Author's note: Thank you, thank you, thank you…LauraBlade, Madame Padfoot, Nicky, J. Lynn, Linda, Lolajack, Luna Rose/Phoenix Child, The Kuro no Tenshi, Prophetess Of Hearts, Alice, Terra Evans… and oeps for those I forgot, Thank You for your reviews. Keep'em coming! vbg They do make my day.
And Emma, I'm sorry I disappointed you, but the story is far from finished, and with my mind twists you never know.
Anyway, on with the story. We pick up where we left of … the mystery continues!
Oh, this IS for the Severitus Challenge! Leave it to me to make it complicated and long.
I hope you enjoy this chapter and have fun …
Title: Untold Past, Unknown Future
Author: Dagmar De Meyer
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, that is the property of J.K. Rowling. I only borrowed what she started and had them play in my mind twists. One character however will be of my own creation, you'll soon find out.
Rated: Better make it PG although I still think it is G. Don't want to offend anyone with certain expressions.
Reviews: Oh, yes please… For better or worse I suppose.
Summary: My take on 'Severitus's challenge'. What if Severus Snape is Harry's father?! Voldemort is still on the loose and who is the lady with the violet eyes!
Untold Past, Unknown Future Chapter 5By Dagmar De Meyer
It looked like a muggle picture. A muggle picture, which captures only a second in time and puts it on paper. The Great Hall and all its occupants seemed frozen. Only sounds of people breathing made you aware that they were all very much alive. The scene was actually quite funny. With all the students' wands out, ready to strike and the head table with a headmaster trying very hard to control his amusement. It weren't only the students that showed surprise; several teachers had leaped to their feet, wands drawn.
Deciding he had waited enough, Dumbledore stood and cleared his troth.
"Oh, yes …" He started. "Before I forget, may I introduce your new DADA teacher! Miss Violet Evans."
A quiet murmur rippled through the Great Hall, which soon became louder and louder to the brink of shouts. It was only after Dumbledore had raised his arms and his stern look that everybody became quiet.
"I must say Professor Evans, you gave us quite a show."
A smile on her face, Vi looked up at Dumbledore and then let her gaze wander around the room.
"My apologies Headmaster, I should have waited. I must say, however, the students' reflexes are in excellent state. We'll have quite an interesting year to teach. And I love a challenge."
"Indeed." Dumbledore's eyes shown brightly with amusement. "Would you care to join us?" He said indicating to a vacant chair at the head table.
It sounded like a question, but Vi knew better then to say no and nodded her accept. As she made her way to take the empty seat between Professors McGonagall and Flitwick she was very aware of two pairs of eyes burning holes in her back. One she knew, without a doubt, were black as the darkest night and the other she could only guess. She was fairly certain they belong to a very special young boy.
* * * * * *
After his initial shock and willing his heart to beat at a more normal pace, dinner passed as it always did, chaotic. Scowl in place, his eyes blank, he ate his food not really tasting it. Even now, making his way back towards the dungeons, no one would know looking at his cool outward appearance that inside everything was in turmoil. First Remus, then Harry and now this.
Emotions whirled around; anger for Remus, confusion when it came to Harry, though it was the hate and pain that was slowly getting a grip on his heart. How could she? This was a dream, a nightmare. She wasn't really here. He had been sure he was seeing things. It couldn't be, but when Dumbledore introduced her, that illusion was shattered.
"Evans." He sneered, "yeah right."
The deeper he walked into the castle, the deeper the anger became. So lost in thought, he almost collided with the person approaching from the opposite corridor. His quick reflexes stopped him just in time and he stepped back into the shadows. Spying on the scene that was being played out before him. His eyes ablaze with fire, the anger burning.
* * * * * *
Unaware of the person hiding in the ever-present shadows, Vi wandered through the halls of Hogwarts. Not really having a destination in mind she wandered aimlessly. Enjoying the happy memories this place held for her. The bad, for now, she hoped to forget a while longer.
Her entry before, during the feast had been planned carefully and agreed upon by Dumbledore. She had argued with him it was necessary to get a feel of the students. An impressive display, she smiled a bit at the memory. The next part had been hard and painful, but that to had been necessary. Going over ever-available scenario involving Severus' reaction, this had proved, albeit the most painful for all involved also the most effective. Truth be told, she had been in the dark as to how Severus would react. It had been hard seeing his pain turn in to anger and hate, the knife stabbed in her back was twisted around several times. She was very well aware Severus had a similar knife planted there.
Stopping in front of the open window, she felt tears running down her cheeks.
From his hiding place, Snape fought an internal battle of emotions. He sneered, the line between love and hate was indeed a very thin one.
The moonlight played over her porcelain skin, a contrast with the deep mahogany colour of the waist long hair curling down her back. The most stunning, in his mind anyway, were the violet eyes, at this moment alive with emotions, so plainly visible for the world to see. Part of him wanted nothing more then to leave his hiding place, go over to her, dry her tears, hold her and comfort her, to never let go. The part that prevented him to follow his heart was his head…his head filled with memories of his pain and suffering, all because of her.
