Prologue: Part II

Marauder era; 5th year

"Do you ever sleep?"

Severus looked up from his tome, at the sleepy brunette, Ella Smith.

"I'll sleep after I finish this chapter," Severus answered curtly. Normally, Severus wouldn't have answered such question, but Ella was a friend.

"Sev, dear, you don't have time to sleep," Ella said, slumping beside Severus, on the couch of the Slytherin common room. "Another hour and we have classes."

"What?" Severus looked up, shocked. His eyes darted towards the windows. There was a hint of red in the sky.

Ella smiled at the black haired Slytherin. How much he loved books and Potions! "You are way ahead of the class in Potions. How much more you want?"

"Ella, I love reading and experimenting with Potions," Severus answered, closing his book.

"What are you working on?" Ella asked straight forward.

"What do you mean?" Severus asked, narrowing his eyes at the brunette.

"It's quite clear you are working on some potion," Ella said, getting up, "I would advise you not to burn yourself out and to keep the notes secure." With that Ella left the common room.

Severus relaxed on the couch. Of course, Ella would have an idea that Severus was working on some potion, but what, he wouldn't tell her, nor will she force him to. Lily would be the first to know. It was Severus' dream to brew a potion which could yield different results with different incantations and have the potency matching wizard's prowess. It was obviously a dark potion since its major ingredient was blood. He had not achieved much success till now but he wasn't expecting much. Even getting the notes was a breakthrough.

Severus was sure to brew the potion one day. And then he would tell Lily of his accomplishment. Lily … how he loved her, her thirst for knowledge, her excitement when presented with a challenge, her appreciation of his knowledge, his potion skills, her eyes when they smiled at him.

Severus smiled at the thought of the red haired Gryffindor.

He loved Lily … and, of course, Potions.

Marauder era; 7th year

"Will you marry me, Lily?" James asked, kneeling and holding out a ring.

"I-you--" Lily stammered, tears pouring out of her eyes. "Y-yes. YES!"

James stood up and punched the air in jubilation.

Oblivious to the happy couple, a black haired Slytherin was watching them with a sad smile. If only he had not ruined his friendship with Lily, he might have been there, jumping, punching the air and celebrating.

May 1980

Severus was leaning against a wall, breathing heavily. His mind was working frantically. What was it he had just heard? Was it a real prophecy? Was it true?

Whatever it was, Dark Lord will like to know of it. After all, Dumbledore also knows of it. Yes, he will tell his Master. Dark Lord will be pleased … pleased with Severus. Severus will rise to become a Death Eater now … in the real sense. Not a Potion Master, even if brilliant. He will awarded power, fame and recognition; something he had craved for since his childhood and something he deserved. He will show Lily what he was worthy of.

If only he himself knew…

August 1980

Harry Potter

The name was echoing in Severus' mind. How could he, Severus, do this? He always thought meticulously about everything. Why, in the name of Merlin, he failed this time? How could he not see this coming?

Agreed, it was not possible for Severus to know that Dark Lord will pinpoint Harry Potter as the chosen one. But, still it was Severus' fault that now Lily's life was now in danger. Even though Dark Lord had agreed to spare Lily's life, Severus knew better. No way Dark Lord was going to leave Lily if she insisted on saving Harry's life. And knowing Lily, she would.

He needed to do something, to protect Lily, to ensure she was out of harm's way. And fast…

Dumbledore!

Taking a quick decision, Severus left his house to meet Albus Dumbledore, his ex-professor and would-be saviour of his love.

31 October, 1981

"My Lord," Bellatrix whispered reverentially, kneeling in front of Dark Lord.

"Bellatrix," the cold voice echoed through out the hall. "Attack the Longbottoms tonight. They are becoming a menace. Get rid of them."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Take Dolohov and Severus with you."

"Severus, my Lord?"

"He has proved his worth and should be given a chance."

"As you say, my Lord," Bellatrix replied and with a final bow, left the hall.

Voldemort twirled his wand between his fingers. Tonight he will rise to ultimate supremacy.

