alisanne

Title: A United Front
Author:

alisanne
Pairing/Characters: Severus Snape/Harry Potter, others.
Word Count: 100 x 8
Rating: PG
Challenge: Written for

snarry100/

snarry100's prompt# 626: United.
Summary: The secret's out.
Part Fifty-SIx of the Wisdom Series (LJ/IJ/DW).
Beta(s):

sevfan and emynn.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.

~

A United Front

~

“Must we go?” Harry groaned the day of Narcissa’s party. “I could feign illness, and you could say you have to stay home and take care of me. That could work.”

Severus snorted. “There’s no chance. Knowing Narcissa, she’d send her personal Healer to tend to you.”

“I could say I got injured on the job—”

“Don’t even joke about that,” Severus snapped. “While I’ve resigned myself to the fact I’ve united my life with that of a reckless Gryffindor, I worry enough as it is without you tempting fate.”

“Sorry.” Contrite, Harry hugged him. “I guess we’re going.”

“Indeed.”

~

“We need to present a united front tonight,” said Severus as they approached Malfoy Manor, which was lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Agreed,” said Harry. “When should we tell them we’re married?”

Severus pursed his lips. “Before the official engagement announcement. Narcissa would never forgive me for making her look a fool.”

“Right.” Harry cleared his throat. “Is it weird I’m nervous?”

“Certainly not.” Severus clasped his hand. “I’m rather anxious myself.”

Harry smiled. “At least Azizi’s fine. I think she’s asleep in my robes.”

“I’m not surprised. She probably won’t wake up until after the festivities are done.”

~

“There you are!” Narcissa, resplendent in silver robes, smiled. “I was contemplating sending someone to fetch you.”

“As you can see, that’s unnecessary.” Severus eyed the decorations. “Isn’t this all a bit…over the top?”

“Not at all,” Narcissa said. “It’s not every day we get to celebrate the unification of three great houses.”

“Three?” said Harry.

“Why yes.” Narcissa smirked. “Potter, Prince, and Black. Or had you forgotten you’re the heir to the house of Black?”

“Oh, right.” Harry coughed. “No I hadn’t forgotten—”

“Good. Because that makes us related remember?” Narcissa’s smirk widened.

Harry froze.

“Steady,” murmured Severus.

~

Harry was still ruminating on being related to the Malfoys by the time more guests arrived. “That means I’m related to Draco!” he whinged. “Eww.”

Severus laughed. “Must I remind you of the inbred nature of all members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight?” he asked. “It could be much worse.”

“How so?” Harry muttered darkly, stroking Azizi’s head absently.

“You could be related to the Crabbes, too.”

“Eww.” Harry groaned. “If I find out a Potter ever united with a Crabbe I may have to dissociate myself from my family.”

“Don’t look too far back, then,” Severus advised, smirking.

Harry groaned.

~

“Narcissa really went all out,” Harry said once he’d recovered. “The food’s delicious.”

“Quite,” agreed Severus, snagging another canapé. He nodded toward a buffet table. “Mr Weasley’s certainly enjoying himself.”

Grinning, Harry walked over. “I see you found the food,” he teased.

Ron, his mouth full, gave him a thumbs up. Hermione just rolled her eyes. “I’d hoped we could see more of the decorations,” she said. “But someone’s not left the food since we arrived.”

“Explore on your own,” said Ron. “We can reunite later.”

“Absolutely not.” Hermione shuddered. “I go nowhere alone in this house.”

Harry nodded. “Understandable.”

~

Ron paled and, dropping his plate, hugged Hermione, who eventually hugged him back.

“What just happened?” asked Severus quietly.

Harry exhaled. “Bellatrix tortured Hermione here during the war. I can’t blame her for not wanting to be alone.”

“Salazar.” Severus shook his head. “I recall hearing about that.” He frowned. “We should have insisted we have this in a marquee.”

“It’s fine,” said Hermione, facing them, her expression calm. “It was a long time ago.”

“Time doesn’t heal all wounds,” said Severus.

“True,” said Ron. “But you’ve got us, love. And we’re united with you. No one will hurt you.”

~

After making sure Hermione was all right, Harry and Severus circulated, meeting and greeting more of their friends. They had just started chatting with McGonagall when Narcissa glided up beside them. “It’s time for the announcement,” she said. “Please join Lucius and me on the stairs.”

“Of course. Excuse us, Minerva.”

McGonagall inclined her head. “Let me know if you need me to watch Azizi,” she said.

Azizi, apparently content with the snacks Harry had been slipping her in his pocket all night, stirred at her name but didn’t emerge. Harry grinned. “Will do.”

“And stay united.”

Severus hummed. “Indeed.”

~

Lucius wore robes that were the masculine equivalent of Narcissa’s. Harry decided she wore them better.

“Right,” said Lucius. “The elves are circulating with champagne, and as soon as everyone has some, I’ll make the engagement announcement.”

Severus cleared his throat. “Actually, you can’t.”

Narcissa, standing beside Lucius, frowned. “What do you mean?” She looked between them. “Are you getting cold feet?”

Harry clasped Severus’ hand, wordlessly supporting him and presenting a united front. Severus’ hand tightened on his. “No,” he said. “Actually, it’s the opposite. We got married a few weeks ago. So this should be a marriage announcement.”

~

Continued in Divide and Conquer (LJ/IJ/DW).