Author's note: Another long wait! But here it is…chapter 15! A few answers to a lot of questions…I think! vbg I really want to know what you all think, so let me know… A big thank you goes to my beta-reader for a wonderful job yet again! And of course, to all my reviewers! Now… Enjoy!
Title: Untold Past, Unknown Future
Author: Dagmar De Meyer
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, which 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!
Rachel : First of all let me tell you I'm sorry you find the story so confusing. Since the story is far from finished I believe it is supposed to be. I do know where I'm going with it, so sometimes I don't see that. I will tell you this, maybe it will clear up a bit of confusion. Yes, Harry is Sev's and Vi's son. But she did not leave him with the Dursleys. As you know Dumbledore did! Also the Profecy will be explained in upcoming chapters. I hope that the following chapter will clear up a few question, although I'm pretty sure I created more. And last but not least Remus and Hermione were there for a reason.
Sakura Le : Cliffies I so enjoy! vbEg I write as often as I can, or I try too!
Luna Rose and Phoenix Child : Too true… Forgive me! But here is more!
Sethanon Snape : Scroll down, you'll find more!
The angelic vampire : Thank you!
Xikum : Thank you for your wonderful review! I do have a complicated mind that loves these twits. I'm a big fan of mystery novels, might have something to do with it! I hope you keep enjoying the story. As for my love of homonyms, I hadn't even realized, just keep trying not to repeat myself.
Sandtr : 'Big smile' I try, I really do, but soon always seems to come later!
Angel : It was an in-between chapter! Hopefully this one is a bit more exciting.
Tornblonde : Thanks!
Linds : Here you go! And after this, you'll wonder even more! g
Kateri : After a long wait... Enjoy!
Cricket : You are making me blush! And I know…simply awesome!
Fairy Lights : Taking a bow! Thank you…
Sela : And voilà… chapter 15… Have fun…
Amy2k : What indeed?! Who knows… Euh, I do! And if I ever manage to get it out of my head onto paper, you will to.
Charma1219 : Well, for Severus and Violet's story you have to scroll down…
Saerry Snape : vbg On my knees and offering Chapter 15 on a silver platter…
Kate : Yes, more cliffies. Why do I have the feeling I'm the only one that loves them?! I'm very very glad you are enjoying the story!
Mikee : It took me too long but I finally managed to get Vi's story on paper for you to read.
Gusha : Thank you! I do my best to keep it interesting.
deaths mistress : Always!
momma-dar : Thank very much for your patience. I know I'm testing it. vbg
Untold Past, Unknown Future
Chapter 15
By Dagmar De Meyer
My dearest Severus,
I'm back at Hogwarts, and all that I feared is proving to be true. It simply is not the same without you and Lily here. Remus, James, Sirius (although I'm still furious with him after that stint he pulled on you last year)...even Peter I miss. It is so quiet in the tower.
Oh well, I guess I'll have to get used to it.
Now, how was your trip? Did you survive that 'terrible' Muggle contraption?
I admit I'm waiting (im)patiently for you to tell me all about the Hovercraft and whether or not you'll be flooing back!
Have fun and don't blow anything up!
Miss you lots.
Love,
Vi
* * *
My darling,
Sure…patiently! Forgive me if I do not believe you.
My trip was indeed terrible, though rather interesting as well, at the same time. Never again! You know me too well.
Mr. Pastice had a marvelous time though. We spent the first few days in the forest looking for ingredients. Rest assured, I have not blown anything up yet. (funny)
Don't you dare tell anyone...I will simply deny it if you do, for it would ruin my reputation...but I am loving it here. Muggle or not, Mr. Pastice knows his potions...or chemistry, as you call it.
I miss you too.
Love,
Severus
* * *
Sweetheart,
I spoke to Professor McGonagall: she has agreed!! YES! We start the lessons right after the Christmas Holidays. I'm so excited...I can't wait. That'll show James. He won't be the only animagus in the family anymore. Yes, family: Lily and James got engaged. Oh, stop growling… It's good news for a change. Not like those horrible things you read about in the paper, Lord what's-his-name.
When are you coming back? Hurry, will you! I'm going home for Christmas. Everybody is, actually; Dumbledore is closing the school. Don't know why exactly, but I overheard Professor's Flitwick and Binns talking. Something about the security wards. Everybody is so tense, Severus.
Write me…soon!
Kisses,
Vi
* * *
My dear,
I am aware of my heart. I doubt, however, that it is sweet.
Congratulations! I knew you could get her to change her mind. I never doubted it for a second.
