Look Ma! I can write Fan Fiction! Anyhoo I still own nothing and Oh! I have a question, hopefully one of ya'll will have an answer. I've been reading the ffnet for a while now and was wondering where you all find these neat little challenges. I'm not sure what I'm gonna write after this puppy is up and completed and those look like fun. So yeah, if you know where I can find that stuff (I googled it and all I got was porn) that'd be fan-damn-tastic. Ok enough of me more story. GO GO GO!

17 – You Can Never Go Back Home Again

Snape Manor sucked. It was too big. Too much stuff. Too many memories that he had been spending the last few months trying to forget. It even smelled old. The lighting was dramatic, big windows that should have brought in light were closed shut the day his mother died. For the last 3 years there was no light. There was nothing but big expensive furniture and a grand staircase, with its burgundy steps it looked almost comical. This hadn't been his home since his mother died. Maybe it could be his home again now that his father was gone. Snape shook his head. Sell the damn place.

It was late Friday afternoon when the mourners came to visit. 'Just what this house needs,' Severus thought, 'more sadness.' Jack's young wife Maggie had put on an excellent display of food and service. Something Severus never thought she'd do for her father in-law; after all, she was a half-blood. She and his father never really had much to talk about. If her family hadn't been absolutely loaded the marriage probably would never had taken place.

Ashton had fallen asleep on the couch and Severus took the opportunity to step outside. It was colder than usual for spring, but he didn't mind. He worked his way through the socialites on his door step and ran smack into the tallest blondest man he had ever seen. Ludwig Malfoy took Severus by the shoulder and stuck his had out. Severus took his hand. "My deepest sympathies, young man, you're father will truly be missed."

Severus gave his half-hearted thanks and continued to his favorite spot.

On the side of the house sat an old twisted tree. The braches were low enough to climb and the foliage hung down like a tent. He had never seen another tree like it in all of Britain. It was his mother's favorite spot to read. The tree was just beginning to bloom and Severus sat on one of the low branches. He lit a cigarette and watched as a dark figure emerged from the house and turned to walk his way.

The man looked familiar but it wasn't until he reached the tree that he fully recognized him. Severus motioned to put out his cigarette, but the man held up his hand as if to say 'don't bother.' Severus nodded and took a drag with one hand shook his companion's hand with the other. He was an older gentleman. His life was controversial and for some reason he was one of his father's only friends that didn't make him want to jump out of his skin. He was smooth, rich beyond belief and for his age, which no one really knew, he looked damn good. Rumor had it he was the Hugh Hefner of the wizarding world. For a brief second Severus contemplated a career in magazine publishing.

"When Jack told me you were here I almost didn't believe him, but here you are all grown up and outside, looking as if you'd rather be somewhere else." Severus smiled sheepishly. The older man slapped his shoulder and sat on the tree next to him. He reached into Severus's breast pocket and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. He took one out and lit it. "These things will kill you Severus," the gentleman said with a grin. "The same could be said for you," he responded. The older man looked away.

"It's going to take more than a little tobacco to kill Tom Marvolo Riddle, son."

Severus didn't argue with the man.

"I was troubled Severus, when your father told me of your exploits over the summer. However, it must be difficult to see these people honor the man who threw you away. You have my deepest respects, for it seems you lost your father well before anyone conceived him dead. He wrote me a note saying he was considering taking you back. I assume he never sent it."

Severus nodded. "I don't think I would have come back. Since mum died, this place hasn't been home."

"Yes," Riddle agreed, "He took your mother's death quite hard. Sophia was a beautiful woman. I often wondered how you Snape's always end up with all the beautiful ones." Severus laughed under his breath.

"It must be our charm," he commented dryly.

Severus dropped his cigarette onto the dry ground. "Jack tells me there is a new love in your life? Is she as well bred as the previous girl?"

Severus furrowed his brow. "Well bred? She's not a Muggle if that's what you're asking."

"Well, son that's a step in the right direction."

"I suppose."

"What's her name?"

"Maylin." Riddles ears perked with a distinct sense of curiosity.

"Interesting name, does she have a last one as well?"

Severus nodded, "Maylin Amelia Hunter." Riddle's eyes seemed to widen with his words. "She's Landon Hunter's great-granddaughter."

"Now, that's a bloodline, Severus." He paused. "Is she beautiful?"

"Very."

"Well then it sounds as if you are on the road to redemption." Riddle stopped for a moment and thought to himself. He took his time before continuing the conversation. Severus felt as if he were being set up for something.

"It was commonly known that Landon's wife was a Seer. She doesn't by any chance share that family quality does she?"

"Why?"

"Well, Landon's wife went literally insane when she couldn't keep the voices out. It would be wise to know if your lady may have the same predisposition."

Severus nodded. "I read about that, May has been known to read a few emotional signals here and there, but nothing too out of the ordinary," he lied.

Maylin's nightmare's had for the most part quieted down but she was known to every once in a while sneak into Severus's bed. The close proximity of his mind seemed to work as a filter. He didn't mind, but he did worry.

Riddle sensed Severus's apprehension but continued to push the subject. "Well, as long as she can handle herself at that school, I suppose she should be fine...indefinitely."

"Indefinitely?"

"Well, it's usually just a matter of time before Seer's begin to lose a handle on all reality. When that happens-"

"May is fine, sir," Severus said indignantly.

"All I'm saying, son, is keep an open mind, especially if she finds that she cannot."

Severus squinted at the man curiously. Riddle dropped the subject and the cigarette. Their conversation continued about other, less obtrusive, topics.

Their chatter was soon replaced by salutations when Ashton emerged from the house crowded with people and on to the manor's lawn. He surveyed the land for his brother and upon finding him, crawled on to the low branch between the Severus and Riddle. Riddle bid them both farewell and made his way back to the house to "pay his full respects." Ashton waved goodbye and followed with the observation that Riddle's eyes weren't dark and that he didn't like eyes that you could see through.

"Maylin has blue eyes; you like her - don't you?"

Ashton quieted for a moment then responded. "But she's pretty."

Severus nodded with a smile and carried his little brother upside down back to the house.