Categories > Books > Harry Potter > The Part of me that is Missing
Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
A/N
My first fic, Please read and review.
Thank you for reading my story. I know some of you are enjoying it. If you are, take a moment and let me know what you like - the dialogue or situations.
I am not the best reviewer when I read others stories and I know good stories are best judged by the number of hits. Next Chapter
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Snape apparated to Grimmauld Place, London. The weather in the southern part of the British Isles was grey and dreary. A perfect match to my constitution, thought Snape.
As he walked forward, #12 Grimmauld Place became visible. Opening the door, Snape entered and walked to the Library.
In the kitchen of the Black family home, a small alarm sounded to announce the arrival of an Order of the Phoenix member. Lupin and Tonks were seated at the table looking at Muggle newspapers for evidence of Death eater activity. On Tonks part, she was also looking for a picture to visit that evening with Remus. They both enjoyed this diversion.
"I'll see who it is," said Remus rising from his seat.
"Thanks luv, let me know if you need anyfing." Tonks smiled and changed her hair to a rich red colour, to match her warm loving mood. The rumpled man, who lived in this house most of the time, filled Tonks dreams. Neither of them fit the mould of a typical anything. They seemed a good match.
Tonks and Lupin were lovers. She was young and adventurous; an Auror. Lupin, while older, was an ardent lover, willing to try anything his young partner wanted. She was common and at times rude. He was a werewolf, supersensitive and dangerous at times.
Snape entered the library in the Black Mansion, hoping to avoid a direct confrontation with Lupin. His head rested on the back of a high-backed wing chair beside the cold hearth. This was the niche he occupied after many nights attending the compulsory revels commanded by the Dark Lord. This was where he ordered his mind and pushed back the demons threatening to overcome the spark of light left in his soul. He needed the moment of solitude to swallow the pride crawling out to pounce once more on the Werewolf. He heard the door open and the quiet footsteps of Lupin approach.
"Have you been cast out, or have you come to continue your personal hobby of my abasement?" Lupin spat, at the shadowed face of his tormenter.
"Neither." Snape stood and faced his accuser. "Did you realize? Did Arthur? Did the memory come to life for you as well?" He turned and walked to the window looking out over the wet pavement of a shabby street.
"You should have seen her. I first saw her perched on a ladder intent on a book; I could scarce breath." Lupin sat on the chaise facing the fireplace. "When I introduced her to Arthur, he was as stunned as I."
"You had not thought that perhaps she might cause a reaction in all who met her? You gave us no inkling of who; what she was."
"What would you have me say 'Hello, I've found Lily's twin.' or perhaps, 'Oh look Lily didn't die after all, lets tell Harry.' She is not Lily." Remus slumped in his seat, a tired and crushed man.
"What man did not love Lily, at least a little bit, in seventh year?" Remus looked up to see Snape's reaction.
"Some of us loved her more than others." Snape bowed his head in defeat. "She chose James and thus we suffer." Snape gave a sardonic grin and turned again to the window.
"Dumbledore has told me to make peace. I am here to make peace. Necessity requires us to work together and so we shall. I doubt we will ever be friends." Snape drew the last word out as if it were a curse.
"Alright, peace it is. What of Phaelan? What have you said to her?" asked Remus, as he rose and approached the window behind Snape.
"I have not yet spoken to her." Snape sighed. "I doubt making peace will be sufficient."
Remus snorted, "I should think that peacemaking will be only the start of your conversation. You have a lot to explain. I don't envy you your next meeting." At that he turned and left the dark man to his thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione, cheered by the thought of the pending arrival of her friend, bustled around her room making space for Ginny. She looked at her canopied double bed that took up most of the space on the floor. She heaved a sigh of frustration. In less than a year she would be able to perform magic at will just about anywhere but until she got her adult's licence as a witch, she was restricted to using her wand anywhere but Hogwarts. A thought crossed her mind and the telltale grin brightened her face.
"Mummy, I have an idea," called Hermione running downstairs.
Susan Granger turned, waiting to hear the latest revelation from her daughter. Since she was very young, Hermione always had great ideas and how to put them in motion. Unfortunately, they were ideas little girls had no business thinking. The mother smiled, remembering the idea to plant grass on the roofs of all the public buildings, including the Royal residences, to help combat green house gases. Hermione had gotten the idea after seeing a movie version of Heidi set in the Swiss Alps, where such roofs actually existed. The written lists and plans; the mailing lists and prices she researched; all at the tender age of nine. Ah! The disappointment, when her local council member wrote to say, her idea was not possible at that moment and his inclusion of a city pin and poster still wrought a small twitch of sadness in Susan's heart. The little girl, so full of promise, so unlike her peers. What would her little girl become?
