Thank you so much to all those whom have stayed with this story! I've had massive writer's block and real life business...not very original excuses but the only ones I have. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Albus walked confidently up the pathway towards Nott Manor. He knew that beyond the wrought iron gate, a scared little girl waited to be rescued. It had taken Severus, the Cullens, and himself three hours to come up with an acceptable plan to get Arabella back. Although Albus was the only person in the group to have been invited to the manor, it did not mean he would be alone. Severus was currently coiled around his wrist in his animagus form and would look for the toddler while the headmaster spoke with the Volturi and Nott after they crossed the wards. They were able to deduce that the wards would keep unwelcomed wizards and magical creatures from entering into the property, but would not be able to detect mundane animals or magical signatures from within the manor. Due to Alice, they were able to see that Severus in his snake form would not set the wards off, but she was unable to see the outcome of the plan.
Albus arrived at the gate and tapped the Nott crest twice with his wand. The gate opened after reading his magical signature and allowed passage to the old wizard. The headmaster continued up to the front door and used the doorknocker. He waited only seconds before a house elf answered the door and directed the wizard to the receiving parlor and told to wait for the master. While Albus sat waiting, he causally lowered his arm to the ground in a ruse to straighten his robes and let Severus slither from his arm.
"Good luck my son," he whispered to the snake. The snake merely inclined his head and continued on his mission to find his daughter.
"What are you doing here Dumbledore?" Nott asked roughly as he walked into the parlor. "How did you even enter the wards?"
Albus rose from his seat and faced Therius Nott. The older wizard ignored the first question and answered the second only. "Ah, Thaddeus and I enjoyed a good discussion of politics for time to time. I was given permission to enter the wards from him."
"And what are you doing here now?" Nott growled.
"I believe you are currently housing some guests."
"What of them?" Therius questioned suspiciously.
"I merely request an audience with them," Dumbledore answered calmly but with a look in his eye that relayed he would not take no for an answer.
"Wait here," the wizard snarled before turning on his heel to inform the Volturi.
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Severus slipped from the receiving parlor without being caught by wizard, vampire, or house elf. He tapped into the parental magic that existed in every wizarding family and followed the pull that would lead him to his daughter. The snake continued his search until he heard heavy footsteps from behind and slithered into the nearest corner to avoid detection. The potions master watched with keen eyes as Therius Nott stormed to the door further up the hall and knocked firmly.
A young girl answered the door and scowled. "What do you want?"
Snape was amused to see Nott cower to the female. "I need to speak with Aro."
"Wait here." The girl then slammed the door in the male's face. A minute later the door opened again to reveal an older vampire with thin, paper-like skin and dark hair.
"Jane informed me that you wished my presence?" Aro asked congenially.
"Yes, Albus Dumbledore is requesting a conference with you and the others," Nott stated while nearly sneering the headmaster's name.
"Albus Dumbledore," Aro cried in a singsong voice. 'I've been hoping to meet the wizard. We'll be along momentarily. Do advise him."
Therius was about to respond but the door slammed into his face once more. With a grumble, the man walked back towards where he came from.
Severus slithered closer to the door and waited until the group of vampires left the suite. The potions master was able to slip in while they were leaving and was relieved to see that the rooms were empty. He continued following the pull down the small hallway and came to a door with an outside lock. The father quickly transformed back and unlocked the door separating him from Arabella. His heart almost broke with he entered the dark room with only the faint sound of whimpers to greet him.
Severus lit his wand with a soft lumos and made his way deeper into the room. He did not want to frighten his daughter more than she was, so he started whispering a lullaby to the little girl curled in the corner. When he was about ten feet from the toddler, he increased the light from his wand and called her.
"Arabella, Arabella, can you hear me honey?"
The little figure in the corner was shaking, but slowly started to lift her head towards the sound and gave a tiny nod.
"Do you know who I am?" Severus asked while keeping his anxiety out of his voice. He was worried that something was wrong. The little girl did not seem to recognize him or say anything out loud.
