Lost and Found

Chapter twelve: Fall of the Bumblebee: Part Two

Authors notes: I don't own Harry Potter. If I did I wouldn't be writing psychology papers analyzing Severus Snape and coming up with what his Briggs Myers combination would be for college. I wouldn't need to pay to take a psychology class either because I would already be rich and wouldn't have to pay to make money.

kristy21 here's the update.

oXCrystelAngelXo can you pm me and tell me which parts are confusing so I can fix them? I want to make my work more readable. And it seems like I should start singing Britney Spears with my misspelling of the word minuet. "OPS I DID IT AGAIN!" But I don't think it was in this chapter. If it happens again call me on it though. I type this on my phone and I misspell it so much that it autocorrects from the correct spelling to misspelled. I could see another OC later on but not at this point in the story. I plan on making a sequel a bit further down the line when he's in a much happier situation as far as family goes, and maybe a brother and sister too. Severus and Sirius will happen in the next few chapters. I promise. I'm caught between wanting them to just get together already and not making them rush into it. Curse how long it takes to play matchmaker!

luxa28 I'll go back and edit it to make that more readable. I also added some other points of view to this chapter and the next, that I'm currently writing.

And then, the one thing more that could go wrong did. A very familiar voice screaming in a combination of rage and fear, "Get your hands off of my Dad!"

Sirius Black recognized that voice from the corridor as it echoed off the walls and made its way to the team of arours approaching the great hall. That was unmistakably Canan. A sudden surge of protectiveness courses through his whole body, and he feels his back arching and his lips curling up to bare his teeth as though he was in his animagus form protecting his pack. He had to protect Canan and he had to rescue Severus. Something had obviously gone wrong, but the next thing he heard had him flying down the hall as Padfoot. Severus' voice pleading with Dumbledore to, "Please, don't do anything to him! He's only a child!" The situation had to be bad in order for him to beg. Severus was too proud to do that.

Sirius burst through the door and ran straight for Albus as Canan stared down the headmaster's wand, his own pointed directly at Albus as he shouted a hex he had learned from the Weasely twins on the train. "Eat slugs!" The shock of being hexed by a nine year old, and by such an unpleasant hex at that, slowed him down long enough for Sirius to launch himself at Dumbledore, grabbing onto his wand hand, causing the old codger to drop it, and lose his grip on Severus as well, as the pain ripped through his arm. Even as Severus ran to Canan, knelt down and pulled him into his arms with his back to the commotion in an instinctive effort to protect and shield his baby, Sirius didn't let go.

Even as Dumbledore vomited slugs on him, Sirius kept his teeth firmly closed on the man's hand, shaking his arm when he tried to pull away. Until the man was in a holding cell at the ministry awaiting trial, he wouldn't relax. He wouldn't let those two out of his sight. It lasted all but 30 seconds before Allistor burst in, putting Albus in a full body bind, but this had been just as terrifying as finding the cottage in Godric's Hollow in ruins. He had already lost someone important in his life. At the time he thought it was two, but today he could have lost two more. Another auror quickly bound a very willing and cooperative Vincent Crabble, and Padfoot approached Severus and Canan, crouching low and baring his teeth at Dumbledore, who was spitting out slugs at a rather impressive rate as he was carried past them. It was quite the impressive hex. He would congratulate Canan when he was through being mad at him for being so reckless. The aurors begin processing the scene, the team Remus lead collecting testimonies as the team Sirius lead collected evidence.

When the werwolf walked in moments after Moody and saw Sirius biting down on Dumbledore's wand hand and Severus fiercely protecting a child from his house, he knew something had gone amiss, but when Sirius stood in front of them as Albus was lead away he was shocked. He knew when Sirius was released he went under the Fidelius charm with Harry, so he hadn't seen him, but he didn't think Azkaban would have changed Sirius enough to protect Snape. Their rivalry was about as legendary as the rivalry between their perspective houses. The only thing he could come up with was something had happened between them since he was released, and that would mean Severus had to have had contact with him while in hiding. So when Remus cast a cleaning charm on the animagus to clean the blood, he clears his throat and asks, "Will you kindly explain this to me Sirius?"

Sirius promptly changes forms once he's clean and wraps his arms around both Severus and Canan, ignoring Remus for now. "It's okay now. Your both Safe and neither one of you are in danger any more. I promise." He says, rocking the both of them back and forth comfortingly, kisses the top of both their heads, then he turns to Remus. "Let's get them somewhere private." He whispers, picking Canan up and balancing him on his hip and putting his free arm under Severus'. "Get his other side Remus. I think he's too upset to walk right now." Sirius barked, then turned to the students that hadn't managed to get out of the great hall who had been protected by Severus' patronus. "All of you clear away and take a seat at the Ravenclaw table. The aurors will take your testimony then join everyone else in the Hufflepuff dorms." The animagus ordered.