"Mummy, when Mrs Weasley comes, I'm going to have her change my bed into to singles. That way we can have twin beds while Ginny's here. What do you think?" Hermione looked at her mother expectantly.
"Sounds fine by me Hermione, are you coming shopping dear?" answered her mother, thankful it was such a mundane, everyday request. Susan listened to herself speak and caught up short thinking, 'Good Lord! When did I start thinking transfiguring furniture and travelling through fireplaces was normal?' She shook her head.
"Let's go mum, I'll drive." A smiling Hermione led the way to the car.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday afternoon found Harry lying on the living room couch, firmly ensconced in slovenly heaven. Hedwig was walking around the furniture, eyeing nooks and crannies looking for prey.
"What do you think, Hedwig? Should I go to the shop and get some food for us? What would you like, a little mouse, a grass snake?" Harry extended his arm and Hedwig hopped on. He took the owl to her cage and sat her inside.
"You have a nap while I go shopping," Harry told his familiar. He turned and looked at the remnants of his takeaway feast. Should really clean this up he thought, nah, I'll do it when I get back.
He looked outside to see the rain had abated for now and grabbed his jacket. With a last minute check to ensure his wand was in place, just in case, Harry went grocery shopping, with a side trip to the pet shop, for a couple of fat mice for Hedwig.
Harry stepped out of the house and inhaled the cool ozone laden air. A few more months and he would be free to do magic anywhere. He would be free from this house and these people. If he could only be free from his life long burden of being the 'Boy who Lived', then his life would be complete. He had no dreams of fame or fortune. He just wanted to be Harry.
Harry turned and made his way to the shopping precinct, to load up on supplies for the coming week. Smiling, he thought a silent thanks to his despised family. At least he knew how to cook Muggle style, since he had been waiting on the Dursley's for years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ginny, Ron, I have the last of your laundry ready to pack." Shouted Molly up the stairs of the Burrow, at the same time she levitated the laundry basket up to the next landing.
"Thanks mummy." Ginny came out and scooped her clothes out to return them to her room. She was almost finished packing. She took special care to ensure the Muggle style clothing her older brothers had bought her, were packed first. Looking around her room, she had to decide what she could take and what not. Some of her things were charmed so she had to be careful not to take too many, as it would raise alarms at the ministry. The hairbrush for sure, her jewel case with all the special compartments and her knife. The knife had its own place in the jewel case only she could open. It was her tie to Tom. Lastly, she packed her journal. Not like the journal from her first year. This was a normal teenaged witch's journal. It could only be read by her thanks to a special charm. If some other person, perchance, might read the entries, they would be disturbed; very disturbed.
In the other room, Ron was in much the same process as his younger sister. His older brothers had purchased Muggle clothing for him as well. Maybe, he thought, after I've set aside enough money for Hermione, I can get some of my own gear. Ron sat at the side of his bed to look at his pay book and do some quick figuring.
"Ron, Ginny, it's almost time for tea," Molly's voice floated up from the kitchen.
Ron looked at his book again. Maybe I'll get something for mum instead, he thought. He stood and put the rest of his stuff in a sports bag, including his newest pride - a razor. Yes, he, Ron Bilius Weasley, was now shaving. Unconsciously, he rubbed his chin. Yeah, probably need to shave in three or four days again, he thought. Looking in the mirror, he tried to imagine a beard or moustache. Molly's voice rang out again.
"Coming, mum," he called and made his way downstairs.
___________________________
Snape apparated back to the gates of Hogwarts shortly before dinnertime. The rain, which had set in firmly to the south, was just approaching and would probably be with them all night and the next day. He took his usual route to the castle and entered through the hidden doorway to the dungeons. He pulled off his travelling cloak and hung it up to dry. There was a spell to dry clothes, but after a few too many times, the clothing tended to disintegrate.
Thinking of how to approach Phaelan, Severus thought it might be best to appear casual, less ascetic. He was, after all, a consummate actor. His whole life was one role after another. This was just one more.
Walking to his wardrobe, Snape decided to go almost native. The staff had, of course, seen him dress casually before. One did not dress like a teacher when one did not need to. Pulling out a dark grey silk shirt and lightweight woollen pants, he changed. Looking at himself in the mirror, he decided to leave the shirt cuffs unfastened and rolled them back once. This left the dark mark still covered.
Right, he thought, she's only a Muggle and Muggle women love tragic stories. Don't they? Snape inhaled deeply and went forth to complete his final mission of the day.
Taking the back stairs to avoid faculty and phantom alike, Severus made his way to Phaelan's room. He knocked at the entrance and, taking another deep breath, awaited permission to enter. The portrait turned inwards to the room to speak to its occupant.
"My mistress asks who seeks entrance?" the Lady asked.
"You know who I am." Snape had little patience for art work. She turned in again.
"My mistress asks, who seeks entrance, Sire?" the Lady lifted her head at this.
