Meeting Grandmother Prince

We stood about a hundred yards from the Dublin home. The front walk was flanked by a very pretty yard with gorgeous flowers. The house was impressive, but it didn't feel imposing. I let out a sigh of relief. Severus laughed.

When we reached the door, Severus knocked, and a very old house-elf opened the door.

"Good afternoon, sir." The elf bowed politely. "Who shall I say is calling?"

"Severus Snape and Elizabeth Prewett," Severus said politely. "Lady Prince is expecting us for the weekend."

"Master Severus!" the elf squeaked, clearly excited. "You are all grown up now, sir."

Severus looked at the elf quizzically for a moment. "Jiffy?"

The little elf let out a small squeal. "Yes, sir! You remembered. Please, come in, Master Severus and Miss Prewett. Lady Evelyn is expecting you."

He led us to a small sunroom at the back of the house. An elderly woman sat by the window; she was working on needlepoint of some variety.

Jiffy cleared his throat.

The woman stood and made her way over to her grandson. She was tall and thin with gray hair pulled back in a bun. She put me in the mind of Minerva McGonagall, but she was not as severe looking.

"Severus, I am so glad you could visit. It has been too long. Let me look at you. You are a grown man now." She leaned forward and gave him a warm hug. She turned to me and spoke politely. "You must be Healer Prewett."

I smiled. "It is lovely to meet you, Lady Prince. Thank you for inviting us."

"Oh, young lady, Lady Prince was my mother-in-law. Please, call me Lady Evelyn or just Evelyn." Her smile was welcoming, but I could feel her appraising me.

"Thank you." I smiled. "Please, call me Elizabeth."

"Wonderful," she said, and she leaned forward and gave me a gracious hug as well. "Now, I would show you to your rooms, but they are upstairs. I'm 90 years old, and those stairs are less than friendly on my old joints. I moved my rooms to the main floor years ago. Jiffy will show you to your rooms. Elizabeth, yours is the first door to the left of the stairs; Severus, yours is the first one on the right." We both nodded.

"Please go settle in. I will give you a tour when you are finished, and then I would like it if you would have tea with me."

We turned to follow Jiffy upstairs. "Which bags are the lady's?" the elf asked. Severus pointed to my bag. The elf snapped his fingers, and both bags disappeared. He then led us back through the house and up the staircase.

I turned left at the top of the stairs and entered my room. Like the rest of the house, the room was comfortable and inviting, elegant without being ostentatious. I was beginning to think this whole "Prince Line" business was more bark than bite. I removed my clothes from the bag and cast a Wrinkle Removing Charm on them before hanging them in the closet.

After a few minutes, there was a knock on my door. Severus stood on the other side. "I'm going to go downstairs and visit. Join us when you are ready."

"I'm basically ready now," I said, "but if you would like a few minutes to catch up before I join you, I can make this take a bit longer."

He laughed. "I think that would be a good idea. I would like her to speak freely for a bit. It will be easier to gauge her true feeling that way." He leaned in and kissed my cheek and then turned and went downstairs. I finished putting my clothes away and then unloaded my toiletries in the bathroom. I waited about fifteen minutes before I started downstairs. I was trying to balance between giving them ample time to chat and not appearing too high maintenance.

As I reached the parlor, I stopped to gather myself. I heard Severus say to his grandmother, "At first it was shame at the fact that I had become a Death Eater, even after I turned to Dumbledore's side. Between the wars, well, I have no excuse, other than it had been so long and felt awkward. Recently, the danger to you would have been too great."

"I understand, Severus. Truly, I do. I'm just glad you are here now."

I took a breath and rounded the corner. Severus stood. I smiled and nodded.

"Is everything comfortable in your room, dear?" Evelyn asked kindly.

"Yes, thank you. Your home is lovely and inviting."

"Well, thank you for the compliment. It's one of the smaller homes of the estate, but it is my favorite. The others are just too large for one person. Even this one is a lot to take care of for Jiffy. But, anyway, I promised you both a tour." She stood and led us from the room.

