Hi, I'm sorry about my slow updating. At least I'm updating at least twice a month. That's good isn't it? Anyway, I've noticed that there seems to be questions about Emily and Peter McKenna. This is the mystery of thing. You have to guess who they are until I reveal all, which won't be until much later. Until then, enjoy reading, then reviewing!
Disclaimer- This is the final disclaimer I will make. I do NOT own any of the character, scenes and stuff that you may see in the Harry Potter books written by our lovely J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 6- Slytherin or Gryffindor?
September the first turned out to be a gloomy wet day despite the heat wave that had carried on through the summer and it mirrored Severus Snape's mood perfectly. Another year full of obnoxious teenager, including his own. Not that anybody would know about it. He thought it was better this way, that nobody knew. If Voldemort got a wind that Siobhan was his great- grandniece, he would do anything in his power to make sure she became his heiress. With her powers it didn't matter whether she was a boy or a girl. If she could carry on the Riddle legacy then that would be enough. However, he couldn't help wonder what their relationship would be like, having to pretend they didn't know each other.
Potions this year would be torture since he had Neville Longbottom in his NEWT classes, along with Harry Potter. He didn't mind Harry that much but every time he looked at Harry the anger inside of him boiled up again. Neville was getting better but he still didn't want holes in the dungeon floors. How Neville had managed to get Exceeding Excellent on his tests was a complete mystery to him. He could not continue to ponder on this mystery since Siobhan came in and sat right on his legs.
"AARGH! Siobhan!" he yelled in pain, sticking his head out of the covers to glare at his daughter.
"Sorry. I forgot you were that tall," she apologised, pushing his feet aside and settling down more comfortably.
"It's alright. Just give me a warning next time you want to come in my room. Like knocking for example. So, what do you want at this time in the morning?" He sat up and rubbed his eyes to clear his blurry vision. He looked at Siobhan carefully, and she was fine apart from her pale skin that resembled his own at the minute.
"Well, I wanted to know what you were thinking about. I mean, I was just thinking a moment ago, and then I thought 'Hey, I wonder what Dad is thinking about' and I got out of bed and came to see what you were thinking about."
"You weird child. You are the only person I know who does that, and it freaks me out sometimes."
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be freaky. I must get it from your side of the family." She smiled and Severus hit her on the head playfully with his foot. "Just joking. So what were you thinking?"
"I was thinking that I've got to tell you something. I've got to tell you that the minute you walk onto Platform 9 ¾ I will no longer be known to you as Dad but as Professor Snape and Remus will become Professor Lupin. Do you get what I'm telling you?" He looked at Siobhan hoping that she understood, but she just frowned at him in confusion. "Let me put it to you simply. Nobody must know that you're my daughter or Remus' goddaughter." Siobhan's frown turned to as glower.
"So you're ashamed of me now? I should've known right from the start. This was just an act. Typical. I'm not surprised actually."
"Siobhan, don't take it personally. You know I love you but it's for your own safety."
"You love me? You said you loved my mother but you sure had a funny way of showing it and guess what? You still do. I'd rather be a McKay than a Snape, if they're all like you." She went to get up but Severus pulled her down again.
"We have already been through this conversation and there is no use in starting it again. You know why I left and you know why I never came back. Do you have to make this harder than it already is? Is there anyway I can convince you?" Siobhan bit her lip to show that she was thinking, and then gave her answer.
"Alright then. If you truly love me you'll be nice to Neville Longbottom."
"What? Why-" Siobhan put up her hand to silence him.
"I know more people than you can count on both hands and feet, and I know that Neville Longbottom deserves to get at least an 'E' in his NEWT's. Please?" She took his hand and squeezed it gently. "For me?"
Severus didn't say anything but simply nodded and let go of Siobhan's hand who bolted towards the door with a smile on her face. Severus asked himself why on Earth he had agreed, and the only explanation he could find was that he was becoming soft. At least she hadn't asked him to be nice to Harry because that would have been asking too much out of him.
Once he was up and dressed in his usual teaching attire, he went and found Siobhan in the living room working at her favourite hobby. The 'Make-Dents- In-The-Wall-By-Flinging-Stuff-At-Dad's-Cabinet' hobby, which Severus found annoying since he always had to clean up the damage. She had progressed and this time she made sure she moved out of the way of the object. However when she saw Severus she completely forgot to duck and it hit her squarely on the shoulder. Siobhan flinched and rubbed her shoulder. That was going to be a nasty bruise.
"It's not what you think it is," she said walking over to the wall where a number of bottle lids were set in the wall, and trying to hide it whilst obviously pulling them out. He raised an eyebrow and a smirk spread across his face.
"Oh yeah? Then if it's not what I think it is then what is it?" he asked a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I was...um... studying the... um... laws of... um... propulsion, yeah that's it, propulsion triggered by... um.... magic."
"And, may I ask who discovered the laws of propulsion that are triggered by magic, if such laws even exist?" Severus had Siobhan cornered but she was going to give up.
"Isaac Newton?" she guessed hoping that it was the right answer. Severus shook her head and smiled.
"How on earth you managed to pass you History of Magic OWL examination is a complete wonder to the world." Siobhan smiled and muttered something that Severus could have sworn was "dungbomb" but decided to let it drop. He helped Siobhan lower her trunk down the stairs into a Ministry car that Dumbledore had sent.
"Boys! Out of bed now! If we miss the train I'm blaming you," Mrs. Weasley shouted, tipping the beds up, leaving Ron, Harry and Neville rolling about on the floor whilst Mrs. Weasley opened the curtain revealing a grey sky, rain falling steadily. "Up! Up! UP!"
Harry was the first to get up reaching for his glasses and shaking his head to try and shake away the sleepiness. Then he remembered what day it was – September 1st! He was going back to Hogwarts, away from Grimmauld Place, away from memories of Sirius. Nobody had gone into Sirius' room since that day and sometimes he would hesitate outside the door wondering whether to enter or not and chickening out at the last minute.
Harry sort of trailed down to the kitchen half asleep to find Ginny, Luna and Hermione already eating their breakfast. It was a wonder to Harry how girls were always up and ready before you when they take the longest to dress.
