Love will find a Way (Prologue)
A few days after Halloween…
As Halloween past over Britain, cheers and celebrations were heard everywhere as wizards and witches celebrated the death of the Dark Lord. Nobody seemed to care how a small enfant managed to take down a fully trained wizard, but it didn't matter. Only a select number of people were finding it hard to celebrate the joyous occasion, when it had cost the lives of two very important people.
One of those people sat in his quarters at the pristine school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, barely moving. His name was Professor Severus Snape, well known Potion Master at Hogwarts and a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. Sitting in his favourite chair, he sipped a glass of fire whiskey as he stared at the crackling fire that lit up the gloomy living room. Well, the dungeons quarters weren't as colourful as the house common rooms they still had some decorations scattered around the chambers. One particular object was a portrait hanging over the fireplace of a lady with fiery-red hair and emerald green eyes. It was a muggle portrait, so it didn't move which was fine with the young teacher. Other than the portrait, a few book shelves and a few other paintings, the room still maintained its depressing mood. It had a kitchen across from the living room and a long hallway to the right of fireplace where his bedroom, personal laboratory and study were placed. The room was still and quiet, except for the sound of rain hitting the magical windows.
Looking closer at the man, you could see the tell-tale signs of crying in his face and bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. His hair was greasier and dirtier than it usually was after long days brewing potions, but Severus didn't care. He was angry at himself for getting his only love killed. It had been his fault and no matter how hard he tried to blame someone else it kept coming back to the day he told the Dark Lord the prophecy. Anger mixed with frustration played out in his mind and suddenly the fire whiskey wasn't so appealing. With no one around to blame or yell at, he threw his glass of whiskey at the portrait, watching it shatter and fall on the mantle piece above the fireplace. He was about to throw the bottle when the fire turned green and a stern, old women came out of his fireplace floo.
"Good evening, Severus," commented Minerva McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. "I just wanted to see if you were okay. I didn't see you at any of the meals."
"Do I look okay to you, Minerva? Take one good look at me and tell me I look fine," snapped Severus irritably, wanting nothing better than to continue to grieve in peace.
Minerva looked at him and sighed heavily seeing just how troubled her colleague was and made no mention to point out that it had been a rhetorical question, "Severus, we know you loved her very much, but you can't blame yourself for this."
"Can't I? As I seem to recall, I was the one who told the bloody Dark Lord about the prophecy. I put her in danger and now she's gone," replied Severus, loosing steam until he was whispering the last few words.
Minerva looked at her broken down colleague with worry as he crumpled before her eyes into a young broken-hearted man. She walked over and threw an arm over the distressed Potion Master, who didn't seem to realize she was still there and squeezed.
"Severus, you are too hard on your self. Lily would never blame you for this and you know it. She was special to you I know, but I also know that you shouldn't blame your self, because you didn't ended her life. Lord Voldemort did. You need to understand that you weren't the one that handed her over to him. If anyone has any real reason to blame themselves, it should be Sirius Black," said Minerva in a soothing, yet serious tone as she watched her ex-student beside her.
"I-I miss her so much. I didn't even get to say good-bye," whispered Severus after some time and the room had gone silent as each was lost in their own thoughts. He didn't like feeling so vulnerable, but Minerva was the only one that had ever really cared about him. After the run in with werewolf-Lupin, Minerva had taken a more caring role with regard to the young Slytherin. Unlike the Headmaster who seemed to let the matter slip, Minerva had decided enough was enough. After fifth year, she had taken to punishing James and Sirius when ever they decided to bully Severus around her. She wasn't always around, but she helped whenever she could and had started forming a slow bond with the young boy. Now, they were both friends and Minerva had become a sort of mother figure to the young man.
"I know," replied Minerva reminding Severus of where he was and what had turned into the worst day of his life.
After graduation, Lily had made an attempt to restore the friendship between her and Severus. Severus had been overjoyed and they had quickly become close friends. Unfortunately, Severus still harboured feelings for Lily and it was too much for the young man when Lily had told him that she was getting married to James. That had been the final breaking point and Severus had broken all ties with the red-head. Lily had been upset, but eventually got use to not having Severus in her life. Now she was dead and the last thing he had said to her was that he hated her.
"Severus, the Headmaster wants to talk to you," informed Minerva, helping Severus to his feet.
