A/N: Welcome to my story! I hope you enjoy it. I'm obsessed with Severus Snape, so this is for all my fellow Snape lovers. As a general warning, this story contains dark themes, such as child abuse, PTSD, and self-harm. Use your own judgment when reading this story. All disorders and situations have been researched to the best of my ability to bring as much accuracy to this story as I can. Please message me if you have any questions.
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Chapter One: Diagon Alley
"What is it you wished to speak with me about, so early in the morning, Headmaster?"
"Have a seat, my boy."
Severus took a seat, eyeing Albus Dumbledore warily.
"How is your brewing going?" he asked.
"Fine."
"Do you have all of the necessary ingredients?"
"Yes."
"Do you require any assistance?"
"Do I ever?"
Albus shook his head.
"Albus, I do not have time for the niceties. What do you want?"
"Now, now, no need to get impatient, Severus."
Severus scowled. "Speak."
Albus sighed. "I have a favor to ask of you."
"What kind of favor?" Severus asked slowly.
"Nothing too major."
"That remains to be seen."
"I need you to visit a potential student."
"Why me?"
"Minerva is visiting Harry Potter and his cousin and will not have time to visit Miss Kent."
"I may well regret asking, but why must she visit them?"
"Neither of them have received their letters?"
"Neither?"
Albus nodded. "Dudley Dursley has also received a letter, inviting him to attend Hogwarts."
"They placed the Potter boy with his relatives?"
Albus nodded.
Severus' jaw tightened imperceptibly. "And they thought that wise?"
Albus shrugged. "I had no control over where Mr. Potter was placed, you know that. Had I, he would have been placed with Sirius."
"Well, we saw how well that worked out, didn't we?"
Albus nodded, eyes sad. After a few moments, he said, "As intrigued as I am by this situation, Severus, my concern, right now, is Miss Kent."
"I am only to visit and deliver the letter?"
"Not exactly."
"Then what?"
"Her letter was sent by owl. She lives with her aunt and uncle—not unlike Mr. Potter—who are both Squibs. They sent a reply, as requested, informing us that Miss Haley Kent is blind."
"Blind?" Severus mouthed the word.
"Blind," Albus repeated. "They don't think she can attend, because of her lack of sight."
"You think she can?"
"Why not?"
"Need I remind you, Headmaster, how dangerous brewing potions is?"
"You can adapt," Albus said.
Severus frowned.
"You doubt yourself?" Albus asked.
Severus shook his head.
"Then what?"
"The staff haven't the slightest idea how to accommodate a blind student."
"We have done it before. Very few people are willing to send their blind child to Hogwarts, but it has been done before, and it certainly can be done again."
Severus sighed. "Very well. Assure the relatives that the girl can attend, is that all?" He knew it wasn't.
"Well…"
"Albus," Severus said, a warning note in his voice.
"If they agree to send her, I need you to accompany her to Diagon Alley."
"You want me to baby her?"
Albus shook his head. "Another reason I am asking you to do this, rather than another staff member. You will not baby her."
Severus unfolded his arms and stood. "You have already told them that I would come." It wasn't a question.
Albus smiled sheepishly.
"If I must," Severus sighed.
"Excellent." Albus beamed. "They will be expecting you later today."
Severus glowered at the Headmaster, before stalking out of the room, robes billowing out behind him.
Later that day, Severus Apparated into a small alley, near South Williams Street in Dublin, Ireland. Thankful that the trek would not be a long one, he strode up the street, looking for number 28. He was dressed in Muggle attire for the occasion—black trousers, black, plain button-up shirt, black leather jacket, and black boots. He looked very professional, and like a Muggle businessman, in his humble opinion, which was exactly his aim—to blend in.
Spotting number 28, Severus peered at the house. The yard was very well kept. Flowers sat in little neat rows inside large pots, lining the edges of the step leading up to the front door. He climbed the single step and knocked briskly. A few moments passed, in which he tapped his foot impatiently, before the door opened to a stout, middle-aged woman with red curls that sat atop her head.
"May I help you?" she asked, voice thick with an Irish brogue.
"Severus Snape," Severus said, feeling it best to cut to the chase quickly. "Albus Dumbledore spoke with you, informing you of my arrival."