I should probably congratulate Lily; but you know that I cannot and most certainly WILL not. She is a fool, if you ask me.
Don't worry too much about what you read in the papers. Most of it is exaggerated for sure.
Lucius arrived today. He's taking me to Ireland, said he found me a job. Yes, I know, I could not believe it either--Lucius and job in the same context. Still, I believe he's serious. A friend of his needs a Potions expert and Lucius recommended me. I am a bit nervous, but if all goes well, I will get my own lab… my OWN lab!
Got to go, Lucius is waiting.
Forever yours,
Severus
* * *
SWEETHEART
You better believe it!
Well, I guess congratulations are in order! Although forgive me if I say I don't like the "Lucius" part. I know he's your friend, but… I'll shut up. Do be careful…
Lily was very happy when I passed on your best wishes. I lied, so what?!
Speaking of Lily, she's been acting rather strange lately. I don't know. Her letters seem so… Forget it, I'm probably imagining things.
It can't be easy training to become an Auror.
Please be careful!
Vi
* * *
Severus, where are you?
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Vi
* * *
Please… Severus, answer me!
* * *
Severus…please…
Don't do this to me!
Lily's missing. She disappeared right after Christmas. Where are you? I need you… Answer me, please. I know you're in trouble. I felt your pain. Let me know where you are! I'll come and help.
Please Severus, don't leave me…
* * * * * *
A year passed and not a word was heard from either Lily or Severus. Violet Evans graduated from Hogwarts with flying colours, but the girl had become a mere shadow of her former self. Every night she lay awake afraid of what her sleep would bring. Anger, pain, hatred, and suffering. None of it was her own, but it might as well be...for it was Severus'.
She had left the Muggle world behind. Nothing seemed worthwhile anymore. James and Sirius would talk to her about the war, although James would often be absent in his search for Lily. Soon, the rumours started. Bits and pieces… Severus had been seen. A follower of Voldemort. The Dark Lord's raids were increasing. Every time, Severus had been seen...or so James and Sirius kept saying. In their minds, Severus was to blame for everything. But what else was new? He had kidnapped Lily, and he would pay. They never provided proof, but deep down Violet knew that part of it was true. So many questions…
On a cold November night, she got her answers.
* * * * * *
The dark figure moved among the shadows of the forest. He was near: he could feel it. Just a little further… The trek through the woods was taking its toll. He was tired and wounded. He felt the blood run down his legs. Maybe it would be better for everybody if he just lay down and died. No…just a little further. Re-adjusting the dead weight in his arms, he moved passed the tree line and looked up at the house. The noise of a banging door made him jump. He shouldn't be here. But it was too late, for a figure came running towards him, yelling his name, tears streaming down her beautiful face…
As she reached him, she stopped dead in her tracks…her face a mixture of emotions. He scolded himself. Why had he come in the first place?
He extended his arms and forced his eyes away from those pools of purple before he drowned.
Looking down at the figure in his arms, he whispered hoarsely, "Lily needs help."
Those violet eyes widened, making him even more drowsy. The last thing he knew before he too left the world of consciousness was her warm lips on his, and her tears mixing with those already present on his cheeks.
* * * * * *
Hours turned into days, and still they would not awake, deathly pale as they both fought their wounds. In and out of consciousness they drifted, fighting demons of their own making.
The room was silent except for the laboured breathing of two still figures in opposite beds. At the end of one of the beds, James Potter had taken to pacing. Once in a while he stopped, and his expression was one of worry and fear as he looked at the barely recognizable figure of the woman he loved. He could stand there for hours--or just minutes--before he resumed his course. Up and down he went, mumbling to himself, his entire body showing his anger. He dared not look at the other bed or its occupant, for he knew only bad things would come as a result.
Vi had been pretty clear…if he stepped one toe out of line he would regret it for the rest of his life. He knew she meant it too; she was as protective of Severus as he was of Lily. So they had worked together trying to save their loved ones' lives.
One curse after another was removed from Lily's body until only the Cruciatus after-effects remained. And that was something Lily had to fight on her own.
Severus was an entirely different matter. How the man had made his way up to the house was a mystery to James. He had lost so much blood through the various wounds all over his body...not to mention the burns. It frightened James that every time he looked on the pale figure that he wished that whatever was responsible could have finished it. But he had to admit, if he looked at the evidence, Severus was the reason why Lily had been given back to him.
