A/ N: another chapter- 2 in 2 days….yay!
Disclaimer: still don't own….Rowling does.
Chapter 14: Intervention Interlude
"Harry, why don't you try talking to him?" Sarah and Harry were sitting by the lake, legs crossed, looking out across the water. The breeze coming up off the water made it a pleasant spot. Ron still wasn't speaking to Harry and after Sarah entreated him to see reason and got nowhere, she decided to try to intervene from Harry's side.
"No, Sarah. He is my best friend. He should know better" Harry responded adamantly.
"Harry" Sarah said gently. "I think he might be jealous"
Harry gave a short laugh, patting down his hair tousled by the breeze. "Jealous? Jealous of me- my parents are both dead. I have no one. What is fame getting me, Sarah?"
Sarah reached for his hand. "Oh, Harry" They stared out at the lake for a few minutes, enjoying the pleasant weather and each other's company.
"What will you do for the task?" Sarah broke the silence. "How will you deal with the dragons?"
"I really don't know" Harry responded. "What did Snape tell you?"
"He taught me the summoning charm, which means…"
"I should use the summoning charm, but to summon what?"
Sarah thought for a moment and jumped up, reaching down and pulling Harry up with her. "You're the youngest seaker in a generation…to summon what?" She smiled at Harry's quizzical look. "Your broom, silly!"
And that is what Harry did. Given Sarah's advice, Harry was able to defeat the dragon and make it through to the second task, to the relief of all his friends. And Ron finally made up with Harry afterwards to the relief of Sarah and Hermoine, who were tired of trying to intervene to talk sense into those two often dense boys.
Hi Sarah" Fred Weasley bounced up to her as Sarah was on her way back to the Gryffindor common room from her weekly session with Snape.
"Hi Fred" Sarah had been walking with her shoulders slumped, under the weight of her bag, but smiled upon seeing her red headed friend. "What are you up to?" She raised an eyebrow, at the impish glint in his eyes.
"Let me take this for you" Fred said and before she could protest, he grabbed her bag. "This is heavy, what's in it?
"Uncle Sev makes me bring all my books each week to make sure I have been doing the reading. He could tell a few weeks ago that I wasn't doing my potions reading, which…"
"Nobody does" Fred said for her, "except maybe Hermione."
"Exactly, but now, he has this brilliant idea to ask me random questions from my text books to ensure that I am actually behaving. It's bloody annoying having a professor as your guardian." Sarah sighed. "But you didn't answer my question, what are you up to, Fred?"
"I'm testing out this new product George and I created. He is in detention right now so I thought it would be the ideal time, since no one would be expecting it. We still have to perfect it though. But the concept is this: to create a portable swamp." Fred laughed. "It would instantly flood any area you want to. So, Miss Black, what area would you like to see flooded today? Your wish is my command"
Sarah tossed her head. "You know Filch told Snape that I was responsible for the dungbomb released on the third floor yesterday. I had to listen to my uncle scold for a good 20 minutes tonight and he assigned 200 lines by tomorrow. I'll be up all night."
Fred grinned, but then dramatically shook his head. "He did, eh? Once again, poor Filch missed the mark. You had nothing to do with that."
Sarah's blue eyes sparkled. "Well, I wouldn't say nothing, exactly…I did watch you and George release it, while I got your contraband materials from Filch's office for you."
Fred bowed, "And you did a superb job oh Queen of pranksters." He made a sweeping gesture.
Sarah threw back her head and laughed. "Thank you, but still, even though Filch had no evidence, it apparently seemed plausible enough to Uncle Sev to make me write lines for all those times I pulled pranks and didn't get caught. But you see if I have to write 200 lines, I might as well deserve it, sooo…" Sarah grinned, her eyes playful, and grabbed Fred's hand, stopping him and whispering in his ear.
Fred gave her an approving look. "Sarah Black! Getting your revenge on Filch. I like it." Fred smiled at her appreciatively. "Filch's office it is. George is in detention right now with Filch, so that is perfect because Filch will be watching George like a hawk in whatever menial tasks he is doing. Let's go."
