Snape Revealed Shorts, Story ONE:
Lost and Found
Part Nine: Maggie
AN: JK Rowling created most of these characters and the universe from which they hail…
Okay, we all knew this was coming. Even before I got pregnant I thought about writing a Snape and baby story. This takes place about 2 yrs after Severus arrives at Hogwarts to teach. He's had roughly 22 months to mourn for Lily and his involvement in her demise and has been having a very rough go of it. Some other tragic things have occurred as well since Lily's death that he's also trying to cope with.
(I'll be perfectly honest with you; I've forgotten a lot of what I wrote in part II and what I did write in part III of Severus Snape Revealed. I'm confused if I wrote things, or meant to, and don't have the time to go back to research. If I make a blatant mistake that goes against canon or against my own canon and someone calls me out on it, I'd really appreciate it, and I'll go back and correct it.)
I still have NO beta :-(
"Severus, what's to stop Homer from just taking the child again from the mother once you return him?" Dumbledore asked Severus later that evening. Severus sat in his quarters with Rhys on his lap, feeding him broccoli and carrots and watered-down apple juice.
"I'm going to tell her about Homer and our world. She must know her son may be a wizard. Just because he's shown no sign yet does not mean he's a Squib. Maybe he's just a late bloomer."
"True, but Homer could still try something, or his wicked mother. We need to protect this boy. We'll need that clever new charm placed on her house…when will you go?"
"Tomorrow, after classes."
"I can't go tomorrow evening, I have to be in London meeting with the Governors."
"I don't need you to accompany me Dumbledore. I can do this on my own."
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea…um, do babies eat broccoli?" Dumbledore asked while staring at the child in Severus's lap.
"This one does. Most babies are breastfed exclusively for at least two years, since I am minus two-breasts; he's getting that Muggle-crap and some broccoli."
"I see. I think I need to be present to explain to the young girl about our world. I'll need to warn her of Homer coming back and trying to take the child."
"I have that all covered Dumbledore. I told Lucius everything and he had his people at the Ministry get with their contacts with the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol in Yorkshire. They will be on the lookout for Homer and will place a safe charm on the house to keep Homer out. He should be brought up on charges but the mother needs to make that decision."
"I'm more diplomatic, I should be the one to tell her this, Severus. You tend to be…emotional."
"I'm not an emotional person! I don't wear my feelings on my sleeve!"
"Severus, you're being emotional."
"No, I'm being combative!"
"That's also being emotional. Please, let me accompany you. We should go tomorrow morning. I'll have Pomona assign your morning classes some research to do for her."
"But…but, I'm not ready to go in the morning…I have…I have all his belongings to pack up and he needs a bath and we're not done reading Goodnight Moon yet and…"
"Severus. I understand," Dumbledore said, reaching his hand out to place on Severus's shoulder. "I know you are attached. I know you would like to keep him…"
"No, he needs to be rid of me. No one I'm close to ends up well, you know that!"
"Well, tomorrow morning it is then."
"I'm just…I…I don't want…it's so soon," Severus said in a hushed voice. He stared down at the child who took Severus's thumb into his hands and inserted it into his mouth. He played and licked for a while and then bit down hard, so hard Severus wanted to shout in pain, but he just took a deep breath and clinched his eyes instead.
"Severus. No need to cry."
"I'm not crying," Severus mouthed through the pain. "He's biting me!"
"Oh, well, make him stop!"
"He's a sinister little fellow, and he likes my thumb as a teething-toy. Future Slytherin I'm sure."
"Well, I hope so," Dumbledore said in a soft tone. "We'll head to Yorkshire at nine."
"I hope Maggie isn't home," Severus said, not meaning to say it aloud.
"Mini, it's bad enough I've had this baby crying, I don't need you to cry too!" Severus snapped at the elf that ran into her cubby.
"I must do the packing!" she squealed and then slammed her door.
"I told you I want to do his packing," Severus shouted and then turned to Rhys who sat on his bed, chewing on the blue octopus he'd taken such a liking to. "Women can be so irrational, especially that one," he nearly whispered to the child who just giggled. "Elves are too highly emotional for me. They're supposed to be here to help you but then all they do is make you feel guilty for helping yourself. Listen to me boy, if you want something done right, you must do it yourself!
"I'm sorry you won't have a man around to teach ya stuff, but I didn't really and I turned out…well…pretty fuckin' shitty actually. I'm so glad you don't understand the English language or I'd be in serious trouble. Maybe your mummy will marry a nice Muggle bloke, or who knows, perhaps a good wizard someday and you could have a daddy," Severus said as the boy just chewed on the octopus and smiled every so often.
