Year Two - Chapter 6.
The next day I woke up with a horrible pain in my abdomen, so I quickly took the potion my dad had prepared and thank Merlin I felt better in a matter of seconds. I can't believe this is going to be happening to me every month, ugh.
When I got out of the bath and after putting on a fresh pad that Aunt Cissy gave me, I put on the brown dress I had bought a few weeks ago in Paris, the one with the white and brown chequered skirt.
I took the empty flask and went down to the living room. My dad was sitting reading The Daily Prophet, on the first page it said that Gilderoy Lockhart was seen at Flourish and Blotts; is he thinking of publishing a new book? I hope so! I've read every single one of his books and even though he occasionally writes things that nobody cares about (seriously, what's the need to know that his favourite colour is lilac?), he had really interesting adventures, because that definitely wasn't something that could be made up.
I put the bottle on the small table next to the sofa where my dad was sitting.
—Uhm, I'll need more of this.
Luckily he just nodded and kept reading the paper, so I went back upstairs to my room and started brushing my hair and putting on a black headband; I think I'll ask Aunt Cissy if she can cut it because it's already too long.
After my dad and I had eaten, I looked for the Floo Powder, and was about to leave when my dad spoke to me.
—Where do you think you're going?
—Uhm, to Malfoy Manor?
—I don't remember giving you permission.
—Oh, well, then if you'd rather talk to me about the situation, then I won't go.
I could tell he got uncomfortable when I mentioned my period, so he just nodded and went back to his office while still talking to me.
—Come back before dinner.
He went into his office and although he spoke quietly, I could still hear him say 'you often act like a Slytherin', and I smiled as I grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, stepped into the fireplace and said loud and clear, "Malfoy Manor!"
Green flames appeared all around me and I quickly closed my eyes and mouth to keep the dust from getting inside them; when I finally felt like I was standing again, I brushed the remains of the dust off my clothes, stepped out of the fireplace and found Draco and his friends, sitting on the couches. I know I shouldn't, but I felt like an intruder in my... Well, I guess I could even say in my own home.
—Hey, Draco.
—Oh, you came; come on, we were about to play Explosive Snap.
I looked at the faces of his friends, I really expected to find the same sneer Pansy Parkinson always has, but Zabini was looking at me with no expression, Nott was reading a book I couldn't read the name of and even Tracey Davies (I wonder if she's related to Roger?) had a smile on her face, not mocking but... Friendly.
—Maybe in a moment, I need to speak to Aunt Cissy first. Where is she?
—I don't know. Dobby!
In less than a second, the Malfoy's elf appeared in front of us. He was wearing a pillowcase as usual; I know they are not supposed to wear clothes but couldn't he at least clean it? It had several stains all over it and all was dirty.
—Yes, young Master Malfoy?
—Take Eileen to my mother.
—Yes, young Master Malfoy.
Dobby started walking towards the stairs behind us, to the left of the fireplace, and I followed him. Draco and his friends kept playing Explosive Snap and talking about Hogwarts, but I paid little attention.
As Dobby was walking in front of me, I noticed he had a bandage around his right foot; it was no surprise to see him have bandages from time to time; we all knew that my Uncle Lucius would hit Dobby when he was upset and wanted to take it out on someone.
—What happened to your foot, Dobby?
—Dobby failed to appear when Master Malfoy called me.
Failed to appear? Was that possible? I didn't know that elves could choose not to apparate when their masters summoned them.
—Do you want me to heal it? I don't think a simple Episkey can't fix it?
—Miss Snape is kind enough to offer to help Dobby, but Dobby can't fix it, he's not allowed to.
—But it wouldn't be you fixing it, it would be me. —I said, putting a lot of emphasis on the words 'you' and 'me'.
I could tell from his face that he really wanted me to help him. From the way he was walking, it looked like he was in a lot of pain, but he couldn't disobey the rules that the elves had to follow. Thank Merlin I'm not an elf.
—Miss Snape is very kind, but Dobby must refuse the offer. —We stopped at the door leading to one of the mini-libraries in the mansion.— Before Miss Snape goes in, can Dobby ask Miss Snape a question?
—Of course, what is it?
—Is Miss Snape a pureblood?
—No, I'm half-blood. Why is that important?
But before I could even finish the question, Dobby disappeared. What the hell is wrong with that house-elf? He's definitely the weirdest one I've ever met, and there are a couple of weird elves in the Hogwarts kitchens.
I opened the door to the library and saw my aunt sitting on the armchair reading a book; on the little table in front of her was a cup of tea.
