A/N This is my first HP fanfic. It will run close to canon but not exact and Snape may be slightly OOC. Please feel free to point out errors, I do not have a beta and it's been years since I've read the books.

I DISCLAIM. The world of Harry Potter is awesome but, not mine.


Prologue

November 1977

"It's near a fortnight since I owled for you. Where've you been?" Lucius Malfoy snapped coldly as he ushered his companion through the imposing halls of Malfoy Manor.

"It is not exactly easy to sneak out of Hogwarts," came the monotone reply.

"How'd you manage?"

"Lucky for you my mother died and I was allowed to leave the school to settle her affairs," retorted the visitor.

Lucius hesitated before replying, "my condolences."

"What do you want?"

"Remember yourself Severus," Lucius whirled on him, pinning him up against the nearest wall. "It would do you good to mind your betters," releasing the younger man he began pacing the length of the study they'd just walked into. "Dobby!" he called; a house elf appeared seconds later. He whispered to the tiny creature before it disappeared and he was able to returned his attention to the younger man still standing against the far wall. "I need you to dispose of something."

"What is it?" Severus asked carefully, knowing full well it would be something most unpleasant if Lucius refused to handle the situation himself.

"Here you is, Master. The little miss just wakes up," Dobby suddenly reappeared with what looked to be a pile of rags.

"Give it to Severus," Lucius barked, refusing to look at the bundle.

"Take good care of the little miss," Dobby squeaked as he thrust the rags forward and Severus got a good look at what lay cocooned inside.

"I thought this was taken care of months ago, Lucius," Severus hissed.

"As did I," the blonde sneered. "By the time I discovered the potion was faulty, Cissy was too far along. Regardless of this indiscretion, I did not want her dead. The Black family dowry is nothing to scoff at and her father increased it two-fold based on her condition. We're to marry on the Winter Solstice."

"Does she know the child lives?"

"No, she believes it dead and is beside herself with grief," Lucius closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, the insanity of the last two weeks finally catching up to him. "If I ever lay eyes on that blood-traitor," he sucked in a quick breath, "he'll beg for death."

"And just what do you suggest I do?" Severus asked, trying to mask his nervousness. "Surely you don't wish me to drive a spike through its ankles and leave it atop Ben Nevis like an ancient Greek? I don't think I have to remind you what happened to Oedipus."

"Kill it however you deem fit, Severus," Lucius responded through gritted teeth. "Leave no trace of the abomination and I'll make sure the Dark Lord hears of your service."

"Very well," Severus awkwardly readjusted his hold on the baby. "I'll owl you when it is done," he said without a parting glance to the blonde. Looking down at the drowsy infant his heart clenched when he noticed the child's red hair, so much like Lily's. He quickly strode down to the main parlor of Malfoy Manor where he could floo out. Shouting, "Spinner's End!" he stepped into the flames and departed.