"About what?" questioned Severus, but Minerva shrugged her shoulders indicating he had no choice, but to go up to Dumbledore's office. Taking a deep breath, Severus moved toward the front door, opened it for the two of them before closing it shut behind him. On a normal day he would have flooed to the Headmaster's office, but today he decided to walk and clear his head. He walked toward the stairs, preparing himself mentally for what would be a long discussion. Muttering the password for the gargoyle and entering the cramped office, he stood in front of Dumbledore's desk. Steeling himself, he forced his eyes to look at the Headmaster
"Ah, Severus I've been expecting you. Please have a seat so we can start," offered Albus, gesturing to the seat in front of his desk.
"Cut to the chase, Albus. What do you want?" asked Severus keeping his temper in check to avoid snapping at his employer.
Dumbledore's cheerful face turned serious while he studied his spy standing in front of him. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the Potion Master was upset about Lily's death. He hated discussing bad news with his friends and colleagues, but he had no choice. Other than Petunia, Lily had no other immediate family and Severus was the obvious choice in this matter.
"We need to talk about what to do with Lily's son," started Albus making sure not to refer to Harry as James's son and playing to his colleague's weaknesses.
"I thought you moved him to live with his Aunt and her family?" retorted Severus, seeing he had been correct in assuming he would not like this conversation.
"I have and as long as the blood wards hold, he'll be safe living with his relatives away from the wizarding world. I'm talking about what to do with him when he starts at Hogwarts. The boy needs protection and you are the only candidate," answered Albus, bracing himself for the refusal he was sure to get.
He wasn't disappointed seeing the look of utter disgust on the younger man's face, "You are asking too much of me, Albus. I won't do it. You broke your promise to me! You said you would keep her safe!"
"I did as much as I could, Severus. James and Lily simply put their trust in the wrong person, much like you did a few years ago. The point is Harry is alive and he needs to be looked after," informed the Headmaster, keeping his voice calm.
"What are you talking about, you daft old man. The Dark Lord is gone, along with the only friend I ever had," replied Severus softly, looking away from the Headmaster.
"You and I both know that this is nothing more than a temporary set-back for the Voldemort. He will return and Lily's son will be in terrible danger," insisted Dumbledore before playing again to Severus's love of Lily and added, "He has her eyes, precisely her eyes. You, of course, remember the colour and shape of Lily's eyes, right?"
"DON'T...gone...I killed her," whispered Severus, fighting back tears and showing weakness in front of his mentor.
"Is this remorse?" inquired Dumbledore standing up and walking around his desk to stand beside his young spy.
"I wish...I wish I was dead," muttered Severus, lowering his head in defeat and keeping his eyes trained to the floor.
"Oh, come off it, Severus. What use would that be to anyone?" said Albus. "If you loved Lily Evans, if you truly love her, then your way forward is clear."
Severus seemed lost in his own world and didn't reply for a long time as painful memories clouded his mind. Finally, he lifted his head and said, "What...what do you mean?"
"You know how and why she died so it's up to you to make sure she did not die in vain. Help me protect her son," pleaded Dumbledore.
There was a long pause, and slowly Snape regained control of himself, mastered his own breathing. At last he said, "Very well. Very well. But never - never tell, Dumbledore! This must be between us! Swear it! I cannot bear…especially Potter's son…I want your word!"
"My word, Severus, that I shall never reveal the best of you?" Dumbledore sighed, looking down into Snape's ferocious, anguished face. "If you insist…"
"I do!" snapped Severus and stormed out of the office, not caring that he had not been properly dismissed by his employer. He had said he would protect Lily's son and protect him he would. Heading back down to his chambers, he threw the door opened and stared up angrily at the witch's portrait. "You better appreciate what I'm doing, Lils. I only wish it was my own son I was protecting not the spawn of James Potter. Don't you remember that day when we were young?"
Severus certainly remembered the day not so long ago when he and Lily had gone to the park. It had been a few weeks after he had told Lily she was a witch and the two of them had had a solid friendship. They had been lying in the grass watching clouds go by when Lily had broken the silence with a question.
"Hey, Sev. Have you ever wondered about life after school?" asked the red-head, shifting so she was on her side facing the young man beside her with head propped up by her elbow.
"Not really. I mean I want to become a Potion Master, but seriously Lily why does it matter right now?" asked Severus looking at her curiously.
"Well I suppose not, but when we're at Hogwarts we might different people and we might not be best friends anymore," replied Lily sadly.
"What are you talking about? Of course, we'll still be best friends," insisted Severus sitting up and resting a hand on one of Lily's.
"You think so?" questioned Lily, looking at him with a spark of hope.
