Introduction
This is a story of a young Severus Snape. In this story he was born Shaban Durdorff, but when he was 5 years old, an event caused his father to change his name. The story begins here. It won't be for everyone, but in order to start it, I had to plot his parents and how he learned all the hexes and curses prior to Hogwarts.
Chapter One
A New Identity
The winter was harsh that year in a small town near the Black Forest.
In the early evening, a door opened in one of the cabins, and, Argon Doben, the local medi wizard stepped out followed by Valon Durdorff, a tall thin man with black hair and a hooked nose, he looked angry and pale.
The mediwizard turned to him on the doorstep.
"I'm very sorry Valon." His voice was low and full of regret as he looked back at the angry and disappointed wizard. "But you will have to think about what I said back there and I'll be round tomorrow to see Shaban again."
Valon nodded to the mediwizard, Argon stepped down from the doorway and as he was moving towards the gate, he heard the door shut firmly..
Back inside, Valon opened the door to the kitchen and as he stood framed in the doorway, the sight of his wife Ravesa, holding his oldest son, enraged him.
"How many times have I told you, do not let my children play with the offspring of your dangerous friends?" He roared at her. "Look what you have done now."
She remained sitting on the chair, but the child ran off and huddled in the corner, too scared to move past his father and exit the room.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, ducking her head forward. "It was an honest accident."
"Enough" He bellowed even louder. "You know what this means now." Walking further into the room, he stopped a few steps from his wife. Glaring down at her, she kept her head down and didn't look up. Pacing he continued his tirade.
"Everything is ruined, he will never be accepted to Durmstrang now. All my family, as far back as we can trace, has gone there." He paused for breath, then continued.
"What will all my friends and colleagues say? I won't be able to hold my head up round the district if this gets out."
Turning around he faced the window, looking out into the street, speaking more quietly "Argon will be here in the morning again, and he might have a solution to reduce the effects."
Turning back around, he strode forward until he was almost standing over his wife.
"But I am told there is no cure."
She looked up then, still cringing a bit, and then turned to look at her son. Moving towards him, she put both hands on his shoulders, noting the tears on his cheeks. Valon faced them both. Speaking firmly, he snarled.
"From now on, you won't leave this house as my son." Continuing, he stated. "Your mother can take you out at night, but I want no talk of this." He glared down at Shaban. Lifting his gaze to his wife, he stated. "My other son Arben will carry on the family tradition now, attending Durmstrang as my eldest son to inherit.
Ravesa gave a small sob, as she looked down at Shaban.
"He can remain here, under your care, but only with a new name so no one can link him to our family." Valon snarled, stepping forward. Looking down at his son, he commanded.
"From now on, you will obey your mother and remain secluded. I expect no disobedience to this order." Glaring down, he saw his son give a small nod.
"Fine, that is sorted then" He stated. "From now on, you will not answer to Shaban Durdorff"
Ravesa crouched behind her son, both arms coming around him. They didn't have to wait long. Addressing his son, he spoke for the final time.
"Your new name will be Severus Snape, because you were taken from us by a snap."
Turning on his heel, he strode out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Several minutes went by in silence as Ravesa held him. Then slowly the door opened as Ardiana, her 7 year old daughter, crept into the room, followed by Arben, her 3 year old son.
"Mummy" Ardiana whispered. "We couldn't sleep, and Sanije is awake too.
Ravesa stood slowly, holding Severus' hand as she moved toward her other children, drawing him with her. Sanije was her youngest, a daughter at 1 year old.
"It is quiet now" she managed to say. "I'll put you all back to bed. "Ardiana, you must call Shaban by a new name, your father has decreed it." Looking down at her daughter, she continued. "His name is now Severus."
She waited for Ardiana to nod. With that, she led them all back to their rooms. Finally she was left with Severus. Walking him into his room she waved her wand and the window darkened, obscuring the view of the room from outside.
The next morning was cold and crisp. As Ravesa entered her oldest child's room, she spoke. "Severus" she said. The child on the bed didn't answer, but remained looking at the ceiling. She spoke again, firmer. "Severus!"
Finally he turned to look at her. "I know its a change, " she stepped further into the room. "But you have to get used to being called this new name."
He hung his head, looking down at his knees. "Yes mother,' he rasped, ending in a cough.
Sitting down on the bed, facing him, she looked him full in the face.
