Disclaimers: I do NOT own most of these characters. I DO, however, own
Rebecca Robinson and any other character you DO NOT recognize. I would also
like to thank you in advance to reading and reviewing. Please let me know
how this story is working out.
.
RWH
.
FOUR
Forward jump 2 years:
"Oh, come on! Severus, its her birthday, you can't deny her a party. It's her sweet sixteenth for Merlin's sake, this is a major milestone in her life. It's a very important day for a young woman entering womanhood."
"I never said she couldn't have a party, just not in my chambers. Use the grand hall like last year."
Professor McGonagall sighed at that.
"You know perfectly well that the grand hall is much to big for such a small gathering. Your chambers are perfect. She doesn't have many friends you know and besides there would only be around ten or so."
"TEN? In my chambers? Minerva." Severus stared down at the deputy headmistress with his trademark scowl, but the woman didn't cower like he wished she would. He rose his hand to stop her from saying anything farther when he heard a voice from the direction of the doorway. He looked up as the young lady in question entered.
"Sir?" She entered silently and stood by the doorway waiting for acknowledgement. Her face was grave and he couldn't help but notice the nervous twitching of her fingers. A habit that she could never break and one that she picked up from him over the last few years. His face softened at her expression.
"Yes, Becca?"
"I.. I don't really need to have party here.. I can just have it in the grand room again.. I really don't want to be a.. A bother." Her voice was soft as she looked between the two people that meant the world to her.
She hated to see them arguing all of the time. Most of their arguments lately have been about her although they tried to keep the rows down to a dull roar in her presence. In her mind, Professor McGonagall had become the mother she never had. A motherly substitute that actually cares for her and work hard to make sure she had a proper upbringing. Mix that with a substitute father like Professor Snape and of course, they would fight over the proper way to raise her.
Severus finally sighed and looked between the two women, one angry and staring up at him with dangerous eyes, the other one trying desperately not to upset or anger him. He hated that look on the girl's face, hated to have to be the one to cause it. He glanced over again at Minerva and snarled as her expression turned into a knowing smug grin.
She knew he would give in. He always gave in to Rebecca since she rarely asks for anything of him. Running a hand through his dark hair in defeat, he moaned loudly caving in.
"Fine! Okay.. You can have the party in our chambers.. But 'NO' stay overs, Understand?"
Rebecca eyes lit up and grinned as ran to wrap her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.
"Oh, Thank you, Sir.. Thank you.I promise.. No sleepovers." Her smile radiated out over him causing him to smile back down at her in response. That expression was the look he always wanted to see on her face. It took some time after she moved in with him to get the sadness out of her eyes and he hated to see any residue of that emotion from her. He tried his best to keep her happy and for the most part, he felt he was succeeding.
He gave Minerva a warning look before ruffling the child's dark hair and breaking her embrace from his waist. "I guess it can be part of my gift to you, its not everyday you turn sixteen now is it?" No matter what anyone said, he loved this child and would do anything for her, even if it meant that he would have to have his home overran by screaming children for an evening. He could just hide away in his room until it was over.
The child's delight at his approval caused Minerva to chuckle silently. 'That child certainly has Severus wrapped around her little finger even if she doesn't realize it.' She gave both of them a tight-lipped smile. 'Although, Severus realizes it completely.'
Her eyes met with Severus for a moment before she nodded. "Wonderful, so be it. I will let the others know, this weekend?"
Severus looked down into Rebecca's eyes and sighed in mocked defeatism. "Fine, this weekend, but." He waggled his finger at both women causing Becca to giggle daintily. "If anything happens to my chambers.. You both will be held accountable."
Both women laughed at that.
"Yes Sir." Becca replied sweetly, leaned up and kissed his cheek as McGonagall simply nodded and left the room.
Saturday morning found Snape in Hogsmead searching for a suitable gift for a budding young woman. Unfortunately he was at a loss; this year was different than the year before. He had simply given her simple things, practical things, namely.. Books. But that was before 'boys' came into the picture. He shuddered. It was inevitable she was bound to grow and attract the opposite sex, which did not make him happy in the least bit. She was still to young to date in his eyes. Just barely turned sixteen. However, the rest of the staff seemed to differ.
Big shock there.
