PLEASE NOTE: I rewrote the second half of the previous chapter. Please reread it before this one!
A/N: I can't believe we've gotten to this point already, the end of the first arc! Like the previous chapter, it's been written over and over, and I'm finally happy with it!
I realize that Snape is… nicer than usual, but think about it. He hasn't had the seven years to grow his hate at Harry/Lucas. I have other stories that take place farther in canon, an example being If Only You Knew. If you're looking for mean(er)!Snape but don't want to lose the mentoring relationship I'm building up here, that's the story to read!
For all who have read/watched The Hunger Games: Keep an eye out for my newest story, Eyes Open which follows HG but is set in the HP universe. =)
Image Song: We've got two here today. The first is Yellow, one of Iris' image songs from the Vocaloid series. The second is what Iris sings, and it's her namesake by the Goo Goo Dolls. Come to think of it, that's the song that started this whole mess.
Disclaimer: I don't own HP, TRC, or the Image Songs. I only own Iris and Hana. =)
Melody of Magic
Written by Fenikkusu
Movement X – Iris
For the sake of returning your smile
For many times, I won't stop singing
Even beyond how many nights,
This wish shall come true until one day
~Yellow (English Translation)
The clock was moving again, and there was nothing that Iris could do about it.
"Who are they to you?" Syaoran blurted, hands flying to his mouth to cover it. Iris resisted the urge to sigh. She knew the question would come up, but she had hoped it would come later rather than sooner.
It took the woman a few minutes to find the right words. "Depends on whom you are asking," Iris replied with a flat tone. "Lily or Hana?"
"I'm asking you, Iris."
In response, Iris took a step back. Her eyes widened in shock; she wasn't expecting an answer so quickly. "Syaoran…" she began, but was cut off by the boy.
"You have your own existence, Iris! You're your own person; you weren't created like Shaoran was. You didn't take anyone's place when time reversed like Watanuki." Iris noted the way the boy bristled and inwardly congratulated him. He'd learned how to suppress his anger in situations like this, and for that she was infinitely grateful. "Don't you understand you'll be missed when you leave?"
She did understand, but there was nary a thing she could do about it.
Iris steeled herself and took one of his hands in hers. The flinch told her that her touch was too frozen at this point for her to do anything about it. Iris tried not to look away when Syaoran's eyes scanned her face. She did, however, take advantage of his momentary shock. Iris led Syaoran slowly into the living room and was soon joined by Fai.
"It's time, Fai," Iris announced, raising her eyes to meet those of the foreign wizard. "Open my guitar, will you?" She refused to look at the sealed instrument lying against the far wall of the room.
Syaoran stood with a start. "But you'll just lose more of your magic if you do that!"
Iris had accepted that fact a long, long time ago. "It's all right, Syaoran. Those two deserve happiness, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure they remain that way. A new Dark Lord is rising in the midst of Voldemort, and it'll be over my dead body that he rises to the same level as that snake-faced bastard." The hate gleaming in her eyes caused Syaoran to shiver again. Iris quickly changed the subject. "Professor Snape has taken up the task of teaching you. I expect that you don't squander the opportunity."
Fai nodded to her, making his own face unreadable as he nodded his assent. The time has finally come for me to make my decision, Iris thought as Fai knelt down to pick up the instrument. "There's no need to prolong the inevitable," Fai stated. He turned then, staring at the boy. "Syaoran, we need to leave. Don't worry about Mokona and go get Kurogane."
"Wha—go where?"
"Leave now, Syaoran." Iris made sure her voice could freeze hell over. She needed to get him out of here. "You need not get yourself involved any more than you already are." Wisps of magic accompanied the words. They wrapped around Syaoran as blinding white runes. A flick of Iris' wrist drew Syaoran to the door against his will and forced him out. Once she was assured that the boy wouldn't be able to return without the dark warrior in tow, she shifted her attention to Fai. "Are you ready?"
Her heart clenched when Fai's mouth warped. Even though they both knew this was inevitable, the fact didn't stop them from hurting. "To be frank, no. None of us are," Fai finally managed to say after a few terse moments of silence. Before she realized what she was doing, Iris was leaning forward to press a kiss to Fai's forehead. She poured her remaining magic into the spell and hoped with all of her heart that someday he would understand the ancient magic she placed within him now. She could feel the rest of her Glamours fading and fading quick.
"Thank you, Fai." Iris moved her palms above the man's heart. "You need to remember that your kindheartedness is not your weakness. It is your greatest strength." With that she completed the spell, a warm glow enveloping her joined hands. "Thank you for understanding." He was the only one who could, which was both unfortunate and fortunate. Iris wished that no one else had to put on a mask as complicated as hers, but Fai had. And that satisfied the tiny part of the girl who wanted someone to talk to, to understand that not everything was rainbows and butterflies.
