This is the story of Severus Snape.
Previously on The Years Of Decisions 13: A History Of Bad Magic
By this time, Janna had drawn herself into a ball and continued to shiver violently. Running his wand up and down Janna's body Dumbledore cast two spells in rapid succession. The first spell relieved the violent shivers and the second put Janna into a light sleep.
As he stood there cursing himself for yet another muck up, Dumbledore wasn't even sure he wanted to fix it this time. For all his posturing and back patting, the spells he had worked out to change Lily to Janna were not holding up as they should.
"Bollocks and bollocks again," mumbled Dumbledore. He hadn't taken into consideration that the first shock of hearing about her alter ego Lily in relation to Severus without preparation might set the two personalities on a collision course. He couldn't allow this to keep happening. If he kept patching the spells, it could eventually come down to the breakdown of everything he had done to give Lily a life. Dumbledore knew he had three choices to make and none were particularly palatable. One choice would break Severus, one would break Janna and the last choice would leave the Magical World at the mercy of Voldemort.
To confuse things even further, once he brought Janna out of this episode she would appear normal until the next breakdown. For perhaps the second time in his life, Albus Dumbledore had to admit he was not as brilliant as he thought.
Albus gazed at the lovely witch lying before him. He had delved into uncharted territories with Lily because he could. He was Albus Dumbledore. Who could have stopped him? Had he been less arrogant about what he could accomplish, Lily and Harry could have been spirited out of Britain to live their lives elsewhere. But that hadn't been enough for his ego. Albus Dumbledore had to prove he could perform magic no other wizard had ever performed and it had all come down to a lovely witch being torn apart bit by bit.
The Years Of Decisions: Chapter 14: Temper In Temper Out
Once they landed in Albania, Lucius had tried to talk to Severus about what had gone on at the Manor. Severus wouldn't hear it. "We are here for one purpose and one purpose only Lucius. I do not care to discuss how revolting Narcissa finds my wife. There is a tavern in the center of town where I'm sure we'll find Mulciber, Nott and a few others. It boggles my mind how the insignificant bastards are supposed to find anything with their arses constantly attached to a bar stool."
Lucius followed Severus down what was supposed to be a path but was no more than a narrow line caused by travelers walking through. He hated Albania with its rat infested forests. There wasn't even a decent inn to rest a tired arse after a day walking these bloody, fucking roads.
Lucius knew he was working himself into a fury, but he could do little to stop it. This trip had been planned and discussed several times. He and Severus were supposed to work in tandem. Now Severus was in a beast of a mood which didn't set well for them to be about their business in an unobtrusive manner. Lucius' only hope was that they didn't come upon anyone who rubbed Severus the wrong way.
"Severus. We have a plan which calls for us to do what needs to be done and get the hell out of this country. Is there really any need to stop in some out of the way hovel that passes for a tavern?"
"Do as you wish Lucius. I need to hear for myself how and why these rumors remain in circulation. I do not plan to go off in all directions at once. I want the truth. Why don't you go have a lie down. Even better, go back to Wiltshire to Narcissa. I'll handle this."
"I feel we'll get more accomplished if you lose that sarcastic edge you are managing to convey," Lucius snarled. "You are not talking to one of those idiots who follow blindly accepting whatever crumbs are thrown. You are speaking to me. We are here for a specific task. Let's get on with it."
Severus had been called out. He and Lucius needed to get this done and here he was acting like a spurned witch. He kept walking with his head high but threw a semi apology back over his shoulder. " You are right Lucius. This is no time for temper. We move forward from here."
Even though he wouldn't let on. Lucius was relieved Severus had come around. There weren't many things worse than being on the receiving end of Severus Snape's temper.
/*/
With tempers out of the way, the mission had moved along rapidly. Severus and Lucius only had to interrogate three derelicts before getting what they needed. So several hours after they had arrived in Albania the two wizards were on their way to the deepest part of the forest under disillusionment charms. As they had gone deeper and deeper into the forest there had been signs. There were bodies and skeletons of small, medium and large animals scatter about as though they had been used for some purpose them discarded after outliving their usefulness.
Severus carefully examined several of these animals. In a very low voice he told Lucius the scattered remains stunk of dark magic. They were on the right track. Moving even more stealthily than before, Lucius and Severus split up to cover more ground.
Severus caught movement from the corner of his eye. It was an animal the likes of which he'd never seen before. It was an animal human hybrid. It was furry yet had tiny human hands and legs. The animal or whatever it was also appeared to be blind.
Severus knew he had found what he and Lucius had come looking for. The Dark Lord at his weakest. Luckily, it seemed as though this strange thing was in distress which gave Severus the opportunity to snatch it up. It was obvious to Severus the thing was in need of his next body. Not knowing how the Dark Lord managed to jump from body to body, Severus conjured a pair of heavy, dragon skin gloves to keep from touching the thing.
