This chapter is dedicated to MadameGenji.
Chapter 26: The Order.
Normal POV
McGonagall, Remus and Sirius were bending over one Lycan Malum.
"So? What happened?" Sirius asked.
McGonagall told them, leaving out only that Snape was Skye's father, the rest she told them.
"She's got guts." Sirius said after a while.
"Doesn't she?" Remus beamed.
"But what do we do about him?" McGonagall motioned to the unconscious boy on the floor. "We can't kill him, we can't wipe his memory – Voldemort will be able to bring it back…"
"How about we put a permanent silencing charm on him?" Sirius suggested. He looked better than almost two years ago – when he broke out of Azkaban. His cheeks weren't hollow and he wasn't wearing the shabby prisoner's clothing. In reality he looked much, much better and quite handsome.
"That could work, and we could take his wand away from him, that way he can't apparate." Remus put in. Sirius clapped his friend on the back and grinned.
"You said she and her father had a quarrel, who's her father Minerva?" Sirius asked.
McGonagall and Remus looked at each other.
"Tell him, Remus, he's going to find out eventually." McGonagall said.
"He won't like it, though."
"I am here, you know?" Sirius glared at his former professor and his best friend.
"Sirius… it's Severus." Remus said carefully.
"What…."
"Told you." Remus said smugly to McGonagall.
"Wait, wait, wait, you're saying Snape has a child?" Sirius asked disbelievingly.
"Yes, and she is upstairs in your little brother's room."
"But… how?"
"Sirius, I think you know how a child is conceived." Remus said, causing Sirius to blush.
"I meant who was her mother, Moony."
"Oh, we don't know. I think only he, Skye and her mother knows."
"We have learned not to question them, Sirius." McGonagall said.
"Is she like her father?" Sirius asked carefully.
"Wait until tomorrow and then make your judgment." McGonagall smiled a secretive smile, it looked odd to the two best friends (they were the Marauders, after all).
McGonagall took Lycan to the next room; she confiscated his wand and searched him for any extra magical objects, perhaps a spare wand. Finding none she cast anti-apparartion charms on the room. Finishing with a permanent silencing charm on the boy.
She returned to the kitchen where Sirius and Remus were still sitting, heads bowed together, talking animatedly.
At that moment a crash could be heard from the doorway, and three heads snapped up.
123
Sev's POV
I watched Skye and Draco disapparate with Malum (Bastard!). How in the world had she managed that?
All eyes turned to me. I shook of my utter bewilderment I faced them, hands folded to stop them from juddering.
"Would you care to explain this morning's happenings, Severus?" The Dark Lord asked, his cold voice piqued with curiosity.
My eyes connected with Narcissa's – she was trying hard not to snivel. Lucius had taken her hand in his, but he himself looked a bit uneasy.
"I found out recently that I have a daughter." I lied, "She did not share my views, and therefore I didn't go through any trouble to meet with her."
"But Draco and Skye were so secretive about her father…" Bellatix chimed in. She's a truly bothersome woman, and how Rodolphus put up with her was beyond me.
"They were speaking of her adoptive parents, Bella. I feel nothing but loathing towards the child."
"You should trim your family tree, Severus."
"I will, my lord. The first chance I get."
I was angry at Skye. And at Draco – but I feared for their lives more. Where had they gone?
The Dark Lord spoke again, ranting on about Harry Potter and the killing he wishes to do, but won't do, for fear of something I didn't care about. I pretended to care, though. It was essential for me to listen; I had to give all of the information to Dumbledore.
"You may go."
With a stiff nod I stood up, followed by Narcissa. She told Lucius, quite loudly, that she was going to walk me to the door.
"Where did they go? Do you know?" She asked in a whisper.
"No."
"Severus…"
"I will find them. I promise."
And with a swish of my cloak I disapparated to Grimmauld Place.
I opened the door, causing the Troll Umbrella Stand to topple over. Why on earth that ghastly thing was still in the room, I would never know. It might have made sense if it depicted good taste, but nothing, I repeated, nothing could make me like that wrinkly thing.