Severus sat down on the bed next to the boy and patted him on top of his blond head. His bag was packed and Rhys seemed full of energy at ten at night. The boy was so cute and so innocent. Everything in the world was new to him. He wanted to touch everything and take things apart and bang things against the floor. Occasionally the boy would sigh, or coo, or hiccup. Severus just sat and watched him, and his gorgeous greenish eyes, similar to someone else's eyes, someone he knew in his past.
"Shitty!" Rhys erupted out of nowhere.
"Oh fuck," Severus said and then sat straight up. "No, that's an adult word, we don't say that Rhys."
"Shitty, shitty, shitty!" Rhys said while wearing a massive smile, so large it exposed all of his teeth. "Uck!"
"Damn-it, I mean, shucks! Stop, don't say 'uck' or that other word!"
"Daddddaaaaaa, duhhhh, mmmaaaaa-shit! Cheeeit! Chit! Muck!"
"Merlin help me," Severus said, laying down on the bed and staring up at his ceiling. "No we say nice things like Dada and Maaaa, and….Baaa….and…"
"Shitty! Chit! Muck! Duck! Thuck!"
"Poet laureate here. Keep that up and aside from your looks people will think you're my child with a potty-mouth like that."
"Muck! Shi-thhh!"
"Kiss your mummy with that mouth?" Severus asked. The boy leaned closer and wrapped his arms around Severus's shoulders, as if he were giving a hug. Severus suddenly felt warm and scared and happy all at the same time, until he felt the clinch of sharp teeth upon his hooked nose. "Ouch!" he yelped as the baby bit his nose. "Rhys!" Severus said and then smiled.
"Ma! Mmmmma! Schhhhh-ithhhh."
"Okay, enough of that. Enough potty-talk. I can't believe you're going home tomorrow morning. I'm sure you miss your mummy, don't you?" he asked. He picked up the child and sat him on his belly as he lay down on his bed. The baby coo'd and played with his blue octopus and smiled at Severus. "You belong with your mummy."
A moment later a parchment flew into the room from Severus's fireplace. He hated that Lucius charmed his letters to follow Severus into any room of his quarters or office he happened to be in.
"Aw shit…open," Severus said aloud.
"Severus,
It will interest you to know that Magical Law Enforcement spoke to the Muggle law enforcement in Yorkshire and they informed me that the mother did indeed go to the Muggle police regarding her missing child. She told the police that the father stopped by and never returned. The Muggle police have been searching for Homer but since he never told her about our world or any other information; they may as well be looking for a ghost. Since the mother is searching for her child, I'm sure this means she has a strong affection for him and returning him tomorrow is the best move for you to make. Personally I think the child belongs in our world if he is a wizard, but otherwise, a loving home with a caring mother is probably best for him. I'm sure she'll be delighted to see you and Rhys tomorrow. I can only imagine what she may be going through. If Draco just vanished, I'd be beside myself with worry. Message me sometime after you return him.
Lucius"
The letter then folded itself up and placed itself down on the night stand next to Severus, who fought back a tear. The baby was beginning to rub his eyes and was crying softly. Severus reached for him and pulled him down into his arms. He held him tight and let the baby cry for a few moments before it appeared he was drifting off to sleep.
"See Rhys, your mummy loves you very much and she's very worried. She wants to see you so badly," Severus said, before closing his eyes as well.
The next morning Severus had Rhys's bag packed and carried him via the Floo into Dumbledore's office. Once in the office, Severus put Rhys on the ground near the fireplace and placed his bag on the sofa closest to Dumbledore's desk. A moment later, Dumbledore entered the room, wearing of all things, Muggle clothes.
"Why are you…"
"Dressed like this? I think it'll be easier on Miss Maggie to see me dressed like someone familiar. Don't feel out of place, your attire is fine, this way you look more like a wizard, to help her understand of course."
"I see. Well I had no Muggle clothes for Rhys, he's just in a green gown and…"
"I'm sure Maggie won't mind what her beloved son is wearing Severus," Dumbledore said softly, approaching Severus and the boy, who had used a small end table as a means to stand up. "Magical Law Enforcement Agent Brody will meet us to explain the charms to her. I'm sure she'll be astounded."
"I know my father was when he found out mum was a witch, and I was a wizard. Astounded isn't really an appropriate word, pissed-off better sums up his emotions."
