Chapter 10

Severus's POV

The child had moved. She was now in my lap, her arms around my neck. She was crying her heart out into my shoulder.

I sat there, frozen. She shook violently. I moved my arms very slowly, afraid that any sudden movement would scare her to death. I wrapped my arms around her tiny body.

I looked up to Dumbledore. His eyes were sparkling, a crooked smile set upon his lips. Minerva was utterly shocked. I guessed she couldn't believe that the horrible Potions Master would by any means attempt to comfort a child, much less hug one.

Madam Pomfrey had fallen into a chair and was looking at me sternly. I could tell she blamed me for the child's breakdown.

The whimpering of the girl in my arms snapped me out of my train of thought.

"I-I'm s-so s-s-sorry. I d-deserve to b-be beaten, I w-wont s-scream, I d-deserve it." She cried out. I immediately froze, shocked by her words. I felt angry. Not at her, at her memories, at those muggles she was forced to stay with, the ones that beat her. Felt angry that she had been forced to live on the streets.

I felt her squirm in my arms, she obviously sensed my anger, but I only tightened my grip on her. I could not let this child be hurt any longer, even is she was James Potter's child.

Anger boiled inside of me. The child squirmed. I tightened my arms. I heard her whimpering. Hugging her more tightly, I thought she was whimpering from fear, only to find out I was wrong when she yelped in pain as my arms tightened again. The Headmaster spoke.

"Severus, release your grip. Your hurting her." I immediately released my grip, expecting the girl to cower and run away.

She didn't, and again this girl surprised me. When I released her, she took a deep breath, but remained on my lap. She looked slightly surprised. She no longer had her arms around my neck, but the was clinging to the front of my robes as if her life depended on it.

"She still sits with you? You just almost crushed her and she still sits with you?" Cried Poppy, obviously outraged. She walked around the bed to stand in front of me.

"Give her to me." Poppy commanded, her arms outstretched.

I tried to pry her fingers off my robes carefully, trying not to hurt her again. But she wouldn't let go.

"I won't hurt you. Just let Madam Pomfrey take you." I whispered. I knew I had already hurt her, but she seemed to be ignoring that. Her grip tightened on my robes, her knuckles going white.

"No! Please, don't make me leave! Don't leave me!" She cried, burring her face in my chest, shaking with fear. Poppy's eyes widened and she retreated backwards. She glared at me before returning to her chair.

The girl sighed and she still shook slightly.

"What did you see Severus?" Dumbledore asked. I began to explain, telling him in great detail every memory I witnessed.

Minerva burst into tears during the first memory. I myself was shaking, trying to control my anger, seeing as how I had my arms around the girl again.

When I finished, Dumbledore seemed lost in thought. He finally spoke after what seemed like a number of ages.

"The girl is of magic blood, obviously. So she will be attending Hogwarts when she comes of age. When she starts school in six years she will then stay in her house dorm. But for now, she is in need of a home." Dumbledore looked up at me, with that twinkle in his eye.

"Headmaster-" I began but was cut off.

"She seems to have taken a liking to you. You are basically the only one she will let touch her, besides Poppy tending to her injuries. See, she has fallen into a slumber in your arms." He said, gesturing to the girl with his hand.

I looked down. The girl, Vanessa, was asleep, her face finally peaceful. I almost broke down. She was almost an exact replica of Lily. Only with black hair and paler skin. He breathing was now even, but was broken by a heavy, dreaming sob.

"Well?" Asked Albus.

"I-um-I-" I seemed at a lose for words. It was only when the child stirred and showed me her beautiful green eyes, that I answered.

"Alright, Headmaster." I agreed. He smiled cheerfully.

I looked down at her. She was eying me suspiciously, and it was cute. Wait, what? No, I will not go soft.

I sighed. I looked into those eyes and sighed again. Unexpectedly, I felt my mouth turn up into a small, crooked smile. I suppose it looked rather strange on my face because she laughed.

The beautiful laughter ran through the room. It sounded like music. As I heard it, my face turned into a full out smile. She looked up at me.

I saw my reflection in her eyes. I stared. I looked... happy.