It's the last chapter! I really, really enjoyed writing this story, and I really hope that everyone enjoyed reading it too. For all you guys that commented on the Catholic bit in the last chapter, thanks for the info. I'll change it accordingly once I do some more research.

Chapter 33

Severus was feeling a little restless. He was working in the back of his new property, laying out where he wanted the greenhouse to be exactly. Holly was at Remus and Tonks' place, babysitting Teddy while Tonks went to the Ministry, and Remus had to do some errands.

Severus looked up into the sky as he heard a distant roll of thunder. He sighed, and continued to work. This had been one of his better summers, he could admit. He felt as though it was passing way too fast.

Holly's birthday was the following week, and Severus had no idea what to get her. He measured out the last wall space and made measured steps to the back porch, to see how short the route was.

Not too close, or too far away. Severus made a few notations on his paperwork, and went inside as it started to rain. He'd just sat down with a cup of tea and his notes in the sitting room when the doorbell rang.

Severus was a bit startled at the sound, as he'd never heard it before. He set his tea down, putting his notes on the tea table.

He went to the door, and peeked through the window, and saw that annoying Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Green. He sighed, and opened the door. The two women smiled. "Well, hello Professor!" Mrs. Jones said cheerfully.

Severus noticed a pie tin in Mrs. Green's hands, and Mrs. Jones held a bakery box.

"Mrs. Jones. Mrs. Green." He stepped aside, reluctantly. "Come in."

The two women came into the foyer, eyes widening at the sight. They took off their coats and scarves, and Severus hung them up on the hooks close to the door.

"My, you two did a lot of work! Is Holly in?"

Severus shook his head. "She's babysitting for a friend of ours."

Mrs. Green nodded sagely at this. "A good idea- practice for your own little ones."

Severus sighed at this, following the women to the kitchen. They clearly knew the layout of the house.

"You did a fantastic job here, Severus, why the sink looks brand new, and you did a thorough cleaning on the backsplash!" Mrs. Jones said, looking about.

Severus set about making tea for the two women who were settling into seats at the kitchen table.

"Holly did most of the work in the kitchen, actually." Severus murmured.

"I love this table, wherever did you get it?"

Diagon Alley, from a second hand store- but he wouldn't say that. "London."

"Oh, I remember these cups- I was there when Holly purchased these." Mrs. Jones said as Severus handed the cups over.

Who would have thought, scary Severus Snape playing hostess to two nosy muggles! Speaking of which, he glanced around the kitchen carefully, making sure everything was as it was. He edged towards the cupboard, closing the door. It wouldn't do for them to see some of the items in there.

"There's a lot more work to be done on the house. We haven't started on the guest rooms yet, and we're still working on the loo."

"Yes, the loo and the kitchen tend to be the most expensive to redecorate." Mrs. Jones said, taking a sip of her tea. "Delightful- what brand is this?"

"It's actually homemade."

"Holly made it? I simply must have the recipe." Mrs. Jones said, taking another sip of her tea.

"Actually, I did. It's fairly simple- a blend of chamomile, lavender, and lemongrass. I grow all the ingredients at the school."

They sipped their tea a bit more and had their baked goods. They insisted on a tour of the house. Thankfully, they were upstairs looking at the guest bedrooms when Severus heard the floo downstairs. He coughed loudly to cover up the sound.

"Severus, I'm home!" Holly yelled, and Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Green giggled, looking Severus' way.

"We're upstairs!" Severus called back.

He heard Holly come up the stairs slowly, probably wondering who was here. She entered the guest room, and smiled uncertainly at Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Green.

"Uh, hullo."

"How was Teddy?" Severus asked, while Jones and Green raised their brows at Holly's overalls and t-shirt. Her hair was a bit messy, and she looked exhausted. She was looking quite unladylike to their standards, not that Severus or Holly cared.

"Not feeling too well. I think he might have a fever, actually. He was crying up a storm, and he wouldn't stop for anything. I told Remus when he came back from doing his errands, but…"

"Perhaps I'll go over and have a look at him later."

"Thank you Severus." Holly turned to the ladies. "Would you like some tea? I might have some biscuits in the pantry-"

"Oh no, Severus already gave him some wonderful tea, and we brought over a few things for you two. Your home is lovely."

Holly glanced at Severus uncertainly. "Thank you."

"Well, we will let you two have your time together…how old is this…Teddy, is it?"

"Teddy is almost five months."

"Oh my, he's really little then."

"Yes, but he's growing so fast- Severus and I were there when he was born. He's still tiny, but not as much as he was."