"Me? You want me to go with you?" Sarah asked, surprised.
Fred rolled her eyes. "Of course, since I am missing my partner in crime, I need backup. Plus, I want to you to see Filch's face when he finds his office."
Sarah clapped her hands together in glee. "This should be fun" She said. "And since every good partner in crime, so have something to add to the mission" Sarah took out a piece of parchment from her backpack, "I still have this that I borrowed for yesterday's adventure. Thank goodness Professor Moony decided to give it back to us at the end of last year."
"Indeed. Good thinking. You watch the map. I'll release the swamp." Fred instructed.
Quietly, Fred and Sarah sneaked to Filch's office and Fred released the portable swamp. Instantly, water started flooding out of Filch's office so much that Sarah had to jump to the side, not to get her feet wet, but Fred was not quick enough and managed to get splashed. Grinning at his success, he teasingly pulled her by the waist and stomped his feet getting her wet. She had to hold the map high to stop it from getting water, still keeping her eye on the map while trying to wrangle free of Fred's grasp. "Stop it" She said, but her tone was light." "I'm getting soaked and I can't watch properly."
Fred pulled her out of the way of the water and with a flick of his wand, contained the water. "This will keep it from going further." He said, with a smile. "What did you think?"
"That's wicked. I would have loved to see inside" Sarah whispered, before glancing at the map once again. "Oh, bloody hell, Fred. It's Filch and Snape. Together. Run for it?" Sarah gestured frantically, hopping up and down, her shoes making squeaking noises.
"Shhh" Fred covered her mouth and pulled her around the corner to watch the reaction. He with a flick of his wand, dried both of them, so their shoes wouldn't make any noises and they could make an easy getaway. "This is the best part. Then, we'll run for it. Just watch."
Sarah held her breath as she watched Snape and Filch approach the office. Filch was telling Snape about how he wanted him to examine some materials he confiscated from the Weasley twins. Fred snickered and Sarah elbowed him to hush.
"Why is the floor wet?" Filch asked in surprise.
Snape stared, dumfounded at the door. "I believe it is coming from your office." He said slowly.
Filch reached to put his hand on the doorknob, but Severus stopped him abruptly. "I wouldn't be so hasty." However, Filch never listening, pulled open the door anyway and a flood of water came soaring out, reaching their knees, before Snape contained it again, with a flick of his wand, creating an invisible barrier to hold in the water.
"What the hell!" Filch said. "Who did this?" He was livid. "They destroyed my office. It had to be the Weasley twins, but George Weasley was with me. I will go the Headmaster on this and they should hang by their toes in the dungeons."
Snape's eyes narrowed. "I tell Minerva time and time again that the twins need to be brought under control. I will personally make sure whoever is responsible are punished properly" Snape assured him, pausing slightly as if recognizing something and inclining his head so he could see the end of the hallway out of the corner of his eye.
Sarah saw this and grabbed Fred's hand. "We are so busted" she whispered, but Fred said firmly, "Not yet, Sarah. Run.". They ran down the hall, Fred's hand in hers, and as soon as Snape heard movement, he dashed after them.
Weaving through hallways, trying to divert his perusal, Fred finally pulled Sarah into a broom closet. "We can wait it out here." He said breathlessly, as they both tried to catch their breath. "I think we may have lost him."
The closet was completely dark, and their eyes tried to adjust to the lack of light. "It's really dark in here." Sarah whispered, edging closer to Fred.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Sarah, I forgot. But we can't use our wands, Snape will see. Here" Fred pulled her close to him and they sat on the floor together. "Why are you so afraid of the dark anyways?"
"I don't know. I think it is just the feeling that any one or anything can jump out on you. You can't see it coming. I like to know what's coming." Sarah explained. "I've always been this way, sometimes more than others." She shuddered slightly.
"Are you ok in here?" Fred asked, a note of concern evident in his voice and he pulled Sarah so her back was leaning against his chest, and his arms were wrapped around her, protecting her from the unseen. "I won't let anything jump out at you."
"Yeah, thanks" Sarah said with a blush, aware of in that moment, the gesture was more than just friends.
