Chapter 3 The kind hearted Slytherin
That first night after the battle was filled with dreams of peace and harmony for all involved except for Esrelda, who despite being in her husband's arms once again was plagued by nightmares of Voldemort and the horrible things that he had done with the aid of her powers. The nightmares were so bad that even the sleeping draft that Severus gave her had no effect. Not wanting to wake Severus from what looked like the best sleep he had gotten in years she got out of bed and slid on Severus's Slytherin house robe over her nightgown.
Esrelda silently left the bedroom and sat in the sitting room reading one of Severus's many books hoping to fall asleep. Severus woke up around five thirty in the morning and on finding that his wife was not in bed and that his house robe was gone from its usual place, he slid on a pair of black trousers and went in search of her. As he walked into his sitting room he found his wife Esrelda sitting alone watching the fire which burned warmly in the fireplace.
"Esrelda, darling, did the sleeping draft I gave you last night not help," he asked as he placed his hand tenderly on her shoulder? Esrelda put her hand over her mouth and yawned softly.
"No! Sev, I kept having horrible nightmares," she said as she continued to gaze into the flames.
"Do you want to talk about it," he asked as he pulled the other armchair closer to where she was sitting? Esrelda gazed into his black eyes and reached for his hand.
"Severus please, it's too hard to say what I saw," she said as she shook with fear at the memory of the dream. She guided his hand to her cheek and closed her eyes.
"Are you certain that you wish me to use Legilimency' to see into your mind," asked Severus as he caressed her soft skin?
"Yes, than take the memory and dispose of it," she said as a slight frown crossed her beautiful face. When Severus used legilimency he saw her dream which was a jumbled collection of the memories of everyone whose mind she had read the other day, and her own memories. When he stopped Esrelda was sleeping with her head hanging to one side. He pulled the memory from a single tear that rolled down her cheek and threw it into the fire where it evaporated into nothing, he then picked her up and put her back into the bed so she could hopefully get some sleep.
Two hours later in the great hall The students, staff, and parents ate their meals and did a lot of catching up. All heads turned as Professor Snape glided in with the beautiful Esrelda on his arm. He pulled out a chair next to his usual spot for her to sit in, then sat next to her and ordered a plate of scrambled eggs with bacon and toast with black coffee.
Esrelda glanced over at his plate and ordered a plate of walnut waffles, with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a cup of hot mint tea. As she cut into her waffle she glanced over to the Gryffindor table where James, Lilly, and Harry were getting to know each other. She leaned closer to Severus so he could hear her over the voices and clattering of silverware.
"Severus I know you have done many things to protect my nephew despite your dislike for my brother. However I would like it if you would attempt to make friends with them. They are after all your family, and have been so for years," she said before taking another bite of her food.
Severus arched an eyebrow and looked up to where Harry was sitting with his parents. "Are you really going to make me do this Esrelda," he asked with a sour expression on his face?
"I think it's time for you and James to make amends.," she said not paying attention to the agitation in his voice.
"Can I think about this for a while love," he asked with a hopeful tone to his silky voice? It was no great secret how he felt about James and exactly why.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it is not open for discussion. Severus I am tired of the fighting between the two of you," she said with an annoyed expression as she looked over at her husband. Severus glared at his wife menacingly with an obvious look of contempt for what she had just said. Esrelda's eyes grew cold as she stared right back at him. "Don't give me that look Severus Snape. It's not my fault that the two of you have always fought like a couple of fire breathing dragons," she said with ice in her words. Severus laughed softly and squeezed her hand.
"If it truly means that much to you my love I will try to get along with your brother. Just make sure that he pays me with the same courtesy," he said as he placed a tender kiss on her cheek.
Later that day Harry and his parents joined his aunt Esrelda and his uncle as they sat in a peaceful spot by the black lake. Severus saw them coming and got up as James approached. James cleared his throat before he spoke. "Severus, can we speak in private for a moment? There is something that the two of us need to discuss," he said as he turned away from his sister and the rest of the family. The two men waited until Lilly and Harry were seated with Esrelda before they walked a few feet away from them.
"I can't figure out why it is that my sister fell in love with you as she did, but that is beside the point. She came and had a talk with me late last night, and it seems that she wants us to make friends with each other. I learned years ago when I was young that my big sister is not someone to argue with, "James said with a serious expression on his face. Severus looked passed James to where Esrelda was sitting with Lilly and Harry laughing.
