Part of Your World
The next week seemed to fly by, and before Petunia knew it, it was Friday, her one day off that week and she was free to return with James to Potter Manor. This time there would be no Aunt Muriel or annoying Nate there to plague them. Sirius was still over however, but he was not quite as annoying as had been his wont the first day Petunia had met him, she supposed James must have read him the riot act. Since then he had behaved, and been if not exactly charming, at least civil to her. And at least his jealousy she could understand, considering that when she visited, James wanted to be with her all the time. But then, that was how it was when you were in love with a girl. She refused to feel guilty either. Sirius had James to himself for weeks, both in school and out of it. She had only her day off and maybe the weekend to be with him.
Both the Evans sisters would be eating out tonight, Petunia mused as she brushed her hair. She would be at James' house and Lily had been invited over to Severus' to eat dinner with Eileen, Sev, and Eileen's new beau, Richard Marsh. Lily said she was quite eager to meet him, since he was going to be her teacher next term and this would be the first time she met an adult wizard outside of school informally.
"I just hope he's decent to Severus," Lily had said to her last night, just before bed. "Sev was real nervous over meeting him at first and he deserves to have a good man to look up to."
"He looks up to Dad," Petunia said thoughtfully.
"Yes, but Dad's not around him too much and he's Sev's boss besides. It's different at work. I also want Eileen to be happy. Lord knows she deserves it too after what has gone on."
Petunia nodded sadly and counted herself lucky that she had gotten away from Vernon when she did, or else that might have been her after their marriage. "I'm sure Eileen was careful and wouldn't go out with just anyone."
Lily had agreed and then she had gone off to bed. Petunia had fallen asleep soon after and dreamed of James flying with her across the sky.
Today, she decided to wear some soft camel-colored trousers and a soft cashmere jumper of a lovely mint green color. That color became her almost as well as her sister, bringing out the darker highlights in her blond hair and making her blue eyes seem even bluer. She also found a pair of brown suede half-boots and pulled them on, for some reason she felt like dressing casually today. After this weekend, on Tuesday, Lily, James, and Severus would return to school and Petunia would be left alone to work at the pharmacy until they returned over Easter break.
So she would cherish this time alone with James. After she had brushed her hair, she pulled it back into a simple tail and secured it with a silver hair clip. A bit of make-up and she was all set, waiting for James to come and pick her up. Eileen had allowed them the use of her Floo for as much as they needed, which was very generous of her.
She went to meet James by the front door, her heart beating excitedly just think about him. It was funny, but if anyone had ever told her she would feel this way about a boy her sister's age, a boy who was a wizard, no less, a year ago, she would have laughed in their face and asked what they had been smoking. But here she was, and she felt rather like a lady in a fairy tale, waiting for Prince Charming.
She laughed at her own fancy and tried not to pace while she waited.
Just then there came a knock on the door.
She pulled it open and saw him standing upon the mat.
"James!"
"Hi, babe! Miss me?" he asked, then his mouth was on hers and she was melting in his embrace.
The kiss felt so good she never wanted it to end, but she had to come up for air, and when she did, she asked saucily, "Does that answer your question?"
"Uh . . .yeah. Thanks, Tuney."
He held out his arm, in that gesture of old world, or maybe it was wizarding world, courtesy she loved so well. "C'mon, luv. I've got something really special planned for today."
She placed her arm in his and followed, her blue eyes dancing. She had learned that James loved surprises and he often planned very good ones, given enough time. He had had five days to think of one since last Sunday.
Sirius's jaw dropped when James had casually announced to him before going to pick up Petunia that he was going to reveal his Animagus form to his girlfriend. "But . . .but . . .Prongs! We swore to keep it a secret, remember?"
"Yes, Siri, but now that Snape, Lily, and Dumbledore and McGonagall know, it makes no sense to hide it from Petunia. Sirius, she's my girlfriend and I want to show her everything I can about our world, make her a part of it. And she can do the same for me later on, when school's out."
"Like Muggles know anything useful."
James cuffed his friend playfully behind the ear. "Don't be such a wet blanket, Siri. I think we both have a lot to learn from each other and Petunia loves learning about magical things."
"Too bad she isn't a witch, huh?"
"No. Strange as it may sound, Sirius, I like her because she's not a witch. Tuney's special . . .she's unlike any girl I've ever known and that's what really attracts me to her."
"How is that possible? You have almost nothing in common."
"But don't you see, Padfoot? That's half the fun, every day with her it's something new, a new adventure, and I'm never bored when I'm around her."
Sirius just shook his head. "You're a lovesick fool, James."
"Yup. And it's the best flu I've ever gotten. Someday, Siri, you'll understand, when you meet the right one." James told him, then he went off to get Petunia.
Sirius watched him Floo away, sighing. There was just no talking to the stubborn git when his mind was made up. He thought the sun rose and set upon Petunia Evans. Poor James! He had yet to realize that Muggles and wizards were like oil and water, they shouldn't mix. In that, at least, Sirius agreed with his mother.
