Hey Y'all! Here's Chapter 2 - a bit a peak at the OC this time. Let me know what you think!
Chapter 2: Write the Damn Letter Severus
He had a sister. He couldn't believe it. Severus Snape had a sister, a little sister. He didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry or scream or curse something. Probably curse something.
He brewed a heritage potion and by Merlin so did Longbottom. Why did Longbottom have to brew this potion right? Severus could have been happy to go the rest of his life without either revelation; that Longbottom did something correct and that he had a sister.
Severus Snape had a sister. Fuck.
His mother, Eileen, had an affair (and doesn't that just churn the stomach? His mother having an affair). His mother had an affair with a Black, with Orion Black. His sister had Sirius Fucking Black as a brother. Sirius Black, the recently escaped mass murderer who was responsible for Lily's – his Lily's – death.
How the fuck did this even happen? How the fuck did this get covered up? How did his mother hide the fact that she was pregnant from his father? Or did his father know and think it was his? Maybe his father couldn't stand the thought that another one of his children was magical and made his mother give it up? It wouldn't be the first time his father made his mother do something she didn't want to do.
But…Orion Black? Really? I suppose there is no doubt now that she had horrible taste in men.
As his thoughts jumped from berating his mother's taste in men to the various ways two high profile pure bloods hid a magical child, Severus paced Albus Dumbledore's office as the headmaster sat in his chair, twinkling eyes following Severus as he walked out his distress.
"Would you care for a lemon drop Severus?"
"No"
"Would you care to sit down?"
"No"
"How about a cup of tea?"
Severus resigned himself to the armchair by the fireplace. Albus joined him after calling Lolly the house elf for some tea.
Albus titled his head toward Severus causing his glasses to fall slightly down his nose, "What are the chances this is a mistake?"
"None. I brewed that potion four times. I even used ingredients from different importers to ensure it wasn't contamination that caused it. There is no chance this is a mistake Albus"
"What would you like to happen Severus?"
That threw Severus. What would HE like to do? Did he even have a choice in what happened? Does he ever?
"Do I even have a choice in the matter? Black is out there Albus, we have more important things to think about" Severus poured the tea. No milk but 3 sugars for Albus, black for Severus.
"That is where you are wrong, dear boy. While the escape of Sirius is pressing, the discovery of your sister is important and may well prove to be to your benefit if you let it." Albus took his cup, sipping it before leaning back in his velvet armchair, assessing the man in front of him. "If you would listen to the ramblings of an old man, the way I see it you have 2 options: you can forget about the discovery of this girl, continuing on with your life as it is now; or you could contact the girl, introduce yourself and maybe discover that you have more family in this world than you thought."
"Do you think he knows about her?" Severus tried to sound casual, but the way Albus' eye sparkled at him, he hadn't fooled the headmaster. "I highly doubt that Lord Black or your mother would go the effort of erasing all evidence of her birth just to tell one of their other children. No, my dear boy, I suspect that Sirius is as unknowledgeable about her existence as you were"
Severus clutched his cup, letting the heat absorb into his fingers.
"What would I even say headmaster?" Reverting back to his school days calling Dumbledore by his position rather than his first name; something that took him more time than he cared to admit to get use to. "Hello Elspeth, you don't know me, but a useless schoolboy blew up a heritage potion in my face and turns out we're siblings. Fancy a cuppa?"
Albus laughed at him, almost spilling his tea on his garish robes. "Maybe not in those exact terms but, essentially, yes." Albus was treated with one of Severus' infamous glares but was too immune to the young man's moods that he merely smiled gently in return. "What do you want to do Severus?" He repeated, taking another sip of his tea.
"I- I don't know headmaster"
"Well, when you do decide my dear boy, make sure it is a decision that is not made out of fear of rejection"
Severus didn't know what to say to that.
Dear Ms. Moore,
My name is Severus Snape and I believe we are related. I have recently used a heritage test on myself and discovered that an Elspeth Anne Moore, born April 13th, 1973, is my half sister through my mother's side. I have made enquires with the British Ministry of Magic as well as the Magical Congress of the United States of America but no other Elspeth Anne Moore with the same birth year exists. I apologize if this news causes you a shock but my hope in writing this letter is to confirm if we are, in fact, related.
Ideally, one of us would travel to the other where we could use the Polad Heritage Potion (a much more accurate heritage test) to confirm our relation. I am a potions master and will provide the brew myself – I simply require one hair from each party, preferable freshly gathered.
I look forward to your reply at your earliest convenience,
Severus Snape
Potions Master
Head of Slytherin House
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Dear Mr. Snape,
Thank you for your letter and for your consideration in how shocking this news may be for someone unaware of the situation. Rest assured, I have known I was adopted for many years and feel nothing but happy surprise that you have written to me.
I see from your signature that you are a staff member at Hogwarts and, since it is the school year and you will be providing the potion, it is only fair that I make the trip 'across the pond' to meet you. I would be happy to spend as much time as I can afford in Scotland (or wherever you would like to meet) in order to use this potion; however, I am fresh off my mastery and low on funds so I will need several weeks or months to save up some money to afford the trip.
In the meantime, I would gladly keep up corresponding with you to get to know my brother.
Why did you all of a sudden take a heritage test? Do you have any other siblings? Is our mother still alive? How did you get into teaching? What about potions do you love the most? Who did you do your mastery under?
I apologize if it seems I am bombarding you with questions, but I never held any hope of discovery my biological family and I am excited I now how the chance to get to know you.
Warmest Regards,
Elspeth Moore
Magical Theory Master
Dear Ms. Moore,
If needed, I can provide funds to acquire an international portkey and, if you choose to travel in the summer months, may stay with me in my home.