"And if they wake up?" Fai replied, hands hovering over the silver clasps.
"Open the case, Fai."
He did, ancient magic spilling from within. The surge was so strong that it threw the blonde to the other side of the room. He landed with a resounding thud. Fai tried to push himself off the floor to reach her, but magic far older than his own kept him in place.
"I think it'd be best if they did," Iris whispered as she picked up the guitar. "They'll get their answers that way." She bit her lip as the guitar's ancient magic clashed with her own. "Now, now, no need to be so excited," the woman continued, taking a seat on the couch. Her left hand twisted the tuning rods on the end of the guitar. "Have to change five of your six strings to drop D before playing this one. There we go."
Taking a deep breath, Iris began to sing.
"And I'd give up forever to touch you,
'Cause I know that you feel me somehow.
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be,
And I don't want to go home right now."
Home… how much Iris missed it. The city of wind was calling her home, but Iris couldn't return without letting everyone know how she truly felt. Even as her magic drained away with her life, Iris couldn't help but smile. If she needed to sacrifice her own happiness to ensure the others', so be it. Of course the others wouldn't agree with her, and that's why Iris only told Fai of her intentions. Kurogane would slap her over the head and Syaoran would be bumbling around for the words to say.
It had taken quite some time for her to make this choice, but at least Iris knew what truly knew what it felt like to be happy, to care and be cared for in return. In the end, at least to her, that's all that mattered.
"And all I can taste is this moment,
And All I can breathe is your life.
'Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight."
Iris had crossed the line she had drawn for herself a long time ago, and she would make others suffer because of it. She cursed her selfishness and her desire to dream. But wasn't dreaming human nature? Instead of confusing herself, Iris focused upon the happiness she experienced with the others to fuel her Melody.
As temporary as that happiness was, Iris appreciated every second of it. She thought of the books read with Syaoran, the arguments with Kurogane, the music lessons with Fai… The sides of her mouth twitched upwards when she reminisced about the times spent with Lucas and, yes, even Severus. Though tears also accompanied the laughter, Iris accepted that. That's what it was like to live.
"And I don't want the world to see me,
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand.
When everything's made to be broken,
I just want you to know who I am."
Usually, no one understood the reasons behind Iris' decisions. This was a definite fact in her past lives as Lily and Hana. This life was different, though. Fai understood. Lucas probably would have if she'd given him a chance, but he was far too young to deal with adult problems. As for Snape… well, she didn't predict his appearance at all.
She figured it was hitsuzen biting her in the ass when she walked into the café a week ago. Iris had figured something would happen due to the intensity of the Northeastern winds, but for fate to thrust him at her during such an inopportune time… It was cruel. Iris didn't know how to react back then. So what did she do? She invited him to sit next to her. What a smart move that was, Iris thought as she strummed the instrumental following the first chorus. The nicknames didn't help my case any. Silly was something Lily called him. Sourpuss is what Hana thought of him. Although Iris herself hadn't met Snape prior to that first meeting at the Cat's Eye, she had used both of those names.
Initially Iris didn't know what made her grab Snape and pull him in next to her. It was a bold move, one Iris was sure would hurt her in the end, but to her surprise the wizard replied to her normally. At that moment Iris knew she had a chance in this life to right all the wrongs Lily and Hana had committed. She wanted to cry in relief, but she had to hold back in order not to raise suspicion.
"And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming,
Or the moment of truth in your lies.
When everything feels like the movies,
You bleed just to know you're alive."
When the Dark Mark had activated that night, it was Hana's knowledge that made Iris pry his right hand away from the cursed tattoo. Soothing the pain took more magic out of her than originally planned, as she needed to ebb it away slowly enough so that Snape didn't notice. Thankfully he was engrossed enough in Lucas' song that Iris' mission was a success.
The spark of magic that occurred when they brushed past each other surprised Iris, too. She managed to escape before Snape asked any questions. "Idiot," Iris had told herself, "don't get involved. Don't fall again." Those were empty words. The feelings for him were inevitable. Lily had fallen for Snape when he was a boy, and Hana admired him as a young adult. What did that leave for Iris?
It was a few days before she saw him again. This gave Iris a few days to recover from the previous encounter and sort out her feelings. Knowing that she would see him again, she carried her gift for Snape around with her all of the time. Of course, he needed to show up on the worst day of the week. Iris had classes from nine until four, a three hour break, and then work at seven if she was scheduled that day. To her dismay Snape heard her whole rant about the current healthcare system.
