Shadowed Truth
Author's Note: English is not my mother tongue so be warned. I don't know where this story is going but I just couldn't not write this. The idea kinda stuck in my head. I don't have a beta reader so bear with me on this account. Well, enough with this. On with the story.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine. Everything belongs to JKR and I only do this for my enjoyment and not for any profit or money.
Chapter 6-
Into the Past
It was silent, the cozy living room of Albus Dumbledore only illuminated by the low burning fire. Fawkes chirped gently, breaking the eerie silence and the thoughts of the room's occupants. It had been barely fifteen minutes since the Slytherin pair bid them their goodnights, walking away with billowing robes.
Minerva snorted, earning her a raised eyebrow from Severus.
"I just wondered whether they learned their love for dramatics from you." Albus chuckled as the potions master sneered, although the usual sharp edge wasn't there.
"And I wonder where and how much they learned. Har…, Des", she corrected herself, not quite used to speak or think about him like this," managed to play us for years. I'm his Head of House and I didn't notice anything!" She exclaimed, irritated. That was one of the things, that really got to her. A soft hand stilled her, making Minerva calm down. The soft blue eyes told her that he knew what she felt, the usual twinkle warm and dimmed.
Severus, too, tried to reassure her in his own way. "Nobody knew. Even I, a Slytherin, never suspected. But then, considering who his father is, it's not surprising." She smiled at them, not really placated, but nonetheless happy, that she had such friends. Severus was in many aspects a younger brother or even son to her. It pained both her and Albus when he spied, making them even more attentive and protective towards the young man.
"And that's where everything goes together. Salazar Slytherin. How is it that the whole wizarding world never heard this side of the story. So much pain and sorrow could have been avoided." The Slytherin shook his head, clearly thinking among other things about his fate and later redemption.
"From what I have read and know, the Darkened were a very secretive organization. Considering the fact that nobody knew that the Founders were part of it is prove enough." He became thoughtful." It is not surprising that it was Salazar Slytherin, who Des turned to. He always displayed Slytherin qualities, however covered and protected from prying eyes they may have been. They were always there."
A contemplative silence issued.
"Do you think we can trust him?" asked Minerva, clearly not knowing what to make out of the situation.
"Yes. Harry may not be entirely, what he made us to believe he is but he is nonetheless someone I trust implicitly. If he trusts Salazar Slytherin, and he must have, then I will do too." Fawkes sang a happy note, apparently satisfied with this decision.
"Do you know how Blaise and he met? I never saw them together and they are quite close." A mischievous smile graced the headmaster's face, amused by the scowl of his younger colleague.
Severus shook his head. "She never told me anything and I'm one of the people in her life who she trusts. Her father is a Death Eater and her mother is, unfortunately, not in the position to say anything against that." A pained look crossed his face." I am in many aspects more family than anyone or anything else to her. There is a lot we don't know about what happened and I will certainly try to find out tomorrow."
Albus chuckled. "Don't go too hard on our young friend. He has enough problems to worry about vicious potions masters."
"I will try to be reserved." Not. He promised and excused himself.
Both remaining teachers looked after his billowing robes, amused expressions on their faces.
"Poor Des. He's going to battle a raging wolf." Minerva said with a little concern but gave him a questioning look, when he snorted.
"These are Slytherins we're talking about, Minerva. Don't worry about Des. He's more resistant than most, believe me." And she believed him, as she remembered the fierce and cold look down in the chamber, as he fought.
I hope you know what you do, Severus.
The library was dark, not a single light giving warmth. Cynthia Zabini nee Black sat in the blackest corner of the library, silent tears running down her face. Her husband was at another of his dark revels. A shudder went through her as she thought about it. These were the only nights, that she could let down her masks and worry for her daughter. Blaise was a formidable young woman but she had never trusted Cynthia. Disappearing frequently from their manor, saying that she had been with friends, or simply starring out of the window, when she thought that nobody saw her. Now, her husband wanted to present their child to the Dark Lord and make her one of His followers. Her crying intensified. She remembered very well what had happened to her sister Bellatrix. In her youth, her sister had been quite loving and now she was a crazy, manipulating bitch, that would even rip her heart out for her Lord.
"Whatever am I to do with you, Blaise?" she whispered into the still room, her whisper echoing throughout the whole place and reminding her of the hollow emptiness in herself. Blaise was at Hogwarts right now. Her godfather was the only one she really trusted. Cynthia remembered clearly the affection and love, that were covered quickly, every time she saw Severus and secretly yearned for this love. Making Severus Snape Blaise's godfather was one of the few right things, she had ever done since school. Severus Snape. She sighed quietly. She remembered him well, very well and smiled in remembrance of what has once been. Leaving him and conceding to her parents' wishes was one thing she would never forgive herself for. She only hoped her daughter did not make the same mistake she had once made.