I was hoping Albus would be there – to tell him about what had happened. He'd know what to do, he always did. Three sets of footsteps ran noisily to the door, two heavier than the first. Three wands were pointed at me, their tips shining.
"Snivellus." Black almost sounded relieved.
"Severus, what are you doing here?" Minerva asked me.
"I was hoping to see Albus." My voice was eerily unsteady.
"So, you coming here have nothing to do with your daughter?" Lupin asked me. I took it they told Black about Skye too with those words.
"It would if I'd known where she was."
"She's here." Black said. "Upstairs. In Regulus' old room."
"And Draco?" I willed myself to ask.
"Also."
"And Malum?"
Minerva laughed nervously.
"He's here too, just… not entirely."
I almost smiled. Almost.
"May I see Skye?" I looked at Black. This was his house.
Black nodded. I asked him where her room was, he took me there while Lupin and Minerva returned to the kitchen.
"Minerva told us what happened." Black said casually.
I didn't say anything.
"Didn't know you had it in you."
"What? Testosterone?"
"He speaks." Black laughed. Not the usual taunting laugh he'd given me whilst at school.
We stopped outside a door on which Regulus' name stood.
"Thank you, Black."
Black nodded awkwardly. He opened his mouth, as if wanting to say something, but thought better of it and headed down the stairs. I slowly opened the door, careful for it not to creak. Two bodies were lying on the bed. One stretched out and the other curled into a ball. I went to the little ball.
Gently I touched her shoulder.
"Skye."
She stirred and opened her eyes.
"Dad?" She sounded confused. Her eyes widened and she remembered everything. "Dad, I'm so sorry! I… I don't know what came over me… I was just so afraid that Lycan would… would…"
"Reveal your secret as Empress?" I finished her sentence. She nodded tearfully.
"I am not going to pretend that I'm pleased with you, Skye, but I share half the blame. I don't know what I was thinking, taking you to Malfoy Manor – I should've known the Dark Lord would make it his headquarters, and being the madcap you are…"
"Madcap?"
"Hothead."
"Dad!" She pretended to be offended.
"I should've brought you here… how did you get here?" The thought only just struck me. How did they get here?
"I have NO idea. I just wished to be out of there… and I appeared here. McGonagall…"
"Professor McGonagall." I corrected her.
"Fine, Professor McGonagall found us."
"And she brought you here?"
"Yes."
"Just like that?"
"No, I'd shown her my memory first. She's not stupid, dad."
"Ah." I knew all too well that Minerva was no fool.
Silence followed. I could feel her looking at me.
"Dad? I'm really sorry…"
"Don't vex, sweetheart. The Dark Lord doesn't suspect me."
"Oh."
"Everything will be all right."
I drew her into a hug. I realized that she was very small and vulnerable, even if she was Empress of the Shape-shifters and had more strength than others. She was my daughter. And if one thing, be it a person or a small mosquito,
"Now, you take care of Draco. And tell him…"
"To keep his hormones in check, I will." She smiled at me. or I think she smiled at me, it was hard to tell in the dark.
I returned it.
"Oh, and give Black hell for me."
"I can't do that, silly, he's been nothing but nice to me and Draco."
I sighed dramatically.
"Be nice, then, sweetheart."
"You should be nice too, you know."
"I will." I promised her. Not just humoring her.
"The hard times start now, don't they?" Her tone shocked me.
"Yes, they do, but we will discuss that later. Right now, I've got to find Dumbledore."
She lied down again.
"Try Hogwarts." She said sleepily.
"I will. Goodnight, Skye." I pressed my lips to her forehead.
"Night, dad."
123
Mystery POV
Voldemort was back. I'd watched from afar in the graveyard, he hadn't spotted me – for the sole reason that I did not wish for him to see me. I'd been under disguise at Hogwarts last year, but it would be too risky for me. I'd tried to hex Snape, but that turned sour with that Night girl. To me it seemed they had had a bond – but what do I know? My father never thought of me as clever… a help was all he saw me as…
Voldemort was a foolish man. He had used the Potter boy's blood, and that would be his ultimate demise. But for now he'd open the doors to a world I wanted.
It slightly saddened me that he was such a thoughtless man – not that one could refer to him as a man any longer, just like me, was I human? My powers had been getting stronger over the last few years.
