Hello Lovelies,
Sorry for the delay on the chapter; returned to work on Tuesday and hadn't had much time to edit anything. Anyway; I hope you enjoy this one, its a bit shorter than the others.
Warnings: OCCness of some characters.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything Harry Potter.
GODMOTHER?
Severus landed on a field as he stared; the Weasley's burrow in the distances. His brothers hesitation had broken his heart, Harry hadn't yet understood that everyone's memories were repressed. The Weasley's weren't as prejudice as Albus made them be, hell. If the sorting hat were honest; which he was sure it wasn't, the twins would have never been sorted into Gryffindor those two were more Slytherin then he cared to admit. He's body was sore, heavy as he walked down the dirt pathway; he could tell there was action, wizards popping in and out of the burrow. He was sure, wanting confirmation with Arthur of what was going on.
"Severus!" Molly's shrill voice reached him, "Good heavens, are you alright! Where is Harry?" she asked as she rushed over to him, "Oh dear you look exhausted, come, come inside. I'll make you a cuppa," she said as she hurried him through the doors, before he knew it he was plopped down on a rickety chair and placed in his hands was a chipped cup filled with tea, sighing he placed it to his lips letting the drink sooth his rattled nerves. "Is the speculation correct Severus, was this caused by Albus?" she asked after a few seconds her face a mixture of anger and grief.
He only nodded, and watched as Molly let out an exasperated howl, "That senile old man, couldn't just leave an innocent family alone. Oh if I got my hands on him-" she stopped controlling her self as her face returned to normal, "I'm also assuming, Harry is also Hadrian, doesn't take a lot to place those two pieces together" she said at his grimace her worries were confirmed, "Oh Severus I am deeply sorry, you and your father didn't deserve this" she said placing a hand on his leg.
"We weren't the only ones harmed in this Molly," his voice was raspy, as he recalled Lucius words.
She hung her head agreeing at the words, "No, no you weren't. Then again, you were the only ones he tried to victimize, we are what muggle call a casualty" she said softly, "Have you spoken to him, your brother I mean?" she asked, "Harry left early this morning to receive his inheritance, hasn't returned" she said worry coloring her town.
Severus smiled as he placed the cup down, "His inheritance is what gave us our memories back, something Albus didn't see. Dark Veela's go through a different inheritance, anything that was altered, changed, glamour'd on our bodies, expect charms, and such as appearance are lifted when we receive our inheritance. When he received his, it lifted his obliviated memories, causing ours to return. He was a lot more accepting then I expected' he said with a fond smile.
Molly let out a laugh, "Of course he is, that young man can surprise you, why hasn't he returned?" she asked.
Severus sighed, "That's why I'm here. Harry is under the impression, that despite our altered memories, you and your family; most importantly I believe Ronald won't except who his real family is," he said, she sighed.
"It must be about the fallout Ron and Harry had during there forth year. Ronald was very upset when he owled me that Christmas, he couldn't believe he had turned his back against his brother over some stupid competition. Well we must correct this, that boy is much my son than anything" he said, Severus smiled placing a hand on hers.
"Thank you Molly, for taking care of him when we couldn't" he said softly, "I owe you a life's debt," he added.
"Nonsense, leave me in a room alone with Albus and it would be paid in full" she teased passing her sweating trembling hands over her pink checkered apron; but part of her wasn't joking, rising from her chair as Severus stood from his, "You'll stop by again right, I need to make sure Thomas" she stop as tears filled her eyes and she covered her lips with a soft sob, "I-I need to see him" she looked at Severus firmly, Thomas had met Molly a little after school, the friendship that blossomed closely resembled Harry and Hermione.
"Of course, I'm sure Harry would love to see his friends. About that Molly, where are the children, I think I have a few years worth of apologies" he said with a sad smile, "I wasn't called the dungeons bat for nothing" he added, Molly frowned but pointed towards the back of the house, "Thank you, I'll only take a few minutes" he said as he turned and walked out the door.