"Do you think Snape knows it was us?" Sarah asked, trying to hide the slight tremor to her voice.
"If so, I'll take the blame. It's not so hard to believe that I coerced you into participating."
"I want you to stop doing that" Sarah said in a low voice. "You and George always cover for me. It's unfair to you. Plus, Snape knows that. He knew since the beginning."
"Is that why you stopped your first year?" Fred asked, as if finally enlightened to Sarah's often confusing behavior.
Sarah nodded. "Yeah, I was scared to death of Snape. Still why do you and George cover for me?"
"It just seems like the…gentlemanly thing to do. And mum says we never act civilized." Fred joked and Sarah laughed.
They sat in silence for a few moments, before Fred cleared his throat. "So, I was wondering, Sarah." Fred started nervously. "I need a date to the Yule ball and well, I was wondering if you don't have one yet, maybe, just maybe, you might want to go with me?" Fred had started slowly, but by the end he was taking at such a fast rate Sarah had to strain to make sure she was hearing him correctly.
Sarah hitched her breath. "You mean…I thought you would want to go with someone your own year…like Angelina or Katie."
Fred laughed. "Nope, I'm just friends with them. I would rather go someone who has the same propensity for mischief as myself, though at times I did doubt your level, tonight raised the bar, Sarah." He joked, before becoming serious once again. "What do you say?"
Sarah felt her face getting red, that Fred would remember the first time they met and their conversation. For once in her life she was thankful for the dark.
"I would really like that, Fred."
Sarah could feel him relax even though she couldn't see the wide grin he was giving her.
"Good" Fred said. "I think we might be safe now. Can you check the map?"
"Sure" Sarah whispered. "Lumos" and she looked for Snape and Filch's name.
"Um, Fred." She whispered, anxiously. "We might want to start thinking of our cover story."
"Why?" Fred asked.
"'Cause Snape is outside the door!" She whispered and Fred could see through the beam of light the look of horror on her face.
Sarah was intent on tracing circles on her navy blue stockings. The soft feel of the fabric was soothing and helped her shut out the thunderous boom of her heart while waiting for Professor Dumbledore. She shuffled her feet underneath her chair, uncomfortably. What was more unnerving was that Snape said less than two words to her since finding her and Fred. She snuck a peek at her guardian, who remained stoic, but Sarah could tell from the occasionally clenching and unclenching of his fists that he was seriously fuming. She shuddered slightly and Fred gave her an encouraging look and put a protective hand on her arm, before Snape gave him a murderous look and he dropped his hands to his lap. Sarah went back to tracing her circles. After Snape explained the situation, Dumbledore went to contain the flood, before dealing with his unruly students. Sarah wished he would just come so they could get this over with.
Just then, Dumbledore entered his office, followed by Professor McGonagall, who gave her two Gryffindors a severe look, but her lips remained pursed, intent on letting Dumbledore handle the situation.
Sarah and Fred had risen when Dumbledore entered the room and sat down at his desk, motioning the two kids to be seated again. Fred's hand gently grazed Sarah's as they sat down, and she smiled inwardly at his gesture even though her stomach felt like a hundred golden snitches had invaded it.
Dumbledore just sat there for a moment, eyes on his two students, hands folded on his desk, clearly in thought. He tapped his fingers slightly and Sarah began to squirm and fought the urge to twist her hair.
"Professor" Fred cleared his throat. "Can I say something before you begin?"
"Please do" Albus said seriously, eyes on Fred.
"There is no evidence that Black and I had anything to do with the incident in Filch's office. It could be a matter of us being at the wrong place at the wrong time." Fred began smoothly.
A snort came from Severus's direction and McGonagall even looked incredulous. "Mr. Weasley, really." She said in an annoyed tone. Dumbledore ignored this and continued to focus on the Weasley twin.
"If that is true, Mr. Weasley" Dumbledore began, "Then what were you in Miss Black doing in the broom closet when Professor Snape found you?"
Sarah even gave Fred a skeptical look, dreading where this was going, but he remained confident. "Well, sir, it was an intervention of sorts."
