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Everything else is property of J.K. Rowling.
"Well?" Grandfather looked around at us expectantly. "I know Hogwarts must have new teachers, now. Who are they?"
It was Draco who spoke. "Well, Grandfather. I'm sure you'd like to know who is teaching Potions.and that would be Professor Weasley. Virginia Weasley."
Grandfather did not appear surprised at this news; in fact, he seemed almost amused. "What about Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
"Harry Potter now teaches that, Grandfather." I supplied.
"Does he?" Grandfather asked, an amused smirk tugging at his lips.
"Yes, sir. And Hermione Granger as Transfiguration professor." I said.
"That's right, Father." My father said, "Also, Seamus Finnigan is now teaching Charms, since Professor Flitwick retired a few years ago."
"Finnigan became a professor?" Grandfather seemed shocked. "The next think I shall hear is that Longbottom is teaching!"
"Actually, Father, Neville occupies the Herbology position." My father said. Grandfather grunted in reply, then moved on to his next question. "Are there any other new appointments which I should hear about, Jardin?"
"Well, let's see. Hogwarts no longer offers Divination; only Arithmancy, which Penelope Clearwater now teaches. Or should I say Penelope Weasley. She and Percy Weasley wed some years ago. Ronald Weasley is teaching Muggle Studies, and Oliver Wood flying lessons."
"Indeed." Grandfather sighed. "Somehow, none of this really seems to surprise me. I've heard the names of many Gryffindors I used to teach, but not one word of any of my former Slytherins. Tell me, what happened with them all?"
Everyone was silent for a moment. Only Father would be able to answer Grandfather's question, but he didn't seem willing. After a moment's silence, Father cleared his throat.
"Well, let me see.After the Dark Lord fell, many of your old Slytherins were discovered to be Death Eaters. Most of them are now either in Azkaban or they received the Kiss. Some of them were proved innocent - they had been working against Voldemort, spying. Albus Dumbledore vouched for many himself."
We all watched Grandfather for his reaction, but this face was blank. "Continue, Jardin." He said in his cold voice.
Father nodded, "There were still some who got away. Although it was known for sure that the Dark Lord was gone, many of his loyal followers were a danger to those who had been spying. A great number of the spies were placed under the Fidelius Charm or their protection. Draco Malfoy was included in that category, as were the Zabinis. Blaise and her parents were suspected of being right in the Dark Lord's inner circle, but it was proved that they had been fighting our side since before they even joined Lord Voldemort."
My siblings and I sat staring at each other as we listened. We had never heard Father talk about the Dark Lord; none of us would even have guessed he knew anything about which he was now speaking. It almost seemed as if he actually knew the people he spoke about. Well, of course, we knew Draco Malfoy - was after him that my elder brother had been named - he was our father's best friend.
"What happened to Lucius Malfoy, Jardin?" my grandfather finally spoke. "After the Dark Lord fell, it was discovered that Lucius had been under a form of the Imperius Curse. It allowed him to have a little control over his own mind at certain times, such as times when he was at home with his son or with his wife, but he was unable to do anything else of his own free will. The affects of the Imperius Curse vary from this curse, the Manipule Curse. If someone is under the influence of the Imperius Curse, it is fairly easy to find out. Simple methods of detection make that true. However, the Manipule Curse is completely undetectable unless the person casting it has been injured severely or died." Father quietly explained.
Grandfather sat stunned. "So . who was the one casting it?" Father looked as if he didn't want to answer, but Grandfather looked at him sharply. "Who?" He demanded.
"Narcissa Malfoy."
"N.Cissa?!" Grandfather gasped, "She could never."
"She could, Father. Two days after Voldemort was killed, Narcissa was found at Malfoy Manor near death. Who it was that had tried to kill her was never discovered, but as soon as she was well, Ministry officials questioned her using Veritaserum. Lucius had been babbling on about how Narcissa had cursed him and all sorts of things, so they had to see if it was true. It was proven truth when they questioned her. There could be no doubt of it. I myself was present for the questioning." Father said. "It became clear that Lucius had never truly intended on joining the Death Eaters, and was going to turn spy, when Narcissa cast the curse on him. She herself was an avid supporter of Voldemort, although women did not generally join his ranks." Father shook his head, almost as if in disbelief of what he was saying.
"Jardin, if you do not mind, I am going to go to my room now. I need a little time. I'd like to rest a bit, and there are a few owls I would like to send." With that, Grandfather stood and walked stiffly from the room.
