Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling, the brilliant and talented, is the one who has conjured the magical world in which Harry and his many friends (and enemies...) live. Sadly, I can take no credit for that. I merely write fanfiction... sniff
And so, without any further ado, I present my fanfiction. Please note that it takes place a significant number of years before Harry was even born. If you are a devout fan, however, the characters I use will not be strangers to you. As a great fan of the Marauders and the Half Blood Prince, I decided to write a fanfiction revolving around them. I must admit I sympathize with both the mischief makers and the social outcast. I hope you enjoy what my inexperienced hands have managed to create. Thanks for reading!
Chapter 1: Eileen Prince
"Eileen..."
No. Don't turn around. Just ignore him; you already know what he'll speak of.
"Eileen, please wait one moment. I must speak with you."
Eileen Prince turned, reluctantly meeting the gaze of her former teacher and headmaster. Albus Dumbledore.
"I'm very sorry, Professor, but I have to return home and prepare dinner. My son, you see..."
As soon as the excuses left her mouth, she realized they were futile. She would hear him out. Not because she wanted to, but because Albus Dumbledore was such a persuasive man, one as weak-willed as she could barely resist even his unspoken requests. Sighing with resignation, the worn-out young woman fidgeted with her fraying robes, plucking at stray threads as Dumbledore smiled a pitying yet kind smile down on her.
"It will only take a moment or two, I assure you." His eyes briefly lingered over her bruised legs and chin, but then quickly returned to her eyes when she began to twist the wedding band on her finger nervously.
"I have expressed my concern for you countless times, and yes, I feel compelled to express it once more before your son begins school."
"Oh. Yes. I see. Hogwarts..."
"Although you are resolved to remain married to Tobias, and with great sadness I confess that is entirely your decision, I urge you to think of your son. Surely Severus would be better off without..." Dumbledore searched for words delicate enough to express his opinion. Then, after deciding that delicate words would not do, he continued, "...without the fear, overwhelming helplessness, and anger that all children of abusive parents suffer. He knows that you prefer to live with his father rather than provide him, your son, with a better life. He must be a clever boy, with a mother such as yourself, and for you to pretend that he doesn't resent this... You are lying to yourself."
Eileen shivered, pulling her thinning cloak about her small form. Quickly brushing a tear from her eyes, she picked up her dropped grocery bags and feigned leaving. It was as if returning home was less favorable than listening to this unwelcome intrusion into her private life. How dare he meddle? He couldn't possibly understand. And yet she lingered to hear his last words of advice.
Putting on an air of faint annoyance, Eileen turned away from Dumbledore slightly, lip trembling, bidding her voice to remain steady as she spoke. "I don't know what you speak of. I should hope that you would disregard any rumors you may have overheard concerning our family. Tobias works long hours, yes, and he has a horrid temper, but he would never lay a hand on my son."
"How can you believe this, Eileen? How can you, one of the best students Hogwarts has seen, deny the blatant truth? You believe physical abuse is all that your son need fear? Hear this wisdom: So long as you are physically abused, your son will continue to be emotionally strained. Even now it may be too late to reverse the psychological effects his tragic home life has rendered."
She could tolerate it no longer. "Sir, I must go. I… I told Severus that I would return within the hour, and I am already twenty minutes late. His father may have already returned, and…", she faltered, unable to finish. With a somber half-smile, eyes overcast with concern, Dumbledore nodded.
"Very well. But may I assist you in carrying those groceries? Perhaps I should spare the school owls a flight and deliver this personally." He pat his left pocket gently, Severus's school letter folded neatly within. Ignoring her faint protests, Dumbledore took two of the cumbersome bags from her and continued down the street with a grim smile of determination. Eileen soon gave up and followed, stepping lightly to keep up with his brisk pace.