"An intervention" Dumbledore repeated. "I'm not sure I ascertain your meaning."
"Yes, you see, Sarah is dreadfully afraid of the dark." Fred began and Sarah's face blushed deep red, before Fred patted her arm assuredly, whispering, "It's ok, Sarah, It's just Professor Dumbledore, I'm sure he won't tell anyone."
Sarah fought the urge to laugh at Fred's antics, and even Dumbledore's eyes twinkled despite of the gravity of the situation. Severus was the only one giving Fred a tremendous scowl, that make Sarah certain that she wasn't going to be able to see the light of day for several weeks.
"Given, well, given circumstances, Sarah really needs to overcome this phobia. She is practically sidekick to Harry Potter and it could be detrimental to her one day. Honestly, I am wondering why her guardian hasn't taken action before hand." Fred said impishly.
Sarah suppressed a groan, but silently kicked Fred to tell him to scale it back and Severus took two steps forward before Dumbledore put up a restraining hand.
"So, keeping her safety in mind, I decided to hold an intervention- shutting her in the broom closet, though the only way she would do so, would be if I was with her, so that's why I was there too. Honestly, we did not know Professor Snape would find us and we didn't realize how it would look."
McGonagall rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Mr. Weasley, that beats all." She said as she tossed her hands in exasperation.
Dumbledore turned to Minerva. "I do believe Professor McGonagall, that this is one of the cleverest covers Mr. Weasley has concocted in his few years here. And that is saying something, indeed."
Severus bristled. "Headmaster, the seriousness of the situation…"
"Is being considered, Professor Snape, thank you." Albus said firmly. "Mr. Weasley as….interesting as that explanation is, I feel like it is lacking in a few areas, honesty being one."
"I was thinking you might feel that way" Fred said grimly, twisting his hands in his lap.
"However, you are correct in there is no evidence linking you or Miss Black to the scene." Albus continued and Snape turned to Dumbledore, "Surely, Professor, if these two students were Slytherins they would be on their way home right now." He argued.
"Well, they are not" McGonagall argued, defensively. "They are in my house, Severus, not yours. I would urge you to remember that."
"And if they were in mine, this would have been prevented ages ago." Severus snapped. "Action must be taken."
"You want me suspended?" Sarah asked in a small voice, standing on shaking knees to face Severus.
"Yes" Snape said, dark eyes boarding into hers. "I do. I want you to stop and think before one day you make a mistake that costs you your life. You are too impulsive at times, not thinking about the consequences- a characteristic undoubtedly inherited from your father." His lecture turned into a sneer at the mention of Sirius Black.
"Severus" Dumbledore thundered and for a moment, Sarah recognized why Dumbledore was cited as the only wizard Voldemort ever feared. Fred pulled Sarah back down and left a hand protectively on her arm. Instantly, Severus retreated though looked mutinous. "Do not say something that one day you may regret." He said in a gentler tone, before turning back at the two students before him.
"Miss Black, Mr. Weasley, I want to remind you of the seriousness of the situation. Harmless pranks can often turn dangerous and there is a fine line between innocence and cruelty." Dumbledore peered at them over his spectacles. "And there is the matter of the motives behind such pranks. Pranks starting out as sheer fun can be used as revenge. And when that happens, it calls into question the very character of the one committing them" Dumbledore's tone captivated both Fred and Sarah's attention and Sarah suddenly felt ashamed. "I would hate to believe that either one of you has such propensity for malice."
Sarah squirmed in her seat and Dumbledore's eyes prodded her. "Do you understand what I am telling you?" Fred and Sarah nodded in agreement. "Though you are right, Mr. Weasley, there is no evidence, and as such I will not suspend you or Miss Black. Though I believe a month of detention is not unwarranted."
Sarah's eyes shot up to protest, but Dumbledore quickly silenced her with a wave of his hand. "You will serve them with Professor Snape or Professor McGonagall. They will work out a schedule between the two of them. Severus, does that suffice as Sarah's guardian?"
Severus let out an annoyed sigh. "In addition, Professor Dumbledore, I would like permission to require Sarah to move into my quarters for that month."
