Chapter 29

November thirteenth. Skyrah turned thirty-two today. Saying that Severus had been reduced to a ball of nerves was a massive understatement. Severus had been scheming the perfect birthday for weeks, but he was a novice at this kind of things. He was afraid he wouldn't live up to her expectations. He had woken up before her and had baked a chocolate cake, her favorite kind. When he returned to their bedroom, he found his wife fast asleep, curled up in a fetus position. He smiled fondly at the sight, not showing his teeth, and left the plate with two slices (she never took only one) on the nightstand. He lay beside her, studying the features he already knew by heart. A lock of black hair half-covered her face. Carefully, he removed it and tucked it behind her ear. The gesture pulled Skyrah out of her sleep.

"Severus?" she wondered, her mind still drowsy.

"Mm?" he asked lazily.

"What time is it?"

"It's the time I congratulate my wife for her birthday," he mumbled amused, still skimming her just below her ear.

Skyrah frowned and gasped when she realized that it was her birthday indeed. She had actually forgotten it. She smiled radiantly at him. He couldn't help but capture her inviting lips with his in a languorous kiss.

"Happy birthday," he murmured huskily, his nose touching hers.

She was about to thank him when a pleasant smell invaded her senses. She simpered, eyes beaming in glee.

"You made me a chocolate cake?"

"Of course."

The pair ate their portions and began their respective lessons. Students deemed Severus looked as stern as ever, when in truth, he was a mass of nerves. He was outright scared Skyrah wouldn't approve of what he had arranged, yet there was a glimmer of hope in him that was really looking forward to surprising her and couldn't wait for the lessons to finish.

When his wish came true, he rushed to his chambers and pulled out a bouquet of red and white roses. Pomona had helped him pick the best, barely suppressing a smile at the thought her colleague was whipped. When Skyrah entered the chambers and found Severus hiding something behind his back, she squinted.

"What are you hidi-" She stopped mid question. A fragrant smell filled her nostrils. "Roses?"

He offered them to her as a response, feeling like a pathetic schoolboy giving flowers to his crush. Skyrah took them from him and brought the bouquet close to her nose. She closed her eyes and smelled. The soft grin on her face told him she was reviving memories. He wondered if she was thinking of Daniel. They had been engaged. He must have known she liked roses. She always smiled sadly when she talked about him, though. Now she didn't look sad. Rather, she was staring at Severus in wonder.

"You remembered that red and white roses are my favorite…"

His cheeks flushed as he recalled the moment he found her in the garden for the first time and told him just that. They didn't even know about their loyalties back then. Skyrah put the flowers in water and thanked Severus with a peck on his cheek.

Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she ribbed, "I never knew you were that romantic, Severus. I wonder what would happen if I went to the Great Hall now and shouted at the top of my voice that the bat of the dungeons has just given me flowers. Your reputation would never be the same, would it?"

"You wouldn't dare," he said, alarmed, not really surprised she knew his nickname.

Her guffaw resonated across the room and she hugged him tightly. Severus knew right then that she was joking.

"Do you fancy a walk around Hogsmeade?" he asked, hands clammy, distancing himself just enough to see her face. "You haven't been there yet and the first trip will take place in short. Perhaps it would benefit you to be shown around a bit."

Hands still circling his waist, she asked, amused, "Severus Snape, are you asking me out on a date?"

He rolled his eyes. "You are my wife, meaning that we are already married. Technically, this can't be a date."

"Whatever," she huffed, although she found his attempts to mask the fact that he nervous endearing.

"Is that a positive response?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Yes."

"Good," he said somehow smugly.

The couple spent the afternoon exploring Hogsmeade. Skyrah absolutely adored Honeydukes, which didn't strike as shocking when Severus knew just how much of a sweet tooth Voldemort's daughter, of all people, proved to have. He suddenly wished he had known her as a teenager and taken her to Honeydukes on a real date, bought her every chocolate frog in the shop with the little money he had saved from tutoring some classmates and had some butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks. Her presence would have made Lily's argument and the marauders' harassment more endurable. His most rational part reminded him the age gap would have been a problem. He would have never asked a third-year to go out with a seventh-year like him, but he could fantasize, could he not?