"Perhaps you're right James. We both owe her our lives, and I personally do not wish to ever see her angry or hurt over us fighting for ridiculous reasons. After all like she said we are family and have been so for years.," said Severus with a slight smile on his face as he listened to Esrelda's cheerful laughter. The two men shook hands and went back to join the others by the black lake.
"So aunt Esrelda how did all of this start," asked Harry as Professor Snape and his father walked up.
"Perhaps it is better if your uncle tells you about this Harry. After all he was there just as much as I was. The memories of his that you have already seen are only the half of the story, and I think it would be good for him to get it out in the open.," she said as Severus walked up and gave her a gentle smile.
Severus sighed as he sat down and leaned against the tree next to Esrelda. "I still remember the day I met your aunt as if it were yesterday. She was the only ray of light in my otherwise dark and depressing world," he began.
*Flash Back*
September 1st 1971 inside the Hogwarts great hall. Severus waited and watched as his best friend Lilly Evans was sorted into Gryffindor house by the sorting hat. When his name was called he stepped forward and sat on the stool hoping to be sorted into Gryffindor along with his childhood friend. However when the sorting hat was placed upon his head and he heard the words, "Better be Slytherin." His heart dropped in despair.
He joined his fellow Slytherins at their table and slumped in his seat. He barely picked at his food during the feast and when the students were led into the Slytherin common room and shown to their dorms, he found it hard to sleep and stayed up reading in the common room alone. "I must have the most retched luck," he whispered to himself as he read. He jumped as he heard a soft voice from some ware behind him.
"What is your name boy," asked a girl's soft musical voice from the doorway? He turned to see a pale skinned girl with long white hair and grey eyes standing in the doorway. He closed his book with a snap fearing that she would report him to the head of the house. "Fear not boy I'm not going to report you, as I have nothing to gain from doing so," said the beautiful girl.
"My name is Severus Snape. I've had enough teasing and bullying for today. I'm going to bed now," he said coldly.
"I have no intention of bullying you Severus Snape. I would like to be your friend if you need one," came the reply from the girl. Severus turned back to face the pale skinned girl again.
"How did you know my name," he asked dumbly?
"I pay attention to the names of the first years that get sorted into Slytherin. My name is Esrelda Aroura Potter. This is my second year. I only wished to apologize for my little brother's behavior on the Hogwarts express earlier today," she said with a smile playing at the corner of her soft lips.
On hearing the beautiful girls last name he clenched his fist. "I am sorry Ms. Potter but I do not wish to be friends with anyone related to that fowl git Potter.," he said with a scowl on his face. He turned on his heal and stomped into the boys dormitory, slamming the door behind him. Esrelda watched as he left the room. She was determined to show him that she was nothing like her brother James.
For the next five years at Hogwarts Esrelda continued to gain his friendship. She never gave up. Being a Slytherin she was always around when he appeared to need comfort or advice. Then one day while Severus actually came to her and asked her to help him study for his O.W.L.'s. They studied for hours and Severus was certain that he would have no problems passing.
"It's getting late Severus, you should get some sleep. Tomorrow will be challenging if you don't get your rest," said Esrelda as she stretched her back. Severus looked over his notes one last time before he looked up into her grey eyes.
"Esrelda thank you for helping me go over my notes, I'll see you at breakfast," he said as he placed his notes neatly into his textbook for safe keeping. Esrelda stood and moved to go into her dorm when Severus grabbed her hand. "You are a true friend Esrelda, thanks for always being here for me," he smiled. Esrelda smiled sweetly.
"It's not a problem Severus. I Have potions class with Professor Slughorn early tomorrow. I'm sure you'll do great," she said as she left for the comfort of her bed.
The next day Severus sat through his O.W.L.s, along with Lupin, Sirius, James, and Peter. He was certain that he was going to earn an O in all of his subjects. Later that afternoon, James Potter and Sirius Black snuck up on Severus as he sat under a tree. Before he knew what was going on he found himself stripped of his trousers and dangling from the tree by one leg. His robes were hanging down over his head clearly showing is grey boxers.