Dumbledore tapped his fingers together. "I will permit it Severus. Sarah's recklessness does need to be gotten under control. Not to mention, part of the month is during the Holidays though most people will be staying for the ball"
Sarah gasped. "The ball…" And Severus's eyes narrowed.
"You will still be able to attend Miss Black." Dumbledore said firmly, before smiling slightly. "Do you have a date?"
For the first time in Dumbledore's office, Sarah managed a small smile. "During my intervention, I was asked." She said dryly and Dumbledore laughed, McGonagall couldn't suppress her smile, and Snape shot a red-faced, grinning Fred a deadly look.
"Very good, Miss Black. Now, Professor McGonagall, if you could escort Fred back to the common room before talking to Mr. Filch."
Minerva nodded. "Come along Mr. Weasley. Thank the Headmaster for being so forgiving."
"Thank you, Headmaster Dumbledore" Fred said, managing bit of contriteness and he squeezed Sarah's hand subtly in passing, a gesture not overlooked by any of the three adults in the room.
Once alone, Severus turned to his niece. "If that is not all, Professor Dumbledore…"Sarah's eyes were glued to the floor and she shuffled her feet uncomfortably. Since Fred had gone, her bravery was slowly ebbing away underneath her two professors' gazes.
"Actually" Albus said, with a perceptive glance at Sarah, "I would like the opportunity to speak with Miss Black, privately. That should give yourself time to gather some of Sarah's belongings if she is to move in your quarters. I do want to talk with you too, later. I will come with Sarah when we are done with our discussion."
"Alright Headmaster." Severus said and took his leave.
"Sit down, Sarah." Dumbledore said. "Would you like a lemon drop?"
"No, thank you sir." Sarah said in a bit of confusion. "Are you angry with me Professor Dumbledore?"
Dumbledore gazed gently at the uncertain child. She was such a combination of her two parents. She heavily favored Grace, from her looks to her mannerisms and much of her personality. But there was plenty of Sirius Black in her; otherwise she would not be seated here before him. Having watched many children grow up before his eyes, it was special for him to do the same for the next generation.
"I think not. Perhaps a little disappointed." He paused before adding, "Is there something, Miss Black, which you would like to tell me? Anything you say will not leave this room and you will not be punished for." Dumbledore assured her. "But I feel that you may have something that you need to…get off your chest."
Sarah felt all the guilt from Dumbledore's lecture weal back up in her. But could she confess it to him? She looked down and straightened her skirt with her hand.
"I wanted to prank Filch because he told Uncle Sev that I was responsible for the dungbomb realized yesterday and Uncle Sev gave me 200 lines tonight." She said honestly, unable to meet her Headmaster's gaze. "Am I a horrible person? Am I like my dad who sent Uncle Sev to Lupin as a prank when he was at Hogwarts? Is Uncle Sev right, Professor Dumbledore?"
Dumbledore came around the desk to sit in the seat that Fred had vacated. "Sarah, look at me." Sarah lifted her head to look into Dumbledore's piercing blue eyes.
"In many ways you are much like your father. Your loyalty to your friends is impeccable, just like your father's. And unfortunately, your impulsivity is similar to Sirius's. When Sirius Black sent Severus into the shrieking shack, he was young and made an error in judgment, albeit a big one. When you are young, Sarah, your character hasn't fully developed. But it is our job as your teachers and Severus as your guardian, to foster the good characteristics and eliminate the poor ones. I firmly believe, as do a vast majority of the professors and former professors of this institution, including Professor Lupin, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape just to name a few that you, Sarah Black, have the traits that will make you into a fine woman- an intelligent, powerful, caring and compassionate person. It is why we look at your recklessness and your temper and it causes us concern."
Sarah blushed. "I guess, I just…act on my first feelings. Uncle Sev always says I'm too emotional."
"This" Dumbledore pointed to her heart, "is often your greatest weapon, only in combination with this" Dumbledore pointed to her head. "They must learn to work together in unison. I want you to tow the line from now on. Dark times are ahead, as I am sure Severus has warned you. It is only a matter of time. Harry will need your then, as will Severus as well."