As per your questions, many answers will have to wait until we meet to be answered. In the meantime, my mastery was completed under Master Grazeb in Albania and my favourite part of potions would be the creation of something rather miraculous from a simple collection of materials.
Congratulations on your new mastery. You must be one of the youngest magical theory masters yet. Maybe you can regale me of your mastery thesis topic during our correspondence.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape
Potions Master
Head of Slytherin House
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Dear Severus,
Ms. Moore? Really? I prefer to be called Ellie but if that goes against your formal sensibilities then you can suffer all the way through Elspeth. I think we can safely say we are on a first name basis - I am your sister after all.
Thank you for the offer, but I now have a job working at MACUSA's library as an intern and will have no trouble affording a trip to meet you. It does seem that the summer months may work out best for our goals. And while I may take you up on the offer to stay with you for a few days, I am toying with idea of moving to Britain if all goes well (no pressure, right?).
I admit you have piqued my curiosity by saying many answers I thought simple have to wait. What is complicated about asking if you have any more siblings? But I digress. I will be coming prepared with a novel length list of questions though so consider yourself warned.
One question I insist you answer is this: what is going on with Sirius Black? I've read about him in the newspapers but there is very little information offered on a consistent basis. Do you believe it safe to travel while a mass murderer is on the lose?
I have heard fascinating things about Master Grazeb, particularly about his ability to attune to the vibrations of each potion! He has some rather wonderful articles about the topic that I have referenced in my own work.
Thank you for your congratulations of my mastery and you are correct! I am the youngest magical theory master this side of the Atlantic and I am very proud. I will pull a 'Severus' and say that an explanation of my thesis will have to wait until we can talk in person.
Your sister,
Ellie
Magical Theory Master
Library assistant, MACUSA
Dear Elspeth,
I apologize for the several week delay in my letter, many things have happened that have kept me busy.
May I remind you that, while you are at most a competent pen pal, our relation has yet to be confirmed.
Congratulations on your new job. Since it has been several months since you have been working, you must have an opinion of the work. Do you enjoy the library arts? There is a fine library at Hogwarts and the Librarian, Madam Pince, assures me that it is, indeed, an art. Do let me know your thoughts on that sentiment.
While I cannot reveal much information about Sirius Black as I do not have much to reveal, I can assure you that you will be perfectly safe to travel to Britain in the summer.
I hope you had a happy Christmas,
Severus Snape
Potions Master
Head of Slytherin House
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Dear Severus,
What is it with you and not wanting to put anything in a letter? It's like you're worried someone is spying on your letters. Wait, do you think someone is spying on you through your letters? Hello Spy! Get your own Penpal you pervert!
I must admit that I vehemently disagree with your Madam Pince. The 'Librarian Arts" is not an artform but rather slave labour. Who knew books could be heavy? And keep in mind I ask that as a Magical Theory master – I've read my fair share of heavy tomes. But Merlin are some of these books thick. And dense. Good God Severus, some of these books are so dense that, if they were sentient, you could cast the killing curse at them and they'd be too dense to die.
I'm glad you think travel is safe because I have news on the portkey front. I have managed to acquire a portkey to the International Arrivals department of your Ministry for Magic for the 6th of July. I would be very glad if you could meet me there; however, with you being an all-important teacher and me not knowing the schedule of Hogwarts, I would be just as happy to book a room at an inn and meet you when you are available. Do let me know your schedule. I have no return trip booked as I will be running away from the MACUSA for casting the killing curse at their dense books.
Happy new year,
Elspeth
Magical Theory Master
Potential Resident of New York Witches' Penitentiary
Dear Elspeth,
I must apologize once again for my late reply. Sirius Black has made attempts to infiltrate the castle and I have been kept busy with the increase security demands. Not to worry, this matter, while time consuming, will most probably be resolved before your arrival.
Rest assured that I will relay your opinions to Hogwarts' esteemed librarian and shall introduce you to her when you are here to get my fill of entertainment.
The summer holiday begins June 30th and while I am obligated to remain at the castle for several days after the end of term, I will be available to pick you on July 6th when you arrive. Please let me know your estimated time of arrival so I may be on time.
Happy Easter,
Severus Snape
Potions Master
Head of Slytherin House
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Severus,
Are you alright? Was anyone hurt? What in Merlin's name would that man be after in a school full of children? You don't think he's after a CHILD, do you? Maybe he has a child and, in a mad act of desperation, needed to see them after so long and Hogwarts was the only place he knew where to find them? Poor man. Poor KID.
I look forward to meeting your librarian and shall enlighten her of her acts of dedication. And I shall do so while offering her a very large cup of tea with lots of chocolates while slowly backing away. Librarians scare me. I am convinced the next time I meet a boggart, it will turn into one.
My portkey is set to arrive at 4:45pm your time on July 6th.
Please keep me updated on the Sirius Black situation. I know you are only my alleged brother but I do worry.
Elspeth
Magical Theory Master
Library assistant, MACUSA
Dear Elspeth,
As per your request, I have updates regarding the situation with Sirius Black. While I cannot apprise you of the details due to confidentiality reasons, I can say there was an altercation between Black and multiple students resulting in several, albeit minor, injuries. Your worry is unneeded as the students and I are all in full health now.
Black has escaped yet again, but I believe he will be remaining hidden for the foreseeable future and will not interfere with your upcoming trip.
I shall be at the arrivals department at the Ministry to pick you at the set arrival time. Do not expect a glittery sign with your name on it. I will be the one in traditional black teaching robes.
As your next letter will not arrive before you do, I will not expect a reply.
I will see you soon,
Severus Snape
Potions Master
Head of Slytherin House
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry