Chapter 3: The Godson
Several hours later Snape found himself sitting at his office desk reading a Muggle Chemistry text with a cup of tea in hand. After the humiliation of seeing his sister so utterly happy to be reunited with her friends, he had retreated to his dungeons to find solace in the cold and lonely room. He stood up and silently walked to the door when he heard a gentle rapping. He was only half surprised to see that it was the Headmaster.
"Come in."
"Thank you Severus. I wont take too much of your time. However, what we have to discuss is extremely important."
"Victoria cannot leave the castle tomorrow," Snape said in an almost instinctive way as he sat back down behind his desk. He couldn't blame Dumbledore. Snape had been thinking the same thing since he left the dining room this evening.
"Ah yes. I see we are in agreement then. She was in no mood to listen to reason this evening. However, you must convince her it is for her safety; as well as Harry's."
"I am afraid she will give little credence to my arguments either Headmaster." Snape replied as he picked up his cup of tea and took a sip. He had been subconsciously considering how to bring it up to her in the morning. She was headstrong and always had been. Despite his level of intelligence, reasoning and wit, Snape won very few arguments with his twin.
"Might I suggest mentioning this to Sirius?" Dumbledore offered.
"You might suggest it, and I might refuse to approach him on the issue."
The Headmaster sighed heavily but nodded. Snape hated to disappoint Albus Dumbledore in this way, but there were some things that couldn't be buried even after all this time. He had tried, often, to forget and forgive Black for his past transgressions since he learned he was truly innocent. But when he had seen his sister curled up in his arms on her Hospital room floor, the memories just flooded back for him. The pain felt almost fresh. The cruel teasing, the need for revenge over deadly pranks and the constant rivalry for Victoria's attention seemed to still exist. On the other hand, Snape realized she would never accept him back into her life if he didn't burry this. It was one of the few remaining pieces of his past that he had hung on to.
"I will see what I can do," Snape said quietly as he took another sip of his now luke-warm tea after several minutes of silence.
The Headmaster's eyes lit up and he nodded.
"There is one more thing Severus."
Without conscious thought, he felt his brow furrow. Snape had anticipated the first topic of conversation and was mentally prepared for it. However, it was times like this when the Headmaster sprung bad news or impossible challenges on him. He felt one coming.
"We must convince Sirius and Victoria that they cannot tell Harry she is his Godmother."
Snape didn't move a muscle. He was afraid he would give away too much emotion. His insides jumped at the thought of his sister torturing herself over a secret like that. The Headmaster always erred on the side of caution and careful disclosure. It is why after Potter's four years at Hogwarts that he still didn't know why Voldemort wanted him dead. In fact Potter didn't even have all the facts of the night his parents were killed. Several times Snape had found himself physically restraining his desire to tell the boy just precisely why Voldemort had sought them out. But he knew the Headmaster's response would be unkind, and he couldn't bear to disappoint him.
"Severus?"
"I believe you have finally asked me to do the impossible." A statement which had considerable meaning given all the things he had done before.
"I unfortunately cannot reveal why this is crucial Severus, only to say that it will be made clear in a few months. For now, it is critical that Harry be unaware who Victoria is."
Severus just nodded. He couldn't make a promise on this request. It wasn't possible to gauge Victoria Snape's reaction when he told her what she had to do. The Headmaster returned the nod and left the office, leaving Severus to wrestle with his conscious and his dread over approaching Black to help him restrain his sister.
* * *
Snape didn't sleep. His mind was stirring and he couldn't find a single moment's quiet in which to lay down and relax his body. He paced the large room that held his bed and his wardrobe. His feet were silent against the stone floor. How was he going to approach Black? Where would Black even be? He realized it was foolish to have not asked Dumbledore which room he would be staying in. He had a few choice guesses. There was of course always Victoria's room, but he trusted the Headmaster to have mentioned discretion to the both of them. There was the Shrieking Shack, which is where Lupin would be tonight. Snape had no desire to go there, having been nearly killed the two times he had found himself inclined to make a visit.
There were only a few other places that seemed logical. Where would a man who spent nearly half his life at Hogwarts and then twenty years in a cold prison want to sleep? Somewhere familiar and warm. Gryffindor Tower. It came to him suddenly and he found himself putting on shoes and walking out into the deserted hallways with his billowing robes flying behind him. It was 3AM.
He arrived at the portrait of the Fat Lady and she immediately swung the door open for him to pass. Black wasn't in the common room. Severus made for the boy's dormitories, carefully opening each one and peering inside. He finally made his way to the very top of the tower to find the door already opened and a black dog sitting on the ledge beside a window. It was awake and staring at the lake down below.
He didn't know what he was going to say to Black. How was he going to bring up the subject? He crossed his arms and gripped his wand in one hand, just in case a duel broke out. The dog turned its head towards him to and transformed when he saw Snape.
"What is it? Is Victoria ok?" Black said almost breathlessly as he headed towards the door.
"As far as I know she's fine," Snape said casually back to him. His first strategy would be to remain calm and in control of his emotions. He knew Black wouldn't.
