HARRY POTTER AND THE BREATH OF LIFE
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any other known character from the Harry Potter series. I do own the plot and a few characters.
A/N: Finally I saw Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I so loved it. The best HP movie ever. Anyway let me thank my reviewers that stuck with me after my near 3-month absence. I love you guys.
Snuffles2984: Well I'm not sure if Iris walking free is very important. In fact I believe she's more needed at home. You'll see what I mean soon. ;)
ANNE( v )79: Sorry for not warning you. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. About the more babies thing? Not sure that's going to happen. But we never know. ;)
Ripcurl: I'm trying my best but my muse is in a non-cooperative state. I hate her but she decides to come back occasionally so I don't have the strength to fire her. Oh well…
HarryOfKorea: Hey as long as you read it afterwards. :D The 29th is a crime I know but I have now seen it so no harm done. I'm glad you liked it. I know I did. ;)
Aria-wolfstar: I'm glad you like my story and review it. You may be crazy but that's the reason why I always look forward for your review. Thanks a bunch. :)
kammy malfoy: Hey it's my pleasure to write it and it makes me happy the fact that you like it. And the web… you'll see what it is sooner than you think. –wink-.
Well hope you like this chapter. And sorry if I took too long. Not my fault. Blame my muse. Enough of this.
And now the chapter.
Chapter 39 – New things are set in motion
Iris stole the book from her sister and stared at it. What was written on those pages was almost impossible not to mention crazy.
" What are you thinking? This is so not possible." She stated looking up at her sister.
" Says who? I can and will make it work." Sarah stated hitting the pages while doing so.
" You're insane. Besides in case you didn't know there's a prophecy that clearly states that Harry is the only who can defeat Voldemort."
" And where does it say in that prophecy that he can't get a little assistance?" Sarah asked crossing her arms in front of her chest.
" You're nuts. It can't be done."
" I repeat my question. Says who?"
" And what makes you think it will work?"
" My instinct. And the years of experience. If I got you out of that veil I can sure hell do this. Mark my words. It will be done."
" Do you plan on doing it alone?" Iris asked.
" Well I could use some help. I mean Mathew helped me with the "Breath of Life" potions. Maybe you could help with this."
" No can do. You know I already have the DADA classes. Maybe you should ask someone else."
" Like whom?" Sarah asked with a raised eyebrow.
" I don't know. Snape perhaps?"
" And how do I get him to help me? Unless…"
" Unless what? You don't expect me to ask him do you?"
" Of course I do. Come on Iris. Ask him for Katherine." Sarah said kneeling in front of her sister.
Iris's eyes opened wide and she quickly covered her sister's mouth.
" What the hell is wrong with you? Do you want Sirius to know that I take Kat to see Snape? He would kill me." She hissed.
" Sorry. Just try. At least do that for me." Sarah said after removing her sister's hand.
" Fine. But don't expect him to help you. He's a greasy git and it will be hard to convince him."
" No it won't and you know it. Just wave Kat in front of him and he melts all over the place."
Iris smiled and almost laughed. She stopped her laughing urge and got up. Sarah got up as well and got the book back before Iris left the room. She looked at it for a bit and prayed that Iris could convince Snape to help out. She was certain she held the key to Harry's success in this situation. And she was going to prove it.
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Iris checked the house to make sure Sirius was gone and went to get Kat. The little girl was playing with a small stick and was waving it around like some sort of wand. Iris rolled her eyes and picked her up. She continued to wave the stick around and almost pocked her mother in the eye.
" Where do you get that violence from kiddo? Now stop waving that thing before you take my eye out. We are going to see uncle Snape. Ok?" Iris said to the little girl and she stopped what she was doing and smiled. "Great, you like him. Pray your father doesn't find about this. He would have a fit. I don't even want to imagine." Iris said and faked a shiver, which cause Kat to laugh.
Then the two left to Hogwarts. As expected the hallways were empty since it was Christmas day. Iris stopped dead on her tracks when she remembered the day it was. How could she have forgotten? How could everyone have forgotten? Sirius was out experimenting his new freedom; Remus was working; the kids hadn't shown up yet; Sarah had said nothing…it was very odd. She shook her head and resumed her walking. She stopped in front of Snape's office and knocked.
" Who is it?" came his cold voice from the inside.
" It's me Iris. I bring Kat."
" Come in." he said in a much sweeter voice.
Iris opened the door and entered his dark office. He was up and making his way to the two ladies. Kat had her arms stretched out so he could pick her up. He did so and smiled at the little girl who instantly grabbed his nose. Iris always got shocked when she saw Snape smile but was getting used to it. Apparently the greasy git had a good side to him.