"Yes, they grow rather quickly. Well, if you'd like any advice, we'd be happy to help. I've got three boys, you know, and Mrs. Jones has her kids and all the kids in the Youth Services too."

"Thank you." Holly said quietly. They showed the women to the door, and Holly turned to Severus with a knowing grin.

Severus made a face. "I'm going to go work in my lab for a while."

Holly laughed.

Severus went to the cottage that Tonks and Remus lived in with Teddy. It looked a little messy, and Remus looked rather uncomfortable with the wailing baby in his arms.

Severus gently spooned the potion into the baby's mouth, frowning. "Give this to him every six hours until the vial is empty. If he still has a fever after that, let me know."

"Thanks." Remus said with a tired smile. Severus started packing his kit up.

"The potion will make him drowsy, and make sure he eats properly. Make sure to give him all of the potion- even if he feels a bit better."

"I will." Remus said. "So…what are you getting Holly for her birthday?"

Severus paused. "I'm not sure. I suppose you and Tonks will be at the Burrow for her party?"

"Yes. Tonks is going to start working with the Aurors again, but she'll be able to go to the party before she starts her training again."

"She's going back to the Aurors?" Severus asked, surprised. It was a dangerous line of work, especially for a mother. Yes, there were other Mothers that worked in the department, but they didn't start up again until the child was a bit older.

"Yes." Lupin didn't look that happy about it. "They offered her a better contract to come back, and with my condition…" Ah. They needed the money.

"Have you talked to Albus?"

Lupin looked at him oddly. "About a job? He told Tonks that teaching at Hogwarts wouldn't give her enough time for the baby."

"But it would be safer than working in the Auror Department, right?"

Remus sighed, rocking Teddy in his arms. Severus recognized the look in his eyes. Lupin felt guilty. He turned away quickly, and closed his kit up. "I'm going back home. Make sure you let me know if there's any problems."

"I will. Uh, Holly likes chocolate. And I don't think she'd mind a book, either."

Severus gave the man a curt nod, and stepped through the floo.

Severus was rummaging through a bin of books, frowning. He'd thought about getting her a couple of books that she knew she wanted, but he wanted to get her something…special. Something that she normally wouldn't get herself.

"Another book, Severus?"

Severus looked over and saw the old lady that owned the shop grinning at him with a knowing look. He'd been coming here for years- ever since his parents had died and he'd gotten his own place. Strangely, he didn't know her name. He'd never asked for it, and she'd never given it to him.

"Yes. I'm…looking for something different."

"Hmm. How is your friend doing?"

Severus paused in his perusal. "Fine."

"Just fine? Don't tell me you haven't gotten together yet!"

"We are…together." Severus said. "I'm actually looking for a birthday present for her."

"And you're going to get her a book! No, no, that will not do at all!" She tugged him away from the books, and towards a counter where jewelry glittered under the dim lights. Severus' heart quickened at the sight of the antique rings.

"Get her a ring." The woman said simply.

"No." Severus said, not wanting to admit how scary this was. He looked away from the rings quickly, his falling to the bracelets. No, that would get in the way when they dueled, or when he tied her up- he cleared his throat, looking back to the rings.

He saw several that would look rather fetching on Holly's finger, but…he couldn't give something like that to her in front of everyone. And it was far too early!

He then saw a watch, and remembered the tradition that wizards had. When a child came of age, they were given a watch by their parents. As Holly came of age the year before, he knew that no one had given her a watch. Tradition stated that if the child had no parents, the people closest to her would give her the watch instead.

By giving this watch to her in front of everyone, Severus would declare himself closest to her, practically family. He was a bit scared at the prospect, but it wasn't nearly as frightening as giving her a ring in front of everyone.

"The watch." He said quietly. "Practical and she'll wear it every day." And it was rather attractive looking too- black leather and white gold with an opalscent face, tiny diamonds imbedded inside, showing the hours.

The old woman huffed, and took the watch out. "I still think you should get her a ring." She muttered, handing the watch over to Severus gently. "That was made in 1928, right here in London, as you can see by the inscription on the back. You could probably get it engraved, if you wished."

Yes, that would do just fine. "I'll take it."

"And a ring?"

Severus' eyes lingered on the rings for a bit, especially on the simple gold band.

Severus sat on the bed, watching Holly dress for the party. She pulled on a light green dress and some heels, then adjusted her hair and makeup. She glanced over her shoulder at Severus with a warm look in her eyes. She smiled.