"Hi, Harry," Ginny said a small mischievous smile on her face.
"Um, hi, Ginny," Harry replied and in turn saying hi to Hermione and Luna in turn who giggled slightly. He sat down and started to nibble on his toast which seemed to taste like cardboard for some reason. Neville came down followed by Ron, who had ruffled his hair so that it resembled Harry's to some extent. Hermione got up to give Ron a hug who twisted her round, put his arm round her waist, and kissed her on the ear. Harry blinked, confused at what he was seeing.
"Am I missing something here? Just last night you were down each other's throat's about Spew," Harry asked obviously puzzled.
"After the fight we sat down and we talked about our likes and dislikes, and somehow Ron said that Ron liked me and me vice versa, and then he said he loved me and I said the same to him. Then we kind off hit it off. I told Ron to tell you but he clearly forgot," Hermione explained, giving Ron a playful slap on the cheek for forgetting.
"Hope you ain't jealous that I got the prettiest prefect in the whole school," Ron asked Harry settling down to start eating.
"Course I ain't. You two deserve each other. I've seen the connection between you two since first year when got hurt." Harry grinned and patted Ron on the back. "My girl will come, eventually."
"Ron did you brush your hair today?" Ginny asked her brother unsettling his already messed up hair.
"Excuse me, do not diss the 'just-got-out-of-bed' look." He brushed his hand through his hair to make sure it was still messy and began to eat wolfing down as much food as he could in the 2 minutes Mrs. Weasley had given them to eat given them to eat.
The Hogwarts Express stood patiently waiting alongside Platform 9 3/4 , for the Hogwarts students to board, rain slipping down it's scarlet painted surface. Siobhan had long said goodbye to her father, who had dropped her off at the front of the station and given her instructions on how to get through the barrier. He had cast a spell to make the trunk lighter for her to carry although the spell seemed to have worn off. Siobhan had known that would be the last time for a long time she would see Severus Snape as her father and not a teacher. She was now trying to get her trunk up the little steps into an empty carriage and failing miserably. Then she felt someone pull the trunk up the other side and out from behind it stood a tall boy with dark messy hair, vivid green eyes and a sheepish grin.
"Thought you might need some help. You looked like you were struggling a little," the boy said lifting the trunk onto a baggage rack with a little help from Siobhan.
"Thanks you're a life-saver," Siobhan replied shaking a loose strand of her dark hair from her eyes and carefully examining the boy. She went and sat down in an empty compartment, the boy following.
"Hi, I'm Harry, Harry Potter," he said holding his hand out for Siobhan to shake.
"I'm Siobhan, Siobhan McKay," she replied taking his outstretched hand and shaking it. "I'm a transfer from Fin Connelly Charms School up in Scotland."
"Well, welcome to Hogwarts. My friends are prefects so they'll show you around if you end up in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw." Luna had been named a Ravenclaw prefect, and Ginny the Gryffindor 5th year prefect.
"I might be in Gryffindor, but I also might be in Slytherin. I'm not sure, really."
"Why do you think you'll end up Slytherin or Gryffindor?" Harry asked his eyes widening in curiosity.
"Well, my mother's side of the family were all in Gryffindor and my father's side were all Slytherins, so I'm expecting either of them." She glanced around and leant closer to Harry. "If I'm stuck in Slytherin, I'll have to let the Weasley twin's down. They asked me to give the Slytherins what they deserve." She moved back grinning, and Harry smiled back.
"How do you know Fred and George?"
"My mother used to help them make antidotes for their products like the Skiving Lunchboxes. I myself love their products and I am a frequent customer."
"What do you mean used to help make antidotes? Did she get fired or something?"
"No, she died around 4 weeks ago. Would've died to but I was lucky," she answered shrugging; as if she was trying to shrug it off, ignore it.
"I'm sorry for your loss. I know what you're going through," he replied giving Siobhan a reassuring smile.
At that moment in walked Hermione Granger, and Ron and Ginny Weasley. Siobhan recognised Ron and Ginny as Weasley's but she also recognised Hermione from somewhere else.
"Is it who I think it is? My eyes must be deceiving me. Hermione?" Siobhan asked looking at Hermione carefully who was studying Siobhan.
"Siobhan? Siobhan McKay? Oh my God it's you!" Hermione squealed with happiness as both girls embraced each other.
"God, I haven't seen you since...like year 4 when you moved from Scotland. That was the saddest day ever. My grades went lower from that day on." Siobhan pulled out of the embrace and looked at Hermione, her eyes full of happiness.
"You don't mean that. I wasn't that smart, was I?" Hermione asked taking a seat next to Ron, Siobhan sitting back down in front of Harry. Siobhan raised an eyebrow, and Hermione blushed. All this while Ron and Ginny had been feeling left out of the whole 'Oh-my-god-it's-you' type of thing.
"So Hermione, do you mind telling me who this striking person is?" Ron asked, only to be elbowed in the ribs by Hermione, to remind him who his girlfriend was. "I mean, she's not as stunning as you, my lovely."
"This is Siobhan McKay, and this is Ron and Ginny Weasley. You've obviously met Harry," Hermione explained. Ron and Ginny both muttered a hello, and Siobhan simply nodded. Ron continued to stare at Siobhan, even when she turned to look out of the window. Nothing was visible and the rain kept falling down.
"You do know that's it's rude to stare," Siobhan informed Ron, who was still staring.
"Sorry, it's just that your eyes. They're so unusual. Deep black with a reddish outline. Never seen them before," he answered finally dragging his eyes away.
"It's quite alright. I get my eyes and hair from my dad's side of the family. Hate it. Wish I had my mum's blue eyes and her red hair." She turned and looked out of the window. She remained like this for most of the journey, watching droplets of water trickling down the window.
Most of the journey was rather uneventful. They swapped stories and they gave Siobhan on what goes on at the school, and who to avoid and what to do. Hermione felt it was necessary to explain how she and Siobhan knew each other. They had spent most of primary school together, and Siobhan had never said anything about the wizarding world. Siobhan chipped in and said that her mother had wanted her to go to a muggle school despite the fact that she was a witch. The trolley came and went, leaving them with cauldron cakes, and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and other wizard confectionery.