"Argh…"
He sat down next to the bed and stared down at Lily...his beautiful Lily. What had happened? He reached out and picked up her hand. It felt cold, so cold. Willing back his tears, he pushed up her sleeve and shivered. There, just above her wrist, was the thing he feared most…the Dark Mark burned forever on her soul.
'No, no, no…this can't be… Why? Why?' Dropping Lily's hand back onto the bed he jumped up, his chair crashing to the floor with a loud "bang".
He had been patient, hadn't he? For days he had kept his anger and hatred at bay. No more… Up and down he went, the wooden floorboards protesting under his weight every step he took.
'Calm down, Jamie, calm down,' a voice in his head said. This won't solve anything. 'Strange,' he thought, 'it sounds just like Lily.' But it was the other voice that he heard more clearly, the one he desperately wanted to believe. He abruptly turned, making his robes flow around him. There was the person to blame for this. He was the one that corrupted his love, and he would pay. James lifted his wand, his eyes full of tears--tears of pain, fear, anger… His vision clouded, he didn't notice the black obsidian eyes that stared up at him, nor the emerald ones behind him. He didn't notice the door opening and the panicking voice that yelled, "James, NO!"
It wasn't until his wand went flying out of his hands that he re-focused his mind and whirled around, coming face to face with a furious looking Lily, who was supporting herself on her elbow, breathing heavily, and holding his wand in a death grip.
* * * * * *
"My…my mum was a Death Eater?" Harry whispered numbly, his eyes wide.
"Yes," was the only answer he got, as Severus stood and walked to the window.
"I left for Ireland with Lucius. I was naïve and believed his promise. To his word, he made good on it. I met a man called Riddle...a wealthy wizard, one who blinded me with his promises. I got my own lab, assistants...whatever my heart desired. I could do what I wanted, experiment after experiment with no one questioning me. Whether it was considered dark or not, he didn't care. In fact, he studied the Dark Arts, he told me. Purely for fun and interest. Besides, wasn't there a war going on? A Dark war! Fight fire with fire… And I did, I was in heaven, if only for a short time. They made me forget everything and I obeyed and played with my passion. The only thing that I was required to do was take his mark…and I did. I was respected because of it, something that I had never before had in my life." Severus paused as he watched snowflakes build a white carpet over the Scottish hills. Behind him, he knew, sat a captivated audience, hanging on his every word. Slowly, he stepped away from the window and walked over to the fireplace.
For years he had blocked away all those memories. But now that he had opened the gate, they came rushing out. It was hard to put them in the right order if he wanted them to make sense. Some were just too horrendous even for him, and he pushed them back.
He stared at the dancing flames in the fireplace and briefly wondered who had lit it. Focusing on the flames, he continued, his voice devoid of emotion, cold and distant as if that would lessen his guilt.
"One night I was requested--well, ordered--to join a party. Lucius called it a Revel. Fantastic, absolutely fantastic: I would love it. Although I hated leaving my potions behind, Mr. Riddle had made it quite clear I was not to refuse. That night I saw Lily. She was there too, enjoying the food, the drinks…and the entertainment.
I'm not going to make excuses for myself, or for Lily for that matter. We were responsible for our own actions. I will spare you the details, for I know you are already aware of some of what goes on if you are in the Dark Lord's serves."
Harry could only nod, as he didn't trust his voice. Snape didn't need to describe at all. He saw it every time he closed his eyes.
"I learned the hard way, and it was also the first time I allowed to see myself past the veneer and learned who Riddle really was. Our first raid came a week later, and they continued in rapid succession. I…" Snape swallowed hard. "I enjoyed it. I had power. They feared 'me'. On one of those raids, something went wrong. It was an ambush, set up by the Aurors, and we walked right into it. Most of our group was captured. I was unmasked and seen by two Aurors, James and Sirius. At the last minute, Lily got me out. Voldemort was furious, ranting about a traitor. I went back to my potions at his request and forgot all about it. Lily, however, did not. After seeing James, everything changed and she wanted out. It had been fun…she told me once, but her conscience was getting too big."
An empty laugh filled the room. "She actually told him…"
The silence returned, no one moved.
"The punishment was terrible. How she survived is still a mystery to me, but she did. Got away, too. Voldemort was furious and sent a group of us after her. I found her more dead than alive and was determined to get her out of there. I, of course, forgot about the Dark Lord's pet."
"Nagini?" Harry asked, confusion written on his face. He had seen the snake, but could hardly imagine it causing the wounds described to him earlier.
"So you know about her? I don't know where she came from. No, a gift from the Malfoy family. There is a reason why Mr. Malfoy is called Draco. How I ever survived…? The only thing on my mind was getting Lily to safety."