He actually didn't think she would be interested in the opposite sex for a while after what she had experienced in her past. Sexual abuse tended to give one a reluctance to mingle with the opposite sex. He had been actually surprised last night when she mentioned that one of the boys she had a small crush on was actually coming to the party she was throwing. His fingers almost crushed the fork he had in his hands as he tried to control his emotions, mostly worry.
Brian Eastland
His mind turned to the co-Ravenclaw classmate of hers as he entered yet another shop searching for that elusive perfect gift. He growled at the thought of the boy's name. She had invited the imbecile down to their chambers for her party and he had only relented after a long and intense discussion, with her winning, of course. She always won. He couldn't get himself to say no to her for anything. She meant the world to him and he only wanted to make her happy even if she was growing up, making him feel miserable watching it happen before his very eyes. It was way to fast, way too soon. He was just starting to get the hang of being a father figure.
He stifled a smile from forming on his lips as he looked around the shabby store. Catching a glance of his reflection, he picked up a mirrored silver and crystal vanity trey to examine. He examined the details noticing the iridescent swirls embellished along the metal and the clarity of the crystal. It was almost as lovely as Rebecca was. He looked around spotting a witch at the counter.
Motioning her to come over he spoke loudly. "Excuse me, but could you tell me if a sixteen year old girl would like this?"
The witch walked over and grinned toothily up at him. "Oh indeed, she would, it is more that just a vanity, sir. It has a fantastical enchantment. If you would take a glance in the mirror, you will see for yourself."
Snape gave her a puzzled look but dropped his gaze to stare at his image in the mirror.
"OH GOOD HEAVENS!" The mirror exclaimed nearly causing Severus to lose his hold in his surprise. "FIRST OF ALL, EXTRACT OF FLOUSEMOOR TO GET RID OF YOUR OILY HAIR.YES.IM SURE THAT WILL WORK. THEN."
Snape glared up at the cackling of the witch but continued to listen intrigued.
"POWDERED CHARLITLE WITH THE MILK OF A VAMPIRE BAT FOR THE SHALLOW COMPLECTION, IT GIVES ONE A VIBRANT, FLUSHED LOOK AND YOU, MY GOOD MAN, COULD USE SOME SUN."
Severus put the vanity back down after hearing enough.
"I don't think she would appreciate daily abuse on her appearance."
The witch cackled again.
"It's not abuse, my dear man. It merely gives daily advice on the best way to enhance one's appearances, most women find it useful."
"She's hardly a woman." He protested looking back at the vanity.
"Is she dating?" Severus sneered at the thought, which made the old witch cackle even more in delight. "If she's dating, she is a woman. Don't worry, most fathers feel that way at first."
"What way?"
"Helpless."
Snape sighed dramatically as he paid her for the vanity. "I don't think I shall live though this."
The witch merely shrugged her shoulder giving him a receipt while patting his arm sympathetically.
"Most fathers also feel that way, but don't worry, they all do in the end."
Severus left the shop with the wrapped vanity tucked into his cloak and returned to Hogwart's.
That evening he was sent to his room.
He has been in all his evil glory as the students invaded his chambers, Growling and sneering at each child as they dared enter his domain especially the Eastland boy who in turn retreated to a corner to escape him and whisper quietly with another guest. Becca finally took pity on her friends, took her guardian by the arm, and led him to the door of his personal chambers. She had stopped and pulled on his hand until he lowered himself to where she could kiss his cheek softly.
"Don't fret, Sir, We will be good, I promise."
He had given her a raised eyebrow look before smiling back at her, giving in.yet again.
"Good, I'd hate to give you detention."
She giggled charmingly as he stepped inside of his room and shut his door.
At near midnight he had decided enough was enough. It was time for the party to end. He left his bedroom and walked into the main room, The first thing he had noticed was that the lights were dimmed, the only illumination coming from the fire blazing in the fireplace. Soft music floated in the air faintly. He squinted in the dim lights and caught whispers combing from all four directions of the room.
"Illumina!"
The lights rose and four sets of couples, startled out of their chats looked up. He glanced around and found Becca with Brian sitting on a far sofa, thankfully at a discreet distance from each other. They were, however, holding hands, which caused him to frown a bit. At least they weren't snogging. He'd have had to hex the boy into next year if he found them doing that. But knowing Rebecca, she probably thwarted that action long ago. She was a very sensible young woman. She gave him a small smile and rose to her feet disentangling her hand from the boys'
"I do believe it is time for this little party to end." He simply stated as he looked at the youthful group of young men and women. "I have allowed you to stay up past your curfew and will allow you a further fifteen minutes to get back to your dormitories before I start deducting points."