" What brings you around on Christmas?" he asked to Iris even though he was looking at Kat.
" I came to ask a favour from you." Iris said and sat down on one of his chairs.
" And why would I do a favour for you?" he asked while making his way to his own chair. He sat down and placed Kat on his lap and started playing with her.
" Because if you don't I'll stop bringing Kat around." Iris threatened, her arms crossed over his desk.
" Well, well, looks like your mommy is threatening uncle Snape. And uncle Snape doesn't like to be threatened." He said to Kat in a rather disturbing singing voice. Iris cocked an eyebrow and rolled her eyes. Snape doing voices. What did the world come to?
" Snape, you and I have a history. And I think that by now you know of what I'm capable. Or at least a part of what I'm capable of doing. I'm asking nicely Snape, so stop being the major git you are and say you'll do this favour for me or for Kat, whichever you prefer."
" On one condition." Snape said, got up and sat Kat on his chair. Then he made his way to Iris.
" And what would that be?" she asked swallowing a bit hard. What was he doing?
" You give me something I've wanted for a long time." He said and leaned towards her. She was trapped on the chair.
" What?"
He didn't answer. He just went and did it. He kissed her fully on the lips. Iris was caught by surprise and didn't move a muscle. When it ended her mind went blank and she hardly saw him going back to his seat. And the sound of his voice came hazy to her.
" There. Now I'll help."
She snapped back into reality and looked at him. He had a smug smile on his face and she frowned. Severus Snape had feelings for her? How could it be? She shook her head, got up and grabbed Kat while glaring at him.
" If you ever do that again or come near me in any way I'll make sure you won't move ever again." She said and left the office.
Once she arrived back home she found the table set for a Christmas lunch. She saw Mimi going around the kitchen juggling plates and cutlery. Iris smiled a little and quickly got out of the little house elf's way. She went to the living room to find the space below the tree filled with packages. The fire was on but there was no one there. Iris made her way to the bedroom to change Kat's dipper. During the rather difficult procedure, which was constantly delayed by Kat's never ending movements, Iris was surprised by someone approaching from behind her.
" You look so cute when you play mommy." Sirius softly.
" Thank you. You're cute all the time." She said.
He laughed and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
" Merry Christmas by the way." He said when his laughter subsided.
" Merry Christmas to you too. What did you get me?" she asked turning around once the dipper was in place and Kat had stopped moving.
" Nothing. You wanted something?" Sirius asked seriously.
" Oh. No I'm fine. I mean I don't need anything. But did you get something for the kids?"
" Yeah. Some toys."
" Good." She said and kissed him softy. A short memory of what happened earlier made her quickly face Kat leaving Sirius frowning. He shrugged and placed a kiss on Iris's cheek and then another in Kat's cheek. Then he left. Iris sighed deeply and allowed her head to fall to her chest and closed her eyes. Maybe Snape had done that just to see if he could piss Sirius. She thought. With another sigh she opened her eyes and looked down to the curious looking baby in front of her. There it was, with her curious eyes looking at her mother, the living proof of her love for Sirius. Someone who had a connection to her cousin and that, unknowingly to Iris, would turn out to be one of the most powerful wizards ever.
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Christmas lunch was normal. Everyone was there, including Remus, who had managed to sneak out of duty to spend the day with his family. After lunch they opened their presents. Sirius had bought some toys for the kids including fake wands, which they seemed to have a fondness for. Soon Kat was waving the thing all over the place making people dodge her moves to save themselves from the risk of losing an eye. Iris sat on the couch and when Sirius sat beside her she dropped her head on his shoulder. He placed his arm behind her neck.
" Are you all right?" he asked concerned.
" Yeah. I'm just a little tired."
" Come with me. I have something for you." Sirius said and got up.
Iris got up as well and after Sirius asked Harry to look after Kat they left the room and went to their bedroom. Once inside Iris plopped down on the bed and he sat beside her sprawled body.
" You said you didn't get me anything." She said tiredly.
" I know I did. But I lied. Here you go." He said and opened a drawer. He removed a squared box from it and gave it to Iris. She sat down and opened it. Inside were two silver earrings. Iris smiled and tried them on.
" They are beautiful, Sirius. Thank you." She said and gave him a kiss.
" What did you get me?" he asked.
" Well…I was thinking we could spend the New Year away."
" Away where?"
" The beach. I heard it's great in some countries." She said softly.