I stared down at my attire. I needed new clothes – that much was obvious, and goodness knew I had enough money – of course I did, trickery and betrayal were my friends.
I walked along the tall hedges of the manor. My prisoner was in there. I'd been forced to evacuate for a while, which was why my old home had been so inviting. It was tiny and ratty, but luckily it was past. I was back in my manor – the home to which I'd become accustomed.
Time… can't it move faster?
123
Skye's POV
Draco woke me up the next morning, simply by shaking me slightly. He was just as groggy as I was. I rubbed my eyes, inhaling deeply. I sneezed, this house was dusty. The whole house was full of voices, both strange and familiar.
"What time is it?" I asked, still rubbing my eyes and stifling a yawn.
"I don't know, early." Draco said.
"Sirius!" That was one of the familiar voices, Ron's voice. I pressed my finger to my lips, motioning for Draco keep quiet.
"No, no, no Ron, it's Snuffles."
"Come on, Ron, I'll show you to your room." Remus spoke up. "You will be sharing with Harry later this summer."
"What about me?" I recognized it as Ginny's voice. Her I'd only seen a handful of times.
"You'll be sharing with Hermione. Why don't you all follow me? It'll be easier that way."
"What is that?" Ron asked in a disgusted voice. Draco looked at me questioningly.
"The Weasleys are here." I whispered.
"Oh." He mouthed to me.
"It's a house elf's severed head." Ginny said matter-of-factly.
"Here you go, Ginny." Remus spoke again. I heard a pair of footsteps leave the party.
"And you, Ron."
"Thanks, professor." Ron said. Remus chuckled.
"Call me Remus, Ron. I'm no longer your professor."
"Sorry, old habits die hard."
I heard Ron scurry into a room.
Footsteps passed our room.
"Isn't this us, Remus?" Fred, or George, asked.
"No, that room already has owners."
"Owners?"
"Yes, Fred. This is you two."
"Thanks, Remus." They said in unison.
Then our door slowly opened.
"Morning." Remus said.
"Morning." Draco greeted him.
"Hi." I smiled.
"Sleep well?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"That's good to hear. You must know who's here, don't you, Skye?"
"The Weasleys." I smiled.
"Correct, you two have to come downstairs to greet everyone."
"In these clothes?" Draco asked. I looked down. I was still in yesterdays' cloak – my shielding cloak. I felt in my pocket, almost starting to panic – my mask was still there. A breath of relief. I searched for my wand. Under the pillow – hiding.
"Coward." I whispered to it.
"Severus will return later today with more clothes for you." Remus reassured us, "But for now you'll have to stay in those clothes."
I took my cloak off to reveal normal muggle clothes.
"I don't think I'll need that here."
123
"Skye?" Ron asked disbelievingly.
"Hi, Ron." I smiled. "You know, it's rude not to greet someone."
"Malfoy?" Ron blinked a few times, still disbelieving.
"No, the toothfairy." I put in sarcastically. Both boys ignored me.
"Weasley." Draco nodded at him stiffly. He hadn't called Ron 'Weasel' – it was a good sign.
"Hello… who… who are you?" Mrs. Weasley had entered the kitchen with a large bowl. Her eyes had swept over Draco and landed on me.
"I'm Skye Night, ma'am. And I'm sure you know Draco."
"I'm Molly Weasley." She smiled a (rather unsure) motherly smile at me.
"Nice to meet you, ma'am."
"Are you two going to help us with the clean-up of this place?" She asked us kindly; she was trying hard not to be mean to Draco.
"I will if my dad doesn't have any other plans." I said. Draco remained uncharacteristically silent.
"Well, I, for one, hope your father lets you stay." Sirius said behind us.
"Me too." Remus chimed in. The kitchen was becoming crowded now.
"Um… can I go take a shower?" Draco piped up, clearly uncomfortable.
"Of course, dear." Mrs. Weasley smiled at him, shocking everyone in the room.
"Here's a letter for someone!" Ginny came running in, swinging the letter above her head.
"Mine!" I yelled, recognizing the handwriting. Ginny gave it to me. I offered a smile in thanks.