After bidding hello to Liana and having some little chocolate chip scones and tea with her, James took Petunia out into the backyard and led her past the pond and down a long ways to the woods that sprawled across a good acre or two of his property. He refused to discuss what the surprise was or anything and Petunia was slowly being driven mad by curiosity.
Instead he led her across the lawn with a smile reminiscent of the Cheshire cat before he finally halted close to the trees.
"You brought me out here to take a walk in the woods?"
"No. I brought you out here to show you something about me." James began, looking a bit uneasy. He hoped that Petunia would not be afraid when he transformed, thinking he was some kind of half-beast or something. Maybe Sirius was right, and this was not a good idea? A moment later he shoved that thought to the back of his mind. Petunia had not been afraid before when he had flown with her, or showed her a few wandless spells. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
He cleared his throat. "Uh . . .okay . . .you see, some wizards have a special ability to . . .change into an animal. We call them Animagi—from the ancient Egyptian words for animal—ani—and wizard—magi."
"Then it's true? You really can shapeshift like some of our stories say?"
James nodded. "Some of us can change appearances in human form, we call them metamorphmagi. But they're rare and I can't do that. I am, however, an Animagus. In my Animagus form I'm called Prongs. Would you . . .like to see my other form?"
"Yes. I would." Petunia said eagerly. She could not imagine what it could be and couldn't wait to find out. "James, does it hurt when you change forms?"
"No. Not now. In the beginning it was uncomfortable, till I got used to it. Now it's a cinch. Watch." He lowered his head and concentrated, willing the change.
There was a shimmering silvery glow and then James disappeared.
Petunia opened her mouth to call out in surprise, but then the glow vanished and in her boyfriend's place was a beautiful silvery gray stag. He had jet black cloven hooves that seemed to shine and his antlers were huge, a whopping ten point rack of ivory-colored magnificence. They curved gently about his large ears and he blew softly into the air and bent his great head to look the astonished girl in the eyes, a thing which no true stag would ever have done.
Petunia's blue eyes met the stag's brilliant amber ones, they were large and liquid and filled with a knowing beyond that of an ordinary deer. And then the knowing look change to one of adoration, and Prongs nuzzled her cheek and licked her.
A startled laugh burst from her and she reached up a hand and stroked his coat. It was like velvet and satin, soft and warm. "Oh!" she exclaimed, for he was beautiful beyond words. A living breathing lord of the forest.
She ran her hand down his shoulder, feeling his muscles tense and relax, rippling beneath the silver hide like a finely oiled steel wire. He was quite large, towering over her by a head and a half, his neck was thick and his hindquarters massive with muscle. His tail was long and he flicked it up and down, then stepped lightly across the ground and posed in a patch of sunlight.
Petunia's breath caught. He was magnificent, his coat shimmered with a sort of eldritch light, or so it seemed, and he was regal and proud and every inch a prince.
"So beautiful!" she whispered, half to herself. "I have never seen anything so magnificent in all of my life."
Prongs tossed his head and snorted, clearly delighted that she loved his new form. He had always considered himself quite handsome in his stag form, though he was sure it was conceited to think so of oneself, he found he did not care. As a stag, he was both graceful and powerful, swift and agile, and he found that his every muscle quivered while he looked at her, just as it did when he was in human shape.
She smelled of primroses and a unique scent that was only hers, and he breathed it in gently, allowing it to fill him. My sweet Petunia. You delight me whatever form I am in.
He paced forward, his hooves dancing over the ground, until he faced her. He wanted her to touch him, and he quivered when she ran her hand over him. Her touch seared and soothed him and he nuzzled her, wanting to run with her through the woods, but she could not transform into a doe. He pondered for a moment, then it came to him.
Quick as a wink, he positioned himself so he was standing alongside her. Then he carefully lowered himself to the ground, until he was kneeling before her.
"James—Prongs—what are you doing?"
He tossed his head back. Come on, Tuney. You're smart, figure it out.
She stared at the sight of the beautiful animal on his knees before her, reminding her of all those medieval pictures she had seen in museums, where the warhorse kneels so the lady or injured knight could mount. Then it hit her. "Heavens! But you want me to . . .ride you?"
Another sharp toss of the antlers and a snort. Yes, of course! D'you think I'd kneel before just anyone?
"But . . .you're a deer. Are you sure you can carry me? I won't hurt you?"
Prongs shook his head. Never! You hardly weigh anything. Come on, Tuney. Climb aboard.
"Ummm . . .if you're sure . . .?"
She gently placed a hand upon the broad back. It certainly looked strong enough to hold her. "All right. You're a bit bigger than the pony I rode at the fair when I was ten, but . . .here goes."
She threw a leg awkwardly over him and sat.
It felt odd, to be sitting upon a deer's back, but not as odd as it did when Prongs stood. She instinctively gripped him with her knees and thighs and hugged his neck. She shifted, trying to balance herself and find a comfortable seat. His back was not quite as smooth as a horse's, but after much wriggling, she found a position she was comfortable with.