"Then why are you here?"
"We have some things to discuss regarding my sister."
"Look Snape. I cannot stop loving her and I cannot make her..."
"While that would be an appropriate topic to discuss, it's not why I am here," Snape interrupted as he cross his arms in a gargoyle like manner.
Black gave him a very curious look.
"The Headmaster has asked two things of me. Both of which I cannot achieve without your... help."
"You don't want her going tomorrow."
"Precisely."
Black nodded and dipped his head down to scratch at the nape of his neck. Snape wondered if this wasn't some sort of canine amusement he was used to. He nearly had to force himself not to smile at the thought.
"What is the second thing?"
"He doesn't want Potter to know Victoria is his Godmother."
"What? Is this your idea of a sick joke Snape? There is no way she is going to go along with that."
"That is what I told Dumbledore. However he seems intent upon the idea. And if you'll remember correctly it is not I who plays sick jokes," Snape snarled.
This earned him a cold look from Black.
"I wouldn't even know where to begin in approaching her on this. Did he at least give a reason?"
"He did not."
Black began pacing the room thinking to himself. He kept one hand on the back of his neck, massaging the muscles there.
"It wont be enough that Dumbledore asked; she would never blindly agree to it."
"We could consider telling her that it's for Potter's own good."
"She would never believe that, and I couldn't lie to her. Having a mother figure in his life is exactly what Harry needs. Not that she could ever replace Lily." His voice trailed off.
Snape noticed a very uncensored Black was nearly tearing at the thought of having to tell Victoria that after all these years she would not be able to fulfill her promise to the Potters.
"We could make Dumbledore do it," Black finally said as he sat down in a chair next to the bed he was attempting to sleep in.
"The Headmaster has already made it clear he wants one of us to tell her."
"But if we don't tell her, he will have to. Perhaps he would explain the reasons for it. We could leave now to fetch Harry. That would solve the problem of leaving her behind. It would be easier to ask for forgiveness and she could hardly be angry once he was here."
Snape had to admit that Black had a good point. The Headmaster would be forced to tell her his reasoning, and it would get him out of having to break her heart. The logic behind getting Harry now made sense too as it would be easier to travel under darkness.
"The only problem is I cant Apparate. I don't have a wand anymore."
Snape sighed and rolled his eyes.
"You mean to tell me you've been out of Azkaban for nearly two years and you've yet to acquire a wand?"
"What am I supposed to do Snape? Walk into Ollivanders and announce my presence to the world? I'd be a dead man. Besides it doesn't matter. Harry wouldn't be able to Apparate back with us."
"Very well. I will prepare a Portkey. Bring a heavy cloak with you. I have no desire to be seen with a mutt. Meet me in the entrance hall in ten minutes."
And with this Snape left the room. He quickly rushed down to his quarters to grab his cloak and a few things they may need on the way. He picked up the map of the Muggle town that Potter lived in with his relatives. It had all the information he would need to cast the Portkey spell. He picked up a spare piece of parchment that would serve as their object and then wrote the Headmaster a quick note. Snape then summoned a House Elf to deliver the note and then left his office. He found Black sitting in his canine form near the bottom of the grand staircase in the entrance hall. The dog looked around and seeing no one else was present, transformed and pulled the hood of his cloak up over his head.
Snape pulled out his wand.
"Portalis transformis Surrey England Privet Drive," Snape incanted as he held his wand out over the parchment. He then instructed Black to take hold of it and moments later they were standing at the end of Privet drive.
"This way," Black said.
"How do you know where it is?" Snape snapped in disbelief.
"I've been here before you idiot."
* * *
It was an understatement to say that Harry Potter had experienced the worst summer of his life, and it was only a week into the holiday. When he had come back to Privet Drive, from the train station, the Dursleys had been so afraid of him that he couldn't help but wonder if Dumbledore had written them about the events at the Tri Wizard cup. Harry still had the evidence of Voldemort's brutality in the form of bruises and cuts on his face and hands. Even a now svelte Dudley, was inclined to leave him alone.
But what bothered Harry more than the Dursley's reaction was the nightmares. They were frequent and were getting progressively worse. He found himself desiring greatly for some of Madam Pomfrey's dreamless sleep potion. Tonight was no different. After sneaking down to take his Potions books out of the cupboard downstairs he had spent several hours reading and then writing his essay on poisons for Snape. And now he poised himself at the window to wait for dawn. He had seen the sun rise far too many times in the past week, but he was somehow inclined to watch it again.
And then he saw them. The two dark figures appeared suddenly on the corner of Privet Drive. They both wore heavy black cloaks with the hoods pulled up over their faces and were walking towards the Dursley home. Harry knew instantly that the Death Eaters had come for him. He instinctively got up, pulled his wand from underneath his pillow and raced downstairs. The cupboard door under the stairs flew open silently as he got there and he pulled his father's Invisibility cloak out of his trunk. He had just enough time to throw it around himself and creep into a corner of the living room.