In the evening, they returned to the dungeons. They spotted Harry and Dione waiting by their chambers' door. Severus slipped away with the excuse to grant them some space. He set the table so that they could have the dinner the house-elves had cooked. Flying candles and rose petals enveloped the round table for two.

A creak.

Little jumps.

Skyrah had just entered.

"Can you believe it?" she exclaimed, laughing. "Dione and Harry have just given me a History Book."

Severus took advantage that she couldn't see him and rolled his eyes at the thought that Harry had really chosen a History Book for her. He had time to summon two bottles of wine and turn around before Skyrah glided inside the kitchen. She gasped and scanned the place, astounded at the dreamy scene he had put up.

"Do you prefer red or white wine?" he asked, showing her the bottles.

"You, you h-have…" she stammered. Locking eyes, she asked, "You did this for me?"

"Obviously."

She folded her arms across her chest, lifting an eyebrow. "And Harry and Dione were the prefect distraction while you prepared this…romantic dinner?"

"Perhaps," he replied, the corners of his mouth curling. "Red or white?"

She cracked a grin. "White."

Skyrah and Severus enjoyed the meal and the conversation profoundly.

By the second time Severus poured some wine in her cup, Skyrah asked, "Is there a reason you want to intoxicate me, Severus?"

"Should I have one? What is it, Skyrah? Are two glasses of wine too much for you?" he teased.

"I don't usually drink. I get drunk very quickly, if you must know."

"Indeed? When was the last time you were inebriated?"

"My twenty-first birthday."

Severus nearly choked on his food. It wasn't like he drank much either. It reminded him of his father, so he avoided it. However, on rare occasions and celebrations he had given in to the fuddle of alcohol.

"What? I did embarrassing things and I swore I'd never sink that low again," she defended herself, a soft shade of pink coloring her cheeks. "Hence, no drinking."

Severus raised an eyebrow and smirked. "What embarrassing things did you do, exactly?"

She quirked an eyebrow, clearly not planning on telling him. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"That bad, eh?"

"I obliviated the witnesses. That's all you need to know."

One second, his nose and eyes faintly crinkled. Next, a booming laugh echoed across the kitchen. He hadn't laughed so loudly since they engaged in a food fight months ago. The rich, deep sound made her feel like she was floating. He always acted composed and never exposed that side of him to anyone, so the fact he trusted enough to show this side of him to her meant the world to Skyrah. Perhaps Severus wasn't aware of it, but that was the greatest present he could have given her.

After dinner, Severus escorted his wife towards their bedroom. Skyrah shivered in anticipation, knowing that they'd probably make love then. After all, making love was how he fancied celebrations. So did she, honestly. Not to mention, he had 'accidentally' brushed her shoulder and her hip throughout the date. Plus, she had caught him staring at her eyes and her mouth so deeply Skyrah found it hard to breathe several times while enjoying the meal, feeling like he was making love to her with his eyes.

He had other plans in mind though. He retrieved a dark green velvet case and handed it to her, becoming shy all of a sudden. Interest filled her veins as she opened the case. She let out a gasp and froze, her eyes studying the gift.

A pendant.

The polished jewel consisted of two crows that had their beaks together, as if kissing, much like their spirit guardians had done. The crows surrounded a black pearl. Despite its dark color, it shimmered with an ethereal glisten that lit up the room. Skyrah's eyes shone just as much.

"Do you like it?" he asked, keeping his head down.

This way, his hair covered his face. He felt safer, not wishing to see disappointment in her eyes. She lifted his chin, softly pulling his hair out of his face.

"I have never seen anything so stunning, Severus," she croaked.

Severus relaxed at her approval and proceeded to put it on her. He first moved her dark tresses to one side, his long fingers unconsciously skimming her nape and making her shudder. Then he clasped it close and let his fingers linger on her back as his hot breath hit her skin. He bent his head and left a trail of feather light kisses until he reached her sensitive spot in the crook of her neck and softly bit it. Skyrah shut her eyes, a jolt of electricity sparking through her. It took all her might to pull away from his heady touch and face him.