Then the hard question came to mind. Just what should be done? Severus hurried to find Lucius. They would work it out together. However, when he found Lucius and they examined the thing together it was obvious what Severus had in his hand was not the animal itself. Rather it was a perfectly shed outer skin of something.
"Fuck," yelled Lucius into the dark recesses of the forest. "He is on to the next body Severus. He has eluded us."
Severus who had had visions of burying the Dark Lord in some deep, dark hole never to be heard from again was furious. The thing he held almost seemed to pulsate in his hand. They could only have missed the change by hours.
"Let us not give up too quickly," remarked Lucius looking around the forest. "Perhaps our luck will hold. We found him once. We'll find him again."
"I'd like to think it is as simple as that Lucius. I'm inclined to believe otherwise. The Dark Lord is in a fresh, new body. More than likely he will be quick and elusive until it comes time to jump into another body." Holding up the thing in his hand once more, Severus suggested they couldn't even be sure what animal The Dark Lord had jumped into."
Lucius who hadn't ever experienced an indecisive moment up to that moment stood by thinking as he watched Severus bury the abomination. They had received the correct information. They had found the correct animal. The only thing that had been against them was time. They had missed their target by hours. The only thing they could do was start all over again.
Severus stood to face Lucius. "Shall we begin again?"
"We do not have a choice Severus. If it is not done now before The Dark Lord acquires a physical body, then when?
/*/
For the rest of Monday and late into Tuesday the two men sought information which had not been forthcoming. They continued to comb through the dark forests and scour Albania. They found nothing except the annoying Quirinus Quirrell who was evidently still on sabbatical and still acting the simpleton. Luckily, Professor Quirrell did not see Severus or Lucius as they were again moving under the Disillusionment Spell.
Early Wednesday, Severus and Lucius prepared for their return home. Both wizards were in foul moods. They had not accomplished what they set out to do and didn't know if they would get another chance. When they landed, Lucius went home to prepare for his meeting while Severus made his way back to Hogwarts to prepare for his visit to Harry Potter.
/*/
Dumbledore knew he was in for a huge altercation with Severus and had decided not to mention Janna's condition to him until after the visit to Privet Drive.
/*/
Janna was still a little weak and not too sure why. She was suffering bouts of the shivers which came on suddenly and left just as suddenly. Severus was due home so Janna decided to wait for his return instead of going to the Hospital Wing. She was sure he would know exactly what to do.
Janna had almost finished dressing when Severus stepped through the doors. He hadn't gotten all the way into their sitting room before she was in his arms.
"What's this then? Missed me that much, have you? I missed you as well love."
He leaned over to kiss Janna on the mouth when a bout of the shivers took her over. Severus was immediately concerned and asked if she needed to go see Poppy.
Janna smiled weakly up at him as she answered. "We have an appointment today. I cannot let a small bout of shivers interfere with something as important as speaking to Harry."
Here's my thoughts on the matter. "In my estimation there is nothing more important than you and your health. Not even The Boy Who lived. If you will be alright, I'll take a quick shower."
Severus hurriedly showered and dressed while Janna sat in a chair hugging herself. He watched his wife and was concerned. If they had not promised Dumbledore they would do this interview with Harry, he would have her at St Mungo's. Poppy was fine in a pinch, but if Janna needed medical attention he'd rather it was at St Mungo's.
They still had nearly two hours before they were due at Privet Drive. Janna snuggled up to Severus' side laying her head on his chest. Severus put his arm around her and distinctly felt her begin to shiver again.
As Severus pulled her closer, a thought had come unbidden to the front of his mind. This feels wrong. When he thought about Janna's last bit of trouble, Severus realized her current state might somehow be related to something Dumbledore had done. Carefully extracting himself from Janna, Severus summoned a blanket from the bed to cover her.
"I need to see Dumbledore love. I'll be back shortly."
"Severus," Janna called weakly. "Please do not cancel our appointment. I will be fine."
Severus hadn't even thought about cancelling the appointment. He had been too concerned with her health. However, cancelling was a valid option. He was more concerned for Janna than he was for a child he hadn't ever been allowed to know.
/*/
Dumbledore wasn't surprised by the knock on his door.
"Come," he said rising from his desk.
Severus entered the office and took the seat immediately in front of the desk not waiting for Dumbledore to invite him to sit down or ask why he was there. And Severus hadn't waited to be invited to speak. "Has another of your visionary and fail proof spells gone wrong Albus? Janna is in distress with no apparent cause. Is this down to you yet again?
Dumbledore sighed as he lowered himself into his chair. "I do believe one or more of my spells has gone wrong."