"It won't seem strange after a few days. Managing a weak smile, she stood up again. "I just have to get the others up. Wait here for me, I'll be back soon." She saw him nod as she moved out of the room, closing the door behind her.
As she stepped into the hall, she heard a knock at the front door. Moving to answer it she got to the front hall to find that her husband had already opened the door and was admitting Argon. As Valon turned around and saw his wife, his face darkened over, but he didn't speak.
All three of them went into the side room. The first to speak was Argon.
"I have been reading most of the evening, and the good news is that, with the treatment I gave yesterday, the effects long term for him will be mild. However, like you said, Valon," Argon paused for breath. "Durmstrang is closed to him. They will never accept a child that has been exposed to Vampires. However, as he didn't receive the full effect, the condition will only be partial, but permanent. "
Argon snarled, "I know this is a terrible blow. I had such high hopes for him."
Ravesa hung her head, avoiding her husband's furious glare.
Argon stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I may have the solution." He said at last. "But I will have to let you know after I get the replies back." He smiled bravely. "It should take a week, then I'll come back and let you know what I have discovered."
"Thank you." Valon said. "A solution would be wonderful. However, we have given him the name of Severus Snape, address him as that in the correspondence. Do not use my family name."
Argon looked discomforted, but only nodded as he left the house.
Several days later, the atmosphere of the house was still very frosty. Severus now had learned his new name, and although his sister forgot once or twice, the name change was complete. That morning it was snowing hard, and Valon had remained home. Due to this, Severus had been shut in his room, and spells created by his mother sealed the door and window.
Around midday, Argon returned. Coming back from delivering the noon meal to Severus in his room, Ravesa entered the kitchen to discover her husband and Argon sitting quietly at the table, parchments spread out in front of them. As she moved across the room, Valon spoke.
I am really ashamed that it has come to this." He growled, "as if the 'accident' wasn't bad enough, this is worse."
"I am sorry" Argon said. But of the three main schools that teach witchcraft and wizardry, this is the only hope for Severus. I suggest that I write and request permission from the headmaster to enroll him."
Valon gave an impatient gesture. "Do what you can. With luck it is so far away that this shame will never be discovered."
"What school is that?" Ravesa couldn't hold back.
Both men turned to look at her, but it was Argon who spoke.
"The last hope for an education is Hogwarts"
She gave a gasp. "But that is hundreds of miles away," Ravesa protested.
"Exactly," Valon gave a cold smile that didn't reach his eyes.
She looked down, disheartened, tears stinging her eyes.
"Well," Valon growled. "It wasn't me who let him play in the forest with that mob."
Her head came up, a flush covering her cheeks.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "If I could take it all back………… " Unable to say any more, she fled from the room.
Both men looked at each other, then Argon spoke. "Well, I must be off," he said. "I will write immediately and inquire." With that he walked from the room and returned to his house.
Later that afternoon as dusk was falling. Ravesa took Severus and left the house. They ambled into the forest to gather wood. Soon after beginning the task, a tall pale woman appeared in front of Ravesa. Her black robes were old and worn. Although she was smiling, her pale sallow skin looked odd in contrast to her dark hair.
"Hello Ravesa. Its been a few days," she smiled, pleased to see her friend.
"Hello, sorry I've been busy" Ravesa explained. "My husband was furious"
"Yes, I imagine he would have been." She said. "I wasn't quick enough to stop the
game from turning rough." They both turned round to see Severus rummaging around under a tree some distance away.
"That's ok, Zhaklina" Ravesa conceded. "However, my husband wants to send him away for schooling when he is old enough."
Zhaklina frowned. "What school?"
"Hogwarts," came the reply.
Zhaklina looked startled. "I have heard of it." She stated. Ravesa stared at her friend.
"How?"
"For some time there has been a stranger visiting and learning from our seniors in the forest. He says he came from Hogwarts." Zhaklina continued. "He doesn't mix with the villagers, so until now, there was no reason to tell you."
"If you could find out what it is like, I would be grateful. It is so far to send him, and I have difficulty in accepting it. But I must. Also, I have to tell you, my husband has given him a new name, Severus Snape."
Zhaklina scowled fiercely. "I can interpret the meaning of that."
"Yes, I'm sorry, but he is determined to keep this a secret." Both women looked at each other in silence.
