-Well, I think it's time I get Harry here back to the Dursleys - Hagrid said, a bit too excitedly.
After having purchased their wands, the twins and the two adults had made their way around Diagon Alley, heading in the general direction of where the hidden entrance from the pub. Leandra and Harry were chatting off amiably, bright smiles on their faces as they each found out little things about the other's personality.
Hagrid, on the other hand, didn't look so joyful, looking from the twins to uncle Severus and then back constantly. Despite herself, Leandra couldn't help but loathe the half giant. Severus Snape was her godfather, a person her mother had trusted immensely by the looks of it, so she was certain he must be a good man, albeit one with dark tendencies.
She hoped uncle Severus didn't feel resentful - or worse, sad! - with the whole thing, but if he did, Leandra couldn't tell. Her godfather was walking behind her, matching the twin's pace, a hand resting on her shoulder. Quick stolen glances from time to time showed his face to be as blank as a wall with no paintings.
-Do I really have to go?- Harry was openly pleading, pout and all- Can't we stay for some more time?
-No, Harry, we can't - Hagrid spoke, for the first time since Leandra had met him, firmly - You gotta be home for dinner.
Harry paled visibly at that prospect before nodding, although Hagrid didn't seem to notice. Leandra, however, did notice the change, and wondered why it had occurred. Looking her brother up and down, she quickly pieced that mystery together. She hadn't remembered to really look at the boy before, and now she wondered how she hadn't realized just how small and skinny he was. Maybe it had been the way too big clothes he was wearing.
-I'll see you on the train, Leandra? - Harry turned to her.
-Of course - Leandra smiled.
She hugged Harry, who hesitated a split second before returning the embrace.
- Off we go now, Harry! - Hagrid grabbed Harry by his arm - Bye Leandra, professor.
Leandra and uncle Severus both nodded at Hagrid. Leandra controlled the urge to scowl best as she could. Watching Harry following the man with hunched shoulders and his head hung low was a test on her self-control. It was all she could do not to turn to run to Harry, drag him back, and beg her godfather to let him stay with them.
-So, now that the Gryffindors are out of ear shot - uncle Severus was looking at her - What did you really think of your brother?
-He's lovely - Leandra said.
-You may be good at hiding your emotions, Leandra - uncle Severus smirked, still looking down at Leandra - but you'll learn any good Slytherin can see through your disguise. And I find myself a rather talented one.
Leandra kept quiet for a minute, looking at the wall where her brother had just disappeared through. After a sigh, she looked up at her godfather and grinned.
-You have to teach me how to get better then, uncle Severus - Leandra said - I wouldn't want all my classmates to know exactly what I'm feeling at any given moment.
-We shall see - uncle Severus's smirk deepened - Don't change the subject: what did you think of your brother?
Leandra's grin faltered, a frown appearing in its place.
-He's a bit slow in the brain region - Leandra admitted - And he shows too much emotion. He seems nice enough, though. Doesn't deserve to be sent back to those people.
Uncle Severus nodded, agreeing with Leandra on all she pointed out. If he was the responsible, both Leandra and Harry would have never lived with Muggles, let alone the Dursley's. But alas, he was not the responsible, and Dumbledore, with his Gryffindor-ish moral code, had preferred to leave at least one of them with family.
-A true Gryffindor - he said out loud - Let's hope he doesn't turn out the way your father did when he was in school.
-You didn't like him? - Leandra asked.
-No - uncle Severus stated - He was a bully in his school days, and a Gryffindor one to boot. Plus, he was always waltzing around your mother. It became very annoying very quickly.
Leandra's frown turned into a scowl.
-A bully, you say? - she asked, her eyes darkening.
-Yes - uncle Severus averted his gaze- But he changed, nearing the finish of his school days, and he was actually a nice person by the time he was murdered.
Leandra winced. She couldn't stand the mention of such a vile thing to do.
-Walk with me, Leandra- uncle Severus laid a hand on her shoulder guiding her towards the shops - And don't wince, even a lion could tell you're affected.
-I'm sorry if I don't like hearing about murders - Leandra rolled her eyes - By the way, who is "He-whose-name-can't-be-said"?
-"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named"- uncle Severus corrected - That's a nickname for the last Dark Lord to reign terror in England. His real name was Voldemort.
The people around them who heard the exchange gasped. A woman quickly covered her little son's ears.
-The name is a bit of a taboo - uncle Severus mentioned casually - I wouldn't say it out loud.
-Why did you speak it aloud then?