"Father, why didn't Grandfather already know all of that?" Draco dared to ask.
Father sighed and my siblings and I exchanged a nervous glance. "Children, there is much about your grandfather that you don't know," he began. "Your grandfather was about your age, Lucas, when the Dark Lord began gaining followers. When he learned of the Dark Lord, he thought it was absolutely absurd. He was a Slytherin, why would he want to answer to someone who thought themselves better than he, and who expected him to call them 'Master'? He soon learned, though, that his own parents had joined the ranks of the Death Eaters. Now, what is unknown to some, your grandfather did not initially seek to join Voldemort, Voldemort sought him out."
We all stared at our father in shock. Why would Voldemort want our grandfather?
"Why, Father?" Draco asked.
"Although he was young, your grandfather showed great promise in Potions. He was only in his fifth year when Voldemort became interested in him. Why, you may ask. His Potions skills, for one, were . outstanding. He was in his fifth year, and yet doing seventh year Potions work. Add to it that he was a Snape, a member of one of the purest bloodlines in the wizarding world; a highly influential family that had more power and money than even the Malfoys. So, yes, Voldemort was very interested in young Severus Snape. However, my grandparents, your great grandparents, would not allow him to be Marked until he had graduated from Hogwarts. They did tell him, though, that the day the graduated he would either be Marked, or be killed. Before too long, however, your grandfather became interested in what Voldemort could offer him. Namely, the power, the position that he thought Voldemort could offer him. He attended a meeting of the Death Eaters shortly after his sixteenth birthday, deciding then and there to pledge his loyalty to Voldemort. He worked for the Death Eaters, delivering his information directly to Voldemort, although he had not yet been Marked because of his parents adamancy that he wait until his graduation. A sixteen year old child soon made his way into Voldemort's Inner Circle - a sixteen year old child who had not even received the Mark, but was more valuable than any other Death Eater. That, my children, is not widely known information. So, your grandfather received the Mark as planned as soon as he graduated, going on from there to become a Potions Master - the most skilled in Europe. He was offered the position of Potions Master at Hogwarts, which he accepted at the command of his Master.
"He was the youngest person to teach at Hogwarts in centuries, not to mention the youngest Potions Master ever. At the age of only twenty-two, he was married to Nianda Avery and shortly thereafter I was born. Mere weeks after my birth, something happened that would forever change my father. He had taken me to see his parents, and while he was gone, my mother was killed. Aurors had raided the Manor, this manor, while he was out. Now, as my father was not foolish enough to keep incriminating evidence in his home, they found nothing; however, they seemed to see it fit to send my father a message, and they killed his wife. Father always suspected Alastor Moody. Moody had always hated my father, and for that, Father believed he killed her. When my mother was killed, something in my father changed. Realizing that he did not want the same thing to happen to anyone else whom he held dear, he drew away from everyone. His years as a Death Eater had turned him into a cruel bastard, but his years after my mother's death turned him into an emotionless, heartless soul. He refused to allow anyone inside. Aside from when he was teaching, he spoke to no one except Albus Dumbledore, whom he had come to trust. When his wife was killed, my father went directly to Albus, spilling his soul about his being a Death Eater as well as other things, and swore to turn away from his Dark behaviors. He joined Dumbledore's fight against Voldemort, as a spy, risking his life to try to make up for the things he had done. Two years later, the Potters were killed, and this only made matters with my father worse. He felt that he should have been able to prevent their death, considering his position as a spy. However, with them fell Voldemort. Yes, Voldemort was gone, but my father's job was not yet over. Many of his students were the sons of Death Eaters, and my father still had a reputation to protect. Being one who was in Voldemort's Inner Circle, he could not very well turn from his old ways. He was not yet free to live his life. He still had a duty, to protect his life, my life, the lives of others around him. Imagine how you would feel if you felt the lives of almost everyone you came in contact with were put in your hands. That, my children, is the way my father was the way he was."
We sat in a stunned silence for a moment, allowing it all to sink in. Father was right, there had been much we hadn't known. After a moment's silence, Father continued. There was still more to this tale.
"When the Dark Lord rose again when I was sixteen, my father was once again thrown into the role of spy. He continued that way for just about two years. All the while, however, Voldemort's trust in him had been wavering. When this became apparent, my father had no choice but to go into hiding. His life was in danger, not to mention the lives of those around him, if he did not. Charms even stronger than the Fidelius Charm were placed around his hideout, as well as several Unplottable Charms along with concealing charms. He remained in hiding for almost three years; until Voldemort was killed was and for all by Harry Potter. He finally had a chance to live his life, and live it he did. He traveled extensively, all around the world. And now, children, he has come back to live here." Father concluded his speech, and none of us dared speak.