The group hastily voiced their thanks and good-byes to their host as they left almost at a run. Severus laughed inwardly as the last one left and he turned to Becca. There was amusement in her eyes and he warded the door behind them.
"I hope you enjoyed your party." He smiled down at her causing her to grin right back.
"Yes, Sir, Thank you for letting me have one."
He reached out and pushed a stray of black hair behind her ear. Gazing into her happy eyes he couldn't help but tease her. "Just don't go making it a habit.every year."
She chuckled. "Don't worry Sir, You only have to put up with me for two more years."
For some reason, her words cut into him like a knife and he frowned. Two more years, two short years to go and she will be gone from his life.
"I can wait." He merely replied softly.
His words made her smile even more, stretching up on her tiptoes she kissed his cheek.
"I'm in no hurry either, Sir." She replied before scurrying off to her room.
. . A/N's and Acknowledgements:
Kenomee: I wanted to get Becca's parents out of the picture as soon as possible. Give way to the act of Severus becoming her guardian. I have always thought that there was compassion in that man. Just had to find a way to bring it out of him. Thank you very much for reading. I appreciate the review.
Arashi: It's my vision of Severus as well. He didn't want her to worry about him getting into any trouble with personally killing her parents, so by just watching them die was enough. And thank you, Please keep reading.I have lots left to do.
Cat: One of my best friends.LOL.I can always count on you for a nice review no matter what. I have more coming.don't fret, Severus will be back and in a tether over raising Becca.hehe
Lady: I semi-agree with your view on that she should not be moved down into the dungeons. Trauma is not something to be trifled with, however, you surely have found that she wasn't as traumatized by her parents death as the more normal child would naturally have felt. She has been separated mentally from her parents and therefore, their deaths weren't as horrific to her as it would be to the rest of us. Besides, I need her down there for this fic to work. Thanks for the review.and please keep them coming.Thanks
Fancy: LOL.. You nut.. Thanks for the review. I'm glad I'm FINALLY turning you onto Severus. He's turned me on for a while now.. LOL. Next chapter coming up soon.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW.. I'M BEGGIN YA'
.
RWH
.
FOUR
Forward jump 2 years:
"Oh, come on! Severus, its her birthday, you can't deny her a party. It's her sweet sixteenth for Merlin's sake, this is a major milestone in her life. It's a very important day for a young woman entering womanhood."
"I never said she couldn't have a party, just not in my chambers. Use the grand hall like last year."
Professor McGonagall sighed at that.
"You know perfectly well that the grand hall is much to big for such a small gathering. Your chambers are perfect. She doesn't have many friends you know and besides there would only be around ten or so."
"TEN? In my chambers? Minerva." Severus stared down at the deputy headmistress with his trademark scowl, but the woman didn't cower like he wished she would. He rose his hand to stop her from saying anything farther when he heard a voice from the direction of the doorway. He looked up as the young lady in question entered.
"Sir?" She entered silently and stood by the doorway waiting for acknowledgement. Her face was grave and he couldn't help but notice the nervous twitching of her fingers. A habit that she could never break and one that she picked up from him over the last few years. His face softened at her expression.
"Yes, Becca?"
"I.. I don't really need to have party here.. I can just have it in the grand room again.. I really don't want to be a.. A bother." Her voice was soft as she looked between the two people that meant the world to her.
She hated to see them arguing all of the time. Most of their arguments lately have been about her although they tried to keep the rows down to a dull roar in her presence. In her mind, Professor McGonagall had become the mother she never had. A motherly substitute that actually cares for her and work hard to make sure she had a proper upbringing. Mix that with a substitute father like Professor Snape and of course, they would fight over the proper way to raise her.
Severus finally sighed and looked between the two women, one angry and staring up at him with dangerous eyes, the other one trying desperately not to upset or anger him. He hated that look on the girl's face, hated to have to be the one to cause it. He glanced over again at Minerva and snarled as her expression turned into a knowing smug grin.
She knew he would give in. He always gave in to Rebecca since she rarely asks for anything of him. Running a hand through his dark hair in defeat, he moaned loudly caving in.
"Fine! Okay.. You can have the party in our chambers.. But 'NO' stay overs, Understand?"