A nearly forgotten memory came to the forefront of her mind. It had been two years ago, since she first gained knowledge of her daughter's secret.
The wind rustled the leaves. It was a warm summer night with the moon shining bright and clear, the stars twinkling. But somehow Cynthia still felt restless. She often had the urge to escape her confines and the oppressing feeling, that she got while inside the manor. It stood for everything that she wanted to forget. A sound not far away, coming from a sheltered clearing, alerted her. With a quick notice-me-not and concealment charm, she slowly made her way in that direction. For a moment she was shocked, thinking it was a Death Eater, but then, she relaxed. Her daughter was standing in the arms of a man, probably young, as she couldn't clearly see his features. His black and emerald cloak reflected and absorbed the moonlight at the same time. With his arms safely holding her daughter and her open and loving expression, she concluded that this must be the one she loved. Of course, she had often thought about the possible romantic relationships that her daughter might have had but she never seriously considered that she might be in such a relationship.
"You shouldn't have come." Her daughter's voice said softly, reprimanding him but also thanking him, that he was there.
"I couldn't stay away." The stranger's voice was a soft, deep echo of the night. "You know that." She could hear the smile in it.
Blaise gave him a sly look. "Your family has always been affected by dark haired women." She smirked as he drew her closer.
"And I do not regret my weakness." He kissed her under the moonlight, passion flowing freely in the protection the shadows gave them.
With a whispered goodbye he faded into the darkness of the forest.
She only hoped that he would protect her.
"So, what's up with Des?" a deep concerned voice asked. Godric Gryffindor had grown fond of the young man, after he arrived in their realm. While courageous and strong, the cunning of Descardes Slytherin was even greater. Their relationship was one of favorite uncle and nephew, both had grown very close to each other during Des' stay.
Salazar looked at his friend, standing tall with his blonde-red hair falling into his eyes and concerned expression.
"He finally told them. I think that he was really concerned about their reactions, particularly because he's my son. You know how this time's people think about me." They both grimaced. "But I think that everything's going to be Ok. Albus Dumbledore is a wise and good man. I see why Des looks up to him as a grandfather. He loves him."
The slight pause in his words told Godric everything he needed to know.
"Don't worry, Sal. You're his father and he loves you dearly. Just because he sees another as a grandfather does not mean that he doesn't love you." A grateful smile was the answer to this statement.
Moments later, two tall and graceful women strode into the room. One had beautiful, black hair, which was cascading down her back. She had striking grey eyes and elven features, almost glowing with beauty. Some might have mistaken her for a veela, had they seen her. The other, while not less beautiful, had short blonde, straight hair and soft, warm features. Whereas the dark haired woman was unmistakably striking, this woman was beautiful in her own way.
"Hello, Sal." The grey eyes danced with a strange, unrecognizable feeling, before shielding themselves.
"Rowena." A single world was enough for the world to dissolve around them, leaving the two Founders staring at each other. With a smile he took her hand and kissed it softly, barely touching her skin.
Behind their backs, Godric and Helga shared an amused look. Their friends could get sometimes like this, forgetting everything around them.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Sal." Helga greeted. At once, the moment dissolved. Sal turned to them.
"Des is ok. I saw Blaise, too. He finally told them and they seem to take it well." He offered them a smile.
"Oh! So our little boy is finally growing up!" Helga exclaimed happily, clearly teasing him.
"He has always shown the uttermost elegance, worthy of the Slytherin name!" Salazar defended, knowing that she wanted to rile him up but not really caring.
The others chuckled. It was good to see their friend this proud and happy. Many years he wallowed in self-disgust for the family he had. It was a wonder, a miracle, when Des finally stumbled into their realm. They were so alike, both proud and with a burden too heavy for a single person to carry.
But Rowena quickly sobered. They had a lot to talk about.
"We have a problem, my friends. A very big problem."
Fresh bread, vegetables, scrambled eggs and delicious sausages. He absolutely loved eating at Hogwarts. But then, everything was better than what his Aunt Petunia had given him, when he had been a child. He put a piece of sausage in his mouth and sighed in delight.
Blaise shot him an amused look.
"What? I really love the food here!" he defended himself and bit into another piece of sausage. Clothed into elegant Slytherin styled robes, he gave an amazing picture of royalty, so different from the shy Gryffindor boy everyone thought he was.