"How did you know where to go?" Harry asked. His emerald eyes shone brightly, his mind working over all the information that was being shared with him. He turned his head slightly and looked at Violet. Her eyes were unfocused, staring at the dancing flames. At hearing his question Harry noticed a faint smile grace her lips. It didn't last, as he saw her eyes cloud over.
* * * * * *
* "Where do you think you're going?" she asked.
He didn't answer and continued dressing, a difficult task since his wounds were far from healed. Every movement he made resulted in a stab of pain somewhere on his body. His face neutral and his movements fluent, nobody would have believed that a few hours earlier, he was more dead than alive.
"I'm expected. My Master summoned me," he said as he walked towards the door.
"Your Master!" She spat out the word. "Is that what you have become…a slave?"
He whirled around, grabbed her arm forcefully and pulled her close to him. His obsidian eyes were ice cold as they locked with violet pools burning full of anger. He could feel her heart pound against his chest…
"You…are…not…going…anywhere!" Trembling with barely controlled anger, she met his gaze unblinking, ignoring the pain in her arm where he held it in a vice.
"Who's going to stop me?" he hissed through clenched teeth. "You? Don't make me laugh Violet. You know, you should have let Potter finish the job…" Letting go of her arm, he pushed her away. Violet stumbled and fell on the ground next to his feet.
"You are nothing but a Mudblood. Be grateful I let you live...that I let all of you live, even the traitor." He turned on his heels and stepped to the door.
"You'll never be his Severus. You're mine as I am yours. I love you Severus, with all my heart...but by Merlin help me, I will fight you. You're better then he is… Fight him!"
He could hear the pleading in her voice, feel the tugging at the bond that had been formed purely by accident, but was so strong it frightened him. She didn't look up, would not let him see her tears or her pain. The door slammed shut and he was gone. If she had looked up she might have seen him waver, but all she felt was a sheet of ice build around a part of herself as he shut off his heart to her, trying to block her out. She cried. *
* * * * * *
"James took Lily home with him after she was fully recovered. It was a very difficult time for all of us. We all lived in our own worlds, sometimes meeting in the middle and then going our separate ways. Lily never talked much about her year with Voldemort. Whether she did with James, I don't know. I do believe she tried to protect me from it. Severus was still part of that world, and unlike before I couldn't feel him anymore. I was alone, and it was killing me."
Silence fell over the room once more as all three occupants were lost in their own thoughts.
The boy looked so confused and scared, stealing himself every time someone started to speak. And yet, he listened…intently. Not judging, only listening. This was his son, their son, who knew nothing about their lives, and was now being given a crash course in history, whose life had, for the second time in 4 years, been revealed to be a lie. He took it all rather well. But the worst part was yet to come, and he worried what it might do to the boy, a 15-year-old who had much more to hear than Severus was even willing to admit to himself.
* A howling wind played through the forest, leading the trees and the falling snow in an energetic dance. The house looked deserted, with the shutters closed to keep out the cold. All was dark when the clock struck three. On the first floor, the only occupant was fast asleep under a mountain of blankets and pillows to keep her warm; the fire was not enough.
Suddenly, Violet bolted upright, her eyes wide and her heart beating in her throat.
"Lumos," she whispered as soon as she had retrieved her wand from beneath her pillow. The room was thrown in shadows. Slowly, Violet lifted the blankets and slipped out of bed. Something had awoken her, but what? Tiptoeing across the freezing floor towards the door, Violet tried to listen above the howling wind. As she reached the door and slowly turned the handle, she was assaulted with such strong emotions that she stumbled backwards. Breathing heavily she shook her head and tried to get herself back under control. However, she was so wrapped up in herself that she failed to notice the door opening or the looming figure standing in the doorway. Suddenly, her head snapped up and her eyes locked with those of the figure. No words were needed to convey what their hearts did for them. Violet felt tears run over her cheeks as he opened his heart to her. All the pain and sorrow...but especially guilt...came flooding out of him.
Severus leaned heavily against the door frame as his knees gave way, and he slid to the cold floor. His eyes were closed. He didn't dare look at her. He should never have come. He should have simply let it be. But he couldn't. He was being so selfish, dragging her into his life of darkness. His eyes snapped open as he felt her lips on his. A kiss, a gentle kiss, one he soon returned. Her arms encircled his neck and pulled him closer, deepening her kiss, making it more demanding. He pulled her into his lap and held her close, his arms tightly around her, as if afraid she would disappear. Afraid that it was all a dream. Her heart pounded against his chest. Her breath quickened… *
"OK…I do not need to know that," Harry almost shouted as he shot up from his seat.