After everyone was out of the way, Sirius and Remus took Severus and Canan to an unused classroom as Severus was trying to stop shaking and catch his breath while fidgeting with his sleeves again, which hadn't gone unnoticed by Sirius. He also looked as though he wasn't acutely aware of what was going on around him. It reminded him of the time at the cottage when the glass broke. "Remus, I'll explain everything to you when I have Severus taken care of. He's just been through quite the ordeal. Can you keep an eye on his son?" Sirius asks, causing the werwolf to look at the child with surprise. Regardless, he understood why Severus looked to be having a panic attack much better now. He takes the shaking child from Sirius' hip and nods his head.

"And what's your name?" He asks, looking down at the boy. He was clearly still upset, but was in a much better state than Severus. "Canan Snape." He anawers, returning the look with keen observation. "Your a werewolf?" He asks, seeing the scars on his face and the streak of grey hair. He had, of course, been reading every book on anything he could from Hogwarts' extensive library. "Ahh. You certainly are Severus' child. Quite observant. Indeed I am. But I'm only dangerous_." Canan cut him off and finished for him. "On full moons when you haven't had wolvesbane potion." Remus smiles and pats him on his unruly hair, noticing he resembled someone else, but he couldn't put his finger on who. "Your quite bright for your age. Most students don't read about lycanthropy until their third year. But you don't look old enough to be in third year and Severus isn't old enough to have a child that old either. So tell me Canan, how old are you?" Remus asks, trying to keep the child talking since it seemed to be doing a great job of calming him down. "I'm nine years old. Almost ten." He answers. Remus was taken aback. Of course he knew Severus had a child 9 years ago, but his baby was kidnapped the day of his birth and had been presumed dead. Sirius would certainly have some explaining to do when he was done with Severus.

And speaking of Severus, he was in the back corner of the classroom with Sirius, who had an arm around him as they sat on the floor against the wall. Sirius was helping Severus regulate his breathing, telling him softly, "That's right. Nice, steady, deep breaths. Do you want some water? I can have Zannie bring you a glass." Sirius' soothing seemed to have some effect, although it was slow. At the suggestion of water Severus nods, finally making eye contact with him. "Okay. I'm summoning him now." Sirius warned so the sound of him apparating didn't shock him. "Zannie!" Sirius calls gently, absent mindedly rubbing Severus's shoulder. With a crack the elf pops into the room, taking in the scene. "Can you get a glass of water for Severus please?" He asks. Zannie nods his head. "Most yes certainly. I be getting master water. I be right back master." He says.

A crack and a pop later, the elf was standing before them with not only a glass of water, but a calming draught as well. "I be fetching this too. I thought it may be helping master." He explains, handing both to Sirius. "Thank you Zannie. Your a great elf. Can you go make sure his bed is ready in his quarters. I have a feeling he's going to be in need of a nap when I have him calmed down." The elf nods and apparaits to his quarters and gets his bed ready and when he's gone, Sirius turned to Severus, uncorking the vial. "Drink this for me." He says, holding it to his lips. Severus downs the potion in one swallow and Sirius held the glass to his lips, helping him sip the water until the shaking stopped.

"Want to tell me what happened?" Sirius asks, pulling Severus to rest against his shoulder in a gesture of comfort. Severus took a minute to collect his thoughts before responding. "Things didn't go as planned. Vincent Crabble did everything as planned. He came in, demanded more money from Dumbledore, everything that was specified in his plea bargain. What didn't go as planned was the students didn't evacuate in time. Dumbledore saw Crabble's nephew from his dearly departed sister and was planning on using him as a hostage. I saw what he was planning and didn't believe a simple shield charm would be enough against Albus and used the shield form of the patronus charm to protect all the students while they evacuated."

Sirius nodded. "That was good thinking. That way he couldn't use the students. What happened after that?" Severus takes a deep, shaky breath. "After that, he grabbed me by the neck and grabbed my hair with his wand hand. Then he told everyone to put their wands down and moved the hand in my hair to point his wand at my head. I could see the teachers were about to comply when I heard Canan. I was terrified Sirius. Not for myself, but for my son. He threatened Dumbledore! I thought I was going to watch my baby be murdered when I've only had 7 months with him. I thought I got my son back just to have him taken away." By this point the tears began again and he went to wipe them with his hands.

Sirius takes out a handkerchief and gently moves his hands, drying the tears with it, waiting for him to continue when he was ready. Severus took a deep breath and leans closer to Sirius, then continued. "I saw Canan and Dumbledore raise their wands, and I thought for sure he was going to die. I don't know if Dumbledore underestimated him because he's only 9, but by some miracle, Canan managed to hex him first. That's when you showed up and disarmed him with a bite, which made him release me. You saved my life and my son's." He says, now hugging the man to express his gratitude. "Thank you for saving Canan. In that moment, he was all I could think about. All I cared about was his safety, and you provided that when I couldn't. Now he better pray that he's ungrounded by the time he finishes Hogwarts for that display of foolish Griffindor behavior."

