*salutes everyone*
Hello everyone. *looks around in a rather reprimanding way* You lot don't have much faith in me, have you? When have I NOT finished a Harry Potter fanfic??
In any case, let us see what will happen today, hm? *cackles maniacly as Snape shakes his head, having already given up on her sanity*
By the way, this is a new computer (and word processor), so if FF goofs up my formatting, I assure you it was there. I'll try and fix it.
On with the story!
~~~~ Severus Snape ~~~~
Lupin barges into my office. I am not surprised he is not composed. Lupin is never composed when it comes to the Potters. The difference is, that this time I am not composed either. "Well? Have you found anything?" "She has a scar!?" Lupin croaks disregarding my question. I clench my teeth, and scowl. "Yes she has a scar! Hasn't Minerva already told you that, you twit?" Lupin rubs his temple. "There is no creature with yellow fur that can have done damage to Lily. I don't know what it might mean. Perhaps the scar will tell us more. or better yet, try and see what Lily's subconscious knows."
By Lupin's ruminations it is blaringly obvious that the werewolf is still groping in the dark as to what had caused this to the youngest Potter.
And blaming it to the youngest Potter herself is out of the question. I feel distinctly disgruntled by the uncalled for stripping of my usual coping strategy. Blaming Potters is good for the nerves.
"She is in the infirmary still-Paloma will not discharge her until noon today." I tell him and turn to the book I had been researching with, and the Channeling of Power passages. There has to be some lead there. This cannot be unconnected to the pixie harvesting.
. besides, hadn't the girl talked about blue things?
~~~~ Lily Potter ~~~~
The damn scar itches. But I am not allowed to scratch it. For some reason, ever since waking up and the initial shock that came with that, I am overcome with a strange sense of calm. Well, composure is the better word, because I also feel rather foul and I am ready to snap at everyone around me-kind of like Professor Snape. Dad has told me about his own experience with snake marks-perhaps that is why he has the attitude.
"'Morning, Lily! Gosh, we were all so scared and then the nurse wouldn't let us come inside!"
Alex's voice makes me jump as I am sitting up in bed, and instinctively pull down my sleeve. My skin is oversensitive to the flannel brushing over the odd figure eight. He and Nigel both sit on the only chair that is available near my bed. They are both slightly pushing against each other's hips for more room on it, which is rather funny. It makes me giggle, even if I thought I was not in the mood for it.
But then, awkward silence reigns. What am I to tell them? Sure, my father also has a scar in a much more prominent place on his body, but his scar at least meant the downfall of one of the greatest evil wizards ever existing. What does mine stand for?
Mindless opening of a trick present. Wow, the excitement is overwhelming.
"So. can we see it?" Alex asks me, rather curiously and Nigel scowls at him in reprimand. "Way to go Alex-I can picture you going up to a one armed man to talk to him about stumps." he says irritably, with a surrepticious appraising look towards me to see how I have taken my housemate's rather straightforward approach to the matter.
"I guess you will keep trying not to look at my arm if I don't- so might as well get that out of the way." I almost sneer at them. The boys fidget, because I usually don't talk this way. I myself am wondering somewhat where this scathing tone is coming from. An itch, however irritating cannot account for that.
In any case, I pull up my sleeve and thrust my arm at them. Nigel breathes in, in wonder as he seems to recognise the pattern of the snake. "Oh Merlin wow! Do you know what this snake is, Lily?" "No but I bet you do." Alex interjects in a resigned way. It has been about 2 months that Nigel discovered the library. Ever since, it is common knowledge that the mild-mannered Ravenclaw would set up a tent in there if he were allowed.
It is also common Gryffindor knowledge that all first years should check their essays with Nigel's before handing them in.
I lean backwards. I do not in any circumstance want to hear anything that will make the mark even worse to have. I know this is not a Dark Mark. In the first place, it is not black, it has now turned a lighter tawnish orange colour, as if someone burnt it in my skin.
"It is not bad," Nigel says quickly. ". or at least, not entirely. I have seen that symbol before. My mother has it in one of the deck of cards." "She does? it is not some dark magic thing?" I lean forwards again. Things seem to be getting better. Nigel shakes his head fervently. "No no no, it is called the Midgard Serpent. It is an eternity symbol. It has been used in older times for protection." I see that he is not telling me everything. I push him, now too curious to resist. ". and what else?" Nigel fidgets. "It is also a symbol of death. The Midgard Serpent was known in ancient times for having venom strong enough to kill a god." "Then how can you say this is not bad??" Alex exclaims. Nigel explains patiently.