The house was charming, roomy without being wasteful. Evelyn had moved her rooms to the main floor, transfiguring the drawing room into the master suite. There were two sitting rooms with fireplaces, a comfortable eat-in kitchen, a good-sized dining room, a small office, a cheerful room off the kitchen that served as Jiffy's quarters and a sunroom that looked out into the gardens. We were told that there were four bedroom suites plus an office upstairs. She told us that the upstairs master (Severus' room) had an alcove that was perfect to set up either a small sitting area or a crib for infants.

Severus' jaw dropped; I felt my throat go dry instantly. I smiled and moved on quickly to compliment the lovely artwork in the sitting room. Evelyn grinned. She led us back into the parlor. Severus and I sat together on a small couch, careful to leave an appropriate amount of space in between us.

Jiffy popped in to serve the tea. Evelyn turned to Severus.

Tea consisted mostly of small talk at first, and then Evelyn turned to the events of the last few weeks.

"When I first heard of the Battle of Hogwarts, I heard that you had not survived. Then a few weeks later, I received an owl requesting contact, and then the article was published detailing your miraculous rescue. I must say, I still don't fully understand why your survival was hidden at first."

"Honestly, that decision was made for me by the Minister of Magic. They needed time to sort out my true loyalties. They were afraid that people would want to condemn me as a Death Eater before I had the ability to tell my own story. So my survival was concealed from all but a few, and I was placed at Malfoy Manor to convalesce."

"How did you and Elizabeth come to know one another?"

"Grandmother, Elizabeth is the Healer that saved my life."

"Yes, Severus, but how did you know her before that?"

"I did not, Grandmother. Her sister is among my acquaintances, but Elizabeth and I had never met prior to that night."

"So, you sat all night on the dirt floor of a shack, saving the life of a man you believed was a Death Eater who had just been attacked by a madman?"

"Yes, ma'am. I had assistance from a house-elf. But as a Healer, my job is to treat the injury before me."

She smiled appraisingly. "And you've been treating him, along with others, at Malfoy Manor for the past several weeks?"

"Yes, ma'am. He has also been assisting me with some of the cases. In addition, Draco Malfoy wishes to be a Healer and to specialize in experimental potions. He is apprenticing with Severus, and we are working together to help him prepare for his exams."

"So the attachment has formed recently?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Severus, tell me about your plans after your recovery is complete."

"I have recently been able to restart my research, which I enjoy. I have also signed on to consult with the hospital on difficult cases. I own a home that I plan to finish restoring soon. As Elizabeth stated, I'm also apprenticing Draco Malfoy."

"And you, Elizabeth?"

"I will probably go to work for St. Mungo's after Draco takes his exams in November, though I have a few other offers that look promising as well."

Lady Evelyn turned to lighter topics at that point. She shared with Severus information about several of the properties. Severus talked about his research extensively; Evelyn was very well versed in potions and talked easily with him on the topic. I talked a little about how my work often involved blending Muggle medicine and Wizarding techniques. I mentioned how there were several illnesses that were virtually always fatal in the Muggle world that were regularly managed in the Wizarding world, along with a few that worked the opposite way.

She was quite proud of her gardens, so she took us through those between tea and dinner time. They were beautiful, and once again, she impressed me with her knowledge of Herbology. It was no wonder she got along with Narcissa so well.

The weekend continued as such. I spent a fair bit of time reading in the sunroom while Severus reconnected with his grandmother. We all had meals together; Severus trounced me soundly at wizard chess a few times; I taught them both a few Muggle card games.

On Saturday night, when Lady Evelyn had retired for the night, Severus asked me to take a walk with him on the grounds. We hadn't had much time alone together, so it was nice to just be together in the cool night air. He held me close as we looked at the stars. Something seemed to be on his mind.

"Is everything okay, Severus?"

"Absolutely, I just wanted to let you know that I will not be at breakfast in the morning."

"Why not?"

"Grandmother wishes to speak to you alone. I have made my intentions known to her; she would like to speak with you before giving her blessing."

"Oh."

"She adores you, Elizabeth; this isn't going to be an inquisition. She has an obligation to speak with you privately."

"It's okay, Severus. You have all prepared me for this."

"All?"

"Yes, you, Narcissa, Bill and Draco."

"Ah, I see." He turned me around and kissed me.

"I love you, Elizabeth. This is going to work."

"I know. I love you, too."

