Hello. Welcome back. I have nothing to say. Still recovering from Davis Cup. Pete.......................................
Please do not observe the usual dicsklaimers. For one think OUT SIDE THE BOX!
***
Ch17-Daddy
Monday and Tuesday went by fast. Wednesday afternoon Delia found herself sitting in the dungeons. She was in the middle of an experiment with a Ravenclaw, Jan Baker. Headmaster Dumbledore entered the room with such a presence. Delia noticed her father was standing out in the hall. Delia's heart lunged down to her stomach. Severus saw Delia's father and did a double take. Severus amazingly kept a poker face. The headmaster said something to Severus and Severus nodded and spoke, "Miss Wheelrite the Headmaster would like a word with you. Leave you belongings, since Miss Baker is using your cauldron."
"Yes, Professor Snape." Delia said following Dumbledore to the hall. Her father looked livid. "Hi Daddy!" Delia said innocently and asked, "What are you doing here?" Her father, Albert Wheelrite, thrust Severus's letter he had send Saturday in Delia's face. His amber eyes weren't pleasant.
"You my daughter dear, have a lot of clearing up to do!" Albert exclaimed. "You, me, outside, NOW!"
***
Delia and her father were sitting outside in the courtyard. Delia had read Severus's letter. Delia was thinking Ah, how sweet! Her father on the other hand wanted to choke Severus right in front of his class. Albert spoke in a tone he used only when he was angry, "I got this letter and your mother got one too. I sat in my office and read it for three hours. I don't know what is going on here. I called your mother. She was as shocked as I was. She was about to call me because these letters came express mail. Your mother thought you had gotten expelled! I have spent most of the morning talking to your headmaster. I can't believe he is letting this go on! Do you realize this Snape is twice you age young lady! WHAT DO YOU SEE IN HIM?"
"I love him."
Albert rolled his eyes "Delia you are only eighteen. You don't know what love is! You can't fall for the first man that likes you."
"Yes, I can and I did."
"Delia, do you know how sick it sounds to be in love with your teacher? I am putting in a transfer for you to Salem or Beaubatons. This Snape isn't good looking even. He looks as if he needs help. Have you seen his wardrobe?"
"Dad all wizards dress weird according to Muggles. Don't you even think about moving me outta Hogwarts! In Salem they don't play Quidditch."
"Oh god, you are becoming one of them."
"Yes Daddy I am witch. What do you expect? I've been here learning magic. Where have you been the last few years? A barn?"
"And fell in love with a sick man. What kind of love potion does he have you on? Number nine?"
"Dad, Severus hates Love Potions. Anyway Number nine is a weak Love Potion "
"Oh so he's Severus now, is he?"
"Uh duh, that's his name!" Delia said.
"How do you know so much about Love Potions?" her father asked curtly.
"Simple. Book in the Restricted Section. I did a report back in my fifth year for extra credit."
"Likely story. What time does this Severus of yours finish with class?"
"He should be finished in about ten minutes. Why?"
"I'm going to have a little chat with him. You are introducing us."
***
"Severus, this is my dad, Dad this is Severus. Now that I've introduced you two I've got homework that must be attended to-"
"I don't think so Delia," her father said sharply. "This concerns your life as much as it does mine and Professor Snape's. I suggest you SIT DOWN." Delia quickly pulled out a chair in Severus's locked classroom and brought over to the front of his desk. Delia set the chair next to her father. She turned it around and set backwards. Severus was sitting calmly behind his classroom desk with his hands folded. Delia couldn't believe how calm and cool Severus was acting. There was an awkward silence in the room. Delia couldn't take it anymore.
"Would one of you please get this over with?" she asked. "I want to know what's going to happen since this concerns my life, ya know."
"My dear you will go to Oxford. Or how about KU? KU is much nicer then Oxford. Much closer to home," Albert said. "What about OSU?"
"I don't want to go to KU or OSU," Delia snapped.