"Oh, yes!" the woman exclaimed, beaming. "Come right in. I will get Rowan and Haley. My name is Miranda." She stepped back and allowed Severus to enter. She pointed him into a large living room, before disappearing down a hallway off to the side.
Severus peered around at the room he was led into. Two chairs sat next to the fireplace that ran against the far wall. Running parallel to the chairs, sat a plush couch with matching pillows lining the back. On either end of the couch, sat elegantly carved endtables. Off to the side, and down some steps, he spotted a polished baby grand piano, complete with a padded bench and a metal music stand, on which sat music he couldn't read. Taking a seat on the chair closest to the fireplace, he continued surveying the room.
The walls were lined with various pictures, accompanied with captions. He did a double take, recognizing the face of a student he had once taught, Amelia O'Sullivan. Why was she shown in this house? She didn't live with these people, as far as he knew.
The most prominent picture was of Amelia, seated on the couch, holding a puppy, who was squirming in her arms. She had a large grin on her face. The caption read "Amelia's Eighth Christmas". Another picture was of Amelia, now older, surrounded by piles of presents. In her hands, she held up a large box, which showed a dollhouse on the front. This caption read "Amelia's Tenth Birthday". Severus scanned the remaining pictures. All were of Amelia. He saw no other child in the pictures on the wall, nor any hint of her in the room. Perhaps the Kent girl was camera shy.
Severus' attention was drawn away from the pictures, as Miranda returned, followed by a tall, burly man, and trailing behind him, a little girl with red hair that ran down her back and ended in small ringlets.
"Rowan Davis." The man stepped forward and extended his hand. Severus, not one for shaking hands, begrudgingly shook. "And this is Haley."
Haley smiled. "Hi," she said, seeming unsure where to look.
Severus figured speaking would be a good idea. "Good afternoon, Miss Kent. My name is Professor Severus Snape. I am the Potions Master at Hogwarts. It is my understanding your relatives are uncertain about you attending. Is this correct?"
Haley nodded, her sightless eyes now focused on Severus. "My cousin went to Hogwarts," she said.
"Amelia O'Sullivan," Miranda supplied, gesturing to the pictures on the walls. "My sister's daughter."
Severus nodded. "I taught Miss O'Sullivan."
Haley looked like she wanted to speak, but kept her mouth shut.
"If you have something to say, Miss Kent, speak," Severus said.
Haley looked to her uncle, who nodded, ruffling her hair. "Talk, sweetheart," he said. "Don't be shy."
Haley smiled slightly. "Can I do magic, sir?" she asked.
"Why wouldn't you be able to?"
"I can't see."
"And?"
"It would be difficult for her, wouldn't it?" Miranda asked. "And dangerous?"
"I assure you, Miss Kent—"
"Miranda, please."
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. He hated being interrupted. "Miranda," he continued through gritted teeth, "the staff at Hogwarts are quite capable of teaching any student that happens to walk through the halls. This will not be the first time we have had a blind student in attendance."
"And they graduated?" Rowan asked. "We just worry because Haley is so shy. Especially with new people."
"Mr. Kent." Severus silently dared Rowan to interrupt him. When he didn't, he continued, "Shyness is no reason to hold a student back from a magical education, should that student wish to attend. Over time, shyness will dissipate. In its place, confidence will grow."
"You have seen it happen?" Miranda asked.
"Yes," Severus said shortly, his irritation rising. "I am the Head of Slytherin. It has happened multiple times. First-years are usually shy."
"That's one of the Houses, right?" Miranda asked. "Slytherin?"
"Yes."
"Amelia was in Hufflepuff, I think."
Severus nodded once more.
"And you're sure Haley will be safe there?" Rowan asked.
"There is no place safer," Severus said.
"What if she doesn't go?" Miranda asked. "What if we don't send her? What then?"
Severus took a few moments to answer, silently counting in his head. For Squibs, the Davises were, clueless, and, one could argue, moronic. He silently cursed Albus Dumbledore for making him do this.
"Then you will be dealing with a child who has no control of their magic. You, not her, will be responsible for any mishaps there may be, be them big or small. I highly advise you to send Miss Kent to Hogwarts. Her blindness can be accommodated, and, as I have already stated, Hogwarts is the safest place for a magical child."