"Professor Severus Snape wishes to speak with Miss McKenzie," he said, through clenched teeth. Again, the portrait turned inward.
"On what matter did you wish to address my mistress?" asked the door guardian.
Snape was beginning to get a little annoyed; "Madam, the matter is between your mistress and I. Bid your mistress open the door, please." The last was snapped out.
"Sire, your temper, I must protect my mistress. If this is your demeanour, how do I know you do not wish her ill?" the Lady looked to her right and left in the frame, and two figures approached to stand behind her in the picture.
Knowing how the portraits gossiped among themselves and then to the staff, Severus decided to step down his exasperation a couple of notches.
"Pray, express to your mistress, I am desirous of a meeting to discuss the circumstances of our parting yesterday evening. I wish to clarify my actions." He pinched the bridge of his nose and waited.
"Sire, did you think to take advantage of my mistress? Did you seek to press your attentions upon her?" The Lady looked shocked.
"NO! Blast it. Phaelan, enough, will you let me in?" Severus had given up all pretence of patience, as he yelled at the doorway.
With a final glance backwards, the portrait clicked open.
"I'll be watching sire," clipped the Lady, as he entered. Snape growled as he passed through.
"You have your portrait well trained already, I see." Snape stated, as he entered.
Phaelan's back was to the door as he came in. "We girls must stick together, you know." she quipped.
Phaelan was curled up on one of the armchairs. She had her guitar on her lap and was softly strumming it. Severus walked forward and stood in front of the fire. He noticed a small fire burning and saw Phaelan was wearing a heavy knit jersey.
"Are you chilled?" he enquired, looking at her closely.
"A little, Polly started the fire for me." she answered, still not looking at him. "I don't think you came to ask after my health. You said something about clarifying why you acted like an ass towards Remus yesterday?" She finally looked up and was startled to see Snape in Muggle clothing. He looked different, younger.
"May I sit?" He indicated the chair opposite. She answered with a nod and rested her chin on the side of the guitar.
"First of all, I will not apologize for revealing Lupin's condition to you. He should have told you immediately. That is a legal requirement in our society." His tone was brusque as if unaccustomed to admitting error.
"My...handling of the situation was however, improper. You had done nothing to warrant my rude conduct on this occasion. I was over-reacting to a memory, which both Lupin and I share from our time as students. I beg your pardon, if you so wish to give it, Miss McKenzie." Severus was looking at the fire and didn't see the mirth in her eyes.
"Oh, how the mighty hath fallen, eh?" Phaelan smiled at the look on his face. "What did the old man do, smack your arse and tell you to say sorry to the nice lady?" Now she was laughing.
"I came because it was the proper thing to do, madam. If you find it necessary to insult my intention..." Snape stood intending to leave, as she interrupted him.
"I'm not her." Her voice was flat and cold, as she uttered the truth for him to hear.
"I am not Lily Evans Potter, sainted mother of Harry Potter; Dame of Wizarding society. I have not her claim to purity and righteousness. I am who and what I am. What's more, you know that. You saw." She stood and placed her guitar in the corner.
"Do not debase her memory by equating me of being her ilk. Allow me the dignity of being who I am, warts and all, Professor." She walked to face him again and waited for his reaction.
Severus looked into her eyes directly and could easily have seen her thoughts, had he wished. He also knew she understood this and had left herself open intentionally.
"I shall never make such an error again, be assured, you will never be mistaken for anyone other than who you are. There are no students here; it would please me to have you call me Severus." He waited for her next move.
Phaelan cocked her head to the side, a small smile on her lips, and extended her hand, "How do you do, Severus, my name is Phaelan. I understand we are to work together."
He understood; this was to be a new beginning.
"I am pleased to meet you, Phaelan and I look forward to our collaboration." At this, Severus took her extended hand and in the fashion of the Pure-blooded wizard, raised it to brush her knuckles with a kiss.
Behind her, Phaelan heard a pop and turned to see Polly the elf.
"Miss was asking to be advised of when it was time for dinner." She looked up at Snape, wary of his response.
"Thank you Polly," replied Phaelan to the little creature, that blushed and disappeared with a snap of her fingers.
Snape looked around her living room. "You have no clock or watch?" he asked.
"I had a watch, but it doesn't seem to like Hogwarts or vice versa. I guess I'll need to get an old fashioned wind up style when I get back to London." Phaelan was wondering if she needed to change again for dinner.
"The school has plenty of clocks, just ask for one and the answer is no," he quipped.
"No what?" Phaelan was confused.
"No you needn't dress for dinner on school holidays. Minerva is just very old fashioned." he smiled.
Phaelan realized this was the first time she had seen him smile and it changed his face. He looked younger, less care worn.