Sarah looked at him in surprise. "Uncle Sev, need me?"
Dumbledore nodded. "If he is forced to make a difficult decision, he will need all of your love and support and your trust, and be able to trust you. Your decisions lately have caused him to lose some of that trust. He still loves you Sarah, but you have to regain his trust."
Sarah shook her head in agreement. "Do you always think honesty is the right thing, Professor Dumbledore?"
"What are you referring to?" Albus asked.
"I have been writing to Dad since the summer." Sarah said. "Should I tell Uncle Sev?"
"What does this and this tell you?" Albus pointed to her heart and her head.
"My heart tells me to tell him and my mind tells me that he will be more furious with me the longer I keep it from him." Sarah said resigned.
"Indeed" Albus patted her arm. "I know being in the middle of your father and uncle is hard for you Sarah, but you don't want to betray ones trust for the other. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir" Sarah said. "Thank you Professor."
"You're welcome, Sarah." Albus smiled at her. "Let's go, your uncle is waiting for us. Are you quite sure you do not want a lemon drop." Albus reached for one and plopped it in his mouth, "They are quite delicious."
Sarah smiled and reached for one.
Albus accompanied Sarah back to Severus's quarters. Snape sent Sarah to her room immediately, telling her to get dressed and ready for bed. As she scurried off, Snape dropped to his arm chair, exhausted. Albus sat on the couch, watching the younger wizard.
"What are you thinking, Severus?" Albus folded his hands together.
Severus sighed. "I'm thinking all of it is for naught. In the end of the day, The Dark Lord will still come back, Harry will still be in consistent peril, and Sarah will still let her emotions rule. I can't prevent it from happening Albus. I've tried everything to get her under control, but she still makes these awful decisions."
"She is young still, Severus." Albus entreated gently, "you must be patient."
"I have been Albus!" Severus shook his head. "Time and time again, I am patient with her, more so than I have been with any other student EVER. And time and time again she gets into trouble, going headfirst into danger, with Potter and their gang of friends. You know she pranked Filch for revenge. I gave her lines because Filch told me that she was responsible for the dungbomb released yesterday. I'm sure it was not premeditated, more impulsive, but I cannot help but believe that I have failed and she has ended up just like her father." Snape shuddered.
"You know what she asked me just now? She asked me if what she did today made her just like her dad who sent you into the shrieking shack. She feels it, Severus, she feels every word you say and she is bright enough to determine the meaning behind your comments. She needs your love and reassurance now more than ever."
"She has it!" Severus began defensively. "She has always had it."
"I'm not saying you don't. All I am saying is that you must remember that the child is making remarkable progress under your care. Compare the Sarah of first year to the Sarah of fourth year. She stumbles now and then, but you have not failed her or your sister, Severus." Albus said, discerningly. "Continue to love her."
Severus remained silent and Albus continued. "You should step up her training in this next month. Have her practice dueling."
Severus nodded, thoughtful. "I would also like to teach her and Draco occlumency."
"A fine idea." Albus added. "And perhaps, Severus, you might want to have a…a discussion with her about boys."
Severus looked grim. "You don't think her and Weasley…I'll kill him" He growled.
Albus shook his head. "No, I don't. I think Sarah is quite innocent, but she is reaching that age."
"How am I supposed to talk to her about that?" Severus asked incredulously.
"Well, I'm sure you will figure out a way." Albus said reassuringly, eyes twinkling at Severus's horrified expression.
"Do you need anything?" Severus asked Sarah, as he pulled up the covers to tuck her in.
Sarah shook her head and Severus leaned over to kiss her forehead. "We will talk in the morning, but for now, it's bedtime."
Severus clicked the lights off including the night light that always stayed lighted in Sarah's room. Sarah sat up to protest, but Severus put a hand on her arm and pushed her back down. "Fred was right about one thing tonight. You do need to get over it. The Dark Lord will use it. I'm in the next room. I'll be up for a little bit grading papers. If you need me, I'll be here." Severus said reassuringly.
