Shoutouts:
Guest:I'm so sorry for the late update! Please forgive me! Here is a very long chapter for you to enjoy :D
Beraniandseverus4eva: I assume it was you who left the last comment lol xD anyway so sorry for the very late update. Here's for you to enjoy! Hope you like it!
Chapter 9: Chaos
JORDAN blinked her eyes a couple of times; waking up a couple of hours later after the whole 'Snape fiasco'. Her head felt like it had been ran over by a truck. The first thing she noticed when she opened her eyes was that she was laying on the comfort of her bed, in her room she shared with Lily, with only her corset and pants were on.
Jordan groaned tiredly at the splitting headache and her body ached all over the place. Glancing at the digital clock on her study desk that read 1:30pm, she immediately rushed getting off the bed despite her whole body was screaming in great pain. Grabbing her coat that was hanging behind the door, she exited the room before slamming the door.
When Jordan reached the last couple of the stairs, she heard voices coming from the Lounge; Lily's. Her usually soft and sweet voice sounded tensed as she hissed at another; a familiar male voice.
Thomas.
Decided not to beat around the bushes, Jordan made her presence known to those two. The heated conversation between those two disappeared instantly the moment Jordan walked in.
"Jordy!"
Jordan looked bewilderedly from Lily to Thomas. Her sharp gaze demanding answers from them what had happened while she was out unconscious.
"Why are you here? What happened?" Jordan asked Thomas, more specifically.
"What an idiotic question to ask, Smith. Isn't it quite the obvious of what had happened?" Thomas crossed his arms. He scowled deeply at her. Jordan rolled her eyes. She lifted an eyebrow when she spotted a small bowl filled with finished cigarettes on the small coffee table behind him. He must have had a horrible day if he smoked that much cigarettes the moment he got here.
"Oh, Jordy! This is horrible! They've taken away Severus to the Wizarding World!"
Jordan glared sharply at Thomas, and then menacingly, she approached him.
Thomas moved backwards until his back was facing the edge of his study table. He was trapped between the table and Jordan's small frame as she leant forward and invaded his personal space. He could feel her breathing on his face.
While it was indeed rude and not to mention, unaccustomed for a bodyguard to act so toward her employer, Jordan couldn't careless about the rules at the moment.
She was too enraged at being deceived by the one person whom she'd trusted when it comes to the matter of life and death. "Are there any more lies you're not telling me? Secrets about our dear friend Severus Snape?"
Thomas breathed in through his nose sharply. He met with her eyes in an equal glare, standing his own ground at the intimidating glare she was giving him.
"Jordy, you have to understand; there are risks that need to be taken to ensure the safety and the future of our family. Certain things needed to be done even if it meant going behind your back."
"So you're not denying it then?" Jordan hissed.
"Jordy-"
"Were you aware about him being a wanted man in the other world when you'd decided to hire him?"
"Jordan-"
"Or did you hired him to protect Lily simply because I'm not good enough to protect her? That I'm a failure? That I need an extra hand to help me out? Is that it?"
"Jordan, listen-"
"Answer me!"
"Listen to me!" Thomas roared. He grabbed both her shoulders and forced her to stop yelling and looked at him straight in the eyes.
"There is no doubt that you are one of the very BEST that we have ever had in years ever since Lily was born and her fate lies in how well she is being protected. For years, we have been searching for a perfect candidates who are willing to do anything in their power and even against their own morales to ensure Lily's safety. You fit that bills perfectly, Jordan. Your skills, loyalty and dedications to this family have earned our trust so much it drove us to take you into our family!"
Thomas could clearly see the shock written on her face and eyes. As far as Jordan concerned, it was due to his persistence and her half-brother's supports that had ultimately won the Antolia's Patriarch and therefore, allowed her to be adopted into the family.
Or so what she'd been told.
"What?" Jordan whispered breathlessly.
Thomas continously stared at her. His eyes pierced hard into hers, it felt like he was looking into her very soul.
"What?" Jordan repeatedly said, this time with a bit of force.
Thomas sucked in deeply before closing his eyes. He still did not released her arms but he loosened it a bit. Sighed, he reopened his eyes again and looked at her, this time more gently.
"I know you've been at war with yourself since the day you were appointed to be Lily's bodyguard, Jordan. Which explains the reasons why you're always wanted to proof to us that you are worthy of becoming Lily's one and only bodyguard. You wanted to show us how loyal you are, how capable you are. Well darling, you don't need to do that! We've never asked you to do that. We've never thought of you any less than who you really are. No one does except your own self."