He heard the two men outside talking in low voices; they seemed to be arguing. Then the door unlocked and the two men walked inside. To Harry's dismay one of them turned to look directly at him as if he knew he was there. Harry wasted no time. He raised his wand, ready to strike.
"Expeliarmus!" He cried twice at the men as they both shot backwards against the wall and one wand came flying towards him. He caught it and turned to run through the kitchen and out through the backdoor. This led into the Dursley's modest backyard. Without giving thought to the matter, Harry trampled on Aunt Petunia's tomatoes and leapt behind a hedge. The two disarmed Death Eaters walked calmly out the backdoor.
"Potter!" came a hushed call from a somewhat familiar voice. Maybe it was Wormtail's?
"Harry. It's me. Sirius. And Snape."
Harry's eyes grew wide. This was impossible. No way would Snape and his own Godfather ever be caught dead together, let alone coming to visit him. These men must be two Death Eaters using Polyjuice.
"I don't believe you. Stand in the light. Prove it to me," Harry shouted, attempting to keep his voice calm and even.
Sirius walked forward into the light of the full moon and pulled Snape with him. Both pulled down the hoods of their cloaks.
"Potter you fool. Why would anyone come to this house attempting to impersonate me?" Snape snapped bitterly as he brushed dirt off his cloak.
"Harry I gave you your Firebolt after your Nimbus was destroyed by the Whomping Willow in your third year. I am your Godfather and Peter Pettigrew lived as your friend Ron's pet rat for eleven years."
Harry realized that this must be his Godfather. Very few people knew exactly what happened between Harry, Sirius and Peter Pettigrew. He rose up from behind the hedge and removed the Invisibility cloak from his face; his body was still covered. He closely inspected the two men - who in this light could have easily been brothers.
"Potter are you going to stand there staring at us all day or are you going to give me my wand back?"
"Sorry Professor, it's just that I saw you approach the house. I thought you were Death Eaters." With that word, Harry saw Snape's face twitch. But Snape was a Death Eater, Harry thought.
"I mean... I thought you were..."
"I know what you meant Potter. Now give me my wand back and take off that ridiculous cloak," Snape snapped.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked as he took the Invisibility cloak off and walked towards the two men.
"We've come to bring you back to Hogwarts," Sirius replied.
"Why? Is it not safe here?"
"The reasons will be explained in due time," Sirius responded.
Just then a woman's scream came from the kitchen. Everyone turned to see Petunia Dursley in her nightgown. Snape walked towards her, forcing her deeper within her own house. Harry and Sirius followed. When they were inside and the kitchen door was closed once more, Petunia backed herself into the living room and prepared to hide behind the couch.
"For the last time Potter, give me my wand back. And get your things. The Ministry will no doubt have realized you've been using Magic and will be here any moment. I'm sure we wouldn't want them to find your Godfather with you now would we?" Snape said in his usually sarcastic and dangerous voice.
"My trunk is in the cupboard under the stairs. I'll get my things from upstairs. I'll need a hand though."
"Go on then," Snape snapped as he followed him up the stairs, leaving Sirius alone with Petunia Dursley. Harry couldn't help but wonder why Professor Snape had come. Surely he wouldn't have done it to protect Sirius, or himself for that matter. But sure enough, there he was, his dark robes billowing behind him as he walked up the narrow staircase and into the hallway. No wonder Hogwarts had such wide staircases and hallways. Wizard clothing definitely was not designed for cramped urban Muggle housing.
Harry dashed in his room, picked up his quills and parchment off the floor and directed Snape to carry them.
"Don't read that scroll. It's not finished yet and I'd like not to fail Potions before the term has even started," Harry said lightly as he picked up clothes off the floor.
"As much as I enjoy your mediocre work Potter I have no desire to read it at this time," Snape retorted as he rolled his eyes and watched Harry race around the room checking for his belongings.
"Why don't you keep your trunk in your room like a normal person, Potter?" Snape asked, clearly feeling the need to continue the verbal battle.
"They don't let me," was the reply Harry gave Snape. Harry noticed his Professor's lips twitch.
Harry pushed more things into Snape's awaiting arms, picked up Hedwig's cage and rushed back down the stairs. He reached the front door expecting to find his trunk open and waiting for him but instead was met with the sight of Vernon Dursley with a gun pointed at his Godfather.
"Uncle Vernon?"
"This is Sirius Black! Petunia has just called the police. They should be here any moment," Uncle Vernon said, apparently very proud of himself.
"Uncle Vernon, he's here to take me back to school. He's not a criminal."
"Stay out of this Harry, this man is a convicted murderer."
Sirius looked at Harry with a knowing twinkle in his eyes. Harry knew he had to hurry; the Ministry would no doubt be arriving very soon.
"Expeliarmus!" Harry cried as his uncle went flying through the air and the gun fell at Harry's feet.
Again, Petunia began screaming loudly as she rushed to the side of her husband when he fell to the floor. Sirius opened Harry's trunk hurriedly and helped him throw clothes, quills and parchment inside.
Snape held the Portkey out in front of them and a few moments later the three of them were in the entrance hall of Hogwarts. Harry picked himself up off the floor and then the turned around to see the crimson colored face of one very angry witch and the Headmaster at her side.
