A/N: Characters and world property of JK Rowling. No copyright infringement intended.
Of Blacks and Boarhounds
Lulabelle threw her arms around the tall man's waist, hugging him tightly. "Thank ya so much, Lou. You're really takin' me to Spinner's End?"
"Well. Yes. But I fear you are placing too much value on the place, and will be sorely disappointed upon arrival."
She leaned up to place her hands around the back of his neck, tugging him down to her level so she could kiss his cheek.
"Nothin' 'bout ya could disappoint me, Severus Snape." She released him to dash around the vehicle and get in on the passenger side.
Chapter Three
June 27, 1992
Severus slowly folded himself into the Jeep, deep in thought. This small chit of a woman had appeared in his life, out of nowhere, and somehow knew all about him? The things she'd said, facts about his past, glimpses of his future, had him craving more. He had to know all that she did. And yet, at the same time, he had a most uncomfortable feeling in his chest when he looked at her. He brushed off the lure of attraction; there was no denying her beauty. It seemed her tiny body was mostly leg, and her petite figure was exquisite in its hourglass shape. No, this was something more than that. He felt a need to help, nay, to protect this mere slip of a girl.
"I still need the keys, Lulabelle."
"First ya need to buckle up, Lou. Ya never start a car without your seatbelt on," she lectured.
Huffing, Severus pulled the belt across his lap, fastening the buckle soundly. He held his hand out towards her. "Keys."
"Just mash that button, there. It's a push-button start."
Raising an eyebrow in disbelief, he pressed the button. Gobsmacked, he stared at the dash as the vehicle came to life. It was like nothing he'd ever seen before, yet at the same time vaguely reminiscent of the sci-fi shows he'd loved in his youth. He turned his head towards Lulabelle in silent question.
"I guess cars come a long way in the next thirty years?" she said and shrugged apologetically.
"Quite." Severus took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and backed out of the parking spot.
They turned left onto the road, passing by the front of The Boar's Head on their way to Spinner's End.
Conversationally, Severus said, "I guess it is a good thing that you know all about me. I haven't driven in at least ten years, but I do still keep up my driving licence."
"I hadn't considered that at all, to be honest," she sheepishly replied. "Like I said, I only know what's in the books, and the only cars they mentioned were the Weasley's flyin' Ford Anglia and couple Ministry vehicles. Oh, and the Dursleys had a car; I don't remember what kind, though."
"Every time you open your mouth, I'm left with more questions. First and foremost, what books?"
Lulabelle hesitated, knowing this man's complicated feelings regarding the boy around whom the novels centered.
Cautiously, she stated, "A woman by the name of J.K. Rowling wrote a series of books about a young wizard and his time at Hogwarts. There are seven total, one for each year of school. I can tell ya what happens in all of 'em, but since the first book covers what was last year for y'all, we should probably talk about that one first. Just to make sure everything, well, happened the way the books say."
"And you've read all of these books?"
She laughed. "I think half the world has read the books, Lou. It's a huge deal in my time. Each book was made into a movie, and the last book was made into two. The author made over a billion dollars, sorry, pounds, and then became the first billionaire to lose her 'billionaire status' 'cause of charitable givin'. There's more merchandisin' than ya can shake a stick at, kids dress up in Hogwarts robes for Halloween, hell, they even made a theme park based on the Wizarding world. People write fanfiction about it! But yes, to answer your question, I've read all the books. Many times. I'm sure I could quote my favorite passages to ya. They've long been a favorite of mine."
The car slowed, and Severus pulled over in front a small, dingy-looking house at the end of a row of other small, dingy-looking houses.
Putting the Jeep in park, he asked, "I assume I am to… 'mash'… the same button to turn off the engine?"
"Yep, that's it."
"You said you were on your way for a week at a cabin? I gather you have luggage of some sort?" he queried, turning to look into the back of the vehicle.
"Oh! I figured that after our talk I'd just find a hotel that allows pets. I'll probably need to find a place to exchange dollars for pounds, first, though. And figure out how much cash I have, since I'm bettin' my credit cards won't work for another thirty years…" she trailed off at the end.
Severus turned back to face her. "Foolish girl. Do you really think I'd let you wander off on your own now? You and your beast shall stay here. I have a spare room."
"Oh sugar, we'll definitely be revisitin' the subject of ya lettin' me do anything, but if you're sure, I'll gladly take ya up on your offer of hospitality. My bags are in the back, if ya don't mind helpin'."