"Alright, shall we go for dinner then?" she offered, and led the way to the door. She stepped through first, followed by Snape. As the door closed behind them, Severus offered his left elbow for her to take.
At her questioning look, Severus enlightened her "A gentleman always offers his arm to escort a lady to dinner. Have they no etiquette where you come from?"
"Well, if you count getting to the chow line first to get the best cut of meat or actually using a napkin for what it was intended." She smiled at the look on his face. "Yes, we have etiquette, but we usually have to dust it off when we take it out for visitors."
They walked downstairs together watched by the Headmaster and his companion.
"They make a nice couple don't you think?" asked Minerva.
"You're not trying to play matchmaker, are you Minerva?" Dumbledore was surprised at her. She was always the one telling him to quit meddling in people's lives.
"Och no, you silly goose; I mean look at Severus. He looks relaxed, almost happy for once and not wearing those bloody flapping robes of his. Then there's Phaelan on his arm. That is what life should be, Albus. Our young men and women together, enjoying each other's company. Talking about anything and everything or nothing," Minerva's look turned pensive. "We had that for a while, you and I. Do you remember?" She looked up at her former teacher who had become her friend and lover.
"Yes my love, I do," Dumbledore replied in a weary voice. "We had everything and each other," He patted her hand, "Everything except a child."
"I would have had a hand-fasting with you in an instant, Albus Dumbledore, you know that." Minerva was still looking at the old man.
"I could not bind you to me then, Minerva. You deserved a man who could give you a child. I could not; too many curses on this body over too many years. You should have found a man who was complete." Dumbledore looked over at the two who had obviously come to some understanding.
"For such a smairt dominie, yeh find it guy easy tay ower look the obvious*" Minerva's tongue was slipping into her youthful sept.
"Minerva, what is it?" the Headmaster knew he had hit a nerve.
"Why would I need mair bairns when I had hunerds every year.*" She smiled up at the love of her life and he brought her hand to his lips. Their love needed very little said, to be understood. It was eternal.
"Severus, Phaelan." Dumbledore called to get the other couple's attention. They turned and walked towards the older couple.
Dumbledore smiled at them as they approached." I assume we have reached some kind of understanding?" He looked at each of them over his glasses.
"Yes Albus, everything has been worked out, with all parties." Snape's wording made the understanding clear he would not discuss it further.
"Excellent, excellent. Phaelan my dear, allow an old man escort you to dinner?" Dumbledore reached over and detached Phaelan from Severus' arm and pulled her to his side. Both Snape and Minerva understood this meant he was going to ask her for the details.
"Minerva?" Severus offered his arm to the older teacher, which she gracefully accepted whereupon both turned to follow the other couple to the great hall.
Dinner was again a companionable affair, with even Snape joining in the conversation.
"So, Albus, do you think they will get along without any further disputes?" asked Minerva, to Dumbledore's left.
"I seriously doubt that, Minerva. You've not heard the last of the fireworks these two are likely to set off." the old man smiled. "It might actually be amusing watching them work out their difficulties."
They were finishing up desert and coffee when Filch burst into the Great Hall.
"Headmaster," he yelled out breathlessly, "Peeves," (pant, pant,)He's let out some Cornish Pixies in the entrance hallway."
"Blast that Poltergeist to hell." cursed Snape, as he rose from his seat, drawing his wand. Phaelan watched as the others around the table did as well. She had seen only limited demonstrations of their magic and thought this would be a great opportunity to observe the masters at work. She followed the indignant band of magic's out to the hallway and saw the amazing sight of small blue creatures with humanoid features flying about creating havoc.
Phaelan wandered around watching the flares of light emanating from the wands of her colleagues stunning the little creatures. She was entranced, amazed; she felt giddy and free. Reaching out to Severus, Phaelan touched his wand hand just as he called out "Immobulus!"
Snape felt her touch him, as he cast the spell and turned to see what she wanted. As he watched, Phaelan's eyes widened slightly and she looked surprised.
"Phaelan?" Snape watched has she collapsed, boneless to the floor. He caught her, just as her head would have connected with the stone floor.
The assault on the Pixies was almost over. Pomfrey was the first to notice Severus and Phaelan on the floor and hurried over.
"What happened?" she inquired, her professional face firmly in place. Pulling her wand, she waved it over Phaelan in a diagnostic mode.
"I'm not sure," answered a worried Snape, "she touched my hand as I cast and she collapsed."
"Bring her to the infirmary. I can't do anything else here." Pomfrey led the way, while Snape, with Phaelan in his arms, followed with Dumbledore and McGonagall in tow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*'Scottish' isms translated.
"For such a smairt dominie, yeh find it guy easy tay ower look the obvious*
For such an intelligent Headmaster, you find it very easy to overlook the obvious.
"Why would I need mair bairns when I had hunerds every year.*
Why would I need more children when I had hundreds every year.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
A/N
My first fic, Please read and review.
