Chapter 24
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First part of March 2009...
Ginny folded the message with a smug smile, before tossing it into the fireplace. She paced the room for a few minutes, as she pondered her response. This was good news; good news indeed. They were finally getting close. Sitting at the desk, she pulled out parchment, quill, and ink, and began to write a reply.
FD~ Pleased you have made progress. Step up the investigation. Information is required as soon as possible for next stage of project. Require prompt reply. ~GU
Sealing it with a charm, she summoned one of her owls, gave it the parchment, and sent it on its way. Now was a good time to shop for their new life. She had to be prepared since it wouldn't be long before Delaney found Harry. Yelling for her house elves, she headed upstairs to dress. She had a full day of shopping ahead of her.
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Severus laid down his quill and reread the letter he had just finished, as Remus and Lucius looked on. The morning sun was well up, as one of the house elves delivered a tea tray and a plate of scones.
Madam Antionette Delacourette' Mde. In regards to your recent correspondence regarding the acquisition of my donations, batch #1980-SNA998 , and the presence of at least one heir, I wish to enact the terms of our contract, and request the information regarding my heir. Please send the information forthwith. Your prompt response will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Professor Severus Snape
Administrator of Records, Donations, and Acquisitions
Clinique de Fertilité, Brest, France
Potions Master, Platinum Cauldron Guild
Handing it across the desk, he waited while the others read it. Remus and Lucius shared a look as Remus handed it back to Severus.
"Are you sure about this, Severus?" Remus' eyes showed both understanding and concern.
"I've thought of little else since we last discussed this. If I have an heir--a child--out there somewhere, it is my desire--and my duty--to contact the child and informed him or her of..."
"Family ties, Severus. You can say it." There was a small smile on Lucius' face, and his eyes were warm as his tone was encouraging.
"Yes. Family ties... letting the child know, he or she has a father and more family. A Pureblood family with a long heritage."
Remus raised his cup of tea with a smile. "To family!"
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~2 weeks later...
Severus sat in Albus' office, discussing possible changes and improvements to the Potions curriculum for the following year, when a large, harried-looking owl soared through the window and landed on the back of his chair. Having a large clawed foot stuck into his face, caused him to glare at the avian in such a manner, that it hooted in alarm and pulled its foot back. He turned and set his cup down on Albus' desk, then returned his attention to the owl, who waited patiently while it was relieved of its delivery. As soon as the parchment was removed, the owl hopped to the Headmaster's desk, where a small dish of owl treats and a small bowl of water had appeared. Fawkes trilled and made room on his perch for the messenger once it was done refreshing itself.
"Bloody bird." Severus mumbled, as he cast a Sensing Spell over the parchment, then another to release the Security Spell.
Chuckling, Albus banished the empty dishes from his desk. "What is it my boy? The document appears quite official. I certainly hope it isn't distressing news."
"No..." He stated, his brow furrowed as he continued to read.
Potions Master Snape, Enclosed you will find information on the birth of the first child; a daughter, Eileen Lily Alexandra Evans, Born May 1st, in the year 2002. The child's other parent, Breen Jamison Evans has given permission for you to contact the child. The child...
Severus looked surprised and confused, as he stopped reading and lifted the small picture tucked in with the letter. As he stared down at the small child, he was amazed. She had his dark hair and eyes, but her cheeks held a healthy glow, and thank Merlin, she had her mother's nose, rather than his. She smiled brightly, as she waved at him. A small adult hand appeared briefly from the side of the picture to calm her energetic bouncing, and smooth her hair. Severus wasn't certain, but he was sure he caught a glimpse of a pregnant belly too. He felt his throat tighten and his eyes prickle as he handed both letter and picture across the desk to Albus.
Albus looked down at the smiling child. Fleeting memories of another child....he read the letter and the name of the other parent caught his attention. "Severus?"
"Hmm?"
"This child's name appears in the book. The Student's Book."
Just then, there was a loud bang behind Severus, on the other side of the office. Albus leaned over to look as Severus turned around in his seat. On the floor by the bookshelves, lay a large tome.
"The Student's Book again. It seems to prefer the floor--again--these days." Albus summoned the book, and as it settled onto his desk, he began to flip pages until he came to the page he was seeking. Turning the book around so Severus could read it, he pointed at the entry he had recalled from a few years ago. Severus leaned forward.
Eileen Lily Alexandra Evans, born May 1st, in the year 2002
Hogwarts 2013 - 2020
Parents: Breen Jamison Evans and _________________
As Severus read, he gasped as script began to appear in the blank space of the other parent--his name--Severus Tobias Snape. He turned the book back around and looked slowly up at Albus.
"Albus...?"