They exited the Jeep, and Lulabelle opened the back door to allow Sinaka to escape. He gracefully leapt from the seat and immediately went to sniff around the yard. The human portion of the trio rounded the vehicle, where Lulabelle opened the swing gate. She handed Severus what appeared to be an oddly-shaped mattress and a blue IKEA bag, grabbing the large duffel bag and a 40 lb bag of dog food for herself. His eyes widened at the apparent ease in which she hefted the food bag over her shoulder.
"A featherlight charm wouldn't go amiss, if I may?" he asked, gesturing towards the large bag on her shoulder.
"Thanks, but I do this all the time. I 'preciate the offer, though," she said, slamming the swing gate closed. After a quick explanation of smart keys and locking systems, she turned towards the house.
"So this is the famous home of Severus Snape!"
Startled, he shook his head for a second. Severus realized she could see his house, and wasn't simply looking past it towards the next one. He vowed to double check the muggle-repelling wards once they brought in all her things, but he knew his wards were without fault. After all, his privacy, and at times his life, depended on them.
"Yes, this is my home, such as it is, for two months of the year. The rest of the time I reside at Hogwarts. Follow me," he said, leading the way through the crooked front gate and up the cracked walkway towards the door. Lulabelle took in the patchy, brown grass of the yard, eyes lighting on the tangle of weeds near the house.
"Are these potion ingredients?" she asked, gesturing to the weeds.
"Merlin, no. I've only gotten home today. That's just a mess that needs to be cleared out. I do have a small garden in the back with things I use for potions, but it will need clearing as well."
Lulabelle smiled and said, "I'd offer to help ya with that, but my mama has always despaired over my inability to keep a plant alive. She says I have the black thumb of death instead of a green thumb. I'm better with animals than plants at any rate."
Severus opened the front door with a wave of his hand. "After you, my lady."
Lulabelle started at his casual display of wandless magic. "God that's hot," she muttered under her breath. Whistling for Sinaka, she entered the house, stumbling when the large dog pushed past her. Severus quickly caught her by the arm before she could fall.
"I'm sorry, apparently Sin's just as excited as I am to see your home!" she said, dropping the dog food bag against the wall of the entryway. Severus raised a questioning eyebrow. "No, that's a lie. He just always has to be first," she admitted.
Severus chuckled at her confession. He gestured towards the living room. "We can put your things here for now; I'll show you to the spare room after we talk. Would you care for tea?"
Lulabelle clapped her hands in delight and grinned toothily at him. "Real English tea?"
"Obviously."
She laughed at his expression. "Can I watch ya make it? From what I've heard, English tea is akin to one of the mysteries of the universe if you're American."
"Of course. As a teacher, one should always aspire to impart knowledge to those less educated. Even if it is something as difficult and mysterious as tea."
Lulabelle snorted at his reply. "I shall endeavor to do ya proud, Professor," was her response.
"I should take points for your cheek."
"Yeah, but from which house?"
"Doesn't matter. You've already been expelled for not knowing how to make tea."
She laughed at his snark and followed him to the kitchen. "Expelled already? What would happen if I asked ya for a glass of sweet iced tea?"
"You'd be Kissed. Immediately."
She blinked in surprise, then understanding dawned on her face. "Oh, ya meant like with the Dementors. Damn," she whispered the last word under her breath. Severus' eyes widened at the implication. Surely she couldn't have been disappointed that he hadn't been talking about kissing her?
"Yes. Quite. Now to your lesson…" The next several minutes were filled with an impromptu and in-depth class in the art of making tea, interspersed with asides such as 'You must let it steep longer. Patience is a virtue,' and 'Never put the milk in first.' Process complete, they retired to the living room to take their tea.
"Sinaka! Get off that couch immediately! This is not our home!" Lulabelle shrieked, mortified at the sight of the big black dog.
Severus snorted and said, "Leave him be. The sofa is older than I am. He can't hurt it."
Still flushed with embarrassment, she replied, "Thanks. Back home Sin has his own couch, so he just kinda does what he wants. I promise he's house trained, though."
"It's no matter. Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the faded loveseat opposite the couch. As they settled themselves down, he added, "Now, about these books?"
Lulabelle took a deep breath. "Right. Well first, I need ya to promise me that you'll listen to what I have to say before ya get all mad and storm off."