"Because the Midgard Serpent would aid those it wanted and attack those it wanted. it was sometimes good and sometimes bad, if you want to think of it like that. The Ragnorock Viking wizards had the Serpent as their protector." "Well, whoever branded it in her was clearly attacking her, not protecting her." Alex says, scratching his head, and Nigel whacks him on the back of his head.
But I am not bothered anymore. This is a puzzle. And I like puzzles. Especially ones that nobody can tell me I am forbidden to look into. "He's right, you know. Mum said I was almost into a coma." "So it doesn't make sense that you come out of it with a protection symbol. I'd say in this case the Midgard Serpent is like the bloody Grim."
~~~~ Severus Snape ~~~~
Pythia comes into my office. Funny. I wanted to meet her myself. "Hello, Severus." she said smoothly, calmly, in a down-to-earth manner. A far cry from Trelawney, who always tried to sound unnecessarily misty and mysterious. I find that I feel much more reconciled with Divination when Professor Veris is its representative.
"You want to talk to me about something specific?" "Indeed." "The Midgard Serpent on Miss Potter's forearm wouldn't be it, would it?"
I find that I still like to jump ahead of what people are going to say. It used to drive Albus up the wall at times. "Yes it would, as a matter of fact."
The annoying thing is, my jumping ahead seems to leave this woman completely unimpressed. "Well?" "I cast the runes today. The influence shows a rather interesting conflict around the rune representing Miss Potter." "Interesting, how?" I try to keep the irritation out of my voice. I believe I am not succeeding.
Pythia looks both pleased and worried with what she is about to tell me. "The Serpent is not angered. But a lot of energy around her is highly negative. I don't know why she is targeted, but very strong magic has been channelled against her specifically. Whoever it is, they know Lily Potter personally. It is not a coincidence it is not her father or mother, but her."
"I see. You have not perhaps any idea as to the reason?" Pythia shakes her head. "I am a Seer, but I am not omniscient, Severus. I am only here because Minerva sent me to tell you in person what I scried."
I huff and forget to thank her as I walk out to go to Lupin's office. I now have a pretty good idea for a lead to give the clueless werewolf.
And I will, perhaps, consider to tell Potter. After I have sufficiently sedated him.
And that's that! *Snape sits back down and glares at Harry who, together with Ginny, glare at me* eeep!
Next chapter, we tackle the yellow fur, we see visions and nightmares, and more blue stuff! Don't you just luuuuv research! *cackles*
As for my reviewers:
Kemenran: *chuckles* stop rushing me! Of course Lily will follow in all the general traditions. Be at ease, and watch. It'll take a chapter or two yet! As for younger brother, time will tell. *chuckles* Harry I would think is too paranoid to raise TWO young kids at a time. But we'll see. As for the Weasley car. hm. The idea has merit. As for GWTT, I am thinking something up, but I started that story without actually planning ahead (it was actually inspired by a net banner about child abuse). I wouldn't want to have it followed up by something that does not rise up to the standard. I would want to have something to say, to explore something. Of course, Voldy is still on the loose. heh
Enahma: I aim to please!
Cynara: *hides behind her muse and protector* that was not very nice. I might think you believe this story to be worth -that- sort of egging. *chuckles* and Severus does not appreciate anyone exept himself aggravating me. *giggles*
nightingale: I had promised to update GWTT almost every other day. it kind of drained me. But I am back, and I never leave stories hanging unless something really puts me off (like a really BAD episode cycle of Relic Hunter). So no worries there. Thanks for wanting to read my stuff. *grins*
Raging Silence 22: I was never gone! 8laughs* I just took a sabbatical. Strong cliffies are still in store, just you wait. This is just the start. I want this to stretch a little over the seasons. Let it be spring. *winks*
LoveChilde: They seem to have it written in the stars to sport one, don't they? *laughs*
Tabitha: *chuckles* I am glad to see you back with us! (that could also be said about me, of course) I am glad you appreciated the family scene. I was afraid nobody would. As for Snape, when DOESN'T he feel he is guilty of everything happening around him??
