Finding the Way Chapter 2: The Future

Sarah leaned over the sink in her lavatory, trying to steady herself.

"If you are too tired to do this" Harry said, leaning on the doorpost, "I can make excuses for you with Kingsley"

"Who would have thought taking a shower and getting dressed would be so exhausting?" She shivered. "Is it cold in here?"

"No, but you are chilled" Harry went to her side, "Let's dry your hair"

"I can do it" she said, reaching for her wand. But when she flicked her wand, nothing happened. She threw it back down, "I can't even do a simple spell. I've become a squib!" she cried.

"Sarah" Harry soothed, "Let me" He pulled out his wand and dried her hair for her. Putting his wand back into his pocket, he gripped her and then turned her by the arms, "The mediwitches think that your magical levels will return soon with the proper training. You'll be just as strong and talented as before"

"I could cast spells wandlessly. I could cast nonverbal spells. I stood up to the darkest wizard of all time, who by the way, thought I had an amazing ability. And now what? Nothing! I don't even know how to function without magic. I don't want to!"

"It's normal for you to be upset about it. It is a part of who you are"

"Look at me. I look horrid" Sarah met his eyes, "Bellatrix killed my child. My marriage is over. Snape still refuses to see me for Merlin knows what reason. And I can't even perform simple tasks without feeling like I need to take a three hour rest"

"It will be better. Talk to Kingsley"

"He just wants to interrogate me about Snape and Draco"

"I don't think that is all he wants" Harry said, quietly, "But all the same, I am glad Andromeda is meeting us there"

"Was that Snape's idea?"

"Of course" Harry nodded.

"He won't talk to me, but he is still his overbearing self from a distance"

"Merlin, Bellatrix's curse has made you moody" Harry muttered.

"You would be moody too" she shot back. "If you lost your child and woke up to be completely altered"

"I suppose you are right" Harry said, slowly. "Come on now. We best not keep Kingsley and the ministry waiting"

"No, we best not" Sarah said, dryly.

"You are sounding more like Snape every day" Harry took her arm and led her away from her room and down the stairs of Snape Manor.

She sighed, turning to him wearily, "Do I at least look alright?" she asked, flipping out the ends of her hair.

"You look beautiful, Sarah" Harry reassured you. "Not the least like you have gone through such a terrible ordeal"

"And the dress?" she frowned, worried, "Should I call Hermione and ask her if it is appropriate?" She wore a navy blue and white polka-dot dress that fell to just below her knees. It had to be altered due to her weight loss.

"I think it is fine" Harry said.

"I don't look sickly, do I?"

"No"

"Maybe I should change" Sarah said, biting her lip.

He took her arm again, "There is no time to change. Let's go"


Sarah clicked her heel against the marble floor of the ministry as they sat on the bench outside the Minister's office, waiting for Kingsley.

Harry put a hand on her knee to stop her from making so much noise. "Are you nervous?" he asked.

"Kind of" she admitted. "I did marry into the Malfoy family and cavort with Death Eaters. And it is now widely known that Voldemort had a...thing...for me"

"But you stood up to him at the last battle" Harry said, his voice calm, "Remember? Kingsley was right behind you. He saw everything"

"Yes" she shifted again as Andromeda approached.

"Sarah"

"Andi" she rose to greet her cousin, "thank you for coming"

"Of course. We aren't going to let the ministry harasses you, Sarah. Not after all you have been through"

"Harry" she turned to her friend, who was still sitting on the bench, watching her, "do you mind if I talk to Andromeda for a moment alone?"

"Sure" Harry rose, "I'll just get some more coffee"

"Since when did you start drinking so much coffee?" Sarah asked.

"Since I had to stay by your bedside all hours of the night" he replied, his voice low. "I haven't gotten much sleep in the past few weeks either"

She immediately felt horrid for your attitude, "I'm sorry, Harry. You have been such a good friend to me and I've just been horrid today. I don't mean to be so cranky"

"It's understandable" Harry nodded, "But we have all been through it, you know? I know probably you and I the most of all. You aren't alone"

"I know" She took a breath and nodded.

"See you in a bit" he walked away, his coffee mug in his hand.

"What is it Sarah?" Andromeda asked after Harry was out of hearing distance. She looked so extraordinarily like Bellatrix that Sarah had to keep reminding herself who she was looking at.