Albus just smiled, "Ah. The Book completed the entry when you learned of your part in the parentage. It's the way of the Book. But that would also mean that the other parent was a student here as well, at some point in time."
"Albus, may I have the letter please?" He held out his hand to accept the parchment and the picture.
He reread the letter again. "It states here, they reside just outside Toulbroch, in Bretagne, France. If I remember correctly, that is where Lucius and Remus traveled to purchase horses for breeding stock."
Albus frowned.
"Remus also mentioned he'd smelled a familiar scent, and thought it was Harry."
"Finish the letter," Albus coaxed.
"Merlin! The point of contact is the child's godfather and grandparent, Lord Iain MacLoed! That's the gentleman from whom Lucius purchased the horses!" Severus stood suddenly. "Please excuse me Albus, I must speak to Lucius immediately!"
"Severus!" The Potions Master stopped and turned to face the Headmaster.
Albus nodded toward the letter in Severus' hand. "That is not all the letter says."
Severus stopped and finished reading. "Both acquisitions were to the same person through the same clinic... The child's mother is pregnant!"
"Severus," Albus whispered. "You are a Father, and evidently will be once again in the near future."
"Sweet Merlin!" Severus sunk back into the chair he'd previously occupied, and sat in stunned silence.
Albus chuckled. He was quite pleased for his young colleague.
"I want to be there. Do you think this... Breen, will allow me?"
"You only need to ask. Though, it seems since the mother has allowed you permission to see the child, and sent a picture of your little girl, then it may also be possible for you to be there for the birth. I do believe Severus, that you have travel arrangements to make."
"But--my classes..."
Albus came around the desk and rested a gently hand on Severus' shoulder. "I will make sure your classes are adequately and responsibly covered in your absence. Now, go and meet your children. Just be sure to contact me and advise me if one of the family quarters will need to be prepared." Albus' eyes twinkled madly.
"Albus...I cannot bring back a family...I don't know these people."
Albus paused, as if he were listening to something only he could hear. "Can't you feel it?"
"Feel what?"
"The castle. She's singing. Humming. She's happy and fairly vibrating with it. Something is about to happen and it's for the good. Take it as a positive omen, my boy. Go, go now! Do I need to shoo you out like a stubborn First Year?"
Albus watched Severus' robes swirl, as the man disappeared behind the closing door. Picking up his teacup again, he sipped as he studied the book in front of him. "I do not remember a student by the name of Breen Evans... but I believe all will be revealed in due time."
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Severus stepped from the Floo, to see Remus and Lucius, who were curled up together on the sofa, in an embrace, Lucius' head thrown back as Remus kissed and nipped at his
throat. Seeing that his arrival hadn't been acknowledged, he cleared his throat loudly.
"How long have the two of you been bonded? And you still act like it was yesterday."
Lucius' eyes popped open wide and his head snapped up, his chin clipping Remus in the nose, right before they both fell off the sofa in a tangle of arms and legs. Severus leaned against the mantle with arms crossed as he smirked at his friends trying to get off the floor as quickly as they could in a dignified manner. The only thing that would have made it better was if they'd been half-dressed.
"Severus!" Lucius snapped, as he brushed his hair out of his face.
"Yes..." Severus drawled.
Remus sat on the edge of the sofa and pulled Lucius down beside him. "A little warning would have been nice. I nearly wrenched my back!"
"And no, the newly-bonded feeling has not gone away, and hopefully," Lucius looked at Remus before kissing his nose, then turned back to Severus, "it never will."
"Will we be hearing the pitter patter of children's feet soon?"
Lucius glared, choosing to ignore the comment. "Why are you here? Not that you aren't welcome anytime OLD friend."
"With a warning when necessary, of course." Added Remus, as he summoned an elf to bring tea. "Sit. Why are you here?"
Severus grinned, and then his expression became more serious. "I received correspondence from France."
Lucius and Remus looked at each other then back at Severus.
"And?" Lucius prompted impatiently.
Severus looked at the letter again and the picture. "I'm a father." There he said it. Now it was real. "I have a daughter. And the Mother is pregnant again. Twins." When Severus looked up a lone tear rolled down his cheek. "Never in my life did I think I would be a father."
Remus reached out for the letter, stunned by the man's unexpected display of emotion. Accepting the letter and picture, he held it out so Lucius could see it as well. Together they read and then stared at the picture.
Remus looked up. "I-I don't know what to say, Severus."
"Well I certainly do! Congratulations old friend! Are you going to go see them? Have you heard from the mother?" Lucius' eyes glittered.
Remus' eyes widened and he looked at the letter again. "Luc, the contact! It's the MacLoed's!"
