Redemption

Hey guys!

Back with another chapter for this story and I am trying to get this one back on track. I know I took a very long break and that was due to the reasons I've already given before. Mainly, just 'life'. But I am trying to make this a regular thing again. I deeply apologize for keeping you all waiting.

I hope you guys are enjoying the story and the direction it is moving in. I've come up with a plan and endgame for this story and the series as a whole, so I know where I'm going with all of this.

There will be rewrites of the past chapters so be aware if you find changes that weren't there before. Plus, its just keep everything within continuity and correct some grammar errors.

Think of this as a Christmas present from me.

Enjoy Chapter 20!

Chapter Twenty:

Searching

Three weeks had passed with Severus' time with the Irons Family and his training with David, who had created a schedule for the two of them to honor. They would jog, lift weights at the gym in the hotel, do push-ups and sit-ups, and among other physical activities for three hours in the mornings. In the afternoons they would do the magical side of the training for another three hours, which was Severus' favorite. By the end of each training session, he was left with sweat all over his thin body, an exhausting experience that made him feel drained.

"Don't worry, Sev!" David reassured him with a slap on his back at the end of their first day. "It'll get easier for you once your body adapts to this. Just keep with it."

And keep with it he did.

For three whole weeks, he awoke before seven in the morning and would join David in the lobby before they would head out to begin their excise training. And by four in the afternoon, he would meet him again in the gym, which was built with a magic training section, suited for their purposes.

His body was sore and aching from the pain, both physically and mentally. There were so many times he wished to give up, arguing with himself that he couldn't do it. That he was fine with his body. But another part of him berated his cowardness. He remembered his reasonings for why he was doing this, using the fear that came with it to be his motivation.

He did well with the diet plan that David gave him since he was never one to eat much, let alone junk food. The only problem was rather in how much he ate. He was feed food that was supposed to help his muscles grow and put on the right body fat he needed.

So, it came as a surprise for him when on the eighth day that David told him not to worry about training.

"Think of it as an off-day," he explained. "Gotta have some fun as a reward."

A part of him felt irritated by this, wondering why he would call off training when every day added to him getting stronger. But he held his tongue and accepted it with a neutral expression. Though he did go down to the gym to redo the training course for the magical session by himself.

He would sometimes join the Irons Family on their little trips into New York, despite how out of place he felt with them. He would watch Ben as he kept his distance, though Felicity would attempt to get him involved in everything they did, which made him uncomfortable. He would shake his head and politely refuse.

At one moment he overheard one of their conversations.

"Look at him, David!"

"We can't force him to do something he doesn't want to," he took her hand into his. "Only he can make the first move."

"But it's been a week, Davy. I was hoping I would have gotten through to him somehow."

"And how long did it take for you to break into me? Trauma lingers when unresolved. And Severus has plenty of it."

"You're only reinforcing my point. He needs help."

"Never said he didn't. My point is that only time will help heal his wounds. For now, let's enjoy our summer vacation and worry about this another day."

The two kissed, making Severus sneer, while Ben and Nora were oblivious to the sight.

By the end of the third week, the time had come for the Irons Family to return to Salem, with David's duties as Potions Master and Felicity's as manager of the family business. Though it was only less than a month away from the start of the new school year, the family's attention had shifted to the coming end of summer and what would come in the fall.

The Irons had already packed up their possessions and left their suite when Severus returned from his business dealings with the American Wizard Ministry, quickly finding them in the lobby as he walked through the magical barrier doors.

"Severus!" Nora cried out, waving to him.

Severus nodded, though his attention was on Ben. He forced himself to look away, not wanting to make the boy suspicious. It was one of the few habits he struggled with when it came to him. Even his reasons for why he couldn't help himself only made it worse. But he forced himself to treat him like any other, no matter the desire.

Nora dropped her suitcase and threw her arms around Severus, startling him.

"You're going to love it at Salem! I know you've been visiting the headmaster and getting settled in, but once the school year starts, you're going to be thankful you left Hogwarts behind!"

"Speaking of which," Ben rolled his eyes at his sister and 'knowingly' winked at Severus as he peeled her off him, "I've been curious about Hogwarts. What was it like?"

Severus looked at him and replied, "Mostly cold and medieval-like."

"For a Slytherin maybe," Nora clapped her hands. "Always spending your days in the dungeon while the Gryffindors get to have all the fun. I wish I could have been able to go to Hogwarts and get sorted into that house."

Severus sneered.

Ben laughed, "There's still time for you to apply."

Nora punched him on the shoulder, "And miss out on my final year keeping you out of trouble? I don't think so!"

"What are you doing to poor Severus this time?" said Felicity as she walked toward them, leaving David by himself at the front desk.

Nora rolled her eyes, "Actually, mom, I was giving my dear brother a hard time. Apparently, he wants to ship me off to Hogwarts and have the whole school year to himself."

"It would be a nice reprieve before they would the ship her right back."

"Hey!"

Felicity laughed as she turned to Severus, "Are you coming with us back to Salem?"

Severus shook his head, "Not right away. But you will see me in a few days."