"I have to see Snape. Or Draco. Both of them, actually. They can't keep freezing me out, Andi"

"I don't think Severus is trying to freeze you out" Andi said gently, "He is concerned that the ministry will use you and your relationship with him for their benefit and your harm. You were privy to many of his deceptions"

She shifted, biting her lip, "I just...this is too hard to sort through without him, you know?"

"I know" Andromeda patted her arm, "Let's see what the ministry wants from you and we'll go from there"

"Very well" Sarah nodded as Harry came back to them and they continued to wait.


"Thank you for waiting. Things are, of course, quite hectic" Kingsley shook all of their hands, "Sarah, do you know Gawain Robards?"

"No, I do not, Minister" Sarah reached out to shake his hand as well, "But Harry has mentioned him before. Hello, Mr. Robards"

"Miss Black" he nodded.

"About that" Sarah gave them all a small smile at they sat across from Kingsley, "I can't start this meeting without clearing something up first."

"What do you need to clear up?" Kingsley asked.

"I understand while I was ill that the ministry decided to take it upon themselves to void my marriage to Draco Malfoy. I was not coerced into marrying Draco, and if perhaps you all have done your research thoroughly, you would have known that he had been my long time off and on again boyfriend"

"We were aware of your attachment to Mr. Malfoy" Kingsley nodded, "But you cannot tell me there was no pressure to marry him...pressure from dark forces?"

She shifted, "I suppose" she conceded.

"Would you have married Draco at that moment in time without those pressures?" Kingsley pressed.

She sighed, "No"

"In fact, you were secretly engaged to Fred Weasley at the time, were you not?"

"Yes"

"And were your friends and family being threatened?

"Yes"

"Which is why you chose to marry Malfoy to ease the pressure off your loved ones, correct?"

She frowned and fiddled with the hem of her dress, "I suppose"

"Then, we were well within our rights to void the marriage" his voice was no-nonsense. "We gave Mr. Malfoy plenty of opportunity to protest our actions and he did not"

She twisted the her rings that she hadn't had the heart to remove, chewing on her lip as she stared at them. Harry reached out and touched her knee, discreetly. She forced herself to look up again.

"Still, I would like to testify still on both Draco and Snape's behalf. I know Harry will as well, but I think my insight would be beneficial" Sarah said. "Do we know when the trial will be?"

"Soon" Kingsley said, vaguely.

"When is soon?" Sarah pressed, still twisting her rings.

"Soon" Kingsley repeated, "For what it is worth, I believe that they will be cleared"

"If that is the case, then why is Snape in prison and Draco under house arrest?"

"The public deserves us to go through the proper protocols for all those with the dark mark, since in the First War many were cleared that were undeserving"

"And yet, Lucius Malfoy has wormed his way out of this again? He isn't even in prison, yet Snape is?

"There is strong evidence that puts his status as Death Eater under question"

"That is ridiculous" Sarah grunted. "What evidence?"

"That is not your concern" Kingsley said. "He has made a deal with the ministry"

"And Snape hasn't?"

"No"

"Draco?"

"No" Kingsley sighed, "I do believe, Sarah, that both of them will be cleared at their trial"

"But there is a chance that they will not?"

"I suppose" he acknowledged."It is widely known that Snape killed Dumbledore and Draco was complacent in that act"

"Yet you have Harry's memories and now my own that supports that Snape's actions were more of an assisted suicide...one that Dumbledore schemed up to help the Order"

"That all will be brought up at trial, Sarah" Andi interjected. "His case is strong. Draco's too"

"And if Snape is cleared, he will be able to resume his life without consequence, including his job at Hogwarts?" she pressed, her voice even.

"Indeed" Kingsley said, with a glance at Andromeda. "But I haven't called you here today to talk about Snape or Malfoy, actually"

"Then, why am I here?" she smoothed down the wrinkles in her dress.

He gestured to Robards who plucked a handful of thick files down in front of her.

"What are these?" she began to shift through them.

"Death Eaters still at large. As you can see, after their leader's demise, many of them went into hiding before we could capture them"

"I thought you captured a majority" she said, quietly.