"What do you think, Haley?" Rowan asked. "Would you like to try Hogwarts? If you don't like it, or it becomes too difficult, you can come home. How does that sound?"
Haley smiled broadly. "Okay," she said. "Can you do magic, Professor?"
"I can perform magic, yes," Severus said.
"No. I mean…" Haley hesitated. "Well… Amelia talked about magic, but she couldn't show me any. Can you show…"
"Oh, yes," Rowan said. "That would be excellent, Professor."
Severus eyed the small family. Hee considered not showing them, or more specifically, the girl, any magic. After all, Amelia had obviously spoken of her time at Hogwarts. What would be the point? Then again, it wasn't as if he hadn't enjoyed showing another little redheaded girl the joys of magic, many years ago.
Severus sighed. "Very well, Miss Kent. Sit down."
Haley moved slowly, hands outstretched slightly, clearly unsure where to sit.
"There's the other chair beside Professor Snape," Miranda offered helpfully.
Severus racked his brains, trying to figure out what to show someone who couldn't see. He couldn't exactly show her a simple light show. What could he do that she could touch? What could he do that would fascinate a child? Suddenly, inspiration hit.
Severus flicked his wand at a stray napkin that sat on one of the endtables, summoning it to his hand, drawing curious looks from the Davises.
"Hold out your hand," he said. He placed the napkin into Haley's hand and with a flick of his wand, transfigured the napkin into a soft, fluffy blanket.
"Whoa," Haley breathed. She proffered the blanket out to Severus, who shook his head.
"I have no use for a blanket," he said.
Haley looked uncertain about taking the blanket. She looked to Severus; the blanket still held out to him.
"You should keep it," Rowan said. "It's nice. It looks like it will keep you warm and will last long."
"Can I?" The question was short, but Severus detected a note of surprise in it.
"Of course!" Rowan said. "After all, Professor Snape did give it to you. It would be rude to refuse, don't you think?"
Haley looked to her uncle, before nodding slightly, and bringing the blanket back to her.
"Um, Professor. What color is it?"
"Green," Severus answered simply.
"Thank you, Professor," Haley said.
Severus nodded, uncomfortable by the thanks. Not many people thanked him, let alone meant it. He knew the child had meant it. It was evident in both her tone, and the look on her face.
"Why don't you go and put that in your room," Miranda said.
Haley nodded and stood.
"Return with the necessary items to travel." Severus said. "I will be escorting you to retrieve your books and supplies."
Haley nodded and disappeared into the hallway.
Miranda cleared her throat and shifted, drawing Severus' attention. "We can't pay for Haley's equipment," she said. "We don't have a lot of money."
Severus raised his eyebrows, looking around at the expensive furniture, and the piano on the other side of the room. Clearly, they could afford these luxuries, so why couldn't they afford Haley's things? Was everything donated to them? Were they really that poor? He highly doubted it but didn't feel like pulling his hair out to argue with them. If they wanted to be that stingy, he could be that rude. He saw no problem with that logic.
"There are funds set aside for students who cannot afford to pay for the necessary items," he ground out. "The funds also cover for families, who, like you, can clearly afford to pay, yet refuse, choosing to be stingy and unsupportive of their child's education. Fortunately for you, Hogwarts is tuition free, though extra charges should be created for people such as yourselves."
"We don't have the money," Miranda said. "You have to understand."
Severus snorted. Oh, he understood alright. Though it could be said he did not like children, he hated controlling parents even more, especially when they were selfish and detrimental to their child's education.
"I take it you will not be accompanying us to retrieve supplies, am I correct to assume?" Severus asked.
"We have things to do." Rowan said. As much fun as that would be, though…"
"A likely story," Severus muttered, getting to his feet as he heard Haley returning.
"Ready, Professor."
Haley stood there, her hair pulled back into a low ponytail, holding a battered, dirty, red and white cane in her right hand. She was sporting an old, gray coat that looked as if it had seen far better days.
"Have fun," Rowan said, standing and giving Haley a hug and a kiss on the forehead.