"I know, Severus."
"No, you don't. I think it should be forbidden to interbreed with Muggles, look at the hassle it causes. What's the point of us being in hiding if we just breed with each other all the time? Look what it did to me and my family?"
"Not all families are like yours."
"Oh? They can't tell their spouse the truth about their wizarding abilities until after the marriage, which means the marriage is based on a lie. How is anything based on a lie a good thing? Rhys was conceived on a lie and look at the trouble it's caused him and poor Maggie!" Severus stated bluntly.
"Tom thought interbreeding was a bad idea too…"
"He was right about that! Look at him! Look what lies and deceit did to him! He nearly destroyed our world due to this!"
"There's no time for a philosophical debate about love…"
"Love, who said anything about love? I'm pretty sure Homer was motivated by lust and lust alone. The Dark Lord's father too probably. Those potions never work."
"Very well, Severus. We'll discuss this later. Now I see Rhys is all ready to go. We should Floo to Diagon Alley now," Dumbledore said. Severus looked over at Rhys who used one hand to hold on the sofa. He was standing up and reaching toward the nearby table, where a book atop it seemed to capture his interest. He continued to outstretch his arm as he slowly put one foot in front of the other. Severus sat, captivated, and stared at the boy who had wonderment blazing from his greenish-golden eyes.
"Severus," Dumbledore spoke, but Severus ignored him. Severus reached his arms out towards Rhys, and urged him to take a step.
"You want this pretty purple book?" Severus asked, inching himself closer to the book so it was right next to him. "Come get it if you want it," Severus spoke in a soft tone. The boy stared at Severus, and then back to the book, as if it were begging him to come and touch it. Severus could see Rhys's mind wanting so very badly to move closer to the book, but it seemed his legs wanted to just stay put.
Rhys bent his knees slightly and then leaned back with his hand that was on the sofa. The book was enticing, but perhaps not enough. Rhys stared at Severus for five seconds and then smiled. He looked back to the book and again outstretched his hand. He cruised as far from the sofa as he could without letting go, so far only his finger remained touching the sofa.
"Come get this book, this book on," Severus said and then turned to see what the book was titled, "The World's Most Fit Wizards…The World's Most Fit Wizards? Really?" he asked, looking back at Dumbledore in amazement.
"It's very interesting. Did you know Merwyn the Malicious was capable of lifting an entire horse, just using his sheer non-magical strength? If they'd had The Strongest Wizard contest back then, he'd won."
"You leave this rubbish out?"
"No, I was reading it last night and forgot about it, I'll just uh, take it," Dumbledore said, approaching the table. Just as he did, Rhys let go of the sofa and stood on his own two feet, albeit a tad wobbly. He continued to smile. Slowly he put one foot in front of the other and almost fell into Severus's outreached arms, but not before taking two clearly defined steps.
"You did it!" Severus smiled, as he hugged the boy who began to giggle. "You walked! Yes you did!" he spoke. "But you don't want that rubbish book, do you?"
"Daddddaaaa!" Rhys shouted and then squealed.
"Okay, okay, take the book! Just don't open it!" Severus said, handing the boy his prize. Rhys smiled and grabbed the book. He then proceeded to smash it against the table many, many times, must to Severus's delight. "Yes, that's about all that book is good for."
"Severus, it's a book on fitness! Come on, we must go. Agent Brody is waiting for us."
"Merlin forbid Agent Brody is made to wait," Severus spoke with sarcasm. He scooped Rhys up in his arms and grabbed his bag and followed Dumbledore to the Floo.
Moments later the trio were in Diagon, getting ready to Floo to the Magical Law Enforcement Offices in Yorkshire. Severus squeezed Rhys tightly, knowing he'd not get to hold him for much longer. Rhys yanked on Severus's long locks very hard, causing a great deal of pain. Severus just let him do it, as telling him no often caused Rhys to cry.
"Is he pulling your hair?"
"Yeah let's just get on with it," Severus said in a very irritated tone. Moments later they were in the tiny office where a Muggle clad Agent Brody was waiting for them. His Muggle attire wasn't very good. It was dated like Dumbledore's. It appeared the two had not shopped for Muggle clothes since before the second great war the Muggles fought over thirty years ago.
"You are late," the short and chubby man with short, strawberry hair spoke as he sipped coffee from a mug that had the Gryffindor insignia on it.
"Sorry old friend, the baby decided to take his first steps and we had to bear witness."