Severus jumped up from the chair. "Is my wife in danger?"
"Yes Severus. I believe she may be in danger. I have taken steps for now, but they are only temporary."
Severus fell back into the chair he had just abandoned. "All that pomp Albus and it is coming down to Janna having problems every other month. Can this be fixed?"
Dumbledore replied softly. "I've fixed things more than I should ever have had to. I'm not sure they should continue to be fixed. Anything I do from now will be a challenge. Janna had an upset on Monday. Our Divination Professor told her the story regarding you and Lily. I stopped it as quickly as I could. I believe it was at that point the essences of Janna and Lily collided and began vying for the top spot in one body. I decided you and I should have a discussion on what should be done."
"Why am I not surprised?" shouted an emotional Severus. "You caused this now you've decided we should have a discussion. I want you to fix my wife and fix her right now. I have extended you every opportunity. You let Lily and my son be attacked when you most certainly could have prevented it. You changed Lily when you could have left her alone and sent her and my son away to a secure location. Now you are telling me that your fucking spells have stopped working. What is Janna to do? What am I to do? You will not take another witch from me Albus. I love her. Janna is sick. Too sick to see Harry. I suggest you send Hagrid. I will be in our rooms with my wife. I expect to hear that you've found a solution before the end of this day."
Before Severus could leave, Dumbledore came around the desk. "I have solutions Severus. They are just not what you will want to hear. As for Hagrid, he is away on an errand. Harry must receive his letter today. I am depending on you and Janna to get it to him."
"I'm going to see about my wife. You have solutions you think I won't want to hear? Then get some I will want to hear. Janna insists we go to see Harry because we have given our word. So we will go."
Dumbledore sat immobile at his desk. He had fucked up. It might come down to Severus having no one and Janna and Lily not having a life.
/*/
Severus calmed himself before reentering their rooms. Janna was up making a pot of tea. When it finished brewing she brought a cup for each of them setting them on the sitting room table. Lifting her cup she turned to Severus. "I don't want you to think I'm prying Severus, but there was mention of your true love at the breakfast table. We are not worlds unto ourselves Severus. I understand there have obviously been women before me, but I'm wondering why you never mentioned Lily Potter. It is my understanding she was your true love until James Potter stole her from you. Is she the woman who makes you so vocal when you are making love to me? Is she the woman you would have loved all your life had she not been killed? How will you handle seeing the son who should have been yours? I believe you love me. It's just hard to realize I come second to a witch who has died and taken a piece of your heart with her. You haven't lied to me Severus, but neither have you been forthcoming."
"Janna," Severus called out plaintively to the back of his wife as she left the sitting room.
Janna's only response had been they should get ready to go meet Mr. Potter?
"That damnable Trelawney," he huffed viciously. Janna didn't have to know anything about him and Lily. But he had been wrong not sharing basic information with her. He hadn't done it to be devious or unkind. She was his Lily and he had loved her all his life. There just wasn't any way he could explain the duplicity to Janna. To keep his wife's trust he would have to explain some of it. That he would do after they returned from Surrey.
Following Janna into their bedroom, Severus took her in his arms. "I apologize for the information which was sprung on you. My past was just that. My past. I didn't see any need to bring it into our lives. I now recognize the error of my thinking. I do not want to lose your faith or trust. Let us go see Harry Potter. We shall discuss my failings when we return."
Janna reached up to pat his cheek. "I love you Severus Snape. You do not have to disclose details of your past life. I simply want to know I'm the only witch on your mind. Sybil's comments simply made me curious and quite ill I might add."
"You are the only witch on my mind and in my heart. As far as Trelawney goes, if you value the life of your colleague, you will not mention her name again in my earshot. She speaks much too often for having nothing of value to say. I will be addressing this issue with her when I have a chance. I guarantee the name Severus Snape will not be coming out of her mouth after we speak. Now my little flower. Let us get over to Surrey to show Harry Potter and the Muggles what's what."
/*/
Harry's Aunt Petunia was acting strange. Even more strange than usual. She kept pulling the curtain back to look out on Privet Drive after which she would turn and give him her version of the stink eye. He hadn't done anything, but remained on tenterhooks waiting for his aunt to accuse him of something.
Earlier that day when his Aunt Petunia first began peeking out the window, Harry had hoped there was a delivery coming. A delivery for his birthday. By the twentieth time she glanced out the window he was resigned to the fact Aunt Petunia glancing out the window had nothing to do with a delivery packet for his birthday.
"Gotcha," yelled Dudley smacking Harry across the back of his head. "Its your birthday Potter. What did you get? Oh that's right. No one cares enough about you to buy you a gift. Tough shite you little twink," he added in a soft voice to prevent his mother hearing him swear. "Get out of my way. Make yourself useful. Go wash a floor or something."