Iris could definitely remember the temporary shock that crossed his face when she shoved the cell phone at him. She dully wondered if he still had the machine as she continued to play. Iris couldn't help but smile slightly at his gratitude; she didn't need to be a rocket scientist to know that saying 'thank you' was difficult for Snape. The Potions professor probably didn't have much to be grateful for, considering what she remembered from being Lily and Hana.
"And I don't want the world to see me,
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand.
When everything's made to be broken,
I just want you to know who I am."
And then, of course, Murphy's third law had to come in: anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Dumbledore had to take her one moment of happiness and crush it into dust when he called her. Coupled with the stress from the day up to that point, Iris blew up over the phone. When she realized just what she had done, Iris had clutched at her head and pretended to disappear. It was Fai who brought her out of her temporary slump with a hand on her shoulder.
In order to not get anyone else involved, the nurse left without revealing anything to the men. Fai already knew what she was getting into, but if Snape found out, he'd be furious. Even though Iris despised the current Headmaster, Hogwarts was the safest place for both Snape and Lucas. She couldn't compromise that. She wouldn't compromise that. The meeting with the Headmaster took longer than expected, and that only added to Iris' exhaustion.
When Iris had heard that Snape had nearly broken into Lucas' mind later that night, Iris couldn't help but seethe silently. As soon as she could, she returned home intending to give the Potions' Master a piece of her mind… figuratively, of course. She found the wizard asleep on her bed.
"We've done all we can. It's up to you now," Fai said. He raised his head as the door to the loft opened. A few footsteps later, Iris appeared standing behind him.
"What's this?" Iris asked, an eyebrow raised. "Don't tell me Kurogane…"
"Whacked him upside the head with the hilt of his sword? Why yes, yes he did," Fai answered.
Iris pursed her lips. "Judging by the way he's knocked out cold, he won't be awake until early morning."
"What will you do until then?" Fai asked.
"As of now, I have no clue. Keep an eye on him for me, will you?" Once Iris received a nod, she walked down the hall opposite from her bedroom. Lucas insisted on getting a room as far away from her as possible. Iris knew Lucas still had nightmares, and that was why he kept to himself more often these days. Even so, she wished he would open up a little more. Whether or not it was possible, she didn't know.
She rapped three times on Lucas' door. "Come in," a gruff voice said. Once Iris opened the door, she saw Kurogane taking the same vigil over Lucas as Fai did with the professor. "About time," the shinobi muttered.
"Sorry, I've had a busy day," Iris said. She padded over and sat down upon the boy's bed. "What happened?"
Kurogane crossed his arms. "I sensed the beginning of a spell, so I arrived as soon as I could. It was the Legilimens spell you told us about."
At this, the girl sighed and buried her face in her open palms. "Shit. It wasn't supposed to happen this soon."
"What wasn't?"
Iris looked up at Kurogane. "I only told you about mind magic as a precaution. I didn't figure it would be put to any use." She reached over and placed a hand on Lucas' forehead to trace over the lightning bolt scar. "My time's up, Kurogane. That means it's time to send you off for your… formal training."
The man sat silent.
Iris turned to the man with a grin. "I'll take care of it from here, Kurogane. Could you prepare your belongings? In a few hours, I'll get Fai and Severus to teleport you all to Hogwarts."
Kurogane stood and placed a hand on her head. "This isn't goodbye."
Iris shook her head. "Nope. This is a ja ne, not a sayonara. Yakusoku da yo. Now hurry your ass up and get out of here."
A hint of a smile appeared on the warrior's face. "Pfft. Women. You're all the same." Kurogane walked out without another word.
"Now let's see what Lily wants to say to you," Iris whispered as she closed her eyes. She placed her fingers on Lucas' temples. "Legilimens!"
Iris so desperately wanted to tell Snape the truth. She just wanted to say, "Fuck it all, I want to live my own life!" But this wasn't her life to live.
"Iris, who are you? Why… from what do you need to hide?"
She didn't have the heart to tell him that she was dying. In fact, she didn't have to heart to tell any of them that. That's why she kept on pushing everyone away. The more they hated her, the better.
"And I don't want the world to see me,
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand.
When everything's made to be broken,
I just want you to know who I am."
Dumbledore was right. She had trod too far past the line she had drawn so long ago, and she was going to pay for it. With a sigh Iris had transfigured her clothes and prepared herself mentally for the confrontation with the old bastard. Snape's scrutinizing gaze was the least of her problems. It was only Iris' self-control that prevented her from throttling the Headmaster. By the way the Potions professor focused upon her shaking hands—shaking from rage, mind you—Iris knew she'd be in for some interrogation after McGonagall and Dumbledore departed.
When they came upon the topic of payment for Dumbledore's current wish, Iris was caught by surprise. She quickly shoved her Occulmency shields up for good measure, and then Iris caught Snape's gaze. She managed a sheepish grin and a bit of rambling before the short meeting concluded. Iris led McGonagall outside but couldn't help but overhear the conversation between Dumbledore and Snape.