"I know so," pushed Severus even though doubt was playing at the back of his mind that he could be wrong. It seemed to work because Lily perked up and returned her gaze back to the clouds. Curious as to what her response was, he repeated her question back to her.
"I'm not really sure, but I definitely want a family. Not a big family. Just a nice husband and a child," answered Lily with a sigh.
"Yeah, it would nice to have a family, I suppose," returned Severus, not meeting Lily's eyes when she shifted back to look at him.
"You suppose? Why wouldn't you want a family?" inquired Lily.
"I'd never find someone to love me as much as you do," answered Severus quietly.
Tears started to cascade down Lily's eyes as she sat up and threw her arms around him hugging him like he would disappear if she let go.
"Severus, I promise you that I will find someone to love you," said Lily, sternly.
Severus pulled away from Lily, not seeing the hurt on her face and stared at the play ground watching a father push his child on the swings. "You can't promise something like that, Lily. It's impossible."
"Then I'll make a vow to you right now. I Lily Evans swear to Severus Snape that I will find someone to love him," ordered Lily, crossing her finger over her heart.
Severus smiled faintly, not sure what to say to his friend because in his heart he knew that it was a foolish promise to make. Instead of commenting, he simply changed courses and pinched her before taking off towards the teeter-totter.
They had played at the park for another hour before his father had come to the park and had dragged him home. It was the first time his father hit him and he rubbed his cheek at the memory. Shaking his head he glared one more time at the portrait and swept from the living room toward his bedroom, slamming it with a loud BANG.
As the fire in the fireplace died down to embers, the room fell into darkness and soon the Potion Master's chambers were quiet. Nothing moved for a few moments except for a steadily growing ghostly blue light. As the blue light grew, you could see a figure start to form out of the blue light and in a few seconds a ghostly silver doe appeared in the room. It looked at the portrait on the wall and a small ghost of a smile appeared. Turning towards the hallway, the doe trotted down it and simply walked through the door into Severus's bedroom.
A look at his muggle clock showed the doe that it was midnight and already the Potion Master was beginning to show signs that he was having a nightmare. At first it was subtly, but eventually the Potion Master started thrashing in his bed. Padding silently over to the troubled man, the doe leaned her head down and touched her nose to his cheek. He sighed contently and continued to sleep peacefully.
Again the doe smiled faintly and trotted back a few feet to admire the young man sleeping in his bed. Opening her mouth, the doe began speaking in a soft female voice, "I remember the promise I made to you and I always keep my promises. Please know that I love you and that I would never blame you for my death." Closing her mouth, the doe looked once more at her old friend, before blinking and disappearing with a crack.
In another world, far from the time of Hogwarts and the hidden realm of Wizardry, a young boy watched his mother get taken away by a group of men. The young boy just couldn't understand why the bad men were taking his mummy away. Considering he was only one years old, the young boy showed very advance intelligence for his age. Nobody saw the young boy hiding in the shadows and continued to drag the woman out of the house. After the door had shut tight, the little boy released the scream he had held in and started crying. The boy was so distraught that he didn't see the silver white doe materialize in front of him.
Shaking its head, the doe trotted over to the frightened child and lower her head to gently nudge him. Startled by the soft touch of the doe's nose the child jerked his head up and moved away from the doe. For a while, neither moved as both looked at each other wondering what to do next.
The silence was broken by the doe opening its mouth and speaking in a soft voice, "Shh...child. It will be okay. Don't be afraid, I'm here to take you to a place where you will be safe."
The little brown hair boy's dark brown eyes simply starred at the doe with a mix of both distrust and childish curiosity. He wanted to go with the strange animal, but his mummy always told him not to go anywhere with a stranger. Thinking that maybe if she talked more to the doe, it would be okay to not consider her a stranger, he moved closer.
"My name Will. What yours?" asked the small four year old. His parents discouraged him from showing off how smart he was, but the doe didn't seem like it would do that to him.
The doe smiled at Will and replied, "Nice to meet you, Will. My name is Lily and I already know how special you are."
"You mean you know that I do weird stuff?" asked Will wondering how the strange creature knew anything about him. "Like change my mother's hair or fly?"
Lily nodded her doe like head and laughed, "Of course, Will. I know all about that. That's why I was sent to come and get you."
Will smiled at the praise and crept closer to the doe sticking his hand out to the touch Lily's soft head. Lily stuck her head down to meet Will's hand and nuzzled it, making the little boy giggle and embrace the doe. Lily sighed happily and would have stayed that way, but the sun was going down in this time and so was her time on earth. Shifting so Lily could see into Will's cute dark brown eyes she asked, "Will, I need to know if you want to come with me. Would you like that, sweetie?"