—Hello, Aunt Cissy.
—Eileen! —My aunt turned to look at me and smiled as soon as she saw me, closed the book and put it down on the table.— Come, let's talk in your room. I think you'll feel more comfortable there.
She got up from the sofa and we left the library; we walked through the so familiar corridors to my room; I used to get lost before but I think I could walk through them now even in my sleep. We got to my room and everything was still as I had left it, even my stuffed animals were on the bed, I was too old to take them to Hogwarts, but I still had them because they were so cute. Also, several of my books were here, all the ones about the Dark Arts that I obviously couldn't have taken to Hogwarts, although there were a couple of empty boxes here, I guess it makes little sense to them for me to have my stuff here if I will not live here anymore.
I sat on the bed and picked up my stuffed dragon, playing with its wings, as my aunt closed the door to the room.
—Tell me, Eileen, how have you been feeling?
—Horrible, yesterday I didn't feel bad, just strange that it was happening, but today I woke up in a lot of pain, is this really going to be happening to me every month?
—Unfortunately yes, my dear, but remember that all this happens because...
She spent about half an hour explaining things to me I really didn't want to know and I felt uncomfortable talking to her about it, but I was paying attention anyway. A little now and then I would fall asleep with my eyes open, but I don't think my aunt noticed.
—And well, now it's quite normal for you to be attracted to boys. —I couldn't help turning red in the face, and I'm sure she noticed it, because of the question she asked afterwards.— Is there something you want to tell me?
—Well... There's this boy... —To my surprise, she made a squeal of excitement instead of telling me I'm too young for this, as my dad would have done.— His name is Roger Davies…
—Roger Davies? —Draco said, opening the door to my room.
—Draco! What the nargles are you doing here? Get out of my room!
—It's not even your room anymore.
—Draco! How many times do I have to say you can't go eavesdropping around?
—I'm sorry, mother. I just wanted to tell Eileen that we're going flying for a while and I wanted to ask her if she wanted to come, but I heard that you're talking about the great and beautiful Ravenclaw chaser, so I'll go.
I threw the stuffed dragon I was still holding at Draco, but he closed the door before I could hit him. My aunt pulled out her wand and did a privacy spell around the door, so no one else could hear us.
—I'm sorry, I should have done that before... Roger Davies, you say? Yes, I know his family. Tracey is his second cousin actually, it's a good pureblood family, well, almost all of them.
—I didn't know he was a pureblood and I don't care either, blood isn't the most important thing in the world.
—I don't know where you get these ideas, but purity of blood does matter, Eileen. You'll understand when you're older, but, back to the original topic, do you like him?
—Yes? No? I don't know. —I picked up a cushion and put it in front of my face, I felt very uncomfortable talking about it.— I mean, I feel… I guess, happy? When I'm with him and I feel something in my stomach when I see him and, well... He kissed me once.
—Oh dear, you're growing up so fast; there are days when I wish you'd stay like the little kids you were. —She hugged me and started stroking my hair.— Although there's nothing wrong with you liking boys, I think you're still young for that sort of thing, you're only 12 after all.
—You won't tell my dad, will you? About Roger.
—It was just a kiss, so no, but if he tries to do anything else that you're not comfortable with, tell your dad, me, or even your head of house. Understood?
—Yes, thank you, Aunt Cissy... For everything.
—That's what I'm here for, dear, to help you. —She put her hand on my cheek. —But well, I'm sure you want to have some fun with Draco and his friends, so we'll leave the conversation here for now.
She got up from the bed and left the room; I was left wondering if I was really in the mood to go with Draco and the others; I left another dragon stuffed animal on the bed that I don't know at what point I had grabbed and got up, going to the bookshelf in the middle of the room.
I picked up the last book I remember reading before going to Hogwarts, The Beginnings of the Dark Arts, and opened it to the page where the bookmark was, I didn't bother to sit down for I knew I wouldn't stay reading for long; I had barely started reading the first line when out of the corner of my eye I saw the door open.
—Draco, I swear if you come to bother- oh, Nott, what are you doing here? —In the doorway stood Theodore Nott, staring at my room.— How did you know this was my room?
—The weird house-elf told me where you were.
—Dobby? —I said as I closed the book and put it back on the shelf. Nott had already walked in and was looking at the other books with a lot of curiosity. I don't know why, but I've always had a bad feeling about him.— What do you want, Nott?
—I just want to ask you a favour. —I folded my arms and turned to look at him.— It's something small.
—And why would I help you?
—Because I know you're a fantastic person, who would help anyone who needs it.
