Chapter sixteen:
Vindicated
Harry had been standing in Snape's office in the potions classroom that Christmas morning, demanding what he had done to his aunt to cause her to cry. Snape had been disrespected by the Gryffindor by the false accusation and kept his piercing eyes on Harry as he took a step forward towards the Gryffindor. "You enter my own office...and falsely accuse me, Potter." Snape stated in slight intimidation. Harry didn't fully believe Snape's words and his temper had gotten the best of him. "Yeah? Then why was she crying when I spoke with her last night? She mentioned you, professor." Harry snapped. Snape just stared at Harry expressionless, having no idea on what he was talking about. "No idea...but you have just cost yourself ten points from Gryffindor for your sheer disrespect, Potter." Snape stated in a harsh tone. Harry bit his cheek at the loss of points but still failed to get answers about his aunt. "I suppose I'll just ask her then, I'll be seeing her at home all holiday break anyway." Harry sassed before leaving the Potions classroom. Snape watched as Harry left and was left there wondering exactly why Victoria had been crying, and about him. Victoria had already been in the great hall, sitting at the professors table at the podium wearing a dark blue, modest dress that had laced sleeves and her ginger hair down like normal, draping over her shoulders when Snape had arrived into the great hall.
Victoria had gotten up early to speak with Dumbledore about taking Harry to meet her adoptive parents over the holidays in France, in which Dumbledore thought it was a grand idea to clear Harry's mind. Victoria had kept short contact with her adoptive parents through owls every now and then over the weekends. Snape spotted Victoria at the table and as eager as he was though he kept his serious composure, he had taken Aurora Sinistra's seat next to Victoria. Seats at the podium were only assigned on the first day and during special events, the rest of the time they were upon the professor's discretion. Victoria looked over to spot Snape, whom was now her boyfriend, sitting beside her on her right. "Morning, Severus." Victoria greeted with a shy smile, setting her fork back onto her plate. Snape studied her for a moment before turning to his own plate. "Morning, indeed." Snape replied, taking his cup into his hand and inspecting it's contents before setting it back down on the table. Victoria studied Snape's movements curiously before parting her lips to speak. "Is everything okay, Severus?" Victoria asked, slightly concerned. Snape turned his dark eyes onto Victoria before quivering a faint, crooked, small smile before it quickly faded. "Potter decided to stop by my office early this morning. It is to his knowledge that, apparently, I have upset you last night..." Snape clarified, quirking a brow for only a moment before dropping it.
Victoria was surprised to hear to what she had heard and became slightly embarrassed by her actions the previous night, having her nephew see her like that. "Oh no, he misunderstood what he saw...I had no idea he would do that, Severus." Victoria attempted to make out the words, obvious that she was embarrassed by the situation. "Mind telling me what he misunderstood?" Snape asked forwardly. Victoria glanced at the great hall, noticing Harry and the rest of the students entering the great hall for breakfast before they head off home for the holidays. Harry had spotted his aunt and Snape talking, spotting his aunt's tense stare before he turned to his friends, having an idea what was going on. Victoria turned back to Snape, locking her green eyes with his dark ones. "Last night, I was so happy with our time alone and that we were together, so I was crying but happy tears when Harry came to my office. He asked if I was alright and I told him I was, then I was going to explain to him why I was happily crying, had mentioned your name but decided he needed to be back in bed because of the time of night. He left before I could say anything else." Victoria explained.
Victoria truly felt guilty for Harry's actions towards Snape over her. Snape listened on to her words before putting the pieces together. "It was just a misunderstanding. I apologize on behalf of myself and Harry." Victoria apologized, still embarrassed before straightening her posture and waiting for Snape to respond. "Consider yourself vindicated. I quite enjoyed our night together as well." Snape replied, wearing a soft, proud expression on his face before turning to his breakfast. Victoria felt a sense of relief from the situation and knew she would have to speak to Harry about it over the holidays on the misunderstanding. "I'm glad to hear it. I look forward many more of those, as we are, official and all." Victoria stated, taking a sip of her pumpkin juice. Snape honestly liked the sound of being official but of course, they had to remain professional at the school in front of the students. "Couldn't agree more." Snape replied, simply as he began to eat some. "Have any plans over the holidays?" Snape attempted small talk while they ate in midst of the silence, particularly because he noticed Harry had been watching from the Gryffindor table frequently.