So he stayed put and watched from a distance, questions unanswered. He jumped when she spoke his name. Did she know he was there? When no indication of him being discovered came he listened.
"Oh, Severus… What do we do now? What happened to us? How I wish I could take it all back. But I can't …maybe one day…you'll be ready to listen. I know I can't expect that just yet, if ever." She shivered. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around herself. "Where did it go wrong?" She whispered in the wind, not expecting an answer, for she already knew.
She didn't see his approach and jumped when strong arms encircled her shoulders, wrapping her in his cloak. Knowing instantly who it was she closed her eyes and for mere seconds she allowed herself the feel of his warmth and strength around her.
With a pang of guilt she stepped back and looked up searching out his eyes. As always the black depths were unreadable and unwavering as they locked with her own. Always the master at hiding, she thought.
Surprised by his own actions Severus looked down at the woman in his arms. She had jumped at his touch but at the same time had leaned back. Oh, how right it felt. With regret he felt her move and take a step back. Slowly he lifted his hand and gently caressed her cheek, feeling the tears.
A stiffening silence settled on the both of them, neither really knowing what to say. It was Vi who broke eye contact first.
"I should be going." She mumbled, fiddling with the cloak. "Tomorrow promises to get rather busy."
"Yes." Was the only reply she got.
"Goodnight Severus."
"Goodnight Vi."
* * * * * *
The silent snores of his friends filtered through the closed curtains of their beds. Four of the five boys in the 5th year dormitory were already asleep. Number five; one Harry Potter was still wide-awake. Sitting on the window ledge, Harry watched as Hedwige soared through the sky towards him. It was their 'first day back' ritual. Besides, Harry was to wound up to go to sleep. The evening's events were buzzing through his head and refused to quiet down. Evans, the name repeated over and over in his head. It had been Hermione who had voiced his own thoughts.
"Hey Harry, Evans isn't that your mother's maiden name?"
"Yes, yes it is. Now that you mention it." Harry answered as he let Hermione pas to give the Fat Lady the new password.
"Lancelot."
Hermione was beaming with pride as she let the 1st years into the Gryffindor common room. With all the commotion at the feast the naming of a particular Prefect for Gryffindor had almost gone unnoticed. Both Harry and Ron were very happy for her. Still Harry's thoughts were not with the shining badge pinned on Hermione's cloak. Choosing a chair, he and Ron watched as Hermione busied herself with the wide-eyed 1st years. Finally after what seemed like forever Hermione came back down and let herself drop in one of the vacant seats near Harry and Ron. The threesome were the only ones left in the common room.
"So, Harry, do you think you are related?" Ron asked, stiffening a yawn.
"I don't know. I know my mother's name was Evans. But then again I'm sure a lot of other people carry the same one. It doesn't necessarily mean we are family." He sighed. "It would be fun though."
"Why don't we ask her?"
"Yeah, right Hermione… We don't even know the woman. Hey, you, professor, I'm Harry Potter are we family!" Ron exclaimed.
"Well…" Hermione shot back. "It wouldn't hurt in asking her, but if you insist we could always go and look it up in the LIBRARY."
"Urgh, library! And school hasn't even started yet."
"Where would we look?" Harry asked. "I agree with Ron, Hermione. I just can't go up to her and ask."
"Well, if you ask me, that's simply ridiculous. But if you insist we can always have a look at one of the registers and maybe then you can go and talk to Professor Evans."
So it was decided, after lunch they would meet up in the library for some research. After much convincing even Ron agreed.
Before closing the curtains to his four poster bed Ron whispered to Harry: "Did you see her eyes?"
"Yes…"
"The Lady with the violet eyes. The one the saved you!" Ron could barely contain his excitement.
"I know." Harry whispered back. "But that makes it even more curious."
Not having an answer for his friend Ron just looked down at his hands and sighed.
"We'll find something Harry, goodnight."
"Goodnight Ron."
And now Harry couldn't sleep. Hedwige had returned from her hunting trip and sat by his feet. In his lap lay the photo album Hagrid had given him at the end of his first year. After Ron had gone to sleep, Harry remembered the book and started looking through it. If Professor Evans and his mother were related, as he strongly suspected, maybe there would be a picture of her in the photo-album. No such luck, not a single one with the woman he had seen twice now. She did look a lot like Lily, Harry noticed. Same slender built, same height. The only difference was the hair colour and the colour of their eyes. Now Harry was even surer he and Professor Evans were related. Also counting the fact that he felt very strongly drawn to her. How? He didn't know. Hopefully tomorrow he would know more.
A yawn escaped him and he stretched.
"I think it is time for bed Hedwige, have fun tonight." Harry stroked his owl receiving a quiet hoot in return. Letting himself drop down he turned around and watched Hedwige fly into the night before climbing in his bed. And before his head even reached the pillow, Harry was fast asleep.