Jordan wanted to retort. She wanted to say that it was all lies and that the reason why she had taken those missions because she wanted to. But before she could even opened her mouth, Thomas cut in.
"I blame myself for allowing you to take those missions. I regretted every single one of them." Thomas looked away, crestfallen. "I am aware of what you were trying to do, and yet, I couldn't bring myself to say no to you because if you hadn't done what you did, Lily's life would be in grave danger. However that night, the night of the ball.. when you'd easily accepted the gun I'd foolishly handed it over to you in my temper.. That was the last draw."
"Thomas, there's something you need to do about that night." Jordan took a deep breath. "I didn't... killed Marino Alfredo. Snape did. He.. He cast a spell on Alfredo before I pulled the trigger. By the time the bullet hit his forehead, Alfredo was already dead."
"I know."
Jordan looked taken back. "Y-You know?"
"Yes. Snape told me himself that very night after you and Lily had gone to bed." Thomas sighed. He then took her hands gently and rubbed her knuckles with his fingers.
"I'm glad he did that. Though Severus had to pay the price for the consequences, I'm still glad that it wasn't your hands that stained." Thomas leant forward and was about to kiss her knuckles when Jordan pulled her hands away from him and took a few steps back. Thomas looked up, only to meet with her hardened gaze.
"Consequences?" Jordan tilted her head a bit to the left, with a bittersweet smile. "Are you telling me that the consequences of his action - where he had saved me - led him to be find out by those people and brought him back to the Wizarding world?"
"Partly, yes. Another part the reason why he'd been discovered by them was because he used Dark Arts the night he killed Alfredo. Had he used light magic or any kind of magic, really, it would have been harder for them to track him down. But Dark Arts," Thomas shook his head. "He may just be a former Headmaster and Potion Master in your eyes, Jordan, but Severus Snape is more than just that. He's a brilliant and formidable wizard who specialises in Dark Arts. One of the most powerful and fearsome wizard in the Wizarding World."
Thomas adjusted his tie and cleared his throat. "You should known by now that the Antolia's family takes the matter seriously when it comes to the people we hired, Jordy." His left hand reached out to a manila envelope on the table.
"I should be expecting a call from you soon." He smiled innocently, looking up at her with the Thomas Antolia's smile that usually made women squealed in excitement.
Jordan observed the envelope on her hand and then back at the man before her. Her eyes were unreadable and face hardened. Mutely, she took the envelope and left the Lounge.
Lily who had been watching the whole scene unfolded before her very eyes, glanced at her beloved uncle.
"Are you sure about this?" Worried featured on her lovely face.
Thomas stared at her before he got to his chair and seated down. He folded his fingers underneath his chin.
"If it's her, then yes."
ONE of the things that Severus Snape could not stand being in the Wizarding World after leaving it for nearly two months, was the look that the Auror's in the Minister's Building given him when he was brought to the Minister's office. Handcuffed on his back, with his head lowered, Severus could clearly heard the whispering words about him as he walked through the corridor, led by Potter and guarded by his friend.
"Is that Severus Snape? The one who had murdered Album Dumbledore?"
"Wasn't he suppose to be dead? I heard he got bitten by the giant snake, Nagiri."
"I heard he got killed by the Dark Lord himself."
"What's with the robe he's wearing? So distasteful!"
Keep walking. Severus told himself. Ignore these useless insufferable chatters and keep walking.
Unknown to him, Harry Potter frowned when he heard the whispering voices. He didn't like it one bit. Not after what the man had done for him and for the rest of them.
Harry stopped at the front and turned around to face a group of Aurors, a newbies and said in a stern voice.
"It would be wise full for you lots to carry on with your duties than standing here and talking nonsense behind this man's back whom, if it wasn't for him, we all would have be dead right now!"
The newbies flinched at his sharp words and quickly apologised before they scrambled away.
"Chill, mate." Ron gently touched his best friend's shoulder. "You don't need to go all hell bent on them. You all right?"
Harry took a deep breath and shut his eyes. "I'm fine." Reopening his eyes and looked at Snape who looked incredibly shock filled in his face.
Harry Potter had just defended him against his own kind.
Unbelieveable.