Lily Evans ran towards the group of boys shouting. "Let him down James!" James and his friends laughed.
"So Snively it seems your girlfriend has come to your rescue," said Sirius as he laughed at the rapidly angering teen. Severus was enraged and embarrassed about the whole thing, and yelled back incredulously.
" I don't need any help from a filthy mud-blood," he screamed as he attempted to regain his wand which had fallen to the ground. Lilly ran off crying. After Lilly ran he struggled to get loose from the jinx.
James laughed harder as he watched his victim struggle. "Who wants to see him naked," he asked the other students laughing. All of a sudden James was frozen in shock and disbelief. Esrelda stood in front of him with her wand pointed at him.
"James! Release him at once," she demanded.
"Oh! Hi sis," he sneered. "So you've come to defend your fellow Slytherin. Why should I listen to anything you say," he said with a stubborn tone in his voice. Esrelda narrowed her eyes at her little brother.
"In case you haven't noticed little brother, I happen to be a school prefect. As such I can and will report you and your delinquent friends to the head of your house and the head master if you disobey me James," she said angrily. James lowered his wand to let Severus drop hard to the ground. Severus braced himself for the hard fall he knew was coming when he herd Esrelda scream out," spongify!" Severus landed in the softened spot where Esrelda had cast the spell. He got up and jumped up and down as he put his trousers back on.
"Your brother is a blast-ended-screwt," said Severus angrily.
"I know Severus," she said as she shielded her eyes while he pulled his pants back up. "I'm sorry about him, are you Ok," she asked?
"Yes, but I think I just hurt my best friends feelings," admitted Severus sadly.
"Well than, Severus you're not a heartless fool, are you? Don't just stand there go and apologize to her," suggested Esrelda encouragingly. Severus ran to Gryffindor tower, hoping to make amends with Lilly.
Lilly spoke to Severus right outside the entrance to the Gryffindor common room. She was unimpressed and disappointed with his behavior. "Severus you were wrong to call me that horrid name this afternoon. Ever since you started hanging out with those other mean boys in Slytherin house you've changed. That and being in Slytherin, and your interest in the dark arts. It's almost like your planning on being a dark wizard. Consider our friendship over. I don't want to ever see you again Severus Snape. Leave me alone," she shouted as she let the portrait slam closed in his face. The fat lady in pink in the frame stuck out her tongue and blew a raspberry at him
Severus stood their quietly as the portrait of the fat lady swung closed behind his now ex-friend. He then ran down to the Slytherin dormitory and sobbed into his pillow. For the next few weeks he said nothing to any of the other students. Until the last day of school he sat by the black lake alone mulling things over in his head. He thought of everything that had happened since his first day at Hogwarts and about how despite the reputation of the Slytherin's how nice Esrelda Potter had always been to him.
He felt a soft hand on his shoulder and looked up into the grey eyes of Esrelda Potter, the very person he was thinking about. "You've been in such a foul mood Severus. I was wondering if I could sit with you," she asked before taking a seat next to him under the tree? He Smiled for the first time in weeks, and scooted over so she would have a place to rest her back.
"Why are you so nice to me Esrelda," asked Severus softly?
"I told you I like you Severus," she said as she sat beside him. "I know I'm a year older than you but I still like you," she admitted truthfully. A smile crossed his face as he looked at her smoothing her robes. He looked down at his book as he thought for a moment. "Severus, have you ever kissed a girl," she asked? His eyes shot up in shock.
"You want to kiss me Esrelda," he asked not attempting to hide his shock?
"Only if you want to, Severus," she said as she gazed into his black eyes.
"I would like to kiss you. I have wanted to kiss you since the first day we met," he said as he leaned closer to her. "Furthermore I would like it if you were my girl, then I could kiss you any time I liked," he said with a sly smile on his face. Esrelda laughed as he caressed her cheek with his hand and drew her closer. He breathed in the scent of her perfume and sighed. He had never been this close to her. As they kissed passionately for the first time they had no Idea that they were being spied on by James's friend Peter who had transfigured himself into a rat.
