Ouch!! Wouldn't want to be in Sev's shoes right now, would ya???
Still a HP fan in love with a Slytherin man. For those who asked, yes we are going to see more Draco and Cassandra-my only issue, I'm not into blonde guys. Therein lies the challenge. Thanks to my many reviewers-it makes me so very happy to know someone other than me enjoys this!
18
Think man! Dammit, why did you have to go and say HER name in front of the child. Where did that come from, anyways…it's been almost 20 years now, I thought I'd forgotten her name, put it all behind Me! Look at the girl staring at Me. Better think of something quick. Why is it that I can lie easily to Voldemort, risking Cruciatus, and yet I'm going to have trouble with a sixteen year old girl? What is it in those eyes?
"Well, to be honest with you, I hadn't really thought about her in a long time, Cassandra. We were acquaintances, co-workers at one point, just about 20 years ago or so… but things change, you lose touch with people…. " At a loss for words, Snape decided it was best to keep quiet, hoping his evasive answer would be enough.
"Oh. Well, then, I guess…"
Cassandra was cut off by Madame Pomfrey's brisk entrance. "So good to see that you have both come round. Here Severus, you will recognize this potion as one you whipped up for me last week. This'll get you back on your feet quick as can be!"
Handing a steaming goblet over, Snape nodded and took the cup, downing it in one swig.. Shaking his head hard, he swung up off the bed. Rising to his full stature, he looked down at Cassandra.
"You would be wise to take a Goblet of the revival potion as well. You seem to be very tired, and could use a little wake-up." Catching her skeptical look, he continued" it's far better than Pepper-up, for a fact."
The Medi-witch returned with another mug, steam swirling around her. Motioning to the girl, "mind your Head Of House. He knows much in these matters."
Cassandra obediently took the cup, determined not to make a face when she drank it. It wasn't half as dreadful as she expected, and felt much perkier immediately.
"Can I please leave now?" She was indeed feeling decidedly tired, and a thousand questions were flying around in her mind. Octavious, her mother, Professor Snape, the dream that wasn't a dream. She just needed to be alone to process this all, and then to talk to Professor Snape in private. Something else was bothering her…. Madame Pomfrey had called him something,, could it have been his first name…. Severus. She was intrigued..
"Yes, you seem to be alright now. Should you feel poorly again, let one of us know. I think you should go directly back to your dorm, I'll have food sent up to you. A little more rest wouldn't hurt you."
"Once again, I guarantee that the castle is safe for you. " Snape spoke curtly, as if their close conversation had never happened.
"Thank you both. " Cassandra picked up the half-sleeping cat and draped him over her shoulder and left the hospital wing.
"She really took it all well, don't you think Severus? In light of the new knowledge about her medical history, I'm going to have to ask you a favor. I need her to be taken to her Muggle Dr, so that we can find out what happened after the head injury. I want to find out how many of her health problems are linked to that event, and what they treated her with in the past. This is really extremely serious. It's amazing that she survived, really. A blow like that would have easily killed even an adult. She must have received extremely good care directly afterwards. I just don't understand how anyone could ever raise a hand to a child. They are all so precious." Poppy wiped a tear from her eye.
"I may not like children that much, but I know I would never resort to physically hurting them.. I don't understand it either. I only know what it does to the child who survives... Hideous, beastly behavior from anyone in a civilized culture. Now, don't you think possibly you would be more suited to take her to a Muggle Dr than I am, Poppy. I mean, really….."
"There's no chance of it Severus. I've never even gone to Muggle London. I have no clue how to act, what to wear, I would be painfully out of place there. And I also believe that I would not be terribly convincing as her relative. The two of you look so much alike, you would easily pull it off." The words were out of her mouth before she realized it. Aware of her mistake and worrying about how the notoriously volatile Snape might react, Poppy turned to walk away, calling back over her shoulder "Maybe just chat with Albus about it. You're free to go!"
"I always was," He grumbled under his breath, and prepared to leave.
Rather than heading down to the dungeons and the Slytherin common room, Snape went directly up to the Headmasters office. He had a few questions, and wanted to know what Dumbledore thought of Poppy's plan. On his own, Snape didn't feel he had the ability to take on(or rather, out) Octavious Ignoble without either getting caught by the ministry and getting sent to Azkaban, or, getting caught by Voldemort and company, and getting sent to his death. Neither option was particularly appealing at this point in time. Madame Pomfrey's last comment had rankled him, what had she been implying? Or, was he simply over-reacting, as he often did?
"Liquorice Baby" he sniped at the gargoyle, which obediently leapt out of his way. He was knocking on the office door in moments, and was shocked to see that Dumbledore was not there. Deciding to try waiting for a few moments, he sat down in one of the large wing chairs and waited, glaring in the unlit fireplace, thinking of a time long past now.