Severus got up from the bed, holding her from behind. They had spent the day working on the loo, and had a fun shower together. Severus was already dressed, and he was waiting for Holly to finish getting ready.

"We're going to be late for the party, if you don't hurry up." Severus murmured, kissing her neck.

"If you keep distracting me like that, we'll never get there in time." Holly groaned. Severus smirked into her neck, and squeezed her around her waist.

"I'll be downstairs then. You have five minutes." He left, but not after squeezing her bum. Holly's laughter followed him down the stairs, and a smile formed on his lips at the sound. It fell as he approached the kitchen.

He checked his robe pockets for his packages- yes, everything was there. Good. He turned slightly as Holly entered the kitchen, smiling.

"Shall we?"

They went to the back garden, and apparated to the Burrow from there. The party was already underway- the Weasleys were setting up the picnic tables outside. Severus stepped aside as everyone hugged and greeted Holly gaily.

Arthur shook his hand, giving him an odd smile. "Severus, good to see you again. Holly looks good. Healthy. I'm glad to see that she's taking better care of herself."

Severus looked away, feeling a bit uncomfortable. The usually easy going man's grip tightened on his hand in warning.

"Yes, I am glad about that as well." Severus said. He glanced over to Holly, who was being hugged by Granger.

They all started dinner, as everyone brought things with them in addition to everything that Mrs. Weasley had made. Severus watched everyone buzz around Holly. The girl was happy and laughing, and having a good time.

That made him happy.

The staff arrived, and Severus was a bit surprised that Aurora had come with them.

She gave a sheepish smile to Severus. "Hi."

"Sinastra."

The woman grimaced, looking away. "Look, I came here to apologise. I…know we'll be working together and everything, and I don't want any hard feelings. I…know I acted a little foolishly. I'm sorry. And…and I'll apologize to Holly too."

Severus crossed his arms over his chest. "Good."

Holly was having a great time- the twins had given her some gag gifts and promised her some fireworks later. McGonagall and some of the other staff members had gotten her a few Defense books. Neville and Malfoy, who had just arrived from Brazil the day before, had given her a rare book on tropical snakes.

Luna had sent in her gift by post-a cute bracelet with an scarab amulet. Ginny had given her a subscription to Witch Weekly, and was acting a lot better than she used to be- Holly was glad about that. Bill and Fleur had gotten her some perfume that Fleur had ordered from France, while Charlie had sent a letter and a pair of earrings made out of dragon scales.

Ron was not at the party. He was apparently out, and no one spoke about him. Tonks and Remus had taken a ton of pictures of Teddy to add to Holly's album. Holly loved their gift quite a bit.

The Headmaster approached Holly with a small package, eyes twinkling. "I hope you like your gift, Holly."

Holly gave the man a small smile, and opened the box. She gasped in surprise, and the rest of the party goers. Severus bit his lip as he looked over her shoulder.

The girl took out a magnificent pocket watch that was inscribed with all of the faces of the moon, showed the equinoxes, and told the time. It was very beautiful. She hugged the man tightly. "Thank you so much. I love it." She kissed his cheek.

"You're quite welcome!" The man laughed, looking very happy. Severus felt…sad. The watch he'd gotten was pitiful in comparison.

"Mine next, mine next!" Pansy said with a relish. She'd arrived a bit late to the party, having come by transcontinental floo.

Holly pulled out a camera, and she raised a brow. Pansy grinned. "So you can start taking pictures of your own! I know you were always having to borrow a camera, so now you better send me some."

"Thank you Pansy."

Holly put the camera with her other things, and everyone kind of glanced Severus' way. He was really the only one that hadn't presented Holly with her gift yet. Well, he had a couple…

"Here's the first one." He held out a plain brown paper wrapped book. Curious, Holly opened it, and blinked at the cover.

The book itself wasn't in the best of shape, but it was a rather rare set of muggle children's tales.

"I…I thought that you might appreciate that. I know you didn't get to…learn all of the stories as a child, so…" Severus felt nervous. He never felt nervous. Especially in front of all these people!

He looked away, trying to keep from blushing.

Holly leant into his side. "Thank you."

He took out another package. "And this one. I…It's not anything fancy-" She shook her head with a grin, and opened it.

"Another watch!" She kissed his cheek. "Thank you. See, I can use the pocket watch for special occasions when I wear robes, and then I'll wear the wrist watch for day to day things. It's perfect."

Severus breathed deep. "Good." He glanced to the Headmaster, who was grinning madly in their direction. He internally rolled his eyes, but he was still glad Holly had liked his gift.

