Ok allow me to say thanks to my Beta readers, Callie, Juyru and brigidt startly. Their respectable fics posted can be linked in my favorites. Without these guys I'd be lost as is. I can't thank them enough.

Thanks to Mouse for reviewing.

A special hellos to acree, Big J and the Big C.

Ok here's my spiel…

Yes, this is a Mary Sue fic. Big deal. I wrote it for fun and if you don't like it simply don't read it.

Sorry for taking forever on getting this posted. I've been coping with writes block.

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!

On with the show………………

***





Ch 4 – Secrets Opened



Josie looked confused. Elle knew what he was talking about. She jumped out of her chair and shouted, "Could you repeat that? Only this time more slowly. I didn't get it all."

"What's a Death Eater? Some kind of groupie for a British Rock band?" Josie asked mystified.

"No! Jo," Elle said. "A Death Eater is a supporter of He Who Must Not Be Named. Death Eaters have a Dark Mark on their arm. The Dark Mark burns black when he wants them; he can summon them with it. They apparate to His side at anytime this happens. They are all purebloods. He Who Must Not Be Named has quite a following. The ones with the Marks are his closest of all. All ended up in Slytherin. Delia, I thought you had better taste! So that would explain why you were at that party. Dee, please tell me you aren't one of them!"

"Oh, hell no!" Delia retorted. "I wouldn't join if my life depended on it. I already said no once."

"What is this all about?" Josie shouted. "Hello! I'm not a witch here. I don't know what a Death Eater is or for that matter what this Mark is. What the hey is apparate?"

"I'll answer it, Mom," Delia said. "He Who Must Not Be Named is called Voldemort. He prefers Lord and Master but he can get bent! A Dark Mark is their insignia. Apparate is this." Delia disappeared and reappeared at the top of the stairs. She apparated back on to the couch. "All clear now?"

"Yes, thank you!" Josie replied. "Your Sev was a Death Eater. That explains why you were under the whatever ya call it curse. I know the story as to why you were there. That Malfoy jerk made you go. What was the worst thing you did as a Death Eater, Sev?"

Severus hung his head and sighed. He put his face in his hands then ran his fingers through his hair. He stood up from the couch and walked over to the mantle. He examined some of Delia's old photographs. All he saw was a pretty little girl looking so forlorn. Most of the photos were of her on the ice. If they weren't, it was of her at gymnastics, ballet or tap dance competitions. There were a few photos where she looked happy. In those few, she was playing baseball. There was also one of her at age twelve in her Hogwarts robes. He wanted a closer look. The photo was of her on the main staircase at the school. What shocked him even more was it was a wizard photograph. Delia was smiling and waving. He set the photo down. He turned and looked at Josie and Elle.

"I live in shame with what I have done," he spoke in his low voice. "I wake up every morning in ignominy. My parents were both Death Eaters. I only followed because I didn't know any better. I killed a girl. I used The Killing Curse. Voldemort had her under the Cruciatus Curse. He was going to kill her if I didn't. I don't know why I did. Once that was over with, I was in. I saw several more killings but I never killed anyone again. The girl I killed was a witch of Muggle born parents. It's what is know the derogatory term 'Mudblood.' I was put in Azkaban for a day. That was long enough. By then I had told Dumbledore what had been going on. I was released and now am I spy for the Ministry. Think what you like of me. I realize I murdered in cold blood and that my thoughts were once very wrong. I will say this for Delia. She was asked to join that night when she went to the soirée. She didn't do it. She told Voldemort where to go."

Everyone in the room fell silent. Josie and Elle didn't know what to think. Delia stood up and went over to Severus and gave him a hug. She could see he was crying. Severus pulled Delia closer. She started in crying. Josie couldn't take it anymore and ran over and joined the embrace in tears. After a minute of sniffling, Elle joined too. All of a sudden the telephone rang. Elle broke away and answered it. She returned still crying and handed the phone to Delia.

"Yello…oh hi Dad…yah, I'm ok…you're back already…ok…yah…I'll come get you…I'll bring Severus…you're not back you're just in Denver waiting on a flight…comes in to Wichita at seven…it's three now…Okay Dad…see ya then…love you Daddy…bye-bye." Delia poked the button on the phone and returned it to the cradle in the kitchen. She came back into the living room to find Josie still consoling Severus.