"I don't like the way people talk behind someone's back. If you have something to say, then you should always say it to their face." Harry proceeded without another word.
They arrived at the Minister's office shortly. Harry knocked on the door twice before a voice from the inside told them to come in.
The door opened, revealing three people inside. The Minister, Severus's former student, the ever so clumsy Naville Longbottom and also, to his surprise, his former comrade and fellow Death-Eater, Lucius Malfoy.
While Severus was busily stared at his former comrade, he felt the magical handcuffs being released. Turning to look at the person who had released him, Severus was once again being caught off guarded by the small and brief smile offered by the Boy-Who-Lived.
"Do you know why you are here, Severus Snape?" Said a thick deep tone coming from the Minister himself, Shacklebolt.
"I don't have time to play your little game, Shacklebolt." Severus massaged his wrists.
Shacklebolt observed the man before him carefully. Who would have thought the War Hero managed to survive from the snake- bite? His eyes moved to Harry Potter who stood slightly away from Severus. Not close enough to invade his personal space, nor far enough to capture him should he choose to disappear.
Harry.
Only he had put his belief and faith in the former Potion Master after the man had proven to be innocence.
"I have to say your extensive knowledge about magic really impressed me, Severus Snape." Shacklebolt adjusted his seat as the last person closed the door. His eyes never left the wizard dressed in black standing before him.
On his table, there was a thick file that contained all of Severus's personal information.
"You'd used a protective charm that only members of Death-Eaters knew of. Very clever. If it wasn't for Malfoy who'd pointed out which type or protection charm you used around the surrounding area, we would have never be able to find you."
Severus looked up from the Minister to Malfoy who kept a cold straight face. "I'm doing this for my family, Severus. Something you would have done if you have a family of your own."
Before Severus could speak, Shacklebolt interfered. "I have a few questions I need to ask you before we go to the trial to clear your name."
"Pardon? Clear my name?" Severus frowned. He had mentally, physically and emotionally prepared to be thrown into Azkaban the moment he was taken to the Wizarding World. But to hear they actually wanted to clear his name for all the horrible crimes he had committed? That was new.
"Yes. Believe it or not, Snape, because of your loyalty to Dumbledore all these years, some people are willing to forgive for your mistakes and pardon you from being locked up in Azkaban. They even named you as the War Hero." Not to mention, they are in the process of making a statue of you.
Shacklebolt grinned slightly beneath his covered hands at the unspoken words. He knew Severus would be throwing fits when he found out about it.
Severus on the other hand, felt a migraine was about to crush his skull at the information he just received. He didn't even know how he should be feeling. Relief? Glad? His hand reached out and stretched the itching part of his skull.
"I don't understand. Clearly, there must have a misunderstanding somewhere? I'd murdered Albus Dumbledore." He emphasized the word murdered. "I'd caused riots and tortured a few innocent souls. How could you allowed someone dangerous like me simply walk freely?"
"Indeed you have. And believe me when I say there are many people who wished to see you rot in Azkaban too. However," Shacklebolt took out a piece of paper from the file and showed it to him.
"Your memories. Your memories and swore loyalty are what saved you from being thrown in Azkaban. The memories that you've shown Harry Potter and in turns, he'd shown it to us and everyone involved. Now that the public knew what really happened, they slowly began to understand why you did what you did. Give them some time and they might have just be able to accept you."
Severus resisted to snort aloud. Acceptance? He did not want nor need an acceptance from those ungrateful Wizarding population who had since long abandoned him to his own device!
No.
Severus had decided that should he lived long enough after the Second War, he would moved far far away from Hogwarts. Away from the place he'd once called his home. Away from his past and everybody who knew him. Akzaban was the last thing in his mind as he never thought he would get caught by the authorities. Even if he got stuck in Akzaban, it would weight better on him than having surrounded by mindless people who hated him.
But now that the table had turned on him - screwed that! It had double turned on him, Severus was loss of words.
"Look, I know it is confusing right now. But rest assure that we will do whatever in our power to ensure that you will not thrown in Akzaban. Harry has in fact, being busy with the paperworks. He should be finish it soon. Once he finished, Harry would be then asking you a few questions to support your and the others' testimonials. Until then, you are not allowed to go anywhere. Do you understand, Severus Snape?"
Snape took his time to reply. His throat was dry. He desperately needed something to drink and cleared his head.
