Chapter Three: Questions and Answers

No longer was night her captor. Dawn was breaking in this electrifying world. The enchanting draw of magic could still caress her soul.

Melody and Severus had apparated onto the edge of the Hogwarts grounds, along a rim of deep brown, utterly captivating trees. Never had Melody seen Hogwarts, only heard of its great wonder. Her spirit was suspended between absolute grief and euphoria. She was back. But she couldn't have Caleb in this glorious place.

Severus wasted no time in treading through the damp grass, toward a magnificent castle that pierced through the silver wisps of mist floating in the low atmosphere. There was a calming ambiance in this place, delightfully healing. For a few precious moments she was lost in a world where evil didn't haunt her every thought.

This quickly faded as she set off to follow Severus, she was wary of what awaited her, Albus Dumbledore was rumored to be the most powerful wizard of all time, greater than Voldemort. Voldemort, how could someone be so twisted and wicked in their logic? Kill all muggles and muggle-borns. How could he torture those innocent people with spells cruelly created, uniquely, for his use by those grisly followers called Death Eaters? A shudder passed through Melody, bringing with it every bit of agony she had fought to repress the last couple days. Death Eaters did Voldemort's bidding, why had he chosen Caleb? What was so special about him? Was it something to do with her and this mysterious past of hers? Was that why she was being dragged through wild grasses and magic flora, toward an enchanted palace?

So many questions, yet no answers to be spoken of. Silently she followed Severus, exhaustion creeping dangerously into her heavy eyes. She would have to stay awake enough to get some answers; it would be impossible to sleep peacefully without answered questions. Nightmares, they were her new foe, a nemesis she couldn't escape.

Looking down, she was thankful she had had the chance to change from her sleep-clothes to more practical attire. The baggy sleep-pants and the thin light shirt were stuffed awkwardly into the duffel bag swung over her slim shoulder. Swaying suddenly, she realized that she was drifting off. Sleep had evaded her the last couple days, when it did come it was riddle with gruesome nightmares. What she would give to fall into a bed she felt so safe here…no longer was she afraid of Severus Snape. They had talked a bit while she was packing, he didn't seem overly dangerous, nor any more enthusiastic about this little outing than she was. 

Singing lit through the field, a gentle harmony floating gaily through. It wasn't human but some other thrilling being. Melody looked toward Severus to see if he had any reaction to the remarkable sound. He simply kept on, moving gracefully and methodically closer to his destination. His back was straight, head high and dignified, his legs thrust out carefully and without fault. At his sides, those pale arms dangled, brushing away a stray piece of hair from his face only occasionally. He had rolled up his black sleeves to the elbow, revealing muscular forearms and flawless skin, she couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to feel those smooth arms, wrapping around her, holding her close…

Melody! You hardly know this man and already he has you swooning. What the hell? What about Caleb?

Oh, but the guilt was dreadful, splashing over her in great smothering waves. Caleb wasn't yet a day in the ground. Reaching toward her neck to hold the silver crucifix, Melody felt a crushing sense of regret when she remembered what she had done. She had burned her cross, turned away from Jesus, and ignored her Bible.

Surely you will burn in hell for this…

Really though, she couldn't bring herself to care about hell, if that was her destiny, bring it on. She could never look Jesus in the eye and love him, after everything she had gone through. Loosing Caleb had been the last straw; there was no going back.

If there is indeed a God, I did something to piss him off; he sure isn't looking out for me anymore…if he ever was.

Again, guilt. She lost Caleb, and by choice she gave up her God, she had forsaken him. Now she was completely empty. But how could he exist if her life was so horribly wrong? Mercy didn't exist in her life.

To her sheer amazement, they had reached the castle. No longer were they stepping through tall grasses, but over a neatly trimmed lawn, an emerald blanket of gorgeousness leading to a castle so beautiful, mere words could never truly describe it. Whispering an "oh" of astonishment she stepped onto a glittering coble-stone path. The entrance was truly grand. Silver and gray stonework meshed together, shielding a watery marble floor, so reflective it was like walking upon swirling liquid. Umber bled into the rich cream flooring.

"This is the Great Hall. These are the four tables for the four houses. That is the High Table, were the Professors sit. We are going to the headmasters office, don't dally."

Great it was. An impossibly high ceiling sheltered them, raining down immense chandeliers all aglow with magically lit candles. Far above Melody's head a sleek ghost swooped, dipping and diving weightlessly through the air. Ancient whispers vibrated through the sparkling currents, a reminder of all those who had once called Hogwarts their home and an echo of all those who lived and loved there now.

An array of dashing colors painted the walls, ceilings, and floors. Radiant light shimmered around them, and yet Severus simply tore through, ignoring the luminous room they had entered. She wanted to linger, feel the rush again and again. To be in this place everyday would have to be like heaven on earth, a mystical paradise.

Reluctantly, Melody hurried after Severus. Fatigue bathed her, knocking her closer to sleep, and in this sweet place sleep would only be too easy. Through dim but splendid hallways, they walked. Twisting corridors carried them forward to a destination Melody didn't know of. Pausing before a great gargoyle statue, Severus murmured a password under his breath. In awe, Melody watched the statue move and let them pass. Up a winding staircase of incredible height and structure, they came upon a solid majestic door. Something like peace touched her. What was this room, and why was it so welcoming?

The door swung open and the two passed into an office. The room was like living poetry, a soft rhyme. Directly in front of them stood a mahogany desk, behind this desk a weathered old man sat, regal and tall. Long wrinkled beard twirled down, its end hidden behind the desk, soft periwinkle eyes knowingly smiled through light grey eyebrows. Albus Dumbledore was like a king.

"Oh hello Melody! So good to finally meet you. I am, of course, Albus Dumbledore." He reached out and clasped her small, shaking hand within his own. "Please sit. Lemon drop anyone?" Neither guest took a candy. "Shame. Severus you should really try one someday, they are simply splendid." The old man lent a teasing grin Severus's way, then, in all seriousness turned to Melody. After sitting back and studying her for a few more moments, he spoke again. "My my, you are every bit as beautiful as Paula." Speaking more to himself then to Melody.

"My mother? You, you knew her?"

"Yes dear, I knew her. Splendid woman I must say. Melody, do you know what happened to your mother after she had you?"

"She died. I don't know how."

"Voldemort had her killed." For several moments her mind was left reeling. Not saying a word she sat there, not even really seeing anything. Shock waves filled her, weighing down her heart and making it plummet to the dusty floor. Her mother and Caleb, why did this vicious bastard want everyone she loved to die? Severus and Dumbledore sat there, watching her reaction. Feeling her face pale, she took a breath, hoping to fill her soul with life once again.

"Why?" The voice was strange to her ears, small and scared.

"I do not know for certain. Something to do with your birth."

"What? But why!? Why is he after my family?"

"You are his daughter."