Chapter 92: Smoke and Mirrors
{A/N: Here's Another Update...Sorry for the delay meant to upload sooner but was exhausted from work}
My Thanks To All My Readers And Reviewers...Enjoy-S.S
{"I want a normal life...Just like a newborn child...I am a lover-hater...I am an instigator...You are an oversight...Don't try to compromise...I learn to love to hate it...I am not integrated...Just call my name...You'll be okay...Your scream is burning through my veins...Sooner or later...You're gonna hate it...Go ahead and throw your life away...Driving me under...Leaving me out there...Go ahead and throw your life away..."} Sooner Or Later, Breaking Benjamin
Hogs' Head Inn,Hogsmeade Village, Wizarding World...
Everything seem to calm down for a while as Phaeron enjoyed his time away from Hogwarts with his best mates. This mind drifted back to Ursula Black every now and again but he seemed to be able to get passed it. The young raven haired wizard found himself being drawn to Hogs Head Inn. It had been a rather curious looking place that all the other students seem to avoid in favor of The Three Broomsticks Inn. Phaeron entered the heavy door and found the place had been slightly packed. He stepped inside and found himself looking face to face with Aberforth Dumbledore, estranged brother of Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. The raven haired Slytherin took in the large wizard's appearance noting how much the brother's resembled each other when it came to height and long unkempt gray/white hair and beards.
Of course Aberforth had been much more harsh looking in appearance than Dumbledore but they had the same unnerving eyes that often suggested a darker purpose. The young Slytherin could see the older wizard's pale lips curl in disgust at the sight of him. It didn't take much to note the man had harbored ill feelings toward his father.
"What the hell do you want boy?" he asked in a gruff tone his eyes flashing a hint of recognition.
"J-Just came to see what this place was all about." replied Phaeron. "I-I was told my father frequented this place when I was younger and I guess I've been curious about it ever since."
Aberforth rolled his eyes.
"Yeah your old man use to visit a lot...but then again so did all the no good death eaters." he replied in a gruff tone.
Phaeron showed no sign of distress at the mention of his father being a death eater.
"So you know?" asked Aberforth still gruff in his speech.
"If you are referring to my father's past as a death eater?" said Phaeron unaffected. "I've known since I was very young."
"Who said anything about it being a past?" asked Aberforth narrowing his blue eyes at the young raven haired wizard. "Once a death eater always a death eater."
Phaeron wasn't in the least bit effected by the older wizard's obviously anti-social persona.
"Listen old man...you are going to have to do better than that if you think you're going to get under my skin." he said. "I've been a Snape since birth and that comes with resembling my father and being around all his former victims."
Aberforth nodded finding a shred of respect for the younger wizard.
"Alright kid." he bellowed out. "What can I get you?"
"Butter-beer if you've got it." replied Phaeron taking a seat at the bar.
The other patrons kept to themselves though the collective whispers filled the Inn as they each took a look at the younger Snape.
Aberforth gave Phaeron his butter beer, sliding it toward him and watching as the boy caught it before turning his attention to cleaning off the dusty counter top.
"So what is it about my father that rattles you so?" he asked.
Aberforth glared at Phaeron as he continued to wipe off the counter top.
The Woods, Hogsmeade Village, Wizarding World...
Bellatrix LeStrange had already been watching by the time Phaeron Snape entered Hogs Head Inn. A wicked smile filed across her pale face as she waved her wand and changed her appearance. Once she stepped out into the path toward Hogsmeade Village, she had completed the transformation into Ursula Black. Her chaotic dark eyes lit up as she made her way inside the death eater frequented Inn. All eyes fell on her briefly as she made her way up toward the bar and placed a hand full of galleons it. This had gotten Aberforth's attention and he came strolling up from the end of the bar where he had been cleaning.
"How long's the stay?" he asked taking in the sight of the coins on the bars counter top.
"Long enough." replied Ursula.
Aberforth studied the young witch for a moment. Her chaotic dark eyes and unruly hair in curls had gotten his attention in much the way Phaeron's appearance did.
"I take it you're some kin to Bellatrix." he bellowed.
"And I take it you should mind your own business." said Ursula getting a bit testy.
Aberforth grumbled and took the coin and reached below the counter for the key to her room.
Phaeron finished off his butter-beer and turned his attention to the young testy witch that had entered the Inn. He had not thought in a million years he'd get the chance to see Ursula again after what happened at Hogwarts. He assumed that she would find some place that appreciated her talents in magic and common sense.
"Urs." said Phaeron getting up from his seat and walking over toward her.
Ursula turned her attention to Phaeron as a ghost of a smile formed on her face.
She took the key to her room from Aberforth how had been looking back n forth between them and shook his head. It baffled him that the son of Severus Snape had affection for the apparent relative of Bellatrix LeStrange. He wondered if either of the magically gifted youths knew the tumultuous history between Snape and Bellatrix whom frequented this place themselves during their time as death eaters.
The older wizard decided he was just going to see how this all played out and continued to watch them quietly pretending to clean the counter top again.
Ursula grabbed Phaeron by the arm and lead him up toward her room.