No one said anything for the span of a few minutes. Harry looked cautiously between the woman and his Godfather wondering if she was someone he knew. Would she try to attack him? She looked awfully angry and no one in the room seemed eager to begin a discussion about the issue. Harry peeked sideways at Snape for a moment to find a curious expression residing on the face of his Professor. He looked almost sad.
"Ahem," Dumbledore began, coughing slightly to ease the tension in the room.
"I believe I should introduce Harry here to his new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. Harry, meet Professor Moira Lens."
Harry managed to get another glance at Snape's face and saw pure horror there. Snape must have been slighted again for the Defense Against the Dark Arts job. He looked more upset than Harry had ever seen him before, and that was saying something.
The woman glided towards him and held out her hand.
"Nice to meet you Harry Potter. I understand you'll be joining us this summer."
"I think so. Nice to meet you too Professor," Harry replied politely as he shook her hand. He looked up at his Godfather and found a look of pride in his eyes. He couldn't help but wonder if his new Professor knew his Godfather some how.
"Sirius, I believe you should help Harry here with his things. Professor Snape and I need to have a little chat," Professor Lens said in a very condescending tone.
Harry nodded and picked up Hedwig's cage from the ground. He grabbed one end of his trunk and Sirius the other. They left and when they were out of earshot, Harry asked the questions that were on his mind.
"I guess Professor Lens knows you're innocent?" Sirius didn't answer right away. He seemed to be thinking to himself.
"Sirius?"
"What? Oh. Yes Professor... Lens knows I'm innocent. How was your summer so far?"
It was strange for Sirius to be so aloof. Harry wondered if he had missed something subtle in the conversation he had just witnessed.
"It was going alright I guess. How do you know her?"
"Who? Oh. We went to school together."
"Was she in Gryffindor?"
"No. Slytherin."
"Oh." Harry decided it was time to end this conversation, but he couldn't help wondering why Sirius was so distracted. If Professor Lens was in Slytherin, then just how well did Sirius know her? Maybe she was Snape's girlfriend. The only thing that bothered Harry was that she didn't look as old as Snape or Sirius. She didn't look much older than some of the seventh year students.
* * *
The Headmaster guided both his Potions Master and his newly appointed Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor to the seclusion of his office before he would let either of them get a word in.
"Moira?! Lens?!" Snape shouted at his sister once the door was closed. It was a good thing that the Headmaster's office had sound defeating charms on it.
"Do you have a problem with our mother's maiden name?" Victoria shot back. Severus blanched.
"I am not questioning the choice. I am questioning the reason why you're using it!"
"Now Severus. Calm down. I asked Victoria to choose a less conspicuous name. If she taught here as Victoria Snape there would be too many questions."
"Teach here? You honestly mean for her to be a Professor here?" Snape raised his voice slightly again.
"It was the most logical option. She is clearly qualified in this area and it will give the two of you a chance to spend time together. Not to mention that you will have unlimited access to watch over her."
"I am not a child. I do not need him to watch over me, and I would appreciate it if you would not discuss my life as if I'm not here." Victoria snapped.
"That's why you didn't want Potter knowing who she was," Snape said as he eyed Dumbledore closely.
"That is partly the reason, yes."
"It wont take them long to figure out. All they'll have to do is lookup Moira Lens in the yearbooks to realize she didn't go to school with us. Then there will be endless amounts of questions. Besides Black has probably already told him."
"I will have Madame Pince remove the yearbooks in question Severus."
"That will hardly stop their insistent meddling Headmaster."
"Then all the better for him! I'm sure he knows all about you doesn't he?" Victoria snapped from the opposite side of the room.
"Yes. He does. Potter is well aware of what I was; and as is evidenced by the fact that he returned with me, he is also aware of what side I am on now," Snape replied in a dangerous voice as he walked towards his sister to stare her down.
"I don't buy for once second that you've changed, Severus. Whatever this little act you've put on will not fool me and I will stop at nothing to prove it," she retorted as she stepped in closer to him, violating his personal space.
"I would have thought you would have concluded by now that I have changed considering the fact that I have done nothing for the past fourteen years of my life but play slave to you. Spending countless hours making potions to keep you alive, sitting by your bedside, holding your hand, reading to you, and endless patience at your behavior now. Not to mention attempting to prevent your Godson from getting himself killed numerous times since you went into the coma. If that, coupled with whatever Dumbledore is willing to tell you would not prove my true intention here, then nothing will."
And with that Snape turned around and rushed out the door that opened as he approached it. He slammed it behind him and rushed back down to the dungeons. He didn't see the look on her face as he left; he didn't want to. Whatever reaction she had would have crushed him. If she had been taken aback he would have wanted to hold her. If she had been even more furious with him, he was afraid he might continue on his rant. In front of the Headmaster, this was not an issue. Dumbledore had seen them blow up at each other more than once in the past. But now they were going to be colleagues and it was too much to put Dumbledore in the position of restraining two of his employees.