We sat in silence, all thinking about what Father had told us. It helped, being able to understand more of what Grandfather went through, to handle his being here. Also, the first impressions he made were very good, not at all like the man Father described him as being in the past. Merlin, how terrible it must have been for him! Having to go through all of that.I can scarce imagine. And now, to have almost completely changed.I realized my grandfather was a man of great strength, and I became determined to give him a chance.
By this time, it was time for lunch, and Father left, not doubt to get Grandfather.
"Wow." Siri sighed.
"You said a mouthful there." Lucas said in response. I looked at him, ready to glare if he was being sarcastic, but he looked sincere. I turned to my elder brother.
"Drac, did you know any of that?"
My brother shook his head. "No. I could never have imagined."
"You know, Grandfather doesn't seem at all the man Father described him of being in the past." Said Siri.
"No, Sir, he doesn't." replied Lucas.
We headed into the dining room and waited for Father and Grandfather. When they came down, we all sat and were served by the House Elves. Yes, we have House Elves. Over lunch, no one talked much. Grandfather kept glancing around the table at us; we were all looking a bit subdued. Grandfather glanced around the table, then fixed his gaze on Father.
"You told them, Jardin. Did you not?"
"Yes, Father. I did tell them."
"Well, I must say, it's about time!" Father looked slightly taken aback. "They deserve to know."
"With all due respect, sir, I thought them a bit young." My father replied.
"I'm sure." Replied Grandfather. The rest of the meal was eaten in silence, but I looked up at Grandfather ever so often, who had an odd look about his features. He appeared thoughtful, as if mulling over a very important matter.
I had planned on spending the rest of my afternoon writing owls to my friends, perhaps curling up with a good book, but unfortunately the fates were against me. Barely an hour after we had eaten, a loud bell sounded, indicating that someone had decided to pay us a visit.
A/N: Well, that wraps up Chapter Three! To my three reviewers, THANK YOU!!!! I'm writing this fic as I go, and as of now I only have enough written to get me through the next chapter, but, the more I see people want to read more, the quicker I'll write!!
"Well?" Grandfather looked around at us expectantly. "I know Hogwarts must have new teachers, now. Who are they?"
It was Draco who spoke. "Well, Grandfather. I'm sure you'd like to know who is teaching Potions.and that would be Professor Weasley. Virginia Weasley."
Grandfather did not appear surprised at this news; in fact, he seemed almost amused. "What about Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
"Harry Potter now teaches that, Grandfather." I supplied.
"Does he?" Grandfather asked, an amused smirk tugging at his lips.
"Yes, sir. And Hermione Granger as Transfiguration professor." I said.
"That's right, Father." My father said, "Also, Seamus Finnigan is now teaching Charms, since Professor Flitwick retired a few years ago."
"Finnigan became a professor?" Grandfather seemed shocked. "The next think I shall hear is that Longbottom is teaching!"
"Actually, Father, Neville occupies the Herbology position." My father said. Grandfather grunted in reply, then moved on to his next question. "Are there any other new appointments which I should hear about, Jardin?"
"Well, let's see. Hogwarts no longer offers Divination; only Arithmancy, which Penelope Clearwater now teaches. Or should I say Penelope Weasley. She and Percy Weasley wed some years ago. Ronald Weasley is teaching Muggle Studies, and Oliver Wood flying lessons."
"Indeed." Grandfather sighed. "Somehow, none of this really seems to surprise me. I've heard the names of many Gryffindors I used to teach, but not one word of any of my former Slytherins. Tell me, what happened with them all?"
Everyone was silent for a moment. Only Father would be able to answer Grandfather's question, but he didn't seem willing. After a moment's silence, Father cleared his throat.
"Well, let me see.After the Dark Lord fell, many of your old Slytherins were discovered to be Death Eaters. Most of them are now either in Azkaban or they received the Kiss. Some of them were proved innocent - they had been working against Voldemort, spying. Albus Dumbledore vouched for many himself."
We all watched Grandfather for his reaction, but this face was blank. "Continue, Jardin." He said in his cold voice.
Father nodded, "There were still some who got away. Although it was known for sure that the Dark Lord was gone, many of his loyal followers were a danger to those who had been spying. A great number of the spies were placed under the Fidelius Charm or their protection. Draco Malfoy was included in that category, as were the Zabinis. Blaise and her parents were suspected of being right in the Dark Lord's inner circle, but it was proved that they had been fighting our side since before they even joined Lord Voldemort."