"Well, I better get back," Ravesa said. "But please ask your friend. I would love to know more about Hogwarts."
"I will," Zhaklina promised.
With a final wave, Ravesa walked back to collect some wood and take Severus back home.
Once she had put Severus to bed, Ravesa came out to see her husband sitting at the kitchen table. "I talked to a woman today." She began. "Who tells me a graduate from Hogwarts is in the area. I hope to introduce him to Severus."
"Do what you think is best," Valon rasped. "All decisions are now yours, apart from where he will be schooled. Just keep him away from the villagers."
"Yes, I will do that." She smiled inwardly as she left the room. Tomorrow with luck she might meet this man.
Early next morning, Ravesa woke Severus and when they were ready, she shepherded him out the door. "Hush now," she advised. "We are just going for a walk."
Silently, Severus followed his mother out the back door and into the forest. Walking forward she saw Zhaklina standing in the distance. On reaching her. Ravesa smiled. "Is it good news?"
"It took some persuasion." Zhaklina didn't smile back. "However, I have to take you both right into our camp."
Ravesa blanched. "Is it safe? If my husband found out I had gone there……………." Her voice trailed off.
"As long as no one talks, it should be fine. Just stick close to me. I have explained all about Severus, so he will be safer than you." Zhaklina paused, "if you like, I could take him alone, and we'll meet you back here tomorrow morning."
Ravesa bit her lip. It was a risk for her to go there, but she had really wanted to meet the man. Finally she spoke.
"If you take him now, will the man meet me elsewhere soon?"
"I expect so," Zhaklina replied. "He's just wary."
"Fine, if you take Severus, I'll be back tomorrow to get him. If you let me know how it goes?"
Yes, I will"
"Thanks," Ravesa smiled. Turning, she called out to Severus who was roaming around a tree behind them. "Severus, come here."
As he came over, she looked down, and continued.
"My friend here is going to take you for the day. You can play with your friends and she has someone who wants to meet you."
Severus smiled up at his mother. A day of freedom sounded wonderful.
"I'll see you here tomorrow morning." With that, Ravesa turned, and started to walk off. Several paces later, she looked around to see Zhaklina and Severus standing watching her walk away. Waving, she straightened around and kept on walking until she was out of sight.
When his mother disappeared from view. Zhaklina spoke.
"Come now, its a bit of a walk." Taking his hand, she led Severus deeper into the forest.
After a few minutes, Zhaklina began to talk.
"First, I will introduce you to this man. If all goes well, he might help you"
Severus looked up at her. "Help me?" He wondered.
"Yes, I understand you are going away to school in a few years. To the same school this man studied at."
Severus looked pleased.
"Do you think he'll like me?"
Zhaklina didn't answer straight away.
"Just be polite and only talk when asked questions." She warned finally.
"I will," Severus agreed.
"Good boy," Zhaklina smiled. "Don't be nervous, it will be fine."
The conversation ceased as Severus began to look around him. He had never been this far into the forest. When he played with his friends, they always met him near the edge of the forest. The trees were becoming thicker and thicker.
Zhaklina noticed the attention he was giving the surroundings.
'Nearly there now"
He looked up with a smile. "It's great to be outside"
"Yes, that is true" Her smile had a sharp edge to it, as she imagined how his father was reacting. "Look over there," she pointed into the distance, it looked a bit lighter in a small area amongst the trees. "The camp is just a few minutes away."
Suddenly, a tall man with stained robes appeared in front of them. Severus pulled back, but Zhaklina held on tight to his hand.
"Oh, it's you," his voice was harsh and scratchy.
"Yes," she said. "Practising against invasion?"
"I'm the south guard for today" he explained. "Go on then," motioning he urged them forward. Zhaklina started walking away, towards the camp. Dragging Severus with her, as he was looking behind him.
Reaching the edge of the clearing. She held onto his hand even firmer.
"Stay beside me," Zhaklina warned.
Severus moved closer to her side and they walked through the camp towards one of the largest dwellings in the circle.
Reaching the fire in front of the dwelling, she halted as a man stood up and greeted them. Zhaklina leaned forward to whisper in his ear. He was old and dishevelled.
"Go right in," he commanded. "He's all alone waiting for you both."
Zhaklina nodded, pulling Severus into the tent, the flaps shutting behind them.