Victoria placed her fork back onto her plate and turned to Snape. "Yes, this year I'm taking Harry to spend the holidays with my adoptive parents in Paris. They're wanting to stop here in England then we all go to France together. I figured it would be nice that they met." Victoria explained. Snape felt indifferent about her going to France for a brief visit, but perhaps having Harry out of the country would give more room for Snape to speak with Dumbledore about the unfolding of the Triwzard tournament and what it meant for the fate of the boy who lived despite wanting to have a little more time with Victoria. He hadn't thought about the fact that he had to keep secrets from her about his double agent status between Dumbledore and Voldemort but if he didn't, he was sure she wouldn't be able to trust him with her nephew if he was involved with Voldemort. "I'm sure Potter will enjoy it...though, I hope you do as well." Snape replied politely, placing a brief smile on his lips before turning to the rest of his breakfast. Victoria formed a light smile on her face at his reply, wishing she could bring him along but figured it would be far too soon in their relationship to have introductions to her parents. The rest of the professors at the table had been mingling with each other and a few had left the table after a while, who had been sitting next to Victoria and Snape, in order to begin their holidays; some students had also began exiting the great hall. "I shall. But don't worry..." Victoria began, lowering her voice to a soft tone, adding, "I will bring you a surprise back from France when we return to school after the holidays." Victoria flirted lightly, pursing her lips for a mere moment before taking a sip of her pumpkin juice. Snape caught on to the flirtatious words and become quite curious as he remained facing forward. "Intriguing...any idea on what it may be?" Snape asked, merely out of curiosity, playing along. Victoria set her cup back down and glanced her green eyes at Snape. "You will have to wait and see." Victoria replied, keeping the curiosity flowing within Snape.
Harry had been eating breakfast with his friends the entire time and kept his eye on his aunt and Snape, wondering why they had been sitting next to each other and talking since he had the idea of Snape being the reason she had been crying the previous night. "Maybe they worked it out?" Hermione suggested. Harry shrugged, figuring that Hermione's theory couldn't be far fetched if they were talking. "I suppose." Harry briefly said. Ron was scarfing down breakfast amongst the chatter of their fellow classmates. "Have any plans for the holidays? Either of you?" Hermione asked, looking to Ron, who had a mouthful of food before looking to Harry. "No idea. Just with my aunt, to my knowledge anyway." Harry pointed out. Seamus turned to Harry after having a discussion with Dean about Peeves being more annoying than usual and some gossip from Nearly headless Nick. "Hey Harry, Nearly headless Nick just told us that you're going to France this Christmas. You're lucky Harry." Seamus stated. Harry furrowed his eyebrows, completely clueless about what Seamus had just blurted out. "I'm what?" Harry said, puzzled. Ron sat his fork down on his plate and Hermione looked impressed. "Blimey, Harry. You didn't tell us you were going to France. Wish I could go, mum and dad are visiting Charlie again." Ron said in surprise, bummed that he had to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays. Harry looked from his friends and onto his aunt at the podium before back to his friends. "What are you on about? How did he know?" Harry questioned. Those listening on looked at Harry and Seamus curiously. "Nearly headless Nick told us he overheard Professor Hawthorne speak to Dumbledore about it." Seamus explained.