My siblings and I sat staring at each other as we listened. We had never heard Father talk about the Dark Lord; none of us would even have guessed he knew anything about which he was now speaking. It almost seemed as if he actually knew the people he spoke about. Well, of course, we knew Draco Malfoy - was after him that my elder brother had been named - he was our father's best friend.
"What happened to Lucius Malfoy, Jardin?" my grandfather finally spoke. "After the Dark Lord fell, it was discovered that Lucius had been under a form of the Imperius Curse. It allowed him to have a little control over his own mind at certain times, such as times when he was at home with his son or with his wife, but he was unable to do anything else of his own free will. The affects of the Imperius Curse vary from this curse, the Manipule Curse. If someone is under the influence of the Imperius Curse, it is fairly easy to find out. Simple methods of detection make that true. However, the Manipule Curse is completely undetectable unless the person casting it has been injured severely or died." Father quietly explained.
Grandfather sat stunned. "So . who was the one casting it?" Father looked as if he didn't want to answer, but Grandfather looked at him sharply. "Who?" He demanded.
"Narcissa Malfoy."
"N.Cissa?!" Grandfather gasped, "She could never."
"She could, Father. Two days after Voldemort was killed, Narcissa was found at Malfoy Manor near death. Who it was that had tried to kill her was never discovered, but as soon as she was well, Ministry officials questioned her using Veritaserum. Lucius had been babbling on about how Narcissa had cursed him and all sorts of things, so they had to see if it was true. It was proven truth when they questioned her. There could be no doubt of it. I myself was present for the questioning." Father said. "It became clear that Lucius had never truly intended on joining the Death Eaters, and was going to turn spy, when Narcissa cast the curse on him. She herself was an avid supporter of Voldemort, although women did not generally join his ranks." Father shook his head, almost as if in disbelief of what he was saying.
"Jardin, if you do not mind, I am going to go to my room now. I need a little time. I'd like to rest a bit, and there are a few owls I would like to send." With that, Grandfather stood and walked stiffly from the room.
"Father, why didn't Grandfather already know all of that?" Draco dared to ask.
Father sighed and my siblings and I exchanged a nervous glance. "Children, there is much about your grandfather that you don't know," he began. "Your grandfather was about your age, Lucas, when the Dark Lord began gaining followers. When he learned of the Dark Lord, he thought it was absolutely absurd. He was a Slytherin, why would he want to answer to someone who thought themselves better than he, and who expected him to call them 'Master'? He soon learned, though, that his own parents had joined the ranks of the Death Eaters. Now, what is unknown to some, your grandfather did not initially seek to join Voldemort, Voldemort sought him out."
We all stared at our father in shock. Why would Voldemort want our grandfather?
"Why, Father?" Draco asked.
"Although he was young, your grandfather showed great promise in Potions. He was only in his fifth year when Voldemort became interested in him. Why, you may ask. His Potions skills, for one, were . outstanding. He was in his fifth year, and yet doing seventh year Potions work. Add to it that he was a Snape, a member of one of the purest bloodlines in the wizarding world; a highly influential family that had more power and money than even the Malfoys. So, yes, Voldemort was very interested in young Severus Snape. However, my grandparents, your great grandparents, would not allow him to be Marked until he had graduated from Hogwarts. They did tell him, though, that the day the graduated he would either be Marked, or be killed. Before too long, however, your grandfather became interested in what Voldemort could offer him. Namely, the power, the position that he thought Voldemort could offer him. He attended a meeting of the Death Eaters shortly after his sixteenth birthday, deciding then and there to pledge his loyalty to Voldemort. He worked for the Death Eaters, delivering his information directly to Voldemort, although he had not yet been Marked because of his parents adamancy that he wait until his graduation. A sixteen year old child soon made his way into Voldemort's Inner Circle - a sixteen year old child who had not even received the Mark, but was more valuable than any other Death Eater. That, my children, is not widely known information. So, your grandfather received the Mark as planned as soon as he graduated, going on from there to become a Potions Master - the most skilled in Europe. He was offered the position of Potions Master at Hogwarts, which he accepted at the command of his Master.