"I need some time to think about it." When he finally spoke, it didn't sound anything like him at all.
"What's there to think about?" Shacklebolt raised an eyebrow. "You will be a free man soon and can do whatever it is you want. Do you not wish for it then?"
"No, no." Severus shook his head. "I simply could not wrapped my head around this matter right now. Could you perhaps give me some time alone with my thoughts?"
All eyes were on him. Shacklebolt gaze never left Severus as his mind began to work on something. Finally, he let out a sigh.
"Very well then. Potter will take you to a more comfortable room." At his order, Harry walked behind Severus and handcuffed him once again.
"It's just for showing. Like you had witnessed earlier, not many Aurors would be happy if they saw you were unhandcuffed before your trials. Just bear with it for a while." Harry said quietly.
Severus didn't bother to put up a fight as he being escorted to the long stretched hallway.
JORDAN flipped the thick papers of a file before finally she got what she wante and tore it apart. After taking the manila envelope, she had drove her car to the Antolia's Firm building and sought out something she needed before heading to the Wizarding World. Luckily for her, since the tight securities around the building already knew who she was, they had assumed she was here for another one of the assignments and had let her in easily into Thomas's office.
Jordan walked back to the basement where she had parked her car. She pulled the door and got in. Switching on the engine, Jordan was about to pull down the break and switch the pedals when she felt something shaking followed by before something or someone magically appeared on the passage seat!
Jordan immediately pointed her gun at whoever or whatever that this that just popped in her damn car!
"It's worked! It actually worked! It's me! It's me! Please don't hit or shoot me!" Jordan frowned at the sweet squeaky voice.
"What the... Lily?! What are you doing here? HOW did you get here?"
Lily gave her a weak smile."By magic! Through this!" She took out an old golden key and showed it to Jordan. "I believe this key is a Portkey."
"Never mind this thing! What are YOU doing here?"
Lily flinched at the growling tone of her best friend.
"I-I want to help." Lily stuttered, lowering her head before she momentarily stopped.
No! I need to convince her that I'm capable of helping her out! Taking a long deep breath, Lily forced herself to get a grip and met with Jordan's hard gaze.
"I want to help. Jordy, I am a Witch. Though my power isn't the same level as Severus's, I believe I can help you out. Please?"
"Lily..."
"Jordy please! I care for him. I want to rescue him as much as you do. I know I can be of a help with my magic! After all, I was trained by one of the best and powerful and fearsome wizard, did I not? I promise I won't get in your way. Please?"
Jordan sighed and massaged the bridge of her nose. She felt a migraine knocking over her skull.
"Lily, you know I can't do that... this is a dangerous assignment. An unauthorised mission. If anything happened to me, the Antolia's family will not admit that I am working for them. But if you come along and something bad happened to you, the Antolia family will get involved. Think about it."
"I'm prepared for the worse. Jordy, I know you've been trying your very best to protect me not because it was your duty, but also you valued and loved me as a person; as a sister and best friend. I am very grateful for that, honestly. But you ought to let me hold on my ground every once in a while. Beside, do YOU even know how to get to the Wizarding World?"
Jordan let her words sunk in before she reached out for the few papers she had taken and tore from Thomas's office.
"This is the map to the a Wizarding World..." Jordan hesitated. "Now that I think about it, how does one travels to the Wizarding World?"
"You can't."
"What?" Jordan looked at her best friend in disbelief.
"It's impossible for a Muggle to travel to the Wizarding World unless you have the right transportation. For example," Lily grabbed a hold of Jordan's hand and closed her eyes.
Jordan watched Lily as she concentrating hard on doing something when she heard a loud pop, followed by a very dazed vision as the world around her slowly started to swirl before everything turned to black.
Jordan did not know how long she blacked out but by the time she was able to blink her eyes, Lily was lending forward over her. Worries filled in her yes and guilty written all over her pretty face.
"Jordy! Are you all right? Oh God, please say something!"
"I'm fine." Jordan coughed at the croaked of her voice. "What happened?"
"I tried to use Apparition to apparatus us from the car to here, in front of the building.. To show you that I'm capable of helping. But I guess it was a bad idea, huh?" She looked away, crestfallen.
"It was not that bad. I was merely caught unprepared." Jordan smiled weakly at her. "But you did it a good job apparanting us anyway."
"Does that means I can come along?" Excitement filled in Lily's eyes.