------------
Read. Review.
http://ezziem.livejournal.com
Several hours later Snape found himself sitting at his office desk reading a Muggle Chemistry text with a cup of tea in hand. After the humiliation of seeing his sister so utterly happy to be reunited with her friends, he had retreated to his dungeons to find solace in the cold and lonely room. He stood up and silently walked to the door when he heard a gentle rapping. He was only half surprised to see that it was the Headmaster.
"Come in."
"Thank you Severus. I wont take too much of your time. However, what we have to discuss is extremely important."
"Victoria cannot leave the castle tomorrow," Snape said in an almost instinctive way as he sat back down behind his desk. He couldn't blame Dumbledore. Snape had been thinking the same thing since he left the dining room this evening.
"Ah yes. I see we are in agreement then. She was in no mood to listen to reason this evening. However, you must convince her it is for her safety; as well as Harry's."
"I am afraid she will give little credence to my arguments either Headmaster." Snape replied as he picked up his cup of tea and took a sip. He had been subconsciously considering how to bring it up to her in the morning. She was headstrong and always had been. Despite his level of intelligence, reasoning and wit, Snape won very few arguments with his twin.
"Might I suggest mentioning this to Sirius?" Dumbledore offered.
"You might suggest it, and I might refuse to approach him on the issue."
The Headmaster sighed heavily but nodded. Snape hated to disappoint Albus Dumbledore in this way, but there were some things that couldn't be buried even after all this time. He had tried, often, to forget and forgive Black for his past transgressions since he learned he was truly innocent. But when he had seen his sister curled up in his arms on her Hospital room floor, the memories just flooded back for him. The pain felt almost fresh. The cruel teasing, the need for revenge over deadly pranks and the constant rivalry for Victoria's attention seemed to still exist. On the other hand, Snape realized she would never accept him back into her life if he didn't burry this. It was one of the few remaining pieces of his past that he had hung on to.
"I will see what I can do," Snape said quietly as he took another sip of his now luke-warm tea after several minutes of silence.
The Headmaster's eyes lit up and he nodded.
"There is one more thing Severus."
Without conscious thought, he felt his brow furrow. Snape had anticipated the first topic of conversation and was mentally prepared for it. However, it was times like this when the Headmaster sprung bad news or impossible challenges on him. He felt one coming.
"We must convince Sirius and Victoria that they cannot tell Harry she is his Godmother."
Snape didn't move a muscle. He was afraid he would give away too much emotion. His insides jumped at the thought of his sister torturing herself over a secret like that. The Headmaster always erred on the side of caution and careful disclosure. It is why after Potter's four years at Hogwarts that he still didn't know why Voldemort wanted him dead. In fact Potter didn't even have all the facts of the night his parents were killed. Several times Snape had found himself physically restraining his desire to tell the boy just precisely why Voldemort had sought them out. But he knew the Headmaster's response would be unkind, and he couldn't bear to disappoint him.
"Severus?"
"I believe you have finally asked me to do the impossible." A statement which had considerable meaning given all the things he had done before.
"I unfortunately cannot reveal why this is crucial Severus, only to say that it will be made clear in a few months. For now, it is critical that Harry be unaware who Victoria is."
Severus just nodded. He couldn't make a promise on this request. It wasn't possible to gauge Victoria Snape's reaction when he told her what she had to do. The Headmaster returned the nod and left the office, leaving Severus to wrestle with his conscious and his dread over approaching Black to help him restrain his sister.
* * *
Snape didn't sleep. His mind was stirring and he couldn't find a single moment's quiet in which to lay down and relax his body. He paced the large room that held his bed and his wardrobe. His feet were silent against the stone floor. How was he going to approach Black? Where would Black even be? He realized it was foolish to have not asked Dumbledore which room he would be staying in. He had a few choice guesses. There was of course always Victoria's room, but he trusted the Headmaster to have mentioned discretion to the both of them. There was the Shrieking Shack, which is where Lupin would be tonight. Snape had no desire to go there, having been nearly killed the two times he had found himself inclined to make a visit.
There were only a few other places that seemed logical. Where would a man who spent nearly half his life at Hogwarts and then twenty years in a cold prison want to sleep? Somewhere familiar and warm. Gryffindor Tower. It came to him suddenly and he found himself putting on shoes and walking out into the deserted hallways with his billowing robes flying behind him. It was 3AM.
He arrived at the portrait of the Fat Lady and she immediately swung the door open for him to pass. Black wasn't in the common room. Severus made for the boy's dormitories, carefully opening each one and peering inside. He finally made his way to the very top of the tower to find the door already opened and a black dog sitting on the ledge beside a window. It was awake and staring at the lake down below.
He didn't know what he was going to say to Black. How was he going to bring up the subject? He crossed his arms and gripped his wand in one hand, just in case a duel broke out. The dog turned its head towards him to and transformed when he saw Snape.
"What is it? Is Victoria ok?" Black said almost breathlessly as he headed towards the door.
"As far as I know she's fine," Snape said casually back to him. His first strategy would be to remain calm and in control of his emotions. He knew Black wouldn't.
