Unhappy Endings

136: Good News, Bad News

Dumbledore looked at both you and your husband, as you snacked on a treacle tart. Severus was deep in thought about the news that was recently shared. The headmaster was thrilled to see the happiness between you and your husband and was surprised that the news of the venerable Professor Slughorn joining the school wasn't garnering much reaction.

Suddenly, however, Severus turned to you and spoke, "Was he your potions professor? Surely, I would have taught you even for beginning potions."

"Heh, yes, it was that one singular year of transition between you and him. My mother insisted I get to experience the... joys of Professor Slughorn." You smiled. "Meaning, of course, his preferential treatment. He surely would have enjoyed my sister more if she hadn't incessantly mocked him."

"But your skill in potions is..." Severus drifted off politely.

"Sub-par, yes. Hence why I did not continue afterwards. But that didn't stop him from favoring Gwenog Jones, did it?"

Severus chuckled and agreed it did not. And after a moment of joy, Dumbledore had more good news. "I also need you to step in as the DADA position, Severus." Immediately, your husband's eyes lit up in a way you rarely saw, causing you to glow a bright yellow for him, in turn making him even happier.

"Headmaster, that is such an honor, but what about the—"

"I don't suspect you will finish the year..." Dumbledore's voice drifted off a bit here, but not out of politeness. Severus' eyes narrowed and you insisted the headmaster go on. "It is time, Severus. For you to fulfil your end of the bargain."

"What bargain?" You interrupted but were ignored for Severus.

"Have you ever considered that you ask too much? That you take too much for granted? Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don't want to do this anymore? I'm married. I have a family. Thanks to you."

"Whether it has or hasn't is irrelevant. I will not negotiate this with you, Severus. You agreed. There's nothing more to discuss."

"What bargain?!" You raised your voice and your nose turned grey. However, you soon noticed Minerva and tapped your husband. Dumbledore squinted toward the dying sun and Severus glared at his back. But finally, Severus turned away and before Minerva or you could say a word, he descends the stairs, your hand in his. Once he noticed Minerva, Severus faltered briefly with surprise, then quickly continued without a word. He walked you past the Great Hall, past the teachers' quarters and lounge. He continued walking you out of the castle and through the field. You finally came to a pause in front of the Black Lake. "What bargain?" You asked your husband.

Severus sat down and cried. He wept and let out howls of internal pain that you could hardly imagine. All you could do was sit down and hold him. Never had he been so thankful to have someone, to have a wife, to support him. Seeing your husband like this however, made you much, much more worried.