" Ok. I can live with that." He said smiling and gave her a kiss.
Iris hugged him after the kiss was broken and smiled. Maybe on the beach while having some quality time with her family she could forget the things that had happened to her lately. Maybe…
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New year came and the Black family as well as the Lupin family accompanied by Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny were spending it on a nice hot beach in Brazil. When the night came and the New Year approached they sat by a big fire and watched as many people went to the sea to give their offerings to a goddess in exchange for good fortune, among other things. Everyone was wearing white or black, couples were cuddling, children ran around the fires or played in the sand and everyone waited for the hour that changed the year. Silently Iris wished for strength for herself and health for her family and friends. And a lot of good luck for their projects. Mainly the 'destroy Voldemort' one. With a sigh she closed her eyes and made a sort of silent prayer. Then she welcomed the new year with Sirius by her side and Kat sleeping on her lap.
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After the return home it became business as usual. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny got back to their classes and Iris back to her teaching. Sirius stayed home with Sarah watching over the kids. Remus returned to his assignment. When February arrived Iris was surprised by a visit to her office.
" What can I do for you?" she asked coldly as Snape entered her office.
" I came to offer my services to assist you in any way requested." He said simply.
" It's not me who needs your help. It's my sister."
" I see. And how can I be of help to your sister?" he asked sitting down on a chair in front of her.
" Why don't you go and ask her? She can explain in detail what she wants."
" Very well. I'll do just that." He announced and got up, making his way out of the office.
Iris shivered and returned to her work. The week was almost over and she was dieing to go home. Every single day she missed her baby girl and even feared she might lose her first word or her first step. She was terrified of losing her daughter's development. She was lost in those thoughts when someone knocked on her door.
" What do you want Snape?" she yelled at the door.
" Forgive me my dear. Were you expecting Professor Snape?" Professor Dumbledore asked after opening the door and popping his head in. Iris sat up straight.
" No, not at all. I'm terribly sorry about that Professor. It was just that…" she tried to explain but he cut her off.
" No need to explain, dear. I should have at least informed you of my presence."
" Nonsense Professor. This is your school and I was the one that should have at least asked who it was before snapping. Please do come in." Iris said and got up as Dumbledore did what he was told. "Have a seat Professor." She added as an afterthought.
" Don't mind if I do." He said cheerfully and sat down. Iris smiled and sat down as well.
" So, Professor, what brings you around my modest office?" she asked.
" Well I was on my office pacing around when I remembered one of my staff members had a young child. And so it was I decided to come chat with that staff member about the baby. So how is young Katherine?" he asked with a smile.
" She is well. Sirius is looking after her." Iris said also with a smile.
" Ah! And how is he dealing with this?"
" Very well. He is proving to be a great father."
" Now there is something no one ever thought possible." Dumbledore said with a playful look in his eyes.
" Indeed. I'm very proud of him."
" Good." He said simply and the look on his eyes changed. And Iris understood the change.
" But this is not exactly what you came here to talk about now is it?"
" Well there might be something else."
" And what would that be?" Iris asked and moved her chair closer to the desk.
" Your sister." He said simply.
" What about my sister? She's not in danger is she?" Iris asked with a look of concern.
" No. It's nothing like that. She has some sort of plan am I correct?" he asked. Iris frowned.
" Amazing. You know everything don't you?"
" Only what I need to know." He answered wisely.
" Yes she does. But I think it's impossible."
" I see. Does anyone else know about it?"
" I doubt it. No one can read it."
" Good. We need to make sure it stays that way. I suggest you work in secrecy. When you reach a desirable solution report to me."
" Professor my sister has requested the help of Professor Snape." Iris said as if trying to warn him.
" My dear, I trust Severus Snape. And besides you and I know Professor Snape's capability in such matters." Dumbledore said, the playful glint in his eyes returning.
" Yes, Professor. He is quite capable. I will talk to my sister and let her know your view of this."
" Very well. I'll be off then. Give a kiss to Katherine for me." He said and winked softly before getting up and leaving the office.
Iris took her time to think about Dumbledore's words. Then she returned to her work hoping that the day and the next would pass quickly.
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Friday night Iris went back home. Sirius was in the living room sitting next to Katherine and showing her how to use her wand. Iris watched as every time Sirius said a spell Katherine would try to repeat what he was saying. Tears were gathering on her eyes. She pressed her hand against her mouth to try to stop them from falling but she failed when she heard Katherine say 'daddy'. Sirius looked up to see who was making the crying sounds and slowly got up and made his way to her. He hugged her strongly as she cried.