"Then why are you here?"
"We have some things to discuss regarding my sister."
"Look Snape. I cannot stop loving her and I cannot make her..."
"While that would be an appropriate topic to discuss, it's not why I am here," Snape interrupted as he cross his arms in a gargoyle like manner.
Black gave him a very curious look.
"The Headmaster has asked two things of me. Both of which I cannot achieve without your... help."
"You don't want her going tomorrow."
"Precisely."
Black nodded and dipped his head down to scratch at the nape of his neck. Snape wondered if this wasn't some sort of canine amusement he was used to. He nearly had to force himself not to smile at the thought.
"What is the second thing?"
"He doesn't want Potter to know Victoria is his Godmother."
"What? Is this your idea of a sick joke Snape? There is no way she is going to go along with that."
"That is what I told Dumbledore. However he seems intent upon the idea. And if you'll remember correctly it is not I who plays sick jokes," Snape snarled.
This earned him a cold look from Black.
"I wouldn't even know where to begin in approaching her on this. Did he at least give a reason?"
"He did not."
Black began pacing the room thinking to himself. He kept one hand on the back of his neck, massaging the muscles there.
"It wont be enough that Dumbledore asked; she would never blindly agree to it."
"We could consider telling her that it's for Potter's own good."
"She would never believe that, and I couldn't lie to her. Having a mother figure in his life is exactly what Harry needs. Not that she could ever replace Lily." His voice trailed off.
Snape noticed a very uncensored Black was nearly tearing at the thought of having to tell Victoria that after all these years she would not be able to fulfill her promise to the Potters.
"We could make Dumbledore do it," Black finally said as he sat down in a chair next to the bed he was attempting to sleep in.
"The Headmaster has already made it clear he wants one of us to tell her."
"But if we don't tell her, he will have to. Perhaps he would explain the reasons for it. We could leave now to fetch Harry. That would solve the problem of leaving her behind. It would be easier to ask for forgiveness and she could hardly be angry once he was here."
Snape had to admit that Black had a good point. The Headmaster would be forced to tell her his reasoning, and it would get him out of having to break her heart. The logic behind getting Harry now made sense too as it would be easier to travel under darkness.
"The only problem is I cant Apparate. I don't have a wand anymore."
Snape sighed and rolled his eyes.
"You mean to tell me you've been out of Azkaban for nearly two years and you've yet to acquire a wand?"
"What am I supposed to do Snape? Walk into Ollivanders and announce my presence to the world? I'd be a dead man. Besides it doesn't matter. Harry wouldn't be able to Apparate back with us."
"Very well. I will prepare a Portkey. Bring a heavy cloak with you. I have no desire to be seen with a mutt. Meet me in the entrance hall in ten minutes."
And with this Snape left the room. He quickly rushed down to his quarters to grab his cloak and a few things they may need on the way. He picked up the map of the Muggle town that Potter lived in with his relatives. It had all the information he would need to cast the Portkey spell. He picked up a spare piece of parchment that would serve as their object and then wrote the Headmaster a quick note. Snape then summoned a House Elf to deliver the note and then left his office. He found Black sitting in his canine form near the bottom of the grand staircase in the entrance hall. The dog looked around and seeing no one else was present, transformed and pulled the hood of his cloak up over his head.
Snape pulled out his wand.
"Portalis transformis Surrey England Privet Drive," Snape incanted as he held his wand out over the parchment. He then instructed Black to take hold of it and moments later they were standing at the end of Privet drive.
"This way," Black said.
"How do you know where it is?" Snape snapped in disbelief.
"I've been here before you idiot."
* * *
It was an understatement to say that Harry Potter had experienced the worst summer of his life, and it was only a week into the holiday. When he had come back to Privet Drive, from the train station, the Dursleys had been so afraid of him that he couldn't help but wonder if Dumbledore had written them about the events at the Tri Wizard cup. Harry still had the evidence of Voldemort's brutality in the form of bruises and cuts on his face and hands. Even a now svelte Dudley, was inclined to leave him alone.
But what bothered Harry more than the Dursley's reaction was the nightmares. They were frequent and were getting progressively worse. He found himself desiring greatly for some of Madam Pomfrey's dreamless sleep potion. Tonight was no different. After sneaking down to take his Potions books out of the cupboard downstairs he had spent several hours reading and then writing his essay on poisons for Snape. And now he poised himself at the window to wait for dawn. He had seen the sun rise far too many times in the past week, but he was somehow inclined to watch it again.
And then he saw them. The two dark figures appeared suddenly on the corner of Privet Drive. They both wore heavy black cloaks with the hoods pulled up over their faces and were walking towards the Dursley home. Harry knew instantly that the Death Eaters had come for him. He instinctively got up, pulled his wand from underneath his pillow and raced downstairs. The cupboard door under the stairs flew open silently as he got there and he pulled his father's Invisibility cloak out of his trunk. He had just enough time to throw it around himself and creep into a corner of the living room.
He heard the two men outside talking in low voices; they seemed to be arguing. Then the door unlocked and the two men walked inside. To Harry's dismay one of them turned to look directly at him as if he knew he was there. Harry wasted no time. He raised his wand, ready to strike.
