Ch 19
A/N: Ok guys, here it is. For those of you that I told I needed to post 3 chapters before Valentine's day, I apologize I lied. I chose instead to combine two chapters. So as usual please read and review. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me. I promise I'm nice :)
...
As Dumbledore awoke the next morning the reality of the conversation he'd had with Minerva the previous night seemed to crash down upon him. Getting out of bed and dressing, he started to pace his room. He had a daughter, not just a daughter, but a 29 year old daughter. Victoria was his. There was something the first night that he met her, a strange connection that he thought should have been some kind of inclination towards it. At that time he had simply passed it off to the fact that she had looked like Minerva, actually she was nearly the image of Minerva with the exception of her eyes. His eyes, if he were to be honest. He smiled at the thought; his daughter actually had his eyes. Over the last few years he had come to care for the girl almost as if she were his own. To find out that she in fact was, without a doubt had been shocking, but he couldn't deny the happiness it brought to him either.
It was true that he was wounded by Minerva to a degree. She had kept the fact that he had a daughter from him for this long. Conversely, he knew what she had said was true. If Minerva had come to him when she was pregnant he would have married her in a heartbeat. He had loved her even then, but he would have done it for propriety's sake, instead of from the heart.
Although he was upset with her, there was something that overshadowed his resentment. She had finally told him that she loved him. A great smile broke out on his face at the thought. For the first time they were actually honest with each other. He wished more than anything that he could go back and change the events of that morning. He would have taken her in his arms and professed his love to her, making her see that he was true. Then things would have turned out differently. He would have had his Minerva, and Victoria would have known her parents.
However, this was something that he thought to be at her advantage. Should Lord Voldemort return Albus knew that the Dark Lord would come after anyone associated with him. For this fact alone Albus realized that Victoria was much safer not knowing that they were her parents. Even if Voldemort somehow got a hold of her, he would never be able to use her against him. Heaving a deep sigh, he realized that it would be easier on Minerva as well to not be attached to him. No matter how much it hurt him to think about it, he realized what his next move had to be.
He had just stepped to the door intending to seek out Minerva, when he heard a knock. Opening it he was surprised to see her standing in front of him. "Professor Dumbledore, if I did not know any better I would have said you were waiting for me."
He smiled, allowing her to enter, "It just so happens that I was on my way to see you my dear." He watched as she took a seat next to his fireplace.
She smiled, "It seems the old saying is true, great minds think alike." Conjuring up a tea service she started to pour out for both of them, "What was it that you wished to discuss?"
He took the chair next to her, heaving a great sigh before starting, "Minerva, I do love you, I trust you never to forget that. However, I have been thinking about my situation."
"Your situation, what do you mean?" She asked, a line of confusion forming on her forehead.
"If, as I believe, Lord Voldemort should return, you will be in grave danger. I cannot allow you to be targeted on my account. Therefore, I do not think that we should continue…"
He was cut off when Minerva stood from her seat, towering over him menacingly. Her voice producing a harder edge than he'd ever heard, "Albus Dumbledore, you listen to me! There is no possible scenario in which I will not be with you. If you are correct and the Dark Lord does return, he will most certainly come after me no matter who I am attached to. I have been in support of you for far too long to change my affiliation now." She knelt down in front of him, imploring him to look at her, "Albus I love you. I will not sit back any longer pretending to be less attached to you than I am."
He smiled slightly taking her face in his hands, "I sometimes forget how strong of a woman you truly are." He leaned in placing a chaste kiss on her lips, "As always, you are right Minerva, no matter whether you are with me or not he will come after you. I only wished to protect you my dear."
She stood back up taking her seat again thinking for a moment. "If you would prefer for us to be… quiet about our relationship I would understand," she said looking down into her cup.
"I would feel more comfortable carrying on that way. Are you sure it is satisfactory with you?" He asked studying her face.
She nodded, "Of course. As long as I can be with you, it is more than satisfactory with me. I would, however, wish to make an exception to that rule."
"Who is that, my dear?" He casually took a sip of his tea.
"I know that Poppy would be severely hurt should I keep it from her." She smiled behind her cup.
He chuckled, "I daresay it is more likely you should be hurt should she hear about it from another source."
She laughed, "You are right. Do you mind?"
"Not at all, I believe that Poppy, above anyone, would be most eager to keep our secret. Come my dear, it is time for breakfast. I do not wish for our presence to be missed on this beautiful Christmas morning." He smiled getting up from his chair.