Sarah took a deep breath. "Alright" She said, resigned that one, her uncle was right and two, he wasn't going to cave. She rolled over and closed her eyes, clutching the fabric of her bedspread. Try as she might, she just couldn't fall asleep. It wasn't so much that she was panicking over the darkness, although her heart was beating fast from the shadows that crept over the walls of her room, but the thought that she would have to tell Uncle Sev the truth about her father. It was that which prompted a sleepy Sarah to wrap her comforter around her shoulders and seek out her uncle, hoping he was still up, but then in another sense hoping he was asleep.
She found her uncle, awake, still grading papers. He was so absorbed in his work, that he only looked up when Sarah cleared her throat.
Severus fought an urge to smile when looking at his niece. She looked more like a first year with her bedspread around her, and rubbing her eyes, clutching Paddy. He wondered if she remembered that she had her stuffed dog in her hands.
"What is it Sarah?" Severus asked.
"I need to talk to you" Sarah wrapped the blanket further around her and awkwardly shifted.
"It can't wait until morning?" Severus raised an eyebrow. "It is awfully late."
"I can't sleep because of it" Sarah admitted.
"It must be pretty serious then." Severus beckoned to Sarah, stacking his papers and putting them aside as Sarah sat on the ottoman in front of him, giving her his full attention.
"You are going to be upset with me" Sarah began hesitantly. "I mean, I know you already are upset with me for the whole prank thing but this is worse."
Severus stiffened and took a deep breath, inclining his head towards the teenager. "I'm listening."
Sarah squeezed Paddy and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to conjure up the Gryffindor bravery that was supposedly buried deep within her.
"I've been writing letters to Dad." Sarah forced herself to raise her eyes so she was looking Severus in the eyes. "I know you told me not to and I understand your reasons why, but he is my dad and he needs me. I don't want to lie to you any more so I wanted you to know."
"I see" Severus said, his voice betraying no emotion. "And how long, pray tell, have you been doing this?"
"Since Dad left this summer." Sarah responded. "And I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I thought you would want me to stop but Professor Dumbledore said today that honesty is usually the best course…so…"
"And if I told you to stop now…" Severus interrupted.
"I wouldn't" Sarah admitted honestly. "I love you Uncle Sev, I really do. And I hate keeping things from you."
Severus took a deep breath, trying not to unleash his frustration. "If that is the case, Sarah Grace, why do you persist in doing so?"
Sarah twirled her hair absently for a moment before dropping them to rest in her lap. "I'm not sure. I just don't want you to be disappointed in me. It's easier if you don't know" Sarah bit her lip, squeezing her hands together.
Severus reached over to grab one of Sarah's hands. "I cannot lie to you. I am deeply disappointed both in your action tonight and you going against my express wishes for you not to owl you father. But Sarah, there will be times such as these when I am going to be disappointed with your actions, because I know you are better than them. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't bother. That is why I have been so frustrated tonight. One day your impulsive nature is going to cost you and I can't bear to see you hurt."
Sarah nodded, head down.
"As for your father, I don't see what good can possibly come of it. On further reflection, I should not have forbid you to do something that goes so much against your nature. Of course, it is in your nature to want to cultivate a relationship with your father, and that is perhaps more to your credit. You get your caring nature from your mother, and I do not believe she would want me to do anything to hinder it. If you feel like you must, I will not stand in the way." Severus paused, squeezing her hand, before looking her squarely in the eye. "We must get one thing straight though. If you father ever asks you to do something that will put you in danger, you must come to me right away. Do you understand? I will not have you risking your life to protect your father, like you did last year. That is completely unacceptable, young lady."
"Yes, sir" Sarah agreed.
"Thank you for telling me Black." Severus rose and Sarah followed suit. "I'll tuck you back in bed." Sarah gave him a hug. "You know Uncle Sev" She yawned, closing her eyes, resting her head against him. "I'm old enough to tuck myself in." She murmured sleepily.
"I can see that, Black." Severus smirked, before leading his half asleep niece back into her room, guiding her into her bed, and pulling the covers up tight.
"Sleep well, Sarah." Severus said, but Sarah didn't hear him because she was already fast asleep.