"Expeliarmus!" He cried twice at the men as they both shot backwards against the wall and one wand came flying towards him. He caught it and turned to run through the kitchen and out through the backdoor. This led into the Dursley's modest backyard. Without giving thought to the matter, Harry trampled on Aunt Petunia's tomatoes and leapt behind a hedge. The two disarmed Death Eaters walked calmly out the backdoor.
"Potter!" came a hushed call from a somewhat familiar voice. Maybe it was Wormtail's?
"Harry. It's me. Sirius. And Snape."
Harry's eyes grew wide. This was impossible. No way would Snape and his own Godfather ever be caught dead together, let alone coming to visit him. These men must be two Death Eaters using Polyjuice.
"I don't believe you. Stand in the light. Prove it to me," Harry shouted, attempting to keep his voice calm and even.
Sirius walked forward into the light of the full moon and pulled Snape with him. Both pulled down the hoods of their cloaks.
"Potter you fool. Why would anyone come to this house attempting to impersonate me?" Snape snapped bitterly as he brushed dirt off his cloak.
"Harry I gave you your Firebolt after your Nimbus was destroyed by the Whomping Willow in your third year. I am your Godfather and Peter Pettigrew lived as your friend Ron's pet rat for eleven years."
Harry realized that this must be his Godfather. Very few people knew exactly what happened between Harry, Sirius and Peter Pettigrew. He rose up from behind the hedge and removed the Invisibility cloak from his face; his body was still covered. He closely inspected the two men - who in this light could have easily been brothers.
"Potter are you going to stand there staring at us all day or are you going to give me my wand back?"
"Sorry Professor, it's just that I saw you approach the house. I thought you were Death Eaters." With that word, Harry saw Snape's face twitch. But Snape was a Death Eater, Harry thought.
"I mean... I thought you were..."
"I know what you meant Potter. Now give me my wand back and take off that ridiculous cloak," Snape snapped.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked as he took the Invisibility cloak off and walked towards the two men.
"We've come to bring you back to Hogwarts," Sirius replied.
"Why? Is it not safe here?"
"The reasons will be explained in due time," Sirius responded.
Just then a woman's scream came from the kitchen. Everyone turned to see Petunia Dursley in her nightgown. Snape walked towards her, forcing her deeper within her own house. Harry and Sirius followed. When they were inside and the kitchen door was closed once more, Petunia backed herself into the living room and prepared to hide behind the couch.
"For the last time Potter, give me my wand back. And get your things. The Ministry will no doubt have realized you've been using Magic and will be here any moment. I'm sure we wouldn't want them to find your Godfather with you now would we?" Snape said in his usually sarcastic and dangerous voice.
"My trunk is in the cupboard under the stairs. I'll get my things from upstairs. I'll need a hand though."
"Go on then," Snape snapped as he followed him up the stairs, leaving Sirius alone with Petunia Dursley. Harry couldn't help but wonder why Professor Snape had come. Surely he wouldn't have done it to protect Sirius, or himself for that matter. But sure enough, there he was, his dark robes billowing behind him as he walked up the narrow staircase and into the hallway. No wonder Hogwarts had such wide staircases and hallways. Wizard clothing definitely was not designed for cramped urban Muggle housing.
Harry dashed in his room, picked up his quills and parchment off the floor and directed Snape to carry them.
"Don't read that scroll. It's not finished yet and I'd like not to fail Potions before the term has even started," Harry said lightly as he picked up clothes off the floor.
"As much as I enjoy your mediocre work Potter I have no desire to read it at this time," Snape retorted as he rolled his eyes and watched Harry race around the room checking for his belongings.
"Why don't you keep your trunk in your room like a normal person, Potter?" Snape asked, clearly feeling the need to continue the verbal battle.
"They don't let me," was the reply Harry gave Snape. Harry noticed his Professor's lips twitch.
Harry pushed more things into Snape's awaiting arms, picked up Hedwig's cage and rushed back down the stairs. He reached the front door expecting to find his trunk open and waiting for him but instead was met with the sight of Vernon Dursley with a gun pointed at his Godfather.
"Uncle Vernon?"
"This is Sirius Black! Petunia has just called the police. They should be here any moment," Uncle Vernon said, apparently very proud of himself.
"Uncle Vernon, he's here to take me back to school. He's not a criminal."
"Stay out of this Harry, this man is a convicted murderer."
Sirius looked at Harry with a knowing twinkle in his eyes. Harry knew he had to hurry; the Ministry would no doubt be arriving very soon.
"Expeliarmus!" Harry cried as his uncle went flying through the air and the gun fell at Harry's feet.
Again, Petunia began screaming loudly as she rushed to the side of her husband when he fell to the floor. Sirius opened Harry's trunk hurriedly and helped him throw clothes, quills and parchment inside.
Snape held the Portkey out in front of them and a few moments later the three of them were in the entrance hall of Hogwarts. Harry picked himself up off the floor and then the turned around to see the crimson colored face of one very angry witch and the Headmaster at her side.