It took a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the dim light.
But finally he saw a man, sitting in a comfortable chair in the back of the tent, watching them. This man was tall and thin with black hair, a pale complexion, and very cold eyes.
'This is the boy? His voice was even, without the raspy tones of the other men in the camp.
"Yes," she motioned Severus forward. "It is like I told you last night, due to events, he will be attending Hogwarts, if accepted." Zhaklina took care not to say too much in front of the boy.
Turning his attention to Severus. He commanded.
"Come here boy."
Severus nervously obeyed. Stepping forward he walked up near the man, and stopped, waiting as the man studied his appearance. Finally he lifted his head and looked behind Severus towards the woman.
"Well, you both spoke the truth, you and his mother" He smiled nastily. "He has the pallor for that."
" Yes, that is true."
"What does his father say?"
Zhaklina stepped forward, and as Severus turned his attention to the decor, she whispered in a low voice. "His father is furious, wanted him at Durmstrang."
"Yes," he smiled, "That would be the best choice, but he wouldn't make the selection criteria now."
"Severus," he called.
Turning around Severus stepped back over to the chair.
"I think this will work out really well. I had great hopes to train someone for attending Hogwarts." He paused, and a predatory smile flicked across his face.
"I should have introduced myself before. But you can call me Lord Voldemort or Sir."
"Yes sir, Severus stammered."
"That is a good start" Voldemort stood, and looked down at the small boy. Turning his attention to the female vampire, who brought Severus, he spoke again.
"How long is he here for?"
"Just tonight," she explained. "I must return him to the edge of the forest to meet his mother tomorrow morning."
"Good, we will talk and get to know each other in that time." Voldemort smiled, but his eyes remained cold. After a few minutes of questions, Severus was allowed to go back to Zhaklina, who ushered him toward the tent entrance.
"Tell his mother to bring him to you when he is 7, in two years. I can take him for extended periods for training so he will be protected against those that reside at Hogwarts."
Zhaklina nodded as she ushered Severus out of the tent and back into the camp surroundings.
Motioning him forward, she took him to her tent on the outskirts. Entering the tent, she was welcomed by her children who were very pleased to see Severus.
"Hello," they chorused, rushing at him.
"His name is Severus" Their mother reminded them.
For the next 2 hours, the tent rang with laughter as the children played noisily in the corner.
Eventually, Zhaklina called a halt to the boisterous game, and ordered them all to bed.
As quiet descended in the tent, she sat at the table near the entrance to wait for Kurad, her husband. Finally he pushed his way through the tent flap.
'Did he come?"
"Yes," she smiled. "And was accepted as a student here. But has to come back again in 2 years."
"That is good." Kurad smiled grimly. "He will be the first to be allowed to enter a school. If he makes it, it will be very promising."
Smiling she walked toward him.
The next morning Zhaklina shook Severus awake before light.
"Come now." She ordered. I must take you back now to your mother."
Severus stood, yawning.
After a few minutes, they both made their way out of the tent and walked out of the camp. This time they met a different south guard who just waved them on without speaking.
The return trip seemed to take longer, but finally they reached the edge to find Ravesa waiting for them.
"It went well," Zhaklina spoke reassuringly. "However, he is a bit young yet. If you bring him back to me in two years, the man will begin training him then." She paused at the surprise in her friends' eyes. "He says it will be good protection when at Hogwarts"
Concern swept across Ravesa's face. "Is it that bad?" She worried.
"Not from what I understand, but he just wants a young child taught his way. It's a perfect solution." Zhaklina smiled.
"Anyway, here is your son back." I will come for him in 2 years, but until then, keep in touch."
"I will." Ravesa promised as she took Severus' hand. They both stood watching as Zhaklina walked away, and vanished into the forest.
Turning to her son, she smiled. "Let's go home."
Leading him toward the village, they entered the house quietly. Ravesa took him straight to his room, and sealed the door with a spell.
Walking back into the living room, Valon looked up.
"He is back then?" He growled.
"Yes," she said. "But the man wants him when he is 7 to train."
"That is fine, you do what is best. As long as he isn't traced to this family."
"He won't," Ravesa asserted. "The name change is complete and the village thinks he died."
"Good, then keep it that way." His voice was harsh.
"Sure".
As she left the room, she sighed with relief. After all this, things were beginning to look up.