Chapter Four: Past Meets the Present
Severus glared at the door. What had Potter been doing here? Did he know? Well, if he did not know before he was sure as hell going to find out now. With that know it all bookworm Granger on the job the whole school would no doubt soon be informed about the reappearance of its long lost student.
He had thrown the boy out of the room quite hastily. Now remembering the potions incident he realized Potter had every right to be in the infirmary simply not in that particular area...yet. Potter surely would have to be informed sooner or later. Severus secretly hoped later would appeal to the headmaster as much as it did to himself. Harry Potter has every right to know about Iris returning. She is his aunt after all. Lily's sister would want Harry in her life when she awoke. Severus closed his eyes. 'She may not feel a similar need for my presence, however.'
He turned his attention back to the curtained area on the far side of the room. He had not been able to sleep for even a moment knowing that she lay there. The struggle to forget her had been absolutely futile and even when he allowed his mind to freely entertain thoughts of her hoping that would satisfy him he found he had already begun walking the long hallways on the way to the infirmiry.
Iris' breath was now steady and soft. It was hypnotic really. Severus watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest for nearly an hour. He simply stood at the entrance to her small enclosed stall not daring to move. She was there. His Iris, only a few feet from where he found his feet glued to the floor.
Could he possibly move closer? The rapid beating of his heart felt like a roadblock. It was deafening. Pounding a warning into his mind. This girl, this child had meant so much to him before... NO! He could not be near her like this and yet every fiber of his being was reaching beyond where he now was. He yearned to embrace her. To cradle her in his arms, smooth her hair and ease her tense brow. He closed his eyes allowing himself to merely imagine the feel of her. Her weight against his chest. The subtle movement of her limbs as she moves in her sleep. This was all of her that he could have.
Collapsed in the chair at her bedside and took her small hand in his own. It was limp but warm and her fingers began to curl over his palm while she slept. Severus closed his eyes memorizing the feel of touching her again.
She was just as he remembered her. How was that possible? Years had certainly taken their toll on Severus and yet this beautiful creature remained as she was the day it happened.
Iris stirred in her sleep and her face clenched in pain. She began to breathe heavier and Severus quickly knelt my her side.
"It's all right Iris. It will be all right." He took her hand in his own, and gently kissed her cheek.
()()()
Her slumber was full of dream like memories repeatedly replaying in her minds eye. Her first birthday, falling off her bike, first day at Hogwarts, and mostly him. Memories of him swirled into a long whirlwind of beautiful moments and crashed abruptly into the dreadful end that had left her the way she is today. Her eyelids began to flutter as her memories continued.
()()()
They had been spending so much of their free time together that Iris was beginning to forget what she used to do before she befriended Severus. Many people did not care for him that is true, but he was so interesting, and intelligent. She also found his dry style of speech hilarious. She felt so at ease with him. She did not have to keep up a continuous game of cat and mouse with him like she did with Sirius, or talk endlessly of Quidditch like with James. She was free to let her dark humor out to play without the censure that Remus' kindhearted company required. They did not really take the time to get to know her they just hovered about her. Who could blame the boys' protective attitude towards her? Lily had asked them to look after her. They took her instructions seriously up to a certain point.
She was glad they were her friends; they were always getting into mischief with each other. Lily would disapprove of that though. She smiled; their protectiveness never got in the way of their sense of fun, and Iris was usually game. The Gyffindors her own age were wonderful and they all got along delightfully well; Iris just felt something lacking. She loved them, it is true. Adored them actually, but Severus' company felt...well right. She felt completely herself around him and strangely he made her feel safe. Not to mention the way her stomach jumped in excitement when she saw him, and how any sweet look he threw her way caused her to blush the same color as her hair.
She glanced over at him sitting indian style on the grass opposite her and reading a book with intense concentration. The sunlight bounced off his hair and she thought that she would never see anything so magnificent as the light shining on its jet black surface. True he was very pale and thin, and his nose was a little crooked at certain angles, but Iris had nothing but admiration for him. His lips looked soft and inviting, and his eyes never ceased to hypnotize her capturing her attention.