He took my hand and led me back to the house. We walked up the stairs and stopped at my door. He leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I'll be glad when I can hold you through the night once again."

I smiled and leaned up to him. The goodnight kiss was slow and intoxicating, much like a first kiss. I embraced him quickly and slipped into my room.

The next morning, I dressed in a light floral dress and pulled my hair up delicately. I made my way down to breakfast.

"Good morning, Elizabeth."

"Good morning, Lady Evelyn."

"Did Severus tell you that he wouldn't be joining us for breakfast?

"Yes, he did."

"Did he explain why?" I nodded. "Severus has made it very clear to me that while it is early in your relationship; he feels you are the best match for him."

"That makes me very happy to hear that. I also feel we are well matched."

"Do you love my grandson?"

"Yes, ma'am. I am not a woman who gives my heart easily, and I find that he has completely made a mockery of that trait."

Lady Evelyn chuckled a bit. "He sees you as his wife in the not so distant future. What is your reaction to that?"

"I hope that is where we are headed as well."

"And children?"

"I would like a family. Anywhere from two to four children would make me quite happy."

"Severus has informed me that your Head of Household is William Arthur Weasley. Is that correct?"

"Bill is my oldest male relative on my father's side. My mother's family is non-magical. Bill is my nephew, but he is a grown man and is married to a wonderful French woman. He is well versed in courting customs."

"What happened to your father?"

"My father was murdered when I was nine. My older brothers met a similar fate a few years later."

"Oh, my dear, I am sorry."

"Thank you. It was a long time ago. Mother and I fled to the U.S. for our safety."

"So you received a magical education even though your father was deceased and your mother is non-magical?"

"Mother wanted me to be prepared for anything."

"It sounds as if your mother is a wise woman."

"She is a remarkable person. She, along with others, tutored me in Muggle subjects to make sure I could choose either a Muggle life or a magical one."

"And why do you feel you are you prepared to be Lady Prince?"

"I love your grandson. He and I are a good match, and we are both good at solving problems. As far as breeding, if you would like to know more about my mother's family, I can share more. But truthfully, I don't feel that's the most important thing about this pairing. I know he and I will use all of our talents and strengths to build our family. We are both powerful in mind and in magic, and we have both suffered the loss of family. We both cherish the family that we do have. If we start a family together, it will be strong and protected. You have my word."

"Do you enjoy being a Healer?"

"Yes, I do. I enjoy helping others, and I find that solving problems gives me a feeling of accomplishment."

"Do you plan to give it up when you marry?"

"Not unless it's truly necessary."

"And what about when you have children?"

"I do not know the answer to that now. I'm sure that pregnancy and motherhood will change many of my goals. When the time comes, Severus and I will re-evaluate and determine the best course of action."

"Managing a large estate takes a great deal of time, my dear. Is that something you are willing to support your husband in handling?"

"Yes, ma'am. My Grandmother Fitzgerald manages the household and holdings for the family. Mother was able to balance raising me alone, assisting Grandmother with their charitable endeavors and supplementing my education. I have watched her from a very young age and have seen both the work and value involved in taking care of household and family. I would hope that Severus and I can learn to partner to handle our joint responsibilities based on both ability and interest rather than simply on expectations."

"Very well, let's bring Severus back in for a few moments. Jiffy!" Jiffy appeared; she requested that he go get Severus. He joined us a few minutes later.

Evelyn looked at Severus. "You think you can handle her? She sounds like a fireball." Her tone was teasing, but I know there was some truth in her words.

"Grandmother, I don't believe in handling a woman. I've seen too much of that in my life. She balances me, and I support her. I believe it is a good combination."

She smiled. "You are not children, and I am not going to pretend I know your minds better than you do. Severus, she is intelligent, well spoken, and she's clearly in love with you. She is quite strong willed, but it will take that to help you in your duties. She also appears kind-hearted, modest and willing to work to make a relationship successful."

"She is all that and more."

"I shall send the petition to Mr Weasley. How long of a courtship would you like to request?"

Severus looked at me. This was not a topic we had addressed. "Six months to a year?" His eyes were questioning.

"I'm at a disadvantage here; please explain what that means again."

"That basically means we won't get married until at least six months have passed, and if we aren't ready to get engaged after a year, our Heads of Household have to agree to extend."