Thinking of the only time he had ever truly experienced a full life, the only person he had ever been able to share his soul with. It had been so deep, so filled with completion, so absolute that it rang with truthfulness, with a love so dangerously overwhelming that he had almost forgotten the life he had chosen to lead. He had been completely lost in her, it made that fling with Lilly in 7th year look like child's play. He had never felt passionate about anything in his life, nor had he ever felt that his life counted for anything before that time, never felt that it had counted to anyone. It was an enchanted dream, one the likes that no spell or potion could ever come close to. It had been so amazing, so fulfilling….when had he ever felt like that? He hadn't .
He could see it now, them together in that study of hers, on the big rug in front of the fireplace. Idyllic, platonic to that point, it had been more than any dreams. The pleasure, true love's first, had nearly overcome them both. Gasping aloud, Severus suddenly grabbed at his left arm, remembering how the night had ended. How the mark on his arm had pained him with such an intensity that he had nearly passed out, and how he had been unable to catch his breath, nor open his mouth to cry out, so that Crystal had been certain that he was having a heart attack. How in that moment he knew it couldn't last, not one more night… how Voldemort would come, or send one of his many Death Eaters ….how much danger that he, Severus Snape had put her in with his selfishness. What had he been thinking, all this time… It was far too dangerous to be close to someone like this, let alone one who was not in the fold. Let alone someone with a Muggle parent. It was certain, painful end to their relationship, and the mark searing through him on that particular night had been no coincidence. Love was a luxury that Severus Snape would never risk again. He had always been quick to heed a warning, and this was deadly serious.
He had left the next morning, it had been pissing down rain, as she had laid in bed while he dressed, explaining to her what the burning mark had meant, what could happen to them if they continued. How her safety was more important than their joy. She hadn't fully believed him, she had wanted them to stay together, secretly. He hadn't had the heart to explain that at that point in Voldemort's power, there WERE no secrets a Death Eater could keep, let alone anything one was passionate about. There had been tears, and anger, and most of all, an unending aching emptiness which had followed him the rest of his life. His life was worthless, and whether or not he lived or died didn't really affect him. But to draw an innocent into this wicked game, to risk her life merely for his own happiness? It was as unthinkable as killing her by his own hands. When he had walked out that door, he left all happiness there behind him, crying in the bedroom. But at least she had been safe. At that time, no one had suspected anything, they were good at being discrete, and there was something to be said for being licensed to apparate . To find out in The Daily Prophet that Voldemort had gone after her in her home last year…. What the hell had happened? That question had been eating him alive since he had found out, and he wondered at it. Why? Had they found out that she worked secretly for the ministry, working on counter potions? Had it simply been a mistake, the wrong house? Had Ignoble had something to do with it? What if he had meant to kill both mother and daughter….
The click of the study door pulled Snape out of his brooding, and he turned in his chair to see the Headmaster rush in, looking serious and possibly, slightly green.
"Ah, Severus. I'm glad to find you here. Seems we had a problem in the Great Hall, and I need you to come and deal with Malfoy. Apparently he hit the Weasley boy with the "Ad Nauseam" curse and set off a chain reaction throughout the whole room. Quite a mess, really . I'll also need you to mix up a VERY large batch of Stomach-Settling Potion rather quickly."
Damn, he thought, clearly not the time for a chat about the past and present with the sickly wizard in front of him . Twirling his wand beside him, Snape spoke a few quite words and a vial appeared in his hand. "I keep a small stock on hand, as does the infirmary. Consider this a personal gift. Drink the whole thing, don't worry, it's mint flavored. No good a potion that you just bring up again, how effective would that be? Bloody useless! Don't worry, I will deal with Malfoy appropriately."
Handing the vial over the desk to the elderly wizard, The Potions Master paused for a moment and then asked quietly. "Do you know what they were fighting about? I know that Malfoy and Weasley dislike each other, but this seems a little more dramatic than usual."
Dumbledore's eyes returned to their usual sparkle at those words." You must have missed out on some of the antics last year then, Severus, they were really very advanced in their tactics. However, Hermione told me in between retches that it had to do over something Weasley had said about Cassandra."
Snape felt his anger towards Malfoy leave him for a moment-what schoolboy never had a crush on a pretty girl? He was surprised that Malfoy hadn't just dropped Ron on the spot. He was known to have a nasty right upper hook. It would have served the loud-mouthed Gryffindor git right, really, to go bad-mouthing the object of Malfoy's affections. At this moment, Severus was biting his lip to prevent a smirk which was threatening to appear.
"I'll go a brew up that batch immediately. Fortunately for us, it is quick and simple to brew, and we have all the ingredients in stock . Good night, Albus. Let me know if you need any more of the potion." With that, the Professor turned on his heel to leave, biting his lip twice as hard as the moment before, thinking of the state the Great Hall must be in. 'Thank gods for House Elves.'