She sighed sadly and leaned against the tree in their secluded little study spot. It was the only place they had found outside where her Gryffindor bodyguards did not think to check for her. Setting down her book she stared blankly up at the sky. 'I am his friend,' she thought, 'nothing more. He simply needs a friend right now and I am here. Don't get too attached Iris. You are confusing a good friendship with something else. You do not love him' Her thoughts scolded her firmly.
"You'll never pass the test by studying that way." He sounded stern and reprimanding, but poked her outstretched foot playfully with his wand. She lowered her gaze and met his dark eyes with her light ones.
"I don't think I'll pass regardless. I can't seem to concentrate lately." It was the honest truth. Severus claimed the majority of her thoughts, but she pushed out a laugh to make her statement sound as lighthearted as possible. "Maybe you can make some polyjuice potion and take my test for me. It would be a breeze for you."
"It would not. I hate transfiguration. McGonnagal thinks I am a pest." He put his own book down got up and sat closer to iris peering over her shoulder at the book. "No, my assistance would do you no good whatsoever."
Iris knew he was exaggerating, but the nearness of his body distracted her from her usual dry comments. She could feel his breathe as he leaned over her book. He smelled like chai tea, spicy and sweet all at the same time. She smiled at him as he raised his head from her book and gave her a smug look. His expression dropped when their eyes met only inches apart. They were so close that they were drawing in the moist air from each other's exhaled breaths. Iris could not look away despite the fact that her instincts told her to run. Maybe you do love him. Just a little bit.' She held her breathe, 'Oh fuck it,' she thought, 'I'll never get this opportunity again. I can't live with myself if I don't at least try,' She raised her hand gently cupping the side of his face and quickly pressed her lips to his own. She could feel his body stiffen instantly.
'Well, that was the hint I needed,' she thought drawing back form him swiftly only to suddenly feel a graceful hand rest on her lower back and press her closer. His whole body relaxed breathing into the kiss. It was soft and gentle but they could feel the passionate undercurrent His lips parted and he gently bit her lower lip. Iris smiled slightly moving her hand from his face to the nape of his neck curling her fingers through his hair. He responded by reaching his arm farther around her back until she was fully in his embrace. This was right. It was what she had been dreaming of for the past four months. She opened her mouth a little and gently grazed his mouth with the tip of her tongue feeling his tongue instantly respond and play with her own.
Voices grew louder and nearer and the two instantly broke apart and met each others gaze awkwardly. Just then Sirius and Remus burst onto the scene. "There you are Iris we've looked everywhere." Remus smiled a little shyly and nodded his head at Severus who only stared at his shoes.
"Hello Snivelus, you look just dandy this afternoon. Is that a new brand of grease you've run through your hair?"
"SIRIUS!" Iris snapped and shot him a death glare.
Sirius snorted, "All right, I'm so sorry if I offended you Mr. Snape." He bowed mockingly then turned his attention to Iris. "Come on you've been studying so much you should have all your books memorized by now have a little fun with your old pals."
"We were going to go out by the lake," Remus said simply, "we've missed you little one. What do you say? Can you part with your books for one afternoon?"
"I don't know," Iris stumbled over her words her eyes drifting trying to catch Severus' attention. "I hadn't planned on," but Severus had already begun to gather up his strewn belongings.
"I've got to go. Go with your friends." He turned to her anger burning in his eyes but when they caught her own expressive gaze his face softened and he quietly walked away.
"See you later Snivelus. I'll miss you." Sirius laughed picked up Iris' books and offered Iris his arm. She only stared at him and then walked over to Remus took his arm and dragged him away.
"Oh come on Iris. I just don't think it's a good idea for you to be hanging around that oaf all the time. I care about you. I'm only looking out for you."
Iris dropped Remus' arm and barged right into Sirius' face. "If you really care about me than is it too much to ask that you show me and my FRIENDS a little more respect. God Sirius I am old enough to choose who I "hang around" with! I am sick and tired of you trying to save me from whatever bad decision I made or am about to make. God! No wonder Lily doesn't like to hang around you. You know, I know James likes her. That's why you all decided that Lily asking all the older Gryffindors to look out for me was your gangs personal assignment. How am I supposed to know if you really care for me at all! Your actions certainly don't always show it!"
Sirius shuffled his feet and looked at the ground mumbling something that sounded an awful lot like an apology.