"How do I look?" she wondered, touching the necklace unwittingly.

"Absolutely breathtaking."

It was true. Skyrah had always been a good-looking lady, but somehow, that black-pearled pendant contrasted greatly against her pale skin and highlighted the dark in her eyes, making her look even more dazzling.

"Severus," she said, voice thick with emotion.

She cast an anti-conception charm on herself. Severus took it as an invitation to make love. He idolized every single spot on her delicate skin. Wanting the experience to be unforgettable, he pleasured her in every single way he knew until she was exhausted. Skyrah lay against him, her hand playing with some of the hair on his chest until their breaths became even.

Her mouth tickled his skin as she murmured, "Thank you for making this day so beautifully delightful, Severus. I am not worthy of your unconditional devotion."

Severus couldn't object. She was already fast asleep in his arms. His mind envisioned the events of the day, her smiles and reactions. It had been worth it; even Harry's stupid book had made her happy. Her eyes had been flooded with a thousand emotions when he gave her the pendant she was still wearing, the pendant of the crows that represented their bond. The thought arose some feelings in his chest that made him feel somehow dizzy, but her mere presence served as a cradlesong. It didn't take Severus long to fall asleep, a tiny smile on his lips.


A week passed. Most people were asleep in the castle. The Snapes were in bed, but not sleeping. They were cuddling in the afterglow of sex.

"Good night," said Severus with a peaceful smile, kissing the top of her head.

She did not say it back.

"Are you all right? Did you not enjoy it this time? Did I do something you didn't like?" he asked, putting his fingertips on her chin and pulling it up to meet her eyes.

She grinned ruefully and tightened the grip she had on his waist.

"You were perfect, as always."

He smiled a self-satisfied smile. His smugness contrasted against his flushed cheeks.

"There's something I've been meaning to ask you, though." He lifted an eyebrow in question, so she continued, "It's about Neville Longbottom."

He scowled. "What about him?"

"He's scared of you."

"Many students are."

"Unlike Neville, the fear the other students feel does not affect their grades. From the memories I saw in occlumency lessons, you seem to be tougher on him than on anyone else."

Severus rolled his eyes. "It is not my fault he is so bloody sensitive. What do you want me to do? Be kind? Speak softly? Not telling him he's about to explode the whole classroom because he can't follow instructions?"

"That's the key. Instructions. It's hard for him to follow them."

"Potions is based on instructions. Miss one step and your life is in danger."

"I know. That is why you should pair him up with someone. Don't let him brew alone until he is confident."

Severus grimaced. "That boy is useless, a menace in the lab. Pairing him up with someone will not change that."

"I disagree. Hannah Abbott can help him." He wouldn't have been surprised if she had suggested Hermione. Hannah Abbott, though? She was an average Potions student. "I've talked to Pomona. Hannah has some difficulties with her subject. Neville is good at Herbology. They can help each other out."

"Hannah is not the best Potions student I have."

"I know, but she is patient and follows instructions, does she not?"

He hummed, a grimace still on his face.

"Neville is not a bad student, Severus. Pomona is quite proud of him."

"Not me. He endangers the well-being of the whole class."

"Snapping at him doesn't help anyone."

"That boy needs to develop a backbone to fight. He won't survive the war if he cowards whenever someone insults him."

Skyrah snorted. "Now you think that scaring him will save his life? That will matter not when one day he makes a mistake, a lethal one, in Potions class because you make him nervous."

He stayed silent.

"I see you haven't thought about that. Well, I'm sure you will not have to sneer at him so frequently if he is with Hannah. Teaching one learns. Hannah will become better at both Potions and Herbology, and Neville's self-esteem will increase if he is a tutor and feels like he is not useless. His grades will reflect that."

"Miss Abbott will not be there for him always," he reminded her, still unconvinced. "OWLs are sat individually."

"If everything goes well, he'll be more confident by the time he has to sit an exam."

If he did as Skyrah said, he would have to group all the students in pairs. More work. Joy. He groaned and pinched his nose, wishing he enjoyed teaching half as much as Skyrah did. His life would be easier.