"Oh?" her smile fell. "But where are you going if you're not staying here?"

"He's coming with me," David declared, setting his trunk down next to his wife's. "I forgot to tell you that Severus and I are heading to Spain for a few days."

Felicity frowned, "And when were you planning on telling me?"

"When we are alone," he glanced at their children.

Though still holding her glare, she nodded in reply and turned to Nora and Ben.

"Why don't you two go on ahead to the Ministry. We'll meet you there."

Nora rolled her eyes, "Let me guess, another one of your secret meetings you always have behind our backs?"

"Nora!" Felicity hissed, making Severus and Ben flinch.

"Fine!" she picked up her trunk. "Come on, bro!"

She grabbed ahold of her brother and pulled him towards the doors, leaving them alone.

Once they were gone, Felicity turned to her husband.

"What's going on?"

David sighed, "Severus and I talked last night, and we decided to go do some investigating. I promise it'll only be for a few days. Maybe two."

Felicity stared at him before sighing, "You know I hate it when you leave the safety of America, David. If Bogue finds out you're in Spain-"

"He won't."

"But if he does, he won't hesitate to come after you."

"Which is why Severus and I are smuggling ourselves over to Spain."

"Smuggling? Wouldn't purchasing a ticket over through muggle means or using a legal Portkey be more effective?"

"I want to test our Severus's network and see how good this Ian Shaw is. Plus, it keeps us off the radar of anyone who might be interested in finding us."

Felicity continued to stare at him while contemplating and sighed, "Alright, but you better come back, you hear?!"

David laughed, "No worries, babe. I'll be back before you know it."

Felicity grabbed him by the collar of his shift and pulled him towards her, their lips interlocking as Severus turned away, blushing.

"I'll be waiting for the rest."

"You damn witch! You'll be the death of me!"

She smiled seductively and winked, "How else will I make sure you'll keep running back home to me?" She turned and pulled Severus into a hug, "You be careful. I don't want to lose my love and my nephew in a single day."

She kissed him on the cheek and left, leaving him looking like a cherry.

David laughed and slapped him on the back, "She has that effect on people. Believe me, when I say it kiddo, a woman like that is worth finding and keeping."

Severus ignored him as he picked up his bag.

"Let's go!"

Things went according to plan as Severus had intended. A portkey was waiting for him and David at the port of New York, one powerful enough to get them across the Atlantic Ocean and into Spain. He mentally told himself to pay Miles a little extra next time.

"So, this Kane Miles is in charge of the smuggling operation in North America?" David asked as they approached the portkey.

Severus nodded, "At least from Maine to Miami. Someone else oversees the Westcoast operations, though I hear Miles intends to expand that way."

"Sounds like a messy war if he does. What will you do if he demands help?"

Severus brought up his mental shields, "One problem at a time."

As they stood next to the portkey and prepared themselves, the two reached for the cup at the same time and touched it, activating the magical object as they disappeared. A few seconds later, they appeared in a hidden alleyway.

Severus threw the cup to the side and tightened his grip on his bag that hung from his shoulder. He led the way to the small Inn that was not so far from the location, easily managing to find it in the city of Santander. Despite how little the magical community was in the town; its population still held significance as part of its history.

After getting settled in at the Inn, the two immediately began their research at the local library.

"So, what are we looking for exactly?" David asked as he sat a couple of books down on the table next to Severus, who was reading from one.

"Anything about a fire from ten years prior."

"The only fire this town seems to be aware of is the one from 1941. I wonder if our kind had anything to do with that."

Severus ignored him as he kept reading.

Their desire to travel to Spain had been one in the making ever since their talk in the park three weeks before. It became clear that in order to understand the mystery surrounding that night they would have to find the exact location of where that night happened. The home of William and Michelle.

It wouldn't be easy, considering that it was burnt to a crisp the last time he saw it. Not to mention if he started asking questions to the wrong people, he might tip-off anyone meant to report back to Abraxas or worse. The thought of someone remaining around to keep an eye on anyone too interested in the lives of William and Michelle seemed very unlikely and farfetched. But if his fears of Abraxas were right, then he needed to play this one safe.

They found nothing the first night, having run out of time as the library closed, forcing them to head back to the Inn. They did their workout routine before a nice meal and heading to bed for the night.

In the morning, after their routine beforehand, they headed back to the library and restarted their research. They came across a couple of reports of fires that dated back a decade ago, but little details proved that they couldn't be the one of that night. A few came close but upon investigation, they quickly crossed them off the list.

It was quickly starting to become a frustration to the two of them as they kept at it, only to come up empty-handed.

It was on the third day when they found their answer, though not one from a book like they had hoped.

"Severus, we've read through every book on the subject of fires from ten years ago," said David as he sat the last book from his pile to the side. "Maybe we have the wrong town."

"No," Severus shook his head as he rubbed his eyes and pushed the book away. "Eileen's memories made it clear that Santander was the location of where it happened. There has to be something here."

"Why are you so interested in fires?" a voice asked.

Severus and David turned to the source, finding a teenage girl behind them.

The girl smiled, "Hi, I'm Melina. I'm sorry for eavesdropping, I just couldn't help but notice you two have been in here for a while."