During the end of year feast James glared at Severus who was sitting too close for his personal comfort to his big sister Esrelda. Despite the fact that she was in Slytherin house, and therefore considered a rival of Gryffindor house. She was still his sister and therefore was off limits to lower class wizards such as Snape. The fact that Peter had witnessed with his own eyes the slimy, unworthy Snively Snape snugging his sister passionately. Just the knowledge was enough to make his blood boil. Sirius, Remus, and Peter whispered to James so that none of the other Gryffindor's could hear their plans. "Don't let it bother you James we'll teach that greasy, slimy Slytherin snake a good lesson once we get on the Hogwarts express to go home for the summer. That way we have a better chance of not getting expelled.," said Sirius as he nodded toward the Slytherin table. James nodded his agreement, and lifted his cup toward his sister who was now watching him from the Slytherin table with a suspicious look in her eyes.
Later on the Hogwarts express Esrelda and Severus sat together in a compartment chatting about what they each had planned for the summer, when all of a sudden James and the marauders came busting in with their wands raised. Esrelda jumped out of her seat and got between Severus and James and his friends. "What is the meaning of this James," she asked with anger evident in her voice?
James glared at Severus who was ready to fight. "Esrelda you were seen snugging this slimy guit earlier today.," he announced attempting to reach his wand around his sister to get at Severus.
"Since when is it your decision to decide whom I as you say snog," asked Esrelda angrily?
"Since you're our father's first born daughter, Princess, and heir to the throne of the wizarding world. Do you really think our father will allow you to date or marry a half blood snake like Snivlus there," questioned James coldly? Severus could feel a strange radiating heat coming from Esrelda's body. He looked down to see smoke coming from her clenched fists.
Sirius, Remus, and Peter also saw the smoke whisping out from the fists of James's enraged elder sister and backed off fearing for their lives. Peter's voice quivered as he tried to get James's attention. "For your information little brother, his name is not Snivly, or Snivlous. His name is Severus Snape, and if I choose to date or one day marry a half blood wizard than that is my choice. Not fathers or your choice. At least I'm not dating a muggle born witch," she said harshly. Severus saw a glint of flame spark out from her enclosed fists as she spoke.
He had been told stories by others about Esrelda's amazing powers and how she reacted when enraged. Looking around quickly he made a split second decision to step between Esrelda and her brother. He knew she wouldn't hurt him, but as angry as she was now he feared that she would surely roast her brother. James took one step back in shock as he saw his sister's fists both flaming with the power of her anger. Severus jumped and wrapped his arms around Esrelda so she couldn't move her arms. He turned his head toward James and hissed a command. "Potter! Leave! Now! I'll try to calm her down, "he ordered as he locked his wrists behind her back.
Sirius, Remus, and Peter ran for cover, and James followed slamming the door behind him. It took almost the entire ride back to London for Severus to feel that Esrelda was calm enough to be with her brother for the trip home. Once the train stopped at Kings Cross Station He gave her one last kiss before he stepped out onto the platform." Remember Esrelda, if you feel the need to do something horrible to your brother send me a message with your owl and I'll meet you somewhere," he said seriously. Esrelda nodded and smiled as he helped her step off of the train.
During the summer Esrelda and James's Parents die defending against Lord Voldemort in the first wizarding war. Esrelda is crowned queen and is forced to continue her final year of education with Madam Maxine who was at that time a Professor teaching at Beauxbatons Academy of Witchcraft. She Made James promise that he would not tease or harass Severus for the rest of the time that they were to spend together at Hogwarts. Although he didn't like the fact that his sister who was now a Queen still was in love with Severus he kept his promise when later on in the school year Sirius tricks Snape into following Lupin through the passage beneath the Whomping Willow. James Potter, realizing that Snape would encounter a full-blown and very dangerous werewolf at the end of the passage, stops Snape from going through, thereby saving his life. As the two teens lay on the ground panting from the escape, James gets up and looks at Severus.
"You can thank my sister for that, Snape. She loves you and as much as I hate you I will not let you get killed for her sake," he said as he dusted off his robes and left Severus standing alone on the grounds.
*Flash Back Ends*
Snape breathed in a sigh. "So you see Potter much to my disgust, I was indebted to your father because he saved my life. Your aunt and I were married after my graduation from Hogwarts, but I believe she knew that the war started by Voldemort would soon destroy everything we held dear.
A/N Thank you for reading please leave a review and let me know what you think. Chapter 4 The Sacrifice is up next.