Startled, Severus and Violet looked at him, a slight blush gracing both their cheeks. Harry's eyes widened even more. Snape, blushing?
"Euh, right…we continued to meet in secret," Violet continued, a bit flustered. What was she thinking? You did not share your love life with your children. "A few weeks later, I found out I was pregnant."
Harry shifted nervously in his seat.
"With that also came more problems with keeping our secret." Violet watched Harry intently, as did Severus. The boy seemed disappointed. "Eventually, only a handful of people were told, and although it was never easy, it was the happiest time of my life."
His eyes never leaving his son's face, Severus was surprised to see a small smile appear and relief clearly written on his face. He couldn't deny that the boy puzzled him to no end. Clearing his throat, he was rewarded by Harry shifting his attention towards him and he continued with his part of the past.
"Vi is right. Despite everything, it was the happiest time of our lives. Soon, however, as it usually did, life took a turn for the worst and has remained…" Snape stopped mid-sentence as a slight shiver ran down his spine. He saw Harry open his mouth, ready to ask a question, but he was ahead of him and continued.
"I told Voldemort…he was none too pleased," Snape said, his black eyes turning even darker as he recalled that particular incident.
Harry's head was swimming with questions, but he forced them back and listened to his father.
* The floor was cold and covered with dust; he felt it sticking to his face as it mixed with pearls of sweat. He didn't care. He barely even noticed it, as his mind and body were filled with a burning pain that raged through his body. What had he done? The Dark Lord had never punished him before; all he did was tell about his unborn child. Suddenly, a cold hand lifted his head firmly and he was forced to look up.
"I am so sorry, my boy. You surprised me with this…good news of yours. You should know by now that I do NOT like surprises."
"Yes, My Lord," Snape managed to respond between gasps.
"Good. Now, when will that son of yours be born? You did make sure it was a boy, did you not? Bring him to me when he is born. I will mark him."
"Yes, my Lord," Snape answered obediently as he heard his Master leave the room, all the while keeping his head low on his knees. When he was sure Voldemort was gone, he pushed himself up and, shaking, walked to his labs. He needed to get to Vi and tell her about what had just happened.
'Oh, how could I have been so stupid?' If only Lucius had stopped bragging about his son, Severus might have been able to keep his mouth shut. No, he couldn't blame Lucius for everything. He, himself, was as much to blame. The Dark Lord's pull was powerful, and he fell for it every time. He sighed. He would have to think of something to make Voldemort forget about the baby.
'Oh, sure when hell freezes over.' He closed the door behind him and surveyed his lab--his pride and joy. This was what kept him here: the knowledge, his potions, the unlimited freedom… He snorted and looked down at his mark. Freedom indeed. He loved Violet and his unborn child more than he would ever be able to put into words, but this--all this-- was his, something he worked so hard for. A knock on the door brought him out of his reverie. Sighing, he locked away his emotions in favour of his well-worn facade and yanked open the door, startling whoever was behind it.
"Yes?"
"Our Lord wishes everybody to attend the ceremony," one of Voldemort's Muggle slaves droned out before it turned and walked away, a blank expression in its dead eyes. Severus followed reluctantly and prepared for what was to come. *
"That night, Draco was initiated." Snape glanced over at Harry, seeing the need for explanation. "When you become a Death Eater, you automatically offer any child you produce into his service. Draco was marked when he was three months old."
Draco was marked… The words rang in his head. "Then he never got a choice?" Harry voiced more to himself then anyone else.
"No, he did not. A lot of your Slytherin schoolmates did not," Snape answered.
Not really knowing what to say, Harry stared and let it sink in. Draco was already a Death Eater and he never had any say in it. He may not like the Slytherin, but now he felt sorry for the boy. Harry reluctantly pulled himself out of his thoughts. It was easy to get distracted, to think about everything--anything, even Malfoy--as long as it didn't involve him or Snape or Violet or…
"Harry, are you alright?" Violet asked.
Harry's head shot up when he heard his name. The worry in her eyes surprised him. Had something happened?
"I…yes…I…"
"You zoned-out there for a minute."
"Shall we postpone this?" Snape asked. "If you want, we can continue this tomorrow."
Harry watched them both intently. How he wished he could just run and pretend that this had never happened, that it was all a bad dream. The room seemed to spin and his heart was beating in his throat. He needed air. Slowly, he pushed himself up and out of the sofa and walked towards the window. When he spoke, his voice was soft but firm.