Thank you for reading my story. I know some of you are enjoying it. If you are, take a moment and let me know what you like - the dialogue or situations.
I am not the best reviewer when I read others stories and I know good stories are best judged by the number of hits. Next Chapter
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Snape apparated to Grimmauld Place, London. The weather in the southern part of the British Isles was grey and dreary. A perfect match to my constitution, thought Snape.
As he walked forward, #12 Grimmauld Place became visible. Opening the door, Snape entered and walked to the Library.
In the kitchen of the Black family home, a small alarm sounded to announce the arrival of an Order of the Phoenix member. Lupin and Tonks were seated at the table looking at Muggle newspapers for evidence of Death eater activity. On Tonks part, she was also looking for a picture to visit that evening with Remus. They both enjoyed this diversion.
"I'll see who it is," said Remus rising from his seat.
"Thanks luv, let me know if you need anyfing." Tonks smiled and changed her hair to a rich red colour, to match her warm loving mood. The rumpled man, who lived in this house most of the time, filled Tonks dreams. Neither of them fit the mould of a typical anything. They seemed a good match.
Tonks and Lupin were lovers. She was young and adventurous; an Auror. Lupin, while older, was an ardent lover, willing to try anything his young partner wanted. She was common and at times rude. He was a werewolf, supersensitive and dangerous at times.
Snape entered the library in the Black Mansion, hoping to avoid a direct confrontation with Lupin. His head rested on the back of a high-backed wing chair beside the cold hearth. This was the niche he occupied after many nights attending the compulsory revels commanded by the Dark Lord. This was where he ordered his mind and pushed back the demons threatening to overcome the spark of light left in his soul. He needed the moment of solitude to swallow the pride crawling out to pounce once more on the Werewolf. He heard the door open and the quiet footsteps of Lupin approach.
"Have you been cast out, or have you come to continue your personal hobby of my abasement?" Lupin spat, at the shadowed face of his tormenter.
"Neither." Snape stood and faced his accuser. "Did you realize? Did Arthur? Did the memory come to life for you as well?" He turned and walked to the window looking out over the wet pavement of a shabby street.
"You should have seen her. I first saw her perched on a ladder intent on a book; I could scarce breath." Lupin sat on the chaise facing the fireplace. "When I introduced her to Arthur, he was as stunned as I."
"You had not thought that perhaps she might cause a reaction in all who met her? You gave us no inkling of who; what she was."
"What would you have me say 'Hello, I've found Lily's twin.' or perhaps, 'Oh look Lily didn't die after all, lets tell Harry.' She is not Lily." Remus slumped in his seat, a tired and crushed man.
"What man did not love Lily, at least a little bit, in seventh year?" Remus looked up to see Snape's reaction.
"Some of us loved her more than others." Snape bowed his head in defeat. "She chose James and thus we suffer." Snape gave a sardonic grin and turned again to the window.
"Dumbledore has told me to make peace. I am here to make peace. Necessity requires us to work together and so we shall. I doubt we will ever be friends." Snape drew the last word out as if it were a curse.
"Alright, peace it is. What of Phaelan? What have you said to her?" asked Remus, as he rose and approached the window behind Snape.
"I have not yet spoken to her." Snape sighed. "I doubt making peace will be sufficient."
Remus snorted, "I should think that peacemaking will be only the start of your conversation. You have a lot to explain. I don't envy you your next meeting." At that he turned and left the dark man to his thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione, cheered by the thought of the pending arrival of her friend, bustled around her room making space for Ginny. She looked at her canopied double bed that took up most of the space on the floor. She heaved a sigh of frustration. In less than a year she would be able to perform magic at will just about anywhere but until she got her adult's licence as a witch, she was restricted to using her wand anywhere but Hogwarts. A thought crossed her mind and the telltale grin brightened her face.
"Mummy, I have an idea," called Hermione running downstairs.
Susan Granger turned, waiting to hear the latest revelation from her daughter. Since she was very young, Hermione always had great ideas and how to put them in motion. Unfortunately, they were ideas little girls had no business thinking. The mother smiled, remembering the idea to plant grass on the roofs of all the public buildings, including the Royal residences, to help combat green house gases. Hermione had gotten the idea after seeing a movie version of Heidi set in the Swiss Alps, where such roofs actually existed. The written lists and plans; the mailing lists and prices she researched; all at the tender age of nine. Ah! The disappointment, when her local council member wrote to say, her idea was not possible at that moment and his inclusion of a city pin and poster still wrought a small twitch of sadness in Susan's heart. The little girl, so full of promise, so unlike her peers. What would her little girl become?
"Mummy, when Mrs Weasley comes, I'm going to have her change my bed into to singles. That way we can have twin beds while Ginny's here. What do you think?" Hermione looked at her mother expectantly.