"Tell me something I don't know, Albus."
So he knew all this time that she was hiding something. Here I am underestimating you again, Severus. Haven't I done it enough? Iris thought as she lurked around the corner. She pretended that she had just let the Transfiguration teacher out when the two men came around the corner. Iris had closed the door with a glare and snarled, releasing her wards. She wasn't expecting them to take so much of a toll on her.
"I just want you to know who I am."
Iris had once read that someone who is loved by others is truly blessed… but one who is loved from afar and in secret is even more so. Tears slipped down her face as she closer and closer to the conclusion of the song. Everyone tended to forget that even though she granted wishes, Iris had wishes of her own she wanted to see come to fruition.
My only wish… is to find someone who would love me for only me. Not as Lily Evans, not as Hana Ichihara. Just… me.
"I just want you to know who I am."
"Hana…"
The nurse snapped her eyes open and ignored the wetness on her cheeks. Snape stood at the entrance of the living room, Lucas clinging onto one of his arms. The adult's expression told her that he wasn't expecting the name to come from his own lips. I guess this is it, then, Iris thought with a sigh as she released her remaining magic.
Black wings erupted from Iris' black, coating the loft in darkness.
This was the first time in a very long while that Lucas woke up warm and protected. Ever since he moved to his own room, his nightmares had plagued him a few times a week. Lucas couldn't bring himself to bother his Mommy any more than he already did, and so he usually tried to deal with them himself. When Iris did get involved, she ended up cradling him as they both fell into a dreamless sleep.
This time, it wasn't Mommy who was holding him close.
Lucas couldn't remember much from his latest nightmare when it came to actual images. However, he distinctly recalled the protective warmth which wrapped around him now. It reminded him of Mommy's wards, but there was a darkness about them. Lucas blinked; this darkness wasn't the evil he was accustomed to. Iris used to tell him stories about a man she once knew who had a similar aura. Descriptions could only go so far, though, and Lucas found himself yearning to experience that aura in real life.
He didn't expect to find Professor Snape sleeping next to him. When did he get there? Lucas thought, not even bothering to roll out of bed. The arm draped across his stomach prevented him from going anywhere, anyway. Lucas took the time to observe the man. Iris told him stories, but again there was only so much storytelling could accomplish. Who knew someone like Snape could look so… vulnerable in his sleep? At this angle the boy could easily see the bags sitting beneath the man's eyes. Without the guarded exterior Snape looked like a normal human instead of a wizard with unattainable power.
Lucas' attention was diverted when he heard a familiar melody being played on a guitar. No, this couldn't be happening now. It was too soon, and he wasn't ready yet. The boy tried to get out from under the professor without waking him, but it was to no avail. Seeing the man stir, Lucas gulped. He was so shocked that he didn't bother to feign sleep as Snape awoke.
It was the first time in many years that Snape woke up completely refreshed. Being a spy didn't give him much time to rest, as he was either too busy gathering information or brewing to get a good night's sleep. The scent of lilies in the sheets immediately told him that he definitely wasn't in his quarters back in Hogwarts. His obsidian eyes shot open at that realization, and he soon found himself staring into the emerald eyes of his worst enemy's—and loved one's—son.
Silence was the first to envelop them. It didn't last long though, as the music crescendoed and cut through their thoughts. Lucas shook his head to clear it and tugged on the arm around his waist. The touch told Snape that Lucas didn't want him to remove it. Instead, the boy seemed to want to lead him somewhere. The boy used his free arm to point to the doorway. "Mommy's singing," Lucas mouthed. "Hurry, we have to stop her!"
"And I'd give up forever to touch you,
'Cause I know that you feel me somehow.
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be,
And I don't want to go home right now."
Snape froze as Iris' voice drifted into the room. From where had he heard this melody before? He allowed Lucas to lead him into the hallway as he combed his mind for the answer. He was so lost in his thoughts that he almost ran into the boy. What they saw in front of them caused them to stop and stare.
Iris sat in the middle of the room, cradling the guitar. She looked… different, somehow. Her skin was now the color of the lilies Snape adored so much. Iris wore a long lavender kimono which draped across the floor. The belt was fashioned into a butterfly's wings, evidenced by the patterns splaying across the couch's cushions. Butterfly clips dotted the midnight hair which formed a halo around her form. Tear slipped down her cheeks, unnoticed by the girl.
Why did she look so familiar? Why did his chest ache when she cried? Snape's eyes widened, and he fell to his knees as he was suddenly assaulted by memories.
"Severus, Lily," a younger Dumbledore said, "I would like to ask you both a favor. I have someone I would like you to meet." He motioned behind him, to the door of an empty classroom. "You may speak to her there."