"Yes, but in one condition: stay close to me until we reach our destination."
"Affirmative." Lily made a cute salute and giggled. "Thank you, Jordy. I promise I won't let you down."
"Alright. So how do we get to the Wizarding World?"
SEVERUS watched boredly as two Aurors exchanged words while he seated on the chair in a confined room with his hands still handcuffed but to the front. He had never felt so bored in his whole life. After Severus had done brainstorming answers to Harry Potter's questions for his trials, the Boy Who Lived had left him on his own devices while he went to talk to the Shacklebolt about something regarding to his case. Not that Severus cared anyway.
Sighed, he let his mind wandered to the Antolia family; more correctly, to the dissapointed face of Lily after he had cast Flipendo on Miss Smith. It hurt him as much as he hated to admit it when she gave him that rejected look. Severus knew he must have already lost his mind if he cared so much about what this Lily thought of him; cruel and heartless bastard.
His mind then wandered to Miss Smith. How ferociously she had been and not letting Potter and Wesley got away so easily. If he hadn't interupted when Wesley had thrown Stupefy spell at her, the stubborn woman would have been petrified for who knows how long.
Severus snoffed. Women.
But then, Severus couldn't help but to wander how would she reacted if she see him now after what he had done to her? No doubt she would be furious. She might even kicked him or tackled him and beat him up.
Cold shivers ran through his spine at the thought of being tackled by the small framed yet strong woman.
A door to the confined room was opened before it quickly shut.
"I've brought you a drink. Thought you might be thristy. I know I do." Harry placed two canned bottle respectively on the table before he put down the thick and heavy files he carried in his arms and took a seat, facing one very annoyed Snape.
"Why are you doing this, Potter?"
"Whatever are you talking about?"
"This! Treating me like a normal person when not too long ago, I was merely a greasy git, a living nightmare to you and all of your little goons back in Hogwarts. Why?"
Harry calmly drank his canned bottle before putting it down on the table and sighed in relief. Man, that sure hit the spot!
While he kept the Potion Master waiting with gritted teeth, Harry took his time to finally answer the question.
"Why not?" Harry shrugged.
"What?"
"I think now that Voldemort is gone and peace has finally regained, we should try to at least make an effort to put the bad things in the past behind us. Like what Hermoine once said,'nothing good ever comes to those who hold on to old grudges'."
Snape tilted his head a bit to the right, still finding it hard to believe what the lad had just said.
"You're pulling my legs, aren't you boy?"
This time, Harry sighed exaggeratingly. "Must you always be so..So untrustworthy? Look, believe what you will, alright? The point is now the Minister and a lot of us believed in you and we, yes, we, Snape, wanted to help you for what you had done for us. To repay your endless kindness and bravery. So let us do our part and you can just sit back and relax. Okay? I assure you nothing bad is going to happen to you."
Severus shifted uncomfortablely on his chair. He had nothing else to say in that matter. But Harry did.
"Why didn't you come back after you've recovered? Was it because of her?" His tone was kind and gentle. It bothered Severus greatly whenever the topic of her spoke out loud between them.
Here was the scion between the woman he'd ever loved and the man whom he'd hated with passion, asking him the reason why he chose to stay in the Muggle world because of that one person who resembled a lot like his mother.
How tragic.
"Tell me Potter... Do you believe in reincarnation?" Harry 's eyes lifted at his words. Somehow he found it hard to speak.
"Yes. I do. I...Do believe in reincarnation."
"Then perhaps you would agree with me if I said that the Lily whom you'd just met, is the same Lily whom had died eighteen years ago? They are the same age and had the same name, after all. What are the odds?" Snape shrugged.
Harry stared at Snape. There was a meaning in his words. Knowing Snape, one needs to listen to his words properly in order to get the exact meaning of it.
Harry's eyes widened as the words sunk in.. "You're thinking of getting together with Miss Antolia, aren't you? That way, it feels like you are given a second chance to be with my mother, who was your first and only love..."
Harry looked at him, pity in his eyes. Though the former Potion Master hated to be pitied and refused to accept any form of pity from anyone, Harry knew he was just a lonely man buried with the guilts of the past.
"Don't." Snape warned. He glared sharply at the younger man. Before Harry could retort, an alarming siren shrieked the entire floor, followed by glass breaking windows.
Harry stood up immediately with a wand on his hand. His bright-green eyes stared at the steel door when it opened - revealing one very nervous and anxious Ron Weasley.