"You da-dy. I dweaming," Arabella whispered sadly.
"No sweetheart, you are not dreaming. Daddy is here," the potions master almost sobbed in relief.
"Da-dy?" the toddler gasped.
The man could only nod at his daughter.
"Da-dy, DA-DY!" Arabella screamed as she rushed into his arms and started bawling. Severus could only hold on to her while reassuring her that it was really him and she was safe now.
A few minutes passed before the father rose to his feet with the little girl securely in his arms and pulled out a necklace with a Hogwarts emblem. The emblem was a portkey that would return them to the school. Due to the ancient magic seeped into the emblem from Hogwarts herself, the portkey could bypass any wards and transport the user to the headmaster's office.
Severus uttered the password and the two disappeared from Nott manor.
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"Albus Dumbledore," Aro called in delight.
The aged wizard stood from his seat but refused to offer his hand and merely nodded his head. "Aro, Caius, Marcus."
"I see my reputation precedes me," Aro said good-naturedly. 'Allow me to introduce you to my coven. The twins are Jane and Alec. As well as Demetri and Felix."
The headmaster nodded to each vampire before returning his focus on Aro. "I believe you have something of great importance to me in your possession."
"Really! How could that be when we've only just met?" Aro asked in false confusion. He knew from his encounter with the little girl that Albus Dumbledore considered the child his granddaughter.
Albus' eyes hardened at the question and tone of the vampire. "Yes, and I know you are aware of my connection to Arabella. Where is the child?"
"Currently safe, that is all you need to know," Marcus answered while looking unconcerned of the situation.
"I demand that you return her to me instantly. She has nothing to do with your feud with the Cullens," Albus commanded.
"You see, that is where I disagree with you. She has everything to do with the Cullens. She is the mate of Edward Cullen; as well as, the offspring of a natural vampire. She is an excellent bargaining chip."
"She is a scared little girl," Dumbledore simply said.
"A little girl whom is really sixteen years old. Oh, the wonders of magic don't you think?" Aro laughs.
"Arabella has no access to her sixteen year old memories. She is currently a three year-old with only three year old memories."
"We can still use her," Caius answered dispassionately.
Before the headmaster could refute, he felt the wards in his office go off and knew Severus had used the emblem. "Very well, I come with an invitation from the Cullens to meet for negotiation. They request your presence at the Leaky Cauldron at 2000 hours today."
"We will meet them at the requested time and place, but require the natural vampire to be present too," Aro replied as the leader.
"Very well, I shall relay your acceptance," Dumbledore replied before nodding once more and leaving the manor. As soon as he crossed the wards, he apparated to Hogwarts gates and hastily made his way to the castle.
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Alexander was sitting morosely on the couch with his grandmother when he felt his twin. Jumping up as quickly as his little body would allow, he rushed to the quarter's entrance. "We go! Daddy and Awi home!"
Minerva followed the young boy to the door but did not open it for the toddler. "What did you say Alex?"
"Awi hewe! Come on Gwanny. Must see Awi!" the little boy replied impatiently.
"How do you know?"
"I fweeled hew! Awi scawed and need Kai!"
"Alright child, we are going," the transfiguration professor stated as she grabbed her cloak from the hanger and wrapped her hand around Alexander's small one. "Do you know where they are at in the castle?"
The toddler nodded excitedly. "Yes, dey in Gwanpa woom. Woom wif de bwidie!" The small boy then proceeded to drag the older witch down the hall before coming to a halt at the stairs.
"Is there something wrong Alexander?"
"Yes, I not know whewe de woom is," Alexander answered sadly.
"No worries child, I know where the room is. We will also stop by your friends' room and tell them about Arabella."
"Tay!"
The duo made their way up the stairs and to the rooms the Cullens were assigned. Alexander was eager to tell anyone who was listening that his daddy and sister were back. The Cullens listened expectantly and were soon following the witch and toddler up to the headmaster's office.