They were about three-quarters of the way there when Neville made an appearance. He had grown taller, and he was less chubby than he had been. Some might say he was beginning to look like his father, despite that his grandmother kept telling him otherwise. When he saw Siobhan he first of all froze, then a lopsided smile spread on his face.
"Hey, Siobhan. How's it doing," he asked leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek, and a warm hug.
"I'm fine, Neville. And you?" she answered, moving over so that he could sit next to her.
"Fine. And before I forget Gran wanted to know if you can spend Christmas with us. If that's O.K. with your dad, of course."
"I'll try but I can't promise anything. I wouldn't want to miss your Gran's Christmas pudding. Just the thought, makes me wish it was Christmas already."
Siobhan finally joined in the conversation, and when Siobhan started talking about her love of practical jokes, something clicked inside Ron's head. Something that had taking him half the train ride to remember.
"I know who you are (!) Fred and George call you Von-von so I didn't think it was you," Ron exclaimed happy that he had finally remembered. "Did you really set off Dungbombs in the middle of your OWL's to give you extra time?" Siobhan blushed and nodded.
"You didn't?" Hermione gasped, shocked that anybody would dare disturb such an important exam.
"I did and we all had to re-sit the exam. I am so lucky they didn't find out. Their pretty high-strung at Fin Connelly," she answered.
"Gosh, you really do make practical jokes practical," Ginny said. Everybody laughed and Siobhan looked slightly embarrassed. They're laughter was interrupted when the compartment door was opened to reveal Draco Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. Siobhan felt a pain shoot up her stomach, but it went as fast as it came.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry said reaching for his wand in his back pocket despite Moody's warnings, that he might ignite his buttocks.
"To remind you that you're dead, Potter," he replied giving Harry a dirty look. If looks could kill, Harry would be dead at the moment. He turned to Siobhan and a smile spread across his face. "Siobhan McKay. A pure-blood. I have heard much about your family and their abilities. I do sincerely hope that you do not waste your time with mudbloods and half-wits such as these."
"Who are you calling a half-wit?" Siobhan said, angry at the arrogance of a boy she had never met.
"Why Longbottom of course. Dumbest person in Hogwarts, as you will find out and it might be contagious. Save yourself whilst you've got the chance." Siobhan was on her feet faster than either Ron or Harry could react.
"Listen, Malfoy, and listen good," Siobhan said grabbing Malfoy by the collar of his neck and pinning him against the carriage wall. Although Siobhan was about two inches shorter than him, she seemed much stronger. "No-one and I mean, no-one has the right to diss my friends, and especially not my family. I don't know you, and I don't want to know you, so you'd better stay more than five feet away at all costs. Understood?" Siobhan tightened her grip around his collar until Malfoy nodded. She let go and he rubbed the area where the collar had dug into his skin.
All this time Crabbe and Goyle had just stood there and watched in amazement. Usually nobody dared touch Malfoy whilst Crabbe and Goyle were around, especially not a girl. Malfoy glared, and walked off defeated, his extremely large ego resized. Crabbe and Goyle couldn't help sniggering as they followed him.
Siobhan sat back down, counting backwards from ten, to try and calm down. Everybody looked at her with a look of amazement. She had seemed like a pretty calm girl, but in a minute she was flying at Malfoy, and making threats.
"Sorry about that. I just hate people who's heads are so big that your surprised that they can walk through the door," she explained going back to her calm state. Nobody spoke but continued to stare at her. "What? Did I do something wrong?"
"No, but you've just practically signed onto a life off hell," Harry said, still in a daze of disbelief. "For one, no-one threatens Draco Malfoy. One word of this gets to Snape, the Head of Slytherin, you'll be lucky to survive your first week of Potions. Number two, he will not let you forget this. And number three, you just said you were our friends. Now all of Slytherin will have an excuse for hating you."
"Oh, well. It's nothing I can't handle. A skinny little twit like Malfoy is nothing compared to what I've been through." Siobhan eyes turned darker, and she grit her teeth, her voice cold and bitter. "But nobody has the right to diss other people, and it's about time Malfoy learnt that."
"Hate to interrupt the conversation, but we'll be there in five minutes and we haven't changed," Hermione piped in, causing groans to erupt from the compartment. The boys took the next compartment, and the girls the current one to get changed. The uniform was different to that of Fin Connelly's, whose robes had been dark green, with a cloak according to the house you were in.
Once outside, Siobhan was happy that it had stopped raining, but nonetheless it was still cold, and Siobhan pulled her cloak around her tightly. Hermione had advised her to look for Hagrid, who looked after the first-years, and you could hardly miss him. There he was, at least 4 times as tall as some of the first years and shouting to be heard over the noise of the students.
"Firs' years! Firs' year over 'ere!" he shouted and was soon surrounded by a mob of anxious looking first years. Siobhan tugged at his coat to get his attention.
"Excuse me, um Hagrid," she began but could obviously not be heard, so she tried again, this time much louder and less polite. "OI, HAGRID! DOWN HERE!" This go the half-giant's attention and he looked down his beady eyes widening.
"Oh, hello. You must be Gwendolyn's kid. Come with me an' I'll take you to where you need to be goin'" Siobhan thanked and followed him, along with the first years, to a lake where the were boats lined along the edge, each lit by a lantern. She got in a boat with Hagrid, as she couldn't handle the stares of the first-years wondering whether she was just really tall, had gotten lost or something like that.
Out of the water safely, Hagrid ushered them into the Entrance Hall, where they huddled together against the cold. Siobhan occupied herself calming a small girl with blonde pigtails who had gotten last-minute nerves. She managed to calm the girl down before a stern faced Professor McGonagall appeared.
"First years come this way. The Hogwarts Sorting Ceremony is about to start," she said firmly before turning to Siobhan. "Ms. McKay, I shall call you when we are ready for you." At that she turned and walked into the Great Hall followed by worried 11-year-olds.