Lily frowned. "You're not going to introduce us, professor?"
Dumbledore's smile fell. "She doesn't particularly… like my presence. It would be best if you two met her on your own."
"'Kay, professor! C'mon, Sev, let's go," Lily urged, tugging him forward by a sleeve. Both third-year students walked into the empty classroom. To their surprise, it was completely lit and empty. Nevertheless, Snape spotted a figure dwarfed by one of the high windows of the classroom. The girl had long black hair that cascaded to the floor and pale skin that matched the girl standing next to him. She was dressed in a lavender kimono with the belt shaped like a butterfly's wings. At the sound of them entering, the girl turned to both of them. Amethyst irises stared.
"Who are you?" she asked, cocking her head to the side. Her lips didn't move, so Severus and Lily assumed that this was telepathy. "You are unlike the Professor standing outside."
Lily was the first to speak. She took a step forward, curtsying. "I'm Lily Evans, a third-year Gryffindor student." She turned emerald irises to Severus.
The raven-haired boy sighed but made a half-bow anyway. "I am Severus Snape, a third-year Slytherin student."
A hint of a smile came across the girl's face. "Ah, so you are the two the Professor spoke to me about. I assume you are the one adept with Charms, Miss Evans. That leaves the task of Potions to Mister Snape. Am I correct?" Simultaneous nods gave her an answer. The girl hopped down from the window sill, and it was then that Severus noted just how small the girl seemed. She looked to be about eight, but the way she talked told him that she was older than that.
"I am known as Hana Ichihara," the kimono-clad female said as she introduced herself, bowing from her waist. "I'm not affiliated with any house, though I may be attending classes here in the near future. If he has anything to do with it, that is," she concluded, gesturing to the door.
"Are you old enough to attend this school?" Severus blurted, immediately regretting it as the girl glared at him.
Her glare rivaled that of Lily's. "I'm eleven. Yes, I know I'm tiny, but that's what happens when you have two Asian parents. My mother is purely Japanese while my father was half Chinese and half British," Hana explained. "But I digress. The professor is asking you two to help me with a little problem." She pointed to her throat, and it was then that Severus noticed the scars crisscrossing across the area where her vocal chords should be. "He would like you two to help me find a voice. With your expertise in both Charms and Potions, he says it should only be a matter of time. Your efforts won't go unrewarded."
Hana waved one of her hands in a large arc, and a magic circle appeared beneath her feet. "You see, I am in the business of granting wishes. As long as a proper price is paid and the wish is within my power, I am able to make those wishes come true."
"Any wish?" Severus asked, eyes wide.
"Yes…" Hana trailed. "But that is to be discussed at a later time. Are you both willing to help me?"
"Yes," Severus replied immediately.
That memory faded into another just as quickly as the first appeared.
Severus used to escape to the astronomy tower late at night when he wanted to think. However, someone had beaten him up here. "Oh, Severus," Hana whispered from atop one of the battlements. They were both older now; Severus was in his sixth year at Hogwarts while Hana was in her fourth. Although she was now an official student of the institution, she refused to wear the robes—something about them being too dreary. Instead, she wore a dark purple kimono with moons and stars running up the left side.
"You shouldn't be standing when there's a seat right here." Hana gestured to an empty spot next to her. "I won't let you fall. C'mon, Mister Sourpuss. I don't bite." A hint of a smile. "Not on Fridays, anyway."
"I am not remaining for lo—"
A wave of Hana's hand shoved him forward and sat him next to her without warning. Hana's smile widened, if only a little bit. "You came up here for some kind of solitude, I'm assuming? You don't need to talk about it or anything; I'm here for the same reason." She turned her purple gaze to catch his own black one. "Can I convince you to stay here for just a few more minutes? I promise that you won't regret it."
Severus sputtered, trying to find anything to say. He was stopped by a soft touch to his lips from a solitary finger. The spark from the touch made Severus nearly reel back.
"Stop thinking so much," Hana started. Severus stilled. "That's better. Now pay attention to what I'm about to say." She took a deep breath before moving her hand to his cheek. "We all have secrets, and I'm not about to pry into yours. If you feel like sharing, well…" Hana pulled away and turned her head to gaze at the full moon which wasn't obscured by any clouds tonight. "I'm not about to leave you like Lily did."
Severus also turned his eyes to the sky. "It was my fault that she broke off our friendship. I called her a Mudblood."
That caused Hana to nearly snort. "Please. If she were truly your friend, she would have blown off the steam by now and come back to you. In my opinion, she's completely smitten by that Potter fellow in your year." She shook her head. "Lily doesn't know what she's missing. How often does one come across someone like you: a boy who doesn't care for all the trivial matters?"