Iris sighed, "I'm sorry. I know you really do care about me, and I care about you too. You're my friend Sirius, but I'm a big girl now, and I am going to enjoy the company of people you might not necessarily like. Could you please just...I don't know...not act like an evil prick to them?" She snorted out his last comment and Sirius chuckled.
"You're right. I'll try" he said and affectionately kissed the top of her head. "I'm not making any promises though."
She kicked him in the shins and took up Remus' arm once more.
()()()
Iris heard people moving near her bedside. She felt their presence but could not properly discern where she was. 'What is going on! Where am I,' her mind screamed at the shadows of figures moving back and forth on her eyelids. The only audible sound she made was a sort of a growl. Then a cool damp cloth was placed on her head. 'Open! Please!' she pleaded with her eyelids, and surprisingly felt them grudgingly obey.
The room was a haze of light and shapes as her eyes struggled to regain focus. A dark shadow of a person floated above her. She heard the shadow gasp and back up.
"Oh GOD!" a deep silky voice tumbled out of the shadow's mouth.
"Where am I?" She pushed the words out, attempting rather feebly to hide her fear. The mans features fell into place as her eyes regained their full ability. He was tall with pale skin, a rather hooked nose and dark hair. Although, the what caught her attention were his eyes. They were deep pools of ebony black, they reminded her so much of..."Severus?" It couldn't be this man was twice the age of Severus and yet those eyes belonged only to him.
The man jerked slightly. "I...shall fetch Madam Pomfrey. She will be very glad to see you have awakened." He did not turn to go however, he simply stood locked into her gaze.
"Are you really Severus? You can't be." Iris felt her strength returning. "I will not be tricked again! You can't take him from me too! I'm not going to fall for this again!" Iris shouted attempting to stand. "I won't weaken !" Her voice came rumbling from her body strong and defiant, but her legs shook and collapsed beneath her. She felt her body caught and supported by two strong and tender arms.
*******************
Thank you to Sinister Papaya Fondue! You perked me up a bit and yes you are right about everything! By the way your story Amphitrite is AWESOME! People (if anyone's reading) check it out! I am hooked.
Severus glared at the door. What had Potter been doing here? Did he know? Well, if he did not know before he was sure as hell going to find out now. With that know it all bookworm Granger on the job the whole school would no doubt soon be informed about the reappearance of its long lost student.
He had thrown the boy out of the room quite hastily. Now remembering the potions incident he realized Potter had every right to be in the infirmary simply not in that particular area...yet. Potter surely would have to be informed sooner or later. Severus secretly hoped later would appeal to the headmaster as much as it did to himself. Harry Potter has every right to know about Iris returning. She is his aunt after all. Lily's sister would want Harry in her life when she awoke. Severus closed his eyes. 'She may not feel a similar need for my presence, however.'
He turned his attention back to the curtained area on the far side of the room. He had not been able to sleep for even a moment knowing that she lay there. The struggle to forget her had been absolutely futile and even when he allowed his mind to freely entertain thoughts of her hoping that would satisfy him he found he had already begun walking the long hallways on the way to the infirmiry.
Iris' breath was now steady and soft. It was hypnotic really. Severus watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest for nearly an hour. He simply stood at the entrance to her small enclosed stall not daring to move. She was there. His Iris, only a few feet from where he found his feet glued to the floor.
Could he possibly move closer? The rapid beating of his heart felt like a roadblock. It was deafening. Pounding a warning into his mind. This girl, this child had meant so much to him before... NO! He could not be near her like this and yet every fiber of his being was reaching beyond where he now was. He yearned to embrace her. To cradle her in his arms, smooth her hair and ease her tense brow. He closed his eyes allowing himself to merely imagine the feel of her. Her weight against his chest. The subtle movement of her limbs as she moves in her sleep. This was all of her that he could have.
Collapsed in the chair at her bedside and took her small hand in his own. It was limp but warm and her fingers began to curl over his palm while she slept. Severus closed his eyes memorizing the feel of touching her again.
She was just as he remembered her. How was that possible? Years had certainly taken their toll on Severus and yet this beautiful creature remained as she was the day it happened.
Iris stirred in her sleep and her face clenched in pain. She began to breathe heavier and Severus quickly knelt my her side.