"He was the youngest person to teach at Hogwarts in centuries, not to mention the youngest Potions Master ever. At the age of only twenty-two, he was married to Nianda Avery and shortly thereafter I was born. Mere weeks after my birth, something happened that would forever change my father. He had taken me to see his parents, and while he was gone, my mother was killed. Aurors had raided the Manor, this manor, while he was out. Now, as my father was not foolish enough to keep incriminating evidence in his home, they found nothing; however, they seemed to see it fit to send my father a message, and they killed his wife. Father always suspected Alastor Moody. Moody had always hated my father, and for that, Father believed he killed her. When my mother was killed, something in my father changed. Realizing that he did not want the same thing to happen to anyone else whom he held dear, he drew away from everyone. His years as a Death Eater had turned him into a cruel bastard, but his years after my mother's death turned him into an emotionless, heartless soul. He refused to allow anyone inside. Aside from when he was teaching, he spoke to no one except Albus Dumbledore, whom he had come to trust. When his wife was killed, my father went directly to Albus, spilling his soul about his being a Death Eater as well as other things, and swore to turn away from his Dark behaviors. He joined Dumbledore's fight against Voldemort, as a spy, risking his life to try to make up for the things he had done. Two years later, the Potters were killed, and this only made matters with my father worse. He felt that he should have been able to prevent their death, considering his position as a spy. However, with them fell Voldemort. Yes, Voldemort was gone, but my father's job was not yet over. Many of his students were the sons of Death Eaters, and my father still had a reputation to protect. Being one who was in Voldemort's Inner Circle, he could not very well turn from his old ways. He was not yet free to live his life. He still had a duty, to protect his life, my life, the lives of others around him. Imagine how you would feel if you felt the lives of almost everyone you came in contact with were put in your hands. That, my children, is the way my father was the way he was."
We sat in a stunned silence for a moment, allowing it all to sink in. Father was right, there had been much we hadn't known. After a moment's silence, Father continued. There was still more to this tale.
"When the Dark Lord rose again when I was sixteen, my father was once again thrown into the role of spy. He continued that way for just about two years. All the while, however, Voldemort's trust in him had been wavering. When this became apparent, my father had no choice but to go into hiding. His life was in danger, not to mention the lives of those around him, if he did not. Charms even stronger than the Fidelius Charm were placed around his hideout, as well as several Unplottable Charms along with concealing charms. He remained in hiding for almost three years; until Voldemort was killed was and for all by Harry Potter. He finally had a chance to live his life, and live it he did. He traveled extensively, all around the world. And now, children, he has come back to live here." Father concluded his speech, and none of us dared speak.
We sat in silence, all thinking about what Father had told us. It helped, being able to understand more of what Grandfather went through, to handle his being here. Also, the first impressions he made were very good, not at all like the man Father described him as being in the past. Merlin, how terrible it must have been for him! Having to go through all of that.I can scarce imagine. And now, to have almost completely changed.I realized my grandfather was a man of great strength, and I became determined to give him a chance.
By this time, it was time for lunch, and Father left, not doubt to get Grandfather.
"Wow." Siri sighed.
"You said a mouthful there." Lucas said in response. I looked at him, ready to glare if he was being sarcastic, but he looked sincere. I turned to my elder brother.
"Drac, did you know any of that?"
My brother shook his head. "No. I could never have imagined."
"You know, Grandfather doesn't seem at all the man Father described him of being in the past." Said Siri.
"No, Sir, he doesn't." replied Lucas.
We headed into the dining room and waited for Father and Grandfather. When they came down, we all sat and were served by the House Elves. Yes, we have House Elves. Over lunch, no one talked much. Grandfather kept glancing around the table at us; we were all looking a bit subdued. Grandfather glanced around the table, then fixed his gaze on Father.
"You told them, Jardin. Did you not?"
"Yes, Father. I did tell them."
"Well, I must say, it's about time!" Father looked slightly taken aback. "They deserve to know."
"With all due respect, sir, I thought them a bit young." My father replied.
"I'm sure." Replied Grandfather. The rest of the meal was eaten in silence, but I looked up at Grandfather ever so often, who had an odd look about his features. He appeared thoughtful, as if mulling over a very important matter.
I had planned on spending the rest of my afternoon writing owls to my friends, perhaps curling up with a good book, but unfortunately the fates were against me. Barely an hour after we had eaten, a loud bell sounded, indicating that someone had decided to pay us a visit.
A/N: Well, that wraps up Chapter Three! To my three reviewers, THANK YOU!!!! I'm writing this fic as I go, and as of now I only have enough written to get me through the next chapter, but, the more I see people want to read more, the quicker I'll write!!