Albus cleared his throat. As amusing as the whole conversation was, the teachers wanted an explanation for the events that had happened.
"As delicious as the breakfast might have been, we have much to discuss." Des sighed, but rose, holding out a hand to his female companion. He turned to the teachers, his eyes resigned and guarded, although nonetheless willing to tell them his story.
"It will probably be better if we go to your office for this discussion. It does not seem prudent to talk about something like this in the Great Hall."
The walk to the office was a silent affair for Des and Blaise didn't really want to say anything, while the teachers were too deep in their own thoughts.
The party seated itself. An uncomfortable moment later it was Des, who began to speak. His back straightened, his face closed itself off into neutral politeness and his robes shifted in simple elegance, befitting the status of the son of Salazar Slytherin.
"The essentials have been told yesterday. Maybe you should begin with questions and we will answer."
The potions master regarded them silently for a few seconds, before beginning.
"How did you two meet and what are your intentions towards my goddaughter?" His voice was slightly threatening, although it was said in a rather pleasant tone. Des' green eyes flashed, determination entering them.
"I've known her since first year, although we didn't meet publicly. I wasn't the only one, who stumbled into the Founder's Realm. Let's just say, that I gave no hints pertaining to my views about certain things, like the house rivalry. As for my intentions." Power seeped through his shields, giving him an eerie appearance. His green eyes glowed and the signet ring of Slytherin, that proclaimed him the heir of this house and was normally not seen on his finger, glittered in the soft sunlight. "I, Descardes Aryton Slytherin, swear on my soul and my magic, that I would die for her and those she considers family." The magic shifted, welcoming the vow and securing it in his magic.
Wide eyes met this promise, whereas Severus Snape's had something like acceptance and pride in them. "I, Severus Salazar Snape, recognize the vow of Descardes Aryton Slytherin and welcome him to my House." The magic shifted again, acknowledging the truce of both men and their houses.
This was not James Potter. He had recognized that. In this young man before him was nothing, that could be compared to the arrogant Gryffindor he had known. He would protect Blaise, who he thought of as his daughter, no matter the cost and for that he could respect Descardes Slytherin.
"Let this mark a new beginning between the both of us. I am not James Potter and I never wanted to be. I do not know why he did those terrible deeds and I apologize for those of my House, who wronged you. May the Darkened acknowledge my sincerity." The shadows darkened for a few moments, before returning to their original form.
Both Slytherins clasped their hands together, sealing their alliance. Clapping was heard behind them. They had obviously forgotten all about the others. Albus' eyes twinkled furiously, while Minerva smiled slightly and Blaise had tears shining in her eyes. With a few quick movements she threw herself at her godfather and hugged the life out of him.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You're the best godfather in the world, Sev!" In a rare moment of emotion, he hugged her back, relishing in the knowledge, that he had made her this happy.
"Well, of course I am." He snidely replied, laughing loudly as she hit him on his arm. "But you still have many questions to answer."
"…So you see, that it is imperative to get the artifacts. I already have Slytherin's ring and Ravenclaw's dagger. I need to find Hufflepuff's shield and Gryffindor's amulet."
Blaise's angry voice cut through his explanation. "Don't tell me, that you went out there alone! I've told you countless times that it would be too dangerous! No wonder, that you were in the hospital wing, when I arrived! Beaten up by some street kids. My ass! You fucking went into the bloody vampire lair alone!" She whispered at him, nonetheless furious. It was when she whispered, that she was the most furious. Des sighed. He had hoped, that she had forgotten this particular fact but no such luck. It seemed, that he was really going to get it this time.
"You knew that we had to get the dagger. You knew that we had to go, one way or the other. I went last night. No matter when, it would have been dangerous all the same. Please don't blame me for what I had to do."
"But you said, that you would wait for me! You…How could you! You should have waited for me and we would have gone together!" She embraced him tightly, not wanting to let go.
"Excuse me, but what happened?" the headmaster softly asked.
"He did something stupid. As always." She glared at Des. "He just went into a bloody vampire lair. But not just any vampire lair. He went into the lair of the Morgans!"
Minerva gasped, Albus' eyes widened and Severus blanched.
"He WHAT!"
But before anybody could say anything else, the door banged open and Kingsley Shackelbolt ran in, panting.
"We have a problem. Percy Weasley has been found dead in the forbidden forest."
Not a big chapter but I've been pretty busy lately. What with school and everything. I'll try to post more often. Not much action in this one, but it's going to get really interesting in the next chapters. So, any guesses?
Chi