Sirius wraps his arms around him, returning the hug and says, "I'm just glad I got there when I did. Both of you have come to mean a lot to me. I know your upset that Canan did what he did, but I don't think he was entirely foolish. In fact, I think he was being more Slytherin than Griffindor. He takes after you after all. Not his other father. Your both incredibly smart and you came into our first year knowing more hexes than most seventh years. And Canan chose the perfect hex for the situation with the strength he cast it at. His emotions had to have been unbelievably strong since strength is directly tied to intent." Severus looks up at him from his position in the other man's arms. "What exactly are you getting at Sirius?" He demands. Sirius cracks a smile and says, "Canan chose the perfect hex because it kept Dumbledore from talking. He can't use spells, charms, curses or hexes if he can't talk, and even though the man has talent for non verbal spells, those require concentration. And I know from personal experience from a toss up in our school days that it's damn near impossible to concentrate when puking up slugs. Last time he visited the cottage I told him and Harry about the time you used that hex on me and I was puking up slugs so quickly that I couldn't talk or think about anything else. I think Canan remembered that, and knew Dumbledore wouldn't expect to be hexed by a nine year old, or to be taken out by such a simple hex. I think he wanted to help his Dad, and he was very successful." Severus smiles at that and says, "The Prince family always had quite the talent for hexes. It seems he got that from me too. I'm glad he used his head, but that doesn't change a thing. He's still grounded."

Sirius grins and helps him up. "Well I think it's about time to head back to your quarters. I believe classes have been dismissed for the next day or two while the issue of a new headmaster is being sorted out. You could use a nap, and after that we have a few things we need to talk about, and I'm sure Canan needs time with you right now as well." He says, helping Severus to his feet. "I think you're right but saying we need to talk makes me nervous." He says, still leaning against Sirius's shoulder with the other man's arm around him protectively. Sirius rubs his shoulder reassuringly and tells him, "It's nothing to worry about Sev. Now let's get to your quarters where you can ground Canan until he turns eighty-two and get rested up." He says, gesturing for Remus to follow. He would give him the explanation that he asked for when both Snape's were asleep. Moony nods and carries Canan, who had already fallen asleep, to Severus' quarters with Sirius. The child had cast one hell of a curse and Dumbledore had hardly enough time to breathe between slugs instead of the normal 1 slug every minuet or two.

When they were both tucked into Severus' bed and holding onto each other tightly, Sirius takes Remus to the one place where he knows nobody can listen. The room of requirements. When Sirius opened the door, there was a comfortable couch with a table in front of it. There was tea ready for them, along with biscuits and an assortment of chocolates. A ways away was a fireplace that warmed the room, and provided an overall cozy environment. When the two sat down on the couch the questions started.

"Sirius, what exactly is going on? I thought you hated Severus. But the two of you looked awfully close. And that child, he looks like Snape and someone else I can't put my finger on. Just who is he? And why were you so keen to protect them?" Sirius rolls his eyes at the string of questions. "Have some chocolate between questions. And give me a chance to answer them. For starts, I wouldn't have gotten out of Azkaban were it not for Severus and his son. Severus has been immeasurably helpful with Harry, who was treated unforgivably by the Dursleys. He's lived through it and so did his son before he was found alive in August. That child is the same one who had been kidnapped, and Severus brought him through it. I had no idea what I was doing and Snape and I put aside our differences to help Harry. We ended up becoming friends through our similar situations. I feel the strong urge to protect them because both him and his son have come to mean a lot to both Harry and I."

Remus, who had been eating some of the chocolates, pauses and takes a deep breath. "Sirius, you two looked like more than friends to me. How do you really feel about him?" After asking his question, Remus takes another bite of his chocolate, causing Sirius to roll his eyes. Just to annoy him, he waits to answer him, pouring himself a cup of tea and fixing it just the way he liked it, with a bit of milk and a spoonful of honey and just a splash of fire whiskey. After stirring it longer than necessary he grabs a biscuit with raspberry jam and dips it in his tea. After he takes a third bite of it, Remus looked agitated. "Sirius?" He asks.

Sirius takes a deep breath and begins to answer the question. "I'm falling for him Remus. But we both have kids to think about. If it didn't work out it would be heartbreaking for Harry and Canan. It wouldn't be right to separate them. Their brothers and if things went south between me and Severus they shouldn't have to suffer because of it." At that Remus drops the tea cup, and Sirius realizes what he had said. It was one of those profound 'oh shit!' moments. "I mean it would have been wrong to break up the marauders if our parents were dating and things went south. Their more than friends. Their brothers." He says quickly.