After what seemed like centuries, she heard her name called. "McKay, Siobhan, transfer from Fin Connelly Private Charms School." Siobhan pushed open the Great Hall doors and felt all eyes fall on her. She looked up and saw the enchanted ceiling that mimicked the weather outside- dark. Her eyes travelled to the teacher's table. First she noticed Professor Snape, who she could have sworn winked at her, towards Professor Lupin who smiled encouragingly.
Siobhan reached the three-legged stool and sat down, Professor McGonagall placing the old, tattered Sorting Hat on her head. Even after what Harry had told her about the weirdness of the Hat, Siobhan still jumped when a voice spoke inside her head.
"Mmm, this one's a tricky one. A McKay, and a Snape. Where will I put you?" the Sorting Hat asked .
"I'd prefer my mother's house, thank you. I'm not Slytherin material," Siobhan thought. No way did she want to be anywhere Malfoy.
"Yes, well. Slytherin's where you truly belong, but then again, Gryffindor is also where your heart lies. This is a very difficult one. Aha, I detect bravery, and a thirst to protect those you love. A true Gryffindor. But then again, I detect cunning and ability, the necessities to be a Slytherin." Siobhan was beginning to get annoyed with the Sorting Hat.
"Will you please make your mind up already? I've already told you, I want to be in Gryffindor."
"Are you sure? You are a descendent of a truly powerful Slytherin."
"What do you mean? Tell me, what you mean. You can't just say something and not explain."
"You will find out in due time. I have finally drawn up where you should be. You're so much like your mother. So determined and stubborn. Let us make it GRYFFINDOR!" The last words were said out loud and the Sorting Hat was taken of her head before she could ask the Sorting Hat anything more.
The table to the right clapped, and cheered loudly, whilst the rest clapped politely. Siobhan caught Malfoy's eye and he scowled, which seemed to be a hobby for most Slytherin's. She glared back, before sitting down in between Neville and Harry. Dumbledore stood up to make a speech, or so they thought.
"Now that the Sorting Ceremony is finally over. You may begin to eat. There will be a time of speech making but this is not it," he said, and waved his hands before sitting back down. Food appeared on the golden plates and everybody tucked in.
"Gee, what took the Sorting Hat so long? That was longer than it took me to get Sorted," Harry said before tucking into his plate piled high with food.
"Oh there were some complications. Wanted to put me in Slytherin, where I truly belong, nut ended up putting me in Gryffindor, where my heart lies. I wish he hadn't been so cryptic," Siobhan said, also beginning to tuck in to a plate full of food, but hers not as high as Harry's, and especially not as high as Ron's.
"Did that to me too. You'd think he'd listen when you tell him you don't want to be in that house. The Sorting Hat finally does put you in another house, after hours that is."
"Who gets the feeling that Snape is looking over here?" Neville asked turning away from the teacher's table. They all turned to look at the teacher's table, and Snape was indeed looking in their direction, giving them a look. This time, it was not directed at Harry but at Siobhan.
"Dou yogh tgink heves fougn oub aboub Balboy?" Ron said his mouth full of food. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs and he swallowed the food before trying again. "Do you think he's found out about Malfoy?"
"No, I don't think so Ron," Harry said. "I think it's his way of greeting Gryffindor's, who he has grudges against. Or he simply does not like you."
"That's encouraging. First evening and already two people have got something against me. Hope tomorrow's better," Siobhan said, staring back at Snape who was scowling, which meant he either hated or you, or he was thinking.
With everyone fed and full, and the plates cleared up, Dumbledore stood up once more, and this time he was going to make the proper announcements.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I must remind you that the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to all students, as many of you will know. Our caretaker, Argus Filch, has told me to tell you that magic is not allowed in the corridors. You will also find a complete list of things you are not allowed in school, on his door. I would also like to welcome back our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Hagrid, and our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lupin." Now off to bed and prepare yourself for the start of lessons." He sat down and the Great Hall filled with applause.
Ron, Hermione, and Ginny stood up and started calling the first-years to follow them whilst Harry, Neville, and Siobhan made their way to the Gryffindor Tower. Once they got their they realised they didn't know the password. They had to wait for a Prefect to come up, and what seemed like years in Siobhan's world, Hermione came followed by a half a dozen first years. She faced the portrait of the Fat Lady and said the password. "Butterbeer rocks"
"Right you are," the Fat Lady said and swung forward, showing the way in. As Siobhan climbed through, she couldn't help gasping at the warmness of the common room.
"The boys dormitories are upstairs to the right and the girls the same and to the left," Hermione instructed. She waited until they had gone to up to bed, before turning to Siobhan who was in an armchair waiting. "Come on then, I'm beat."
Siobhan followed Hermione up the stairs, and walked towards a door marked, 'Sixth years' on a long corridor. Hermione pushed open the door to reveal Siobhan's home for the next months. Siobhan knew she would be right at home with the four-poster bed.
As they were getting undressed and into their pyjamas, Hermione asked a question that Siobhan hadn't expected, making sure that Lavender and Parvati were out of earshot.
"Why does it seem that Professor Snape has taken a disliking to you?" she asked before slipping on her top. "I mean, you're parents must have mentioned him sometime. He only holds grudges on those who have parents he hates, or so it seems."
"Well, I don't know what problem Snape has with me, but he'd better sort it out soon because I have a big mouth which I can't be held responsible for what I say, "Siobhan replied, irritated that her own father seem to have a 'grudge' against her. "You remember how I used to be don't you. Always in trouble even at the innocent age of eight."
"Yeah, I do, but I'm warning you. He doesn't take things lightly. And since you're a Gryffindor, expect a lot of F's."
"I'm always expecting F's, Hermione. Well, goodnight, sleep tight." She hugged Hermione before climbing into bed, and even so she didn't fall asleep straight away. She kept thinking of how her life would be now her mother wasn't there, and it would be as if her father and godfather weren't there. The thing that worried her most, was that pain she had felt the minute Malfoy stepped into the compartment. Surely it wasn't him who had killed her mother? Siobhan waved the thought away and rolled over to get some sleep.