"Harry, the whole of the Auror Department is under attack!"
"By whom?" Ron was about to reply when all the sudden, gunfires ensued and screams reverberated outside.
Harry quickly pulled Ron on the ground and urged him to crawl toward the table for safety. He pressed his hands against his ears and hid underneath the table with Ron.
"Was that gunfire?" Harry shouted.
"What? You meant the Muggle weapon that shoot people?" Ron shouted back. The sound of gunshot getting louder. "Who would be carry that thing unless-"
Something clicked on both of the Aurors' head. Both turned and looked up at Severus who remained calm and seated.
Finally, he let out a heavy breathed and spoke. "Did I or didn't I not told you two before to never to underestimate Miss Smith? She's unlike any other foes you two have ever faced before."
"Blimey! You've got to be kidding me!"
"What a Muggle like her being doing in a place like this for? Better yet, HOW did she came through?"
"That's what I would like to know." Severus stood up. Rising his handcuffed hands in the air, he mutely cast a spell and broke the chain - much to the two young Aurors dismay and surprise.
Severus adjusted his attires; brushing whatever dirts that were on his clothes and waited patiently. Not less than a minute later, they heard the sound of heels clacking on the ground and stopped in front of the steel door.
Harry and Ron were ready to hit with their wands aimed at the intruder, until Snape blocked their view. No later than that, the trio heard a zipping sound before the door fell flat on the ground.
Standing at the door holding what seemed to be a laser pen.
"Miss Smith. How wonderful of you to join us." If look could killed him, Severus would already be dead by now. Oh, the menancing glare she'd given him was enough to cut through the air. To Severus's dismay, it almost made him feel... excited?
No! Get a grip man! This is Smith we're dealing with here. Mentally scolding himself, Severus maintained his stoic face and mannerism.
Meanwhile, Jordan ignored Severus's jabs and kept a sharp closed glare at the two Aurors. She had a pair of duel Berettas aimed at Harry and Ron while they had their wands pointed at her.
Both parties waited for one another to make the first move.
"You stole something from me. I want it back." Severus raised an eyebrow. He's an 'it' now, is he?
"Yeah? Well you can't have him!" Ron taunted, throwing the words she'd used on them earlier back at her.
"You really are insufferable lads, aren't you?" Jordan hissed lowly. "Hand him over to me now and no one gets hurts."
"Perhaps you should be the one considered your words, Muggle."
Jordan felt a something sharp pointed at her back. She looked at the reflection of her gun and cursed to herself for not seeing him coming.
"Lucius." Severus began to take a step forward. "What grace your presence here?"
"I was called here. Apparently the Auror's Department has a very poor security system if they failed to detect and captured the Muggle." He turned his attention to Jordan. "Now then, my dear. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your choice."
"What's the easy way?"
Lucius smirked. Jordan could feel the sound of his cane tapping on the ground as he got closer to her and breathed down her neck.
Lucius whispered in her ears, "The easy way, you surrender yourself and we can have a nice long chat over the Minister's office. The hard way, is that I break whichever limps and part of your body before I drag you down to the Minister's office. Your choice, my dear."
"I have a better idea."
Before Lucius could retort, he felt his arm being pulled violently and a sharp pain hit him on his right eye as it smacked against Jordan's left elbow. As if it wasn't enough, Lucius felt his long blonde locks being roughly pulled before his facemade a hard contact with her right knee.
Lucius slide down on the ground with a now brushing eye and a bleeding nose, he groaned in pain. Jordan took his wand from him and did the most unexpected thing: she broke it in halves.
Even Severus couldn't hide the shock on his face at the sound of the wand being snapped into two. Behind him, Potter and Weasley looked like the world was about to end. In a way, it was for Lucius at least. He couldn't even cursed at her for ruining his one and only wand.
Jordan threw the broken wand on the floor before she picked up one of the duel Berettas on the floor and again, pointed them at Harry and Ron.
"No more games. Hand him over now."
Harry took a step forward with both hands lifted in the air. "Miss Smith, surely we could come to an agreement? We need to keep Snape here until his trials. After the trials, you can have him for as long as you like. I solemnly swear!"
"Not according this agreement." Jordan took out a piece of letter from her leather coat and tossed it toward Harry. Harry slowly picked it up from the ground and opened it.