With an affronted look, he said, "Naturally."
"The first book is called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Wait! In England it was called the Philosopher's Stone."
Severus let out a long breath. "Of course it had to be Potter," he spat.
"Don't forget your promise! Now. Was there really a stone?"
"Yes."
Bouncing in her seat in excitement, she asked, "For real? Did y'all call it the sorcerer's stone or the philosopher's stone? Was Voldemort really stuck on the back of Quirrell's head? Is Fluffy real? Can I meet him? Did—"
"Merlin's bollocks, woman!" Severus interrupted her. "Calm down!" At the sound of his raised voice, Sinaka lifted his head off the couch where he was laying and growled lowly at Severus. Gulping, he lowered his voice and added, "We call it the philosopher's stone. Mayhap you could start at the beginning, and I shall let you know if anything is inaccurate?" The dog nodded at the man, and lay his head back down.
"Sorry, he's a lil' protective. Doesn't like people yellin' much."
"I gathered."
"Right. So, keep in mind that these are essentially children's books. The later ones become more of a young adult genre, but they were originally marketed to kids. So the first story opens late at night on Halloween of 1981, with Dumbledore leaving a one-year-old Harry Potter on the front porch of the Dursleys home in Lil' Whingin' with a note. This is—"
"Wait. Who are the Dursleys?"
Lulabelle looked at him in confusion. "Vernon and Petunia Dursley? Harry's aunt and uncle?"
"Albus gave the boy to Tuney Evans? The cow who hates magic? How could he be so stupid?" Severus raged.
Lulabelle leapt from her seat towards the Dane, grabbing his collar as he was already halfway across the room. "I think I oughta put Sin out back while we have our talk."
Pale-faced at taking in the now glowing red eyes of the dog, Severus said, "Yes. Right. I apologize for my tone, but that may be for the best." He sighed in relief as Sinaka's eyes returned to normal, noting that Lulabelle didn't seem to notice the change at all. 'Interesting,' he thought. "The back door is just through there," he said, pointing towards the doorway to the kitchen.
He sipped his tea in an effort to calm himself, but had failed miserably by the time she returned. He watched her closely as she sat back down on the loveseat next to him, settling sideways in the seat with her legs crossed under herself so she could face him.
"Trust me, I get it," Lulabelle said. "I've been pissed for years that he left a baby on a doorstep all night, and it was just a story to me. I mean, it gets cold at home on Halloween, but y'all are so much further north than we are!"
"He was there all night?"
"Yeah. Petunia doesn't find him 'til the next morning."
"Christ."
"Lou! Ya just swore like a muggle!" she snickered at him.
Severus snorted. "It happens occasionally, but not often. Don't get used to it."
She smiled at him. "Right. Well, obviously ya know how Petunia feels about magic. Vernon, her husband, is worse. They also have a son named Dudley, and he's just as bad as they are. There's no outright mentions of physical abuse other than by his cousin, but as I said this is for all intents and purposes a children's book, so I have my doubts as to how accurate that is. The next scene in the book is of ten-year-old Harry wakin' up in the cupboard under the stairs, where he's been forced to sleep his entire life. It's Dudley's birthday. Harry gets up and has to cook a full breakfast for 'em, even though he doesn't get to eat much of it himself. Dudley's whinin' 'bout how there's only thirty-seven presents when he'd gotten thirty-eight the year before—"
"I'm sorry, did you say the cupboard under the stairs?" Severus cut her off.
"Yeah. He had a small cot to sleep on, and grew up 'used to spiders.' They also would lock him in there as a punishment, and refuse to feed him. Usually it was for his accidental magic, which they termed his 'freakish behavior.' They were big on appearances, and wanted everything to be normal. The house had four bedrooms, too. One for Vernon and Petunia, one guest room, and Dudley had two rooms to himself. Has. Had? Tenses are hard right now. Shut up. Anyway, it was Dudley's eleventh birthday, and they were goin' to the zoo with one of his lil' friends. The neighbor, Mrs. Figg, was supposed to watch Harry, but—"
"Arabella Figg? She's a—"
"Squib. Yes, I know. She's supposed to be keepin' an eye on Harry for Dumbledore. The Dursleys use her as a babysitter, where she makes Harry look at pictures of her cats and her house smells like cabbage. I think. But we find out later that she deliberately kept her house unpleasant durin' Harry's visits specifically so the Dursleys would keep sendin' him to her. She was worried that if he had fun with her, they'd keep him away. Anyway, she couldn't keep Harry that day because she'd broken her leg. They had no one else to watch him, so he gets to go to zoo with 'em. He talks to a snake, and accidentally—"
"Potter is a—" Severus started to yell.