A/N- Yeah, she's finally at Hogwarts! And in Gryffindor too. Can't wait to write about her lessons. In fact, I think I'll start now. Remember to review if you want the next chapter!
Disclaimer- This is the final disclaimer I will make. I do NOT own any of the character, scenes and stuff that you may see in the Harry Potter books written by our lovely J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 6- Slytherin or Gryffindor?
September the first turned out to be a gloomy wet day despite the heat wave that had carried on through the summer and it mirrored Severus Snape's mood perfectly. Another year full of obnoxious teenager, including his own. Not that anybody would know about it. He thought it was better this way, that nobody knew. If Voldemort got a wind that Siobhan was his great- grandniece, he would do anything in his power to make sure she became his heiress. With her powers it didn't matter whether she was a boy or a girl. If she could carry on the Riddle legacy then that would be enough. However, he couldn't help wonder what their relationship would be like, having to pretend they didn't know each other.
Potions this year would be torture since he had Neville Longbottom in his NEWT classes, along with Harry Potter. He didn't mind Harry that much but every time he looked at Harry the anger inside of him boiled up again. Neville was getting better but he still didn't want holes in the dungeon floors. How Neville had managed to get Exceeding Excellent on his tests was a complete mystery to him. He could not continue to ponder on this mystery since Siobhan came in and sat right on his legs.
"AARGH! Siobhan!" he yelled in pain, sticking his head out of the covers to glare at his daughter.
"Sorry. I forgot you were that tall," she apologised, pushing his feet aside and settling down more comfortably.
"It's alright. Just give me a warning next time you want to come in my room. Like knocking for example. So, what do you want at this time in the morning?" He sat up and rubbed his eyes to clear his blurry vision. He looked at Siobhan carefully, and she was fine apart from her pale skin that resembled his own at the minute.
"Well, I wanted to know what you were thinking about. I mean, I was just thinking a moment ago, and then I thought 'Hey, I wonder what Dad is thinking about' and I got out of bed and came to see what you were thinking about."
"You weird child. You are the only person I know who does that, and it freaks me out sometimes."
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be freaky. I must get it from your side of the family." She smiled and Severus hit her on the head playfully with his foot. "Just joking. So what were you thinking?"
"I was thinking that I've got to tell you something. I've got to tell you that the minute you walk onto Platform 9 ¾ I will no longer be known to you as Dad but as Professor Snape and Remus will become Professor Lupin. Do you get what I'm telling you?" He looked at Siobhan hoping that she understood, but she just frowned at him in confusion. "Let me put it to you simply. Nobody must know that you're my daughter or Remus' goddaughter." Siobhan's frown turned to as glower.
"So you're ashamed of me now? I should've known right from the start. This was just an act. Typical. I'm not surprised actually."
"Siobhan, don't take it personally. You know I love you but it's for your own safety."
"You love me? You said you loved my mother but you sure had a funny way of showing it and guess what? You still do. I'd rather be a McKay than a Snape, if they're all like you." She went to get up but Severus pulled her down again.
"We have already been through this conversation and there is no use in starting it again. You know why I left and you know why I never came back. Do you have to make this harder than it already is? Is there anyway I can convince you?" Siobhan bit her lip to show that she was thinking, and then gave her answer.
"Alright then. If you truly love me you'll be nice to Neville Longbottom."
"What? Why-" Siobhan put up her hand to silence him.
"I know more people than you can count on both hands and feet, and I know that Neville Longbottom deserves to get at least an 'E' in his NEWT's. Please?" She took his hand and squeezed it gently. "For me?"
Severus didn't say anything but simply nodded and let go of Siobhan's hand who bolted towards the door with a smile on her face. Severus asked himself why on Earth he had agreed, and the only explanation he could find was that he was becoming soft. At least she hadn't asked him to be nice to Harry because that would have been asking too much out of him.
Once he was up and dressed in his usual teaching attire, he went and found Siobhan in the living room working at her favourite hobby. The 'Make-Dents- In-The-Wall-By-Flinging-Stuff-At-Dad's-Cabinet' hobby, which Severus found annoying since he always had to clean up the damage. She had progressed and this time she made sure she moved out of the way of the object. However when she saw Severus she completely forgot to duck and it hit her squarely on the shoulder. Siobhan flinched and rubbed her shoulder. That was going to be a nasty bruise.
"It's not what you think it is," she said walking over to the wall where a number of bottle lids were set in the wall, and trying to hide it whilst obviously pulling them out. He raised an eyebrow and a smirk spread across his face.
"Oh yeah? Then if it's not what I think it is then what is it?" he asked a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I was...um... studying the... um... laws of... um... propulsion, yeah that's it, propulsion triggered by... um.... magic."
"And, may I ask who discovered the laws of propulsion that are triggered by magic, if such laws even exist?" Severus had Siobhan cornered but she was going to give up.
"Isaac Newton?" she guessed hoping that it was the right answer. Severus shook her head and smiled.
"How on earth you managed to pass you History of Magic OWL examination is a complete wonder to the world." Siobhan smiled and muttered something that Severus could have sworn was "dungbomb" but decided to let it drop. He helped Siobhan lower her trunk down the stairs into a Ministry car that Dumbledore had sent.
"Boys! Out of bed now! If we miss the train I'm blaming you," Mrs. Weasley shouted, tipping the beds up, leaving Ron, Harry and Neville rolling about on the floor whilst Mrs. Weasley opened the curtain revealing a grey sky, rain falling steadily. "Up! Up! UP!"
Harry was the first to get up reaching for his glasses and shaking his head to try and shake away the sleepiness. Then he remembered what day it was – September 1st! He was going back to Hogwarts, away from Grimmauld Place, away from memories of Sirius. Nobody had gone into Sirius' room since that day and sometimes he would hesitate outside the door wondering whether to enter or not and chickening out at the last minute.
Harry sort of trailed down to the kitchen half asleep to find Ginny, Luna and Hermione already eating their breakfast. It was a wonder to Harry how girls were always up and ready before you when they take the longest to dress.
"Hi, Harry," Ginny said a small mischievous smile on her face.