Still a HP fan in love with a Slytherin man. For those who asked, yes we are going to see more Draco and Cassandra-my only issue, I'm not into blonde guys. Therein lies the challenge. Thanks to my many reviewers-it makes me so very happy to know someone other than me enjoys this!
18
Think man! Dammit, why did you have to go and say HER name in front of the child. Where did that come from, anyways…it's been almost 20 years now, I thought I'd forgotten her name, put it all behind Me! Look at the girl staring at Me. Better think of something quick. Why is it that I can lie easily to Voldemort, risking Cruciatus, and yet I'm going to have trouble with a sixteen year old girl? What is it in those eyes?
"Well, to be honest with you, I hadn't really thought about her in a long time, Cassandra. We were acquaintances, co-workers at one point, just about 20 years ago or so… but things change, you lose touch with people…. " At a loss for words, Snape decided it was best to keep quiet, hoping his evasive answer would be enough.
"Oh. Well, then, I guess…"
Cassandra was cut off by Madame Pomfrey's brisk entrance. "So good to see that you have both come round. Here Severus, you will recognize this potion as one you whipped up for me last week. This'll get you back on your feet quick as can be!"
Handing a steaming goblet over, Snape nodded and took the cup, downing it in one swig.. Shaking his head hard, he swung up off the bed. Rising to his full stature, he looked down at Cassandra.
"You would be wise to take a Goblet of the revival potion as well. You seem to be very tired, and could use a little wake-up." Catching her skeptical look, he continued" it's far better than Pepper-up, for a fact."
The Medi-witch returned with another mug, steam swirling around her. Motioning to the girl, "mind your Head Of House. He knows much in these matters."
Cassandra obediently took the cup, determined not to make a face when she drank it. It wasn't half as dreadful as she expected, and felt much perkier immediately.
"Can I please leave now?" She was indeed feeling decidedly tired, and a thousand questions were flying around in her mind. Octavious, her mother, Professor Snape, the dream that wasn't a dream. She just needed to be alone to process this all, and then to talk to Professor Snape in private. Something else was bothering her…. Madame Pomfrey had called him something,, could it have been his first name…. Severus. She was intrigued..
"Yes, you seem to be alright now. Should you feel poorly again, let one of us know. I think you should go directly back to your dorm, I'll have food sent up to you. A little more rest wouldn't hurt you."
"Once again, I guarantee that the castle is safe for you. " Snape spoke curtly, as if their close conversation had never happened.
"Thank you both. " Cassandra picked up the half-sleeping cat and draped him over her shoulder and left the hospital wing.
"She really took it all well, don't you think Severus? In light of the new knowledge about her medical history, I'm going to have to ask you a favor. I need her to be taken to her Muggle Dr, so that we can find out what happened after the head injury. I want to find out how many of her health problems are linked to that event, and what they treated her with in the past. This is really extremely serious. It's amazing that she survived, really. A blow like that would have easily killed even an adult. She must have received extremely good care directly afterwards. I just don't understand how anyone could ever raise a hand to a child. They are all so precious." Poppy wiped a tear from her eye.
"I may not like children that much, but I know I would never resort to physically hurting them.. I don't understand it either. I only know what it does to the child who survives... Hideous, beastly behavior from anyone in a civilized culture. Now, don't you think possibly you would be more suited to take her to a Muggle Dr than I am, Poppy. I mean, really….."
"There's no chance of it Severus. I've never even gone to Muggle London. I have no clue how to act, what to wear, I would be painfully out of place there. And I also believe that I would not be terribly convincing as her relative. The two of you look so much alike, you would easily pull it off." The words were out of her mouth before she realized it. Aware of her mistake and worrying about how the notoriously volatile Snape might react, Poppy turned to walk away, calling back over her shoulder "Maybe just chat with Albus about it. You're free to go!"
"I always was," He grumbled under his breath, and prepared to leave.
Rather than heading down to the dungeons and the Slytherin common room, Snape went directly up to the Headmasters office. He had a few questions, and wanted to know what Dumbledore thought of Poppy's plan. On his own, Snape didn't feel he had the ability to take on(or rather, out) Octavious Ignoble without either getting caught by the ministry and getting sent to Azkaban, or, getting caught by Voldemort and company, and getting sent to his death. Neither option was particularly appealing at this point in time. Madame Pomfrey's last comment had rankled him, what had she been implying? Or, was he simply over-reacting, as he often did?
"Liquorice Baby" he sniped at the gargoyle, which obediently leapt out of his way. He was knocking on the office door in moments, and was shocked to see that Dumbledore was not there. Deciding to try waiting for a few moments, he sat down in one of the large wing chairs and waited, glaring in the unlit fireplace, thinking of a time long past now.