"I just don't understand why he is incapable of following instructions."

"Attention Deficit Disorder."

He met his eyes, lines appeared on his brow.

"Pardon?"

"His forgetfulness, his slow work pace, turning in incomplete work, not following instructions… Daniel was the same, even though he hid behind a mask of fake confidence." Severus was shocked and relieved at the same time. He had always thought Daniel was perfect, everything he was not. At the tinge of sadness in her voice, Severus tightened his grip on her. "He wasn't diagnosed until seventh year. Teachers were frustrated with him. They thought he didn't try. He did. So does Neville."

"Is there a diagnostic?"

His voice had been softer. He was not scowling or grimacing anymore.

"Yes. I talked to Albus as soon as I suspected. We weren't sure until today."

Severus knew there were no potions for that disorder, but muggle medication existed.

"Aren't ADD students medicated?"

"Some are. Let's see if being with Hannah spares him that. Daniel did improve when I studied with him."

"Is Daniel the reason Neville doesn't get on your nerves? Even Minerva complains about him on occasion."

"I suppose... Are you going to pair him up with Hannah?" She huffed at the lack of response. "I can see you don't enjoy teaching much, but I thought you cared for your students."

"Care and like are different terms."

She snorted. "So you don't like him because he is forgetful? It's not his fault that he has ADD."

He tensed, sensing her disappointment. Deep down, Severus knew that the real reason he disliked Neville was not his forgetfulness.

Skyrah sighed. "I'm sorry. We were having a perfect night. I don't want to ruin it because we disagree on a student. We are tired. We should call it a night." She took her wand from under the pillow. "Nox."

A bittersweet taste invaded Severus's mouth. He pressed her body tighter to his, to feel her reaction. She didn't push him away. She must not be that angry. Skyrah had a temper. If she wasn't putting some distance or flinching, it was because she would continue with the conversation in the morning. He didn't want to wait so long.

Timidly, he whispered, "His forgetfulness stresses me. I do not dislike him for that, though."

She tilted her head up even though the darkness didn't let her see his face. Although she didn't ask for the real reason out loud, the question hung in the air.

"The Prophecy..." He swallowed hard. "If the Dark Lord had targeted Longbottom instead of Harry, Lily would be alive. I remember that every time I look at him."

Her expression softened. "Neville is not to blame for my father's choice. Neither are you."

Severus sucked in air at the last sentence.

Feeling too tired to discuss his guilt, he said, "I still don't like him."

"You said care and like are different."

"So?"

"So? Will you pair him up with Hannah?"

"If that will avoid more explosions…"

She sniggered at his inability to say a smiple yes and kissed his cheek in thankfulness.

"I knew you'd give in, even if you'd grump about it. You are not as mean as the students say."

Severus huffed. "Those dunderheads should focus on studying instead of criticizing their teachers. They attend school to learn, not to waste their time."

Skyrah laughed out loud then and tightened her grip on him.

"I'm so proud of the wonderful man you are, Severus."

His heart beat faster. Her steady breathing relaxed him. So did playing with her hair.

"Skyrah?"

"Mm?" she asked, now drowsy.

"Whom would you pair up Mister Finnigan with?"

She smirked against his chest.

Meanwhile, in the Gryffindor Tower, a group of Gryffindors couldn't sleep.

"Come on, Ron! Wake him up already!" whined Seamus.

"He won't let us sleep!" added Dean.

No matter how violently Ron shook his friend, Harry kept moaning, tossing and tumbling in his sleep. Ron was beginning to worry when Harry fluttered his eyes open and gasped. Seamus and Dean sighed in relief and went back to sleep, relying on Ron to calm down Harry.

"Harry?" he called, noticing Harry was slightly trembling and sweating.

Ron watched as Harry shut his eyes and concentrated hard.

He didn't dare to move until Harry whispered, "I need Dad and Mum."

Harry had spoken so low Ron thought he had heard wrong.

At a loss of what to do, Ron said just as lowly, "Mate, it was just a nightmare. Your parents… er- it probably involved them, but they-"

Harry shook his head. If the room hadn't been so dark, Ron would have perceived the flush in his cheeks.