Prongs waited patiently until she was settled, then he gave her a warm look and started to walk into the woods.
Petunia found the stag's gait a bit odd, it was more of an up and down movement than a side-to-side one, but Prongs was very surefooted and she did not bump up and down as much as she might have.
She clung to the stag's back with all her might, fearful of falling, but Prongs glided effortlessly over the dry ground, his hooves crunching softly over the dead leaves and pine needles that carpeted the forest floor. He slipped through the trees without pause, his destination a mystery to her, but she was enjoying the sensation of riding him too much to wonder about it.
Now I really do feel like a maiden in a tale! Her heart exulted. Like Nimue when she first met Merlin down by the lake in Avalon. She had devoured every word of the romantic tale that Severus and Lily had given her for Christmas, delighting in the trials and triumphs of the great Merlin who as a young man had fallen in love with a young fae-blooded sorceress called Nimue. But theirs was a star-crossed love, forbidden by her fae people and his as well. Yet somehow they managed to overcome all and be together.
Like James and I will, Petunia vowed. Where a steadfast hearts loves, there are no obstacles. And I love him, I do! Not just for his looks, or his clever wit, or even his magic, I love him for all these things and more. I love him because he looks at me, ordinary plain Petunia, and sees a beautiful lady, one worthy of respect and love. He says he loved Lily first, but he never so much as glances her way now. Though she was loathe to admit it, she had always envied her younger sister her beauty and her outgoing personality. Lily had always had boys looking at her, admiring and longing glances. But ironically, Lily had never noticed them, for her eyes had only seen Severus. But her sister had, and had wished they would look at her that way.
None ever had, save Vernon Dursley, and he was not the stuff of schoolgirl fantasies. Had she ever really loved him? Oh, she had thought she did, but she had not felt this all-consuming passion with Vernon that she did with James. Vernon had never swept her off her feet, nor made her quiver at his touch. He had never cared for her pleasure, only his own.
But James was a considerate partner, and he never hurt her the way Vernon had.
She could feel Prongs' heartbeat beneath her knees and her blood quickened like fine wine beneath the summer sun. All of my life I have longed for a bit of magic, like my sister. And now I have it. Oh, James, thank you for bringing magic into my boring life. She threw her arms about the stag's neck, breathing in the musky and yet invigorating scent of him.
Prongs shook his head, the feel of the girl clinging to him making him want to run and never stop. It was instinct for an herbivore to fear something clinging to its back that way. Just so would a predator, like a wolf or a lion, grip to kill. Stop it, you damn fool! He ordered himself irritably. It's just Tuney.
But he could feel the stag's natural urging to run slowly overwhelming his rational mind and he could not help but bound forward a few steps.
Petunia gasped and wrapped herself even tighter about him.
Prongs snorted, forcing himself to remain calm, though every nerve in him was screaming at him to run.
Easy. Easy, old fellow. Calm down.
He trotted forward several steps and then he heard Petunia laugh.
Her laughter was like music and suddenly he was no longer afraid. This was his beloved and she was enjoying herself. So he should too.
He gathered himself and began to run, not the panicked bolt of a deer for cover, but more of a deliberate pace, steady yet swift. His hooves thundered over the earth, and he moved through the trees like a pale ghost, Petunia hanging on gamely.
She felt branches whip at her face and snag in her hair, Prongs was running so fast, but she was not afraid. As with the broom, she discovered a part of her thrilled to the speed and power of the stag, and she allowed herself to be swept along, her heart racing in time to the deer's flying hooves. Thank goodness I wore trousers and boots today, she thought, dashing wind-born tears from her eyes, grinning. What a portrait this would make. Lady Petunia Upon the Lord of the Forest. Like an elven maid or a dryad. She leaned over and whispered into one upright ear, "Run, Prongs, run!"
The silver stag tossed his head and increased his pace, Petunia pressing her cheek against his neck, the sound of his mighty heart echoing in her ears as he raced along the trails before finally thundering to a halt at the verge of a lush green meadow.
She slid from Prongs' back, laughing, steadying herself against the big deer, who nuzzled her gently again before shimmering back into her boyfriend, who caught her in his arms and twirled her around.
"So . . .how was that? Did you like your surprise?"
"Like it? James Potter . . . I loved it!" she cried, then she kissed him soundly.
Afterwards, they walked in the meadow and Petunia picked wildflowers, which James wove into a crown with a spell and put on her head. "I now crown you the Queen of the Wildwood!"
Then he bowed and kissed her hand.
She giggled, it was a ridiculous piece of foolishness, but she was in a playful mood, and she loved the way James could still allow himself to pretend, like a child. So different from Vernon, who had hardly any imagination at all.
She picked up a twig from the ground and tapped him on each shoulder and head and declaimed, "I now dub thee Sir James, my beloved knight, and give to you your coat of arms, a silver stag. Will you pledge yourself to me, sir?"
James dropped to one knee, her hand held gently in his own. "With all my heart, Your Grace. I will be your faithful knight, and love you for all of time."