"Be good," Miranda said, standing and hugging Haley briefly.
"Very well," Severus said, moving towards Haley. "Your hand, Miss Kent."
Haley stretched out her hand, and Severus took the much smaller hand into his own, much larger one. He walked with Haley to the now open door, courtesy of Miranda, and down the lone step. Turning left, he headed to the alley he had Apparated into. When he reached the spot, he stopped.
"Hold tight to my hand, and do not let go, unless you wish to experience severe pain," Severus said seriously. Haley looked up at him, uncertain, but did as she was told. Once he was sure she was holding tight to his hand, Severus spun on his heel, and with a soft pop, the two disappeared.
The two reappeared, standing in a long alley lined with shops on both sides, people bustling about, chatting to one another as they passed.
Severus looked down at the now pale girl and rummaged in his pocket for a small vial. Finding it, he let go of the child's hand and pressed the vial into her palm.
"Drink this. It will help."
Haley shifted her cane into the crook of her arm to get a better grip on the vial, but still struggled to uncork it. Severus relieved her of the vial, uncorked it, then handed it back to her. She looked sheepish, as she downed the potion. She made a face.
"Better," she muttered. "Professor, what was that?"
"What you just experienced was called Apparition," Severus explained. "Witches and wizards use it as a means of transport. Most prefer to use other methods, as it can be very uncomfortable, and cause nausea, as you just experienced. What I just gave you, however, is an anti-nausea potion to counteract the effects of said nausea."
Haley shuddered, but said nothing more on the subject, simply handing the vial back to Severus, who pocketed it.
"Where are we, sir?"
"We are currently standing in the middle of Diagon Alley. It is a shopping center, lined with shops on either side. Here is where we will acquire your books, robes, wand and other items."
"But I haven't got any money, sir." Haley said, clearly saddened by this fact.
"There is a school fund available for students in your… predicament," Severus said, scowling ferociously at some witches and wizards who were staring at him, mouths agape. "Now," he said, once the witches and wizards had backed off. "We will be going to Madam Malkin's to purchase your robes, cloak, and gloves. I assume you know what those are?"
Haley nodded. "Amelia showed us everything she could," she said.
"Interesting," Severus said slowly. "Who is us, exactly?"
"My aunt and uncle," he said. "They're Amelia's aunt and uncle too. We're cousins."
"I know how family dynamics work, Miss Kent," Severus said. "Thank you for the lesson."
Haley smiled… No. Haley smirked. Severus eyed her for a moment. She seemed more talkative now. Perhaps it was because she was away from her relatives. Then again, perhaps not.
Once they reached Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Severus stepped inside.
"Ah, Severus!" Madam Malkin exclaimed upon seeing the Potions Master. "Here for some new robes?"
Severus shook his head. "Not I, Madam." He gestured with his free hand to Haley. "A new student."
"Ah," Madam Malkin said. "Hello there, dear, my name is Madam Malkin. Who might you be?"
Haley peered up at the woman and smiled slightly. "Haley Kent, ma'am," she said.
"Pleased to meet you, dearie," Madam Malkins said. "Shall we get you fitted for your robes?"
Haley nodded, and Severus released her hand.
"Follow me," Madam Malkin said, starting to walk off.
Haley looked around, then stepped forward, extending her cane in front of her. Severus stepped back and looked on, as she hesitantly followed Madam Malkin. He was not about to help the girl. She could manage on her own. She would have to, once she got to Hogwarts, anyway. No sense in babying her.
"This way, dear," Madam Malkin said, when Haley had paused at an intersection, looking around, unsure of where to go. Madam Malkin stared at Haley for a few moments before comprehension dawned on her face.
"My apologies, dear," she said, stepping forward. "I had no idea you couldn't see me. Forgive me."
"It's all right," Haley replied. "I'm used to it."
Severus rolled his eyes. Where in Merlin's beard had the formalities come from? Haley was polite, he already knew that, but this? This was even more polite… more formal.
"Can you see me at all?" Madam Malkins asked.
Haley shook her head.
Madam Malkin walked off with Haley, giving Severus a questioning, disbelieving look. His responding glare advised her to keep her mouth shut, and so she did.
"Oh! Professor Snape, is that you?"
