Thank goes to these guys for reviewing so far:
Rocky Oberlin
Unununium
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and to ununium and 917 brat for pointing out i had not checked to see if i had used the right doc for this chappy, lol, my mistake, but its all fixed!
Chapter 4
Disclaimer: This chapter contains foul language people! If it offends, I apologise and hope you will enjoy this chappy anyway.
Alice was suddenly nervous, holy shit, what had she gotten herself into, it was for Mildred she told herself, straightening her shoulders she looked back up at Snape.
Severus watched the nervousness be replaced by determination as he patiently waited for her response.
"In exchange for looking after Mildred between the end of June and the start of September of this year, I will free you from all life debts owed to the Potter line. I will also free you from all vows made to Evans line. Now and in the future, unless we both agree otherwise." Alice stated calmly, unsure of Snapes reaction and not going to tell Snape she had planned on doing this otherwise.
Severus paled at the implications of the words then flushed. Potter knew! But how! And my god, she could call in the debt to be paid anyway by looking after the cat, he would be in a better position if he agreed, but how he hated been backed into corners! Angry he bit out "Fine!" to Potter.
Alice smiled in relief, "Thank you so much Professor" she said before looking at Snape properly. Fuck. He was angry. She said a quick "Goodnight" to Professor Snape before tearing out of the potions lab, not slowing until she reached the fat lady's portrait.
The next few weeks were hell for Alice. Between exams, her ex-friends, Snapes anger and her fear of returning to the Dursley's Alice was surprised she had made it without losing control. Slowly she made her way down to the dungeons, Mildred leading the way. She was snapped out of her daydreaming as Mildred disappeared, following her she was surprised to see Snape sitting behind his desk, Mildred on his lap, that's not what surprised her though, it was the look of relaxed fondness as he petted Mildred that surprised her. Backing up silently she made sure to approach louder this time, knocking on the doorframe she was unsurprised to see Snape's cool mask back up.
"Potter" He said neutrally upon spying her in the doorway. Their gaze held for long seconds.
"Sir" Was Alice's response.
"Well come in and take a seat, take this blasted cat while your at it" Snape snarked. He regretted it when Alice had to come quite close in order to do so, as her hand brushed his abdomen he stiffened, trying to stop any inappropriate reaction.
Alice, feeling the muscles under her fingers stiffen hurried her pace and retreated to a desk in the front row of the classroom, Milly now in her lap.
"Shall we begin sir? Here is the book that has all the information about the rite that will be performed, chapter 4 I believe, although the pre-fix is helpful also, and a draft of the actual wording for the rite is on a sheet of parchment on the back" She said, handing the book over. As he read she sat silently petting Mildred, she was anxious, and it showed in her nervous gestures.
Finishing the book Severus looked back up at Alice. He had never really looked at her properly. Her first 5 years at Hogwarts he had merely seen a miniature James, pre-puberty she had his dark hair, and a similar shape in the face. Her chunky glasses, very reminiscent of the father obscured her eyes, lily's eyes making it easy for Severus to ignore that part of Alice's heritage. Indeed, it wasn't until it was thrown in his face during a Hogsmeade trip had he ever really acknowledged it, he had known intellectually, but it was another thing to internalize it. With auburn hair, scar covered, and more discreet glasses he had momentarily thought he was looking at Lily, it was during the following weeks of observing her that he had realized that she was neither parent. Make no mistake, he still disliked the child, but no longer was it for the past shared with her parents, although there was still resentment, and he still used her as an outlet for his own frustration and anger. None of his insults seemed to faze the child, and it was necessary for his role as a spy, not to mention he couldn't direct it where it was centered.
"I believe I am ready, why the line about future vows? Surely you do not plan on making a vow to me, or I to you?"
"Well no sir, but we are at war and both our positions are quite central, we can not foresee the future where a vow may be needed, or insisted upon, this clause means it is possible, and possible with any of our descendants, although only we will need to add anything to the vows to make it work." Alice replied carefully. As they eased into a discussion about the rite Alice found herself relaxing, she had never had a discussion such as this and was pleased to discover he understood her easily and was able to keep up. She found herself wondering what it would be like to discuss potions with him.
The rite was completed an hour later and silence descended. Severus found himself feeling lighter than he had in a long time, he no longer owed anything to a Potter, and he no longer was bound to an impossible task, not only that but he found himself looking forward to the company he would have over the holidays.
Alice was relieved, she no longer had to worry about Mildred, although as this worry receded she found the fear she had pushed into the back of her mind pushing to the surface. Severus didn't notice the distress of his student, instead he noted the time. Dear merlin it was late and he still hadn't started his marking.
"Potter, it is time for you to return to your dormitory, I have marking to do, in 2 days the Hogwarts express leaves Hogsmeade at 11am, you will give me anything I need to look after Mildred for the next 8 weeks just after breakfast. Is this clear Potter?"
"Yes sir, good evening sir" Startled out of her darkening thoughts she quickly got up to leave, pausing at the door she turned back to Snape, whose head was already bent over his desk.
"I thought I told you to leave Potter" Snape said.
"You did sir, I just wanted to thankyou for looking after Mildred sir, I know you'll do a good job" Alice said quickly before leaving.
Snape did not raise his head until he was sure Potter had left, when he did, to red spots were apparent on his cheeks, cursing followed this realisation.
Hehe, there you go. hmm interesting, why would alice releas him like that? maybe she's trying to release herself from her parents memories, trying to be herself? do you know how hard it is to be yourself, and be recognised as urself wen ur constantly compared to your parents? or other family members?
Anyway, any problems you find tell me! Muchly appreciated.
Sorry this story is slow going, not much has happened, but then again a lot has happened you know, and i hate stories where harry and severus just jump right into been good friends, no worries, it always feels a little fake.