"It's all right Iris. It will be all right." He took her hand in his own, and gently kissed her cheek.
()()()
Her slumber was full of dream like memories repeatedly replaying in her minds eye. Her first birthday, falling off her bike, first day at Hogwarts, and mostly him. Memories of him swirled into a long whirlwind of beautiful moments and crashed abruptly into the dreadful end that had left her the way she is today. Her eyelids began to flutter as her memories continued.
()()()
They had been spending so much of their free time together that Iris was beginning to forget what she used to do before she befriended Severus. Many people did not care for him that is true, but he was so interesting, and intelligent. She also found his dry style of speech hilarious. She felt so at ease with him. She did not have to keep up a continuous game of cat and mouse with him like she did with Sirius, or talk endlessly of Quidditch like with James. She was free to let her dark humor out to play without the censure that Remus' kindhearted company required. They did not really take the time to get to know her they just hovered about her. Who could blame the boys' protective attitude towards her? Lily had asked them to look after her. They took her instructions seriously up to a certain point.
She was glad they were her friends; they were always getting into mischief with each other. Lily would disapprove of that though. She smiled; their protectiveness never got in the way of their sense of fun, and Iris was usually game. The Gyffindors her own age were wonderful and they all got along delightfully well; Iris just felt something lacking. She loved them, it is true. Adored them actually, but Severus' company felt...well right. She felt completely herself around him and strangely he made her feel safe. Not to mention the way her stomach jumped in excitement when she saw him, and how any sweet look he threw her way caused her to blush the same color as her hair.
She glanced over at him sitting indian style on the grass opposite her and reading a book with intense concentration. The sunlight bounced off his hair and she thought that she would never see anything so magnificent as the light shining on its jet black surface. True he was very pale and thin, and his nose was a little crooked at certain angles, but Iris had nothing but admiration for him. His lips looked soft and inviting, and his eyes never ceased to hypnotize her capturing her attention.
She sighed sadly and leaned against the tree in their secluded little study spot. It was the only place they had found outside where her Gryffindor bodyguards did not think to check for her. Setting down her book she stared blankly up at the sky. 'I am his friend,' she thought, 'nothing more. He simply needs a friend right now and I am here. Don't get too attached Iris. You are confusing a good friendship with something else. You do not love him' Her thoughts scolded her firmly.
"You'll never pass the test by studying that way." He sounded stern and reprimanding, but poked her outstretched foot playfully with his wand. She lowered her gaze and met his dark eyes with her light ones.
"I don't think I'll pass regardless. I can't seem to concentrate lately." It was the honest truth. Severus claimed the majority of her thoughts, but she pushed out a laugh to make her statement sound as lighthearted as possible. "Maybe you can make some polyjuice potion and take my test for me. It would be a breeze for you."
"It would not. I hate transfiguration. McGonnagal thinks I am a pest." He put his own book down got up and sat closer to iris peering over her shoulder at the book. "No, my assistance would do you no good whatsoever."
Iris knew he was exaggerating, but the nearness of his body distracted her from her usual dry comments. She could feel his breathe as he leaned over her book. He smelled like chai tea, spicy and sweet all at the same time. She smiled at him as he raised his head from her book and gave her a smug look. His expression dropped when their eyes met only inches apart. They were so close that they were drawing in the moist air from each other's exhaled breaths. Iris could not look away despite the fact that her instincts told her to run. Maybe you do love him. Just a little bit.' She held her breathe, 'Oh fuck it,' she thought, 'I'll never get this opportunity again. I can't live with myself if I don't at least try,' She raised her hand gently cupping the side of his face and quickly pressed her lips to his own. She could feel his body stiffen instantly.
'Well, that was the hint I needed,' she thought drawing back form him swiftly only to suddenly feel a graceful hand rest on her lower back and press her closer. His whole body relaxed breathing into the kiss. It was soft and gentle but they could feel the passionate undercurrent His lips parted and he gently bit her lower lip. Iris smiled slightly moving her hand from his face to the nape of his neck curling her fingers through his hair. He responded by reaching his arm farther around her back until she was fully in his embrace. This was right. It was what she had been dreaming of for the past four months. She opened her mouth a little and gently grazed his mouth with the tip of her tongue feeling his tongue instantly respond and play with her own.
