Summary: What do you do, when all your hopes and dreams crumble at your feet? Well, you take a deep breath, put on a clean pair of shoes and start all over, that's what.
Wind Beneath My Wings
Chapter 2: Twenty Years Later
April 2032, Twenty Years Later
"... and so, it is with heavy hearts that we say our final goodbyes and send our last wishes for a successful journey on his 'next great adventure'," Minerva finished. She turned to the coffin and whispered, "I shall miss you, my friend." Tears rolled down her aged cheeks.
She made her way from the dais to the knot of teachers recounting Albus' sense of style. "Remember that turquoise robe with the red dragons chasing the green ones? I got vertigo every time I looked his way." There was soft laughter as they all shuddered.
"Severus," Minerva quietly beckoned, "when you feel up to it, I have something Albus left for you."
"Shall I come by for tea tomorrow?"
"That will be fine, Severus."
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"I came in here yesterday morning before the funeral," Minerva explained, "to finish writing my speech. I was looking for some comfort and inspiration. His portrait sent me to his personal safe where I found this letter for you. I can't imagine what is in it that he would need to keep it locked in a safe, but, anyway... here you go." She handed him a large, yellowed envelope simply addressed with his name, 'Severus'.
"May I?" he asked. At her nod, he broke the seal. Inside, he found two sealed letters. He took out the one addressed to him and read it silently.
My Dearest Severus,
If you are reading this then I have embarked on my next great adventure. I have been ready for this journey for many years now so try not to be sad for me.
I wish you to know that you have always been the son of my heart. As such, I have provided for you in my will as would befit an heir – you deserve all of it and so much more.
You are young yet. Enjoy life and find the happiness that is out there for you somewhere. At the end, I will be there to greet you and ask of your experiences.
With much love,
Your 'father', Albus
P.S. As my last request of you, I ask you please to deliver the enclosed letter personally to the name printed on the envelope. He is an acquaintance of mine whom I have not seen for many years and we have not remained in contact. Despite that, I do not wish him to learn of my passing else wise.
Severus swallowed thickly, slowly refolded the letter and pulled out the second one from the large envelope. It was addressed to Don Aristo Verde, El CodeMa.
He turned to the Headmistress and asked, "Do you know what or where El CodeMa is, Minerva?
"No, why?"
"Albus has asked me to personally deliver a letter to Don Aristo Verde."
"The Potions Master?"
"It would seem so. I wasn't aware that Albus knew him. Verde and I have had sparse professional correspondence over the years but I don't recall any mention of their acquaintance, although we never delved into anything of a personal nature."
"I have never heard Albus mention him either. Nor do I recall ever hearing the phrase El CodeMa. My first instinct is that it is a school, since most of Albus' social contacts are education-related, but it may be a laboratory. Irma may know. Regardless, let me know what you discover and I will arrange a portkey for you."
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"Puerto Rico, you say? That's in the Caribbean, right?"
"Yes. El Colegio de Magica is located in a hidden area on the east side of the mainland. I would appreciate it if you could get me close."
"I'll do my best. I will arrange for you to leave after your classes on Friday."
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"Here you go, Severus," Minerva said, handing him a map of Puerto Rico. "This map is your portkey and it is set to activate at 5 p.m. Friday afternoon. You will be travelling back on the clock so you will arrive around 10 a.m. Friday morning at the Ministry in San Juan. I was assured that they would provide you with the apparition coordinates for the school upon your arrival. A direct portkey was unattainable since, by international law, visitors must register with the nearest Ministry upon arrival in a foreign country. However, I was able to arrange a return portkey directly to your quarters. It is set to activate at midnight on Sunday, their time. Since you will then be travelling forward on the clock, you should arrive here at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday morning. I realize you may be somewhat fatigued, but I felt it was a small price to pay for a short tropical holiday. I intend for you to take Saturday and Sunday as such, so enjoy. Explore the island. You need a vacation, Severus."
"Thank you, Minerva. I will see you at lunch on Monday."
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"Excuse me," Severus stopped a young man. "Where may I find Don Aristo Verde?"
"Don Verde está en su oficina. Sígueme, yo te mostraré," the boy said indicating Severus was to follow.
They stopped at a door with a nameplate declaring it the office of Don Aristo Verde, El Subdirector, Profesor de Pociones y Defensa.
Severus thanked the boy, then turned and knocked on the door. He heard a voice say "Entrar," and he entered the office. As he did so, he noticed that the Professor was busy reaching down a book from an upper shelf behind his desk thus presenting his back to the door.
"Siéntese por favor. Estoy contigo en un momento," he said, scribbling a note on the clipboard he held.
While he waited, Severus took in the welcoming atmosphere of the office. It was comfortably appointed and well-organized. He noticed the various masteries, awards and photos decorating the walls as well.
Don Verde replaced the book on the shelf. "Sí, cómo puedo ayudarle?" he said as he turned around. He lifted his head and gasped. "Severus?"
Severus stared for a moment. "Potter?" he asked incredulously. "You are Aristo Verde?"
Harry nodded. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?" He sat down, his face pale.
"I didn't. Albus sent me."
"Albus? How did he know?"
"I haven't the slightest idea." Severus cleared his throat. "Albus passed last week," he began, "and left a letter for you – for Don Aristo Verde, that is – which he asked me to personally deliver."
