Hey everyone,
Okay, I am just going to say this. There are probably going to be a few more chapters in the HP world and then we are going to focus on the KH universe from now until, at least May 1996, maybe even early June 1996. And when it comes to the scene where Lea and Harry will make their first declaration and share their first kiss, I have something planned that will equal the ending of The Moving of the Light, if not top it.
Get excited,
Venquine1990
Chapter 24
Lucius and Severus
11th of November 1995
Malfoy Manor, England
Lucius' POV
"Well, that was something even I didn't know about. Wonder when he got that done. I guess after that one attack on his godson by those idiot Ravenclaws back on Halloween or something. Or perhaps he did it right after you helped him get proven innocent. Speaking of, want to get that spell out of your mark now or would you rather take care of your son and his godfather first?" This question startles me out of my stupor and I mutter:
"I – I'd rather handle my family business first. Are you – will you be available – tomorrow at noon, perhaps?" And then the woman shocks me even further as she sends me a playful smirk and asks: "Would you provide me lunch in return for the removal, perhaps?" At which I happily answer: "It would be my honor.""Then it's a date. Now if you'll excuse me, I best get back to HQ." I nod at her and the woman vanishes as she appeared.
Narcissa comes to stand behind me, lying a hand on my shoulder that makes me turn to look at her. I nod at seeing the look on her face and know we now think the same thing; time to put an end to Severus and his influence on our son. And while I remember that one secret, third reason that I chose Severus for godfather all those years ago, do I wonder if I will have to reveal this secret tonight, if only to really bring my message home with the man.
We leave the room where we met our guests in, me wondering if I will ever be able to look at the room the same way again and Narcissa says: "I'll go get a House Elf to bring Draco home and give him a bit of a starting lecture. You go and meet with Severus and make him understand that doing this, when he knows just fine how much pride you put behind your knowledge on Quidditch school rules is not without consequences." I nod and ask:
"So we are in agreement?" And though we hardly spoke a word, does the woman nod, making me smile as this is one of the many reasons I love her. We part ways and I head for my own office, while I'm sure that Narcissa is heading for Draco's singular bedroom instead of the chambers that he has a right to staying in due to him being my Heir. This was a room that we, in the past, used to prove Draco that he had broken either too many rules or one that was severely important.
I too have my way of letting my friends and coworkers know that the meeting I want to have with them is one of extreme importance or that it might have a negative background and upon entering my office, I make sure to enact this. I wave my wand and cause for most of the curtains in my room to close to the point that only a sliver of light is able to slip between the cracks and light some of my smallest candles.
I activate the Floo and speak clearly: "Severus, would you come over, please? We need to discuss my meeting with Black and the events that transpired this morning during the match." And because Severus and I have been friends for years, does the man step through without a word, knowing that if I say we need to discuss, that I will not take no for an answer and that I will not accept any excuse or reason for him not to show up. This because, the last time he did so, Draco had gotten badly ill and he had not taken my concerns for my son's ailing health seriously.
And now that he steps through, do I feel like I should have this as a sign and realized that, in the end, the man is just too selfish to be a proper guardian to anyone. And while I always felt grateful to Dumbledore for keeping the man out of Azkaban, do I now feel as if, for all these years, he really did go too soft on the man in front of me, who just calmly dusts himself off. And while I often ignored it, does the look of casual indifference annoy me this time.
"Severus, I heard the whole tale of what happened at the match today. Care to explain why you let Draco break Quidditch school rule #556? Surely you know that I teach Draco all the Quidditch school rules every summer and teach him which ones he can bend, at best. Why would you, a Slytherin, outright encourage such an open and public violation of such rules? I know you sometimes let yourself go in some tendencies, but I never expected this from you."
Severus looks at me shocked and I growl: "Quidditch School rule #556 was one that, upon him breaking it, made my grandfather bring great dishonor and disgrace upon the name of Malfoy. And because you encouraged Draco, apparently to the point that he wrote the lyrics himself, something Narcissa, I'm sure, is berating him for as we speak, he now did the same.""Is that really what Black told you? Because I can assure you, Lucius, that man –."