"Then what do you want?" Severus asked using his soft silky voice.
"What I want is for you two to stop making my life miserable and get this conference started. I'll start it off. Dad what are you doing here at Hogwarts?"
"I am here because of a certain letter that was sent to be by a certain man."
"Who is this man?"
"The cradle robber sitting behind his classroom desk," He father replied tersely.
"Dad! I'm eighteen. I don't see how it's hardly cradle robbing."
"Delia, you aren't helping matters! "Albert snapped.
"Well neither are any of you two. Let's start this again. Dad what are you doing here at my school in the middle of the week?"
"I'm here because a cradle robber sent me letter wanting to know if he cold court my daughter. My answer is..." there was a dramatic pause...NO!"
"DAD!"
"Don't you DAD me, Delia Penelope Alex or Wheelrite."
"Why are you using mom's maiden name of Alex. Last time I checked my last name was still Wheelrite."
"Haven't you looked at your birth certificate? Your last name on it is Alex you were born in Toronto. Your mother and I weren't married."
Delia sighed, "I knew about being born in Canada. But the Alex bit, weird. My life keeps getting weirder and weirder. Now enough about our f-ed up family at the moment. Let's get back to why you are here."
"Delia!" Albert snapped. "If you think you can act like an adult, you damn well better be able tocurse like one!"
"Alllllll righty then! Our FUCKED up family. There are ya happy?"
"That's better! I am here because of this cradle robber. I've said no and that's final. Our family wouldn't be f-ed up if it weren't for Professor Cradle Robber over here and your mother and Elle. You know you picked a grand time to send me a letter, mate. I'm not in the mood for lovely dovey things. Anyway you're the teacher Delia said was evil and into Dark Magic."
Severus cleared his throat, "I really don't care for the Dark Arts. It's just a rumor that I do."
"There is always truth to rumors. May I have a look at your bookshelves? I can tell a lot about a man by what he reads."
"Be my guest. My office is behind my desk. Just let me open the door." Severus unlocked his office. Albert went in and looked at his books. Albert came out looking sick. Delia thought it was all the things in jars that icked him out. "I have more books in my chambers, if you would like to take a look."
"I think I have seen enough. Delia if this man wasn't a wizard I'd call him a freak. He's still a cradle robber. Did you know he had a raven?"
"Yes Daddy I did. The raven isn't his. It's mine. Her name is Nell." Delia said.
"Oh great, my daughter is turning into a weirdo. Calling ravens by the name of Nell. Why can't you just transfer and go to KU like Bridget Rogers. You two were the best of friends back before you came here."
"I DON'T WANT TO GO TO KU!" Delia bellowed.
"Then what do you want Delia?" Severus asked gently trying to be the peacemaker.
"What I want is my dad to accept the fact I love somebody, even if it is wrong. I'm not a child anymore. I'm sorry you feel that Severus is a cradle robber, Dad. Severus is a really nice guy. He'd do anything in the world for me if I asked."
Albert looked at Severus, rolled his eyes and gave a sigh as he gave in. He looked at Severus and spoke, "Yes, I was once in your shoes with my soon to be ex-wife, only she was with little Dee. I will say this, if you do ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING that upsets my only daughter I will come after you. Your potions and curses don't scare me." Albert held out his hand to Severus. Severus took it and they shook hands. "However, Delia will go to college. She can at anytime kick you to the curb. Women can do nicely without men; men can't do so well without women."
"See Delia, you father agrees with me." Severus said. "Now, Mr. Wheelrite may I buy you a drink?"
"Call me Albert, please. Yes, I'll take you up on that offer. Where does one go?"
"Hogsmeade. Where else?"
"Super, I'll leave you two guys alone." Delia said, "Gee, it's almost dinner. See ya laters."
"Oh no. I endure a long flight, a fight with the Ministry and your mother saying don't be rash. You are coming along. I presume there is food in Hogsmeade?"
"Oh yah, Dad. There is but I wouldn't know anything about it!"