"Shove it Padfoot. You let something slip that you didn't intend to, and clearly it's not information Severus wants to spread around. He has James' eyes though. That's who else he resembles. I couldn't quite put my finger on it earlier, but I knew he looked like someone. It's curious though, I would have thought James would have been upset if his child went missing but he wasn't effected at all. I don't think he was in the dorms that night so he had to have been there for the birth. I don't understand how he wasn't beside himself with grief, or why he never told us he was going to be a dad." Remus sputters, the gears in his head starting to turn. Something about the situation didn't make sense to him. And Sirius knew he would have to explain.

"Severus confided a bit about their relationship to me over the time we've been friends. It wasn't what one would call healthy. He didn't treat Severus much better in private than he did in public. He was pretty physical with him and manipulated his emotions and how he thought of himself." Remus nods, asking him for clarification. "Sirius, are you saying James was abusive?" He asks. Sirius nods his head before continuing. "I wouldn't have believed it, but he had James' diary. I only read a few entries the day I got out of Azkaban, but I threw up when I read them. I've read a few more since then. He talked about having beaten the tar out of him, then telling him he was lucky that he had anyone to be with him even if he did beat him, because nobody would want him anyway. He eventually had Sev believing it. But the worst one was the day after his son was born. I didn't believe it when I read it, but James kidnapped the baby and left him in a trash can to die. But I cast three charms to determine who wrote it, and each one told me it was James. It was James who took that baby. He tried to kill his own son. I just can't look at the man like I used to. I can't remember him how he was."

Remus nods thoughtfully, thoroughly disturbed by the information, but something didn't make sense. "Sirius why did he let you read his diary if it contained such personal information about him?" At this point he was too disgusted to eat any more chocolate, and had instead, elected to have a shot of fire whiskey. Sirius has one as well before answering, "Because it's that diary that got me free. I was so angry that he had that diary for 7 years and never said a thing. I thought he knew and just let me suffer. But I was wrong. He couldn't read past the day he talked about leaving Canan in the garbage can. I hadn't believed he hadn't known until I read that. What actually happened was on Christmas Day, Canan opened it up thinking it was a potions journal to an entry about Peter and I switching places as secret keeper, and the first thing he did was contact Lucius, even though I treated him like shit in school. But he showed me the entries to show me why he had the journal, and why he hadn't picked it up in seven years. I'm surprised he didn't burn it."

Remus nods. "I suppose he may have used it to try to get closure, if not justice for his baby. He certainly is his father's son though. He recognized that I have Lycanthropy and wasn't afraid of me at all. He was only curious about it and wanted to hear about it from someone who actually had it. He even trusted me enough to fall asleep on me. Mind you he was magically exhausted. I'm guessing he's the one who hexed the head master. I wasn't there to see it, but I heard a child's voice. He's not only smart, but magically gifted as well. Severus must be so proud of him."

Sirius nods. "That child makes Severus so happy you wouldn't believe it. I'm sure he'll be grounded until he's thirty for being so reckless, but Severus is really proud of him. He's truly something else. He's nine years old, but his magical core is developed to that of an 11 year old and had to come to Hogwarts early. That's how he and Severus were reunited. Their both so remarkable, and I would love to have a bigger part in both their lives, and it would be great for him and Harry to be a real family, but I don't know what Severus wants and I don't want to ruin what we have if he's not interested in me." He says, grinning when he thought of him and Severus together as a proper couple, the boys able to be brothers, and even the thought of a younger sister and brother. It was a nice image, he had to admit. A family wasn't something he thought he wanted before Azkaban, but now, it was one of his greatest desires.

"Sirius he's interested. I saw the way he looked at you today. He more than fancies you. He adores you. You protected his son as though he were your own. From what I've read, when you love a single parent, and that parent's child as your own, it really enraptures their heart. It's hard for them to date because it's difficult for them to find someone who accepts both them and their child. What you did today proved to Severus that you care about Canan. That you care deeply. You put your life on the line to save not just Severus, but his son. He looked at you like a savior Sirius. Just talk to him. Ask him on a date where you can talk about what you each expect from the relationship and the effects it will have on both Canan and Harry. Figure out if it's something you both think is worth it, and go from there." Remus advises.

"Moony, when did you become the smart marauder?" Sirius asks. Remus just grins. "I've always been. The real question here is when did you start listening?" Sirius glares at him in response, grabbing the last piece of chocolate in retaliation.

Squirrel note: How long will Canan be grounded? Will Sirius finally ask Severus out? Why did Sirius want to talk to Severus? And how many grams of chocolate does Remus eat in a day? Find out next time on lost and found! Just let the rodent write a psychology paper first. Reviews will make it come quicker.