But at this I march over to tower over the man and snarl: "What Black did or did not tell me and what rule he may or may not have played in your life, specifically a past you should have buried decades ago, does not matter. What in the name of mother magic were you thinking trying to make Draco look like the victim after he made a direct and public attempt on Potter's life and that of his unborn infant? Have you been edging him on, because he is now third in line of inheritance?"
"You – you – you're siding with –." Severus stutters and I growl as I say: "I'm siding with the ones that can make sure my son grows up to be a responsible and well-respected adult. Not an eleven year old stuck in a thirty year old body who doesn't know how to let go of a school yard bullying competition. And I don't give a cursing wand about what Black did to you back then, Severus, we both know you always gave back just as badly if not worse sometimes, that whole incident with the Willow not included."
I mumble in the end, while Severus is now looking at me as if I changed into James Potter in front of his very eyes. Rolling my eyes at the delusional idiot, I turn my back on him and move over to my desk before I say: "Severus, I thought you knew better. I thought the last time we visited under these circumstances had taught you something. I thought you actually understood that, no matter what, I am a father first and a wizard second. That I will do anything and everything to give my son the future and life he deserves and that I want him to strive for.
And if that means siding with someone who made you trip from time to time when you were a teen, something we both know you gave back in full when you joined the Dark Lord, then that is something I consider your problem, not mine. However, I will admit to one mistake on my own part here. When I named you godfather, I should have told you my third reason for doing so. I just didn't at the time, because of the war."
Severus looks at me, a look of trepidation and concern on his face and I turn to him as I say: "As you probably recall – and I don't want to hear one word from you while I speak, Severus, you blew it that badly! As you probably recall, Black was named Potter's godfather the day Lily discovered she was pregnant. What I noticed however – and what you failed to notice because you are still stuck in your teenage ways of thinking – is that this role made Black grow up and become a responsible adult, almost overnight even.
I saw this happen and believed that you could be like that, that you could top Black and be even better than him. So, when Narcissa went in labor, I approached you with the offer. Like I said, I never spoke of this reason, because of the war. And while I may have always known about your almost instinctual hatred for all things Potter, did I never once believe it would extend to the point where you would defend someone, anyone, making an attempt on a Potter's life.
And I'm not just saying that because Black just visited, Severus, so don't get any ideas." I snarl, having my back turned to the man and having my hands clasped behind my back, but also knowing the man well enough to know that he probably had his mouth open with the need to, again, place the blame elsewhere. Yet the man is not deterred and while it makes me grimace and sigh, do I listen to him snarl:
"You're siding with Potter and Black? When you know all of the trouble Potter has been causing Draco all these years? When you know about all the times Potter outright humiliated Draco? When you –?" But then I turn on the man and roar: "HUMILIATING AND BULLYING ARE PART OF BEING A TEEN! IT'S PART OF LIFE! And at least Potter and Draco won't be stupid enough to use that as an excuse to make each other's lives miserable when they grow up. Or maybe, thanks to you, only Potter will be smart enough not to."
Severus gawks at me, his pale complexion even whiter than normal and his mouth so wide open it makes his long nose look even longer. I then look up and notice Narcissa standing in the doorway. I raise my eyebrow at her and she says: "I made Draco stay in his room when I heard your scream. Do I even want to know?" And I roll my eyes as I say: "Severus was trying to downtalk Draco's attempt on Potter's life and that of his unborn child."
"I'm not the only one who –." Severus tries to grumble, but Narcissa intervenes and snaps: "No, but you did, up close and personal, see what happened to the last group of morons who were idiotic enough to live up to those beliefs. And what's worse, according to what I heard, those Ravenclaws tried to use a sneaky Slytherin technique of tricking Potter to someplace away from public eye before they unleashed their attack. You and Draco did no such thing."