"Um, hi, Ginny," Harry replied and in turn saying hi to Hermione and Luna in turn who giggled slightly. He sat down and started to nibble on his toast which seemed to taste like cardboard for some reason. Neville came down followed by Ron, who had ruffled his hair so that it resembled Harry's to some extent. Hermione got up to give Ron a hug who twisted her round, put his arm round her waist, and kissed her on the ear. Harry blinked, confused at what he was seeing.
"Am I missing something here? Just last night you were down each other's throat's about Spew," Harry asked obviously puzzled.
"After the fight we sat down and we talked about our likes and dislikes, and somehow Ron said that Ron liked me and me vice versa, and then he said he loved me and I said the same to him. Then we kind off hit it off. I told Ron to tell you but he clearly forgot," Hermione explained, giving Ron a playful slap on the cheek for forgetting.
"Hope you ain't jealous that I got the prettiest prefect in the whole school," Ron asked Harry settling down to start eating.
"Course I ain't. You two deserve each other. I've seen the connection between you two since first year when got hurt." Harry grinned and patted Ron on the back. "My girl will come, eventually."
"Ron did you brush your hair today?" Ginny asked her brother unsettling his already messed up hair.
"Excuse me, do not diss the 'just-got-out-of-bed' look." He brushed his hand through his hair to make sure it was still messy and began to eat wolfing down as much food as he could in the 2 minutes Mrs. Weasley had given them to eat given them to eat.
The Hogwarts Express stood patiently waiting alongside Platform 9 3/4 , for the Hogwarts students to board, rain slipping down it's scarlet painted surface. Siobhan had long said goodbye to her father, who had dropped her off at the front of the station and given her instructions on how to get through the barrier. He had cast a spell to make the trunk lighter for her to carry although the spell seemed to have worn off. Siobhan had known that would be the last time for a long time she would see Severus Snape as her father and not a teacher. She was now trying to get her trunk up the little steps into an empty carriage and failing miserably. Then she felt someone pull the trunk up the other side and out from behind it stood a tall boy with dark messy hair, vivid green eyes and a sheepish grin.
"Thought you might need some help. You looked like you were struggling a little," the boy said lifting the trunk onto a baggage rack with a little help from Siobhan.
"Thanks you're a life-saver," Siobhan replied shaking a loose strand of her dark hair from her eyes and carefully examining the boy. She went and sat down in an empty compartment, the boy following.
"Hi, I'm Harry, Harry Potter," he said holding his hand out for Siobhan to shake.
"I'm Siobhan, Siobhan McKay," she replied taking his outstretched hand and shaking it. "I'm a transfer from Fin Connelly Charms School up in Scotland."
"Well, welcome to Hogwarts. My friends are prefects so they'll show you around if you end up in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw." Luna had been named a Ravenclaw prefect, and Ginny the Gryffindor 5th year prefect.
"I might be in Gryffindor, but I also might be in Slytherin. I'm not sure, really."
"Why do you think you'll end up Slytherin or Gryffindor?" Harry asked his eyes widening in curiosity.
"Well, my mother's side of the family were all in Gryffindor and my father's side were all Slytherins, so I'm expecting either of them." She glanced around and leant closer to Harry. "If I'm stuck in Slytherin, I'll have to let the Weasley twin's down. They asked me to give the Slytherins what they deserve." She moved back grinning, and Harry smiled back.
"How do you know Fred and George?"
"My mother used to help them make antidotes for their products like the Skiving Lunchboxes. I myself love their products and I am a frequent customer."
"What do you mean used to help make antidotes? Did she get fired or something?"
"No, she died around 4 weeks ago. Would've died to but I was lucky," she answered shrugging; as if she was trying to shrug it off, ignore it.
"I'm sorry for your loss. I know what you're going through," he replied giving Siobhan a reassuring smile.
At that moment in walked Hermione Granger, and Ron and Ginny Weasley. Siobhan recognised Ron and Ginny as Weasley's but she also recognised Hermione from somewhere else.
"Is it who I think it is? My eyes must be deceiving me. Hermione?" Siobhan asked looking at Hermione carefully who was studying Siobhan.
"Siobhan? Siobhan McKay? Oh my God it's you!" Hermione squealed with happiness as both girls embraced each other.
"God, I haven't seen you since...like year 4 when you moved from Scotland. That was the saddest day ever. My grades went lower from that day on." Siobhan pulled out of the embrace and looked at Hermione, her eyes full of happiness.
"You don't mean that. I wasn't that smart, was I?" Hermione asked taking a seat next to Ron, Siobhan sitting back down in front of Harry. Siobhan raised an eyebrow, and Hermione blushed. All this while Ron and Ginny had been feeling left out of the whole 'Oh-my-god-it's-you' type of thing.
"So Hermione, do you mind telling me who this striking person is?" Ron asked, only to be elbowed in the ribs by Hermione, to remind him who his girlfriend was. "I mean, she's not as stunning as you, my lovely."
"This is Siobhan McKay, and this is Ron and Ginny Weasley. You've obviously met Harry," Hermione explained. Ron and Ginny both muttered a hello, and Siobhan simply nodded. Ron continued to stare at Siobhan, even when she turned to look out of the window. Nothing was visible and the rain kept falling down.
"You do know that's it's rude to stare," Siobhan informed Ron, who was still staring.
"Sorry, it's just that your eyes. They're so unusual. Deep black with a reddish outline. Never seen them before," he answered finally dragging his eyes away.
"It's quite alright. I get my eyes and hair from my dad's side of the family. Hate it. Wish I had my mum's blue eyes and her red hair." She turned and looked out of the window. She remained like this for most of the journey, watching droplets of water trickling down the window.
Most of the journey was rather uneventful. They swapped stories and they gave Siobhan on what goes on at the school, and who to avoid and what to do. Hermione felt it was necessary to explain how she and Siobhan knew each other. They had spent most of primary school together, and Siobhan had never said anything about the wizarding world. Siobhan chipped in and said that her mother had wanted her to go to a muggle school despite the fact that she was a witch. The trolley came and went, leaving them with cauldron cakes, and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and other wizard confectionery.