"All my life I was led to believe that I was an orphan...that I was a freak, and unwanted. My parents died in a car crash, and all I was, was a nuisance. Four years ago, I was told my life was a lie. Not only was I a wizard, but I was a saviour. Everywhere I went, everywhere I go, people watch me...want something of me. And now, yet again, I find out I've been lied to. And not because someone came and told me. No. It's because I overheard you. I've sat here and listened. It is all very interesting, and in a way I should be thankful for your telling me more then I'd ever thought I'd know. But I still don't know what is wrong with me, except that it hurts and that I'm changing! Why and whatever you base your claim on…prove it to me!
If all of this is true, if you want me to believe that I am your son: why did you leave me? Why didn't you come to get me? Why did you make me live a lie?"
At some point Harry had started yelling and now he had no words left. His eyes were ablaze with suppressed anger, and his fists were clenching and unclenching by his side.
The only sound that now reached his ears was his own breathing and his heart pounding away. He had lost control, let it slip. What would they think of him now? He felt his nails dinging into his palms and was aware of trickles of blood dripping down his fingers onto the carpet. He numbly stared at the re-opened cut on his palm. Why wouldn't that heal?
He must have said the question out loud and jumped when a voice broke the silence to answer it.
"As long as the potion is still in control of your blood, the cuts won't heal. The spell that Lily wove around you is breaking down. The only way we can make sure you will survive the final stage of the transformation is to keep the small part that is the real you strong enough to fight."
Closing his eyes, Harry tried to concentrate on his breathing. Lily…this was getting more confusing by the minute. "What if I don't want this…this transformation? What if I'm happy with whom I am and what I look like?"
"Then you'll die," Snape answered.
The words hung between them. Harry felt as if he had been slapped.
"Harry…" Vi stood and slowly walked up to him. She grabbed his chin and turned it gently towards her.
"The solid proof you are asking for will never be in our power to give. There are a few spells, or even a Muggle DNA test, that we could try. But as long as the Alternatum Personum is present, they will prove useless."
"What is this Alternatum Personum?"
Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Snape disappear through an opening that had appeared in the wall. If Violet noticed she didn't show it: her gaze rested solely on him and did not waver. He shifted nervously and wished she'd look away.
"Maybe I should continue where we left off?"
He nodded and turned his head towards her. His eyes widened a bit when they met hers. Pain...only for a second did it flash through her eyes, but it had been there.
"The war was intensifying. For us, most of the time, the world passed by in a blur. A few days before my birthday, Severus came to me to say he was leaving. Voldemort had ordered him back to Ireland in search for…" She paused, "I can't remember. Anyway, it was not the most fun thing, but I knew he couldn't refuse and it was only for two weeks."
Violet looked at Harry and smiled a sad smile. "That was the last time I saw him."
At the far end of the room, Snape reappeared covered in dust, and carrying an equally dusty book. As he laid it on the table he said, "Voldemort kept me busy, sending me around the world and back again. When I finally returned, our house was burning, Vi was gone and James had a son."
Both Vi and Harry ignored the bitterness in his voice and Vi continued.
"The game I had played for a year started again. Where was he? Was he alright? The evening before, all was normal. I remember Minerva coming by to practice. Normally, they don't encourage animagus practice with pregnant women. In fact, Minerva was hard set against it. Still, she knew how stubborn I could be, and preferred to supervise me. After she left I went to bed, and later woke up…
* The room seemed to get darker. Blinking, Harry tried to focus, but the darkness surrounded him. He felt himself drift and closed his eyes. Suddenly, a big bang rang in his ears and his eyes flew open. Light streamed through an open door and Harry realized he was no longer in the tower.
The figure in the door stepped forward and stretched his arm, grabbing for him. Harry stepped back as the hand came closer, but to his surprise the hand went straight through him. Frozen to the spot, Harry watched as the arm came back and dragged forward another person...right through him. It was a young woman. She tried not to fall down, but 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. Harry ran after them, not wanting to be left behind. Up and up they went, though winding narrow passageways that were barely wide enough for one person, let alone two. Abruptly, the passage ended and a solid wooden door blocked their path. When they were mere inches from colliding with the it, the door swung open. Once through, the person stepped into the room and threw the woman forward onto the dust-covered floor. This time, the person left her there. Not knowing what to do, Harry knelt down next to her and shakily stretched out his hand. When it went right through her, he realized that he wasn't really there. He was only an observer. The woman was on her hands and knees, trying to catch her breath, and one hand was wrapped protectively around her swollen belly. She lifted her head and looked around the room. A sharp intake of breath was all she managed as her eyes fixed upon something. Frozen in fear, she couldn't move, couldn't breath. The only thing she did was stare. Following her gaze, Harry looked up, and in turn seemed to freeze on the spot.