Aberforth shook his head. He wondered briefly if the boy had known the room she had just paid for was indeed the same room where Snape had brought Hermione Granger after she had been attacked during the second wizarding war.
As he pulled himself out of his thoughts, the door opened and several other young Slytherin students made their way inside. One he recognized off the bat his lengthy platinum blond hair and flickering gray eyes had been a dead give away.
Another Malfoy.
Hopefully, he would not be as bad as Lucius Malfoy. His wild parties in this place were often the stuff of nightmares whenever Aberforth had to clean up after them.
"What do you want boy?" asked Aberforth in a gruff tone, turning his attention to the younger Malfoy.
Knockturn Alley, Wizarding World...
By the time Severus Snape apparated to Knockturn Alley, it had been pretty late. He had not wanted to give Hermione cause for worry and him venturing into Knockturn Alley of all places would have definitely given the pregnant witch cause for worry. Snape had been careful to change into his trademark ebony attire. He made his way down the familiar part of the alley and knocked on the door to an old brothel. The door opened and Snape was greeted by a familiar face. The woman running the establishment had known him for quite some time and often expected to see him come by for a visit.
"Hello Severus." she said with a pleasant smile. "Come by for the usual?"
"Y-Yes." replied Snape not truly comfortable speaking with her in the open.
His obsidian eyes searched the area for prying eyes. Most of the people who frequented Knockturn Alley had been there tried their best to remain discrete. He was ushered into the brothel and lead into the very back room. As the door closed behind him, he had not time to notice Harry Potter watching from beneath his invisibility cloak.
Potter made it a point to leave before Snape spotted him. He couldn't believe that Snape had the audacity to cheat on Hermione after all she had done for him. Not to mention all the hell she had given Harry himself for nearly killing the despicable wizard. He apparated as quickly as possible wishing to get as far away from Snape as he could.
Inside...
Snape had not liked venturing to this part of the wizarding world. It always made him feel extra uncomfortable but this was the only place where he could meet with Master Phaeron and get the potion he needed. His old master rented out a room in the back of the brothel where he stayed undisturbed by the masses. Snape couldn't think of a better place to hide, as this was surely the last place anyone would suspect the old master to be. The workers keep away in exchange for master level potions and he pays for room and board with his less than savory supplies.
"Back again I see." said the old master glaring at Snape behind aged dark eyes.
Snape bowed respectfully to Master Phaeron.
"I need a couple more phials." he said serious.
The old Potions Master sighed as he looked Snape over.
"I know not what else to do for you." he said. "I have given you the strongest brews possible."
Snape met his eyes.
"I understand that Master." he replied with all the respectfulness of a good mannered boy addressing an elder man.
"Severus how many times have we been through this...you are no longer my student...but a master in your own right." replied Master Phaeron. "You are free to use my name as I have been to use yours."
"Forgive me." said Snape. "I only wish to distinguish your name from my son's."
Master Phaeron smiled fondly.
"And how is my brilliant little namesake?" he asked pleased. "It was quite an honor you bestowed upon me in that regard, Master Severus."
"Phaeron is doing well." replied Snape honestly. "He seems to be adjusting to life at Hogwarts since the truth had come out about Potter's actions during the second wizarding war."
Master Phaeron nodded.
"And what of your actions former apprentice of mine?" asked The old master. "Does he know what you've done?"
"My son has known since his birth about what it was that I've done." replied Snape. "He feels no shame regarding my actions."
Master Phaeron continued to smile fondly.
"Dare I say that boy thinks the world of you." he said recalling Phaeron in his early years at Hogwarts.
"I am aware of that." replied Snape. "I need the potion Master Phaeron...It's the only way I can care for my family."
The older wizard seemed to take pity on Snape.
"As you wish Master Severus." he replied. "But I warn you...do not exceed the dosage or the potion shall be rendered useless to you."
"I understand." replied Snape. "T-Thank you...Master Phaeron."
Master Phaeron sighed rather sorrowfully.
"This is not a cure." he said. "Though I wish it were...you and your family have been through quite enough."
The Potions Master watched as his mentor ventured into the magically altered back room where he kept his Potions and ingredients. The older wizard returned as quickly as he had left with two black phials tucked into his trembling hands. He looked Snape in the eyes and sighed.
"Such a waste." he said. "You were always a good apprentice Severus...I was shocked to hear that you might have been lost during the war...but to hear what you must endure now..."
"Thanks old man." replied Snape more at ease with the potions in his possession. "You were the only real teacher I've ever had."
The older wizard suddenly fell silent as he touched Snape's shoulder. His dark eyes seemed to zone out of focus as he stood without making a noise. Snape stood as still as he could manage. Master Phaeron suddenly started to radiate a white beam of magic from each of his palms. He gently tapped Snape in his ebony clad chest with his glowing hands.
The younger Potions Master suddenly felt the overwhelming sensation of nausea.
Master Phaeron tapped him harder about the chest and suddenly the trance broke. He looked into Snape's eyes. His own had been filled with worry.
"It's amazing you can still function." he remarked astonished.