She nodded, "You're right. We should go."
…
On New Year's Eve they had a party in the Great Hall. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Some of the staff had made their way to the makeshift dance floor while others chose to simply chat. Victoria was off on the dance floor with Professor Flitwick while Severus looked on. A look of jealousy contorted his face as he watched with rapt attention. He was so immersed in his scrutiny that he didn't even notice when Dumbledore came up beside him. With a smirk on Albus's face he spoke, "Why do you not cut in?"
Severus's head whipped around staring at the older man, "I do not wish to hold her back. I do not dance," he answered simply, turning his eyes back to the, somewhat mismatched, couple on the dance floor.
"I do not see that she will mind much." Albus nudged gently.
Severus shook his head, "No, I cannot do that to her. She deserves a far better partner than I." With those words Severus left the hall, his head lowered and robes billowing out behind him.
As the song ended Victoria left the dance floor, searching for her friend in the crowd, instead finding Albus where he had previously stood. Going to him she asked, "What happened to Severus?"
"I fear he was not feeling… adequate. He has retired for the evening." Albus said and watched as her face fell slightly.
"Oh," she answered, wondering why he hadn't said good night to her before leaving, "well maybe I should go talk to him."
"Perhaps it would be a wise choice." He smiled watching as she toyed with her necklace.
"Ok, well good night Professor. Happy New Year." She smiled walking away from him, heading towards the dungeons.
Smiling he watched her walk out. Looking around he found Poppy and Minerva heading towards the doors to the grounds. Knowing that Minerva had planned on telling Poppy about them that night he decided to busy himself with another drink.
Minerva ushered Poppy out the doors of the entrance hall as Poppy protested, "Minerva, what is going on? Why are we going outside in the freezing cold? We'll both have pneumonia before morning."
Minerva shook her head and placed a warming charm over both of them, "There is something that I feel you would be pleased to be privy to."
Poppy looked at her as if she'd lost her mind, "What are you on about Min?"
Minerva could hold it in no longer, "Albus and I are together."
Poppy's jaw dropped to the floor, "What?! When?!"
"Christmas Eve, I went to his office after Victoria transformed. I finally told him about her and I told him that I loved him." Minerva smiled.
Poppy let out a small squeal of excitement, sounding very much like a silly school girl, "What did he say?"
"Rightfully he was shocked about Victoria, but he said that he had loved me since before… that night." Minerva beamed.
"Oh, Min. I'm so happy for you. Wait, why am I only hearing about this now? It's been a week!" Poppy shouted indignantly.
"We decided to keep it a secret. I only talked him into telling you."
"What about Victoria? Are you going to tell her?" Poppy enquired.
Minerva shook her head, "No, we realized that if anyone wanted to hurt Albus they would come after those closest to him first. This way she is safe."
"So you're just going to leave her in the dark? That is not fair to her." Poppy retorted, knowing how frustrated Victoria had become with her search. Working with the girl for a year Poppy had come to learn a lot about her and had become something of a surrogate mother herself.
"I understand, but there is no other way we can protect her." Minerva stated simply, a sad look crossing her features.
Poppy shook her head, and then turned to Minerva with a smile, "So you and Albus are together?"
Minerva laughed, "Yes Poppy, Albus and I are together."
"Did you… you know?" Poppy asked her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Poppy Pomfrey! How could you ask me such a question?!" Minerva shouted staring at her best friend in shock.
"Simple, you've done it before." Poppy answered with a cheeky smile.
Minerva blushed a deep red, stammering, "That… that may well be, but… but… we're taking it slow."
"Now Min, where's the fun in that, you're both adults, why not?" Poppy winked for emphasis. She knew exactly what buttons to push to drive Minerva crazy.
"Poppy! How can you say such a thing?! Albus and I may both be adults, but that doesn't give us permission to just… do it! We are getting to know each other in a different capacity. We're taking our time."
Poppy shook her head taking a step back toward the entrance hall, "Suit yourself, but I don't see the problem."
Minerva stood looking after her friend's retreating form, aghast. She couldn't believe that Poppy would even suggest such things. Then realizing what Poppy had been doing she shook her head and followed her back to the Great Hall.
…
A few minutes later Victoria found herself in the dungeons. Knocking on Severus's door she waited while she heard footsteps come closer. Opening the door he looked up at her, surprised to see her missing the party. "Victoria. Was the party not to your liking?"