Her heart sang at those words, for she could tell that it was not mere playacting, but the truth. And for the first time in a long time, Petunia Evans was truly happy. Her sorcerer loved her—Muggle though she was—and that was all that counted.
Snape residence:
Severus had to admit, if only to himself, that since Eileen started seeing Dickon, she smiled a lot more and seemed much more self-confident and happy than she ever had before. Of course, taking into account how his beast of a father had treated her—like a servant at best, a dog to catch a kick in the ribs at worst—that shouldn't have surprised him. The first few times Dickon had invited Eileen out to dinner, Severus had been tempted to tail them and spy on them. He had done so the first time, afraid that the older wizard might try something, but had been discovered by his mother—he still hadn't figured out how she had known he was behind that potted palm tree in the diner—and told quite firmly to go home, no arguments, or else he'd be grounded and forbidden to see Lily for the week.
He had gone, chagrined at being lectured like a five-year-old, and sulked and paced in his room until his mother had finally come home. When she had come upstairs to speak with him, he had refused to acknowledge that she was there, pretending to be asleep. But that had never worked with her, he recalled, as soon as she had yanked off the covers and the pillow and said softly, "Severus Tobias Snape, don't you dare pretend to be sleeping. Sit up and talk to me."
He had sulked a bit more, curled on his side, glaring woodenly at the wall, just to see how she would react, for he was angry at how she had dismissed his concerns.
She had given him five minutes before she delivered a light swat to his bottom and put a hand on his shoulder. "Severus, you have no right to give me the silent treatment, young man. Now look at me."
He rolled over and his eyes flashed. "I was worried about you, okay? I was worried that he might . . .do something to you, so I followed you, and you just acted like I was a stupid little kid who sneaked out of the house for the fun of it. Guess I shouldn't have bothered, huh?"
Eileen sighed. Lately her son was so touchy, but she supposed it was to be expected. He was, after all, sixteen. She seated herself on the edge of the bed. "Son, I appreciate your concern, but you have to learn to trust me. Now I know that's not easy for you, because I . . .wasn't there for you when your father . . .was hurting you most of the time. I regret that, Sev. I should have been there, there are a lot of things I should have done, but I didn't. I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to protect you . . ."
"That wasn't your fault, Mum. D'you think I don't know what the bastard did to you? I know how he hurt you too, and I don't blame you for being afraid, Mum. You did what you could. But that's why I was worried. I mean, I know Dickon's a teacher and a wizard and he doesn't seem like the kind to hurt women and children, but how could I know for sure? Unless I saw it myself?" He hung his head, flushing. "I'm sorry I embarrassed you."
"Oh, Sev." She reached out then and pulled him into her arms. "My poor boy! I'm sorry I lost my temper and shouted at you. You were only trying to help, but I don't need protecting from Richard, at least not that way. He's not your father. Trust me on that. I know how to recognize a man like Tobias now." She stroked his hair. "Experience is a good teacher." She made a rueful face.
"Tell me about it," he mumbled into her shoulder. He would never be truly comfortable being touched by a man, but being hugged by Eileen was something else again. "Are you . . .in love with him, Mum?"
Eileen thought for a long moment before she replied. "I . . .think I may be. But right now we're just friends, Sev. I want to take things easy. No more whirlwind romances for me. This time I can take it slow and we can get to know each other for as long as we want. There's no rush."
Severus drew away from her abruptly to look her in the eye. "Mum, did you marry him because you were pregnant with me?" Then he looked down at his hands. "Was that why you didn't take time to know him better?"
Eileen tipped his head up. "No, Sev. You were not the reason I married so quickly. I was young and foolish and he was handsome and charming. And my family had strong objections to marrying a Muggle and I didn't want my father to hex Tobias if he happened to catch him kissing me one night, so we married in haste. I loved him and he loved me . . .once. We had you afterwards, son, and no father could have been prouder of you then."
"He had a funny way of showing it," Severus said bitterly.
"The drink consumed him, Severus. The father you knew was not the man I married, believe me. It was why I stayed with him long past the time any other would have left. Because I kept hoping that someday he would see what he had become and try to change, I kept praying that he would remember how he loved us once. It was a fool's hope. Once I accepted that, then I could walk away. This was never the life I imagined for us when we married, Sev. Never!" she declared forcefully, tears shimmering in her eyes.
He was instantly contrite. He hated it when his mother cried. "Don't, Mum. Please. Don't cry over him. He's not worth it."
She shook her head and said hoarsely, "Oh, child! I'm not crying over him—it's you I feel for, growing up with his anger and bitterness all these years, never knowing what it was to have a real father. But maybe now, with Dickon . . ."
"I've managed just fine without one, Mum. I don't really need another man telling me what to do." Severus said stiffly.
"Severus, that's not all a father does. He gives you advice and helps you when you need it too."
"I have you for that."
She laughed. "I love you dearly, Severus, but I don't have all the answers. You're a teenage boy and you will need a man to discuss some things with. All I ask is that you give Dickon a chance. Will you do that?"