"A parselmouth, yes. This really will be easier if ya stop interruptin'. So he accidentally vanishes the glass on the snake cage, and sets a boa constrictor free. Vernon is super pissed, they leave the zoo, and Harry is locked into his cupboard for days as punishment. Any questions so far?"
"Why was Vernon drunk at the zoo?"
"What? When did I say that?"
"You said he was super pissed."
Lulabelle laughed, "And pissed means drunk here. I'm sorry, I forgot. I meant he was really angry."
Severus was stunned. The boy he hated, the boy he'd assumed had led a gilded life, the boy he'd sworn to protect, was living in deplorable conditions. Locked away, starved, possibly beaten. Lily's boy. Shame coursed through him when his past treatment of the child came to mind. Lulabelle noticed his expression and touched his hand.
"Are ya ok? I know it's a lot to take in."
"Not really. Please keep going."
"Alright, if you're sure," she said softly. Severus nodded in reply.
"Okay, well, they never told Harry anything about his parents; only that they'd died in a car wreck. Nothin' 'bout magic at all. They called him a freak all the time, they encouraged Dudley hittin' him, and they punished Harry for gettin' better grades than Dudley. The only clothes he had were Dudley's hand-me-downs, none of which fit him properly. Not a great life. Then, a few days before Harry's eleventh birthday, he received his Hogwarts letter, which was addressed to him in the cupboard under the stairs. Vernon took the letter and wouldn't let him see it, but the next day they moved him into Dudley's second bedroom. Soon more owls came with more letters, addressed to the smallest bedroom. For days, more and more letters came. Finally Vernon packed everyone up and went to a hotel, but there were letters waitin' for 'em there. So he takes 'em to some island with a tiny cabin to hide, but Hagrid shows up just after midnight on July 31st to hand-deliver Harry's letter. He brings Harry a birthday cake, his first one ever. Hagrid tells Harry he's a wizard, yells at the Dursleys for not tellin' him sooner, and gives Dudley a pig's tail for sneakin' the cake.
"Hagrid ends up spendin' the night, and the next day takes Harry to Diagon Alley for his school supplies. Harry finds out he has a vault at Gringotts and is able to buy all his things. He also finds out that he's famous, meets Draco, who acts like a jerk, and gets an owl from Hagrid as a birthday present. After that he has to go back home for a month 'til the start of school, which is rather unpleasant for him. On September 1st, Vernon takes him to the train station, fully expectin' platform 9¾ to be a fake, and just leaves him there without makin' sure he gets where he's supposed to be. The Weasleys end up helpin' Harry find the platform, since Hagrid forgot to tell him how to access it. Ya still with me?"
Severus nodded once more.
"Right. So he's on the train, where he meets Ron, Hermione, and Neville. He and Ron are fast friends, and they ride the boats to the castle together. He's sorted into Gryffindor, as I'm sure ya remember. He does alright with his classes at first, although Potions is difficult. Did ya really start the first lecture with, 'You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-makin'. As there is lil' foolish wand-wavin' here, many of ya will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect ya will really understand the beauty of the softly simmerin' cauldron with its shimmerin' fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitchin' the mind, ensnarin' the senses... I can teach ya how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death—if ya aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually hafta teach?'"
"I start it that way for every class of first years. Saves having to re-write my lectures," he admitted, surprised that she had quoted him exactly.
"Will ya say it for me?" she asked, a bit breathlessly.
"What? Now?"
"Nevermind. Shut up. Let's move on. So all was well, there was a thing with a remembrall at a flyin' lesson which got him a place on the Quidditch team, but pretty calm for the most part. Until Halloween and the troll, that is. So Quirrell lets in the troll, Harry and Ron save Hermione, even though Ron was the reason she was there in the first place—"
"Wait." Severus stopped her. "That's different. Miss Granger had gone looking for the troll. Mister Weasley had nothing to do with it."
"Actually, that's just the story Hermione came up with to cover for 'em. Ron had been an ass and she was cryin' in the bathroom. She didn't know about the troll, so they went to check on her and ended up lockin' the troll in the bathroom with her. It was kinda a mess."