"Sounds fine by me Hermione, are you coming shopping dear?" answered her mother, thankful it was such a mundane, everyday request. Susan listened to herself speak and caught up short thinking, 'Good Lord! When did I start thinking transfiguring furniture and travelling through fireplaces was normal?' She shook her head.
"Let's go mum, I'll drive." A smiling Hermione led the way to the car.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday afternoon found Harry lying on the living room couch, firmly ensconced in slovenly heaven. Hedwig was walking around the furniture, eyeing nooks and crannies looking for prey.
"What do you think, Hedwig? Should I go to the shop and get some food for us? What would you like, a little mouse, a grass snake?" Harry extended his arm and Hedwig hopped on. He took the owl to her cage and sat her inside.
"You have a nap while I go shopping," Harry told his familiar. He turned and looked at the remnants of his takeaway feast. Should really clean this up he thought, nah, I'll do it when I get back.
He looked outside to see the rain had abated for now and grabbed his jacket. With a last minute check to ensure his wand was in place, just in case, Harry went grocery shopping, with a side trip to the pet shop, for a couple of fat mice for Hedwig.
Harry stepped out of the house and inhaled the cool ozone laden air. A few more months and he would be free to do magic anywhere. He would be free from this house and these people. If he could only be free from his life long burden of being the 'Boy who Lived', then his life would be complete. He had no dreams of fame or fortune. He just wanted to be Harry.
Harry turned and made his way to the shopping precinct, to load up on supplies for the coming week. Smiling, he thought a silent thanks to his despised family. At least he knew how to cook Muggle style, since he had been waiting on the Dursley's for years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ginny, Ron, I have the last of your laundry ready to pack." Shouted Molly up the stairs of the Burrow, at the same time she levitated the laundry basket up to the next landing.
"Thanks mummy." Ginny came out and scooped her clothes out to return them to her room. She was almost finished packing. She took special care to ensure the Muggle style clothing her older brothers had bought her, were packed first. Looking around her room, she had to decide what she could take and what not. Some of her things were charmed so she had to be careful not to take too many, as it would raise alarms at the ministry. The hairbrush for sure, her jewel case with all the special compartments and her knife. The knife had its own place in the jewel case only she could open. It was her tie to Tom. Lastly, she packed her journal. Not like the journal from her first year. This was a normal teenaged witch's journal. It could only be read by her thanks to a special charm. If some other person, perchance, might read the entries, they would be disturbed; very disturbed.
In the other room, Ron was in much the same process as his younger sister. His older brothers had purchased Muggle clothing for him as well. Maybe, he thought, after I've set aside enough money for Hermione, I can get some of my own gear. Ron sat at the side of his bed to look at his pay book and do some quick figuring.
"Ron, Ginny, it's almost time for tea," Molly's voice floated up from the kitchen.
Ron looked at his book again. Maybe I'll get something for mum instead, he thought. He stood and put the rest of his stuff in a sports bag, including his newest pride - a razor. Yes, he, Ron Bilius Weasley, was now shaving. Unconsciously, he rubbed his chin. Yeah, probably need to shave in three or four days again, he thought. Looking in the mirror, he tried to imagine a beard or moustache. Molly's voice rang out again.
"Coming, mum," he called and made his way downstairs.
___________________________
Snape apparated back to the gates of Hogwarts shortly before dinnertime. The rain, which had set in firmly to the south, was just approaching and would probably be with them all night and the next day. He took his usual route to the castle and entered through the hidden doorway to the dungeons. He pulled off his travelling cloak and hung it up to dry. There was a spell to dry clothes, but after a few too many times, the clothing tended to disintegrate.
Thinking of how to approach Phaelan, Severus thought it might be best to appear casual, less ascetic. He was, after all, a consummate actor. His whole life was one role after another. This was just one more.
Walking to his wardrobe, Snape decided to go almost native. The staff had, of course, seen him dress casually before. One did not dress like a teacher when one did not need to. Pulling out a dark grey silk shirt and lightweight woollen pants, he changed. Looking at himself in the mirror, he decided to leave the shirt cuffs unfastened and rolled them back once. This left the dark mark still covered.
Right, he thought, she's only a Muggle and Muggle women love tragic stories. Don't they? Snape inhaled deeply and went forth to complete his final mission of the day.
Taking the back stairs to avoid faculty and phantom alike, Severus made his way to Phaelan's room. He knocked at the entrance and, taking another deep breath, awaited permission to enter. The portrait turned inwards to the room to speak to its occupant.
"My mistress asks who seeks entrance?" the Lady asked.
"You know who I am." Snape had little patience for art work. She turned in again.
"My mistress asks, who seeks entrance, Sire?" the Lady lifted her head at this.