Slowly, Severus nodded. "All right. As long as he treats you decently, I'll try and get along with him. But if he ever hurts you or makes you cry . . .I'll kick his arse to the moon."
"Oh, Sevvy!" She started laughing then.
He cocked his head, puzzled. "What? What's so funny? I'm serious!"
"I know. Thank you, Sev." She hugged him again for a moment. She hoped this worked out, because her son needed a good man in his life desperately. "Now, Dickon's coming over for dinner next Friday, why don't you invite Lily over and we'll have roast chicken, gravy, stuffing, and pudding? It'll be an early birthday dinner for you."
He smiled at her, not his customary half-smile, but a true one. It reminded her of her father, Gabriel Prince, who could knock a girl over with his smile when he chose to, even at the ripe old age of eighty-five. "Okay, Mum. That sounds good."
So here they all were, having dinner as a family, so to speak, and Severus was doing his best to stop flinching every time Richard spoke in a slightly raised tone of voice, which he only tended to do if he was particularly excited about a subject, such as comets, which he was discussing with Lily. Eileen had been right. Richard Marsh was nothing like Tobias, and the more time Severus spent with him, the more he saw that for the truth. Even so, it would be a long time before he trusted Richard with anything personal about himself.
But even he had to admit that it was good to hear his mother laugh again, and enjoy supper with an adult man again. At least Richard would never throw food at her. He had even helped to clear away the plates when dinner was done, despite Severus' insistence that he could do so alone. Tobias wouldn't have been caught dead doing something like that. That was a woman's duty. But apparently, Richard didn't think so, for he had helped Severus wash and dry and put away the plates and silverware.
It felt strange, having a man so close to him that wasn't screaming in his ear, or shaking him, or smacking him upside the head, especially in the house. But he gradually relaxed and Richard did too, thanking him when he was done.
Now they were all seated around the kitchen table, sipping coffee and butterbeer, in Lily and Severus' case, eating an apple pie that Lily had baked, and Dickon had just turned and asked Eileen's son if he wanted to play Exploding Snap?
"Sure. I guess." He usually played Exploding Snap with Lily and Reg. He was surprised that Marsh still played it, and even more so when Eileen said to count her in too.
"What version are we playing, Dickon?" asked Lily. It hadn't taken her long to get used to calling the astronomer by his nickname. She and the professor had hit it off right away, but then, Lily usually made friends with people easily, unless they were total jerks. "The Patience version or the classic one?"
"Let's play the regular way first," Richard said, and called the deck of Famous Witch and Wizard cards to him with a lazy flick of his hand.
Lily sighed in envy. "I wish I could do wandless magic like that. You make it look so easy."
Marsh gave her an amused look. "Care to hear a secret, kids? Wandless magic isn't as hard as everyone makes it seem."
"It's not?" Severus looked surprised.
"No. Think about it. When we were little, we used magic without a wand. It was uncontrolled, but it was still magic. You get a wand when you're school age for one reason. Because a wand helps you to channel and focus your magic. But performing wandless magic is simply learning how to focus your will and your mind into channeling your power the same way you would a wand."
"Wow!" Lily exclaimed. "I never thought of it that way before."
"Me either," Severus admitted. "When you put it that way . . .it's so simple."
"Yes. All it takes is a great deal of practice and learning how to focus your will." Richard explained. "Of course, that's not so easy for some people. Mastering your mind is hard, but if you can do so, you can cast wandless magic quick as blinking."
Severus swallowed hard. Then he licked his lips and asked, softly, "Would you . . .teach us how, sir?"
"I will." Marsh agreed. "It's something I think all young wizards should learn, just in case your wand is snapped or lost or taken away. That way you're not helpless. But right now, let's play cards. We can discuss focusing your mind and meditation techniques afterwards."
They played a rousing game, with a Self-Shuffling Deck, and points were won if a player caught a card that appeared twice in a row on the top of the deck and tapped their wand on it and called, "Snap!"
If several cards went by without being tapped, some of them exploded with a loud popping noise.
But the game was fun and soon Severus was tied with Dickon, who proved he was just as quick as the young Slytherin, and just as competitive.
A card of Merlin appeared twice.
"Snap!" yelled Severus, tapping it before Dickon could reach across the table.
"That's twenty-two for you, Severus," Eileen said, watching the quill write down the new score on the score sheet.
Lily made a face. "Drat! Now you're five points ahead of me."
"Don't give up, Lily. You can catch him," Eileen encouraged the girl.
Several more cards flipped over, but none were the same.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Three exploded at once.
Then Lily spotted two of Morgan le Fay and shouted, "Snap!" and tapped out before either of the wizards noticed. "Ha! Got you, Sev!"
Severus shrugged. "You still need four points."
"So? I'll get them."
The game continued, with Dickon getting the next pair and evening up the score and then Severus called the next and so on, until the timer was up and Severus had won by a point, with Dickon coming in second, Lily third, and Eileen last.
But nobody really cared, since it was all in fun.
