one should respect the power he wielded even if not the creature that he was. Yes, she was his and proud of this fact! She would follow him to the depths of Hell and back and not falter. It would not be allowed...she understood now and made this a part of he personality now as well, all of it. Yes, now she was ready.

Lissa looked into Severus\'s cold eyes...hers still filled with love for him but there were other things there as well. There was a vicious coldness for any, other than him.

\"Thank you, love. I\'m ready now.\" The exchange had taken less than 2 minutes.

Severus Snape, Death-eater of the inner circle, nodded. Putting his arms around her he let the power of the mark take them to Voldemort.

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Next Chapter: The wedding and SMUT!!!