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As soon as Severus' feet touched the carpet in the headmaster's office, he rushed to the comfortable couch in front of the fireplace. Arabella had yet to release her hold from around his neck and the potions master could feel small tremors going through her body.
"Shhh, shhh baby, we are home," Severus cooed to the frightened little girl in his arms. "Daddy's got you. I won't leave you alone. I've got you."
The pair continued to rock until the sound of the statue guarding the rooms moving interrupted the silence. Before either had time to look up, a small body climbed onto the potions masters lap and hugged the little girl.
"Awi, it's otay. Kai hewe. Me and daddy take cawe of you," Alexander whispered to his twin.
Arabella looked up from Severus' neck to see her brother next to her. Before anyone had much time to do anything, the little girl launched herself at Alexander. The father wrapped his arms around both toddlers by instinct and held onto his two babies afraid they would disappear if he let go. He was barely aware of the others taking seats around the couch or when Albus entered the office and sighed at the sight of the three of them.
Severus' focus was taken away from his children when the headmaster gently laid his hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps you should change Arabella before we discuss anything. The poor child cannot be comfortable in what she is wearing now."
"Of course. Let me call a house elf to retrieve some of her clothing."
Albus chuckled at the evidence that Severus was not aware of what was happening past his children. "My dear boy, Alice had a house elf bring some clothing up around ten minutes ago. They are currently in my room; as well as, a warm bath."
"Thank you," the vampire said as he tried to stand up. However, when Severus suggested to Alexander to sit with Emmett, the little boy refused to let go of his sister. "Alexander, I have to clean up your sister. I need you to be a good boy and stay with Emmett."
"No daddy. I tay wif Awi. I hewlp you take cawe of hew," Alexander stated stubbornly.
The potions master only sighed and readjusted his hold to carry both toddlers out of the office through Albus' room and into the bathroom. He slid Alexander onto the ground and asked him to try to use the potty while he undressed Arabella and lowered her into the bath. The little girl tightened her hold on Severus' shirt when he tried to pull away from her.
"Bella, I need you to let go of daddy so I can get you cleaned up," Severus gently instructed.
Arabella's eyes started to tear up until she was distracted by a big splash on the other end of the tub. When she looked up, she saw her bother sitting in the tub with a serious look on his face. "It's otay Awi. I tay in de baf wif you. Daddy will cwean us bof."
The little girl just nodded and scooted closer to her twin until she was holding his hand. As Alexander commanded Arabella's attention, the potions master quickly cleaned both his children and called a house elf to acquire more clothes for his son. When the deaged elf started to yawn, Severus decided it was time to end the bath. He grabbed Alexander first, wrapped him in a towel, and with a small pat on his bottom sent him into the bedroom. He then reached for Arabella and wrapped her in a towel, but continued to hold her as he followed Alex into the bedroom.
Arabella was laid on the bed and Alexander was helped up to sit next to her. Severus looked down at his two toddlers, "Let's get you two dressed." He reached out and summoned Alex's clothes from the bathroom and quickly dressed him. He then gathered Arabella's from the side table and read the small note on top a nappy.
She's going to need these for a while.
Alice
The potions master gave his daughter a small sad smile as he dressed her in the nappy and clean clothes. Arabella did not say a word when she was put in the nappy while her brother wore normal underwear but Alexander looked like he wanted to ask why. Severus caught the look before the question could be vocalized and shook his head to stop his son. Like with Arabella in Carlisle's office, Alexander just looked at his father with eyes of a sixteen year old and nodded. Just a quick as it came, the moment left and the three were out the door and back into the office.
Severus returned to his place on the couch with Arabella in his arms. Alexander claimed the spot next to him and cuddled with Minerva on his other side. Rosalie handed the potions master and Minerva the baby blankets she had the house elves bring up with Arabella's clothes. For a while, the room was quiet while to two toddlers started to fall asleep.
"What did the Volturi say?" Severus whispered after Arabella's eyelids remain closed.