After that, Richard explained how to clear one's mind and do meditative breathing. He gave Severus a book on beginning meditation called Peaceful Exercises to Soothe the Senses and said it had helped him a lot in the beginning.
"The key to meditation is learning to be calm and silent. You shouldn't have too much trouble with those concepts, Severus. You're not as jumpy or wild as some boys."
Severus said thank you, smiling inwardly at the other's words. Clearly Marsh saw more than he let on. "We can study on it tomorrow, Lily." He told her.
"Good and when we're at school, it might even help us study for tests and stuff," she reminded him. She loved learning new things.
"It will indeed, Lily." Richard said approvingly. "And when you have mastered meditation you'll be well on your way to mastering wandless magic. Both of you seem extremely bright and talented, so I don't think you'll have much trouble grasping the basics."
"They're two of the best potions students I've ever had," Eileen said, looking at them fondly.
Both children sat up straighter and wore looks of pride upon their faces, for they knew such a comment was not earned lightly.
All in all, it was a pleasant evening at the Snape house, in contrast to the many anguish-filled ones which had been the norm before. Severus walked Lily home, and kissed her there upon the porch, never realizing that a certain professor was doing likewise to his mother upon his own front porch.
"I really like him, Sev," Lily said, hugging him.
"Mr. Marsh?"
"Of course, silly! I think he'll make a great professor, much better than boring old Gazewing."
"Yeah, he's a lot more interesting and you can tell he really loves his subject. That's important when you're teaching," Severus said. "I just hope nobody ever finds out my mother's dating him though."
"Why? What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing, except some kids might think he favored me if they knew." Severus said uneasily.
"I don't think Dickon's the kind to play favorites."
"Me neither, but you know how people are. Always assuming and almost always wrong."
"Too true. Well, good night, Sev. See you tomorrow!" She kissed him one last time, then let herself in the house.
He watched her until the door shut, sighing in longing, and wishing that he were of age, so then he could marry her.
Then he turned to head down the steps and back home, humming softly under his breath the song Unforgettable.
Sunday afternoon
12 Grimmauld Place, London:
The Floo flared and Sirius stepped cautiously from it, glancing about nervously, his duffle flung over a shoulder. There was no one in the den, as he had hoped would be the case when he had chosen to return from Potter Manor right after dinner. Usually Orion was in his study, going over cases, and Walburga reading or writing letters in the drawing room. Regulus was probably in his room, his nose buried in another potions book or next year's Transfiguration text.
Good. The coast is clear. Now all I have to do is make it upstairs to my room without Kreacher spotting me and I can pack up my stuff and not have to endure another bleeding lecture from my stick-in-the-mud parents.
He paused to remove his sneakers so he could tiptoe quietly through the den and up the stairs.
But he had just made it to the bottom of the stairs when a hand fell upon his shoulder.
"Sirius Orion Black, don't take another step."
Sirius gulped. Aww, Merlin! "Uh . . .Dad! I didn't see you there. I was just going to—"
"—come with me to the drawing room," Orion finished, his voice stern, a rarity for him, since he was usually the more easygoing of the two Black parents. "Your mother and I need to have a long talk with you about your behavior, young man."
Sirius thought about making a run for it.
But then Orion's hand tightened about his shoulder and his father said, "I wouldn't, if I were you. Don't make me bind you and throw you over my shoulder."
"You—you wouldn't!"
"Try me." Orion met his eyes. They were hard and inflexible.
Sirius winced. "Okay, Dad." He heaved a sigh. He had known this was coming ever since he had stormed out of the house on Christmas Eve.
He allowed Orion to steer him into the drawing room.
Walburga looked up from her desk when Orion walked in. She was writing a letter to one of her old classmates, Amber Peterson. Her dark hair was pulled back into a severe knot at the nape of her neck and she was wearing a long red robe of Oriental silk and matching phoenix slippers. "Did you want tea, dear? I can call Kreacher—" she halted and stared at the figure who came in behind him.
The look she flashed Sirius froze him in his tracks. "Well, well. The prodigal son returns."
Sirius winced, but forced himself to meet her angry eyes. He was nearly a foot taller than her, but Walburga could cut him down to knee-height with a single glance. "Good evening, Mother," he said formally, hoping to distract her with his show of good manners.
He might as well have been trying to turn the tide of the ocean with a sandcastle.
Walburga snorted. "You expect me to believe that Liana Potter has managed to do what I couldn't all these years—pound some manners into your thick skull?"
"Well, she tried, Mother," Sirius said sharply.
"What brings you home, Sirius? Because I know you didn't come home by choice, but because you needed something."
She was right. "I had to get my schoolbooks and things," he said sullenly.
"Humph! I've a good mind to withdraw you from that school. Clearly it's a bad influence on you."
Sirius nearly passed out. Surely he had not heard right. "Oh, like you're a better one! You can't be serious, Mother! No one in our family has ever withdrawn from Hogwarts."
"As if you care about our family, the way you've been behaving!" Walburga snapped, standing up and crossing her arms.