"Yeah, Dumbledore, babies do that. So, this is him then?" he asked, staring at Severus with some disdain.
"Yes, this is Professor Snape; he's been caring for the boy…"
"Awful young to be a Professor, ain't ya?"
"Ain't isn't a word," Severus spoke in his most proper Lucius Malfoy fake accent.
"Smart ass huh? Typical. Fella as young as you must be some kind of a prodigy…"
"Oh that he is. He's one of the smartest and most talented wizards to come out of Hogwarts in many, many years," Dumbledore praised, much to Severus's surprise. Severus stared at Dumbledore for a moment and got the impression he was speaking from the heart. "I'm so lucky he came to work at Hogwarts, I never thought he'd agree to my pleas. If you'll excuse me, I need to speak to Agent Whorton for a moment," Dumbledore said, smiling and then walking away.
"So. Potions huh?"
"Something like that."
"Never was my strong suit. More of the Defense kind of guy."
"Never would have guessed it."
"Quidditch too. I was Captain."
"Of course you were."
"Guess you was in Ravenclaw then?"
"Slytherin."
"Oh," he said, looking a bit miffed. "Well, that's okay."
"Thanks, I'm so glad you approve."
"I don't approve. That He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named arse was from that shite House. The lot of ya should be ashamed of that House. What the hell kind of pureblood name is Snape anyway?" he asked as Dumbledore re-entered the room. Then Brody leaned in to whisper in Severus's ear. "Ya know what they say? Those who can't…teach."
"Go get a donut you wanker and fuck off," Severus said and then smiled at the man.
"Something wrong Severus?" Dumbledore asked.
"No, nothing, why do you ask?" Severus replied, as Dumbledore gave him a reassuring smile.
"Let's get going then. Does Maggie live far?" Dumbledore asked Agent Brody.
"No, Miss Grunt lives about one mile away."
"Severus, do you feel at ease Apparating with a baby?" Dumbledore asked.
"I've done it before," Severus replied. As he walked by Brody's desk he made certain to slam into it accidently-on-purpose so that his mug of coffee fell to the floor and shattered into tiny bits. "Ooops."
A moment later Severus stood in a part of town that reminded him of a nicer Spinner's End. He'd never spent a lot of time in Yorkshire, but judging from Brody's accent, he hailed from there. The countryside nearby was lovely and the row houses were well kept, but looked to be very old. He saw some Muggle youths walking across the road and they looked to be very tough and menacing, the type that would bully a smaller kid. The kind of youths he detested.
Miss Grunt's house was an end unit, with a very lovely garden in the front. They had yellow and orange mums and many, many garden gnomes. One gnome in particular wore a hat with the Union Jack painted on it.
"Look Rhys, this is your home. And that's your gnome…ha, that rhymes." Severus said with a smile. The boy clung tightly to Severus and began to gnaw on his finger. A moment later the boy began to tug at his own blond hair, a sign he was stressed. "Shhh, there-there wee one, it's okay. No one will harm you."
"Daaaaa-dd-duhhh," the boy whined and then rubbed his eyes.
"Severus, are you ready?" Dumbledore asked, placing his hand on Severus's shoulder.
"What's he got to be ready for?" Brody interrupted.
"Let's get this over with, it's close to his nap time," Severus replied and then glared at Brody. Severus opened the front gate and began to approach the house.
"You placed charms on the home already?" Dumbledore asked Agent Brody.
"We had some bloke from London do it. It's some kind of special charm, that will only keep that bloke who's the father and his mum out…we and other wizards can enter."
"Impressive charm…so new and it comes in handy in situations like…" Dumbledore replied.
"That's called a Lucius Malfoy special. He invented that kind of charm, remember? He had it patented last year," Severus spoke.
"You know him?" Brody asked, but Severus ignored him. "That charm is sheer genius."
"He can be, from time to time, but don't tell him or his head will get even bigger," Severus said as Dumbledore smiled ever so slightly. Severus knocked at the door and prayed to whichever deity was on duty that day that no one answered. Sadly, he heard footsteps coming from inside. His heart was racing and he embraced Rhys even closer and gave him a kiss on the forehead before the door opened.
A young girl, the girl Severus saw in Rhys's mind opened the door. Her mouth was dropped, but only for a moment, within a few seconds she was smiling and reached for her long-lost baby.
"Rupert?" she squealed. Severus, Brody and Dumbledore all turned to look behind him for this Rupert fellow, only to quickly realize…Rupert was Rhys's name.
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