"Not many share my childhood."
"True," Hana interjected. "But at least you're alive, Severus. That's what matters."
Severus paused at the sadness coating the girl's words. Usually she would speak in a neutral tone. Even though Severus had known Hana for the past four years, come to think of it, he didn't know her much at all. When he glanced at her, he was shocked by the tears dripping from her eyes. "Hana…"
"Promise me something, Severus," Hana whispered, refusing to look him straight in the eyes. "Promise me… promise me that you'll keep on living, no matter what misfortune comes your way." It was then that she met his gaze again, despite the tears. Severus could see the obvious care shining in the pools of purple, but there was some other emotion he couldn't place. "Contrary to what you may think, you have people who care about you. If you were to… if you were to die…" Hana shook her head, causing her hair to flail about. "I'm sorry. I've already said too much." She twisted her body in order to hop off of the battlement. Hana began to walk away, but a firm grip on her hand kept her rooted in place.
She sighed. With her back still to him, Hana said, "Forget what I just said, okay?" She tore her hand away from his and fled down the stairs of the astronomy tower.
A third memory followed suit. The tower was, once again, the setting. Severus sprinted up the stairs to find Hana standing close to the edge, watching the full moon once again. She stood straight, the folds of her off-shoulder gown draping over her form. The pale lavender color and silk of the dress reflected the light of the moon, creating a glow about the woman. At the noise she in his direction but gasped when she saw the tears streaking down his face. "Sever—"
She wasn't expecting the crushing embrace he gave to her. For a moment, Hana froze as the wizard sobbed. "Lily… Lily is…" Severus began.
Her eyes widened in realization. "How…"
"It's my fault," Severus hissed, shaking. "The Dark Lord murdered James and L-Lily Potter. Their son still lives. Albus, Minerva, and Rubeus Hagrid are taking him to his aunt's home. They… they say blood wards will protect him."
Hana shushed him with a finger upon his lips, the warmth of her wards shooing the darkness clouding his aura away. "You'll be okay, Severus. Remember what you promised me all of those years ago." Her hands moved to wipe the tears from his eyes. The wizard didn't notice her shaking. When they met gazes, Severus spotted indiscernible emotion in Hana's irises. This was the same one that he'd seen back when they were children.
"You still love her, after all of this time," Hana whispered. Stricken by the truth, Severus could only nod dumbly. He missed the wry smile sitting on Hana's face. "You'll make it through this, Severus… I know you will. You're strong." Hana leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his right cheek. White magic flowed from the intimate touch, wrapping about him as white ribbons. Hana pulled away and ran a lily-white hand down his opposite cheek. "Remember, Severus, I will always be with you. Just say my name, and I'll be once again by your side."
Before he could ask what she meant, a crash made Hana push Severus away. She waved a hand, and a magic circle appeared below the wizard's feet. "What are you doing?" Severus screamed when he found out he couldn't move.
"Fulfilling a wish," Hana said simply.
"Move, girl," a menacing voice snarled from the direction of the staircase. Due to Hana being directly in his line of vision, Severus couldn't see who it was. "I don't want to kill you, too."
To Severus' surprise, Hana spread her arms out wide. "You'll have to kill me in order to get to him. I will protect that which is most precious to me."
"I suppose it can't be helped. Avada Kedavra!"
"Hana!" Severus screamed. Everything was enveloped in green light.
"Hana…"
The girl's head snapped up, her gaze meeting his. A million and one emotions swirled within the… emerald eyes? Snape took one look at Lucas next to him to make sure. Their eyes were mirrors of each other in terms of color. Didn't Iris have brown eyes? Didn't Hana have purple ones? He had no time to analyze anymore as skeletal black wings erupted from the girl's back. As darkness coated the room, Snape felt foreign magic create a barrier in front of him and the boy. The source of the purple runes was Fai, who lay crumpled on the ground.
"Don't…" Fai gasped. "Don't get any closer."
"Why?" Snape asked, eyes narrowed.
Fai opened his voice to speak, but his eyes rolled to the back of his head as he passed out. Both Snape and Lucas rushed over, though it appeared that they weren't needed. Syaoran had just entered, a lean warrior—at least, that's what Severus assumed since a long sword was strapped to the tanned one's side—swiftly following. The latter knelt down and gathered the blonde into his arms, a crimson-eyed glare demanding what just happened. Syaoran, however, was left staring at the wings that continued to grow from Iris' back.
"What's going on?" the Potions' Master demanded.
The brunette continued to stare as he whispered, "That's the same seal that enveloped Princess Sakura…" Syaoran drifted off at seeing the expression on the woman's face.
