DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT, WILL NOT, AND NEVER WILL OWN HARRY POTTER. Ms. Rowling DOES.
This had taken forever to update like the rest of the stories. I don't have my own laptop at the moment since my dad took my so updating would take a while. However, I promise that they would be long to make up for the quieting.
Chapter 13- Severus Tobias Snape
Severus Tobias Snape had been left speechless.
He had been busy these past few months and have gone out of Britain for errands thanks to Dumbledore. If he only wasn't indebted to the so-called Leader of the Light, Severus would NOT have put up with all the requests and jobs that he had been given and asked to do. He had missed his godson's birthday because he was someone in Germany, trying to look for Merlin's knows what they were.
Though Draco had kept him updated with a few things, add Lucius' letters as well, he still did not expect what he had witnessed during the Sorting to happen. Not only had three heirs of the Founders had come, but his own godson's was heir by proxy. Not only that, even if he was Head of House, he was now a level below the direct heir, according to the ghost of Salazar Slytherin. If the special table was not enough to convince him, the elves with the logos of the Founders had made Severus just what the hell had happened when he had left Britain for a few months.
Another thing that he was wondering was the fact that all throughout the sorting, the Potter brat had not been called. He turned to the Headmaster who was looking away from Minerva and Poppy who was eyeing him with hatred evident in their eyes. Those women were forces Severus didn't want to mess with. He just wondered however: What did Albus do to make them hate him so much?
The Welcome Feast began and the food was served. Everyone was still talking about the heirs and how no one ever heard about them. Severus snorted. No one would heir about them because they would have been eaten by the Ministry and the press before they even arrived at Hogwarts. However, from what Severus could see, aside from Draco, the other three looked like they had good sense in their heads. Severus was stunned to have been told by Flitwick that the Gryffindor Heir was the Longbottom brat, grandson of Augusta Longbottom.
From what he knew about the current Head of the House of Longbottom, Augusta was a woman of discipline and excellence. And Albus had spoken at one point in the past that the boy would end up weak and backboneless when he would be attending his first year of Hogwarts. But it didn't seem that way now. The boy looked bright and his posture spoke of elegance and knowledge beyond his years.
The Ravenclaw heiress was not far from criticism as well. She was only ten however, the castle has called for her to attend a year early. Flitwick once again whispered that the blond little girl was Luna Lovegood, daughter of Xenophiles Lovegood, editor of the Quibbler. He would have thought the girl to be spacey and out of it. But she looked far from what Severus expected. The Lovegood child had the same posture and mannerisms that Longbottom was showing and it seemed that she had knowledge beyond her appearance of a ten year old girl.
"I remember the article that was printed a few days after Longbottom and Slytherin's birthday celebrations. Draco Malfoy and Luna Lovegood had planned and organized the whole event." Sprout told Minerva who nodded. Severus blinked shock as he had listened in.
"Oh not only that, Pomona. It seems that Young Slytherin is close to several political figures from other countries. It was written that Young Kierrion was close with the Prime Minister of Slovakia, the Undersecretary of Bulgaria along with his brother who was the Head of Foreign Affairs. The boy is also well verse in speaking Japanese and had spoken to the next rumored Prime Minister of Japan." Septima Vector, Arithmancy Professor added.
The more Severus listened, the more he was thrown into another world. How can a child of eleven be close with such political figures?
"And let us not forget that he is also close with our very own Minister and his wife." Bathsheba Babbling, Ancient Runes Professor dropped in as well with a smile.
Severus dropped his fork as he turned to his colleagues as they turned to him.
"Oh my, I forgot that Severus had not been around this summer." Poppy reminded them and they all realized it also.
"Don't worry Severus. We'll catch you up on what you've missed." Minerva offered and Severus nodded in acceptance.
"Will someone tell me however, why Potter's child is not among the horde of students that came?" he asked and saw several stiffen, including Dumbledore.
Minerva and Poppy, along with Pomona and Flitwick glared daggers at the Headmaster who shivered even if he had not seen them.
"You shall know later on as well Severus. If you have any questions, save it for later and you will have a full explanation of what has had come to pass within this sacred castle when you were sent out for multiple errands by a very disappointing Headmaster." The Deputy Headmistress answered coldly which made Severus widen his eyes in shock.
He had known Minerva for a long time. She was even his professor when he had attended Hogwarts and never had she spoken in such a cold tone before. Whatever Albus had done must have been very disappointing since it wasn't Minerva who was angry with Albus.
Albus stood up and clapped his hands and everyone eyes was on him. The food had disappeared along with the plates and silverwares.
"Now that we are all fed, a few reminders for everyone before you all head to bed. Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, would like to remind everyone that the Forbidden Forest is strictly forbidden. And this year, the third floor corridor is out of bounds to those who do not wish to die a painful death." Albus said.
There was a few whispers but Severus did not pay attention to the students in general. His eyes were on his godson who had whispered something to the Slytherin heir then whispered it to the other two and all four has snickered behind their hands. Whatever Draco had said, it was more interesting than whatever Albus was saying. Well to them. Because the rest of the school was whispering about the third floor corridor which Severus knew already what was being hidden there. Not that he approved of it being there in the first place that is.