"We captured many, but not all. We know if they remain at large, they will pose a threat to us...eventually, they will act again"

"I see" Sarah glanced at Harry, who still remained quiet. "I don't see what I have to do with this"

"Potter is starting the auror academy this fall. Did you know?" Kingsley asked.

She turned to him, shocked, "No, he didn't mention that"

"And Weasley...both Ron and George" Robards offered.

"Harry and Ron haven't finished their seventh year at Hogwarts"

"We have made an exception" Kingsley stated, "And we want you to join them"

She shook her head, swiftly. "I can barely cast a spell to dry my hair. I can't go to the auror academy" her face flushed as she shivered in the cold of the room.

"We have found you a program" Robards continued, "The best healers in Switzerland. Weasley would join you to try to improve the hearing in his cast off ear"

"Healers? Switzerland?" she shifted again, uncomfortably.

"They have assured us after reviewing your case that they can get your magical levels up to snuff in no time" Kingsley said. "A month or two. And then you would start the auror academy yourself"

She turned to Andi, "Did you know about this?"

She shook her head, "No"

"Harry?"

"Yes and I think you should consider it" Harry said, quietly.

"But I have never mentioned the auror academy" she said, "my goals have always been elsewhere"

"Minerva has told us" Robards said, "but you are truly one of the most talented witches I have seen for a long time. Minerva and your other professors have confirmed it. We need you at the Auror office"

"You'll have Harry. He's the savior. I'm just the woman Voldemort wanted to..." she paused and folded her arms against herself. "Is this because I was on the inside for a while?"

"You understand how a Death Eater thinks" Kingsley said.

"No, I don't" Sarah retorted, adamantly.

"Lucius testified to how much time you spent with he who must not be named..."

"You mean Voldemort?" Sarah shot back. "Yes, I spent time with him"

"He talked to you in those times"

"Yes, but it wasn't about strategy often...more about just normal things"

"Normal things?" Robards asked.

"Like literature and history and art...and occasionally potions and spell. Alot of times he just wanted someone to keep him company while he read"

"Fascinating" Robards said.

"Regardless, you have insight that none of us else have. You were raised by one of his followers...even if that one had turned, he was still part of their workings. And you married one"

"Well, yes..." she swallowed hard.

"So, then we need your expertise. And we have seen your skill" Kingsley said, "Once your magical levels are recovered, there is no better person to enter the aurors...besides Potter of course"

She sighed. "I do admit that I want to catch these wizards as much as anybody else"

"But giving up your other ambitions" Andromeda said, softly, "is that wise?"

She shrugged, "I have a hard time caring about those now...not after losing the baby"

"Very good" Kingsley smiled, widely. "We have your contract here, Sarah"

A quill floated to her, "Switzerland"

"I hear it is beautiful place" Kingsley said, "You should be quite comfortable there"

"And are they certain that they can recover my magical ability?"

"They have assured us of a positive outcome"

"Good" she nodded and then scribbled her name.

Sarah Grace Black

She paused, mulling over a new idea in her head.

"There is one other thing. My adoption papers. There are still on record at the ministry"

"We checked it ourselves when you claimed at the last battle that Snape adopted you. And he also admitted to there being that paperwork" Kingsley nodded, "What about them?"

"I want an official name change" she said, clearly. "Before I leave for Switzerland"

"To what?" Kingsley asked.

"Sarah Grace Snape-Black. Hyphenated. I want everyone to know that I am Severus Snape's adopted daughter" she declared.

He exchanged a look with Robards.

"The public would be made known of the change. You have become some sort of a heroine in the public's eye. It would cause questions"

"Questions I would be happy to answer any reporter who calls" she told him, "This contract has no clause to silence me or my story"

"No" Kingsley frowned, "Perhaps we should have added it"

"I don't see how the name change makes that much of a difference. Malfoy and Snape will be eventually cleared. And the public knows most of the details anyways from reports from her peers" Robards said quietly. "If she wants to talk, at least then there wouldn't be so much damn speculation surrounding her"

"Okay, Sarah" he nodded, "If that is what you want"

"It is" she said, "And you will contact me to testify on Snape's behalf. And Draco's"

"Of course" Kingsley nodded. "I'm sure Andi will make sure"

"I sure will" Andromeda declared. "I can draw up the paperwork for your name change to put it through the proper channels at the ministry"

"Perfect" she nodded at both of them.