Iris just smiled. "I guess my seal really is breaking," she commented. She placed the guitar back in its case and closed the lid. However, Iris didn't buckle the case shut. At the sound of cracking glass, Syaoran gasped. He did for good reason: the bottom of Iris' kimono began to flake apart and disappear into nothing.
Lucas suddenly ran forward, and it was only Snape's tight grip on his right arm that kept him from running straight into Fai's barrier. A tug brought the struggling boy into another embrace, with Lucas' back pressed against Snape's chest.
"An instant of time that was stopped has started again," the girl explained as she took a few steps forward. It was only then that Snape realized he could no longer move, his arms locking Lucas in place. He attempted to unravel them to no avail. "Severus." The professor stopped and looked up at the hanging figure. "There's no need to struggle. The time which has begun to move is not your own." Iris winced when a long feather wrapped around her neck. A gasp caused Lucas to whimper, and in response more pieces broke off of the woman's dress.
None of this made any sense. Black wings? Stopping time? Why was she breaking apart?
A laugh similar to ringing bells echoed. "It's a lot to take in, I realize. Don't worry; everything has been planned just as meticulously as you brew your potions, Severus." Iris smiled. "I assume you have questions, yes?"
Severus' gaze faltered before he met hers again. "Who are you, really? You say your name is Iris Kimura, and yet I've seen traits of both Lily and Hana in you."
A pause. "I've asked you once before, Severus," Iris replied. "Do you believe in reincarnations?" The dark wizard nodded, though it was a hesitant one. "You could say I'm a… modified reincarnation of Hana Ichihara."
"Ichihara?" the warrior from behind Severus hissed. "The witch?"
"Yes, I am blood related to Yuuko Ichihara, the Dimensional Witch… at least this body is," Iris explained. "I'm only here because a certain someone wished for me to stay. Although the wish wasn't explicitly said, the wizard's will was so strong that I could never vanish." Iris kept her gaze locked on Severus' as she said that. The shards continued breaking past her knees.
"Thanks to all of you, I have made my decision. Time begins to move forward, and thus I will as well," Iris continued.
"No, you can't!" Snape stared at shock at the little boy who had just screamed from within his grip. That means they weren't in reality anymore. The only time that Lucas spoke was in the dream plane, but this certainly didn't look like the darkness they encountered earlier. Lucas looked at Iris from over the professor's arms. "Mommy, don't go!"
"What is this about choice?" the brunette teen screamed from behind them. "You know that none of us want this! Why is it… why is it that you have to go?"
Iris sighed as everything below her waist disappeared. "I shouldn't even exist," she deadpanned. "Long before you three came to our dimension, I was on the verge of death. Isn't that right, Severus?"
He didn't answer.
"We've… we've experienced so much after meeting you," Syaoran began, his voice dropping. "It's all because of you, Iris! Isn't there anything—"
"N-no, there isn't," Fai's voice whispered. At least he's awake now, Snape thought. I don't believe he would have been pleased if Iris had… "It's futile," the blonde continued in a stronger voice. "I've tried everything in my power, and combined Iris and I were only able to delay this moment. No magic can bring someone back from the dead."
"At least," Iris appended, "not in the way that everyone remembers." She held out a hand that began to break apart as well. Her eyes scanned the limb as if it were a foreign specimen.
Lucas cried out again. "Mommy, please… This isn't how… No, you're not leaving!"
The nurse turned her attention to the boy. "Lucas Harrison Potter, listen to me." At his full name, the emerald-eyed boy stopped struggling. "You know I haven't lied to you, honey. That's because you're precious to me." Iris took a deep breath and attempted to hide another wince. "You meet, you join with others… And what you do after that is entirely your decision. I've only sown the seeds, the circumstances in which your meetings have occurred. Now it is up to you to write your own futures.
"With this, my part in this is done. When I fade away, the dream will disappear along with me. Fai," Iris said, turning her head to the blonde, "I'll need you to cast your world transportation magic at the moment Severus apparates to Hogwarts. If you tarry, you may be caught up in the fissure my disappearance will make."
"Hogwarts?" Snape inquired with a glare, "after all the trouble you went through to keep Lucas from Dumbledore?"
Iris' gaze shifted to the dark wizard. "As I've said… I can't protect him anymore. That responsibility now lies with you, Severus." Tears threatened to spill past her eyes. She knelt in front of him so that they were eye-to-eye. Her green eyes flashed with a familiar, yet unknown, emotion. "Please, I beg of you… take care of my son. Whether or not he's my biological son, the fact that he is precious to me is unchanged. I promised Lucas a long time ago that I would protect him until this moment came. I need you to promise me that you will."
Although Severus Snape was good at reading people, he could never truly figure out what Hana, and now Iris, had to hide. It was ironic seeing as he was the Potions professor and Head of Slytherin in Hogwarts; Snape was the one who needed to figure out that which people had to hide.