"That seems reasonable."

"Any other terms we need to discuss?"

"Living arrangements?" Severus questioned.

"You will have separate rooms at a minimum. Prince Hall is currently rented, as are the other cottages in England."

"I plan to move into the home I purchased a few years ago. It requires work, but it is livable in the meantime. There is sufficient space for separate rooms. Elizabeth is welcome to join me, or she can make other arrangements, or she can stay where she is. Though truthfully, that makes me uncomfortable."

"I would also be more comfortable away from Malfoy Manor, given recent developments. It will take time to be truly comfortable with Lord Malfoy again."

"Well, you will also need Mr. Weasley's agreement on your living arrangements. Beyond that, what I don't know won't hurt me." She paused. "No children until you marry." We both nodded. "I mean that. You're both adults; be adult about it."

"We understand, Grandmother. Although we both want children, I don't think either of us is quite ready for that step yet."

"Very well, I will have a draft sent to Mr. Weasley for his approval, and then he will forward it to both of you. You have my blessing."

"Thank you, Grandmother."

"Thank you, Lady Evelyn."

"Well, let us enjoy the rest of our visit." She rose from the table and headed to the parlor. I started to follow her, but Severus detained me for a moment for a quick kiss.

"I told you it would be fine."

"Who are you trying to fool? You were nervous, too." He looked skeptical. I laughed. "Okay, perhaps not as nervous as I was, but there is a lot at stake here."

He took my hand and led me into the other room. We had a nice morning. Before lunch, we both went upstairs to gather our things for the trip home. Lunch was casual and pleasant, and we headed home shortly thereafter.

After dropping off our things, he asked. "Do you want to see the house?"

"That would be nice."

He Apparated me to a cottage at the edge of a small grove of trees. It had obviously been vacant for a while; however, it would be quite handsome when restored. The downstairs consisted of a kitchen with a dining area, a nice-sized living area and a small office next to the kitchen. The upstairs consisted of a large bedroom, two medium-sized bedrooms and a small bedroom that looked like it might have been originally intended to be a nursery.

Severus looked at me expectantly, mild nervousness behind his eyes. "What do you think?"

"I think it will work perfectly."

"For the time being at least, I agree, it will work. Down the road, I will be expected to live in one of the Prince properties. And honestly, if we have more than two children, we will probably want more space." I nodded.

"So, what do you think? Will you stay here with me?" I smiled. "If you prefer, we can modify the second bedroom to give you more space, or you can take the larger room."

"That's not necessary, Severus. That room is perfectly fine. I would be happy to stay with you here. I should inform Minister Shacklebolt of the change. I assume the Floo can be connected."

"Yes. I will inform Lucius and Narcissa and move my things out of the Manor tomorrow morning after I visit with Aurora."

We headed back to the cottage. We each had a small stack of messages waiting for us. I looked over them. I looked up at Severus after finishing.

We both started speaking at the same time.

"Narcissa invited Andromeda to tea in Diagon alley..." I started.

"Andromeda and Narcissa met yesterday afternoon." He stated simply.

We both burst out laughing. "How did she say it went?" I asked him.

"She was pleased with it."

"Lucius was apparently less than pleased. Narcissa told him that he's been making all decisions for both of them for twenty-five years, and she's ready to handle her own decisions on some fronts."

"I wonder how he took that."

"She says he pouted a bit, but he has mostly returned to normal."

"Well, I'm glad. As much as Lucius infuriates me, I wouldn't want to see his marriage damaged. As for Narcissa, it's good to see her reconnecting with Andromeda. I think it will be good for both of them."

After dinner, we took a walk on the grounds. Much to our surprise, we came across Narcissa and Lucius, who were also out taking a stroll.

"Good evening, Narcissa, Lucius." I nodded politely.

Severus squeezed my hand and crossed over, offering his hand to Lucius. "Lucius, Narcissa, I want to thank you for your hospitality these last few weeks. Now that I am recovered, I am going to be leaving in the next few days for my own home."

"Not that hovel in Spinner's End," Lucius said disdainfully. I flinched. Lucius' demeanor showed no evidence that he intended any malice; he really was just that arrogant.