Severus turned to see a redheaded Molly Weasley striding in, clutching the hand of her youngest daughter, Ginny.
"Molly." Severus inclined his head to the older witch. "I am escorting a student to Diagon Alley to retrieve her supplies."
"You?" Molly asked. "Forgive me for prying, Professor, but you don't seem like the type of person who would be willing to do that."
Severus sighed. "I'm not," he stated matter-of-factly, "but Albus, on the other hand, feels that I am."
"Ah, I see," Molly said, giving Severus a sympathetic look. "Well, good luck, Professor. Ginny and I are off to get Arthur another set of work robes."
Severus nodded, as the two witches scampered off. Oh, he knew Molly's kids would hear about this encounter soon. Once they did, it would not be long before everyone in the entire school knew. He cursed Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.
Five minutes later, Madam Malkin returned with Haley, who was clutching her new robes in her cane arm, her now folded cane dangling from a strap on her wrist. Severus handed over the money, then took Haley's hand. Surely, there was a better way to guide the child. Perhaps not. Not in Diagon Alley, where it was crowded beyond belief and she would easily get lost.
"Hand me your robes," Severus said.
Haley handed over her robes. Severus took them and placed them into a bag. A few flicks of his wand, and the bag became expandable and lightweight, allowing it to hold plenty more, as well as easily be carried without any trouble.
"Now we must purchase your cloak," Severus said, turning to the selection of cloaks. He chose the standard, paid, then put the cloak into the bag. He did the same with the dragon hide gloves, handing each item to Haley so she could feel it, before placing it into the bag.
"Where are we going next?" Haley asked.
"To Flourish and Blotts, to get your schoolbooks," Severus said. "But first…" He looked down at Haley's dirty cane. Flicking his wand at it, he muttered, "Scourgify." and watched the dirt and grime fade away.
"What was that?" Haley asked.
"I cleaned your cane," Severus remarked. "Why was it so dirty? Do you not have any idea how to clean?"
Haley shook her head. "It fell in the mud, which dried." she said. "I couldn't figure out how to get it off."
"And no one helped you?" Severus asked.
Haley shook her head and shrugged.
Severus rolled his eyes.
"School books?" Haley asked, changing the subject as the two of them exited Madam Malkin's and headed towards Flourish and Blotts. "How will I read, sir? Do they have Braille books?"
"Not to my knowledge," Severus said. "However, the mechanics of how you will read and write will be sorted out by the time you arrive at Hogwarts."
When the two reached Flourish and Blotts, Severus spoke briefly to the proprietor, and purchased the appropriate books.
"Do you see any Braille books?" Haley asked.
"Does Flourish and Blotts carry Braille books?" Severus asked the shopkeeper.
The man shook his head. "We don't have enough demand, sorry."
Next, they made their way to the Apothecary to gather the supplies that Haley would need for her first year of Potions.
"Professor?" Haley asked. "What supplies do I need?"
Severus was only too happy to answer the Potions question. "You will need a pewter cauldron, brass scales, and glass or crystal vials."
"Scales?" Haley looked uneasy. "I can't read the scales, Professor."
"That will be taken care of by the time you arrive," Severus said, as they left the Apothecary.
"How?"
"I don't know," Severus said honestly, "but I will see to it myself that you will have the necessary accommodations made. I do teach Potions, as I explained earlier. As such, you will need a level playing field, if you do at all attempt to succeed in my class. If, however, you do not intend to even try, kindly let me know now, so that I do not waste my time on unnecessary accommodations. Understood?"
Haley nodded. "What can you make with potions?"
Severus began to delve into the many uses of potions as they walked along. He didn't even bother to glare at the many students and their families, who stopped to stare at him. So engrossed was he in the conversation, that he almost forgot where they were heading, until they reached the dark door of the last shop.
"… here we are, Ollivanders. To purchase your wand."
"My wand," Haley said in awe.
"What did you expect to do magic with?" Severus quipped. "A finger?"
Haley shook her head as they entered the small, quiet shop. A few moments passed before Mr. Ollivander himself stepped out of the shadows. "Ah," he said. "Another first-year. With"—he blinked rapidly—"Severus Snape?"
