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.
Over a supper that Snape had to convince Cassius to eat, he thought out loud, addressing her, as though she may have an answer. She looked as though she was listening intently, and occassionaly her expression would change as if she understood everything he was saying. Finally, after much pondering, he decided to drop her at the orphanage just outside of Hogsmeade, only a few blocks away.
Leaving the tavern, Snape led her the short distance to the run-down building that housed the orphanage. He stood her in the center of the doorstep, and rapped heavily on the door a few times. He looked down at her, and for a moment wondered if this was the right thing. He shook his head and turned away, keeping his eyes on her.
"Stay here. You'll be safe," he said plainly, and walked briskly away.
He hadn't gone far before he thought he heard something behind him. He spun quickly to face his follower, but saw no one. Continuing on his way, he once again heard quiet footsteps trailing him about a block later. Again, he spun around, and again, saw no one. However, as he began to turn back in the direction of Hogwarts, his eyes flicked downward and were met with a surprise - Cassius stood barely a foot away from him; she had followed him the entire way.
Exasperated, Snape waved her away. "What do you think you're doing? Go back to where I left you, girl. Go on, shoo!" He tried to leave, but was stopped by a tiny hand grasping his robes. Her small eyes gazed up at him pleadingly, and her tiny arms raised slowly, reaching for him. Looking around, at a complete loss for words, Snape nervously tried to figure out what she wanted. He reached down and picked her up rather awkwardly, holding her out at arm's length and looking at her, puzzled.
And then, for the first time since he had seen her in that little tavern, wiping those tables...she spoke. Just one word, plain and simple, but it was enough to effect him in ways he'd never imagined possible: "Please."
He stared at her for a moment, and noticed something: Deep in her clear blue eyes was a look of great wisdom, well beyond her four years. The child had been through so much in her short life, and somehow, deep down, Snape knew what he had to do. He realized he had been mistaken to think he could just leave her, never knowing what would become of her.
"Come on, then. I'll take you to Dumbledore. He'll know what to do." He set her back down and led her in the direction of the school.
*
Upon arriving, Snape took Cassius directly to the Headmaster's office, where he promptly explained to Dumbledore the situation, leaving out no details. As they sat and talked, Cassius examined the office with interest, eyeing the Phoenix, Fawkes, sitting on his perch, then gazing up at the old, tattered Sorting Hat. Before long, she yawned quietly and, without hesitation, climbed up into Snape's lap and laid her little head on his shoulder, her thumb in her mouth. Dumbledore couldn't help but smile at the look of awkward discomfort on Snape's face as he tried to figure out whether to put his arms around her, rest them at his sides, or try to move her off completely.
"Well, Severus, I think the choice is clear - I feel it would be best for the child if she were to stay right here, at Hogwarts. I'm sure she will bring about a pleasant atmosphere for everyone here. We will provide her with a private room, and assign some portraits to her for companionship and extra guard. When she is old enough, she can attend lessons with the rest of the students. Mind you, she is your responsibility before anyone else's," Dumbledore said, looking over his half-moon spectacles at Snape.
Snape nodded, and moved to try to lift the girl from his lap. "Yes, Headmaster. I will take her on and set her up in a room now--"
"Not so fast, Severus," Dumbledore interrupted, rising from his seat and reaching for the Sorting Hat. "Though you will always be first and foremost in her care and upbringing, she must be Sorted, just as any other student here must be."
Snape looked bothered. "But she's not a student here, she's much too young for that. I think she would be best off kept with me in Slytherin..."
"Be that as it may, Severus, she one day will be a student here, and I think it would be best to start her on the path she is already destined for..."
"But her father is Lucius--"
"--Malfoy. Yes, you told me that. But though they share the same blood, they do not share the same heart, the same mind. No, she must be sorted, it is for the best. Don't worry, Severus. No matter what house she is placed in, she will be well looked after, I assure you, and you will always have access to her, whenever you like."
With that, Dumbledore placed the old hat on the sleepy child's head, and it immediately sprang to life.
"Hmmm...so young..." said the hat in it's scratchy old voice. "...and yet so obvious...This child belongs in Gryffindor!"
Snape's face fell in disappointment as Dumbledore replaced the hat on it's shelf, and went to the door, holding it open for Snape and following him out. They headed down the corridor toward Gryffindor tower. Dumbledore noticed how a touch of softness was beginning to break through on Snape's usually straight face when he looked at the little girl who was sleeping soundly in his arms.
"You have a gift there, Severus. What you are doing for that child is more than remarkable. I'm sure, with time, you will find that there was a reason why you found at the last minute that you simply couldn't leave her. But, for now, let us put her to bed, let her dream the rest of the night away in peace. Tomorrow, her whole new life begins..."