Voices grew louder and nearer and the two instantly broke apart and met each others gaze awkwardly. Just then Sirius and Remus burst onto the scene. "There you are Iris we've looked everywhere." Remus smiled a little shyly and nodded his head at Severus who only stared at his shoes.
"Hello Snivelus, you look just dandy this afternoon. Is that a new brand of grease you've run through your hair?"
"SIRIUS!" Iris snapped and shot him a death glare.
Sirius snorted, "All right, I'm so sorry if I offended you Mr. Snape." He bowed mockingly then turned his attention to Iris. "Come on you've been studying so much you should have all your books memorized by now have a little fun with your old pals."
"We were going to go out by the lake," Remus said simply, "we've missed you little one. What do you say? Can you part with your books for one afternoon?"
"I don't know," Iris stumbled over her words her eyes drifting trying to catch Severus' attention. "I hadn't planned on," but Severus had already begun to gather up his strewn belongings.
"I've got to go. Go with your friends." He turned to her anger burning in his eyes but when they caught her own expressive gaze his face softened and he quietly walked away.
"See you later Snivelus. I'll miss you." Sirius laughed picked up Iris' books and offered Iris his arm. She only stared at him and then walked over to Remus took his arm and dragged him away.
"Oh come on Iris. I just don't think it's a good idea for you to be hanging around that oaf all the time. I care about you. I'm only looking out for you."
Iris dropped Remus' arm and barged right into Sirius' face. "If you really care about me than is it too much to ask that you show me and my FRIENDS a little more respect. God Sirius I am old enough to choose who I "hang around" with! I am sick and tired of you trying to save me from whatever bad decision I made or am about to make. God! No wonder Lily doesn't like to hang around you. You know, I know James likes her. That's why you all decided that Lily asking all the older Gryffindors to look out for me was your gangs personal assignment. How am I supposed to know if you really care for me at all! Your actions certainly don't always show it!"
Sirius shuffled his feet and looked at the ground mumbling something that sounded an awful lot like an apology.
Iris sighed, "I'm sorry. I know you really do care about me, and I care about you too. You're my friend Sirius, but I'm a big girl now, and I am going to enjoy the company of people you might not necessarily like. Could you please just...I don't know...not act like an evil prick to them?" She snorted out his last comment and Sirius chuckled.
"You're right. I'll try" he said and affectionately kissed the top of her head. "I'm not making any promises though."
She kicked him in the shins and took up Remus' arm once more.
()()()
Iris heard people moving near her bedside. She felt their presence but could not properly discern where she was. 'What is going on! Where am I,' her mind screamed at the shadows of figures moving back and forth on her eyelids. The only audible sound she made was a sort of a growl. Then a cool damp cloth was placed on her head. 'Open! Please!' she pleaded with her eyelids, and surprisingly felt them grudgingly obey.
The room was a haze of light and shapes as her eyes struggled to regain focus. A dark shadow of a person floated above her. She heard the shadow gasp and back up.
"Oh GOD!" a deep silky voice tumbled out of the shadow's mouth.
"Where am I?" She pushed the words out, attempting rather feebly to hide her fear. The mans features fell into place as her eyes regained their full ability. He was tall with pale skin, a rather hooked nose and dark hair. Although, the what caught her attention were his eyes. They were deep pools of ebony black, they reminded her so much of..."Severus?" It couldn't be this man was twice the age of Severus and yet those eyes belonged only to him.
The man jerked slightly. "I...shall fetch Madam Pomfrey. She will be very glad to see you have awakened." He did not turn to go however, he simply stood locked into her gaze.
"Are you really Severus? You can't be." Iris felt her strength returning. "I will not be tricked again! You can't take him from me too! I'm not going to fall for this again!" Iris shouted attempting to stand. "I won't weaken !" Her voice came rumbling from her body strong and defiant, but her legs shook and collapsed beneath her. She felt her body caught and supported by two strong and tender arms.
*******************
Thank you to Sinister Papaya Fondue! You perked me up a bit and yes you are right about everything! By the way your story Amphitrite is AWESOME! People (if anyone's reading) check it out! I am hooked.