She stepped into the room beside him, "I could ask you the same question. Why did you leave?"
He looked down at his shoes, "As you well know I am not one for parties."
She looked hurt, "I know, but you could have at least said goodbye. You just left."
"I do apologize, however I felt this would be the best course of action. I prefer not to be near the Great Hall at midnight."
She suddenly looked at the clock he had on the wall, a smile formed on her face, "Well you're not around the Great Hall." She leaned in, kissing him on the cheek. "Happy New Year Severus."
He stood in shock as she stepped away from him and back through the door.
…
By the end of January Victoria could tell that her seventh years were on edge about their upcoming N.E.W.T.s so she decided to bring out a surprise for them. Stepping into class after they had already taken their seats, carrying a large trunk, she set it down on the floor in the middle of the room. "Good morning class. I know we had something else planned for today, but I couldn't resist. When I heard that a boggart had taken up residence in Professor Trelawney's trunk I knew this would be a great refresher course for you. So who's first?"
Most of the students sat in their chairs slinking down, trying to look invisible. However as she had expected Tonks's hand was the first in the air. Victoria smiled at her, "Great, ok Tonks, let's see if you can handle this one on your own. The rest of you remember, boggarts will be on your test, so you are missing a great opportunity."
Tonks gave her a wink as she got up out of her seat. Victoria nodded at her as she opened the trunk. It took a moment, but soon the image of Bellatrix Lestrange swaggered out of the trunk. Victoria froze for a moment, her hand on her wand in case Tonks needed her. Tonks stared at the woman, a look of contempt on her face. It wasn't until boggart-Bellatrix stopped in front of Tonks and her hair suddenly changed to a short, spikey, vibrant purple, that Victoria realized that it wasn't simply Bellatrix. Tonks continued to stare daggers at the boggart, a moment later she wordlessly pointed her wand at the woman and the image folded itself up like an accordion. Tonks gave a great laugh and the boggart popped into nothingness.
The whole class broke into applause along with Victoria, "That was wonderful Tonks! Great work really, 10 points to Hufflepuff! Now unfortunately, homework, I want a full foot from each of you on boggarts." The class groaned in protest. "I know you did this back in third year, but that's why we call this review."
"By the way I will know if you hand in the same one you did before." She paused a moment, watching as the students looked at each other curiously. "We teachers have our way." She answered their silent questions. "Alright, now back to what we were going to work on today…"
…
That evening after class Victoria chose to stay in her classroom a little longer, grading papers. She heard a knock on the door, as she looked up she saw the smiling face of Tonks. "Tonks, come in."
"Wotcher Vicky." Tonks smiled, not even bothering to correct herself this time.
"What can I do for you?" Victoria asked setting her quill back in the ink pot.
"Vicky, did you see my boggart today?" Tonks asked leaning against the table she commonly sat at.
"Yeah, I did." Victoria answered watching the girl intently.
"Do you know what my boggart is?" Tonks asked with an uncharacteristic sad look on her face.
"It looked to me to be Bellatrix Lestrange."
Tonks looked up at her, sighing, "That's part of it. It's actually me turning into Bella."
Victoria nodded, still not entirely understanding the girl's logic, but continued, "And why is that your boggart?"
"Because she is my aunt." Tonks answered simply. "She's my mum's sister. Basically the whole family's a bunch of evil nutters. I am always afraid I'll become one of them."
Victoria got up from her chair and came over to her. Taking Tonks's shoulders she said, "Tonks, you know you're nothing like them."
"But…"
Victoria cut her off, "You are a bright, warm, happy person. I know that will never happen to you. You are too good."
Tonks shook her head, "How do you know I won't change?"
"Because I know you. You're too strong." Victoria smiled.
"Thanks Vicky." Tonks gave her a small smile.
Victoria nodded, taking her hands off of Tonks's shoulders. Tonks didn't say anything else, but Victoria could tell there was more, "Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?"
Tonks looked up at her, a look of uncertainty in her eyes, "I wanted to ask you about this for a while," she said cautiously. "I want to become an Auror when I leave Hogwarts. I wondered if you could teach me something before I get there?"
Victoria looked at her cautiously, "And what's that?"
"Could you teach me how to produce a Patronus? I know I will need to know how to if I become an Auror, I just want to get a jump on it." Tonks pleaded.
Victoria thought about it for a second. Finally conceding, "Alright, we'll start tomorrow night. Right after dinner."