"Severus you have to watch her cynicism. Delia is very good at it."
"I've noticed that over the years." Severus said, "she's served many detentions for it too!"
***
Delia woke up the next morning. She had to meet her father at the front of the school. He was staying in London, but the Ministry was to see to it her father arrived at seven fifteen. He arrived with Lucius Malfoy. Delia felt like barfing. It seemed as if Malfoy and Albert were having a lively chat. Delia rushed down the school steps. She gave her dad a hug and gave Malfoy a rotten look. Malfoy excused himself and left.
"Hiya Dad how was your night?"
"It was ok. That's an odd fellow that Malfoy. Anyway where's this breakfast?"
"It's in the Great Hall. You can have whatever you like. It's all good! Josh and Nicola should be there too. If not I'm dragging them out of bed!"
Delia was right. Josh and Nicola were there. It seemed as if everybody in the school had gotten up just to see Delia's dad. Delia gave her father a crash course in who's who. "Ok Dad the Slytherins are in green. They don't like us. They call Hufflepuffs, duffs. They're symbol is the serpent. Then there's the Ravenclaws. They are cool. They are in blue and have a raven as the symbol. Then there's the Gryffindors. Watch out for the Weasley Twins. They cause more trouble then I do. The Griffindors have lion as their guy. We get to play Griffindor next week in Quidditch. We have practice this afternoon, you coming?"
"Why not? I'm here for the weekend."
"Super on Friday, Ravenclaw plays Griffindor in Quidditch," she said enthusiastically. "You can see that. This is the table we sit at. You can have my seat; I'll sit by you. The food magically appears. Pretty cool, eh?"
"Yes. So what classes have you guys got today?" Albert asked.
"Josh and Nicola have the same today classes today as me. It's one of my full days. I have Divination, DADA, Herbology, and Charms. Then tonight at midnight we have Astronomy. Supposed to be something going on anyway. You don't have to stay."
"I'll see how I feel," Albert said taking a bite of bacon, "Ah, good old British food. I don't miss it!"
Please do not observe the usual dicsklaimers. For one think OUT SIDE THE BOX!
***
Ch17-Daddy
Monday and Tuesday went by fast. Wednesday afternoon Delia found herself sitting in the dungeons. She was in the middle of an experiment with a Ravenclaw, Jan Baker. Headmaster Dumbledore entered the room with such a presence. Delia noticed her father was standing out in the hall. Delia's heart lunged down to her stomach. Severus saw Delia's father and did a double take. Severus amazingly kept a poker face. The headmaster said something to Severus and Severus nodded and spoke, "Miss Wheelrite the Headmaster would like a word with you. Leave you belongings, since Miss Baker is using your cauldron."
"Yes, Professor Snape." Delia said following Dumbledore to the hall. Her father looked livid. "Hi Daddy!" Delia said innocently and asked, "What are you doing here?" Her father, Albert Wheelrite, thrust Severus's letter he had send Saturday in Delia's face. His amber eyes weren't pleasant.
"You my daughter dear, have a lot of clearing up to do!" Albert exclaimed. "You, me, outside, NOW!"
***
Delia and her father were sitting outside in the courtyard. Delia had read Severus's letter. Delia was thinking Ah, how sweet! Her father on the other hand wanted to choke Severus right in front of his class. Albert spoke in a tone he used only when he was angry, "I got this letter and your mother got one too. I sat in my office and read it for three hours. I don't know what is going on here. I called your mother. She was as shocked as I was. She was about to call me because these letters came express mail. Your mother thought you had gotten expelled! I have spent most of the morning talking to your headmaster. I can't believe he is letting this go on! Do you realize this Snape is twice you age young lady! WHAT DO YOU SEE IN HIM?"
"I love him."
Albert rolled his eyes "Delia you are only eighteen. You don't know what love is! You can't fall for the first man that likes you."
"Yes, I can and I did."