Thinking of the only time he had ever truly experienced a full life, the only person he had ever been able to share his soul with. It had been so deep, so filled with completion, so absolute that it rang with truthfulness, with a love so dangerously overwhelming that he had almost forgotten the life he had chosen to lead. He had been completely lost in her, it made that fling with Lilly in 7th year look like child's play. He had never felt passionate about anything in his life, nor had he ever felt that his life counted for anything before that time, never felt that it had counted to anyone. It was an enchanted dream, one the likes that no spell or potion could ever come close to. It had been so amazing, so fulfilling….when had he ever felt like that? He hadn't .
He could see it now, them together in that study of hers, on the big rug in front of the fireplace. Idyllic, platonic to that point, it had been more than any dreams. The pleasure, true love's first, had nearly overcome them both. Gasping aloud, Severus suddenly grabbed at his left arm, remembering how the night had ended. How the mark on his arm had pained him with such an intensity that he had nearly passed out, and how he had been unable to catch his breath, nor open his mouth to cry out, so that Crystal had been certain that he was having a heart attack. How in that moment he knew it couldn't last, not one more night… how Voldemort would come, or send one of his many Death Eaters ….how much danger that he, Severus Snape had put her in with his selfishness. What had he been thinking, all this time… It was far too dangerous to be close to someone like this, let alone one who was not in the fold. Let alone someone with a Muggle parent. It was certain, painful end to their relationship, and the mark searing through him on that particular night had been no coincidence. Love was a luxury that Severus Snape would never risk again. He had always been quick to heed a warning, and this was deadly serious.
He had left the next morning, it had been pissing down rain, as she had laid in bed while he dressed, explaining to her what the burning mark had meant, what could happen to them if they continued. How her safety was more important than their joy. She hadn't fully believed him, she had wanted them to stay together, secretly. He hadn't had the heart to explain that at that point in Voldemort's power, there WERE no secrets a Death Eater could keep, let alone anything one was passionate about. There had been tears, and anger, and most of all, an unending aching emptiness which had followed him the rest of his life. His life was worthless, and whether or not he lived or died didn't really affect him. But to draw an innocent into this wicked game, to risk her life merely for his own happiness? It was as unthinkable as killing her by his own hands. When he had walked out that door, he left all happiness there behind him, crying in the bedroom. But at least she had been safe. At that time, no one had suspected anything, they were good at being discrete, and there was something to be said for being licensed to apparate . To find out in The Daily Prophet that Voldemort had gone after her in her home last year…. What the hell had happened? That question had been eating him alive since he had found out, and he wondered at it. Why? Had they found out that she worked secretly for the ministry, working on counter potions? Had it simply been a mistake, the wrong house? Had Ignoble had something to do with it? What if he had meant to kill both mother and daughter….
The click of the study door pulled Snape out of his brooding, and he turned in his chair to see the Headmaster rush in, looking serious and possibly, slightly green.
"Ah, Severus. I'm glad to find you here. Seems we had a problem in the Great Hall, and I need you to come and deal with Malfoy. Apparently he hit the Weasley boy with the "Ad Nauseam" curse and set off a chain reaction throughout the whole room. Quite a mess, really . I'll also need you to mix up a VERY large batch of Stomach-Settling Potion rather quickly."
Damn, he thought, clearly not the time for a chat about the past and present with the sickly wizard in front of him . Twirling his wand beside him, Snape spoke a few quite words and a vial appeared in his hand. "I keep a small stock on hand, as does the infirmary. Consider this a personal gift. Drink the whole thing, don't worry, it's mint flavored. No good a potion that you just bring up again, how effective would that be? Bloody useless! Don't worry, I will deal with Malfoy appropriately."
Handing the vial over the desk to the elderly wizard, The Potions Master paused for a moment and then asked quietly. "Do you know what they were fighting about? I know that Malfoy and Weasley dislike each other, but this seems a little more dramatic than usual."
Dumbledore's eyes returned to their usual sparkle at those words." You must have missed out on some of the antics last year then, Severus, they were really very advanced in their tactics. However, Hermione told me in between retches that it had to do over something Weasley had said about Cassandra."
Snape felt his anger towards Malfoy leave him for a moment-what schoolboy never had a crush on a pretty girl? He was surprised that Malfoy hadn't just dropped Ron on the spot. He was known to have a nasty right upper hook. It would have served the loud-mouthed Gryffindor git right, really, to go bad-mouthing the object of Malfoy's affections. At this moment, Severus was biting his lip to prevent a smirk which was threatening to appear.
"I'll go a brew up that batch immediately. Fortunately for us, it is quick and simple to brew, and we have all the ingredients in stock . Good night, Albus. Let me know if you need any more of the potion." With that, the Professor turned on his heel to leave, biting his lip twice as hard as the moment before, thinking of the state the Great Hall must be in. 'Thank gods for House Elves.'