-You have a right to know the name of the man that robbed you of your family.
Leandra controlled the urge to wince this time. At least he hadn't used the "m" word... uncle Severus squeezed her shoulder, smiling to himself.
-Let's get in here, I saw you looking at the quills earlier - uncle Severus guided her into the store - It's a pity really that your brother wanted nothing. I have been saving to give you both gifts for ten years. But oh well, more for you, I guess.
Uncle Severus shrugged, taking his hand off Leandra's shoulder. The gesture looked somewhat out of place on his calm behaviour.
-What did He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named do to become a Dark Lord? Other than the obvious killing, I mean - Leandra asked, eyeing the quills and bottles of ink.
-Why do you think there were things other than the killing? - uncle Severus asked, hiding his surprise at the very last moment.
Surely his goddaughter couldn't think the killing wasn't reason enough in and on itself, could she? The child had a silver quill on her hand, and was examining it, probably trying to figure out if the silver was painted or natural.
-Everyone's got a reason to do what they do - it was Leandra's turn to shrug - Even the bad guys.
-He thought all Muggleborns should be eradicated - uncle Severus explained.
-Muggleborns? - Leandra, having not been satisfied with the silver quill, had now picked up a dark red one.
-I wouldn't go with that one unless you're planning to do blood pacts anytime soon. It uses your blood to write - uncle Severus warned, to which Leandra hastily placed the quill back on its place, her eyes widening - And again, a lion could read you. Don't move so hastily unless you're on combat; Muggleborns are witches and wizards who are also the offspring of Muggles. Your mother was one.
-How was my mother? - Leandra collected herself quickly, picking up a bottle of ink.
The ink looked like petroleum, although the little paper tied to it promised a rainbow-y ink. Magic, she supposed.
-She was very much like you in looks- uncle Severus looked as if he could go on about her mother's looks for days - Lily was the best witch I've ever met... Smart beyond measure, always ready to stand up for what she believed in, and ambitious - so ambitious! It's a wonder how she didn't make it into Slytherin. And to turn out a lion instead!
-You fancy her - Leandra stated, carefully placing the ink back in place before turning back to her godfather.
-I - Why wasn't that a question? - uncle Severus asked.
-Even a lion could read you - Leandra smirked up at him - You have that lovesick look in your eyes.
-Why, miss Potter, thank you so much for bringing it to my attention - uncle Severus schooled his features back into a mask of indifference- Your mother was a sensitive lion, you know? Whereas your father could never see behind that big ego of his - like most Gryffindors - she could sense even the tiniest change in someone's mood. Truly a mystery how she was one of them.
- You said my father was a bully - Leandra's thoughts slipped into memories of Jackson before she could stop them, and her next words came out bitter - Was there anything good about him during his school days?
-I'm afraid my opinion is a bit biased, Leandra - uncle Severus picked up a forest green never-ending ink, pretending he hadn't noticed Leandra's tone - So much, that I'm afraid I won't treat your brother fair... Except for the eyes, Harry is the spitting image of James Potter... I can't, however, deny his talent for both Transfiguration and Quidditch.
-Are those subjects I'll be learning in school? - Leandra asked, thankful for the turn in conversation - I remember buying a book about Transfiguration for classes, but not Quidditch.
-Quidditch is a sport. I never saw the appeal to it, nor did your mother. Fourteen people flying around, getting beaten by some balls, and passing other around, while two people compete to find the one ball that is really important - uncle Severus held the colour next to Leandra's eyes - Don't you want this colour? It compliments your eyes, as Draco would say - Leandra simply nodded, taking the ink - It's not something the students learn mandatorily, but rather an extra activity. Each house has a Quidditch team, and there's a competition every year. And as much as I hate the game, it does feel good to have all those trophies hanging around.
Leandra smiled. Looking away to hide her amusement, she spotted a peacock quill nearby and went to take it.
-This is all I want from here, uncle Severus - Leandra said, handing the ink (which she had noticed as she did was pricey) and the quill to him - And is that the only interhouse competition at school?
Uncle Severus went to the counter, Leandra following. While the person there counted the money given to them, he answered:
-There are also the House points. If you break rules, you lose points, if you do well in class, you gain them. the house with the most house points gets a trophy, and the knowledge they're better than the rest.
After getting his change back, uncle Severus guided Leandra into the busy streets.
-I'm getting the feeling Slytherin likes to win - Leandra smiled.
-Yes, we do - uncle Severus lead her into a jewellery store - Slytherins are known to be proud and ambitious, and what better suits pride and ambitiousness than winning?