"Read it loud." Harry gulped at the stern tone of her voice.
"THE MUGGLE-WIZARDING WORLD RESIDENCY AGREEMENT - According to the Wizarding Law Decree 12465, passed by the then Minister HESPHAESTUS GORE in 1765, a wizard or witch who chose to live in the Muggle, must be by his/her own free WILL. He/she must be at the age of eighteen (18) and above, in excellent health, and good state of mind. The Witch or Wizard must not hold to any titles in the Wizarding World in order to avoid any conflicts between the Muggle and the Wizarding World. The Witch or Wizard must also applied a Permanent Residence Visa in the Muggle World. The Witch or Wizard are free to apply for any job in the Muggle World unless stated otherwise. Once being employed, the Witch or Wizard must declared his/her status and conditions to the Minister of Magic and give their employer/s full and complete detailed informations and background. Failure to comply with this decree will result in terrible consequences such as destroyed of one's wand as well as expulsion from the Wizarding Society and/or up to fifteen (15) years in Akzaban or entire life."
Right after Harry finished reading the letter, all eyes fell on Jordan. Even Severus was left with his mouth slightly hung. Was there such thing as an agreement between the Muggle and the Wizarding world that he know nothing about?
"This doesn't proves anything! He didn't report to the Ministry of Magic about his whereabouts or what the hell he does in the Muggle world." Ron spoke, ending the endless silence between them.
Jordan suddenly grinned. "What if I told you my employer has already registered his name to the Ministry?"
"Impossible!"
"When my employer decided to hire Snape, he had taken care all the necessarily detailed paperworks under a specific name: H.B.P."
Severus looked away stiffly, while Harry gasped and Ron looked confused.
"What does HBP stands for?"
"Half-Blood Prince. My secret nickname." Severus muttered lowly. He glared at the Muggle from the corner of his eyes. "It was supposed to be a confidential between Mr. Thomas Antolia and I. How the hell did you know about it?"
"Desperate time calls for desperate measurements." Jordan replied calmly.
Severus breathed deeply through his nose. It was no wonder why Mr Thomas Antolia had asked for her to do numerous things for the family. If she could break into a secured and magical place like this just to bring him back to him, Severus feared what else could she possibly do in the future?
"Tell me something before we depart, Miss Smith. How did you get into the Wizarding World?"
"Magic. Now hurry up." Jordan kept her guard up as Severus approached her. He turned to face the others, while still keeping his gaze on her.
"Now what?"
"Say 'Cheese'."
"Chee-" Severus's words were cut halfway as a beam of light shone toward them and they disappeared from the scene.
"Harry? Did we just let them get away?" Ron asked a moment later.
Harry gulped. "I believe we did."
THE same beam of light shone on the ground further away from the Ministry building where Jordan's car and a familiar face were waiting anxiously. As soon as the beam faded, Severus and Jordan appeared.
"You came back!" Lily rushed and attacked Jordan in a bear hug. "I was so worried you have no idea! I wasn't exactly sure if my magic was working since I couldn't get in touch with you." Her beautiful light green eyes wandered to Severus whom by now, already gotten to his feet.
"Mister Snape." Lily released her hold on her best friend and went over to Severus. She was hesitated to do what she'd been debating to do in her mind while waiting for their return.
"It's Severus when it's just the two of us, remember?"
"Y-Yes, yes. Of course..." Lily mumbled softly. She refused to look him in the eyes. She felt her cheeks flush.
Oh dear, what's happening to me?
"Uh, Severus? I would like to apologise with the way I acted this morning. When you'd thrown the spell at Jordy, I knew you were trying to stop her without really harming her. But I, well.. I got angry. That's why I said those words to you. Forgive me?"
The way she looked at him, filled with adoration and obvious attraction nearly caused Severus to lost his nerves and just take her there and then, despite knowing how closely Miss Smith was watching their every interaction and listened their conversations. Not to mention she would not hesitate to kick his arse should he choose to do anything foolish.
But Severus wanted to kiss Lily. Oh how badly he wanted to kiss her. If there was something that would distress him after all the things he went through the whole day, was to see her smiled back at him.
Why not take the chance? After all, a lady shouldn't be making the first move.
Severus' mind was made. He decided to take a leapt of faith. Bracing himself, he lifted his hand and gently grabbed her chin. Slipping his hand into her beautiful red locks, Severus brought his lips down to hers.