Severus merely nodded to him.
"I still remember the wand you bought many years ago with Miss Lily Evans."
"Wonderful," Severus said sarcastically. "I am not your customer, Ollivander."
Mr. Ollivander's eyes drifted to Haley. He stared at her cane, then at Haley herself. He raised an eyebrow, then looked confusedly to Severus, who scowled.
"Focus, old man," Severus snapped. "I do not have time to stand here, watching you gawk and gape at a blind girl. Get on with it."
Mr. Ollivander blinked, then looked back to Haley, mouthing the word "blind". "I apologize," he said. "However, you must understand, it is not every day that a… blind student walks into my shop, let alone one with the intent on attending Hogwarts. Extraordinary indeed."
Haley looked uncomfortable at this statement. She looked to Severus, before returning her gaze to Mr. Ollivander.
"Now," the wandmaker said. "Let us get started on matching you with your wand. Which is your wand hand?"
Haley looked uncertain.
"You're writing hand," Mr. Ollivander said.
Haley shook her head.
Mr. Ollivander frowned. "Oh," he muttered. "I… Your…"
"The hand you use most," Severus clarified, glowering at the old man, who had the grace to look embarrassed.
Haley lifted her right hand, moving her cane to the crook of her left arm.
Mr. Ollivander pulled a long tape measurer from his pocket and moved around the shop, collecting boxes. The tape measurer began measuring Haley of its own accord, before Mr. Ollivander snapped his fingers and it stopped, crumpling to the ground at her feet. Through all of this, the girl stood, expressionless.
"Try this one," Mr. Ollivander said, pressing a box into Haley's hand.
Haley opened the box, drew out the wand, and held it up.
"Give it a wave," Mr. Ollivander instructed, eyes dancing with curious delight.
Haley did as she was told, and the shelf behind her exploded. She jumped at the noise, and quickly stuck the wand back into the box, apologizing profusely to the elderly wandmaker for breaking his things.
"Not to worry," Mr. Ollivander said. "Things can be repaired. All in a good day's work. Try this one."
Haley tried. And tried. And tried. And tried. Boxes began to pile up, but Mr. Ollivander only seemed to grow more and more excited as the pile grew.
"You're a tough one, aren't you?" he said, almost conversationally.
"Maybe I can't do magic," Haley said, voice soft. Since I'm blind."
"Nonsense," Mr. Ollivander said. "You can do magic, it's just a matter of finding the right wand to help you. There is one that I would like to try. One moment."
Mr. Ollivander disappeared into the back, returning a few minutes later and handing Haley an older-looking box.
"It is not a common combination," he explained, "but I wonder…"
Haley took the wand and waved it about. Almost instantly, blue sparks shot from the end of the wand, illuminating Mr. Ollivander's excited features.
"Brilliant!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Absolutely brilliant! Looks like Hogwarts can be expecting a very talented witch indeed. Willow wood with an Augurey tailfeather for the core. Fifteen-and-a-half inches. Very flexible. A very rare and unique combination. One I did not think I would ever see."
"What do you mean?" Haley asked. "What's an Augurey?"
"Willow is particularly picky about who it chooses to bond with," Mr. Ollivander explained, taking the wand from Haley, and packing it up. "The core is also unique for such a wand. The Augurey is an Irish phoenix, and is rumored to be extinct, but that is because they are incredibly difficult to find, preferring to stay hidden in secluded areas. They are even more reluctant than the standard phoenix to give up their tailfeathers for wands. I acquired this wand many, many years ago, thinking no one would be claimed by it. Clearly, I was wrong. I do expect to hear about how this wand fairs you. I must admit, I am very curious, what with you not being able to see and all."
Haley shrugged, took the bag from Mr. Ollivander, and offered the bag to Severus.
"Keep it," he told her. "That is your wand, and you will do well to remember to keep it on your person at all times."
Haley nodded and waved to Mr. Ollivander, who smiled and waved back, before remembering she couldn't see him.
"Farewell," he called. "Do keep in touch, won't you?"
"I will," Haley called as she left the store with the Potions Master.
Mr. Ollivander watched the pair go before turning to fix the mess that had been made by his most intriguing customer.