Will looked at her for a few minutes as his brain thought over the question and nodded his head enthusiastically. He liked Lily a lot and she seemed not to be bothered by any of the strange accidents he had done. The doe smiled and bent down to encourage the child to climb onto her back. After making sure he had a good hold on her neck, she stood back up and turned to door, stamping her right foot. The door opened as if an invisible hand had turned the knob and smiled at her success.
"That Will is what my people call magic. You've been doing something called accidental magic which you have no control over. In a few years, you'll learn to control that magic and become a full-trained wizard. Now, when we exit the house, I want you to close your eyes and squeeze my neck as tight as you can, okay sweetie?" asked Lily.
"Kay," replied Will already adjusting his grip on Lily's soft neck and closing his eyes. The doe nodded happily and then looked at the small wooden table. Stamping her right foot again, she smiled as she saw a cream-coloured envelop appeared on the table. Done all she could, she looked at her charge once more and trotted out of the house. As soon as the pair exited the house, the doe closed her eyes and they both vanished with a CRACK.
Silence once more covered the small house and clearing while birds flew overhead chirping a bit before quieting. Leaves of nearby trees fell from their branches and squirrels started foraging for food. It wasn't until the moon was high in the sky that the sound of hoof beats disrupted the peaceful silence. A rider wearing a green and brown malted cloak came bursting out of the thick forest heading straight towards the house. Seeing the house was silent and dark, the figure reined in his sweat-soaked horse and swiftly dismounted, grabbing his long bow. Leaving his horse, the small built man cautiously moved toward the house, but decided no one was around and didn't bother knocking. Opening the door, the cloaked figure took a look around the small cramped cottage and his face turned worried. There were signs of a struggle in everything from the hastily thrown dinner on the ground, to the patches of blood on the wooden floor.
"Damn," mutter the man, scanning the quiet house again only to see the small cream-coloured envelop on the table. Walking closer, he noticed it was addressed to him, Halt and slowly tore open the envelope to read the message. It wasn't a long message and Halt was slightly startled by the words. Reading carefully a few times to make sure there wasn't any hidden meaning, he sighed heavily and headed toward the door after tossing the letter into the fire.
If anyone had been left in that house and tried to read the small message as it burned, they would have left confused. For on the paper read the words;
You are released from your vow.
I promise he is in good hands. Do not attempt to find him
Your friend, Daniel.
Nothing else disturbed the quiet house in the clearing as darkness covered the house, casting shadows in the remaining firelight. In time, the house and its occupants would be forgotten by the man and the people of Araluen.
A/N: So this is my first attempt at a Harry Potter and Ranger's Apprentice fanfic. I just finally got hooked on the series a few months back. Anyways just to let you know the first few chapters will be when Will is one years old and will eventually skip to when Will goes off to Hogwarts. Enjoy!
Love, S.S.A
P.s I'll try and have funny quote from either series at the end of each chapter. If you laugh, I get a Slytherin (that's me) get's a point…if not Gryffindor get's a point. It's the age old Gryffindor vs. slytherin game. Again, I can't own any of the characters because that would be plagiarizing…sigh.
Quote of the Chapter: From Book 9: Halt's Peril
"Does it matter?" Halt asked.
Horace shrugged. "Not really, I suppose. I just wondered why you'd gone to the kitchen and why you took the trouble to remain unseen. Were you hiding from Master Chubb yourself? And Will just turned up by coincidence?"
"And why would I be hiding from Master Chubb in his own kitchen?" Halt challenged. Again. Horace shrugged innocently.
"Well,there was a tray of freshly made pies airing on the windowsill, wasn't there? And you're quite fond of pies, aren't you, Halt?"
Halt drew himself up very straight in the saddle. "Are you accusing me of sneaking into that kitchen to steal the pies for myself? Is that it?"
His voice and body language simply reeked of injured dignity.
"Of course not, Halt!" Horace hurried to assure him, and Halt's stiff-shouldered form relaxed a little.
"I just thought I'd give you the opportunity to confess," Horace added. This time, Malcolm couldn't conceal his sudden explosion of laughter. Halt gave them both a withering glance.
"You know, Horace," he said at length, "you used to be a most agreeable young man. Whatever happened to you?"
Horace turned a wide grin on him. "I've spent too much time around you, I suppose," he said.
And Halt had to admit that was probably true.