They were about three-quarters of the way there when Neville made an appearance. He had grown taller, and he was less chubby than he had been. Some might say he was beginning to look like his father, despite that his grandmother kept telling him otherwise. When he saw Siobhan he first of all froze, then a lopsided smile spread on his face.
"Hey, Siobhan. How's it doing," he asked leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek, and a warm hug.
"I'm fine, Neville. And you?" she answered, moving over so that he could sit next to her.
"Fine. And before I forget Gran wanted to know if you can spend Christmas with us. If that's O.K. with your dad, of course."
"I'll try but I can't promise anything. I wouldn't want to miss your Gran's Christmas pudding. Just the thought, makes me wish it was Christmas already."
Siobhan finally joined in the conversation, and when Siobhan started talking about her love of practical jokes, something clicked inside Ron's head. Something that had taking him half the train ride to remember.
"I know who you are (!) Fred and George call you Von-von so I didn't think it was you," Ron exclaimed happy that he had finally remembered. "Did you really set off Dungbombs in the middle of your OWL's to give you extra time?" Siobhan blushed and nodded.
"You didn't?" Hermione gasped, shocked that anybody would dare disturb such an important exam.
"I did and we all had to re-sit the exam. I am so lucky they didn't find out. Their pretty high-strung at Fin Connelly," she answered.
"Gosh, you really do make practical jokes practical," Ginny said. Everybody laughed and Siobhan looked slightly embarrassed. They're laughter was interrupted when the compartment door was opened to reveal Draco Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. Siobhan felt a pain shoot up her stomach, but it went as fast as it came.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry said reaching for his wand in his back pocket despite Moody's warnings, that he might ignite his buttocks.
"To remind you that you're dead, Potter," he replied giving Harry a dirty look. If looks could kill, Harry would be dead at the moment. He turned to Siobhan and a smile spread across his face. "Siobhan McKay. A pure-blood. I have heard much about your family and their abilities. I do sincerely hope that you do not waste your time with mudbloods and half-wits such as these."
"Who are you calling a half-wit?" Siobhan said, angry at the arrogance of a boy she had never met.
"Why Longbottom of course. Dumbest person in Hogwarts, as you will find out and it might be contagious. Save yourself whilst you've got the chance." Siobhan was on her feet faster than either Ron or Harry could react.
"Listen, Malfoy, and listen good," Siobhan said grabbing Malfoy by the collar of his neck and pinning him against the carriage wall. Although Siobhan was about two inches shorter than him, she seemed much stronger. "No-one and I mean, no-one has the right to diss my friends, and especially not my family. I don't know you, and I don't want to know you, so you'd better stay more than five feet away at all costs. Understood?" Siobhan tightened her grip around his collar until Malfoy nodded. She let go and he rubbed the area where the collar had dug into his skin.
All this time Crabbe and Goyle had just stood there and watched in amazement. Usually nobody dared touch Malfoy whilst Crabbe and Goyle were around, especially not a girl. Malfoy glared, and walked off defeated, his extremely large ego resized. Crabbe and Goyle couldn't help sniggering as they followed him.
Siobhan sat back down, counting backwards from ten, to try and calm down. Everybody looked at her with a look of amazement. She had seemed like a pretty calm girl, but in a minute she was flying at Malfoy, and making threats.
"Sorry about that. I just hate people who's heads are so big that your surprised that they can walk through the door," she explained going back to her calm state. Nobody spoke but continued to stare at her. "What? Did I do something wrong?"
"No, but you've just practically signed onto a life off hell," Harry said, still in a daze of disbelief. "For one, no-one threatens Draco Malfoy. One word of this gets to Snape, the Head of Slytherin, you'll be lucky to survive your first week of Potions. Number two, he will not let you forget this. And number three, you just said you were our friends. Now all of Slytherin will have an excuse for hating you."
"Oh, well. It's nothing I can't handle. A skinny little twit like Malfoy is nothing compared to what I've been through." Siobhan eyes turned darker, and she grit her teeth, her voice cold and bitter. "But nobody has the right to diss other people, and it's about time Malfoy learnt that."
"Hate to interrupt the conversation, but we'll be there in five minutes and we haven't changed," Hermione piped in, causing groans to erupt from the compartment. The boys took the next compartment, and the girls the current one to get changed. The uniform was different to that of Fin Connelly's, whose robes had been dark green, with a cloak according to the house you were in.
Once outside, Siobhan was happy that it had stopped raining, but nonetheless it was still cold, and Siobhan pulled her cloak around her tightly. Hermione had advised her to look for Hagrid, who looked after the first-years, and you could hardly miss him. There he was, at least 4 times as tall as some of the first years and shouting to be heard over the noise of the students.
"Firs' years! Firs' year over 'ere!" he shouted and was soon surrounded by a mob of anxious looking first years. Siobhan tugged at his coat to get his attention.
"Excuse me, um Hagrid," she began but could obviously not be heard, so she tried again, this time much louder and less polite. "OI, HAGRID! DOWN HERE!" This go the half-giant's attention and he looked down his beady eyes widening.
"Oh, hello. You must be Gwendolyn's kid. Come with me an' I'll take you to where you need to be goin'" Siobhan thanked and followed him, along with the first years, to a lake where the were boats lined along the edge, each lit by a lantern. She got in a boat with Hagrid, as she couldn't handle the stares of the first-years wondering whether she was just really tall, had gotten lost or something like that.
Out of the water safely, Hagrid ushered them into the Entrance Hall, where they huddled together against the cold. Siobhan occupied herself calming a small girl with blonde pigtails who had gotten last-minute nerves. She managed to calm the girl down before a stern faced Professor McGonagall appeared.
"First years come this way. The Hogwarts Sorting Ceremony is about to start," she said firmly before turning to Siobhan. "Ms. McKay, I shall call you when we are ready for you." At that she turned and walked into the Great Hall followed by worried 11-year-olds.