"I need to go to the dungeons."

"What? Why?"

"I just do."

"In the dungeons you will only find darkness, cold and..." Ron trailed off, a look of realization sweeping over his face. "The Snapes."

Never in all the years Ron had known Harry, had he seen his friend so vulnerable.

"I'll go with you."

"Ron, you don't have to do this."

"Of course I do! What are mates for?"

The way to the dungeons was quiet. Even though Argus Filch wasn't patrolling close to that zone (or so the Marauders Map indicated), they took the invisibility cloak. Ron suddenly felt afraid of what would happen if they interrupted the bat's sleep, but Harry had already knocked at the chambers' door. Their fate was sealed.

Ron stared at the floor while Harry kept his hands in his pockets and tapped his foot nervously. No matter how hard Ron prayed for Skyrah to open the door, Severus was the one to welcome them. Somehow, the scowl on his face was more prominent than usual. He opened his mouth to make a snarky remark, of that they were sure, but he had no time. Harry had already thrown himself at him, hugging him tight.

If Ron had suspected that his friend had called the Snapes Dad and Mum instead of appealing to the Potters before, now he had no doubts. Something big must have happened last summer for Harry to behave so oddly. What exactly had occurred, though, Ron did not know.

That snarky remark died in his mouth. His cheeks burned. Of course, Severus averted Ron's gaze at all costs. By the way Harry was clinging to him, Severus could tell whatever had happened was serious. He barked at Ron not to tell a soul about what he had seen and to return to his dorms unless he wished to spend the rest of the course in detention and to lose all Gryffindor points. Ron did as told reluctantly, sending Harry one last concerned look.

Skyrah frowned when Severus didn't come back to bed after she heard the door banging closed. Worried, she got up and looked for him. The image she saw worried her even more: Harry hugging Severus. Her husband looked displaced and awkward, but also slightly preoccupied. She hurried to them and glanced at Severus with and inquiring look. Severus mouthing 'nightmare' was enough for Skyrah to understand what had happened. She put a hand on the boy's shoulder. Harry didn't hesitate to let go of Severus and let her hold him instead.

"Did you build the grief wall?" she wondered softly.

Harry nodded.

"What was the nightmare about?" asked Severus.

Harry let go of Skyrah and looked at both Snapes.

"Everything was dark. I couldn't make out where I was. I just knew it was somewhere cold. I cast the wand-lightning charm and realized I was in a corridor. I heard some screams. I got the impression they were Death Eaters, so I ran towards a door. I entered a room filled with thousands of glass spheres and, when I touched one, everything turned black and Ron woke me up. My scar hurt… What was that place?"

Skyrah looked lost, but Severus had a reflective expression on his face that indicated he had an idea. He said that they had little information to confirm the place and didn't communicate his suspicions. In order to stave off an interrogation, Severus went to look for a dreamless sleep potion. When he joined them again, Harry looked more composed, but accepted the vial anyway.

"You did well by coming here and telling us, Potter. Regardless, refrain from coming accompanied next time."

"Ron insisted, sir."

"And you should have insisted on coming alone."

"Severus," started Skyrah, aiming to avoid a likely brawl between the wizards at these late hours. "He got the message. Ron will not spread the word, will he?" Harry shook his head. "And he doesn't really know what happened, does he?"

"I haven't told him," said Harry, shrugging.

"Good," said Skyrah. "Do you think you can return to your dorms alone, sweetheart? One of us can escort you until the Gryffindor Tower if you want… This way, if Argus catches you, you won't lose House points or get a detention."

Sweetheart.

It felt like ages since Skyrah had called him that. It made Harry's heart twitch in nostalgia.

"I can deal with Filch," assured Harry with a twinkle in his eyes, showing them the invisibility cloak Ron had left in the room.

Skyrah smirked. "You, clever boy! Come on, then! Off to sleep!"

Severus raised an eyebrow and was about to scold him for using the cloak, but Skyrah touching his arm stopped him.

Harry would have given anything to stay the night with the Snapes, but he didn't mention it. He complied after Severus reminded him to build the grief wall before falling asleep.