Harry swallowed, his eyes suddenly wet. "Albus is gone?"
"Here is the letter he left for you," Severus said less harshly handing it over.
Harry took it and ran his fingers over the familiar handwriting. "Thank you," he whispered.
"Well, I guess that's all. My mission is complete. Goodbye, Potter."
"Please, Severus. Don't leave. I... It would be nice to catch up with you."
A knock on the door interrupted. Harry called out, "Entras."
A small girl opened the door. "Buenas tardes, Don Verde."
"Buenas tardes, Bianca. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarle?"
"El Director Ferrara desea hablar contigo."
"Gracias, Bianca."
Harry turned back to Severus. "The Headmaster wishes to see me. Would you like to come along? I'll give you a tour on the way."
"That would be acceptable, Potter," he answered stiffly, nodding his head.
"I haven't used that name in twenty years. Call me Aristo or Ari, please."
The two men stepped out onto the open-air walkway. Harry began an accounting of the history of the building and then moved onto a brief history of El CodeMa itself. "This building used to be a centre for missionaries aimed at converting the local indigenous population to Christianity. It was built in the 1700's with local stone and coral dredged from the sea. Eventually, it was converted to a school in the late 1800's. Only recently, about 40 years ago, was it converted to a magic institution.
"About fifteen years ago, we began the process of modernizing the program into what you see today. We still have relatively few students if you compare it to one of the older institutions such as Hogwarts or the Salem Institute. El CodeMa began with ten students and has increased its enrolment yearly. Today, we have about 200 students ranging in age from six through eighteen. We also have twelve apprentices. Due to the low number of students, our programme tends to be more personally tailored. That is to say, that if a 3rd grade student for example, shows higher skills than his age mates in a certain subject, he may be moved up a level for that subject while still remaining with his year-mates for the other lessons.
"Most of the instructors teach more than one subject and a few even teach three. Our curriculum covers the same basic wizarding subjects as Hogwarts, but we also have a full secular curriculum consisting of local and world history, geography, culture and mathematics. Additionally, we offer sports, music, dance, pottery and drawing. It is a very comprehensive program and we pull students from all over Central and Latin America."
Severus found himself awed with the scope of the program and with Harry's obvious pride in the school. He was no less impressed by the man's bearing and self-confidence.
They were stopped multiple times along the way for advice, answers and well wishes for a good weekend – all of which was conducted in either Spanish or the local Taíno language. Due to his knowledge of Latin, Severus understood the gist of most of the comments and questions. Harry exuded an air of respect and knowledge not often seen in one so young and it was clear that both students and staff thought very highly of him.
Finally, they arrived at the Headmaster's office and Harry knocked on the door. "Entras."
"Buenos tardes, Alex. ¿Deseó hablar conmigo?"
"Si. Ah, tienes un visitante. Buenas tardes," he said turning to Severus.
"El Director Alejandro Ferrara, puedo presentar el Gran Maestro de Pociones, Severus Snape. Él es un colega mío de pociones."
"Oh, sí, reconozco su nombre. Bienvenido, ¿Qué se trae por aquí?
Severus furrowed his brow. "I apologize. I did not understand your question. I thought my Latin would get me by, but not well enough, evidently."
Alex chuckled. "No problema. Most of the staff is tri-lingual – a product of being a United States territory, a citizen of a Spanish-speaking country and an instructor of the native population. I asked, 'What brings you here?'"
"Ah," Severus acknowledged, "I am here to deliver a letter for Don Verde from Albus Dumbledore who passed last week."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know he passed. We meet each year at the Headmaster's Summer Conference and keep in contact by letter during the year," he said then turned towards Harry. "I didn't know you knew Albus, Ari."
"It's been twenty years since I last had any contact with Albus. I am as surprised as you to have received a letter from him, and even more so for it to have been delivered by Potions Master Snape," Harry answered.
"He was an important and well-respected man in the British wizarding community. I am sure he will be missed. My condolences, Master Snape. You two must have been close for him to request that you travel halfway around the world just to deliver a letter."
"He was my mentor and friend and was like a father to me," Severus acknowledged. "I will miss him very much."
He turned to Harry. "I am not prying, Ari, but the letter must have contained important information for him to request such a personal delivery. If you wish to discuss it with someone, you know I am happy to be here for you."
"I have not read it yet, but I will keep that in mind. Thank you," Harry responded. He cleared his throat, "You wished to see me?"
Alex brightened. "Oh, yes. I wished to inform you we will be gathering this evening on El Barco to celebrate Josef and Marta's engagement."
"Finally!"
"I said the same thing. We plan to meet at nine this evening. You are invited, as well, Master Snape. It will give you an opportunity to meet our staff and be duly impressed as much as we are," he laughed. "Have you had a chance to tour our school?"
"Somewhat. Don Verde informed me of the history of the building and the scope of the program on our way to your office."
"Bueno. Ari can answer all your questions. He is quite knowledgeable – I believe he is better informed than I am by this point." Alex turned to Harry. "So, I will see you later. By the way, what do you think about going in together on a gift?"
"Just you and me or the whole staff?"
"I thought the whole staff – we can do something better that way."
"I agree. Let me know what the final decision is. Hasta la vista."
Harry and Severus left the office.
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(A/N: Where necessary, I have tried to use simple Spanish that can easily be understood from the context and/or from responses. I hope I have succeeded, but please let me know if I have not.)