"The Potion helps." replied Snape trying to reassure the older wizard. "And so does knowing my family needs me."
Master Phaeron patted Snape on the shoulder.
"Why don't you confide in your wife." he said concerned.
"This is stress she doesn't need in her current condition." said Snape bluntly.
The older master shook his head.
"What condition could she possibly be in where this news would cause harm to her health?" he asked.
"She's pregnant." replied Snape.
The older Potions Master's eyes widened.
"Another Snape?" he said with a smile.
"Indeed." replied Snape with a hint of pride. "I promised my wife long ago that we would have as many children as she wanted."
"I see." replied the older Potions Master "Well in that case Master Severus, I wish you happiness in whatever time you have with them."
"I wish you well also Master Phaeron." said Snape. "Thank you again."
With that Snape left the brothel and apparated for home. He did not doubt that Hermione had been waiting for him. He had not wanted to worry her further.
Hog's Head Inn, Hogsmeade Village, Wizarding World...
Phaeron looked over a sleeping Ursula. They had not gotten around to talking much since she lead him up to her room. It seemed teens did less talking the older they got and the more their hormones lead them around. Phaeron found that he had been no exception in this regard as soon as the young fiery witch closed and warded the door. She took off her top and the rest was one big whirl of sweat tangled bliss. He had been so caught up in their act that he had forgotten he was suppose to make it back to Hogwarts before supper. He had only a few minutes left before they sent out a search party with him not being on school grounds.
He ran his hand across her exposed pale cheek and kissed her rather softly on the lips.
"I love you." he whispered noting her sleeping face.
Ursula didn't move nor did she make a sound to indicate that she had heard anything he said.
The raven haired wizard finished dressing and walked out the wards fell back in place as he made his way down the stairs and out the door without a second glance in Aberforth's direction. The elder wizard simply shook his head. Like father, like son apparently.
Upstairs...
Bellartrix smirked as she sat up in bed. The cream colored sheets falling loosely from her naked body as she replayed the younger Snape's heart felt declaration in her mind. It was quite amusing that the son of her most hated rival and former lover had fallen head over heels in love with her. She had been rather impressed with her handy work thus far but her plan was far from being executed. She just needed to push the envelope a bit before she could rightly take her revenge. Phaeron Snape had been a rather sweet boy and all to naive for a Slytherin. He lacked the bitterness that made his father such a formidable and intelligent wizard.
"Soon." said Bella grinning to herself. "Snape and the Mudblood bitch he married will lose their precious little boy..."
The Great Hall ,Hogwarts Castle, Wizarding World...
Phaeron had managed to make it to the Great Hall in time to avoid suspicion. He took his place at the Slytherin table where Scorpius was giving him curious looks.
"Welcome back Phaeron." said Ziare in a low voice.
"Indeed." said Scorpius staring at his god-uncle. "What took you so long?"
Phaeron said nothing as he went about eating his meal. His thoughts drifted back to Ursula and a ghost of a smile filed across his sallow pale face.
Albus Severus watched him briefly with an arched eyebrow in the style of the former Potions Professor.
"Don't ask." said Scorpius shaking his head.
The Snape Residence, Muggle London, England...
Snape arrived home later than he planned but he had gotten what he needed. As he thought Hermione had been awake watching the door in the sitting room. She had been more than a little upset with him for missing supper with Sidney. He had guessed that she had put him down for bed after supper. The rest of the house had been darkened and quiet. He had managed to change back into his suit before he reached the flat lest Hermione become overly suspicious.
"Where have you been?" asked Hermione with a voice full of concern.
"I went to visit an old friend." he replied not bothering to explain any further.
"It took you six hours to visit with a friend?" asked Hermione skeptical.
"He's been trying to stay out of the lime light." said Snape taking off his tie and jacket.
He threw them on the sofa and smiled at Hermione who had been doing her best to pout. He took her hand and kissed it fondly. She rolled her eyes wishing she could stay angry. In the past he was able to spontaneously lift her off her feet and carry her into the bedroom. He backed her toward the sofa where she sat down and he immediately dropped down to his knees before her.
"I've been on my best behavior." he told her truthfully. "I just needed to see Master Phaeron."
Hermione sighed relinquishing her rage as her husband began to massage her swollen feet. She had not liked this phase of pregnancy where her ankles and feet swell and she felt like a weighty cow.
"Stop that." said Snape knowing all too well what had been running through his young wife's mind. "I love you and you know it witch."
Hermione tried her best to block him out of her mind but he had been far better at this than her.
"Git." she said annoyed.
Snape smirked knowing he had won half the battle as he continued to massage her feet. She began to loosen up and rested her head back against the sofa. He continued his work knowing it would be a matter of time before her anger dissipated.
"Insufferable know it all." he said with a small smile.
Before Hermione could saw anything more Snape had convinced her to join him as he lead her to the bedroom by her hand. Which he kissed methodically. He kicked the door closed and focused the rest of his attention on reassuring his pregnant wife of her appeal in his eyes. Neither of them had been wise to the situation pertaining to their elder son and the deranged likes of Bellatrix LeStrange.