Rebecca eyes lit up and grinned as ran to wrap her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.
"Oh, Thank you, Sir.. Thank you.I promise.. No sleepovers." Her smile radiated out over him causing him to smile back down at her in response. That expression was the look he always wanted to see on her face. It took some time after she moved in with him to get the sadness out of her eyes and he hated to see any residue of that emotion from her. He tried his best to keep her happy and for the most part, he felt he was succeeding.
He gave Minerva a warning look before ruffling the child's dark hair and breaking her embrace from his waist. "I guess it can be part of my gift to you, its not everyday you turn sixteen now is it?" No matter what anyone said, he loved this child and would do anything for her, even if it meant that he would have to have his home overran by screaming children for an evening. He could just hide away in his room until it was over.
The child's delight at his approval caused Minerva to chuckle silently. 'That child certainly has Severus wrapped around her little finger even if she doesn't realize it.' She gave both of them a tight-lipped smile. 'Although, Severus realizes it completely.'
Her eyes met with Severus for a moment before she nodded. "Wonderful, so be it. I will let the others know, this weekend?"
Severus looked down into Rebecca's eyes and sighed in mocked defeatism. "Fine, this weekend, but." He waggled his finger at both women causing Becca to giggle daintily. "If anything happens to my chambers.. You both will be held accountable."
Both women laughed at that.
"Yes Sir." Becca replied sweetly, leaned up and kissed his cheek as McGonagall simply nodded and left the room.
Saturday morning found Snape in Hogsmead searching for a suitable gift for a budding young woman. Unfortunately he was at a loss; this year was different than the year before. He had simply given her simple things, practical things, namely.. Books. But that was before 'boys' came into the picture. He shuddered. It was inevitable she was bound to grow and attract the opposite sex, which did not make him happy in the least bit. She was still to young to date in his eyes. Just barely turned sixteen. However, the rest of the staff seemed to differ.
Big shock there.
He actually didn't think she would be interested in the opposite sex for a while after what she had experienced in her past. Sexual abuse tended to give one a reluctance to mingle with the opposite sex. He had been actually surprised last night when she mentioned that one of the boys she had a small crush on was actually coming to the party she was throwing. His fingers almost crushed the fork he had in his hands as he tried to control his emotions, mostly worry.
Brian Eastland
His mind turned to the co-Ravenclaw classmate of hers as he entered yet another shop searching for that elusive perfect gift. He growled at the thought of the boy's name. She had invited the imbecile down to their chambers for her party and he had only relented after a long and intense discussion, with her winning, of course. She always won. He couldn't get himself to say no to her for anything. She meant the world to him and he only wanted to make her happy even if she was growing up, making him feel miserable watching it happen before his very eyes. It was way to fast, way too soon. He was just starting to get the hang of being a father figure.
He stifled a smile from forming on his lips as he looked around the shabby store. Catching a glance of his reflection, he picked up a mirrored silver and crystal vanity trey to examine. He examined the details noticing the iridescent swirls embellished along the metal and the clarity of the crystal. It was almost as lovely as Rebecca was. He looked around spotting a witch at the counter.
Motioning her to come over he spoke loudly. "Excuse me, but could you tell me if a sixteen year old girl would like this?"
The witch walked over and grinned toothily up at him. "Oh indeed, she would, it is more that just a vanity, sir. It has a fantastical enchantment. If you would take a glance in the mirror, you will see for yourself."
Snape gave her a puzzled look but dropped his gaze to stare at his image in the mirror.
"OH GOOD HEAVENS!" The mirror exclaimed nearly causing Severus to lose his hold in his surprise. "FIRST OF ALL, EXTRACT OF FLOUSEMOOR TO GET RID OF YOUR OILY HAIR.YES.IM SURE THAT WILL WORK. THEN."
Snape glared up at the cackling of the witch but continued to listen intrigued.
"POWDERED CHARLITLE WITH THE MILK OF A VAMPIRE BAT FOR THE SHALLOW COMPLECTION, IT GIVES ONE A VIBRANT, FLUSHED LOOK AND YOU, MY GOOD MAN, COULD USE SOME SUN."
Severus put the vanity back down after hearing enough.
"I don't think she would appreciate daily abuse on her appearance."
The witch cackled again.
"It's not abuse, my dear man. It merely gives daily advice on the best way to enhance one's appearances, most women find it useful."