"Sev, are you going to be all right? Do you want anything?"

"No, you have done everything right and then some. No one has ever accepted me for what I am. That is, until Delia came along. She's fantastic. There are times I don't deserve her or you as my family."

"Call me a sap Sev, but I know Delia loves you and you love her. You loved her enough to tell her and us. I knew you were all right when you saved Delia that one night. I'm surprised you didn't have Malfoy for breakfast."

"Yah, me too Mom." Delia said, "Hey, Elle you've been quiet. What do think of all this?"

Elle was still crying softly. "I think it's great you are willing to stand by your man. Very romantic, I think. Oh Dee, I always knew you'd find a good guy! I'm going to make you your wedding dress! I'll make the prettiest white one you've ever seen!"

"Elle thanks! I was thinking on more of something with color. I look so dumpy in white. I want something in lavender." Josie and Elle gave Delia a skeptical looks. "What? I like lavender and lavender likes me. I say throw tradition out the window. It's my wedding and I'll wear what I like. Anyway, I'm stealing my car and going to Braums. Need sugar fix! Anyone want to come?"

"I think Elle and I will pass," Josie said. "I need a nap and Elle fell asleep in the chair. You and Severus can go." Severus didn't ask any questions he just followed out of the room.

***



Delia sat in Braums Ice Cream and Dairy Store wolfing down a glop of German Chocolate Ice Cream. Severus had just gotten a Coke and was sipping on it lightly. They were sitting at the back. When all of a sudden a group of girls walked in. One of them saw Delia and came over.

"I didn't know you were back, Delia. Who's the guy?" the girl said. She was tall and slender with strawberry blonde hair.

"Oh hey, Kirsten. This is my friend, Severus," Delia said casually. "So what are you doing over your summer break?"

"Oh just hanging out and going to KU this fall. What about you?"

"Staying at home for a month and then I go back to start my term at Oxford."

"Really?" Kirsten said uninterested. "You know just because you went to England for school doesn't make you any better then us. Did you forget where you came from? You may be educated fancy, but you are still from this town. Ugh, I can't believe my boyfriend still has a crush on you. He said he saw you at Dillions and that's how I knew you are back. Do yourself a favor and stop flaunting. You make me sick."

"Very witty, Kirsten," Delia said coolly. "But I can see you are the one with the problem. If it makes you feel any better, you've won whatever little thing you have going because I was on no account, playing it with you. If this is about your sixteenth birthday party fiasco, get over it."

"I made it to prom queen."

"And this affects me how? Did you get knocked up that night or did daddy save you? Remember, I knew what happened that night."



"If I wasn't a lady, I would bitch slap your British ass," Kirsten said with remorse. "Why don't you just go back?"

"Who says you're a lady? I can't wait until I get back. That way I wouldn't have to look at your sorry face. Severus, you can drive. We have to get going." Delia stood up and walked away from Kirsten. They were outside when Delia asked, "Can you even drive?"

"Yes, I do have a drivers license. I even own a car. It's at the house I own. I have a BMW. I don't drive it much. I own a 540i Sport Touring. I bought it last summer. I have a caretaker that looks after the house and car. I'm eager this summer I can take you to the house for a weekend or a week. I know you'll love it. It has an excellent view of the lake. The lake comes up to the back yard."

"Really? Is there anything else I should know about you?" she asked handing him the keys. He opened the door for her and she got in. He unlocked the drivers' side of the Honda and got in. He adjusted the seat and mirrors. He put the key in the ignition, started the car and put it in first gear.

"Not that I can think of. Do I go right or left out of the car park? For that matter where are we going?"

"I really don't care. We might as well go back to the house. Turn right. I could do with a nap before we go get Dad at the airport. If you don't mind, Dad said we could have dinner at the restaurant once we pick him up."

"Not a problem. Just give me directions back to the house. While we are going back explain the little rivalry, you have with Kirsten."

"Oh it dates to back when I was in Middle School with her. She was upset I was leaving for Hogwarts. She thinks I'm always upstaging her. Her boyfriend has had this crush on me for years. Back at Kirsten's sixteenth birthday party we were playing this stupid game called spin the bottle. You need to turn left at the next intersection. I spun it ended up having to kiss her boyfriend. He kissed me on the cheek and I left saying this was stupid. Well, anyway I caught Kirsten and Zachary in the bushes in the back yard. She ended up pregnant. Her dad is a preacher. I kept my nose out of it. Her dad is always rescuing her. And believe you me that is not the first incident with Zachary. I hope you get the point. Ok here's Briarwood, turn left and just park in the drive.