Harry didn't expect to go anywhere for the holidays but knew he would've found out eventually. Students and staff began leaving more and soon the Hogwarts Express would be showing up. The trio had got up and left the great hall while Victoria and Snape got up soon after, exiting the great hall, Snape walked Victoria back to her living quarters, giving a quick kiss before Snape departed. Victoria had gathered her bag before leaving her living quarters and through her classroom to the courtyard, meeting up with Harry. "So, I heard that were going to France over the holidays." Harry pointed out. Victoria sighed, knowing she should've informed him earlier. "I was going to tell you, Harry, but I had to ask Dumbledore first, regarding your safety. My parents should be here fairly soon, have to pick them up from the airport." Victoria explained. Harry glanced at his friends waiting for him, Hermione was leaving but Ron was staying, before looking back at his aunt. "You don't have to go if you don't want to, you can stay with your friends." Victoria offered, knowing it was late notice. Harry was thinking and had gotten an idea. "No, I want to... but if it's alright, can I bring Ron? He's staying behind for the holidays." Harry asked.
Victoria looked over to spot Ron and Hermione talking before looking back to Harry. "Of course. He's more than welcome to join us, go on and let him know. I'll meet you both at the platform in London with my parents." Victoria smiled genuinely. Harry was happy to hear that he could bring Ron and wore a grin on his face as he departed from Victoria and walked to his friends while Victoria left Hogwarts ground to Hogsmeade then apparating to London, making her way to the London Heathrow airport. Snape had watched Victoria leave the grounds before heading to his living quarters, thinking of ways to divert problems in the future with Victoria over his secrecy with Dumbledore on his double agent status. Once Harry walked over to Ron and Hermione, he stopped in front of them. "Ron, you're coming to France with me and my aunt." Harry told him. Ron furrowed his eyebrows , looking a little confused. "What are you playing at?" Ron asked. Harry chuckled. "I asked my aunt if you could come along and she said of course." Harry pointed out. Ron's confused expression morphed into a crooked grin. "Wicked. Let me grab a few things." Ron stated, rushing into the castle to the Gryffindor common room. The train work show up within the next ten minutes and as soon as Ron returned with his bag of things, he walked with Harry and Hermione to the Hogwarts Express and sat together in a compartment.
Victoria made her way to the airport, passing by muggles as they went to their rides when she saw her two adoptive parents waiting outside at the front for her. Upon greeting them, the two grey haired adults gave their adopted daughter a light hug before they got into a taxi cab. "Onslow Gardens in Wallington, please." Victoria told the cab driver, she wasn't much for giving her exact address to strangers unless it was for delivery and she didn't mind walking a short distance if it was necessary. The driver began driving away from the airport after he parents luggage was placed into the trunk. "So, we've heard that you are an aunt, Victoria. Is your nephew as the house?" her adoptive mother, Caroline, asked. Victoria checked on the driver whom was also a muggle to be positive he wasn't eavesdropping before turning back to her adoptive mother. "Harry is meeting me at the London station. I was hoping to have both you relax at my place while I pick him up at the station." Victoria explained. Her adoptive father furrowed his bushy eyebrows for a moment. "Don't you work at his school, Tori?" her adoptive father, Henry, asked.
Victoria didn't want to say Hogwarts exactly in front of the driver, so she won't be keep it simple. "Yes I do, but he enjoys riding the train home with his friends. He's a good kid, you'll like him." Victoria explained. The rest of the cab ride was just catching up with her adoptive parent's lives back in Boston and when they arrived in Wallington, the cab pulled into Onslow Gardens and drove slowly. "Which house, madam?" the cab driver asked. Victoria turned her eyes onto her street and smiled. "The brick house with the red door and gate in the front." Victoria pointed out, soon the cab stopped in the front and they got her parents luggage out before her father obliged to pay for the cab. Once they had gotten settled into the house, Victoria brought them up to one of the free guest rooms. "Oh, I almost forgot...Harry is bringing along a friend from school to spend the holidays with us. I would feel bad if he felt only teenager there." Victoria explained. Her adoptive mother, Caroline, looked at her adoptive father, Henry, as glanced at Victoria. "I see why not, can't wait to meet them both." Henry stated enthusiastically. Victoria was glad that they were okay with the extra guest tagging along and headed out to her back yard, apparating to the front of the London station.