"Delia, do you know how sick it sounds to be in love with your teacher? I am putting in a transfer for you to Salem or Beaubatons. This Snape isn't good looking even. He looks as if he needs help. Have you seen his wardrobe?"
"Dad all wizards dress weird according to Muggles. Don't you even think about moving me outta Hogwarts! In Salem they don't play Quidditch."
"Oh god, you are becoming one of them."
"Yes Daddy I am witch. What do you expect? I've been here learning magic. Where have you been the last few years? A barn?"
"And fell in love with a sick man. What kind of love potion does he have you on? Number nine?"
"Dad, Severus hates Love Potions. Anyway Number nine is a weak Love Potion "
"Oh so he's Severus now, is he?"
"Uh duh, that's his name!" Delia said.
"How do you know so much about Love Potions?" her father asked curtly.
"Simple. Book in the Restricted Section. I did a report back in my fifth year for extra credit."
"Likely story. What time does this Severus of yours finish with class?"
"He should be finished in about ten minutes. Why?"
"I'm going to have a little chat with him. You are introducing us."
***
"Severus, this is my dad, Dad this is Severus. Now that I've introduced you two I've got homework that must be attended to-"
"I don't think so Delia," her father said sharply. "This concerns your life as much as it does mine and Professor Snape's. I suggest you SIT DOWN." Delia quickly pulled out a chair in Severus's locked classroom and brought over to the front of his desk. Delia set the chair next to her father. She turned it around and set backwards. Severus was sitting calmly behind his classroom desk with his hands folded. Delia couldn't believe how calm and cool Severus was acting. There was an awkward silence in the room. Delia couldn't take it anymore.
"Would one of you please get this over with?" she asked. "I want to know what's going to happen since this concerns my life, ya know."
"My dear you will go to Oxford. Or how about KU? KU is much nicer then Oxford. Much closer to home," Albert said. "What about OSU?"
"I don't want to go to KU or OSU," Delia snapped.
"Then what do you want?" Severus asked using his soft silky voice.
"What I want is for you two to stop making my life miserable and get this conference started. I'll start it off. Dad what are you doing here at Hogwarts?"
"I am here because of a certain letter that was sent to be by a certain man."
"Who is this man?"
"The cradle robber sitting behind his classroom desk," He father replied tersely.
"Dad! I'm eighteen. I don't see how it's hardly cradle robbing."
"Delia, you aren't helping matters! "Albert snapped.
"Well neither are any of you two. Let's start this again. Dad what are you doing here at my school in the middle of the week?"
"I'm here because a cradle robber sent me letter wanting to know if he cold court my daughter. My answer is..." there was a dramatic pause...NO!"
"DAD!"
"Don't you DAD me, Delia Penelope Alex or Wheelrite."
"Why are you using mom's maiden name of Alex. Last time I checked my last name was still Wheelrite."
"Haven't you looked at your birth certificate? Your last name on it is Alex you were born in Toronto. Your mother and I weren't married."
Delia sighed, "I knew about being born in Canada. But the Alex bit, weird. My life keeps getting weirder and weirder. Now enough about our f-ed up family at the moment. Let's get back to why you are here."
"Delia!" Albert snapped. "If you think you can act like an adult, you damn well better be able tocurse like one!"
"Alllllll righty then! Our FUCKED up family. There are ya happy?"
"That's better! I am here because of this cradle robber. I've said no and that's final. Our family wouldn't be f-ed up if it weren't for Professor Cradle Robber over here and your mother and Elle. You know you picked a grand time to send me a letter, mate. I'm not in the mood for lovely dovey things. Anyway you're the teacher Delia said was evil and into Dark Magic."
Severus cleared his throat, "I really don't care for the Dark Arts. It's just a rumor that I do."
"There is always truth to rumors. May I have a look at your bookshelves? I can tell a lot about a man by what he reads."
"Be my guest. My office is behind my desk. Just let me open the door." Severus unlocked his office. Albert went in and looked at his books. Albert came out looking sick. Delia thought it was all the things in jars that icked him out. "I have more books in my chambers, if you would like to take a look."