"And whose fault is that? I'm not the one who supports dark wizards around here."
"Sirius, that's enough!" Orion thundered. "You will not accuse us of being Death Eater supporters again, am I clear?"
Sirius whirled to lock gazes with his father. "Why? Because it's the truth, Dad? You let Reg go to meetings over at Lucius Malfoy's house. What do you think they do there . . .read bedtime stories? Roast marshmallows over the fire?"
A muscle clenched in Orion's jaw as he fought to keep his temper. He had promised himself long ago that he would never raise a hand to any of his children in anger. He had only broken that promise once, when Sirius had departed the house on Christmas Eve. He had vowed to never lose control like that again.
"Mind your tone, boy! I'm your father, not one of your friends. Your brother has found something better to do with his free time than prank people and get on everyone's nerves by starting fights." Orion snapped. "Your impudent attitude and disrespect for authority is the reason why you're in trouble half the time, son."
"I wouldn't have an attitude if you didn't try and make me into Regulus senior!" Sirius cried hotly.
"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Walburga asked coldly.
"You favor Regulus over me, you always have!"
"Nonsense! Stop trying to change the subject," his mother said.
"It's true! Reg's in Slytherin, just like the rest of this damn family, he has the same attitude towards Muggles and Muggleborns as you do, he hangs around slimy snakes like Snape, and kisses your arse like a good little boy," Sirius shouted, his old resentment coming to the fore. "Ever since I was Sorted into Gryffindor, you've been treating me like I'm dirt. So sorry I didn't follow tradition, Mother, and become a backstabbing viper like the rest of the family!"
"How dare you?" Walburga cried. "A viper, am I? Is that how you see me? You ungrateful little wretch! After all I have given you and all I have done—this is how you repay me? You selfish rotten brat! You have shamed this family over and over by acting like a rebellious snot at school and you expect me to just ignore it and pat you on the head? Well, not in this life, young man!"
"How about the next one?" Sirius asked insolently. Walburga's face turned red.
"There—you see? Exactly what I'm talking about. You have a smart answer for everything."
"How come every time I say something you don't like, I'm being smart?" Sirius challenged. "I'm not allowed to have my own opinion, is that it?"
"Sirius!" Orion said sharply. His son looked at him and he lifted a hand. "It's not just what you say, son, but how you say it. You have this tone in your voice when you speak to me or your mother that is two Knuts shy of outright disrespect. Now, I know you know better. If you have something to say to us, you may say it, but politely. There's no need to shout or make wild accusations about any of us."
"They're not wild accusations," Sirius said, more quietly. "Lucius Malfoy is probably a Death Eater and Reg's following right in his footsteps. You just don't want to see it."
"What proof do you have, Sirius?" Orion demanded sharply.
Sirius bit his lip. He knew what Orion was getting at. An Auror never accused without concrete proof. And he didn't really have any, just suspicions. "None, but I know there's something not right there, Dad. Lucius is an arrogant bastard and I hate his guts. Him and Snivellus Snape."
Walburga looked as though she was going to spit. "Severus Snape is a decent young man and you and that hooligan James Potter nearly caused his death. What have you to say about that, mister?"
"That it's too bad the wolf didn't succeed," Sirius growled.
Orion's face darkened. "You would deliberately murder a fellow student?"
"I wasn't planning on him getting hurt, we just wanted to scare him a little."
"And if he had gotten hurt? Would you have felt bad?" Orion asked, frowning.
"For a Death Eater?" Sirius sneered. "Did you feel bad for the ones you killed?"
"No, because they were convicted criminals and trying to kill me," Orion said shortly. "Does Severus wear the brand? Does he speak out against Muggles and Muggleborns? Regulus told me he is in love with a young Muggleborn named Lily Evans. That does not sound like one who follows He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."
"He's a sly little rat. He's a Slytherin and everyone knows all of them are dark wizards," Sirius blurted before he could think better of it.
"Excuse me?" Walburga hissed. "I am from Slytherin and so is your father, and are we dark wizards?" She rolled up her sleeve and stuck her arm in front of Sirius's face. "Where then is my Dark Mark?"
"I . . .I didn't mean you . . ."
"Didn't you? This is what comes of being Sorted into Gryffindor. They have corrupted you with their noble prejudices, making you turn your back upon your own family. I should have requested a Re-Sorting the day after you arrived there."
"Why? I love being in Gryffindor!" Sirius cried. "I'd rather belong there than in this family."
As soon as he said the words he knew he had gone too far.
Walburga looked as though she were about to have a stroke.
And Orion . . .Orion looked as if Sirius had cast a Cruciatus upon him at those words.
"Get out!" Walburga rasped, fury tinging her cheeks crimson. "If you like your damn Gryffindor friends so much . . .go stay with them!"
"Fine! Maybe I should. They at least give a damn about me and don't act like stuck-up prigs!"
"Walla, hush," Orion managed to say, knowing his wife's temper and her tendency to say things she didn't mean when she was furious. "Sirius, go to your room. We'll discuss your punishment about leaving the house without permission later."