Severus sneered, while David smiled.

"Just researching fires for my future student here," he clapped Severus on the shoulder, making him glare. "We're actually looking into houses that were burnt down ten years ago."

"Oh," the girl blushed. "I apologize for prying but why the fascination?"

"Just a research project I just decided to look into. A friend of mine used to live here and I've been hoping to find her forming home to pay my respects. It's been so long since I've last seen her."

The girl's facial expression softened, "Oh, I'm so sorry. The only fire I knew of was near the coastline when I six. A small family used to live there. I even played with their boys until they tragically died in the fire. But I don't think it's the one you're looking for."

Severus and David looked at each other before turning to the confused girl.

"What was their family name?" Severus demanded.

The girl smiled, "Connor!"

Severus struggled to control himself, nearly flying out of his seat as he nodded, "Take us there!"

The walk to the location Melina had told them about took them about two hours to walk to on foot. The girl had been nice enough to take some time out of her day to help them. Sadly, they had to wait until morning in order to use her as a guide. David's ruse was working to their favor, though it was as close to the truth as they could get without raising suspicion.

Plus, David disapproved of his treatment towards her, arguing that he couldn't force her to take them to a place that held some hurt for her. Not to mention how close to dark it was getting at the time.

Melina told her life story on the way there, explaining that her mother was a friend of the family until their untimely deaths. She talked of her memories of playing with the children, especially those who lived nearby. Her voice hinted at some sadness within.

As they walked, something in Severus began to sink deeper into his stomach. A frightening feeling that made him want to run away to make it go away. But he kept strong and forced himself forward, glaring into the distance with every step he took. He ignored the conversation David and Melina lost themselves in, sneering at how the girl seemed to have taken such an attractiveness to his uncle.

Then they appeared over a hill and Melina pointed out the spot to them.

"There!" she cried out. "That's where the house used to be."

Severus looked and immediately gasped, recognizing the area all too well. His heart was beating with wild abandon and his breathing began to quicken. He stepped away from the two to control himself as images from that night appeared in his head. But he pushed them away as he brought up his mental shield before anyone noticed.

David turned to him as Melina led the way and whispered, "You okay?"

Severus shook his head as he walked right past him, "Would you?"

He didn't see his reaction as they made their way down the hill and eventually found himself in the middle of a green field, with little remnants of what used to be a house in the midst, through nature had retaken the decayed structure that remained. Grass and mold had grown over the burnt wood and the black ground was slowing fading away as it was replaced with green.

But the evidence of what happened that night still held a strong presence.

Melina wrapped her arms around herself and the sadness becoming more clear.

"I used to play with the eldest son over there," she pointed to a now dried up well. "I remember the day my father told me about the fire and that no one had survived. The whole town was shaken up about it. The Connors had been around for so long and helped so many people. And the mother was known for her… wild nature."

David and Severus shared a knowing look.

"Is there anyone who lived anywhere close?" David asked.

Melina nodded, "There's a woman who lives not far from here. She knew the family well."

Severus formed a fist and felt his fingernails dig into his skin as he turned to her, "Take us to her."

Though intimidated by his demand and presence, she nodded and turned to lead the way once again.

David shook his head at him as they followed, "As much as I respect your demanding nature, you need to learn when to use it and when not to."

Severus sneered, "What does it matter?"

"A great deal! It's a man must understand how and when to use his emotions, especially what kind and how much. You can't respond to every situation with intimidation all the time."

Severus held his tongue.

David sighed, "You have much to learn. Thankfully, we have all the time this coming school year."

The rest of the walk was followed by silence.

After half an hour, they arrived at the front of a large cabin that sat near the beach. Seagulls flew above them, the clouds growing darker and heavier. The sound of waves echoing across the land.

Melina walked up the steps of the porch and knocked on the door.

David and Severus nodded to each other as they reached for their wands.

A few seconds later, the door opened, and a woman appeared, pushing aside her hair to see her guests.

"Yes?"

Melina swallowed.

"I'm so sorry to bother you. These gentlemen were hoping to ask you some questions about the Connor family."

The woman's eyes betrayed no reaction as she turned to the men behind the girl, until her eyes found Severus and she gasped.

Both Severus and David held onto their wands, ready to strike if needed.

The woman walked past Melina and approached Severus, her eyes narrowing at him.

"That's not possible. You're not supposed to exist in this world."

Severus frowned, "What-"

"Eileen made sure she couldn't- Unless-"

Her eyes widened as tears filled her eyes, a sigh of relief escaping her as she threw her arms around him and held him close to her. Like a gem finally found at long last.

"Eric!"

Sorry for this being so short, but I figured it was a good place to leave it.

I decided to base Severus/Eric's hometown in Santander, Spain. Just a heads up, I am taking a lot of liberties with how the countryside is like and the town itself during the mid-1970s. So if there is anything out of place or doesn't resemble the real town, think of it as an alternate universe where it is different.

Melina is indeed a new character I've added, so we will see her again.

I hope you all enjoyed this and I'll see you guys in Chapter 21!

Merry Christmas!