He found the young Weasley's and Ms. Granger all conversing to each other and to his surprise, he saw Neville Longbottom between all of them, they all gasped and stood at his entrance, causing him to sigh and raise his hand in surrender. "Professor Snape" the weaslette said surprised before grimacing, "Sorry, Professor Riddle" she whispered unsure.
"Severus is fine" he said to their shock, they had never heard their professor use that tone, or speak so kindly towards them, "I'm sure you all deserve too" he said, they only blinked and he sighed, "I don't know where to begin, but for starters I'm not at all the man I was portrayed to be, I wont insult you or belittle you." He said, "I was no better than a bully and for that I apologize," he said sincerely.
They stared at him in shock before someone spoke, and to his surprise it was Neville who moved forward, "We know you weren't yourself sir, our memories weren't as grand as the adults but the memories I have of my parents, I remember visiting your house and you were always kind. You have nothing to apologize," he said.
"You're much like my brother Neville," he said softly.
"You've found him" Hermione stepped forward her face relieved and excited, "Who is he, was he a student?" she asked.
Severus face fell slightly, there was no point in hiding it, "I believe your mother decided to keep that to herself but, the daily prophet would no doubt have it on its front page eventually. Hadrian, is Harry" he said softly and their faces paled in realization.
"I'm so sorry Professor" Hermione said softly, "have you spoken to him. We'll talk to him if he doesn't want to listen. Harry could be quite stubborn" she muttered with a frown on her face, now she understood why Harry hadn't return from Gringotts.
"We have spoken, you have no fear he accepted it quite smoothly" he admitted, relief coloring his tone. " I left him at Hogwarts" he reassured them.
Ron who had remain silent frowned, "He didn't want to come did he?" he asked, Hermione looked at him oddly, about to protest, "No, he wont, he believes we would reject him" he said angrily, "Bloody forth year" he hissed as he stormed away to towards the house, Severus watched him leave a smile pulling on his face.
"What was that about" Ginny said frowning.
Severus sighed, "Your brothers right, Harry feared you wouldn't accept him, us" he explain, the twins frowned and also left towards the house no doubt to talk some sense into Harry along with Ron, Hermione and Ginny hesitated nodding at their professor before running after them. Neville remain behind.
"You can accompany them, I have to get to black manor, I just wanted to apologize for my behavior and confirm when school begins; everything would be much easier" Severus reassured the boy, but Neville shook his head.
"Sir, you're going to talk to your father correct?" he asked, Severus nodded, giving him a smile Neville never saw his professor do nonetheless towards his direction, "I was wondering I can accompany you?" he asked hesitantly.
Severus blinked, "You want to speak to my father?" he asked surprised.
Neville blushed, "No, no well I would love to tell him he shouldn't fell guilty which I'm sure he does. Especially with Harry Potter actually being Hadrian Riddle, but I know that Bellatrix was Voldemorts faithful followers, so I'm assuming she would be at black manor as well" he said.
Severus sighed, "Neville, I-
The young man shook his head, "You misunderstand me sir, I don't have any negative emotions towards Bellatrix, when we received our memories my Grams, I found her crying and she explained the relationship my mother Alice had with Bella; they were like sister inseparable. Who ever did this to them, is unforgivable and I just, I want to make sure she's ok.", Neville licked his lips a fleeting look of hesitation pass his face, before determination. "Grams said that Bellatrix was my godmother, she's the only family I have part from Grams and I need her to know I don't hate her," he whispered.
Severus felt his heart contrast and his throat close up, "Neville" he whispered, "Your parents would be very proud of you today, of course I'd take you. I think your words would do her wonder" he said, "Lets tell Molly we're leaving" he said softly placing his arm around the boy, glad he didn't flinch away.
Walking back into the burrow he found the Weasley's and Granger speaking in hush tones "Professor, we want to speak to Harry" Ron said firmly, not backing down when his mother had jabbed his arm.