"I will have someone call you about the details of your travel" Kingsley said, "We are aiming to send you off within two weeks"

"Good" she said, "I'll be ready"

They left the two men and stood in the hallway.

"I feel like I signed my life away" she muttered.

"You didn't have to do it" Harry said, surprised.

"I never wanted to be an auror. That was your dream, Harry" Sarah said, "but they are right. It makes the most sense" She turned to Andi. "I have two favors, Andromeda"

"Sure"

"I want to interview with a reporter before I leave...actually as soon as possible. I want to try to sway the public opinion in Snape's behalf to light a fire under the ministry"

"He won't like that" Andromeda told her, titling her head.

"Too bad" Sarah retorted. "And another thing. When I am done with my interview, give him a copy of the newspaper"

Harry's eyes widened, "Are you trying to get smacked, Sarah? I wouldn't put it past Snape to call you down to his cell and use some of that good old Slytherin discipline"

Andi threw back her head and laughed, "I think she is trying to get her daddy's attention, Potter" She reached out and squeezed her hand, "I'll do that. I, myself, think he is being stubborn"

"Great" Sarah smiled at her and then grew serious, "One other thing. Before I leave...can I see Lupin?"

Andromeda grew grave. "The ministry is offering to send him also to Switzerland. There is a new revolutionary treatment that can control his transformations. He is being stubborn about it though. Without Nymphadora, it's like he can't go on. I know how he feels. I felt the same way when Ted died and then when Dora died..." her eyes filled with tears, "Maybe you should, Sarah. He asks about you every day. Potter goes to see him. And Teddy. He needs a visit from his godmother"

"Of course" she reached out to give Andromeda a hug, "I'm so sorry about Tonks, Andi. She was the best"

"She was special" Andi nodded, "I appreciate that, Sarah. I'll arrange that all for you"

Sarah and Harry watched her walk away, before Harry looped his arm around hers and they left them ministry together.


"What is this?" Snape asked as Andromeda handed him a copy of the Daily Prophet's front page.

"Read it for yourself" Andi held up her hands, "I'm staying out of this"

"He called me His Pureblood Princess" An exclusive interview with Sarah Black, the one who defied the darkest wizard of all time

"What in Merlin's name is this?" Snape demanded.

"Keep reading, Sev" Andi gestured to him. "It gets better"

He began to read the subheadings which were numerous:

"I was to have his children" He who must not be named wanted her as his own. An exclusive on His sinister plans for the best friend of Harry Potter.

"I would not be the woman I am today without Severus Snape" Her father, Sirius Black, was wrongly accused of murder and now her adopted father, Severus Snape is awaiting trial. More about the surprisingly tender relationship between Hogwarts's surly Potions Professior and the little girl he adopted and raised as his own.

"Both Draco and Snape protected me from Voldemort" Her marriage to Draco Malfoy, may have been dissolved by the ministry, but it is clear that Sarah's feelings can't so easily be dissolved.

And read it first here on the surprising plans of what lies ahead for Sarah Black, now Sarah Snape- Black. "I'm recovering and then will enter the auror academy" Will she partner with best friend, Harry Potter, after their training is complete? The exciting details ahead including a statement from the ministry

"What rubbish is this?" Snape growled.

"I have read it already, Sev" Andi said, quietly. "Go on"

She watched him as he stewed over the article and after he had read it thoroughly three times, he snapped it closed, folding it carefully, and slid it across the table to Andromeda.

"I want to see my daughter, now" Snape's voice was low. "Bring her to me, please"

Andi gave him a smile, "She figured that. She is waiting outside"

"Leave the paper there, Andi" he said, his voice gruff.

"Very well" She turned to him, "You do know this enormously helps our case to sway public opinion in your favor"

"I never cared about that"

"I think Sarah's point is that maybe you should care" Andromeda retorted, "Be nice to her, Sev. She has been through alot"

"I'm aware" he said, dryly.

A few minutes later, Sarah came in. "Did you summon me, Dad?" she asked, standing in the doorway.

"Over here, Black" Snape snapped. "Sit. Now."

"It's so nice to see you too, Snape" Sarah said, sweetly, sliding into her seat. "I have missed you"

"Just stop" Snape raised his hand. "You know why I couldn't see you"

"No, I don't" Sarah retorted, heatedly, slapping her hands on the table. "I don't know. Why don't you explain it to me?"