"Professor Severus Snape wishes to speak with Miss McKenzie," he said, through clenched teeth. Again, the portrait turned inward.
"On what matter did you wish to address my mistress?" asked the door guardian.
Snape was beginning to get a little annoyed; "Madam, the matter is between your mistress and I. Bid your mistress open the door, please." The last was snapped out.
"Sire, your temper, I must protect my mistress. If this is your demeanour, how do I know you do not wish her ill?" the Lady looked to her right and left in the frame, and two figures approached to stand behind her in the picture.
Knowing how the portraits gossiped among themselves and then to the staff, Severus decided to step down his exasperation a couple of notches.
"Pray, express to your mistress, I am desirous of a meeting to discuss the circumstances of our parting yesterday evening. I wish to clarify my actions." He pinched the bridge of his nose and waited.
"Sire, did you think to take advantage of my mistress? Did you seek to press your attentions upon her?" The Lady looked shocked.
"NO! Blast it. Phaelan, enough, will you let me in?" Severus had given up all pretence of patience, as he yelled at the doorway.
With a final glance backwards, the portrait clicked open.
"I'll be watching sire," clipped the Lady, as he entered. Snape growled as he passed through.
"You have your portrait well trained already, I see." Snape stated, as he entered.
Phaelan's back was to the door as he came in. "We girls must stick together, you know." she quipped.
Phaelan was curled up on one of the armchairs. She had her guitar on her lap and was softly strumming it. Severus walked forward and stood in front of the fire. He noticed a small fire burning and saw Phaelan was wearing a heavy knit jersey.
"Are you chilled?" he enquired, looking at her closely.
"A little, Polly started the fire for me." she answered, still not looking at him. "I don't think you came to ask after my health. You said something about clarifying why you acted like an ass towards Remus yesterday?" She finally looked up and was startled to see Snape in Muggle clothing. He looked different, younger.
"May I sit?" He indicated the chair opposite. She answered with a nod and rested her chin on the side of the guitar.
"First of all, I will not apologize for revealing Lupin's condition to you. He should have told you immediately. That is a legal requirement in our society." His tone was brusque as if unaccustomed to admitting error.
"My...handling of the situation was however, improper. You had done nothing to warrant my rude conduct on this occasion. I was over-reacting to a memory, which both Lupin and I share from our time as students. I beg your pardon, if you so wish to give it, Miss McKenzie." Severus was looking at the fire and didn't see the mirth in her eyes.
"Oh, how the mighty hath fallen, eh?" Phaelan smiled at the look on his face. "What did the old man do, smack your arse and tell you to say sorry to the nice lady?" Now she was laughing.
"I came because it was the proper thing to do, madam. If you find it necessary to insult my intention..." Snape stood intending to leave, as she interrupted him.
"I'm not her." Her voice was flat and cold, as she uttered the truth for him to hear.
"I am not Lily Evans Potter, sainted mother of Harry Potter; Dame of Wizarding society. I have not her claim to purity and righteousness. I am who and what I am. What's more, you know that. You saw." She stood and placed her guitar in the corner.
"Do not debase her memory by equating me of being her ilk. Allow me the dignity of being who I am, warts and all, Professor." She walked to face him again and waited for his reaction.
Severus looked into her eyes directly and could easily have seen her thoughts, had he wished. He also knew she understood this and had left herself open intentionally.
"I shall never make such an error again, be assured, you will never be mistaken for anyone other than who you are. There are no students here; it would please me to have you call me Severus." He waited for her next move.
Phaelan cocked her head to the side, a small smile on her lips, and extended her hand, "How do you do, Severus, my name is Phaelan. I understand we are to work together."
He understood; this was to be a new beginning.
"I am pleased to meet you, Phaelan and I look forward to our collaboration." At this, Severus took her extended hand and in the fashion of the Pure-blooded wizard, raised it to brush her knuckles with a kiss.
Behind her, Phaelan heard a pop and turned to see Polly the elf.
"Miss was asking to be advised of when it was time for dinner." She looked up at Snape, wary of his response.
"Thank you Polly," replied Phaelan to the little creature, that blushed and disappeared with a snap of her fingers.
Snape looked around her living room. "You have no clock or watch?" he asked.
"I had a watch, but it doesn't seem to like Hogwarts or vice versa. I guess I'll need to get an old fashioned wind up style when I get back to London." Phaelan was wondering if she needed to change again for dinner.
"The school has plenty of clocks, just ask for one and the answer is no," he quipped.
"No what?" Phaelan was confused.
"No you needn't dress for dinner on school holidays. Minerva is just very old fashioned." he smiled.
Phaelan realized this was the first time she had seen him smile and it changed his face. He looked younger, less care worn.
"Alright, shall we go for dinner then?" she offered, and led the way to the door. She stepped through first, followed by Snape. As the door closed behind them, Severus offered his left elbow for her to take.