Dudley started to pound Harry on the back, but just as he raised his fist the doorbell rang which caused his mum to let out a shriek.
"What's wrong mum?" asked Dudley walking over to answer the door. Dudley jumped back several feet when he set his eyes on the sour looking man and the unknown woman at the door. "Who are you? What do you want? We don't buy anything off the doorstep," and he tried to shut the door on Janna and Severus.
Severus moved his foot so Dudley couldn't close the door. He studied the impudent child standing before him hoping this wasn't his son. "Is this the Dursley home? Are you Harry Potter?"
"What are you playing at? Of course I'm not Harry Potter. Now get your foot out of our door. Mum this bleeding undertaker won't allow me to close our door."
Thankful the impudent moron at the door wasn't his son, Severus cast a small Stinging Jinx with a mere wave of his hand.
"Ow," yelped Dudley backing away from the door as the hex caught him straight across the cheek.
"Get your mother to the door you unmannerly, little twit before I wring your neck," growled Severus who wasn't in any mood to deal with this…this Muggle.
Janna stepped up. "We are expected. We are here to see Harry Potter. Please tell Mrs. Dursley Professors Snape and Southway from Hogwarts are here to see her nephew."
Dudley stood there holding his cheek. "Mum these people are here to see Harry. They say they are expected. Shall I tell them…..?"
Dudley didn't get a chance to finish his sentence as Severus stepped through the door pulling Janna with him. Severus saw the thin, ragged looking boy standing by the couch looking petrified. It had to be Harry. It appeared the boy hadn't had a decent meal in ages. Severus was through with the niceties. These wretched people were starving his son.
"Petunia Evans. Bring your arse over here now. You were advised we would be coming. Get over here to greet us."
Petunia scurried over to face Severus sending a sidelong glance over Janna. "You will lower your voice when you are in this house. Why has Dumbledore sent you? Why hasn't he come himself? I will not let…."
Severus stepped closer to Petunia and replied with a snarl. "Miss Southway and I are using our valuable time to do a favor for the Headmaster. I suggest you show us to a room where we may talk to Harry in private. NOW!"
Petunia backed up. "I will not have you shouting my house down Severus Snape. You obviously haven't acquired any more manners than you had when you were ten."
That last bit of information had caught Janna by surprise, but she remained composed. "Mrs. Dursley," said Janna softly. "The faster we accomplish our task. The faster we will leave your lovely home."
Severus frowned down at his wife, but remained silent.
"At least one of you people has manners, Petunia huffed. "Get over here Harry. These people need to speak with you. I won't allow them to dirty up my living room. Take them into the kitchen."
/*/
Harry had remained frozen to the spot terrified. It was a nightmare. The tall, sour looking man dressed all in black looked like the demon who often appeared in his dreams. The lady looked warm and friendly. Harry gulped in a big breath of air as he moved towards the pair.
Miss Southway stretched out her hand to greet him. As soon as she touched him, Harry felt the warmth of ten jumpers settling onto his shoulders. She was. She was. In some way she was familiar. Still frightened of Severus, Harry hesitantly turned to offer his hand. The man called Severus Snape took the offered hand giving it a great shake. Now that he was closer to the man, Harry was absolutely sure this man had invaded his dreams.
"Come this way, but please don't touch anything. Aunt Petunia hates fingerprints on her surfaces."
Janna closed her eyes as she grabbed onto Severus' arm knowing he was feeling the same pain she was feeling. These loathsome gits had beaten this child so far down he was afraid to leave a fingerprint. She and Severus should do what they had come to do and get back to Hogwarts. The only redeeming factor was Harry would be safe at Hogwarts starting September 1st. Perhaps Dumbledore could find him a host family for school breaks. This family shouldn't be allowed to host a beggar from Knockturn Alley. Dirty Muggles.
Severus realized Janna had taken his arm to calm him. She obviously didn't want his demeanor to frighten Harry anymore than necessary.
/*/
Harry hadn't been kidding about fingerprints. He had placed paper napkins at three spots around the table before asking Janna and Severus to sit.
Once they were settled, Harry asked what their visit was all about.
Janna pulled out A History Of Magic and laid it before him. Then she had brought out his cake. "Happy Birthday Harry."
Harry's eyes had grown to saucer size as he thanked Janna for the cake telling her he'd never had a birthday cake or birthday card in his life.
Tears formed in the corner of Janna's eyes which she quickly blinked away.
As angry as he was over what Harry had just disclosed, Severus looked fondly at the child he and Lily had made. Then he answered truthfully about their reason for visiting. "We bring news Mr. Potter. We are here to tell you about your heritage in the Magical World. You're parents were Magical. You're a wizard Harry."