"You are angry at me?" Severus's eyes narrowed. "After all I am doing to distance you from me to protect you and you allow this rubbish to be written?"

"Yes, I'm angry at you" Sarah slapped her hands again, "I'm pissed at you, Snape"

Snape folded his arms, "Pray tell, Black. Why are you angry?"

"I needed you"

"What could I do for you from in here?"

"You could have seen me when I asked to visit"

"I'm trying to protect you!" Severus slammed his fist down.

"And I'm telling you that you cannot protect me. She killed my baby, Dad. Fred is gone. Draco doesn't want to see me either. My marriage is over. Everything is topsy-turvey. I can't even produce a simple spell or take a shower without getting exhausted. I have nightmares at night about killing Bellatrix. My life is in ruins and the one person who I have always depended on is shutting me out"

"So you do this?" Snape reached and waved the newspaper at her. "He called me his pureblood princess"

"Well, he did" she retorted.

"You basically admitted your entire involvement with him"

She shrugged. "There were rumors about his plans. I just elaborated on them. And the stuff about you protecting me...about Draco protecting me...all of that is true! And about you being the best father to me growing up...that's true too. And if it helps your case, then I'm all too happy to divulge all the details of whatever the public wants to know"

Snape pointed to the last headline, "What about this?"

"The auror academy? Yes, that's true too"

"Why?" Snape's eyes narrowed, "That has never been the plan"

"Plans change, Dad"

"Not these. All we have done is so that you could still accomplish your goals and then when he dies and you have the chance to do so, you throw your life away in the course of a few weeks"

"An auror is a respectable career" Sarah retorted.

"But it is not what you wanted" Snape planted his hands on the table and leaned over, "It's the last thing you wanted"

"It's done now" she said, quietly.

"Why would you do that?"

"They said they needed me"

"They have Potter. Let him risk his life. You are putting your life very much in danger again...It makes these seven years seem all for naught"

"Not if I am good at my job" she said, wryly.

"Black"

"Snape-Black" she corrected, titling her head.

He paused. "You have made a grave error in judgement, little girl" he finally said, his voice low.

"Then it is my error to make" she rose. "I have to pack for Switzerland. I'll be back in time to testify for you and Draco before I start the academy"

"This conversation is not over...not by any means"

"I look forward to that"

She paused and then leaned over to kiss his cheek, before straightening. "I love you, Dad"

Snape sighed, resigned, "You are really going to do this, aren't you?"

"It's already done" she said, "I have to find my way, Dad. Unfortunately, you can't lead me through this"

He watched her retreat, "Sarah, wait"

She turned back around. "What is it?"

"Is this atonement for killing Bellatrix? Or putting your baby's life in danger?"

Tears sprang to her eyes, "Maybe"

"This won't help" Severus said, quietly.

"I have to try" She said, going back to sit in the seat, "By the way, I need to tell you something else...speaking of atonement and all"

"What is it?"

Her voice was low. "When Harry and I were walking to where Voldemort was so Harry could sacrifice his life, he used the resurrection stone"

"He told me" Snape said, "He told me what Lily and your mum said"

"And when I was unconscious, I was with the baby...with little Orion...and my parents urged me to come back...for you. And reminded me to tell you, that you need to move on with your life. And it is true. Lily and mum were right. You have done a wonderful, but you have more than atoned for everything. You need to move on too, Dad"

He nodded.

"Let me testify. We will get you out of here and you can go back to Hogwarts. Now that the ruse is over, you could probably actually be a good professor"

"I wouldn't go that far"

"I would" Sarah stood again, "You were the best teacher I ever had" She swayed slightly and reached out to grip the table again.

"Are you alright?" Snape's eyes were always discerning.

She took a breath, "I need to go home and rest"

"And finish packing?"

"Yes, and that too"

"Ask Wiggles to help you"

"I will"

"And then I will see you when you return" Snape said, with a nod.

"Are you really upset about the whole auror thing?"

"You may be certain of that. But you are right. You must find your own path. I'll see you when you return"

"I love you" she said again.

"I love you too" Snape responded.

He watched her leave before burying his head wearily in his hands.

A/N: up next: Sarah tries to see Draco before she leaves.