It was moonless and starless night. Cold wind was blowing in Severus' face. It was eerily silent in this part of the city and Severus was on his first mission ever. However, this was not the reason Severus was feeling edgy. In any case, he was a Slytherin and Slytherins don't feel nervous … or they don't show it.

The reason behind Severus' agitation was his intuition, that was constantly telling him that something was about to happen today and his thoughts would always zero-in on a certain red-haired Gryffindor. Dark Lord was happy today, too much for Severus' liking. He wanted to forewarn Dumbledore again but refusing Dark Lord's order was death sentence in itself.

So here he was, following Bellatrix's lead, flying on his broom, alongside Dolohov, to Merlin knows where.

"Here we land," Bellatrix yelled. She had a maniac glint to her eyes, as if she was getting her favourite toy. This meant only one thing – murder or torture … another reason for Severus' restlessness.

"Where are we Bella?" Dolohov asked.

"At Longbottom's," Bella replied, gleefully.

"The Aurors?" Severus asked.

"Yes," Bellatrix answered, "Dark Lord wants them out of the way. Too much of nuisance they are."

"And where are they?" Dolohov asked, looking around.

"This is the general area."

"So, what are you going to do? Blow up the entire area?" Severus asked.

Bellatrix laughed in response. "I would love to, Severus, but you are yet to come up with something like that. Right now we will have to contend ourselves with a block."

Horror-struck, Severus stared at Bellatrix. She doesn't … it isn't possible. I have taken all precautions possible… yes Bella is joking. But the shrug and accompanied smile confirmed the opposite. She knows.

"What are we talking about, Bella?" Dolohov asked, looking at Bella and then Severus.

"Ask Severus," Bella smirked, "he knows it best."

"I don't know what are you talking about, Bella," Severus said lazily, hiding his anxiety beneath his cold mask. "I would prefer doing something productive rather than talking idly."

With that, he started walking towards a lady on the street. The lady was short with brown hair and holding an year old child in her arms.

"Excuse me, lady," Severus asked her, "I lost a friend's address on my way. Can you help me finding the house?"

"Sure, why not," the lady answered sweetly. "What's his name?"

"Longbottom family," Severus answered. "We studied together at the school. I know this is the area."

"Oh, the Longbottoms," the lady smiled at Severus, "why, I live beside them only. Come with me."

Signalling Bella and Dolohov to follow him, Severus started walking behind the lady, eager to get over with his business here.

"Don't mind, but your dress is quite odd," the lady said.

"Oh, this is a part of a private joke. Old times," Severus said, smiling slightly, inwardly wincing at his own memories of old times. They walked for another five minutes, with the lady making a comment here and asking a question there.

"Here we are," the lady announced, standing in front of a house, "this is my house," she pointed to the house and that's," she pointed to a direction beside her house, "Longbottom's."

Severus nodded, trying his best to look as if he could see the house. Of course, it was protected against intruders, but knowing Longbottom's love for muggles, Severus was sure it wouldn't be protected against muggles. How very true.

"Beautiful house, isn't it?" the lady said, still adoring the house. "I love the variety of plants and flowers they have in their garden and unique ones at that."

"Must be Alice's handiwork. Herbology was her favourite subject."

"True. You just go in. She came in just moments back."

"Thanks, Miss?"

"Granger," the lady answered, smiling, "it's alright. Good night." With that the lady turned and went inside her house.

Severus looked around. These two houses were almost secluded and the only ones in the vicinity. Severus signalled Bella and Dolohov to come out of their hideouts and stared at the invisible house of the Longbottoms.

"I hope you know what to do, Bella, because I don't know how to break the enchantments," Severus said in a cold voice.

"Of course," Bella said gleefully and took a step towards the house. Thanks to the jungle Alice had created around her invisible house, Bella, Severus was sure, must still be invisible to the family.

Severus and Dolohov waited in silence for Bella to do something or issue orders to them. Severus utilised the silence to observe the air around the house, which suggested him number of protective enchantments. This wasn't going to be an easy mission … not at all.

A sudden movement to his left caught Severus' eye. As if in slow motion, Severus saw Bella flung towards Granger's house, a vial filled with bubbling blood-red liquid.