I laughed as I walked over to the door, picking up the stuffed dragon I had thrown at Draco earlier.
—Yeah, as if I were a Hufflepuff.
—And because if you don't help me, I'll tell Professor Snape that his dearest daughter has been snogging a boy older than her.
I froze on my way to the bed. I even let go of the dragon. How the hell did he know that? Didn't my aunt's privacy spell didn't work? No, I doubt it very much...
—How did you know that?
—One day I was on my way to the owlery to send a letter, but instead I found two cute little idiots in love.
I picked up the stuffed dragon again and put it on the bed, sat on it with my arms crossed. Nott was now looking at me, his back to the shelves.
—And do you really think he'd believe you without proof?
—Maybe not, but I haven't given him reason to believe I'm lying either, and it's no secret that you hang out with older boys a lot, so it wouldn't be hard to believe.
I turned to the right to look out the window and could see Draco and Zabini trying to teach Tracey Davies how to ride a broom. I didn't know what to do, obviously I didn't want to help Nott because I don't have the slightest idea what he might ask me, I don't know him well enough to know if he will ask me something very simple or something dangerous, but I don't want my dad to find out either.
—What do you want, Nott?
—A book.
—A book? That's all? Why can't you just go to Flourish and Blotts?
Nott rolled his eyes and sat down in the armchair in front of the bookshelves.
—Because, genius, it's not a book you can find in any bookshop, otherwise I wouldn't be here. Seriously, are all Gryffindors really this stupid?
I quickly emptied my mind, like my dad taught me to calm down and avoid hitting him just now. I didn't want him to have another reason to go tell my dad about the kiss with Roger.
—What about Knockturn Alley?
—I tried it a few days ago, but they said they don't have it. —Nott said in a bored tone.— So, are you going to help me or not?
—Where do you expect me to find a book they don't even have in Knockturn Alley?
—From the restricted section, of course. Use your brain once in a while, Snape, it would help you a lot.
—Remember that I was fifth highest in the year, while you were seventh, so you're the one that should start using his brain. —He just waved his hand, making light of the matter.— Which book do you want?
—I'll tell you the name when I need it.
—Do you really expect me to agree to give you any book from the restricted section, knowing the number of Dark Arts books in there? Besides, how do you expect me to get a book out of there if we're not allowed in unless we're seventh years?
Nott got up from his chair and walked over to the shelves, running a hand along the spines of the books and reading the titles. How dramatic.
—As far as I can see, you have no problem reading books about the Dark Arts. And you're a professor's daughter. It should be easier for you to gain access.
—I only read for education, to learn; nothing can assure me you won't put what you read into practice.
—You Gryffindors and your sense of doing what you think is right… —Nott sighed.— Will it be enough for you to tell you that the book I want is not about the Dark Arts? The book is more focused on a less... explored area, so to speak. So?
I bit my lip as I thought about what to do. Should I really trust him? Although there's no point in him lying to me if he's going to have to tell me the name of the book later, anyway.
—Fine. But if I find out you're doing something illegal, I won't hesitate to tell my dad.
—Whatever, Snape. —He walked over to the door and opened it.— I'll tell you later the name of the book I need.
He walked out of my room and closed the door behind him. Damn it, I should have never agreed to come here today. I should have known something would happen when Draco mentioned in his letter that Nott wanted to speak to me.
I left my room and headed out to the courtyard. Draco and Zabini were still trying to teach Davies how to fly, but apparently she was so scared that she couldn't even get more than a meter up on the broom. I couldn't see Nott anywhere.
—Eileen! —Draco shouted at me from his broom.— Finally, I thought you'd left.
—No, I had some things to talk with Aunt Cissy and then Nott asked me something, where is he, by the way?
Draco, Zabini and Davies approached me; Davies quickly got off the broom but Draco and Zabini were still flying a couple of centimetres above the ground, their feet barely skimming the grass.
—He said he had to go. Breaking hearts before the school year starts, cousin? —Draco said and he and Zabini started laughing.
—Don't listen to them, they're idiots. —Davies said as she approached me with her hand outstretched, I was a little surprised that she was trying to greet me so casually; I imagined she had grown up with the pureblood upbringing, but I took her hand anyway and shook it a little.
—Eileen Snape. And I know. I've lived with this idiot all my life.
Draco shouted a "I'm not an idiot" but we both ignored him.
—I know who you are, Hogwarts was going on and on about you at the beginning of the year.
—Please, don't remind me about that. —I couldn't help but smile because I remembered Neville mentioning that people thought I could turn into a mini bat.