No one said anything for the span of a few minutes. Harry looked cautiously between the woman and his Godfather wondering if she was someone he knew. Would she try to attack him? She looked awfully angry and no one in the room seemed eager to begin a discussion about the issue. Harry peeked sideways at Snape for a moment to find a curious expression residing on the face of his Professor. He looked almost sad.
"Ahem," Dumbledore began, coughing slightly to ease the tension in the room.
"I believe I should introduce Harry here to his new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. Harry, meet Professor Moira Lens."
Harry managed to get another glance at Snape's face and saw pure horror there. Snape must have been slighted again for the Defense Against the Dark Arts job. He looked more upset than Harry had ever seen him before, and that was saying something.
The woman glided towards him and held out her hand.
"Nice to meet you Harry Potter. I understand you'll be joining us this summer."
"I think so. Nice to meet you too Professor," Harry replied politely as he shook her hand. He looked up at his Godfather and found a look of pride in his eyes. He couldn't help but wonder if his new Professor knew his Godfather some how.
"Sirius, I believe you should help Harry here with his things. Professor Snape and I need to have a little chat," Professor Lens said in a very condescending tone.
Harry nodded and picked up Hedwig's cage from the ground. He grabbed one end of his trunk and Sirius the other. They left and when they were out of earshot, Harry asked the questions that were on his mind.
"I guess Professor Lens knows you're innocent?" Sirius didn't answer right away. He seemed to be thinking to himself.
"Sirius?"
"What? Oh. Yes Professor... Lens knows I'm innocent. How was your summer so far?"
It was strange for Sirius to be so aloof. Harry wondered if he had missed something subtle in the conversation he had just witnessed.
"It was going alright I guess. How do you know her?"
"Who? Oh. We went to school together."
"Was she in Gryffindor?"
"No. Slytherin."
"Oh." Harry decided it was time to end this conversation, but he couldn't help wondering why Sirius was so distracted. If Professor Lens was in Slytherin, then just how well did Sirius know her? Maybe she was Snape's girlfriend. The only thing that bothered Harry was that she didn't look as old as Snape or Sirius. She didn't look much older than some of the seventh year students.
* * *
The Headmaster guided both his Potions Master and his newly appointed Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor to the seclusion of his office before he would let either of them get a word in.
"Moira?! Lens?!" Snape shouted at his sister once the door was closed. It was a good thing that the Headmaster's office had sound defeating charms on it.
"Do you have a problem with our mother's maiden name?" Victoria shot back. Severus blanched.
"I am not questioning the choice. I am questioning the reason why you're using it!"
"Now Severus. Calm down. I asked Victoria to choose a less conspicuous name. If she taught here as Victoria Snape there would be too many questions."
"Teach here? You honestly mean for her to be a Professor here?" Snape raised his voice slightly again.
"It was the most logical option. She is clearly qualified in this area and it will give the two of you a chance to spend time together. Not to mention that you will have unlimited access to watch over her."
"I am not a child. I do not need him to watch over me, and I would appreciate it if you would not discuss my life as if I'm not here." Victoria snapped.
"That's why you didn't want Potter knowing who she was," Snape said as he eyed Dumbledore closely.
"That is partly the reason, yes."
"It wont take them long to figure out. All they'll have to do is lookup Moira Lens in the yearbooks to realize she didn't go to school with us. Then there will be endless amounts of questions. Besides Black has probably already told him."
"I will have Madame Pince remove the yearbooks in question Severus."
"That will hardly stop their insistent meddling Headmaster."
"Then all the better for him! I'm sure he knows all about you doesn't he?" Victoria snapped from the opposite side of the room.
"Yes. He does. Potter is well aware of what I was; and as is evidenced by the fact that he returned with me, he is also aware of what side I am on now," Snape replied in a dangerous voice as he walked towards his sister to stare her down.
"I don't buy for once second that you've changed, Severus. Whatever this little act you've put on will not fool me and I will stop at nothing to prove it," she retorted as she stepped in closer to him, violating his personal space.
"I would have thought you would have concluded by now that I have changed considering the fact that I have done nothing for the past fourteen years of my life but play slave to you. Spending countless hours making potions to keep you alive, sitting by your bedside, holding your hand, reading to you, and endless patience at your behavior now. Not to mention attempting to prevent your Godson from getting himself killed numerous times since you went into the coma. If that, coupled with whatever Dumbledore is willing to tell you would not prove my true intention here, then nothing will."
And with that Snape turned around and rushed out the door that opened as he approached it. He slammed it behind him and rushed back down to the dungeons. He didn't see the look on her face as he left; he didn't want to. Whatever reaction she had would have crushed him. If she had been taken aback he would have wanted to hold her. If she had been even more furious with him, he was afraid he might continue on his rant. In front of the Headmaster, this was not an issue. Dumbledore had seen them blow up at each other more than once in the past. But now they were going to be colleagues and it was too much to put Dumbledore in the position of restraining two of his employees.
------------
Read. Review.
http://ezziem.livejournal.com