And while the words who's the Slytherin here go unsaid, do they not go unheard. And the look on Severus' face really makes me regret making him godfather or ever thinking him anything other than an adult who is just trying to break as many rules as possible without getting caught – who just got caught breaking some of the worst rules of the school. I turn to look at Narcissa and I can just tell by the look on her face that she is dying to treat the man like that.
"Severus Tobias, let's face the facts as they are. You have a problem. You are stuck in a past that happens to at least 20% of every generation of students and that is just simply part of teenage school life. And when those that make you relive those days are either around or involved, you start taking actions, only to try and put the blame on them and their presence. Basically, when you are around others, who have already grown up, you become your fifteen year old, irresponsible self. And that is not the person I named godfather to my son.
And don't you dare try and talk back on me unless your excuse does not, in any way or form, put the blame on either Remus Lupin, Sirius Black or the late James Potter." The woman snarls at the end and Severus closes his mouth, yet he glares at Narcissa all the same, as if he mentally thinks her in the wrong for taking him his chance to use such a stupid, lame and childish excuse. At this I think: "Alright, time for some extreme measures." And a single glance in Narcissa's eyes makes me know that my wife thinks the same.
"Severus, we just have two last things to tell you and one of them – you will not be able to share with anyone else. It is protected by Unspeakable magic and we are only allowed to share it with you, because of that one – that one single time you saved Potter's life. Otherwise, the magic would have prevented us from doing so, probably to the point that we wouldn't even feel the desire to share this with you, let alone think about it while in your presence."
The man looks intrigued and I smirk as I say: "Next time you overhear a prophesy, you might want to consult my library. Apparently a lot of the lines of said prophesy, that you failed to overhear, can be found in the tomes I have been able to find and purchase. And one of them, Dumbledore was stupid enough to take as literal as one takes the statement the sky is blue. However, our dear Unspeakable friend, who came alongside Black, told us how wrong he was in doing so.
She also told us how she managed to work around Dumbledore's little error and how it's now up to her and her fellow Unspeakables – to take out the Dark Lord. And Severus, just so you know – and I have a feeling Dumbledore is already aware of this – the Unspeakables actually would have taken out our Lord on Halloween, if not for his path to immortality that they were, at the time, still working to reverse. They are now nearly done with this and plan their next strike just before Christmas. And according to our Unspeakable, their success chance rates at 123%."
Severus' eyes are wide at this and he asks: "Does – does our – does he –?" But I shake my head and say: "As I said, the Unspeakable that came with Black just minutes ago was the one to inform me about this. Also the protection prevents me from speaking of this to anyone who does not have a positive influence in Potter's life. Which really isn't surprising considering that the Unspeakable is Poppy Pomfrey's sister, who is Potter's new Regent and all."
The man's eyes widen even further than before and I have no doubt that he was already trying to lie the connection between this protection and Black, causing for him to be shocked upon hearing that the connection lay elsewhere. I sigh and refrain from shaking my head at his closeminded behavior and then continue as I say: "Also tomorrow at noon, that same Unspeakable will be joining me for lunch and will, in return, get rid of a very unfortunate spell.
One that is, apparently, part of our Dark Marks and that will, upon the Dark Lord's passing leave us in the same poor mental state as Frank and Alice Longbottom. Also, yes and no, Severus. Yes, her reason behind wanting to do this does concern Potter. No, not in the way you think." Severus huffs and sends me an unimpressed look, which I return tenfold before I start snarling again:
"Use your brain for Merlin's sake. Think back to what happened earlier today and then imagine what Draco would do if the Dark Lord's passing, caused by people Draco will never be able to touch due to their roles at the Ministry and their strong immunity from the law, will result in him losing the both of us as well. Do you really think he is going to blame the Dark Lord? That he will try to target those that caused our states to be what they might become?