At her questioning look, Severus enlightened her "A gentleman always offers his arm to escort a lady to dinner. Have they no etiquette where you come from?"
"Well, if you count getting to the chow line first to get the best cut of meat or actually using a napkin for what it was intended." She smiled at the look on his face. "Yes, we have etiquette, but we usually have to dust it off when we take it out for visitors."
They walked downstairs together watched by the Headmaster and his companion.
"They make a nice couple don't you think?" asked Minerva.
"You're not trying to play matchmaker, are you Minerva?" Dumbledore was surprised at her. She was always the one telling him to quit meddling in people's lives.
"Och no, you silly goose; I mean look at Severus. He looks relaxed, almost happy for once and not wearing those bloody flapping robes of his. Then there's Phaelan on his arm. That is what life should be, Albus. Our young men and women together, enjoying each other's company. Talking about anything and everything or nothing," Minerva's look turned pensive. "We had that for a while, you and I. Do you remember?" She looked up at her former teacher who had become her friend and lover.
"Yes my love, I do," Dumbledore replied in a weary voice. "We had everything and each other," He patted her hand, "Everything except a child."
"I would have had a hand-fasting with you in an instant, Albus Dumbledore, you know that." Minerva was still looking at the old man.
"I could not bind you to me then, Minerva. You deserved a man who could give you a child. I could not; too many curses on this body over too many years. You should have found a man who was complete." Dumbledore looked over at the two who had obviously come to some understanding.
"For such a smairt dominie, yeh find it guy easy tay ower look the obvious*" Minerva's tongue was slipping into her youthful sept.
"Minerva, what is it?" the Headmaster knew he had hit a nerve.
"Why would I need mair bairns when I had hunerds every year.*" She smiled up at the love of her life and he brought her hand to his lips. Their love needed very little said, to be understood. It was eternal.
"Severus, Phaelan." Dumbledore called to get the other couple's attention. They turned and walked towards the older couple.
Dumbledore smiled at them as they approached." I assume we have reached some kind of understanding?" He looked at each of them over his glasses.
"Yes Albus, everything has been worked out, with all parties." Snape's wording made the understanding clear he would not discuss it further.
"Excellent, excellent. Phaelan my dear, allow an old man escort you to dinner?" Dumbledore reached over and detached Phaelan from Severus' arm and pulled her to his side. Both Snape and Minerva understood this meant he was going to ask her for the details.
"Minerva?" Severus offered his arm to the older teacher, which she gracefully accepted whereupon both turned to follow the other couple to the great hall.
Dinner was again a companionable affair, with even Snape joining in the conversation.
"So, Albus, do you think they will get along without any further disputes?" asked Minerva, to Dumbledore's left.
"I seriously doubt that, Minerva. You've not heard the last of the fireworks these two are likely to set off." the old man smiled. "It might actually be amusing watching them work out their difficulties."
They were finishing up desert and coffee when Filch burst into the Great Hall.
"Headmaster," he yelled out breathlessly, "Peeves," (pant, pant,)He's let out some Cornish Pixies in the entrance hallway."
"Blast that Poltergeist to hell." cursed Snape, as he rose from his seat, drawing his wand. Phaelan watched as the others around the table did as well. She had seen only limited demonstrations of their magic and thought this would be a great opportunity to observe the masters at work. She followed the indignant band of magic's out to the hallway and saw the amazing sight of small blue creatures with humanoid features flying about creating havoc.
Phaelan wandered around watching the flares of light emanating from the wands of her colleagues stunning the little creatures. She was entranced, amazed; she felt giddy and free. Reaching out to Severus, Phaelan touched his wand hand just as he called out "Immobulus!"
Snape felt her touch him, as he cast the spell and turned to see what she wanted. As he watched, Phaelan's eyes widened slightly and she looked surprised.
"Phaelan?" Snape watched has she collapsed, boneless to the floor. He caught her, just as her head would have connected with the stone floor.
The assault on the Pixies was almost over. Pomfrey was the first to notice Severus and Phaelan on the floor and hurried over.
"What happened?" she inquired, her professional face firmly in place. Pulling her wand, she waved it over Phaelan in a diagnostic mode.
"I'm not sure," answered a worried Snape, "she touched my hand as I cast and she collapsed."
"Bring her to the infirmary. I can't do anything else here." Pomfrey led the way, while Snape, with Phaelan in his arms, followed with Dumbledore and McGonagall in tow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*'Scottish' isms translated.
"For such a smairt dominie, yeh find it guy easy tay ower look the obvious*
For such an intelligent Headmaster, you find it very easy to overlook the obvious.
"Why would I need mair bairns when I had hunerds every year.*
Why would I need more children when I had hundreds every year.
Sign up to rate and review this story