Walking through the London station, Victoria found platforms 9 and 10 before entering through 9 3/4 and onto the platform to wait for the Hogwarts Express. The train arrived five minutes after Victoria arrived, coming to a full stop before the students began leaving the train. Victoria watched on as the trio got off the train, talking amongst each other as they carried light bags for the holidays. "It's quite generous that Professor Hawthorne invited you, Ronald." Hermione stated before smiling at Harry then back at Ron, adding "Happy Christmas." before she walked off towards her parents. Harry looked around as he stood next to Ron before he spotted his aunt. "Come on, Ron." Harry directed, walking up to Victoria, moments later having Ron follows well. "Hey, are you both ready?" Victoria asked. Ron nodded. "Yes, aunt Tori." Harry replied.Victoria smiled softly before they began walking out of the station. "My adoptive parents are waiting at home and we will head out to Paris tomorrow, skip the Christmas rush." Victoria explained as they walked the streets of London now.
Upon finding a secluded area in London, Harry, holding Hedwig's cage in one hand, and Ron placed their hands on Victoria's and they all apparated to the front of Victoria's house. Walking passed the gate and through the front door, Harry closed the door to see the two unfamiliar faces of Victoria's adoptive parents. "Mum, dad, this is my nephew Harry and this is his friend, Ron." Victoria introduced to them. Both of her parents had been sitting comfortable in the living room before they got up to greet the two boys. "Nice to finally meet you, Harry. Just call me Henry, no need for grandpa." Henry greeted warmly. Harry smiled in amusement before also meeting his adoptive grandmother. "And I'm Caroline." Caroline greeted. Victoria had been in the kitchen, making some tea on the stove before walking back into the living room. "Go ahead and make yourself at home. There's the guest room next your room Harry for Ron." Victoria pointed out. Harry and Ron went upstairs to settle in and Victoria served the tea downstairs to her parents and herself. "So, they're kind of like your grandparents, right?" Ron questioned. Harry shrugged. "I suppose, yeah. Adopted grandparents." Harry replied, seeming pretty relaxed about it. Ron found it cool to have wealthy grandparents, let alone an aunt. "Wicked. It's brilliant that you've got rich relatives...though, imagine the presents you will be getting, Harry." Ron pointed out.
Harry shook his head as he walked over to Hedwig's cage, opening the door and letting her fly out to the perch in his room. "I don't exactly expect anything, I have my own money anyway from my parents." Harry explained. Ron stuffed his hands into his pockets as Harry went to open the window in his bedroom, letting Hedwig out for a little bit. After catching up with her parents and Harry remained upstairs talking with Ron, then hours later, they all met downstairs for dinner. Victoria had ordered pizza with salad for their sides as everyone sat at the table besides her dad, who liked the sofa in the living room, watching the soccer game on TV. "So, tell me Victoria, how is it teaching at Hogwarts? Anything different compared to Ilvermorny?" Caroline asked. Victoria had to think about the detailed difference, as there were similarities in teaching. "Besides the sorting being different which they use a sorting hat, I believe it's slightly more intense there. They're holding a tournament there this year which haven't been functional for two centuries. Harry is one the champions." Victoria explained. Harry and Ron looked at each other. "It was a malfunction in the selection, though. They have strict rules and I still had to compete." Harry added. Victoria sighed, knowing that it was hard on him having to do so. "Malfunction or not, I'm positive you will do wonderfully." Caroline replied joyfully towards Harry.
Caroline turned to Victoria once again after Harry gave off a brief smile. "So, tell me about this man, Severus, you mentioned in the letters to us." Caroline insisted. Victoria was a little taken back at the straight forward question, wearing a faint blush on her cheeks while Harry and Ron seemed to be quite entertained, Ron elbowed Harry before whispering in his ear. "I have to hear this." Ron whispered as Harry grinned. Victoria noticed the both boy's amused expressions and sighed before looking back to her adoptive mother. "Severus is a fellow Professor at the school. He teaches Potions, which is similar with chemistry in a normal, high school." Victoria began explaining. Harry and Ron kept listening intensively. "Potions is with that large, black cauldron right? Go on." Caroline pushed. Victoria bit her lower lip and nodded before she flickered her eyes to her father in the living room. "This man, Severus, better be taking care of my little girl like a man." Henry shouted from the living room before turning back to the TV. Victoria had wore a blush that kept getting more and more apparent. "Yes, dad." Victoria replied before turning back to her mother. "Yes, you create potions in a cauldron with ingredients. Severus is very reserved and intelligent, he was fortunate to have grown up with my sister and Harry's mother, Lily, in school. He's quite charming." Victoria explained further with a light smile.
