Chapter Text
A single, horse-drawn carriage traveled down the road with the looming castle coming closer and closer into view. The sky that morning was a palate of different greys with stormy clouds just on the horizon. It almost looked like it could snow any moment, but snow in August seemed unlikely. The air, however, was on the cooler side, causing a much-needed reason for overcoats and capes. From inside the black carriage, a woman checked her appearance in a small mirror before she arrived at her destination: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It wouldn't be long now before she stepped foot into her new life.
"We look forward to having you here, Violetta. We're most fortunate that the Ministry elected to transfer you to us. A valuable teaching resource you will be. This I have no doubt." Offering his hand, Albus Dumbledore aided his newest teacher from her carriage, smiling from behind his glasses. "I'm sure Severus must be quite joyous as well?"
Stepping into the crisp morning air, the slender blonde found her footing on the weathered cobblestones. The smell of Autumn rain enveloped the surroundings but welcomed with it the adventure of something new. "That...is yet to be seen, Albus," Violetta said, a chuckle woven through her words. "You know Severus: he plays his cards close to his chest."
"Yes, though I would expect you to be able to see past said facade," said Dumbledore, getting a brief read on his newest professor. He knew the basics but a personal file could only express so much. Above all else, he hoped she'd settle in well, find her place among her peers, and be garner the respect of the students. From what he knew of her, Dumbledore was confident in all of these things. However, how well the students would take to a second Professor Snape was yet to be seen. It was still early after all.
"There are things he keeps from me, Albus. I'm sure he's the same way with you. Severus is...a different kind of man." Violetta replied, smiling. There wasn't much she could argue in terms of her husband: Severus was a private man and that included behind closed doors as well. He hadn't said much when she relayed the news that she would be joining him upon Hogwarts' Board of Teachers. Instead, he almost seemed worried. His features had said as much even if his words had been few. "I'm happy, at least. I'd be lying if most days I don't even feel like we're married. He lives here more than he does in our home."
They passed through the grand double doors, the air feeling more magically charged from within the interior. It was a renewing feeling for Violetta; something that reminded her of their home. The Ministry wasn't the most inviting place. It was often oppressive and cold which made each workday difficult, at least for someone like her. There would be no love lost for work within the Ministry, but their sea-side cottage in Cornwall would be missed sorely.
"A dedicated man. One I'm honoured to have. Shall I offer you my apologies in keeping him from your bed?"
"Aha, Albus, you humour me! I'm sure he survived just fine without me. You see, in Russia, we're raised to be independent from a young age. And as my mother would say, 'child, you don't need a man to provide for you as I've raised you to make your own way. Reliance is a cage.' Not that I've lived by this proverb my whole life, of course, but I am able to get by on my own."
"But you did miss him."
"Oh, of course." She would hide it well enough, but at that moment, Violetta was excited for the reunion even though she expected her husband to be indifferent. Things would get better. They had to. The very last thing she wanted was for her marriage to fall apart before the audience of the entire school.
They'd continue through halls and passageways, never once interrupted by anyone trying to deliver a message to the ever-busy headmaster. The students were due to arrive the following week, so it wasn't uncommon to see teachers enjoying the rare moments of quiet and camaraderie in places that you wouldn't normally see them congregate. Many of them would turn their heads or slow their conversations to watch them pass. None of this either Albus or Violetta seemed to notice.
"Now, remind me, you were born in Russia but moved elsewhere?"
Still arm-in-arm with Dumbledore, Violetta nodded before answering his question. "Yes, I was born in Rostov Veliki, Russia. My parents both studied at Durmstrang and I think my father had felt a little too tempted towards the path of the Dark Arts, thus he was likely the driving force that ultimately took us out of Russia."
Albus was scowling, but his companion didn't notice and he didn't say anything to allude that his demanour had shifted. Familiar with the notorious school, the aging man held nothing against the woman by his side and knew her heart was pure. Regardless, if one knew anything of Drumstrang, the majority of it wasn't favourable.
"My mother fell in love with France and I ended up at Beauxbatons Academy and the rest is somewhat history. After graduation, I was approached by the Ministry because of my scores regarding the care of magical creatures. Through the Ministry, I was put into the Beast Division, but they had me dancing between the Office of Misinformation, too...it was a mess there for a while."
"It sounds like you've done a great deal. Now, how did you ever meet Severus?"
"We were pen-pals, of sorts, met through some classified ad in the Prophet. I had an aunt who had sent the paper to me. It had some kind of article she thought important for me to see, I guess, I don't know, all I remember was this ad about a student looking for a friend, really. The paper was already two months old at the point that I got it but I took a chance and wrote him. I was so surprised when I received an owl post delivery from Hogwarts! We started talking back in '75, connected over our studies and magical interests. He was so taken by me being a Metamorphmagus, every letter he'd ask a question or two on the subject. It was sweet, really."
"'75?" Albus, quite intrigued, wasn't about to ask her age but the Metamorphmagus angle made sense as she was likely conveying a younger version of herself. "You've known one another far longer than I thought. Isn't that something?"