Hello everyone. *looks around in a rather reprimanding way* You lot don't have much faith in me, have you? When have I NOT finished a Harry Potter fanfic??
In any case, let us see what will happen today, hm? *cackles maniacly as Snape shakes his head, having already given up on her sanity*
By the way, this is a new computer (and word processor), so if FF goofs up my formatting, I assure you it was there. I'll try and fix it.
On with the story!
~~~~ Severus Snape ~~~~
Lupin barges into my office. I am not surprised he is not composed. Lupin is never composed when it comes to the Potters. The difference is, that this time I am not composed either. "Well? Have you found anything?" "She has a scar!?" Lupin croaks disregarding my question. I clench my teeth, and scowl. "Yes she has a scar! Hasn't Minerva already told you that, you twit?" Lupin rubs his temple. "There is no creature with yellow fur that can have done damage to Lily. I don't know what it might mean. Perhaps the scar will tell us more. or better yet, try and see what Lily's subconscious knows."
By Lupin's ruminations it is blaringly obvious that the werewolf is still groping in the dark as to what had caused this to the youngest Potter.
And blaming it to the youngest Potter herself is out of the question. I feel distinctly disgruntled by the uncalled for stripping of my usual coping strategy. Blaming Potters is good for the nerves.
"She is in the infirmary still-Paloma will not discharge her until noon today." I tell him and turn to the book I had been researching with, and the Channeling of Power passages. There has to be some lead there. This cannot be unconnected to the pixie harvesting.
. besides, hadn't the girl talked about blue things?
~~~~ Lily Potter ~~~~
The damn scar itches. But I am not allowed to scratch it. For some reason, ever since waking up and the initial shock that came with that, I am overcome with a strange sense of calm. Well, composure is the better word, because I also feel rather foul and I am ready to snap at everyone around me-kind of like Professor Snape. Dad has told me about his own experience with snake marks-perhaps that is why he has the attitude.
"'Morning, Lily! Gosh, we were all so scared and then the nurse wouldn't let us come inside!"
Alex's voice makes me jump as I am sitting up in bed, and instinctively pull down my sleeve. My skin is oversensitive to the flannel brushing over the odd figure eight. He and Nigel both sit on the only chair that is available near my bed. They are both slightly pushing against each other's hips for more room on it, which is rather funny. It makes me giggle, even if I thought I was not in the mood for it.
But then, awkward silence reigns. What am I to tell them? Sure, my father also has a scar in a much more prominent place on his body, but his scar at least meant the downfall of one of the greatest evil wizards ever existing. What does mine stand for?
Mindless opening of a trick present. Wow, the excitement is overwhelming.
"So. can we see it?" Alex asks me, rather curiously and Nigel scowls at him in reprimand. "Way to go Alex-I can picture you going up to a one armed man to talk to him about stumps." he says irritably, with a surrepticious appraising look towards me to see how I have taken my housemate's rather straightforward approach to the matter.
"I guess you will keep trying not to look at my arm if I don't- so might as well get that out of the way." I almost sneer at them. The boys fidget, because I usually don't talk this way. I myself am wondering somewhat where this scathing tone is coming from. An itch, however irritating cannot account for that.
In any case, I pull up my sleeve and thrust my arm at them. Nigel breathes in, in wonder as he seems to recognise the pattern of the snake. "Oh Merlin wow! Do you know what this snake is, Lily?" "No but I bet you do." Alex interjects in a resigned way. It has been about 2 months that Nigel discovered the library. Ever since, it is common knowledge that the mild-mannered Ravenclaw would set up a tent in there if he were allowed.
It is also common Gryffindor knowledge that all first years should check their essays with Nigel's before handing them in.
I lean backwards. I do not in any circumstance want to hear anything that will make the mark even worse to have. I know this is not a Dark Mark. In the first place, it is not black, it has now turned a lighter tawnish orange colour, as if someone burnt it in my skin.
"It is not bad," Nigel says quickly. ". or at least, not entirely. I have seen that symbol before. My mother has it in one of the deck of cards." "She does? it is not some dark magic thing?" I lean forwards again. Things seem to be getting better. Nigel shakes his head fervently. "No no no, it is called the Midgard Serpent. It is an eternity symbol. It has been used in older times for protection." I see that he is not telling me everything. I push him, now too curious to resist. ". and what else?" Nigel fidgets. "It is also a symbol of death. The Midgard Serpent was known in ancient times for having venom strong enough to kill a god." "Then how can you say this is not bad??" Alex exclaims. Nigel explains patiently.