"She's hardly a woman." He protested looking back at the vanity.
"Is she dating?" Severus sneered at the thought, which made the old witch cackle even more in delight. "If she's dating, she is a woman. Don't worry, most fathers feel that way at first."
"What way?"
"Helpless."
Snape sighed dramatically as he paid her for the vanity. "I don't think I shall live though this."
The witch merely shrugged her shoulder giving him a receipt while patting his arm sympathetically.
"Most fathers also feel that way, but don't worry, they all do in the end."
Severus left the shop with the wrapped vanity tucked into his cloak and returned to Hogwart's.
That evening he was sent to his room.
He has been in all his evil glory as the students invaded his chambers, Growling and sneering at each child as they dared enter his domain especially the Eastland boy who in turn retreated to a corner to escape him and whisper quietly with another guest. Becca finally took pity on her friends, took her guardian by the arm, and led him to the door of his personal chambers. She had stopped and pulled on his hand until he lowered himself to where she could kiss his cheek softly.
"Don't fret, Sir, We will be good, I promise."
He had given her a raised eyebrow look before smiling back at her, giving in.yet again.
"Good, I'd hate to give you detention."
She giggled charmingly as he stepped inside of his room and shut his door.
At near midnight he had decided enough was enough. It was time for the party to end. He left his bedroom and walked into the main room, The first thing he had noticed was that the lights were dimmed, the only illumination coming from the fire blazing in the fireplace. Soft music floated in the air faintly. He squinted in the dim lights and caught whispers combing from all four directions of the room.
"Illumina!"
The lights rose and four sets of couples, startled out of their chats looked up. He glanced around and found Becca with Brian sitting on a far sofa, thankfully at a discreet distance from each other. They were, however, holding hands, which caused him to frown a bit. At least they weren't snogging. He'd have had to hex the boy into next year if he found them doing that. But knowing Rebecca, she probably thwarted that action long ago. She was a very sensible young woman. She gave him a small smile and rose to her feet disentangling her hand from the boys'
"I do believe it is time for this little party to end." He simply stated as he looked at the youthful group of young men and women. "I have allowed you to stay up past your curfew and will allow you a further fifteen minutes to get back to your dormitories before I start deducting points."
The group hastily voiced their thanks and good-byes to their host as they left almost at a run. Severus laughed inwardly as the last one left and he turned to Becca. There was amusement in her eyes and he warded the door behind them.
"I hope you enjoyed your party." He smiled down at her causing her to grin right back.
"Yes, Sir, Thank you for letting me have one."
He reached out and pushed a stray of black hair behind her ear. Gazing into her happy eyes he couldn't help but tease her. "Just don't go making it a habit.every year."
She chuckled. "Don't worry Sir, You only have to put up with me for two more years."
For some reason, her words cut into him like a knife and he frowned. Two more years, two short years to go and she will be gone from his life.
"I can wait." He merely replied softly.
His words made her smile even more, stretching up on her tiptoes she kissed his cheek.
"I'm in no hurry either, Sir." She replied before scurrying off to her room.
. . A/N's and Acknowledgements:
Kenomee: I wanted to get Becca's parents out of the picture as soon as possible. Give way to the act of Severus becoming her guardian. I have always thought that there was compassion in that man. Just had to find a way to bring it out of him. Thank you very much for reading. I appreciate the review.
Arashi: It's my vision of Severus as well. He didn't want her to worry about him getting into any trouble with personally killing her parents, so by just watching them die was enough. And thank you, Please keep reading.I have lots left to do.
Cat: One of my best friends.LOL.I can always count on you for a nice review no matter what. I have more coming.don't fret, Severus will be back and in a tether over raising Becca.hehe
Lady: I semi-agree with your view on that she should not be moved down into the dungeons. Trauma is not something to be trifled with, however, you surely have found that she wasn't as traumatized by her parents death as the more normal child would naturally have felt. She has been separated mentally from her parents and therefore, their deaths weren't as horrific to her as it would be to the rest of us. Besides, I need her down there for this fic to work. Thanks for the review.and please keep them coming.Thanks
Fancy: LOL.. You nut.. Thanks for the review. I'm glad I'm FINALLY turning you onto Severus. He's turned me on for a while now.. LOL. Next chapter coming up soon.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW.. I'M BEGGIN YA'