Tonks beamed, "Wicked! Vicky, you are so boss!"
"Don't say that yet. It's going to be a lot of work." Victoria couldn't help but smile at the girl's enthusiasm.
"I don't care! This is so great!" Tonks exclaimed hugging Victoria and then pulling back. Laughing Victoria watched as the girl bounced her way back towards the door. Just before exiting Tonks turned back to Victoria, "Oi, Vicky."
Victoria whipped around to look at her, "Yeah."
"What is your boggart?" She asked casually.
Victoria laughed, "Seeing you with a frown." Victoria joked receiving a laugh as Tonks left the room.
…
A few hours later, Victoria found herself knocking on Minerva's door. Receiving the affirmative to come in she entered the room. "Good evening Professor." Victoria smiled taking a seat in front of Minerva's desk.
"Good evening Victoria." Minerva echoed looking up from her papers. "Are you ready?" she asked setting her glasses down.
"I think so." Victoria answered. This time she did not close her eyes, something Minerva had challenged her with on her last lesson. Clearing her mind Victoria could feel her body change. After having changed a few times now, it still felt strange feeling her body shrink. Soon a fluffy little black cat sat on the chair that Victoria had previously been in. Her blue eyes continued to stare at Minerva as she twitched her whiskers, the arm of the chair having made them itch.
Minerva gave the little cat a slight smirk. "Now, change back."
Victoria again didn't close her eyes. Her body growing, she felt her feet hit the floor again. Immediately her hand rose to her mouth. She let out a laugh, realizing that there were no whiskers attached to her face this time. She couldn't believe it. She had managed to transform, and come back without any problems.
Minerva gave her a true smile, "Great work Victoria. I believe you are ready."
"Ready?" Victoria parroted curiously.
"For your test of course. I had anticipated this and Mr. Averil Brent from the Ministry is on his way." Minerva stated simply picking her glasses back up from her desk.
"Um… are you sure I'm ready? I mean I could have an accident, like last time again." Victoria asked worriedly.
Minerva fixed her with a piercing stare over her glasses, "Do you think you will remain with cat ears this time?"
"No… but…"
"It is already done. He will be here any minute." Minerva waved her off. She actually felt more confidence in the girl than she let on.
A moment later, from the fireplace a man popped out in a blaze of green flames. He was a tall, lanky, balding man with a thick black mustache. Clearing his throat he looked to Minerva, a flirty smile crossed his lips, "Professor McGonagall, it's always a pleasure to see you."
"Good evening Mr. Brent." Minerva said icily. Victoria couldn't tell what, but something had obviously gone on between the two.
Mr. Brent's tone changed, hearing Minerva's. Clearing his throat again he asked, "I hear that you have an Animagus candidate?"
"Yes." Minerva stated simply, giving Victoria a gentle push, "This is Victoria. I have been tutoring her. I believe that she is ready."
"Very well." He said shooting Victoria a skeptical glance.
Victoria shook her head, ignoring the cynical glare she managed to transform into her feline form and back seamlessly. Minerva gave a small smile at her protégée. Mr. Brent cleared his throat again, "Congratulations," he said without emotion, "you passed."
Victoria beamed back at Minerva, "You mean I did it?!"
"That would be correct." Mr. Brent said stepping back over to the fireplace, taking a pinch of Floo powder from his pocket. "I need to be getting back to the Ministry. Good evening, Victoria, Professor." He threw the powder into the flames and was gone just as quickly as he'd come.
"I did it!" Victoria exclaimed running over to Minerva, "I mean I really did it!" Victoria couldn't help hugging her, the excitement nearly bubbling out of her.
Minerva let out a soft chuckle, "You did an exemplary job."
Victoria pulled back, "I'm sorry Professor, I'm just so happy! I'm an Animagus!"
"That you are." Minerva walked back behind her desk. "That also means our lessons are finished."
Victoria's face suddenly fell. She'd grown accustomed to meeting with Minerva three times a week. It felt like graduation day again, not a feeling she relished. "But that doesn't mean I can't visit you anymore does it?"
Minerva shook her head, sitting back down, "You are welcome any time Victoria."
Victoria smiled again. "Good, then I will meet you again on Wednesday. Maybe you can teach me how to play chess. I've never been very good at it."
Minerva gave her a slight smile, "I shall see you then."