A number of memories crossed Severus' mind … endless nights spent in Hogwarts' library reading books, in dungeons brewing potions and in his room correcting the readings; his euphoria when he had succeeded in making the potion last week; his disappointment later when he realised Lily wasn't with him to appreciate it; his decision to never tell anyone about the potion.

Numbly, he saw his dream project being flung towards the Longbottom's house; he saw his potion become the cause of cries, shouts and death; he saw his hard work leading to rubble, wreck and smoke.

Bella knew of his project.

Severus was shaken out of his stupor by Dolohov's voice "Wow! What the hell was that?"

"Impressive," Bella said, ignoring Dolohov's comments and looking directly at Severus. "I wasn't expecting it to work."

"And I wasn't expecting you to steal my work, Bella," Severus said as coldly as possible.

"My dear," Bella said sweetly, "I didn't steal your work. In fact, I am going to praise to the Dark Lord about your capabilities."

"How could you do this, Bella?" Severus almost shouted, "When did you do this?"

"Calm down, Sev, I just took a vial and read accompanied notes. All I got to know was that the potion was capable of listed things if used with given incantations. Your work is still safe."

"And you just picked it up and used it? Without even knowing the potency of the potion? And you just killed an innocent family. Why?"

"You can't use an incantation without a target, Sev," Bella replied as if teaching a small child. "I needed a target. The Grangers were the obvious choice and what do few Muggles matter to us, anyway."

"Will anyone tell me what's going on?" Dolohov interrupted before Severus could say anything else.

"Nothing," Bella answered casually, "Our Potion Master's potion did a marvellous job. I am going back to the Dark Lord now."

"I am going home," Severus said and turned on his spot. He apparated directly to his home.

He was shaken. Never before had he thought of the uses his potion could be put to. Never before had he known the work Death Eaters were supposed to do. Never before was he responsible for someone's death. Now he had blood of God knows how many people. He was a murderer. His dream project was a weapon. And it would be used on endless innocent Muggles. Lily was right. He had no idea where was he going. Lily was so very right. Lily? Lily…

Immediately, Severus stood up and apparated to Dumbledore's house. The house was locked. Severus apparated to Hogwarts and ran towards Dumbledore's office. How could he forget Lily? He would do whatever to save those three lives. Determined, he knocked onto door of Headmaster's office.

The door creaked open, but instead of Dumbledore's cheerful voice, ominous silence greeted him. One look at Dumbledore and Severus knew his intuition was right. Lily was dead. Just like the Longbottoms, Potters were dead. DEAD.

Severus slumped into a chair across Dumbledore. After a heavy silence, Severus managed to speak. "I thought. . . you were going. . . to keep her. . . safe. . . "

"She and James put their faith in the wrong person," said Dumbledore. "Rather like you, Severus. Weren't you hoping that Lord Voldemort would spare her?"

Instead of answering, Severus stood up and left the office. He didn't know where he wanted to go, whom he wanted to run away from, whom he wanted to console him. He kept walking through the dark corridors of Hogwarts. When he reached the gates, he closed his eyes and apparated.

Severus opened his eyes. Right before his eyes, was the annihilation he had masterminded. Slowly, he walked towards it. Alice's dead body, buried under the rubble, greeted him first. Moving on, towards the Grangers, he found a dead body of a man. The top portion had blown away and most of it had fallen off on the man. Severus walked deep inside the house, trying to find the lady with the sweet smile. No sign of her. This gave Severus a hope. Maybe she had gone out of the house with the child. Maybe only the man and Alice had died, because he had encountered no other dead bodies. Maybe others were alive.

Just then, a feeble cry attracted his attention. A child's cry. Severus ran towards the sound. Frantically, he searched the debris, moving aside the fallen roof, broken furniture and the heavy dust. There she was … the lady with the sweet smile and the child in her arms. She had died protecting the child. Severus ran towards the woman and tried to remove the child from her arms.

"Y-you?" came the woman's weak voice.

"I am the one who asked you address," Severus answered, quickly.