"I think it's time for the birthday cake!" Molly said, breaking the silence that had settled over the group. They weren't used to seeing this nice and fuzzy side to Severus. Severus helped Holly put the watch on, and Molly lit the candles.

They all sang happy birthday, and Holly gave Severus a wink as she leant forward and blew out the candles. Severus felt as though he was clapping harder than anyone when they blew out. A camera flash went off, courtesy of Pansy.

"Hey, wa' goin' on here?" A slurred voice called out, and everyone's heads whipped around to the door, revealing a drunk Ron.

"Ron! What are you doing here?" The Weasley boys all stood, and Mrs. Weasley tried to shoo them out of the kitchen where everyone was gathered. Ron wasn't having any of it, though- he pushed right through.

"YOU! YOU MADE MY LIFE A FUCKING HELL!" He yelled, making Holly flinch. Severus wrapped an arm around her, but she dislodged it, and started for the door.

Strangely, Ron wasn't looking at her, but at Sinastra, who was looking a bit panicked.

"I…er…don't know what you mean."

"YOU KNOW Exactly what I means! Yer fault! I remember now!"

"Ron!" Bill held Ron back by his arms. Huh, how odd was it that Ron only remembered when he was totally drunk?

"I'm so sorry Aurora, I really am…" Molly begged the Professor, who was crying now.

"Alright! I did it!" The woman wailed. "I confunded the boy! It didn't take much, since he was already angry with her, and I knew where her rooms were-"

"Aurora, what are you saying?" "You're the one that destroyed her rooms-" "Why would-"

"Silence!" The Headmaster yelled, making everyone go silent. Ron even stopped fighting his brother's hold. Albus looked at Aurora with a glare. "I'm afraid I do not tolerate harassment on students or staff."

"I know." The woman sniffled. "I shouldn't have done it. I'll….I'll resign." She started to cry openly as she fled out the back door.

Ron was dragged out by his brothers, and Holly rested her head in her arms. "Why?" She muttered. "Why the fuck does this always happen? I was having a fantastic birthday…and it was ruined." The girl sniffled. She sat up, wiping her tears, looking to Severus.

"I want to go home. Can we go home, Severus?"

The others glanced at each other, and there were a few raised brows.

Severus didn't care what they thought. "Yes." He took her by the arm, and they got up from the table.

Holly hugged the Headmaster, ruffled Teddy's hair, and hugged Molly. "Thanks for the party Molly…I'm sorry…I…"

"It's okay dear. Come back tomorrow, I'll have everything packed for you."

"Thank you." The girl said quietly, and she and Severus walked out of the house.

They apparated to the Farm, and they slowly made their way up the front porch. Severus let them in the door, and they went inside the house.

"I just want to go to bed." Holly said, taking off her earrings and taking down her hair from its updo. She slipped out of her shoes as they made their way up the stairs.

He glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's not midnight yet." Severus said quietly, pulling off his cloak.

Holly gave him a wan smile as he followed her up the stairs. "Did you know, when I was a kid, I counted down until midnight on the day before my birthday?"

"You didn't do that last night."

Holly giggled as she opened up the bedroom door. "That was because I was rather occupied with you, silly."

Severus smirked in remembrance. Holly's smile faded. "That was the first time I never did that."

She sat on the edge of the bed, undoing the buttons on her dress. Severus watched her, leaning against the bedpost.

"We could do that tonight, instead." Severus said quietly, and Holly gave him the most beautiful smile.

"Really?"

"Yes. It's not that far off- if you can manage to keep awake."

Holly dropped her dress to the floor, smirking at him. "I could think of a few ways to keep awake."

"I'm sure you can." Severus murmured, sliding his hands into his pockets. His hand clasped around a small package in the right pocket. He watched her take off her bra, and lean back to take off her knickers.

He glanced at the clock. Half an hour before midnight. He quickly unbuttoned his shirt, draping it over the bedpost, and took off his trousers. He made sure to drop them on top of the bedside table, within reach of the bed. Holly squeaked as he got on top of her.

"Sev!" She laughed as he kissed her hard.

"Shh…" He murmured, sliding his hands up and down her sides. "We've got half an hour before midnight, so we better make the most of it."

Holly giggled, and they groped and snogged a bit, with Severus taking off his boxers and climbing under the covers together. Severus reached over, preparing her as he stroked himself. Holly groaned, pulling him on top of her, and they began to grind together slowly.

Holly wrapped her arms around his neck, whimpering as his cock slid against her groin enticingly. "Sir…I want you."