"I see. Please, go on."
"Right. So they figured out you'd been bit by Fluffy, and became convinced ya were tryin' to steal whatever he was guardin'. At Christmas, Dumbledore gives Harry his daddy's invisibility cloak."
She stopped for a moment at Serverus' quick inhale, but then kept going. "They figure out the philosopher's stone is in the school. At some point, there's a Quidditch game where Quirrell jinxes Harry's broom. Ron and Hermione think it's you, though, so she sneaks under the stands and sets your robes on fire. Please don't punish her, Lou; it broke Quirrell's concentration, so it did actually work."
He snorted. "I promise. I will, however, bring it up with her. Often."
Lulabelle laughed. "Sounds fair. Anyway, there's the incident with a dragon, the detention in the Forbidden Forest, Harry's scar hurtin' in the presence of Voldemort, and final exams. Then Hagrid tells 'em that he told a 'stranger' how to get past Fluffy, and they rush to tell Dumbledore that Voldemort can get the stone. McGonagall tells 'em that he's away from the castle, and doesn't believe 'em when they say the stone's in danger. So they go off to get it themselves before it can be stolen. Everything accurate so far?"
"Yes," he stated. "Although I wasn't aware that either Potter had an invisibility cloak."
"Yeah, that's a whole thing… we'll get into it later. Ready to keep goin', or do ya need a break? I know this has been a lot," Lulabelle said.
Severus pinched the bridge of his large nose. "It seems we are at the end of the year. Please keep going, let's just get through this before I bombard you with questions."
"Whatever ya want, Lou," she smiled at him. "So they play music to get past Fluffy and go down the trapdoor. They have to pass Sprout's Devil's Snare, Flitwick's flyin' keys, McGonagall's chess set, the troll is already knocked out, and then your potions logic puzzle. Ron was knocked out at the chess match, and after Hermione solves your puzzle, there's only enough potion for one of 'em. Harry goes on while she goes back to Ron. He finds Quirrell in front of the Mirror of Erised, and ends up with the stone in his pocket and facin' Voldemort. They fight, Harry's skin burns Quirrell's, then he blacks out. Harry wakes up in the hospital wing to Dumbledore tellin' him that Quirrell died and the stone is safe. He goes to the leavin' feast, where a last minute points addition sees Gryffindor beatin' out Slytherin for the house cup. Total Gryffindor bias, by the way. Ya know Dumbledore planned out exactly how many points to award 'em so Slytherin wouldn't win. That jerk…" she trailed off at the end, giving herself a small shake. "So they get their grades and head home on the train. That's… that's pretty much it. What do ya think?"
Severus was silent for several long moments. He opened his mouth to speak, stopped, and closed it again. He took a deep breath, and then another. Finally, he said, "I have no idea what to say."
Lulabelle asked, "Well, is it accurate at least?"
"Yes. Other than the troll at Halloween, which you've explained, everything happened as you've said. Obviously I can't speak for what happened to Potter before arriving at Hogwarts…"
"Let's take a break for awhile, Lou. Lemme let Sinaka in, and then maybe ya can show us your spare room?" she took pity on the man.
Severus responded, "Yes. That's a good idea. Thank you."
Lulabelle rose from her seat and went to the back door, letting in the dog. The two returned to the living room, where Severus was standing near her luggage. "How much of this will you need upstairs?" he asked.
"If ya don't mind, I'd much rather feed him in the kitchen. It's where he eats at home."
"That will be fine."
"So just my bag and his bed, then. The IKEA bag has his bowls and whatnot in it, so I'll just leave it with the food," she answered.
"As you wish," he stated, throwing her bag over his shoulder and picking up the dog bed once more.
Lulabelle was quick to say, "Oh Lou! Lemme take part of that!"
"Nonsense, woman. Just follow me and I'll show you to your room."
She huffed at him, but did as he bade. Lulabelle stopped him at the foot of the stairs, however. "Sin has to be first on the stairs. He'll knock ya clean over tryin' to win the race if ya don't," she said apologetically.
Severus snorted and then gestured towards the stairs. "After you, Sinaka." The large dog bounded up the narrow staircase, three steps at a time. "I see what you mean," he smirked to Lulabelle as he turned to ascend the stairs.
"No manners at all when it comes to bein' first," she sighed, rolled her eyes, and followed Severus up the staircase.