Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Intrusions and Riddles

Severus's POV

Time was passing swiftly and Katie's birthday was only a day away. In a way I was happy because hiding an animal is very difficult I must say. If you ask me, Katie's a little suspicious, but all I can do is hope for the best.

Over the past few days I've been wondering about Katie going to Hogwarts a year early. Things will prove to be more difficult for her for sure. Not to mention the fact that she can't speak. Just think of how hard a time she'll have and all the little brats that might make fun of her, mainly the one's in my house, Slytherin.

I sighed in frustration and laid back in my chair. That brings me to another question. Which house will she be sorted into? I'm sure it will not be Ravenclaw of Hufflepuff, which only leaves Slytherin and Gryffindor. Oh what a mess this has proven to be. Slytherin and Gryffindor are the most rivaling houses. Well, whatever happens, she's still my niece and I'll have to deal with it.

Katie's POV

I yawned and reluctantly sat up in my bed. The sun was shining brightly through the window. These passed few weeks have been great, and now there are only a few weeks until the beginning of school. Not to mention my birthday's tomorrow. I wonder if Uncle Snape knows that. I wouldn't blame him if he didn't, I mean it's not like I can tell him.

Then as I glanced over at the clock I realized just how long I had been sleeping. It was almost noontime. I quickly got up, threw on my dress, brushed my hair, and ran downstairs. Suddenly I slid across the floor and fell backward. I waited for myself to make impact with the floor but I never did.

When I looked back up I found myself in my uncle's arms. I quickly regained my balance and looked at the floor. Geez that was embarrassing. How come I had to be clumsy? I snapped out of my daze when I heard my uncle laughing. All I could do was give him a quizzical look. Sometimes I just don't get him.

" Did you have a good trip," he said still laughing. No offense, but that wasn't helping. I guess he saw my expression and felt bad. He bent down and looked at me. " He, I was only fooling." He made the funniest excuse for a puppy face I'd ever seen. " Forgive me?"

I can't help but smile and nod. I mean, just looking at him made me want to laugh. He then smiled and sat back down in his chair. After thinking for a minute I ran and jumped on his lap.

" That was uncalled for," he said. " Anyway, I've got a question that is sure to make you think, which house do you think you will be sorted into?"

This question came as a surprise to me. To tell the truth I never really thought about that before. My parents' were in different houses so which one will I be in? I simply looked up at my uncle and shrugged hoping I could get away with not answering the question.

He simply shook his head and asked again. " You've got to think on this one, it's-" before he could finish there was a crash.

Severus's POV

I quickly grabbed Katie and held her close while looking back at the kitchen door. That's where the sound came from. I turned to Katie and put my hands on her shoulders. " Stay here and don't move okay? I'm going to see what that was."

I was about to go when I felt her grab my hand. When I looked down at her I just couldn't resist her pleading eyes. " Alright then, come on. Stay close." Together we cautiously walked into the kitchen.

When I opened the door there was broken glass all over the floor. Suddenly I spotted what seemed to be a brick lying on the floor by the broken window with a note attached to it. I picked up the letter.

I know all, I see all, I've seen your victories and your falls. Young Harry Potter is not alive, but now his girl must also die. This year at Hogwarts will not be, anything but a mystery. I'm always waiting and always watching. Beware the school, and live with caution.

I stared at the note in horror. Who could have done this? Whoever it is, I swear I'll get them for what they've done. Suddenly I heard Katie's crying and realized I must have been reading out loud. I scooped her up in my arms and held her tightly. " Don't worry, everything will be alright. I won't let anything happen to you."

With that she held on tighter. I stuffed the note in my pocket and left the room. After her crying subsided I realized she had cried herself to sleep. I walked up to her room and laid her gently on her bed brushing away a few strands of hair that were on her face. I promise, no one is going to hurt you.