Severus smirked, kissing her neck, groping her breasts. "And you will." He thrust shallowly against her, slowly sliding the head in between the folds of her labia.

"C…condom…" Holly gasped, toes curling. "Don't…forget…"

Severus shut her up with a kiss. "Not tonight."

She froze, staring up at him. He slowly slid the rest of the way inside her, watching her expression carefully. If she really wanted him to wear it, he would pull right out.

"Sir…" Her eyes closed slowly. "Didn't you say…"

"It's a gift."

Holly couldn't help but laugh a little, creating an interesting sensation for the two of them. They squirmed a bit.

"But…I thought you wanted to wait. Pulling out isn't completely fool-proof…" Holly groaned as Severus withdrew slightly, and thrust back in.

"I don't want to wait any more." Severus murmured against her ear. He breathed in deeply. "I've fallen in love with you Holly. I must be absolutely mad."

Holly clutched at him as they thrust up against each other, her legs wrapping around his middle. She felt as though she was going to cry- all she could think about was Severus, her, and what they were feeling right now.

"I've fallen for you too." She breathed.

Severus groaned, reveling in the sensations that were Holly's body, holding her close, wanting more and more. "I want you with me, always." He panted. "At my side, in my bed, beneath me-"

Holly gasped. "Yes! Yes, me too, I want you too. Sir, I love you so much!" She panted into his dark air, crying. "Please don't let go."

"I love being inside you." Severus murmured, sliding his hands to her hips. "It feels so good." His thrusts quickened, and he knew he was close.

"Oh! Oh! Sir, don't stop…don't stop…God! Fuck, I'm so close…"

"Me too." Severus groaned against Holly's collarbone, grazing his lips against the chain of her necklace. "I'm going to cum inside you."

Holly's thrust up into him quicker at that, and her arms around his neck tightened. "Yes! Inside! Please inside!"

Severus' eyes clamped shut, and he felt numb, alive, warm and cold all at the same time, spots appearing before his eyes as he came inside Holly, filling her up. Holly groaned, legs trembling, toes curling, head falling back, mouth falling open with a louder scream.

Severus continued to thrust inside her shallowly, mind whirling with excitement and possibilities, and…hope. He rested his head on her shoulder, and her grip loosened, her legs falling from his waist limply. They simply laid there, panting, completely sated.

"…wow." Holly murmured.

Severus slowly opened his eyes, smiling slightly. He looked to the bedside table, and slowly reached over. Holly groaned a bit as he shifted over a little, still inside her, grabbing the package from his trousers.

"I have one more gift." He murmured, thankful that it was dark, so Holly couldn't see his nervousness, or what he was doing exactly. He opened the box, and took out the ring. With a slightly trembling hand, he grabbed her hand, and slid the ring onto her finger.

Holly stilled beneath him in realization.

"Marry me." He murmured into her ear. "I didn't lie when I said I always wanted you in my bed, that I always wanted you at my side. I want you to be my wife. I want you to have my children. Our children. I must be mad; it's all I can think about."

"Really?" Holly breathed.

"Yes. Even when I'm brewing."

Holly gave a slightly hysterical laugh. "Oh, you've got a problem there, haven't you?" She hugged him close about the neck, when she realized he wasn't laughing with her.

"Yes." She murmured. "I would love to marry you."

He held her back, feeling happier than he'd ever been before in his life.

Was this what they meant by happily ever after in all those muggle books?

It is...finished. I'm sad and ecstatic at the same time. While I could keep going and going- Hogwarts and their engagement and beyond... I'd like to think that this is a good stopping point.

I enjoyed writing this story quite a bit- and everyone's reviews encouraged me to keep at it, and finish it. I started this story several months before I ever actually started posting it, which is how I was able to keep up with posting the chapters so often. :D

Now, I have a number of other stories in the works- some of them have already been posted, while others are still being worked out on my computer. Please check my other stories if you ever get the chance. I will be busy for the next couple of months with work, so I might not post as prolifically, but I will do my best.

Thank you so much for reading, and for all the great feedback,

Hecateslover

P.S- check out Occupy Wall Street . org (without the spaces)

If you haven't heard of this movement, you should really check it out. Go on youtube, facebook, twitter- it's being covered by all of them, yet hardly anything is being shown on T.V. Thosands of people are getting involved, all across the U.S, and the world. Look for a group near you. If you don't think you could make a difference, think again. I'll start here in Providence, then move on to Chicago in Nov. and Dec. while I'm working there for the holidays.

That's all I'm going to say about that.