"A common statement I hear," Violetta smiled, though it was a pained one. Through their on-again-off-again relationship, Violetta and Severus had heard all sorts of comments over the years. Most of them were of skeptical nature or outright shock. Apparently, most who knew Severus thought him impossible to enter into a relationship; many who saw Violetta wondered what she ever saw in Severus. It seemed even Albus Dumbledore was curious. "I'm glad we're still something worth talking about. No doubt it's only going to get worse, what with him teaching here as well. Severus would never mention me to anyone, for one reason or another."
Dumbledore, leading her through the last doorway, did his best to smooth over any sharp edges his prior comments may have caused. "Violetta, my dear, forgive me if I struck a nerve. I know Severus, just as good as you, possibly more, and we both know he does these things to protect you." Not one to walk on eggshells, Dumbledore felt confident that he hadn't sowed any seeds of resentment.
"Oh, of course he does, or he's fearful someone might try and steal me away from him." She'd roll her eyes playfully knowing full-well her husband would never try to keep her hidden, unless it was to keep her alive and unharmed. There were several reasons for the gaps in their time together and for very good reasons just like that: to make sure she didn't suffer because of him. However, that wasn't always the case. "Severus is a good man. I'm very lucky to have him."
"And I'm sure he thinks the same of you. Let me know if there is anything I can do to make your stay here more comfortable." Albus would bow at the waist before turning on a heel back towards his own offices. Violetta knew where she had been dropped off at and she also wasn't afraid of just wandering if need be. Saying goodbye to the headmaster, the blonde knocked on the well-worn door, awaiting an answer from the other side.
"Come in," said a voice, low in volume, from within the room. Taking a moment before letting herself in, Violetta would try to contain herself hoping to not come off as too eager. It was Severus after all: he wasn't the best with dramatic shows of affection, even from her. She had tried so hard over the years to be something good for him, to give him that support that he had so desperately craved since childhood. However, Severus was hard-headed and would never ask for help unless he was at a breaking point. Hardship bred resilience but at what cost?
"I'm not bothering you, am I?" Only halfway around the door, Violetta would peer into the room and catch sight of Severus behind his desk, fast at it as she expected he would be. Whatever he had been preparing or reviewing had caused a deep grimace upon his features which stung the woman, regardless of her good intentions and sincere apologies. Although focused, Severus' eyes flicked up immediately after hearing his wife's soft voice, causing with it the rest of his expression to soften. Be it on purpose or just because it was her, it was like a veil had been torn and his guarded side was in the open.
"No, not at all. Please, come in." Inside the darkened room, Severus' classroom was what she expected him to have. It smelled earthy, a touch drafty, and definitely more dimly lit than she'd have her own, but she knew it felt like home to him. At the end of the day, she wanted him happy. "I wasn't expecting you for another few days. I would have been the one to see you arrive. I'm sorry."
Violetta, taken aback by her husband's sincerity made her smile as she crossed the room towards him. She wouldn't embrace Severus till he initiated the contact as it was just something that worked better for him. Firstly, he'd have to straighten the chaos of papers upon his desk as it appeared having her see its current state was somewhat embarrassing to him. It was these little things that brought her happiness. The simplicity of it all made Violetta feel like they were normal.
"You look...beautiful," Severus said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his eyes trying so hard to stay on her face. Even after all these years, there was still such an awkwardness about him when it came to Violetta and physically touching her. She returned the butterflies to his heart, she made it race, just looking at her made him short of breath. "I'm sorry...was that too much?"
Again, smiling, Violetta took the last step toward him that had been keeping them apart, and upon tiptoes, she'd place a kiss on his cheek. His face searing hot before her lips even made contact. "I've missed you, Severus. You are never too much."
For the first time in many moons, Severus Snape smiled; smiled because he truly felt the deep kind of happiness that produced such a smile. Genuine. Still holding his face in her hand, Violetta let her fingers run down his sharp jawline before withdrawing her touch. At that moment, all the long months spent apart felt like they had lasted but a moment. The room itself even felt warmer, lighter.
With a smile still in his words, Severus would push to keep the conversation from dying. "Did you arrive long ago?"
"No longer that it takes to get from the main gate to this very spot. Albus escorted me here and I was thankful. These corridors, the winding staircase! I'm going to require a map to ensure I'm not late for dinner!" Moving a step around him, Violetta's wandering eyes found themselves dancing across the various pages and textbooks. One thing, in particular, caught her eye and something which made Severus' heart begin to race rather frantically. "Oh Severus, you always find a way to surprise me." Taking the framed photo of herself in her hands, Violetta almost felt the prickling of tears due to what she was feeling. There she was, in her wedding dress, blowing a kiss to the camera. The moment playing on an infinite loop was something Severus never wished to forget.
When she looked back to her husband, his eyes had dropped down and to the side. There would be the slightest tinge of pink to his pale skin. The dimness of the room would help conceal the true vibrance. "I don't want you to think I don't miss you, Violet. I just..."