"No, Lucius, this home is not one you have visited. You may still view it a hovel, but it is quite sufficient for my current needs."

Severus was doing a very good job of containing himself, but I could see that his ire was raised.

Narcissa sensed it also. "Severus, you know you are welcome to stay here as long as you wish."

"Thank you, Narcissa, but I feel this is best. But do not worry, I will still be tutoring Draco, and I do not intend to be a stranger."

She smiled sweetly. "Severus, may I have a moment of your time?" She asked him politely.

"Certainly." He followed her a few steps down the garden. I noticed with a smile that when they stopped, he made a very deliberate show of being able to still see Lucius and me.

"How are you, Lucius?"

"Utterly emasculated, thank you for asking," he sulked.

"Ah, the magical binding spell was performed then?"

"Yes. And my wife has developed opinions of her own." He sounded absolutely flummoxed by the development.

"It's a mad world."

"Do not mock me, Healer Prewett."

"I'm sorry. That was unkind of me. I know this must be difficult for you, but these are your circumstances for the next two years. I suggest you do what you do best."

"Bribe and intimidate people?" He asked incredulously, his eyebrow sharply raised.

I couldn't help it; I laughed unabashedly at his comment. "No, that's not what I meant at all. One of your talents, as I see it, is your ability to use nearly any situation to your advantage. Perhaps there is something to be learned during this time."

"Penance?" He sneered.

"Oh, nothing so high-minded as that. It has been observed that when someone loses one of their senses, the others grow sharper over time."

Lucius still looked confused. I groaned. Is the man really this obtuse?

"One of your main sources of strength has been taken from you. Use this time to strengthen the others. Your mind, your physical strength, your knowledge base, your political influence, your wealth or whatever you choose. You will get your magic back. You can either sit around feeling sorry for yourself for two years, or you can improve your other skills."

"Interesting thought, Elizabeth. I never thanked you for intervening the other night. I know you were angry as well, and I know you were acting on behalf of Severus more than me, but nevertheless, thank you."

"I don't support violence, Lucius. Although a good haircutting charm might have taught you a lesson."

Lucius looked horrified. His hand darted up to his hair. I laughed. "You are welcome. However, do not expect everything to be forgotten so easily. He felt betrayed by your actions."

"And you?"

"You haven't been friendly to me from the start. The fact that you behaved on your own accord didn't surprise me in the least."

"I hope you know the comments you found so offensive were meant only to protect my friend."

I sighed. "And I have since learned how opportunistic some witches can be with regard to wizards with property. The concept is foreign to me, but I suppose you've seen it firsthand."

"Yes. Narcissa and I married young, but even as Draco's father, it's something I have to be on the lookout for on his behalf."

"Lucius, may I say something?"

"Yes, and I may ignore you." He smirked.

"Don't push him too hard on this marriage thing. He's so young, and I don't think he's ready."

"I do not wish to see him ignore our traditions."

"I really don't think he'll do that. I think he'll honor your traditions in his own time. If you push him, he is more likely to do something foolish that you both regret."

"And what about you? I understand you have recently become acquainted with some of the traditions as well. What is your response?"

Thankfully, Severus and Narcissa had finished their conversation and were headed back towards us. I pardoned myself from my conversation with Lucius and crossed back over to Severus. Once we were alone again, he asked me what Lucius had to say.

"He was polite enough. He thanked me for helping keep things from getting out of hand last week. I gave him some advice on dealing with the temporary loss of his magic."

Severus laughed. "You never cease to amaze me, Lizzie."

"What did Narcissa want?"

"She shared with me a little about her visit with Andromeda. She wants to restore her part of the Black family legacy to little Teddy. Draco will inherit so much from Lucius' family; she thought this was a good way to help restore relations with Andromeda."

"Will Andromeda care?"

"Not about the money or property explicitly, but she will understand the gesture that Narcissa is making, so I think she will be pleased."

"You've done a good thing here, Severus."

"Me? You were the one that started this."

"I did no such thing."

He laughed. "I suppose we'll have to declare it a joint effort."

I looked at him. "We make a good team."

"That we do," he said before capturing my lips in a kiss. I Apparated us back to the cottage, and we proceeded to show each other just how well we worked together. A while later, we drifted off to a contented sleep.