The rest of the day was a pleasant one, much to my surprise; Zabini was a lot of fun and the three of us would agree on how to annoy Draco. As dinner time was approaching, I was saying goodbye to everyone when Uncle Lucius came into the living room (we had gone back in because Tracy was afraid of flying and although I didn't tell them, I was afraid of some 'situation' happening) and said he had something to talk to me about, so now I was following him through the corridors of the manor.
—Did something happen, Uncle Lucius?
—I'm afraid you'll have to take most of your things with you. Word is the Ministry is raiding people's homes; I have no doubt that idiot Weasley is behind it all.
—Raids? Why? —I said as my uncle opened the door to my room and we walked in.
—They're looking for any excuse to take people to Azkaban, so you'll understand that several of your books are frowned upon at the Ministry. —He took the box I had seen before and handed it to me.— Dobby shrunk them and put them in this box.
I turned to look at the shelf and realised that almost half of the books were inside the box; I felt a little uneasy because, are they really that dark that my uncle would be afraid of the Ministry finding them?
After saying goodbye to Aunt Cissy, I went back to my house and my dad was preparing dinner, so I went up to my room to put the books away on my shelves, when I went down to the kitchen to help my dad, he showed me a letter that had arrived for me while I was at the manor (it was from Fred, so I'm surprised he even told me) so I sat down at the kitchen table and started reading it.
Dear Mini Snape,
I know you won't believe me but Harry is with us at the Burrow; we went to get him a couple of days ago (although I can't tell you how by letter); you don't know in what horrible state his Muggle relatives had him in; they had bars in his window! Obviously mum found out and has had us grounded all this time, that's why I'm sending you the letter until now, but I really wanted to tell you from the moment we got home.
I hope you can come and visit us before school starts.
Fred Weasley.
A couple of days later my Hogwarts letter arrived. It said nothing I didn't already know, but it surprised me to read the list of books I would need for second year; the vast majority were Gilderoy Lockhart books. I went down to the living room and my dad was reading a magazine about potions.
—Dad, I just got the letter from Hogwarts, apparently I have to buy all of Lockhart's books for Defence Against the Dark Arts, so either you didn't get the position again or is there something you want to tell me? —I said with a smile as my dad rolled his eyes and sighed, so I sat down next to him on the couch and hugged him sideways.— I'm kidding, I love that you teach potions, there is no better potions teacher than you; besides, everyone knows that the position is cursed and no one can last more than a year there.
—The position isn't cursed, Eileen.
—No? Then how do you explain what happened to Quirrell? Then everything you told me about what happened to the teachers you had while you were studying was a lie? Also at the end of every year before I started you told us that Dumbledore was looking for a new teacher, I don't think it's a coincidence.
My dad was silent when he knew he had no way of denying what I had just told him, so he preferred to change the subject.
—I assure you I would never ask for that charlatan's books if I were teaching that class.
—Hey! He's no charlatan, all the adventures he's had are amazing and too detailed to be lies.
—When you get to know him, you'll soon realise he's a charlatan, he always has been. —My dad continued to read his magazine, but now he had a small smile on his face.
—When will I ever get to meet him...? Oh! —I turned to look at him with my mouth open, I think my face must be too funny because he laughed a bit— He's going to be the new Defence teacher!?
—Sadly.
—This is amazing! —I said as I got up from the couch with a little jump.— I've always wanted to meet him! Wait, do you know him?
—He started Hogwarts in my fifth year.
—I can't believe it! And you never told me about that! Why? Do you think you can get him to give me his autograph? And also... Oh, I hope Harry doesn't kill him, too.
—I hope he does.
—Dad!
My dad laughed again and got up from the couch and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. I grabbed my favourite Lockhart book, which I had left on the coffee table last night, and took it into the kitchen; I sat down in my usual chair, the one closest to the door, and started reading the book in front of my dad, just to annoy him.
—Did you know Lockhart managed to get a vampire to eat nothing but lettuce? I wonder how he did it, considering the diet vampires need…?
I saw my dad pull his wand out of a pocket in his clothes, move it around a bit and then the book I was reading closed and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't open it.
—Hey! I was reading that.
—Yes, you were. Help with breakfast or go read that book somewhere else.
—Ugh.
I grabbed the book and took it back to my room, I already knew it by heart anyway so I put it back on the shelf and went back down to the kitchen to help him, but that still didn't stop me from annoying him by saying things about Lockhart's books that I remembered from time to time, which finally made him decide to make breakfast by himself while I waited in my room.
