Disclaimer: 'The Secret Tower' is an ongoing 'Harry Potter' fanfic series, and is not meant to be an exact replica of the original series. Aside from a few, all characters were created by, and are property of, J.K. Rowling, author of the original 'Harry Potter' series. I claim no rights to any persons, places, or spells depicted in this story that were originally penned by Mrs. Rowling, only those that are of my own creation.

Hours later, the sun finally peeked over the horizon, and the voices within the old Tavern fell silent. Allowing a few moments for sleep to settle in among those inside, Snape took out his wand, and aimed it at one of the panes in the window.

"EVANESCO!" The glass vanished, and he reached in through the hole to unlock the window and push it open. He climbed through the tight space, and looked around the dark dining room. There was no sign of any of the Vills, or the child. He crept softly across the floor to a closed door on the back wall, behind the bar, and, pulling it open, stepped through silently. The dark was impossible to see through, though he could hear the snores of the creatures surrounding him - he had found the main sleeping chamber. Thinking that the girl most likely would be in here, as they would be keeping her on their schedule, he held his wand out in front of him and whispered, "Lumos", and a small beam of light erupted from the tip. Tiptoeing, he held the dim light in front of him and inspected the sleeping bodies, until finally his eyes fell upon the tiny form of the little girl, lying closest to the window. As he got closer, he was surprised to see her eyes wide open, and looking up at him. He removed his cloak and, draping it over her, lifted her into his arms and hurried quietly back out into the daylight.

Once they were outside, Snape set the child down, then leaned back against a wall and let out a breath that he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He closed his eyes for a moment, and upon opening them, found icy blue eyes peering up at him from a face that was surprisingly calm, as though the girl had been expecting something like this to happen.

"Alright, I've got you out, now let's get you home," he told her, and walked past her in the direction of the train station. Stopping a few feet away, he looked back and was satisfied to see her following him.

Most of the day had gone by before they reached their destination, and Snape was exhausted by the time he finally rang the doorbell. The little girl stood at his side, silent during the entire trip, he thought he could hear a faint whimpering from her now.

The door opened, and Lucius Malfoy smiled coldly at the sight of his old friend. "Good day, Severus, this is a bit of a surprise. Are you here to see Dra-" Lucius cut off midsentence, when his eyes fell on the little girl. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times, as though he were trying to say something but the words just wouldn't seem to form. Blinking rapidly, he shook his head slightly a couple of times. Slowly, his expression began to change, from shocked and confused, to joyous, almost near to tears. Dropping to his knees in front of the child, looking into her eyes, eyes so very much like his own, he choked back a sob and took her into his arms.

"C-C-Cassius...my baby girl...you're alive!" he sputtered, tears of relief spilling down his cheeks. He looked gratefully up at Snape. "Where...how...?"

"I found her in an old tavern. She was used as a slave...and a...er...food supply..." Snape explained. Lucius paled. "I thought it would be best to get her out of the situation immediately, and return her to her father..."

Lucius' face went even whiter. "Return her...to me?! Severus...no...I can't...you know...Narcissa...Draco...they don't know...I just can't!"

Anger flashed in Snape's dark eyes and he took a step toward Lucius, who was getting to his feet. "This child needs care, and as her father, you are the one responsible for her!"

"Yes, yes, I know, but..." Lucius thought for a moment.

"...Lucius?" a voice from somewhere inside the giant house called. Lucius jumped, and quickly pulled a small sack out of his pocket and thrust it into Snape's hand.

"Here, take this, it's all I have on me at the moment. I'll send more tomorrow," he said quickly. He pushed the child toward Snape.

Snape's face twisted in confusion and anger. "What am I supposed to do with her??"

Lucius looked over his shoulder, then turned back to Snape. "I don't know, you'll think of something. I trust you, Severus. I know you will take good care of her. If you ever need anything, just let me know by owl - send it to my work, not here, so that Narcissa doesn't find out - and I will send it to you straight away. Now please, go, before you're seen!" With that, he started to retreat into back into the house. Before closing the door, though, he stopped and looked at Snape, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. "And, Severus...Thank you..." He looked at the girl. "I can't tell you what it means to know my little girl is alive..." He stepped back and closed the door with a soft click.

Snape stood on the doorstep, his mouth hanging slightly open. He looked down at the girl, who was peering back up at him with her big, sad eyes.

"Well, now what am I supposed to do with you?"

She just looked back up at him, not saying anything, her tiny mouth pulled back in an expression of great sorrow and fear. She looked as though she were afraid she had done something wrong.

Snape pursed his lips for a moment, then heaved a sigh. "Well, come on then, I suppose you'll be hungry now. Let's get something to eat."

He led the way back down the pathway to the road.

Nothing sweeter than a snarky old Potions Master confronted with the presence of a small child...so endearing. Or not. Reviews are lovely...~ SP