"T-take … h-her," the lady said, giving the baby to Severus. "T-take c-c-care … of … Her-herm-ione." These were the last words of the lady, leaving a crying baby in Severus' arms. Severus looked down at the tiny being. She was bleeding furiously. Severus waved his wand to stop the blood flow, but was unsuccessful. He 'scourgified' the child, only to find a deep gash across the child's chin. There was purple glow around the wound.

"Oh my God!"

Wrapping the child in his arms, Severus immediately apparated, for the second time, to Hogwarts … for the second time, to save a life. And he didn't want to fail this time.

31 November, 1981

"Do you ever sleep?"

Severus looked up from his tome, at the smiling figure of Albus Dumbledore.

"I'll sleep after I find an antidote to my potion," Severus answered.

"You know the solution, Severus," Albus answered slowly, "there's no other way we can save the child."

It had been a month since that fateful night. Severus had returned to Hogwarts with a profusely bleeding Hermione and Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore had tried everything to stop the blood flow. Finally, Dumbledore had to put the child on stasis, something similar to 'petrificus totalus', to prevent the child from death. Severus had explained his potion to Dumbledore, who suspected that the potion had hit the child directly. Since the potion was new and they didn't know the incantation Bella had used, they needed time to find antidote.

Since then, Severus had spent every day and night looking for the antidote, reading every possible book from Hogwarts' and Dumbledore's library. A fortnight later, Dumbledore had come to him with an impossible theory; well it seemed inappropriate and impossible to Severus. For Dumbledore, everything is possible.

According to the 'old coot', the potion fell directly on the child and blasted there, thereby mixing her, Severus' and Bella's blood. This not only provided her energy to sustain the wound, but also led to an incomplete dark ritual. If only Severus completes the dark ritual by magically adopting the child, a bond can be created between Severus and the child, enabling him to transfer his energy to awaken the child for time enough to let Dumbledore perform healing charms on the child. Another candidate for same process was Bellatrix, who was serving life imprisonment in Azkaban.

"I believe there's another solution," Severus said, shifting uncomfortably in his chair, "We just need to look for it." In truth, Severus wasn't hopeful of finding any solution, but the one suggested by Dumbledore would lead to many other unwanted things. First, a father-daughter relation; second, a muggle-wizard relation; third, responsibility of an innocent child on the murderer of her parents.

"Agree to it, Severus," Dumbledore said, gazing at the black haired man, "this is your salvation. Not everyone gets such a chance."

"How many children do you want me to baby-sit?" Severus exploded, "First, Harry Potter and now Hermione Granger." Immediately, Severus regretted his outburst. It was his fault these children didn't have their parents. It was his fault these children were orphans. Harry had gotten a family in Sirius and Sarah. Neville Longbottom also had his father and grandmother. But what about this girl?

Severus looked away from Dumbledore's piercing gaze.

"I agree," Severus announced and left the room without noticing a smile on Dumbledore's face.

"You also need someone, Severus," Dumbledore whispered. "Not everyone gets such a chance."

1 December, 1981

"I am so happy she is alive," a teary-eyed Pomfrey handed over Hermione to Severus. "You two saved her."

"So, what name have you thought of for the child?" Dumbledore asked Severus.

Severus looked at the child he had just adopted and snatched away from death's paws. The girl's hair had darkened to dark brown, her fingers had elongated slightly and her eyes had become hazel after adoption. Hazel colour must be from Bella, Severus presumed. She had a cut on her chin, which was probably life-long scar. Severus didn't know what to feel – happy that the child was alive or sad that the child was his responsibility or guilty that he killed her parents and now doesn't want to take her responsibility. He had forgotten to love after Lily.

But he was determined not to become like his father. He was determined to provide a good life to this child. He was determined to repent for his actions.

"Hermione Lily Snape," Snape answered.

Yes, this child was his salvation.

A/N: A one-shot can be posted to explain the whole process of adoption and Severus' and Dumbledore's role there, if the readers ask for it. More the demand, sure will be the supply.

And I am really sorry for the long wait. Promise, it won't be this long before the next chapter. See you soon.

Help help! I need readers' view – you want me to skip the childhood of the kids and jump to Hogwarts first year and have the past in flashback or want peek-a-boo in their childhoods? Vote for either option.