He blinked out of his thoughts when Iris placed a hand on his slightly-bruised right cheek. Snape hadn't even noticed Lucas had struck him that hard in the midst of his flailing earlier. The same spark he felt when Hana touched him healed the wound, but as a result that hand began to break apart faster.
At seeing the phenomenon progress faster, Lucas screamed, "Mommy!"
"Lucas, honey," Iris whispered, turning her attention to the boy in Snape's arms. "Remember, I will always love you, no matter who I am at the time. I may show my love in different ways, but I still love you nonetheless. I only wish that I could tell you more." But that, the woman thought, would go beyond my limit of interference. With that her arms and torso faded away. Not like I have that much time left, anyway.
Snape pursed his lips; he didn't like the finality in her voice nor her disappearance. "I will," he committed at last. He saw gratefulness shine in Iris' eyes as she met his gaze. She looks just like Lily.
"You still love Lily, after all of this time," came a whisper. Iris sighed and shook her head. "I guess it cannot be helped. You'll make it through this, Severus… I know you will. You're strong." The familiarity of the words shocked Snape to the point where he nearly didn't notice the wry smile on Iris' face. He did catch it, however, and frowned.
Why would she display such an expression? Snape thought before Iris leaned forward to whisper in his ear. Her warm breath upon the lobe caused shivers to run down his spine. There were very few times someone had been so close to him. "Thank you, Severus. I—"
A whoosh of wind. As quickly as they had been pulled into the Dreamplane, everyone was deposited back into the loft. The setting sun told Snape that more time had passed in reality than in the dream. With a start, Snape discovered that Iris was nowhere to be found. He glanced down to see Lucas staring forward in shock, body completely still. Slowly the teacher turned the boy around to look into his eyes. The normally vibrant emerald irises held a glazed sheen.
Snape frowned harder. That wasn't a good sign at all; he was probably going through shock after seeing Iris disappear like that. The wizard picked the boy up and placed him on his hip. His left arm wrapped under the boy's bottom in order to keep him steady as his right hand sought his wand. Snape turned around and saw that the other three could also move. Syaoran's bangs shadowed his eyes, Fai looked guilty, and the warrior glared at nothing in particular. Had they known this was going to happen?
Fai stood up with the help of the warrior and brushed himself off. He turned to Snape. "Professor Snape, would you be so kind as to summon Iris' belongings? I'm afraid I don't know the incantation," the blonde said.
"Very well. Accio, Iris' assets!" Snape shouted with a flick of his wand. Funnily enough, very few things flew into his vicinity. This included a few boxes and envelopes. The man's black stare shifted to the picture of Lily Potter sitting on the fireplace mantle. "Hm. Accio, Lily's picture!" The picture floated to him. Snape took hold of the silver frame in the same hand that he used to support Lucas.
The guitar still sat on the floor.
"… Accio, Hana's guitar." The instrument floated out of its case and followed the invisible trail of Snape's wand as he moved it to Syaoran. Without a word the brunette nodded and plucked the guitar out of the air. Snape looked to the too-quiet boy sitting in his grip. He couldn't forget Lucas' things too. "Accio, Lucas' possessions!" All of his stuff exempting a small blue blanket was stuffed into a conjured backpack. Snape instead wrapped the baby blanket about the boy's shoulders. He got the reaction he wanted as Lucas cuddled into the soft cloth.
That was a bit better than the blank stare, but Snape was still worried about the boy's mental health. There wasn't much time to think about it as a crash resounded from outside the door. Fai and the others rushed toward Snape and Lucas as the blonde drew runes in the air. Neon purple magic followed Fai's fingers and surrounded the five males. Another explosion rattled the loft from the outside, causing Snape's grip on Lucas to tighten.
"Teleport us now!" Fai exclaimed as his circle completed itself.
Snape clenched his eyes shut and formed Hogwarts in his mind. He hadn't done a side-along apparition in quite a while, and to be honest he wasn't exactly sure if he had the strength. That doesn't matter now. What does matter is everyone's safety. With a swish of his wand in a wide arc, everyone disappeared.
As soon as they did, the door to the loft blasted open. Several men garbed in black sporting masks with snake-like eyeholes filtered in. They proceeded to ransack the entire apartment. The last to enter was a wizard wearing navy blue robes. Although he did not wear a mask, a large hood shielded his facial features from view.
"They have departed, have they?" a deep baritone came from beneath the hood. "No matter. Hogwarts cannot hide the Dreamseer from me forever. While I wait, I may as well give the boy and his companions something to worry about." A wave of his hand conjured a large fiery snake which set the entire place ablaze. The caster about-faced. "Come, my servants. We have much work to do." With that the mysterious wizard apparated, the masked ones following suit.