After what seemed like centuries, she heard her name called. "McKay, Siobhan, transfer from Fin Connelly Private Charms School." Siobhan pushed open the Great Hall doors and felt all eyes fall on her. She looked up and saw the enchanted ceiling that mimicked the weather outside- dark. Her eyes travelled to the teacher's table. First she noticed Professor Snape, who she could have sworn winked at her, towards Professor Lupin who smiled encouragingly.
Siobhan reached the three-legged stool and sat down, Professor McGonagall placing the old, tattered Sorting Hat on her head. Even after what Harry had told her about the weirdness of the Hat, Siobhan still jumped when a voice spoke inside her head.
"Mmm, this one's a tricky one. A McKay, and a Snape. Where will I put you?" the Sorting Hat asked .
"I'd prefer my mother's house, thank you. I'm not Slytherin material," Siobhan thought. No way did she want to be anywhere Malfoy.
"Yes, well. Slytherin's where you truly belong, but then again, Gryffindor is also where your heart lies. This is a very difficult one. Aha, I detect bravery, and a thirst to protect those you love. A true Gryffindor. But then again, I detect cunning and ability, the necessities to be a Slytherin." Siobhan was beginning to get annoyed with the Sorting Hat.
"Will you please make your mind up already? I've already told you, I want to be in Gryffindor."
"Are you sure? You are a descendent of a truly powerful Slytherin."
"What do you mean? Tell me, what you mean. You can't just say something and not explain."
"You will find out in due time. I have finally drawn up where you should be. You're so much like your mother. So determined and stubborn. Let us make it GRYFFINDOR!" The last words were said out loud and the Sorting Hat was taken of her head before she could ask the Sorting Hat anything more.
The table to the right clapped, and cheered loudly, whilst the rest clapped politely. Siobhan caught Malfoy's eye and he scowled, which seemed to be a hobby for most Slytherin's. She glared back, before sitting down in between Neville and Harry. Dumbledore stood up to make a speech, or so they thought.
"Now that the Sorting Ceremony is finally over. You may begin to eat. There will be a time of speech making but this is not it," he said, and waved his hands before sitting back down. Food appeared on the golden plates and everybody tucked in.
"Gee, what took the Sorting Hat so long? That was longer than it took me to get Sorted," Harry said before tucking into his plate piled high with food.
"Oh there were some complications. Wanted to put me in Slytherin, where I truly belong, nut ended up putting me in Gryffindor, where my heart lies. I wish he hadn't been so cryptic," Siobhan said, also beginning to tuck in to a plate full of food, but hers not as high as Harry's, and especially not as high as Ron's.
"Did that to me too. You'd think he'd listen when you tell him you don't want to be in that house. The Sorting Hat finally does put you in another house, after hours that is."
"Who gets the feeling that Snape is looking over here?" Neville asked turning away from the teacher's table. They all turned to look at the teacher's table, and Snape was indeed looking in their direction, giving them a look. This time, it was not directed at Harry but at Siobhan.
"Dou yogh tgink heves fougn oub aboub Balboy?" Ron said his mouth full of food. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs and he swallowed the food before trying again. "Do you think he's found out about Malfoy?"
"No, I don't think so Ron," Harry said. "I think it's his way of greeting Gryffindor's, who he has grudges against. Or he simply does not like you."
"That's encouraging. First evening and already two people have got something against me. Hope tomorrow's better," Siobhan said, staring back at Snape who was scowling, which meant he either hated or you, or he was thinking.
With everyone fed and full, and the plates cleared up, Dumbledore stood up once more, and this time he was going to make the proper announcements.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I must remind you that the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to all students, as many of you will know. Our caretaker, Argus Filch, has told me to tell you that magic is not allowed in the corridors. You will also find a complete list of things you are not allowed in school, on his door. I would also like to welcome back our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Hagrid, and our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lupin." Now off to bed and prepare yourself for the start of lessons." He sat down and the Great Hall filled with applause.
Ron, Hermione, and Ginny stood up and started calling the first-years to follow them whilst Harry, Neville, and Siobhan made their way to the Gryffindor Tower. Once they got their they realised they didn't know the password. They had to wait for a Prefect to come up, and what seemed like years in Siobhan's world, Hermione came followed by a half a dozen first years. She faced the portrait of the Fat Lady and said the password. "Butterbeer rocks"
"Right you are," the Fat Lady said and swung forward, showing the way in. As Siobhan climbed through, she couldn't help gasping at the warmness of the common room.
"The boys dormitories are upstairs to the right and the girls the same and to the left," Hermione instructed. She waited until they had gone to up to bed, before turning to Siobhan who was in an armchair waiting. "Come on then, I'm beat."
Siobhan followed Hermione up the stairs, and walked towards a door marked, 'Sixth years' on a long corridor. Hermione pushed open the door to reveal Siobhan's home for the next months. Siobhan knew she would be right at home with the four-poster bed.
As they were getting undressed and into their pyjamas, Hermione asked a question that Siobhan hadn't expected, making sure that Lavender and Parvati were out of earshot.
"Why does it seem that Professor Snape has taken a disliking to you?" she asked before slipping on her top. "I mean, you're parents must have mentioned him sometime. He only holds grudges on those who have parents he hates, or so it seems."
"Well, I don't know what problem Snape has with me, but he'd better sort it out soon because I have a big mouth which I can't be held responsible for what I say, "Siobhan replied, irritated that her own father seem to have a 'grudge' against her. "You remember how I used to be don't you. Always in trouble even at the innocent age of eight."
"Yeah, I do, but I'm warning you. He doesn't take things lightly. And since you're a Gryffindor, expect a lot of F's."
"I'm always expecting F's, Hermione. Well, goodnight, sleep tight." She hugged Hermione before climbing into bed, and even so she didn't fall asleep straight away. She kept thinking of how her life would be now her mother wasn't there, and it would be as if her father and godfather weren't there. The thing that worried her most, was that pain she had felt the minute Malfoy stepped into the compartment. Surely it wasn't him who had killed her mother? Siobhan waved the thought away and rolled over to get some sleep.
A/N- Yeah, she's finally at Hogwarts! And in Gryffindor too. Can't wait to write about her lessons. In fact, I think I'll start now. Remember to review if you want the next chapter!