***

Delia, Severus and Albert sat in the Albert's Bistro, most frequently referred to as Albert's or, as Delia called it, The Bistro. Delia had changed into a dress since The Bistro had a dress code. No jeans or shorts permitted. Severus noticed the restaurant was a little fancier then casual dining. If you wanted that you had to go next door to Albert's Wine Cellar. Delia was enjoying Chicken Marsala. Severus was having lasagna and Albert was having some sort of pasta with olive oil. They were all enjoying a glass of white wine. Delia had told Severus you had to be twenty-one to buy alcohol in the US. He thought that was bizarre. She could get married, have a child, and drive a car and vote. It made no sense that she couldn't have a drink. Severus thought Delia look cute in the dress. It was a light- blue one that looked more like a slip. He couldn't wait to get Delia alone back at the house.

Delia finished her wine. She looked across the table at her father and said what had been bothering her all night. "Okay Dad, I'm not good at the sort of thing. I found out from Mom about your…uh…um affair."

Albert looked down at his plate and sighed, "I knew you would one day. As you know this family is…"

"F-ed up. I know Dad. I'm just upset because no one came clean with the truth. I'm not upset. What can I do about it? That's all I'm saying. Anyway who wantsa coffee?"

Severus could tell she was just brushing it off. Delia looked like she was about to cry. She smiled and fought back the tears. He wanted to say something but he couldn't find the right words to say. He would just have to talk to Delia later about this. There was also the little matter of telling Albert his truth



***



Back at the house, Elle and Josie had left to go to a friend's house. Severus was reading a book on Delia's bed and she was playing solitaire on the computer. She was still in her dress, but had taken off her shoes. Severus could tell she was still upset. She was acting silent. He knew when a women acted silent it was worse then an all out explosion. Once Delia finished her game she walked over and opened the closet. She brought out a box and sat on the bed next to Severus. He put the book down.

"These are old Christmas photos of me. Remember the one I gave you after Christmas of me by the fireplace down stairs?"

"Yes, I do remember. That is a very good one of you."

"As I said I've had one every year since I was born. I am going to give you the set. I completely forgot last time I was home to sort through all of these."

"It's not a problem. I'll have to ask Sandra for some photos of me when I was younger. You've seen the ones I have. I think your favourite was of me after I'd graduated Hogwarts. If I recall, your exact words were 'Hot damn! You still look good. If I had graduated with you would have been my crush, even if you were a Slytherin.' You know how to make my day, my little fiancée." He kissed her gently. She set the box on the floor and snuggled up to Severus. He took the butterfly clips out of her hair and laid them on the nightstand. "I sometimes wish I were a younger man."

"Why do you wish that?" Delia asked.

"So that way I could be with you longer. Why didn't you graduate when I did or why didn't I when you did?"

"Ah, that's sweet of you. However, it turned out the way it did. Love's weird isn't it?"

"I agree. Have you thought of what to do for Muggle Studies?"

"Not really," she replied with a shrug. "I don't know what to do."

"I can tell you this much. You have to show them you are the boss. Don't be afraid to be mean. Hand out detention a lot. You can have them do your work for you. Make it quite clear you hate this job."

Delia sniggered and got off the bed. "Right, I'll just be the female version of you. I'll bully, torment, oppress and scare my students. You, Severus Snape, are funny. Let me say this; I wasn't scared of you then and I'm not scared of you now. So you have the power to give detention. Oh wow, let me say this…power corrupts."

"I am glad to see someone has finally learned. That is my point all along. Not everyone in this world is nice. I think that is the hardest lesson to learn. As you know I am a nice guy. I'm in the mood to give a detention…what have you done now Miss Wheelrite?"

"I'm leaving the room! That's what I'm doing. Good-bye, Professor Snape!" Delia left the bedroom and went down stairs. Severus left the bed and shouted down the stairs at Delia.