-Why are we here, uncle Severus? -Leandra, satisfied with the explanation, was looking around the store at all the rows of beautiful jewellery.
-I had something already ready for you. This was your mother's favourite jewellery store. She never really liked the owners, but the necklaces were so beautifully she didn't mind.
As he had talked, he had walked to the counter, Leandra following after a moment of looking around.
-Good afternoon, Mr. Jordan! Got a summer job? - uncle Severus greeted the boy behind the counter.
The black boy looked no more than 14, his hair in black dreadlocks, and his chocolate eyes almost closed.
-Good afternoon, professor - Mr. Jordan didn't sound like he was having a good afternoon at all - Yes, I did find a summer job. Can I help you with anything?
-I ordered a necklace for my goddaughter about a month ago, Mrs. Parkinson sent me a letter just two days ago informing me it was ready-
uncle Severus handed him the letter.
-Orders are Mrs. Parkinson bussine- Wait, you have a goddaughter?!- at that, he seemed completely alert.
-Yes, Mr. Jordan- uncle Severus drawled - Young Miss Leandra Potter here - Leandra waved shyly - Can you please fetch Mrs. Parkinson now?
-Potter?! Are you Harry Potter's sister? - Mr. Jordan was practically bouncing on top of the counter - Bloody hell! Wait until I tell the twins! They'll freak and -
-Jordan! Language! - an elderly woman in dark purple robes appeared behind him.
The woman, despite her age, was one of the most imposing people Leandra had ever had the chance to encounter. Black hair tied back in a French braid, dark eyes glistening as she scolded her employee, she held herself straight, head tilted upwards.
-I'm sorry, ma'am, I just couldn't help myself - Mr. Jordan grinned - We've got a Potter in the store!
-I've noticed - the woman replied with a smirk, going around the counter - I'm Mrs. Kimberly Parkinson, my dear. You must be Lily Potter's daughter. You look exactly like she did at your age.
At Leandra's nod, Mrs. Parkinson turned her attention to uncle Severus.
-And I imagine the necklace you ordered is for the young lady, Mr. Snape?
-Yes, ma'am, it is.
-Why, I had started to wonder who it'd be for - Mrs. Parkinson turned to the rows and rows of jewellery behind her - Even asked myself if you had finally started seeing someone.
Uncle Severus snorted at that.
-I am a lonely man, ma'am - he said - And it is easier to work a lab on the summer without a wife hovering over my shoulder telling me to make better smelling potions.
Mrs. Parkinson laughed while searching the selves. Once she found the order, she turned around, a necklace hanging from her hand.
The chain on itself was simple and silver. The pendant, on the other hand, glimmered green, with a lot of tiny emeralds in a snake pattern, on a silver base. It was beautiful.
-Here is the artwork then - Mrs. Parkinson said - Enchanted to ware off anyone who means you harm. Of course, if the person has some level of mental defence, it won't work to divert their feelings, but it should keep you safe from pranks, like your godfather asked.
Leandra let the elderly woman put the necklace on her, gracing the room with a smile.
-It suits you - Mrs. Parkinson complimented.
Leandra's smile brightened, and they said their goodbyes before exiting the store.
Leandra and her godfather spent the rest of the evening shopping around, entering and exiting random shops. When it started getting late, they headed back to Leaky Cauldron's. Deciding they'd rather have someone make them their dinner for them, Leandra and uncle Severus settled at one of the tables.
Once they got home a couple of hours later, Leandra threw herself at her godfather, hugging him tight.
-I thought you wouldn't like this display of affection in the middle of a crowded street, so I waited until we got home - Leandra blurts out - Thank you for everything but especially for the necklace.
Uncle Severus, not used to receiving affection, especially from little girls (those usually ran away from him), was taken by surprise. He realized with a start he didn't even really know what to do. Hesitantly, he put his arms around his goddaughter and patted her back.
-No need to thank me - Sev - What are godfathers for anyway? Come on now, let me show you your room, you must be exhausted.
After showing Leandra to her room and pointing her the way to the bathroom, uncle Severus went to the privacy of his study. He took out an old-looking album from his desk and sat himself at his chair. He opened the album and stared at the very first page longingly. Staring right back at him, with equal grins on their faces, were the eleven-year-olds selves of Lily Potter and his very own self.
-Oh Lily, she is just like you - uncle Severus finally said, stroking the picture - Except, where you were a lion at the very core, she is a snake, there's no denying that. You were right. The sorting of your children will be very interesting indeed.