"I think I have seen enough. Delia if this man wasn't a wizard I'd call him a freak. He's still a cradle robber. Did you know he had a raven?"
"Yes Daddy I did. The raven isn't his. It's mine. Her name is Nell." Delia said.
"Oh great, my daughter is turning into a weirdo. Calling ravens by the name of Nell. Why can't you just transfer and go to KU like Bridget Rogers. You two were the best of friends back before you came here."
"I DON'T WANT TO GO TO KU!" Delia bellowed.
"Then what do you want Delia?" Severus asked gently trying to be the peacemaker.
"What I want is my dad to accept the fact I love somebody, even if it is wrong. I'm not a child anymore. I'm sorry you feel that Severus is a cradle robber, Dad. Severus is a really nice guy. He'd do anything in the world for me if I asked."
Albert looked at Severus, rolled his eyes and gave a sigh as he gave in. He looked at Severus and spoke, "Yes, I was once in your shoes with my soon to be ex-wife, only she was with little Dee. I will say this, if you do ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING that upsets my only daughter I will come after you. Your potions and curses don't scare me." Albert held out his hand to Severus. Severus took it and they shook hands. "However, Delia will go to college. She can at anytime kick you to the curb. Women can do nicely without men; men can't do so well without women."
"See Delia, you father agrees with me." Severus said. "Now, Mr. Wheelrite may I buy you a drink?"
"Call me Albert, please. Yes, I'll take you up on that offer. Where does one go?"
"Hogsmeade. Where else?"
"Super, I'll leave you two guys alone." Delia said, "Gee, it's almost dinner. See ya laters."
"Oh no. I endure a long flight, a fight with the Ministry and your mother saying don't be rash. You are coming along. I presume there is food in Hogsmeade?"
"Oh yah, Dad. There is but I wouldn't know anything about it!"
"Severus you have to watch her cynicism. Delia is very good at it."
"I've noticed that over the years." Severus said, "she's served many detentions for it too!"
***
Delia woke up the next morning. She had to meet her father at the front of the school. He was staying in London, but the Ministry was to see to it her father arrived at seven fifteen. He arrived with Lucius Malfoy. Delia felt like barfing. It seemed as if Malfoy and Albert were having a lively chat. Delia rushed down the school steps. She gave her dad a hug and gave Malfoy a rotten look. Malfoy excused himself and left.
"Hiya Dad how was your night?"
"It was ok. That's an odd fellow that Malfoy. Anyway where's this breakfast?"
"It's in the Great Hall. You can have whatever you like. It's all good! Josh and Nicola should be there too. If not I'm dragging them out of bed!"
Delia was right. Josh and Nicola were there. It seemed as if everybody in the school had gotten up just to see Delia's dad. Delia gave her father a crash course in who's who. "Ok Dad the Slytherins are in green. They don't like us. They call Hufflepuffs, duffs. They're symbol is the serpent. Then there's the Ravenclaws. They are cool. They are in blue and have a raven as the symbol. Then there's the Gryffindors. Watch out for the Weasley Twins. They cause more trouble then I do. The Griffindors have lion as their guy. We get to play Griffindor next week in Quidditch. We have practice this afternoon, you coming?"
"Why not? I'm here for the weekend."
"Super on Friday, Ravenclaw plays Griffindor in Quidditch," she said enthusiastically. "You can see that. This is the table we sit at. You can have my seat; I'll sit by you. The food magically appears. Pretty cool, eh?"
"Yes. So what classes have you guys got today?" Albert asked.
"Josh and Nicola have the same today classes today as me. It's one of my full days. I have Divination, DADA, Herbology, and Charms. Then tonight at midnight we have Astronomy. Supposed to be something going on anyway. You don't have to stay."
"I'll see how I feel," Albert said taking a bite of bacon, "Ah, good old British food. I don't miss it!"