"That's all you care about, Dad. Keeping me on the straight and narrow. Well, screw that! You're all a bunch of hypocrites!"
"Sirius . . .go . . .to . . .your . . .room." Orion gritted out. "Now."
Sirius whirled and stomped out of the drawing room, acting like a spoiled child, had he but known.
He made Orion long to take him by the scruff of the neck and shake him hard. "That boy! He's going to drive me to drink, I swear!" He put an arm about his wife. "Walla, he didn't mean what he said . . ."
She turned to him, her face set. "Don't try and cozen me, Orion Black. He spoke the truth. He would rather be a Potter than a Black. He thinks we're dark wizards, the stubborn idiot! You, who've spent your life in pursuit of them and me, who has done all I could to instill morals and values into him, and he dares to call us followers of the lefthand path! He goes too far, Orion!"
"He's just a boy, Walla. He doesn't know what he's saying. . . ."
Regulus slipped back up to his room when he heard the sound of the drawing room door slamming and Sirius stomping up the stairs like a herd full of unicorns. He had heard almost every word of the quarrel, since none of them had attempted to keep their voices down and the house was not that big, sound echoed in it.
He met his brother just as Sirius was turning the corner to go into his room and hissed angrily, "You just had to start with them, Siri, didn't you? Why can't you learn to just shut up for once?"
"Like you, little brother?" sneered the Animagus. "Shut up and say "Yes, Mummy and Daddy, whatever you say?" like a kiss-arse?"
Regulus flushed. "I'm not a kiss-arse, you dimwit! But I'm smarter than you, since I know when to pick my battles."
"What battles? You're Mum's darling, you can't do anything wrong."
"And you're Dad's favorite, so what?" Regulus sighed. "Why do you always antagonize them? Can't you see it just makes them angry?"
"Like I give a damn! What can they do to me? Lock me in my room? Spank me? Ha!" He turned and stalked into his room, nearly shutting the door in Reg's face.
"You're such an ass," Regulus said, pushing open the door and then shutting it behind him. "I'm beginning to think Mum's right and you like getting in trouble."
Sirius laughed sharply. "I'd be a boring stiff like you, kid, if I didn't get into trouble. That's what makes life worth living."
"The maybe you need to get a new one," said his brother. "You know, you really hurt them running to Potter like that on Christmas Eve."
"Right. You were glad to see the back of me." Sirius said dismissively. He began to throw clothes and his school things into his duffle, which magically expanded to whatever size he needed it to be.
"I mean it, Siri! They were really upset."
"Sure they were. Upset that now they had to explain to the Malfoys why their eldest was missing. Upset because I made them look bad." His Quidditch gear went into the duffle as well.
"Mum was crying!"
"What? Don't lie, Reg. She's made of iron, she's never cried in her life. She threatened to burn my presents."
"She didn't. They're still in the parlor. She kept asking Dad what she did to make you hate your family."
"She had you," Sirius said flippantly, before he could think better of it.
"Arsehole!" Regulus spat, blinking back tears. "Maybe you should get the hell out of here, Sirius!"
"Reg, I . . ."
His brother swung at him, forcing Sirius to duck quickly. "Shut up, damn you! Just shut up! You arrogant bastard! I don't know why I bother trying to talk to you. All you care about is yourself. Selfish git!"
He spun about and prepared to depart.
"Reg, wait—"
But Regulus had had enough and he ignored Sirius's call and stormed out of the room.
Sirius gazed at the closed door and shook his head. He knew it was a mistake to come back here. He didn't belong here anymore. He continued shoving his possessions into the expanding duffle. For once, he was going to listen to his mother and go and stay with the Potters for good. He had always wished James were his brother and that he could live on the sprawling estate.
Looks like my wish has come true. Goodbye Grimmauld Place, hello Potter Manor.
Some ten minutes later, Regulus returned to Sirius' room, intending to return a Quidditch helmet, only to find that the room was empty, the shelves swept clean of everything save posters of Quidditch stars, old athletes, and black dogs. Regulus turned about in the middle of the room, trying to comprehend the fact that Sirius had gone away.
He blinked and thought frantically, Oh Merlin! Oh ruddy hell! What am I going to tell my parents?
Just then he heard a familiar tread and Orion knocked softly, then came in. "Regulus? Where's your brother?"
Regulus swallowed sharply. "He's . . .he's . . .not here."
"I can see that," Orion laughed wryly. "Where is he?"
"I think he's run away to the Potters'," Reg answered sadly. He wondered if Sirius would ever return. He knew that by leaving, Sirius had split the family in two and who knew if they would ever get back together again. "Who's going to tell Mum?"
Orion squared his shoulders. "I will. She's less likely to hit me."
Regulus tried to smile but failed. He had a funny feeling that Sirius's leaving would cause him more trouble than it was worth. He watched as his father went downstairs and he could hear him telling her the news.
A plate shattered against the wall.
Regulus flinched.
He heard Orion talking, more things breaking.
Then all was quiet, save for a woman crying.