* * * * * *
*** Dark, cold, fear, pain, anger… The air was tick, the smell of blood ever present. What is this place? A stickiness between her fingers made her redraw her hand. Where am I? Still the dark was too intense. Eyes open or closed it didn't matter. Drawing up her legs she waited for what was to come. Her mind drawing a blank as to why and how she had found herself in this dark abyss. Suddenly, with such a force her eyes burned, light filled the dark room. A door had been opened. Peering through her fingers, adjusting to the light her eyes made out a person's outline in the doorway. Finally she would find out what had happened to her. A hand shot forward and roughly pulled her to her feet. Biting down a scream she tried not to fall down as her shaky legs betrayed her and gave way. Again her arm was pulled upward and this time she couldn't prevent the small scream. Dragging her dead weight out of the room the person didn't even look at her. She was sure that if she'd fall again he would drag her like a sack of potatoes. Up and up they went, thought winding narrow passageways barely wide enough for one person let alone two. Abruptly the passage ended and a solid wooden door blocked their path. The person, her captor didn't even stop and mere inches from colliding with the door it swung open. Once through the person stepped into the room, feeling another pull on her very bruised arm she was pushed forward and fell to the dust covered floor. This time the person left her there. On her hands and knees she tried to catch her breath, willing away the pain that shot through her abdomen, one hand protectively around her round belly she lifted her head and looked around the room. A sharp intake of breath was all she managed as she stared around the room. Frozen in fear, she couldn't move, couldn't breath, the only thing she did was stare.
A menacing laugh brought her back to reality and she blinked as out of the large group of black hooded figures one stepped forward and kneeled beside her.
Red eyes gleaming in the darkened room. A slow hissing sound coming from his mouth although it didn't move. His hand reached out and started for her. A panic reaction made her jump; only to be gripped by strong arms and held firmly in place as the monster before her began caressing her belly. Slowly he removed her tattered cloak and the robes she was wearing. She felt herself shiver, from the cold or from his touch? Closing her eyes she tried to forget who it was in front of her. Instead of those red eyes and the ruff hands she thought of the deep black ones she loved so much.
"LOOK AT ME!" He screamed.
Her eyes flew open as he pulled her hair jerking her head up towards him.
"I warned you Violet, I warned you before. Just like I'm sure Severus has warned you. DO NOT BETRAY ME!"
A flame started burning inside her. A Gryffindor's brave heart wasn't easy to conquer and even harder to defeat. Surprised at her own voice she heard herself say.
"I was never yours…"
The hand came out of nowhere and slapped her with such a force she fell backwards.
"You're Severus', so you're MINE."
"NEVER."
"You know what happens when people betray me don't you my child." He hissed in her ear, a snake like tongue traveling down her cheek.
"You could have been so great, you, Severus and that child of yours. Do you know how disappointed Severus was when I told him of your betrayal to me? How you went back to that sister of yours and Potter oh and lets not forget that pest in his castle, Dumbledore."
"Severus would never allow you to do this." She managed to say before her voice cracked.
There, that laugh again.
"Foolish girl. Severus is mine and he will do as I tell him to. Love my dear is not what it used to be."
Tears fell down her cheeks, as she tried to make herself believe that what that monster was telling her was a lie. Severus loved her and their child; he would never betray her like that. But a little voice in the back of her mind whispered different things. For months now she had believed him lost to the dark side, still she had refused to believe, had ignored Lily and James's warnings. She loved him, he loved her, and he would come back. But he didn't … was it really too late.
"Where is that husband of your now, little one?"
Anger, boiling in the depths of her soul. She lashed out and hit him with all the strength she had. A deep red gash appeared on the deadly pale face in front of her. The red eyes burning with hatred and anger.
"That was a stupid thing to do." He hissed.
She felt herself relax as she watched him wave his wand in front of her.
"Now you are going to die."
It surprised her, how calm she felt. She was going to die and she wasn't even afraid. Yes she was but not for herself. In her heart she cried for the life that was not to be. The life growing in her belly. A child made out of love. She didn't even hear him shout, was oblivions to the looks of pure excitement on the faces all around her. One face danced in front of her eyes as she whispered. "I love you Severus."
A green light filled the darkened room and screams reached her ears as she doubled over in pain.***
"NOOOOOO…" Harry screamed, bolting upright.
"Vi… NO." Snape had a similar reaction…dripping wet with sweat he tried to breath.
And not far from either of them in a dark room and single figure lay crying in her bed. Trembling with fear of the haunting memory.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
To Be Continued
Author's note 2 : Voilà, that's it for now! Don't look at me like that… Chapter 6 is halfway there. If I manage I'll have it up this WE. Can't promise anything but my muse is on a role. I just thought this was a better ending, and I decided to give you this part already!
What to expect next chapter? Do you really want me to tell you? Oh maybe just one tip… Harry's getting really worried about his appearance and asks Hermione for help. Also Harry is going to be in a lot of pain.
And for those of you who are wondering when I'm getting to the Snape – Harry parts. They are coming… This is still an answer to Severitus' challenge. But who knows how long it will take. I'm not even sure myself. Like J.K. Rowling I already have my ending… just getting the middle part written is proving the challenge.
Well I hope you had fun reading, even though it was a short chapter.