"You don't have to explain it, Severus. I understand." Putting the photo back in its resting place, Violetta placed her arms against her husband's chest, her head resting where there was space. "The sentiment is so very sweet. Thank you."
"Always."
They remained that way for a short amount of time before Violetta brought it upon herself to ruin it. "Should I let you get back to work? I know you were hard at it before I arrived." Severus laying his head against hers was all she needed to know. The soft sound of rain against the window was like a lullaby making Violetta wish for a nap. She wanted as many of these moments as she could claim, this being the first.
It would be a good five minutes before the silence was broken. "Shall I show you around?" Severus said, the low tone of his voice sending shivers across her skin.
"Are you sure? I have no issue just setting out on my own. How much trouble could I possibly get into?"
He chuckled, nuzzling her cheek before letting his arms fall away from her small frame. "It would be good practice."
Puzzled, she'd ask for clarification, her eyes scanning his face lovingly. "What do you mean, 'practice'? Is it because...people are going to see us together? Severus, I know how you are. I'm sure we all do, but you don't have to change yourself just because I'm here now. I wouldn't want that." Her brows came together feeling like she was the reason for the change in character from her husband.
"I'm going to have to get accustomed to it at some point, yes? This is as good a time as any. Come, you've picked a perfect day to see the grounds."
Allowing him to show her out of the classroom, Violetta made it a point to check in with him just to make sure he was still alright with the decision. "We don't have to do this today."
"I know. You should stop fussing, Violet. I'm not a child who needs to be coddled." Looking over at her, the slightest of smiles would grace his lips for a second, just enough to let her know he wasn't upset. "I appreciate your concern but I'm alright."
"Oh! Severus! Who is this pretty thing you've got 'ere, hm!?" The high-pitched, nasally voice of a woman came from a portrait they were passing by which set the entire corridor into a frenzy. "Where 'ave you been hidin' this one?" More and more voices would join in the choir of hazing, much to Severus' dismay.
"She your daughter, Severus?" Said portrait of a man in an English hunting scene where even the dogs were peering out of the frame at the spectacle passing by below them.
"A daughter would mean he's been with a woman, Alfred!" Barked another portly gentleman on the opposite side of the staircase. His hearty laughter rose above that of all the others. "That couldn't possibly be the case! Not our little Snively."
And with one fluid movement, Severus' wand would be pulled from his robes and with it, a pure white eruption of light would fire toward the large portrait where the triggering comment was hurled from. The man would duck just in time to refrain from being obliterated but it was effective in quieting the rest of the onlookers. Violetta, having been silent through the entire episode, clung tighter to her husband's left arm as he lead her into the quieter, adjoining room once the staircase came to a complete stop.
"What was that?" She asked, feeling like she needed to catch her breath. Such a barrage of jeers and unwarranted at that seemed to have rattled Violetta more than Severus, naturally. "Does that happen often? Are you alright?"
Now stopped, Severus would look in her direction with a solemn look upon his aging face. It had been years since anyone had dared call him that wretched name. Worse yet was that Violetta had to hear it and in that manner, no less. "I'm sorry. I should have taken you another way."
"Severus, I'm asking about you. I'm fine, but they seemed to really get to you." She would hold his face in her hands, begging him to keep his gaze on her until she felt she had his full attention. "I'm worried."
Shaking his head, Severus wouldn't go into more depth on his feelings about the whole situation. Not where anything else could hear them. "I'm fine." The next hour they'd wander the near-empty castle with Severus pointing out key points of interest but they both knew Violetta wasn't retaining the majority. He didn't seem to mind; there would be plenty of time before the school year began for her to get her bearings. By the end of the tour, the storm outside was growing stronger and the winds and rain made it impossible for the two of them to visit Hagrid and the animals under his care. Severus knew his wife, knew she'd be eager to get her hands dirty in her work but it would have to wait.
"You look like you could use some rest," Severus said, seeing the look upon her face. Exhaustion, coupled with the lingering effects of the portrait affair, appeared to have zapped the last ounce of budding energy she had left. "We're not far from my rooms. Shall we?" A nod would be all he would get but it was enough. Violetta was one of the most sensitive people he knew: one who struggled to steel herself when life got difficult. He had envied her ability to feel so thoroughly yet he saw what it did to her as well.
Once at the door to his private dwellings, Severus magically unlocked the door and showed Violetta inside. The room was cold, and all but pitch black once they entered. Within seconds, however, a golden, raging fire would replace the emptiness that came before it. Dusty, leather-bound books littered the spacious room, stacked on end tables as well as the floor and even the furniture. An avid reader since she had come into contact with him, Violetta got the same feeling from this space as she did from his classroom. Severus would apologize for the clutter but she wouldn't have any part of it. "It's fine," she'd say. "It's your space."
"I'd like it to be our space if you'd permit. It's your decision." Holding her hands in his, the professor waited patiently, though nervously, for his companion's answer.
"Severus, I..." she would stutter, her dark eyes searching his for a glimmer of light. "I would like that very much, but I don't want to invade your space. I know you're used to being alone..."
"I don't want to be alone anymore. Please, Violet, don't leave me."