"Of course, just apparate with an adult, you know where my classroom is, inside I have a painting behind my desk, the password is Lily. Harry should be with Remus and Sirius" he said, then paused, "You all should know, that Remus and Sirius are my husbands to not have any sudden surprises" he said, the boys blinked surprise while the girls cheeks reddened at the new information that their professor not only was gay but had husbands.
After the initial shock had warn off Ron turned to his mother, "Can I go mum?" he asked pleading, Molly hesitated for a fraction; but she sighed and nodded opening her mouth to give him instructions however Ron had dragged Fred towards the door while George rolled his eyes taking a hold of Hermione and Ginny, then turned to Neville with a questioning look.
"Actually, Mr. Longbottom is coming with me, he would like to speak to Bellatrix" he explain, Molly eyes saddened and looked at Neville with proud eyes, when Augusta had appeared with Neville she was in tears not believing that the monster behind it all had made Alice friend of all people land her in the hospital permanently. George nodded and left, a few minutes later they heard the sounds of disapparating and silence.
"We'll return shortly Molly" he said taking a hold of Neville; she nodded smiling at them as they disappeared through the door.
Molly sat down, rubbing her temples with a long deafening sigh. This was the first of many long days ahead of them, but she was glad life had finally returned to normal. Looking towards the clock she made a mental note to discuss adding a selection of new hands; her family had no doubt grown.
*******LINE BREAK*******
Severus landed outside the gates of Black Manor the cloud that normally hung over the castle had disappeared as sun leaked through the clouds. He glanced at the boy beside him and felt saddened that Neville wouldn't have his parents all due to a stupid war Albus had created. Walking through the wards and through the iron gates that shimmered and disappeared with smoke, they arrived to the front door. Lucius greeting them, his grey eyes locking with Neville's blue ones in surprise.
"Mr. Longbottom" he drawled.
Neville bowed his head, "Mr. Malfoy" he whispered respectfully.
"Neville wanted to accompany me, to speak to Bellatrix" Severus said, Lucius looked at him sharply; a defensive worry in his eyes but his brother shook his head, "How is she?" he diverted the conversation; walking in, pulling Neville along.
Lucius sighed, "As you could imagine, Narcissa was able to calm her down enough to bath her and dress her up normally. She remains sobbing but her magic has decreased around the room," he answered then his eyes landed on the young boy, "I believe your visit could help her," he said.
Neville nodded, "May I see her sir?" he asked.
Lucius hesitated but sighed, "Draco" he called, Neville tensed when the blond boy appeared into the room, he was expecting a haughty reply as Draco eyes landed on his but all he received was a hesitant but warm smile, he walked over taking Neville's hand in his and pulled him over looking at his father questionably. "Could you take him to Aunt Bella" he said, Draco's eyes widened but returned to normal and nodded not questioning his father or Neville.
"Uncle Sev" he said softly, noticing his godfather standing beside his father; letting go of Neville's arm and giving a hug to the man he knew was in a lot of pain, his father had already explain what had happened in Hogwarts and was thrilled to know Severus and Harry's relationship was salvaged. Severus sighed his arms tightening around his godson. "I'm really sorry," he whispered.
"I know Dragon" Severus said tenderly, "I'm alright, thank you for understanding" he said placing a kiss on the boys blond hair. Draco nodded and let go retuning beside Neville, giving his father and Severus a nod he directed the boy to where his Aunt was.
The walk was silent and Neville was at loss on what to say; they continue to walk, Neville stealing glances over to Draco whose face was stoic voided of emotion. His memories were clear, but they didn't contain a lot of the Malfoys, he was thankful that he had some decent memories now of his parents, something he would hold dear to him. They stopped when they reached a door at the end of the hall, Neville's hair standing on end when he felt the current of the magic pulsing behind it. "Bellatrix?" he whispered breathlessly.