All the while, Quirinius Quirrell, Defense Against the Dark Arts professor remained silent and was trying to not gain anyone attention. However, Severus watched as the four special children smirked as they looked at Quirrell who had his eyes filled with confusion. Severus was confused as well and wondered why they looked at the man the way they did?
Then the students began to leave except for the four and Albus was already heading towards them. The rest of the staff did as well.
"As Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I welcome you four and wish you a productive year." He said with a tone that made Severus wonder why Albus was gritting his teeth.
The four smirked so darkly that Severus had to shiver. He had never seen Draco with that look before which made him wonder just how much he had missed while he was away.
"In behalf of the rest, I thank you Headmaster for the very warm welcome. I'm sure we'll have a very fruitful and productive year." The Longbottom spoke with such tone that befitted the House of Gryffindor, noble and proud.
"Yes, thank you. However, may I suggest that you… start delegating your duties to the Deputy Headmistress and some trusted faculty and staff." The Lovegood girl spoke next which made Severus raise his brow. What made her say such a thing? And with such a tone?
"I have to apologize but why do I need to delegate my duties—" Albus wasn't able to finish because Draco had cut in.
"Oh don't tell us you already forgot, Headmaster?"
"Weren't you tasked with looking for the Potter heir by the Board of Governors and the Ministry of Magic? According to the report we were given by Lucius when he had dropped by the Founder's Manor, you are given a year only to find him and bring him back." The Slytherin heir's voice was so smooth that it made Severus do a double take to make sure that it was really the boy who had spoken or not.
"We do hope you find him, Headmaster." Longbottom spoke again and the Slytherin boy nodded and moved to leave the Great Hall. The other three nodded to the rest of the staff and followed the dark haired boy out.
Minerva sneered and beckoned Severus and the rest of the teachers to follow her to the teacher's lounge before she did bodily harm to the Headmaster who they had left in the Great Hall, standing in shock and defeat.
When they arrived, Minerva summoned an elf for tea and everyone else took their seats. She sighed deeply before turning to Severus.
"You asked earlier why Mr. Potter is not present this year. It seemed that because of Albus' adamant wish to keep the boy away from the Magical World, the boy in question is now missing, and assumed dead. The Ministry of Magic and the Board of Hogwarts Governors had held a trial for Albus here just last week. Gringott's Bank had also submitted a letter of notification that the Potter vaults had collapsed yet they did not mention about the things inside. Albus was trialed for ill treatment of Mr. Potter when Ms. Skeeter had printed about the boy going missing. She had actually gone to the muggle world to get an interview but Lily's sister, Petunia Dursley all but slammed the door on the reporter and said that they boy had never been there and that if he had, they would have thrown him away." Minerva told Severus who was wide eye stunned.
Lily's son… was missing.
Severus could have cared less about Potter but the fact that Lily's son was missing and presumably dead was killing Severus inside. He had promised to take care of the boy and watch over him when he had seen Lily dead after the Dark Lord had gone to the Potter's home and disappeared.
He was already planning to make a few locating potions to see if he could find the boy before Albus and make sure he was alright.
"Alright. Can you tell me where the Slytherin heir came from and who did Longbottom, Lovegood, and Draco became involved? He asked.
"Draco, as you know by now due to the surprise earlier, is Helga Hufflepuff's heir by proxy. Anything that concerns the House of Hufflepuff, Mr. Malfoy has a say in it. But I don't think it's a bad thing. Despite his age, he looks like his been taught a lot of things and seems to be older than most children his age. Except for Mr. Slytherin, Mr. Longbottom, and Ms. Lovegood of course." Pomona said with a smile on her face and the rest nodded.
"That doesn't answer—" Severus was about to ask but Minerva cut him off.
"We do not know exactly how Mr. Malfoy had come into contact with Mr. Slytherin. However, since the castle has accepted them, the Founder's ghosts and elves were additional proof that they indeed are the heirs. The Ministry of Magic and Board of Governors know them personally and have been in speaking terms during the summer. You can ask Young Malfoy directly how he came to know Mr. Slytherin or you can asked Lucius Malfoy yourself."
Severus nodded and already planned to do such a thing.
"Despite being a year younger, it doesn't appear to be a probably for the Lovegood child to be here a year early. If she found it problematic, she would have not accepted. Simple as that. However…" Poppy spoke and paused.
"What's wrong Poppy? Asked Flitwick.
"Those three… Young Slytherin, Ms. Lovegood, and Mr. Longbottom… They way they carry themselves, the way they stand and talk… its not normal for children their age. Even if they had been thought as they grew up. The Slytherin Heir in particular… he has friends and allies in high political positions and from different countries. No child can ever do such a thing. It just seems strange. And Young Malfoy seem to know something about the three that no one else does." Poppy told them with hesitation in her voice.
Severus could agree with her since he saw it as well.