'Dear Skye
We have been informed of what has happened. Rest assured that you will not be harmed, Ronan told us this. We have reached a truce with the centaurs and they're welcome in our tribe now.
One of the other veela returned, which is good for us. She sends her apologies, she didn't wish to leave, but she feared for her life. This is good news, if she returns, the others will return too.
I have come upon some new clothes for you, and I shall send them with a house elf soon.
You are our hope, Empress, please be safe. We all love and respect you.
Love
Laud'
I smiled. One veela had returned.
Draco went upstairs to shower, while I looked for Sirius. I found him in a room with a hippogriff. One that would've been beheaded in our third year – I'd ignored Draco a week for getting Buckbeak almost killed.
"How can I help you, Skye?" Sirius asked, petting the animal's great head.
"What happened to Lycan?" I asked, bowing to the hippogriff.
"Um…" He looked uneasy. "McGonagall locked him in a room with anti-apparition enchantments, and she took his wand." He said as Buckbeak bowed back to me.
"What else?" I asked as I moved forwards to the animal.
"How did you know there's more?"
"I'm quite intelligent, Sirius." I touched the hippogriff's beak, allowing my hand to glide over it.
"He's under a permanent silencing charm." Sirius blushed.
"That was actually a very good idea."
"Thanks. All credit goes to Remus and Minerva, though."
"I'm sure you had a part in it, too." I said; he beamed at me.
"Never thought his offspring would compliment me." Sirius said thoughtfully. "Actually, I never thought he would have an offspring in the first place."
"He's not as bad as you believe he is, you know."
"Snape and I share too much history to be forgiven in one day, Skye."
I let my hand fall from Buckbeak's beak.
"Try, at least." I pled. Then I remembered something. "How do you become an animagus?"
"Through lots of magic."
"So, it's not passed from generation to generation?"
"No… it's a lot of work, though."
"Lycan better hope he doesn't meet me in a dark alley." I growled.
"What do you mean?"
"He's a bloody liar! He earned my trust, and lost it again."
"Skye?" Draco found us.
"All clean?" I teased him.
"No, not entirely…" He motioned to his dirty clothes.
"Dad will bring some for us later. Remus owled him."
"Oh, remember me to thank him."
"It's odd, you know." Both Draco and I looked at Sirius.
"What do you mean, Mr. Black?" Draco asked.
"First of all, I cannot believe Snivellus… sorry… had a kid, secondly, you are corresponding. You aren't running away from me screaming."
"I think it would be wiser to call dad 'Bat' in this house." I said, Sirius grinned at me and Draco elbowed me. "Hey!" Draco looked pointedly at me. "What? Well, he does look like an overlarge bat half of the time!"
"Still, Skye. It's not very nice."
"I'll call him that to his face too, Dray." I turned back to Sirius. "And we know you're innocent."
"How would be sure of that fact?"
"Crookshanks told her." Draco said, "And she told me, I believe her."
"Crookshanks told you? Hermione's cat?"
"Speaking of cats, Draco, remind me to ask dad about Shadow and Luar."
"Who're they?"`
"My pets."
"And they're cats?"
"Well, Shadow is…"
"And the other one?"
"Luar's the most awesome snake ever." Draco said excitedly. "Apart from Salazar, that is."
"Salazar?" Sirius was confused. Draco pulled something out of his pocket that twirled around his wrist and hissed softly.
"Draco! You had it with you?"
"I always carry him with me."
"I can't believe you still have it!"
"Salazar is a snake?" Sirius looked extremely muddled.
"It's a toy – the first gift Skye had given me."
Sirius looked to and fro between me and Draco.
"You two sure are two bizarre kids." He shook his head as he exited the room.
Draco smirked.
"Thanks." I called after him.
"Oh! Oh! I've just remembered something!" Draco seemed very excited about something. I headed for the door, heading to Regulus Black's old room.
"What, Draco?"
"Earth is named after a goddess! Gaia!"
"And you choose now to remember?" I couldn't help but laugh. We had reached the room.
"Sorry…"
"Nah, sometimes being random is good thing."
Random Draco moment.