Ron acted weirdly the following days. He was more distant with Harry. It wasn't until Hermione talked to Ron that he decided to have an actual conversation with Harry. As the Common Room was empty except for the Golden Trio, Ron reckoned it was the ideal time to discuss what was happening.

"We need to talk."

"Later, Ron," said Harry. "I don't want to miss Malfoy's face when he loses the Slytherin versus Ravenclaw match."

"No, mate. We need to talk now," Ron said so serious Harry was taken aback.

Hermione was the first to sit on the couch in front of the fireplace. Ron and Harry followed her lead.

"You called the Snapes Dad and Mum."

Ron's voice was cutting, and his expression was that of a lost person, not really understanding how that could have occurred. Hermione didn't look surprised, so Harry guessed Ron had told her about everything. His neck turned red, and he was not really sure if it was out of embarrassment or of anger. Most likely, it was the outcome of those mixed emotions.

"You told her."

"She's our friend," countered back Ron. "She deserves to know. Besides, you and I both know that if she stays with us during the conversation, everything will run more smoothly."

Harry huffed, but commented on nothing since Ron was right. Hermione looked at him worriedly and took his hand.

"Harry, what happened at the Snapes'? You have always hated Professor Snape. Now you even call him Dad... How did this ensue?" she asked softly, not veiling her confusion and concern.

Harry's eyes shone strangely. He bent his head and averted his friends' gazes as he reflected on the answer. Why didn't he see Severus as the slimy git anymore? The answer was so simple yet so complicated. Severus, the teacher he had hated the most, had been there for him when he had most needed it. Severus, the sarcastic, mean Professor, had not laughed at his condition and actually showed he cared. Unlike popular belief, Harry and Severus shared a very relevant trait: they both were victims of abuse. Perhaps that is why Harry relied on Severus on a particular nasty evening, before Skyrah lost the baby.

It was one of the occlumency lessons Harry took with Severus. As always, Severus counted to three and legilimenced him. He visualized the memories as if it was a muggle film.

Aunt Petunia practically dragged Harry into the cupboard under the stairs and told him that that would be his room. The light went out. Only Harry's cries were heard. He was afraid of the dark, of being lonely, yet no matter how hard he cried and supplicated, nobody came to his rescue. Instead, Uncle Vernon beat him up to keep him quiet the rest of the night.

Severus came out of his mind and stared at the boy. Harry was averting his eyes, his chest moving up and down unevenly. Before Severus could react, Harry let himself fall on the floor, his hands covering his face, his sobs unconcealed. Severus made to leave the room to give him some space and call Skyrah, thinking Harry would prefer her, but the shock upon Harry's trembling and faint voice requesting for him to stay made him think better of it. Severus stood awkwardly until Harry dried his tears and met his eyes. Then, the unexpected happened: Harry rose to his feet and hugged the person who took him away from the abuse.

"Why did Professor Dumbledore bring me to the Dursleys? Anywhere else was better. I wouldn't have been their personal house-elf, I wouldn't have run from Dudley and his friends, I wouldn't have been hit by them… I didn't deserve to live like that."

Severus put aside his discomfort at the affectionate gesture. He understood then that Harry had just released all the tears he had not cried since he could remember, and he had done it in front of him, the Professor who used to loathe him. Severus sighed and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Professor Dumbledore assumed it was the best for you since you were protected from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named thanks to the bond of blood charm."

"Who kept me safe from the Dursleys? Didn't he think of that? I begged him to let me stay at Hogwarts during the summer and he ignored me!"

"I cannot give you a proper answer to that. You will have to ask Professor Dumbledore himself. What I can tell you is that I wasn't aware of the situation. Had I known, I would have taken adequate measures." He trailed off then, debating if telling him something else was pertinent. A few seconds later, he murmured, "It's good that you realized you merited better, Harry. Nobody should go through abuse."

He had called him by his first name on purpose, and it made Harry faintly smile up at him. What the boy found in his black eyes was respect and satisfaction. He may not have explicitly pronounced the words, but Harry knew Severus was proud of him. He had let go of his emotions. That was everything the Snapes had asked of him when they invited him home.