"They only saw her as a tool of negotiation. They knew she was Edwards mate and that she was the offspring of a natural vampire," Albus explained. "They also agreed to meet tonight at the Leaky Cauldron but demanded Severus attend also."
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At precisely eight in the evening, the Cullens and Severus stepped out of the floo to meet the Volturi. Alice had informed the group that the Italian vampires were well aware that Arabella was rescued and to be on guard. Aro and the other were already seated in the very back of the pub waiting for their arrival. Once everyone was through the floo, Severus approached Tom in regards of renting a private room. With a subtle nod, the potions master led the entire party through an unassuming door off to the side of the bar.
"Carlisle," Aro greeted solemnly.
"Aro, Caius, Marcus," Carlisle responded naturally.
"I believe you stole something from us today."
"Arabella has been returned to her family and is currently resting."
"Yes, she did give me a lot of information about your family and hers," Aro said amused before he turned his attention towards Severus. "I believe you are Potions Master Snape. Your daughter was simply delightful."
"Good evening," Severus stated with as much distain as he could manage. "I would appreciate it if you would not mention my daughter to me. I am well aware of the care she encountered while under your watch."
"I'm afraid the little girl did not want to leave the room," Aro countered lightly.
The potions master intensified his glare towards the Italian vampires.
"Enough of this, let us continue on to the reason for this meeting," Marcus interrupted the silent battle between the two.
"The main reason for this meeting was to arrange Arabella's return to her father. I see no other reason to continue now that she has returned," Carlisle spoke.
"Indeed. I believe that there is other issues to be discussed," Aro countered.
"You already know that no one in our family is welling to join the Volturi."
"I'm well aware of your family's refusal. I would enjoy adding those gifts to our clan, but alas that is not what I am speaking about," Aro responded. "Master Snape, I've learned from the child that you are a natural vampire."
Severus stiffened at Aro's statement. "I am."
"I would like to invite you and your family to join the Volturi. You would be treated with the upmost respect and would be granted whatever you wish."
"I am afraid sir, I must decline your invitation," the potions master replied woodenly.
"You are knowledgeable about the history between your ancestors and the Volturi. I would recommend that you reconsider your decision," Caius answered from behind Aro.
"Unlike my ancestors, I will not allow you to intimidate myself or my family. I will respond to any aggression as a threat to our safety and act accordingly," Severus hissed.
The Volturi leaders looked to be preparing for attack when the potions master continued. "However, I am willing to extend the same aide to you as I have to the Cullens."
"And what would that be?" Marcus inquired.
"I've created potions that would allow vampires to enter sunlight without the telltale signs of their condition. I have invited a second potion that would increase the time needed between feeding by lessening the blood lust. As you have acquaintance in the wizarding world, you should be familiar with blood pops available through Honeysuckles. Lastly, I will vow to continue to inform you of any new potions created that would benefit your clan."
"What are you asking for in return?" Aro questioned.
"I simply require your clan to leave my family and the Cullens alone. We are aware of your interest in various members of both families and if anyone desires to join your clan, they will make the first move. You will seize in kidnapping my children or harassing the Cullens. If you refuse, you will bring a war that you are unprepared for and unable to win. Do not think I am the only natural vampire alive nor the only one willing to fight against you. Believe me, you will lose if you do not accept my offer."
Aro stared directly at Severus for several minutes before nodding in acceptance. Unknown to the others around them, the potions master had sent carefully constructed memories to the Volturi leader to back up his threats.
"We, the Volturi, agree to your demands and accept your offer of aide. So mote it be."
"So mote it be," Severus ended the vow. "If you will excuse me, my family is waiting for me. Expect the first package of potions within the next month." The potions master then swept out of the rented room and continued to the floo. The Cullens followed the man with amusement.
However, before the floo sent him towards the headmaster's office, Severus heard Alice squeal in excitement as she announced they were going last minute Christmas shopping. When he stepped out of the fireplace in Hogwarts, the potions master had to laugh at the look on all the Cullen males' faces.
AN: Arabella is back home with her family! Happy/fluffy chapter next, I promise!