Harry and Ron snickered softly at the last compliment she had given Snape which caused Victoria's green eyes to inadvertently fall on them. "What's so funny, you two?" Caroline asked the boys curiously. "Nothing." Harry replied quickly, Ron attempted to keep composure. "Severus is their professor as well, he's a strict teacher." Victoria expressed to her mother. Victoria was beginning to be uncomfortable about speaking about Snape to her parents in front of her nephew and friend since they are students at the school. "I see, well, have you two kissed yet?" Caroline asked curiously. Victoria's cheeks were now fully flushed before she stood up and walked into the kitchen, fetching the bag of caramel popcorn and cookies from the cabinet and set them on the table. "Harry, Ron you can take your dessert upstairs. Go ahead and grab the sodas if you like as well." Victoria ordered kindly. There was no way she would discuss her kiss with Snape in front of the two boys, not only because it was embarrassing but also, she didn't want them finding humor in it around Snape at school either. Harry and Ron sighed before gathering the snacks and headed upstairs. "Goodnight, boys. See you first thing in the morning." Victoria stated before turning back to her mother, sitting back at the table. "What was that?" Caroline asked.
Harry and Ron had gotten upstairs before Ron stayed by the steps while Harry was by the door frame of his bedroom - of course, Ron was curious but Harry didn't think it was a good idea. "I didn't need them to begin seeing Severus differently at the school. But...yes." Victoria said softly, nodding, giving her answer in short in case the boys had been eavesdropping. "Oh, Victoria. When will we be meeting him?" Caroline asked, sometimes Victoria disliked her mother's eagerness to rush things. "I don't know, mom. We've only started our relationship last night. Perhaps later." Victoria replied. Ron and Harry had went into Harry's room to talk, Harry sitting on his bed while Ron sat on the chair. "You suppose your aunt kissed Snape? Or she's bluffing?" Ron asked Harry. Harry shrugged, setting the snacks on his bed. "Possibly. They were sitting next to each other at breakfast..." Harry pointed out as he opened the caramel popcorn. Ron sighed before standing up. "Bloody hell." Ron muttered before grabbing some of the popcorn. The night closed in and in the morning, they would head out to Paris on an early flight.
The morning came and Victoria had went downstairs to start the coffee, being up a couple hours before the flight. Once the coffee pot was on and began making coffee, Victoria walked back upstairs to see her parents have just gotten up to greet the morning. Victoria knocked on both of the boys door in order to wake them up, but leaving them closed for privacy for now. "Wake up, time to go to France." Victoria stated on both doors before going to her bedroom and getting dressed in a modest, black velvet dress that went down to just above her ankles, with six buttons on her chest then slipped on her black heeled boots before packing her clothes for the trip. Upon doing that she noticed that Harry and Ron's doors were still closed, so she knocked on them once again to dead silence before pulling out her wand. "Alohomora." Victoria casted, unlocking the door to spot Harry still sleeping. "Harry!" Victoria stated, hands on her hips. Harry's eyes flew open swiftly and turned quickly to look at his aunt. "Yes?" Harry said in a tired voice, sitting up in bed and grabbing his glasses from the night stand beside his bed. "Our flight to France is in about an hour, were going to have breakfast there since it's only a few hours away. Get packed and ready." Victoria smiled before leaving the room. Harry got up and walked out to the hall and knocked on Ron's door to only unlock the door like his aunt did and went to wake up Ron, basically dragging his best friend out bed. "Get up, Ron." Harry stated before leaving and getting packed. Once everyone was ready and packed, they headed out the door and got a shuttle to the airport, boarding the flight to Paris despite the sleepy start.