A menacing laugh brought them back to reality, and they blinked as one out of the large group of black hooded figures stepped forward and knelt beside them. Involuntarily, Harry crawled backwards away from his worst nightmare.
Red eyes gleamed in the darkened room. A slow hissing sound coming from the mouth that didn't move, as a hand reached out for the woman. 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 closed her eyes and tried to forget who it was in front of her. Instead of those red eyes, 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!"
Violet? Harry blinked and for the first time looked, really looked, at the young woman before him. Now he saw: it was Violet. She was much younger, but it was her. What had happened? What was she doing her? Deep inside him, Harry felt the anger building and dug his nails into his palms.
"I was never yours…"
The hand came out of nowhere and slapped her with such 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 let's 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. Love, my dear, is not what it used to be. Where is that husband of yours now, little one?"
Anger was 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 burned with hatred and anger.
Startled by the movement, Harry jumped up and stepped between his mother and Voldemort. His heart raced as he watched Voldemort raise his wand.
"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."
"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.
The green light that filled the room was blinding. Harry squeezed his eyes shut and covered his ears with his hands. The screams were deafening, and his own blended with the others. Slowly, the light faded, but Harry kept his eyes shut. He didn't want to see this. It wasn't real. He wasn't here. 'Let me go, let me go,' he thought. But he wasn't released. In fact, he felt the bond grow stronger. There was more for him to see. The pain and regret were strong, but he knew he had to see it through. Reluctantly Harry opened his eyes and blinked. Before him, all the Death Eaters lay on the ground, unconscious. Voldemort seemed suspended in mid-air, wand out...but he too was unconscious. The only movement came from Violet who lay on the ground holding her belly, a green glow engulfing her. She was still alive. How was that possible? Voldemort had cast the killing curse...and yet she was alive. Harry rushed forward to help her, but stopped as he remembered that he could do nothing. Frustration was clearly written on his face he watched.
Somehow, through her pain, Violet managed to get to her feet. Her mind focused on one thing, and one thing only: getting out of this hell hole. She was in labor. She made her way out of the maze of tunnels, stumbling and falling more times then she was willing to count. She emerged from the dark tunnels into the dark night.
Mist swirled around her. She couldn't stop now, but her legs felt like lead and she could barely move. Behind her, voices and shouts could be heard. They were coming for her. The dark magic surrounded her, preventing apparition. She was not sure if it would work, but Violet willed her legs to move again. Purely on will and desperation, she made it outside the apparition barrier. The first Death Eaters had reached the open and started sending hexes and curses her way. The world shifted before her eyes. The green mist had disappeared, and through her tears she made out a house.
Another contraction hit her, making her cry out in pain. The last thing she knew before she lost consciousness was someone calling her name.
Harry blinked rapidly, but found that his vision was unable to penetrate the darkness. He watched as two people came running. As they got closer, Harry knew who they were and had felt tears well up in his eyes. He wiped them away with his sleave as James picked Violet up and carried her into the house. Then all went dark.
Screams filled his ears. Where were they coming from? Whether it had been minutes or hours, Harry couldn't tell.
Suddenly, the screaming stopped, and the silence that followed seemed so alien. But he didn't have much time to dwell on it when a cry pierced the silence. But this cry was not like before. No...this was different. Slowly the darkness lifted, and Harry focused his eyes and found a room in total disarray. He looked around and discovered that he was in a bedroom. What had happened? Where had all the blood come from? He froze. There they were, only a few feet away…his parents. Not fleeting memories that were based on pictures, or the grey ghosts that had come out of Voldemort's wand months before. And although in the back of his mind Harry knew they weren't really there, he felt himself wish they were. But almost as soon as the thought took form in his head, it was followed by guilt. It wasn't right to feel this way…these weren't his parents. No matter how many times he repeated his wish, he knew it would never be the truth. He felt the tears prick in his eyes. No, no...he would not cry. He swallowed hard and felt his throat hurt by the movement. A small whimper caught his attention and he forced himself to look away. His eyes settled on the figure in the bed. Violet…she looked terrible. The green light still surrounded her, though it had faded a bit. Her long red hair clung in tresses to her face, wet with sweat. But it was her eyes that drew Harry in. Those big violet eyes were filled with pain...and something else: love. He followed her gaze to the bundle in her arms. A baby! Curiosity overtook Harry, and he stepped closer. Was that him? Would he recognize himself? Harry had never seen a baby before. Well, not in person anyway, and felt he couldn't keep his eyes from the tiny life in his mother's arms. Ten fingers, ten toes, spikes of jet black hair on the tiny head, and great big blue eyes staring up at him--they would turn green later, he knew. Harry released the breath he hadn't realised he was holding and smiled a bit. It was him…he was sure of it. Yet another fact to confirm what he tried so hard to deny. For a long time, Harry stared at himself and at the love that surrounded he and his mother...one that was soon shattered as an immense wave of pain engulfed them. He heard the gasps of panic from James and Lily, but it was the scream of pain that kept his eyes focused on his mother and…himself. The green light was slowly leaving Violet and seemed to be drawn to baby Harry. Violet started trembling, fighting the pain. But she soon lost and could no longer suppress her screams.