"Because the Midgard Serpent would aid those it wanted and attack those it wanted. it was sometimes good and sometimes bad, if you want to think of it like that. The Ragnorock Viking wizards had the Serpent as their protector." "Well, whoever branded it in her was clearly attacking her, not protecting her." Alex says, scratching his head, and Nigel whacks him on the back of his head.
But I am not bothered anymore. This is a puzzle. And I like puzzles. Especially ones that nobody can tell me I am forbidden to look into. "He's right, you know. Mum said I was almost into a coma." "So it doesn't make sense that you come out of it with a protection symbol. I'd say in this case the Midgard Serpent is like the bloody Grim."
~~~~ Severus Snape ~~~~
Pythia comes into my office. Funny. I wanted to meet her myself. "Hello, Severus." she said smoothly, calmly, in a down-to-earth manner. A far cry from Trelawney, who always tried to sound unnecessarily misty and mysterious. I find that I feel much more reconciled with Divination when Professor Veris is its representative.
"You want to talk to me about something specific?" "Indeed." "The Midgard Serpent on Miss Potter's forearm wouldn't be it, would it?"
I find that I still like to jump ahead of what people are going to say. It used to drive Albus up the wall at times. "Yes it would, as a matter of fact."
The annoying thing is, my jumping ahead seems to leave this woman completely unimpressed. "Well?" "I cast the runes today. The influence shows a rather interesting conflict around the rune representing Miss Potter." "Interesting, how?" I try to keep the irritation out of my voice. I believe I am not succeeding.
Pythia looks both pleased and worried with what she is about to tell me. "The Serpent is not angered. But a lot of energy around her is highly negative. I don't know why she is targeted, but very strong magic has been channelled against her specifically. Whoever it is, they know Lily Potter personally. It is not a coincidence it is not her father or mother, but her."
"I see. You have not perhaps any idea as to the reason?" Pythia shakes her head. "I am a Seer, but I am not omniscient, Severus. I am only here because Minerva sent me to tell you in person what I scried."
I huff and forget to thank her as I walk out to go to Lupin's office. I now have a pretty good idea for a lead to give the clueless werewolf.
And I will, perhaps, consider to tell Potter. After I have sufficiently sedated him.
And that's that! *Snape sits back down and glares at Harry who, together with Ginny, glare at me* eeep!
Next chapter, we tackle the yellow fur, we see visions and nightmares, and more blue stuff! Don't you just luuuuv research! *cackles*
As for my reviewers:
Kemenran: *chuckles* stop rushing me! Of course Lily will follow in all the general traditions. Be at ease, and watch. It'll take a chapter or two yet! As for younger brother, time will tell. *chuckles* Harry I would think is too paranoid to raise TWO young kids at a time. But we'll see. As for the Weasley car. hm. The idea has merit. As for GWTT, I am thinking something up, but I started that story without actually planning ahead (it was actually inspired by a net banner about child abuse). I wouldn't want to have it followed up by something that does not rise up to the standard. I would want to have something to say, to explore something. Of course, Voldy is still on the loose. heh
Enahma: I aim to please!
Cynara: *hides behind her muse and protector* that was not very nice. I might think you believe this story to be worth -that- sort of egging. *chuckles* and Severus does not appreciate anyone exept himself aggravating me. *giggles*
nightingale: I had promised to update GWTT almost every other day. it kind of drained me. But I am back, and I never leave stories hanging unless something really puts me off (like a really BAD episode cycle of Relic Hunter). So no worries there. Thanks for wanting to read my stuff. *grins*
Raging Silence 22: I was never gone! 8laughs* I just took a sabbatical. Strong cliffies are still in store, just you wait. This is just the start. I want this to stretch a little over the seasons. Let it be spring. *winks*
LoveChilde: They seem to have it written in the stars to sport one, don't they? *laughs*
Tabitha: *chuckles* I am glad to see you back with us! (that could also be said about me, of course) I am glad you appreciated the family scene. I was afraid nobody would. As for Snape, when DOESN'T he feel he is guilty of everything happening around him??