Draco sighed, "I don't know what you came for Longbottom, you have every right of course to be angry at my Aunt. Despite her memories being altered she was the person to cast the curse, she is the sole reason behind your parents condition" he said, "She's vulnerable, my mother told me if she hadn't taken her wand away, she would have killed herself. She won't listen to any of us, not even her husband." Draco sighed, "What ever you told my father or my godfather to convince them to let you come, I can't stop your true intentions." He said than sighed, "I'm sorry, for all the pain my family made you go through" he said, then walked away a muttered "Knock before you enter" behind his shoulder.
Neville blinked, surprised at Malfoys words but took a deep breath. He could feel the magic in the room. It was angry, lashing out violently. Building his courage he lifted his hand and knocked. He heard a sigh from behind and the door opened, appearing Malfoy's mother. She blinked surprised, a frown forming on her lips but she moved to the side her eyes admitting defeat. Neville realized Narcissa probably expected for him to lash out at her sister, bowing his head in acceptance he walked in.
No one else was in the room beside the figure in the center, he wouldn't have recognized who it was if he hadn't been told that they were able to bathe her and control her appearance. Bellatrix body was on her knees hunched over, as soft sobs escaped her body. Narcissa closed the door not leaving, as she walked back to where she was seated, since her memories returned she had went directly to her sister, knowing her life depended on it. She watched as the boy approached Bella, and she fought the urge to yell that he leave, didn't her sister suffer enough.
Neville felt his heart break at the gut-wrenching sobs that echoed the room. No one deserved to be in that much pain, it was correct that he didn't have much memoires of the Malfoys, of Draco, or Lucius but he had of the Blacks. Sirius would at times come to pick up his father for drinks with the other men and Bellatrix before she was married to Lestrange would stop by regularly, she would sit on the ground and play with him.
He remembered her.
He opened his mouth but closed it, doing that enough times to remember a gaping fish; before he sighed "Aunt Ella" he whispered, Bellatrix sobs hitched at his voice, but commenced harder, almost sensing him; sighing he stepped forward, "Aunty Ella, its me Neville, you taught me exploding snaps, even though mum thought it was too dangerous for a 4 year old" he began, no difference, biting the inside of his cheek he turned to the only other occupants who looked surprise, but Narcissa only encouraged him to continue. "I don't know how to take your pain away" he said softly tears threatening to spill, "It wasn't your fault, you weren't yourself nothing you could have done would have stopped it" he said, when Bellatrix continued to sob harder he fell to his knees.
Narcissa hand went up to cover her own sobs as she watched the one boy who could have hated Bellatrix with everything begin to cry.
"I don't have a lot of family, Dad was an only child, not that Grams didn't try on having more, and Mum, and well she was too. Grams is old, and I know even if she wont tell me that she's not in the age to be watching over a hormonal teenager like me." He looked down as tears feel onto his hands, he didn't know how much he needed her until he saw her so close to breaking, "I-I k-know your in a lot of pain Aunt Ella, and you feel guilty but mum wouldn't want you like this, I don't want you like this. I need you, I, you're the only family I've got part from Grams. I can't lose you not to this" he whispered.
He didn't know how long he remained like that but his body continued to shake, he had lost his parents. He didn't, he couldn't lose his godmother not when he had just gotten her. He didn't hear when the sobs in the room had only turned to his, or when Bellatrix had turned in her spot her face covered in tears but her eyes wide with love and surprise.
He didn't realize when shaking but strong arms wrapped around him and pulled him close, "I'm so sorry, Neville" Bellatrix whispered but held him tightly, she would never forgive herself entirely for what she did to Alice and Frank, but she could compensate by giving the boy in her arms the family he deserved, if he had her, her eyes met her sister and she smiled for the first time since she had received her memories.
FIN
That is all for now, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
What do you think of Bellatrix and Neville's probable Mother/Son bond?
Thank you for your time!
Adios!