Victoria went to leave the office, but before walking through the door she transformed into the small cat. Minerva couldn't help but smile. She had been amazed by the girl's progress, and was now more proud than ever to think that Victoria was her daughter.
…
Patronus lessons proved to be much harder than Tonks had originally thought. They had been meeting for nearly two weeks now and she hadn't managed to produce even so much as a silvery mist.
Tonks let out a great moan as she flopped down into a seat after her last attempt. "Vicky, what am I doing wrong? I should be able to do this."
Victoria shook her head, "Tonks, you're trying too hard. You just need to think of a really happy memory."
"I did that last time, and the time before that, and the time before that." Tonks sighed holding her head in her hands.
Victoria came up and put a hand on her shoulder, "Can I ask what you were thinking of?"
"The last time it was when I got my Hogwarts letter." Tonks looked up at her sadly.
Victoria gave her a slight, knowing smile, "Are you sure that's your happiest memory?"
Tonks looked at her curiously for a moment, and then a smile formed on her face, "Let's try again."
Victoria gave her a nod, "Ok, you know what to do."
Tonks closed her eyes in concentration; keeping the image in her mind she allowed the feelings from that moment to fill her up. Opening them back up, a look of determination set on her face, she yelled, "Expecto Patronum!" As the last syllable was out of her mouth a dense silver mist shot out from her wand. It held there for a moment, looking like it wanted to turn into something else, but vanished. Tonks looked up at Victoria with a huge smile on her face, "I did it! I actually did it!"
The look on Victoria's face mirrored Tonks's, "You did… almost. You just lost concentration there at the end. I think a little more practice and you'll have it."
The smile on Tonks's face couldn't be stopped, "That really felt amazing! I can't believe I did it!"
"So what did you think of this time?" Victoria asked leaning back against her desk.
A slight blush painted Tonks's cheeks, "My first kiss."
"Really?" Victoria asked, a smile forming on her lips and her arms crossed in front of her.
"Yeah, it was great." Tonks smiled wistfully, "It was a while ago though, he has probably forgotten by now."
Victoria shot her a skeptical look, "If it was his first kiss too, he wouldn't. I probably shouldn't ask this, but who was it?"
The blush on Tonks's face became even more prominent, in a tone just above a whisper she answered, "Charlie."
"Charlie?" Victoria asked astonished, "Charlie Weasley?"
Tonks gave a little nod. "It's nothing really. We were together last year. Found out we're better as friends."
"That happens sometimes." Victoria said gently. The look on her face and the tone of her voice led Victoria to believe that Tonks didn't completely believe her words, but Victoria was not going to pry.
Tonks remained quiet for a few minutes, Victoria assumed she was lost in memory, until Tonks looked back up at her, "Vicky, can I ask something?"
"Sure." Victoria looked back up at the girl.
"You and Snape, what's with you two?"
Victoria smiled, "Snape and I are friends. That's all."
"Right." Tonks responded skeptically, "I've seen how he looks at you, and you always seem happier after talking to him."
"Tonks our relationship is complicated." Victoria turned away from the girl. Taking a deep breath she explained, "Severus and I were… on opposite sides of a fight for a while. Then when I came here we both had the wrong idea about each other. Over the last few years we've really learned a lot and have become friends."
Tonks nodded, she was willing to put money on the fact that Victoria felt more for Snape than she was letting on, "So you're saying that you and Snape are just friends."
"Yes." Victoria said turning back to Tonks, seeing that the girl was not ready to back down.
"I'm sorry, but that's complete bollocks. Are you seriously trying to tell me you have no feelings for him?" Tonks asked studying her teacher's face.
"Of course I care about him, he is my friend. But if you're thinking we're more, than I'm sorry to disappoint you, but we're not."
Tonks nodded, "Suit yourself. Should we call it a night? I'm knackered."
Victoria smiled, "Sure. See you on Friday."
Tonks left with a wave, leaving Victoria to her thoughts as she graded her papers.
…
Valentine's Day that year proved to be a much more sedate affair than the last holidays had been. However, with Albus there it was very obvious as to the date. As Victoria walked into the Great Hall that morning the sight stunned her. The candles in the ceiling had been changed to add pink and red along with the usual white. There were confetti hearts falling from the ceiling like snow. The hangings had been transformed to a gauzy pink, white, and red, casting a pink hue to the room.