"I shall speak with Draco the next available opportunity. If there is something interesting that I learn, I shall share it with the rest of you." Severus offered them and they nodded in acceptance.
Everyone finished their tea and left for their rooms to rest for the next day's classes. However, Severus was heading to the Slytherin Common Rooms since he always had a speech before the students were sent off to bed.
When he got there though, the sight that greeted him was not one he expected to see.
But the fireplace, the Slytherin Heir was sitting on a large armchair with Draco sitting by the left arm of the chair. The rest of the students had sat down and were facing the two. It seemed that they were asking the heir a few questions which Severus wanted to listen to as well.
"So Kierrion, why didn't you tell us your full name during Draco's birthday?" asked Blaize Zabini.
Severus knew the boy's mother was called the Black Widow. After marrying a wealthy man, the new husband would somehow end up dead, leaving her with all the riches the said husband had to his name.
"Well, I was forbidden to mention it until I returned her and introduced by my father himself." The boy answered.
It stunned Severus to no end. How could the boy be Salazar Slytherin's heir if the said wizard had been dead for many years.
"But how can you be his son? Hasn't Slytherin died hundred of years ago?" asked Marcus Flint, fifth year Prefect and Quidditch Captain of the Slytherin Team. Severus wanted to hear the answer as well.
Kierrion and Draco merely smiled.
"Sorry… Family secret. Can't say. Besides, we should listen to what our Head of House has to say now. He has been here for a while now. It's rude to keep the Professor waiting." Kierrion has said which made Severus look at the boy while the students look at him.
Severus took a few seconds to gather himself and clear his throat.
"Thank you for that, Mr. Slytherin. Good evening everyone. I am Severus Tobias Snape, Head of Slytherin House and the resident Potions Master and your Potion's Professor. In Slytherin I have rules that must be followed. Outside the walls of the house, you all we be united and face them as one. If you have any fights and quarrels amongst yourselves, leave it inside the house." The students nodded.
"Next, I do not tolerate those who cause the house to lose points. If you end up losing the house some points, make sure you get them back and doubled. Slytherin House has won the House Cup for the last six years and it shall remain that way." The students nodded once more.
"Lastly, never travel alone. Move in pairs or groups. You can ask the older years why. Just make sure that you are not roaming the halls alone. As rumors have probably gotten to you, Slytherin house is considered the Dark house by the rest of the population and—" he paused when Draco raised his hand.
"Professor, would it be use if the whole school finds out that if Neville and Luna were heirs to the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw Houses, they would have been sorted to Slytherin?" he asked.
This made everyone looked at the blond with wide eyes.
"And what made you think that they would have been sorted into Slytherin, Mr. Malfoy?" Severus asked with a raised brow.
"Because Alistair said so. Alistair has paid us a visit yesterday and demanded that he sort us ahead. He was convinced and was adamant that Neville and Luna be in Slytherin. But the Founders had protested that Luna needs to be in Ravenclaw and Neville be in Gryffindor. Aunt Helga only agreed to let Draco stay in Slytherin because father has asked her too allow it. As long as Draco does his duties as Helga's heir, then she didn't mind Draco being in Slytherin instead." Kierrion explained and everyone was in awe, including Severus.
It was not everyday that one hears news about two very Light children are meant to be sorted into Slytherin if only they weren't heirs to other houses. Merlin, it was not everyday that an heir to one of the Founders appear and this year, they had three by blood and one by proxy.
Severus not expected that he would ever be alive to see such an event.
After a few more words, Severus dismissed the students to their dorm rooms to rest up. All had gone up except for Draco and the Slytherin heir. When they were sure that no one else was around, Draco had brought up a nonverbal silencing ward around them which amazed Severus.
"Professor, as you already know by now, I am Kierrion Demetriv Salazar Slytherin, Heir to the Ancient and Noble house of Slytherin. I am also heir to the other three houses. Please do not ask me how because it is something I cannot reveal as of the moment. You would be surprised to know that Draco has been named the Flamel heir by Lord Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel just last week." Kierrion shared which made Draco blush and Severus left out of words.
When he came out of his stupor, Severus had made a mental note to speak with Lucius in person and get himself updated with everything that he seemed to have missed while he was away. He congratulated Draco and suggested that they head to bed as they have an early and full day tomorrow. Draco hugged his godfather as Kierrion waited the entrance to his private quarters where Draco was also staying. Both boys bid the man a good night and left the man to his thoughts.
Kierrion and Draco already knew that Severus would contact Lucius who was already brief before hand. All they had to do next was confront Quirrell and the Dark Lord and hear the prophecy together to decide the fate of the world before them.
A/N: And I have returned! I am SO SORRY! I didn't have my laptop (still don't) so updating had been a bit hard. I'm borrowing a friend's net book so updating will be at least two to three times a month now. Read and Review my good people. ^_^
A/N 2: For those who are also reading 'Beautiful Lies', it will have to wait since half of the next chapter was written in my laptop and I can't recall all eight pages of the one that was yet to be finished. So sorry for the inconvience.