"Miss Wheelrite! Get back here. Forty points taken from Hufflepuff and detention right now." Delia stuck her tongue out at him. "Fifteen for that, Miss Wheelrite. If you don't come up here now, I'll have to come collect you. You don't want that now, do you?"

Delia was still sticking her tongue out and blew a raspberry. "You don't scare me, Snape."

"Ohh my dear," he said in a subdued precarious tone. "You have just committed the most serious crime of all."

"What's that Severus?"

"Referred to me by my last name, Miss Wheelrite," he replied in his dangerous voice climbing down the stairs. "Have we forgotten how much I like to give detention?"

"Yep, refresh my memory, Professor Snape." He grabbed Delia and pulled her into a hot steamy kiss. Delia responded back with a kiss that was just as passionate. He carried Delia up the stairs to her bedroom. He shut the door with his foot. He set Delia down and unzipped her dress at the back. Delia slowly unbuttoned his shirt. Severus was waiting for her to rip it open. She did not this time



***

"Ah, don't they look cute?" Josie whispered peeking in Delia's room with Elle the next morning. "Be quiet! So, we don't wake them! She looks so protected and safe in those arms. Ah, sweeeeet! I guess she doesn't get a white dress." Josie shut the door quietly. "My Delia, in love. How sweet."

Severus woke up before Delia did. He thought he heard Josie say something to Elle. He watched Delia sleep. Her skin felt warm and soft against his. She looked at home sleeping on his chest with her disheveled hair. He ran his fingers up and down her back in a soothing manner. Delia opened her eyes and smiled at Severus. Severus smiled back and they kissed. Delia rose and but on her bathrobe with ducks on it. She handed Severus his boxers and dressing gown.

"I'm going downstairs for coffee. I'll be back," she said opening the door and leaving the room. She was in the kitchen. Delia noticed someone had brewed coffee. "'Morning Mom. Hiya Elle! Have fun last night?"

Josie looked up from the Wichita Eagle and smiled. "I think I should be asking you the same question."

"Ha, ha. Funny funny funny," Delia retorted. "You should know the answer to that one! Of course, we had fun at The Bistro. Who doesn't?" Delia poured two mugs of coffee.

"So what's he like?" Elle asked.

Delia smiled big and said, "Oh, yah. If ya know what I mean." Delia heard whistling coming from the living room. Severus entered the kitchen, Delia handed him the cup of coffee. He kissed Delia on the forehead.

"Thank you dear," he said planting another a kiss on her forehead. He continued to whistle and sat down at the table. He picked up a chunk of the new paper. Josie, Elle and Delia looked at each other and started to giggle. Severus looked up from his newspaper, shaking his head. "Women, do I want to know?" The ladies looked at each other trying very hard not to laugh. Severus sighed and gave them a confused look. He took his coffee, paper, and left. Delia, Josie, and Elle busted up laughing.

"So that's what he wears underneath all that black!" Elle said laughing. "Delia! You must have done something right last night. God, if he weren't taken, he could be mine! For a thin man, he has muscles!" Delia smiled and left the room. She went back upstairs to her room. She heard running water and presumed Severus was taking a shower. Delia dressed in an ice-skating dress. It was a plain pink one. Delia noticed she had put weight on since she wore it last. She pulled out a pair of skates from the closet. Delia turned on her computer and played a game of solitaire. Severus came into the room with a towel wrapped around his waist.

Delia walked over and hugged him. He smelled clean and damp. "May I ask what we are doing to day?" he asked.

"I'm going down to the rink for a bit. You can come if you like or you can stay here. Mom is going to work and so is Elle."

"What does Elle do for a living?"

"She owns a shop that sells mystical items, incense and that type of stuff. She even reads palms and does tarot card reading. I'll take you down one day. Although, you would be bored, I even get bored. Once, she was really busy and I had to help do tarot card readings. I hate doing palms. I'm not good at that. I failed that exam in Divination."

"I was going to ask you to read my palm!" he said.

She took his hand and examined it. She took her finger and pointed at a part of his hand. "I can see in your future you will have a house and right here you will have a swimming pool." Severus pulled his hand away and laughed.

"I used to pull that one all the time back when I was a second year! My friends and I did that on poor Hufflepuffs. They are such duffers."

"Hey! Be nice! I was a Huff. I can start in with the Slytherin jokes!"

"I bet I've heard them all. Now, let me get dressed so we can go to the rink!"