"Thank you," breathed out the boy.

"Whatever for?"

"For letting me stay here with you, away from the Dursleys. For telling nobody."

The sincerity in his voice stunned Severus, who tightened his grip on him. Even though Harry could tell the gesture had been unconscious by his part, it meant the world to him.

Harry's glassy eyes met his friends' concerned gazes. A lump formed in his throat. The only thing he managed to say before leaving the dumbstruck pair behind was that Snape had been there for him and that he had been wrong to judge him. Harry headed to the Quidditch pitch before his friends could question him.


Skyrah prowled the castle until she located the room where students' records were kept. Ever since Irma had told her she had studied at Hogwarts, Skyrah had felt like she needed to go there. She followed her hunch.

She scanned sundry records, but found no Irma Pince. Why would Irma lie about going to Hogwarts as a student? It made no sense. She was about to give up hope and call herself paranoid when something caught her eye. There was a photo of a girl that attended the school and looked an awful lot like a younger version of Irma Pince.

Eileen Prince.

When she read the surname, she felt shockwaves. Skyrah remembered the moment Voldemort told her about Severus for the first time. Not only had he bragged about him being the most loyal Death Eater, but also about his blood. Severus was a Prince descendant, an important pure-blood line. The dates of the years she had attended Hogwarts led Skyrah to think Eileen Prince was Severus's mother. But then again, could the resemblance between Eileen Prince and Irma Pince be a mere coincidence? She stared at the photo for a long time until it clicked: Irma Pince is the anagram for I am Prince. The similar mannerisms, their scowls and sneers, their grumpiness, the hooked noses and black eyes and hair, the reason why Severus avoided talking about her and why Irma seemed to know him deeply... Irma Pince was in fact Eileen Prince, Severus's mother.

"Bloody hell!" squeaked Skyrah, putting the records in their place.


After an exhausting Potions class, seeing Skyrah was everything Severus needed. He smiled, knowing Skyrah had no more lessons that afternoon. They would both grade some papers, cook, make love, eat, read and go to sleep. It was the perfect routine. He went into their studio, expecting to find her correcting some essays, as usual. Instead, he got there just in time to watch her struggling to hide a paper. He raised an eyebrow.

"Is something wrong?"

"Nope."

She had blurted it out impressively quickly, as if he had caught her doing something she shouldn't do and wished for him to forget about it.

She was unlucky, for Severus replied, "I gather that you are grading some essays…"

"Yes," she said in the same tone.

"Then you won't mind me taking a look at them, will you?"

"Beware that first years make many mistakes and you may get a headache when you read them," she joked, trying to sound confident yet failing miserably when a nervous snigger escaped her throat.

"I'll take the risk."

Somehow, Severus could tell her laugh was fake, and he didn't miss the way she flinched when he thumbed through the papers of the novice students. In between them, he spotted a scroll with her handwriting. He analyzed the content superficially. Dark Magic. She was experimenting with it. He scowled.

Skyrah cursed and cried out, "I can explain it!"

His heart strangled. He had no idea how she intended to explain why she was playing with Dark Magic. What if she was more like Voldemort than he had believed? What if she had fooled him? What if it was all a game to blow up his secrets and Skyrah was only playing with him? Severus felt betrayed, enraged. His fists clenched and his eyes squinted.

"You can explain it?! You have been creating a dark spell behind my back! I trusted you and you lied to me!"

It was the first time he barked at her like that, but Skyrah wasn't affected by it.

She snorted and said sarcastically, "Funny you accuse me of being a liar when you have done exactly the same with me. I guess we are made for each other."

His mouth went dry. He had told her everything; she had been the only one he had trusted with his darkest secrets, with his past. There had only been one aspect he had hidden from her, but there was no way she could have found out about that, right?

"What do you mean?" he asked, lowering his voice and piercing her with his black eyes.

"Don't play all innocent now! You've kept something important from me! Every time I asked, you wandered off the subject and invented pathetic excuses! Well, you know what? I did a little research... Imagine my surprise when I found out I had already met my mother-in-law. Care to explain to me why she changed her name and why you chose not to tell me your mother works at Hogwarts?"