"Lily…l-lily…" Violet gasped. "Take him; please take him…something's wrong."
"Vi, no…what's going on?" Lily asked, fear evident in her voice.
"The killing curse," James muttered, "it is still with her."
"How is that possible?"
"I don't know."
"You can't be serious James. If it really was the killing curse, Vi would have been dead within seconds," Lily countered.
"Lily…please…take him," Vi whispered through her tears, holding the baby towards her sister.
"No, Vi, no…"
"The baby must have protected her!"
"What?"
"Look at him." James pointed his finger at the small child held up to them. Small whimpers were heard soon followed by crying.
The green light now completely engulfed the baby, growing in strength the farther it was held from his mother.
"He was protecting her."
"How is that possible?"
"I DON'T KNOW," James almost yelled when a scream from Violet silenced them both.
"Lily…TAKE HIM…NOW."
Shocked, Lily stepped forward and quickly grabbed the baby as Violet fell back down on the bed. Another horrifying scream filled the air and all occupants stared wide eyed, filled with fear at the scene unfolding before them. The baby cried even louder as Lily pulled him closer, shielding him from the bright light that seemed to emanate from within her sister. Harry sat rooted to the ground, unable to move.
Her back arched, her nails digging into the mattress beneath her, she knew nothing but pain.
The magical energy built and built together with a blinding light. A fierce wind raged around them and the windows shattered. She floated above the bed as her body started to transform. Her bones rearranged themselves, snapping in and out of place. Her mind reeled, but she could do nothing except scream out in pain.
As suddenly as it had begun, all was over. The house was gone; all that remained was a pile of rubble and several small fires still burning. In the middle of it all stood two people; the woman held onto a small baby boy for dear life. Her eyes filled with tears at the creature that had appeared before them.
Slowly and unsteadily it moved towards them. The huge violet eyes showed tears of pain, confusion and fear. Stopping right in front of Lily, the creature moved its gaze towards the baby boy, and in an instant the pain disappeared to be replaced by love and regret.
"Oh, Vi…" Lily whispered as she stared at the beautiful silver unicorn. Emerald green locked with violet…
The unicorn turned and moved away.
"Violet …. NO."
But it didn't stop, and soon the trees swallowed it from view.
Harry did not know what he had just witnessed…his heart was beating in his chest, his mind was unable to make sense of anything. He felt the darkness surround him again and he struggled against its suffocating grip. He stared after the retreating unicorn, and before the darkness swallowed him he heard one last thing…. "Sebastian…"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
To Be Continued
Author's note 2 : Should I go into hiding? 16 pages, will it keep you happy for a while? Probably not! vbg It was a very emotional chapter to write and it was slow going from the start. I got myself in a bit of a mess, getting it all in the right order. But I think I managed it, in a way. No matter how well you have planed it out, while writing I find myself taking so many twist and turns… Christmas was 3 months ago and I still haven't gotten that far! I do hope you enjoyed the chapter and look forward reading you comments and reviews! (hint) One more thing and then I'll leave you alone…
The challenge this story is written for has gotten many responses and I enjoy reading them as much as I love writing my part. When I started this story, one of the first things I wrote down for it was Harry's name. His 'Snape' name if you will. Imagine my surprise when I started reading the other stories and in a lot that name appeared. Great minds think alike! g It seems that Alexander is a very good name for a Snape. So I thought it wise to go with something different! Now the big question… Will Harry Potter accept Sebastian Snape?
To all a goodnight!
Dagmar