"What?!" Luc snatched the letter out of Remus' hand, and read it again " How did I miss that?!" He fixed his friend with an intent gaze. " Have you contacted them yet?"
"I can't believe we were right there!" Remus stood and walked to the fireplace.
"Severus? Are you going to contact them?" Remus asked.
"Well he's not going alone!" Lucius declared.
"Luv, I don't recall him inviting us to join him when he goes to meet his heir for the first time."
"Remi, we already have established a rapport with the MacLoed's."
"This is his decision. He may want to go alone."
Severus sat there watching the men argue... no, discuss the situation back and forth. Well he knew for sure, that he wasn't going alone. And he wasn't asking the Headmaster. Albus was the last resort—his exuberance at times was overwhelming. Maybe it would be easier if they went along. He was feeling a bit--unsure. Gathering his resolve, he stood, the movement immediately silencing the debate.
"Gentlemen, I would be honored if you would join me."
"If that is your wish, we would be honored as well." Remus smiled, reaching out to shake Severus' hand.
Lucius grinned and approached him. "Splendid!" He gave Severus a quick hug, before moving to his desk. "I have parchment and ink here so you may reply immediately, Severus."
Severus couldn't help but think that things couldn't go smoothly. That somewhere on the horizon trouble was brewing. It was more than nerves. He could feel it, as he sat and put quill to parchment, and began to write.
He could feel it--deep down, in his soul.
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Ginny stepped gracefully out of the International Floo into the manor that had been acquired shortly before her late husband's death. The two men the Private Detective Delaney, had hired, were waiting for her.
"Gentlemen? I trust my instructions have been followed to the letter?"
"Yes, Madam Unmesh." One of them handed her a stack of parchments. "Here is all the information Delaney compiled. He is out at Potter's Manor now, and will be back shortly."
The Floo glowed green again and out stepped a very tall, very broad, dark-skinned man dressed in a cream colored sherwani and churidars, a woven stole in maroon and gold, and a creamsafas. There was a small dark red smudge of color between his brows, and Wizarding Slave Bracelets could be seen under the edge of his sleeves. She passed him a quick glance.
He gave her a sharp nod and disappeared into the shadows.
"What is your plan, gentlemen?"
The taller one, with blond hair stepped forward and answered, "We plan to wander onto the grounds. Me and Dirk have been wandering up and down the road looking for work for the past two days. So they shouldn't notice anything unusual for some time."
Just then, Delaney walked in. "Madam Unmesh! Pleased to see you've arrived. I have news that may change things a bit."
"Evan--Potter's--child has been seen at the MacLoed's and spends most of her time there. Along with the mother, which we haven't seen yet. Who, also seems to be very shy and private. It's all in the file." He pointed at the parchments in her hand.
"What of Harry Potter, then?"
"Word is, he works for MacLoed, as a handler and trainer. Has for the last several years. The locals are a bit wary. It was difficult to get information once I started asking pointed questions about him."
"Madam?" The shorter henchman spoke hesitantly, leaned to get her attention.
She turned an impatient eye on him for interrupting. "Yes?"
He cleared his throat nervously and looked quickly between the other two men. Delaney was scowling at him as well. "Madam. Yesterday, I got a glimpse of the girl's mother, Lady Evans. I didn't see her face. Slender build, long dark hair, and not very tall. She's also quite pregnant."
Hiding her shock and displeasure, she remained outwardly calm and collected. "Not for long." She growled, before turning to Delaney, "What is your plan, now? I trust that there will be no fumbling?"
"'Course not. You know me better than that." He frowned at her, and when she gave him a warning glare, he continued. "All the men are out in the pastures with the herds. The only ones near the manor with the girl, are her grandmother, Lady MacLoed, and one of the younger stableboys. I heard him tell the girl that as soon as someone named Micah, came back for lunch. Then they would ride. We'll be waiting nearby for the opportunity to grab her. I've already found a way to open a small hole in the wards."
"Nika!"
A small house elf appeared and bowed. "Madam."
"Prepare the room. No one gets in or out. Understood?!" She snapped, brushing nonexistent lint from the front of her dark jade salwar.
"Understood, Madam." The elf shimmered away.
She looked at the men in the room. "Well?! What are you waiting for?! GET ME THAT CHILD!"
When the three men disappeared, Ajeet reappeared from the shadows, bowing slightly. "Madam?"
"When they return, make sure they all disappear. Do you understand, Ajeet?"
He bowed deeply to his mistress. "As you wish, Madam."
"Yes. My wish, Ajeet." She waved a hand at him, dismissing him.
Once he was gone, she stepped into the Floo and returned to her French manor house to await the arrival of her future daughter, and heir. Then she could lure Harry to her.
Tbc...
Ajeet's attire: .?prdintid=16148