Victoria shook her head as she made her way to the staff table, nearly laughing out loud at Albus, seeing for the first time his hot pink robes for the occasion. Taking a seat between Poppy and Minerva she greeted them, receiving a half-hearted response from Poppy, and a usual greeting from Minerva. Looking at Poppy inquisitively she asked, "What's wrong with you this morning?"
Poppy sighed, leaning her head on her hand, "It's just all of this. It makes me a little…"
"Moody?" Minerva offered smirking.
"What, no not moody… I mean… I am a little moody… but I'm not thinking about Moody." Poppy stammered unconvincingly.
Victoria and Minerva exchanged knowing looks and smiled. "Well you must have been thinking about Moody," Victoria stated simply picking up an orange from the bowl of fruit. "Otherwise you wouldn't be so adamant against it."
Poppy shot her two friends an indignant look, "Just because I'm in a mood this morning does not mean I have to be thinking of anyone in particular."
Minerva nodded, "You are right Poppy, the date may not have any effect. However, I am curious as to why you seem to be in such a sulk today."
Poppy huffed, "Am I not allowed to simply be in a foul mood?"
"Of course you are." Victoria said patting her hand, "But that doesn't mean your friends aren't allowed to give you a hard time about it."
Poppy shook her head standing up from the table, "Excuse me ladies. I need to get back to work."
Minerva and Victoria laughed watching Poppy storm out of the room. Victoria took a moment to scan the staff table, noticing that the seat Severus usually took to be empty. She did not comment on it, but Minerva caught her eye line and said, "Severus is much like Poppy. Neither have a particular liking for this day." Victoria nodded remaining silent. She couldn't help but wonder at his absence.
…
As the day progressed Victoria noticed that Severus had not been to any of the meals. She understood not being a fan of the day as well as anyone, but it was unlike him to miss all of the meals. After dinner she went back to her office intending to get some papers graded, instead her mind continued to wander to Severus. Finally relenting she pulled a piece of parchment out from a drawer in her desk. Pointing at it she said, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." Saying this, the parchment started to fill itself. Searching through the many layers of parchment she finally found his name. She was surprised when she saw that he was out by the lake, but she headed out there even so.
As she stepped out the doors to the grounds she pulled her ice blue robes tighter around her in an attempt to block out the chill. Approaching the lake she could see a black form reflected on the lake's crystalline surface. Stepping up to him silently she saw that he was sitting on the ground holding a picture. His black hair fell like a curtain across his face blocking it from view. Taking a seat next to him, he didn't even stir. Finally she looked at the picture. It was of a woman with dark red hair and green eyes. The woman in the picture was smiling and waving her wand at something outside of the photo. There was no denying that the woman was beautiful, making Victoria feel a strange twinge of, was it jealousy? Mentally shaking herself she thought that it couldn't be jealousy, she was only friends with the man.
After a few minutes in silence Severus raised his head, his eyes were bloodshot when he looked at Victoria and his voice was slightly hoarse, "I trust you have noticed my absence."
Victoria nodded, "I just wanted to make sure you were ok."
He didn't respond to her, but held the picture so that Victoria could see it easier in the waning sunlight, "Lily."
"She is beautiful." Victoria said gently, feeling that annoying twinge again.
"She was." Severus corrected bringing the picture closer to him again. "She is the reason I chose to leave the Death Eaters. I had loved Lily for many years. Perhaps from the time I first met her when we were 9. We were best friends through our fifth year, although we were in different houses. It was then that I made a grievous mistake. We did not speak much for the remainder of our time here, but it did not alleviate my feelings for her. When I found out that the Dark Lord had her marked is when I came back to Dumbledore. Alas it was not enough to protect her."
The story struck something in Victoria. Although it was a tragic story she couldn't help but feel that she had heard something in connection with the name before. Suddenly it came to her, "Is that Lily Potter?"
Severus nodded forlornly, "Evans, but yes eventually Potter."
Suddenly the urge to cry hit her. She'd felt responsible for their deaths when it had happened, but to find out that he had been connected only managed to escalate it. "I'm so sorry Severus."
He didn't say anything for a long while. Still staring at her picture he finally said, "It was long ago."
"If you truly loved her, than she will always be with you." Victoria said gently putting a hand on his arm.
He looked at her for a moment, the tiniest flash of gratitude lighting his eyes, "Thank you."
She gave him a comforting smile, "Anything for a friend."
They continued to sit in silence watching the setting sun cast its final glowing rays on the ripples of the lake.