Or do you think he will take after you as well as that foolish mistake I made in his second and go after someone who, months ago, pulled his hands away from this war entirely when he put the duty of ending it on the shoulders of someone more capable? And what do you think other kids of other Death Eaters will think to do if that happens? Because that, Severus the Slytherin Snape, is why this Unspeakable has offered to remove the spell from my Mark. To make sure Draco and the others will not feel that need. To make sure they will not suddenly consider themselves orphans from one side of the family – or both in some cases."
Severus at this point actually looks intrigued and thoughtful, yet there is still a grimace of annoyance on his face as he mutters: "I suppose the Unspeakable has a point." At which I think: "And considering the way you're raising your Snakes to constantly go for easy targets just like you're doing, she has all the reason for wanting to do this." Yet I don't voice this, not feeling up to vocally teaching Severus another lesson I now realize he should have learned years ago. Yet Severus himself seems unwilling to do so as he asks:
"What of this other thing?" At which I share another look with Narcissa before my wife asks: "Remember how you always nagged and whined – sorry Severus, but your tone spoke volumes all those times whether you like it or not – about Lily marrying Potter and not you? About her choosing him over you?" And then Severus, I just know, ruins every chance he will ever have with my wife as he jumps out of his seat and rages:
"LILY DIDN'T CHOSE HIM! POTTER STOLE HER FROM ME! HE'S THE REASON SHE'S DEAD! IF HE HADN'T TAKEN HER FROM ME, SHE WOULD HAVE STILL BEEN ALIVE! She belonged to me, not Potter." And while the man spats the final word with so much venom I'm surprised it doesn't burn a hole in my carpet, does Narcissa storm over to the man and slap his face hard enough it makes him fall and for his head to reel back and hit the backrest with a loud smack! She sends him one last glare, turns on her heel and storms from the room.
And while I have always had trouble understanding what Severus saw in this too wise for her own good Muggleborn and why he kept pining for her even after she obviously changed beyond what he remembered and after her passing, do I feel myself sharing in my wife's raging fury as I think: "Even I never considered even a single Muggle or Mudblood that the Dark Lord took prisoner as his or anyone's property."
Severus groans and I can actually hear a hint of disbelief and confusion sounding through his voice. This just fuels the fire inside my heart and I coldly snap at the man: "Let me explain you a few basic terms of life, Severus Tobias Snivelus Snape." And while Severus gapes at me for using that hated nickname of his, do I just not care anymore as I snarl: "A wife is someone who marries another person. A marriage is something that happens when one proposes to another person. And no marriage can happen unless the engagement is accepted by both parties.
In other words, you delusional, self-centered, brat of an egocentric moron, Lily Potter did choose Potter. Her wedding ring, wedding and wedding vows all prove it, not to mention the fact that she wore the title of Lady Potter after all of that. Such a title is only given to the soul mate or wedded partner of a Potter Lord. And guess what, Snivelus. James Potter – wasn't even the first to steal someone away from you."
At this the man looks at me befuddled, shocked and confused and I rise up from my seat, no longer willing to share any kind of space with this waste of a human life and finding myself deeply hoping that the Unspeakable is still around and that this convinced her not to give Severus the same privilege as she will bestow upon me tomorrow. And while I leave the room, I coldly tell the man:
"Narcissa had a crush on us both before I proposed to her. If I hadn't, maybe she would have picked you instead. Oh well, your loss, Snape. And so is your role as godfather. You'll see yourself out, I presume." And I slam the door behind me, using a bit of Lord magic to make sure that Severus will not be able to leave unless he uses the Floo and then only if he leaves the property entirely. And with that do I feel all of the shocks and other emotions of the day catch up with me.
Good night, Lucius,
And WOW! First of all, that bashing went a little further than I expected – okay, no, not really, I planned for Snape to go so far that even Narcissa loses her temper with him. But it also took so long, just like last chapter, that I decided to cut another part of it away and put that in the upcoming chapter. And unfortunately for you Snape lovers out there, that chapter is going to be the point where this story will no longer be for you. Just to be clear, I DON'T hate Snape, and I acknowledge that he's an easy target to bash, but I need a villain and
I chose him,
Venquine1990