" It's ok honey." He whispered softly.
" It's not ok Sirius." She said forcing him to let go. "It is not ok. This is one of the reasons why I wanted to quit. When did she do it?" she asked, tears still falling.
" Two days ago. I was fixing breakfast and she called me daddy. "
" And why didn't you call me?" Iris asked in shock.
" I was too surprised. It was stupid of me and I'm sorry. Oh and she did a sentence yesterday. Daddy me wants food. That's what she said."
" This is not normal. She's 7 months old. How come she talks already?"
" Don't ask me. I don't remember when I started talking."
Iris fell silent as she watched her little girl wave her wand and trying to do a spell.
" Wigadium Livosa." Kat repeated happily as she waved her wand.
Iris smiled.
" You tried to teach her the levitation spell?" she asked Sirius.
" The basic spell for any wizard." He answered smiling.
" Well even if she got the spell right nothing would happen because that's a fake wand."
" Exactly."
Iris made her way to the couch and sat down next to Kat. When she started touching the little girl's hair she received attention.
" 'Elo mommy." Katherine said grinning.
" Hello sweety. How are you?" Iris asked with fresh tears.
" Luky wat daddy 'aught me." The little girl resumed her wand waving and continued to try and do the spell. "It no woks. Why not woks mommy?" the girl asked after a while.
" I don't know sweety. Maybe the wand has a flaw."
" Daddy 'ave wad me. Daddy 'ave bad wad me?" Kat asked with her eyes filling with tears.
" It's not your father's fault. The man who gave it to him is the to blame. He gave your daddy a bad wand."
" Bad man. Twiked daddy."
" Yes he did."
" Daddy gonna 'ive new wad me?" Kat turned to look at Sirius.
" Sure. I'll go look for a new one when you're older." He said smiling. Katherine raised her little eyebrow.
" Me wanna new wad now." She said making a bad girl face.
" Ok. But the store is closed now so you'll have to wait for tomorrow."
" Allwight. Mommy me is sweepy." Kat said and she let her head fall on her mother's lap.
" Let's get you to bed then." Iris said and picked the little girl up. After putting the little girl to sleep Iris went to bed as well and Sirius followed.
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The next day Iris found Sarah in the kitchen having breakfast with Rosh.
" Morning." Iris said when she walked in.
" Hello there. I reckon you already know the news."
" Which one?" the younger Renata asked while pouring some tea on a cup.
" The one about your daughter talking. And I think that's a very good sign. According to mother you started talking around the same age as Kat."
" And that is a good sign because…"
" You're a great wizard. And so will be Kat."
" I'm sure she will. What about Rosh boy here?" Iris asked pointing to her nephew with her head.
" Oh he has time. Besides he's only 3 months old. I would have an heart attack he started talking at this age." Sarah said and the two sisters started to laugh.
" By the way, did Snape come by one of these days?" Iris asked between sips of tea.
" Surprisingly yes. He dropped by Thursday night to talk to me. You know, about my plan?"
" I figured he would. I told him to."
" Well we talked for about three hours. He seemed to think I might have made some mistakes here and there. Clashing ingredients."
" I see. Well Dumbledore gives full support to you but requests secrecy."
" Dumbledore knows?" Sarah asked with eyes wide open.
" Yes he does. He surprised me Thursday evening. That man knows everything."
" But at least I have his support. If he had said it was insane I would probably forget about it."
" Oh, so if Dumbledore said it was insane you would forget about, but me saying it means nothing to you?"
" You're not trying to compare are you?"
" Whatever. You know what? Go ahead with your insane little plan. Just remember there are children in this house." Iris said and stormed out of the kitchen.
Sarah looked at Rosh.
" I wonder what got her so pissed." She said and shrugged.
As Iris was walking on the hall someone knocked on the door. She turned around and went to open the door. Standing behind it was Snape with an odd looking bag.
" What are you doing here at this hour?" she asked clearly pissed.
" I came to start work. If you'll excuse me." He said and walked into the house, making his way to the kitchen. Iris sighed and went back up to her room.
Sarah greeted Snape and then the two made their way up to the drawing room, dropping Rosh in his crib before going to mentioned room. Snape locked the door while Sarah made a cauldron appear in the middle of the room. Then she opened her book and Snape opened his bag containing the necessary ingredients. After a small fire was turned on under the cauldron the preparation began. And so it was that the construction of the ultimate weapon to destroy Voldemort started.
Hope you liked.
Cheers.
