Chapter 9
Severus held his son's hand as they both passed through the illusion. He let out a small smile when he felt the familiarity and magic rush through his veins. There's just something about the village that makes him feel safe and at home.
He can't help but wonder of what could've their life been if he, Lucius, Narcissa and Regulus never left the village. They would probably still be alive, and all of them would be free of everything expected of them.
He lets out a wistful smile as he remembered the first time he was brought here. His three best friends had literally dragged him to the village after one stressful Friday.
It was the day James Potter hanged him upside down, causing him to accidentally call Lily a mudblood. She left the scene without another word, but he could've sworn that her childhood friend's lips formed the faintest curve of a smile in the crowd when he was levitated up in the air.
But before his tormentor could even pull his pants down for hurting his beloved Lily, a slightly panting Lucius appeared. He cancelled the spell with a silent liberacorpus alongside a cushioning spell on the ground.
Severus landed on the ground with a thump and immediately went up behind his friend. Lucius reassured Sev before lashing at all the students watching the scene, telling them that bullying a fellow student is not something to be made fun of. After hearing his threats and notice, the audience immediately scampered away, afraid of what the young Malfoy would do to them if they continued to stay.
James and Sirius stayed, their hands gripping their wands tight and a spell at the tip of their tongues. Remus looked on the impending fight whereas Peter already fled with the crowd, afraid of being dragged into another possible detention with Filch.
Severus stood behind his friend, silently telling him to drop it and that they leave. It's not worth the points that they will lose once the professors learned about it. He knew that it wouldn't matter because the headmaster would choose his golden Griffyndors over their words anyway.
As though he didn't hear anything, Lucius stepped closer to the two marauders. He then proceeded to deduct points to their house for bullying a student while also earning them a long word about their excessive pranking to all of the students.
Sirius Black never liked to be told about not and what to do. It reminded him of how controlling his mother and father were back when he was still living with them. While the Malfoys are an ancient noble pureblood family, they are still considered dark. They don't deserve his respect.
Being annoyed that their prank on Snivellous was spoiled by another slimy Slytherin, he went all in and sent a charm, not caring if Lord Malfoy would come to Hogwarts for the action he'd done. They have the side of the headmaster anyway since they're Griffyndors. It's those Slytherins that are evil afterall.
Lucius was so busy making his point that he totally missed the spell aimed at him. He only noticed it when Severus pushed him, taking the brunt of the hex with his skinny frame.
Luckily, Severus also managed to dodge the spell albeit barely. The blonde teen saw rage as he recognized that the hex Black sent wasn't a hex at all. It a was a severing charm. Diffindo.
Severus shouted in pain when he hit the ground. He clutched his left side with both of his hands, trying to stop the warm liquid from trickling down his body. He may have had a high tolerance in pain because of his father, but that doesn't mean that he was stabbed at home. The most that Tobias did to him was being hit by a beer bottle in the head after getting beaten up.
He was about to draw his wand but then Professor McGonagall was suddenly going to their direction. It seems like a student had called her after all of the commotion.
The Transfiguration Professor immediately confiscated their wands and stooped down towards the injured student. She hurriedly asked them what spell was used, but Sirius and James kept silent.
Lucius looked at the duo and snarled, telling the Professor that Severus had managed to avoid an intentional Diffindo casted towards him originally.
She sent a patronus to Madame Pomphrey, stating that her presence was needed immediately. Within a few minutes, the Mediwitch appeared with her duffle bag in hand. One look from the distance already told her that the injured party was once again Severus Snape. The poor dear.
The first time he treated the boy was after the sorting ceremony on his first year. He was rushed to the medical wing after being punched in the face by Sirius for unknown reasons. James Potter claimed that "snivellous" insulted his best mate while the Malfoy heir had defended that Severus wasn't even doing anything. His claim was backed up by Narcissa and Regulus Black amongst a couple of bystanders. Of course, after being healed, both parties are called to the Headmaster's office.
She knelt to the ground and gasped when she saw the blood accumulation on Severus' robes. She opened her duffle bag, got her supplies, cleaned and patched up the gash. Luckily the gash wasn't that totally deep. The mediwitch also grabbed a vials of pain relieving potion and dreamless sleep.
Madame Pomphrey returned her supplies inside her duffle bag before she casted a levitation spell on Severus. She needs the Slytherin to rest in the medical wing for at least a day or two. During the duration of his stay, she'll make sure that neither the headmaster nor Minerva would be able to get close to him. The same could be said about the marauders.
Being so fed up with the unequal treatment towards other houses, she decided that she'll silently help those in need. Lady Magic knows that she failed to help Tom during his time here and she regrets it everyday. Maybe if she had helped him then he wouldn't become so engulfed with his hatred towards muggles.
She didn't even stop to talk to Minerva about what had happened because as much as she is a good friend, she is also biased towards her Gryffindors like the headmaster.
Lucius followed her as she started to move towards the castle. He heard Professor McGonagall call him to stay and explain what had happened but he didn't care. He wouldn't leave his friend no matter what. She wouldn't believe him anyway and even if she did, she'll still be biased upon the punishment.
Severus woke up after a whole day of sleeping. He was confused at first, wondering why he was in the infirmary, and then he remembered everything. He half hoped that Lily would somehow visit him, but then again, the mediwitch told him that the only ones who visited him were Regulus, Lucius and Narcissa.
Regulus visited longer than the couple did. Lucius and Narcissa headed back to the common room thirty minutes before curfew. They asked him if he was gonna come along, but he had refused, saying that he'll follow after a while. Madame Pomphrey didn't comment until the Slytherin was still in the infirmary an hour after curfew.
After a day and half, he was discharged from the hospital wing with a side note from Madame Pomphrey to avoid straineous activities.
Although Severus may only think of him as one of his best friends, he will always love him deep inside his heart. He never spoke about his feelings, but he did write about it in his journals. He doesn't want his relationship with Severus to change and if keeping his true emotions about his best friend is the way to go, then so be it. Besides, his mother will kill them both if she finds out. It's bad enough that he witnessed his own older brother being disowned and getting marked for it, he doesn't want Sev to suffer just because he loves him.
The moment Severus left the hospital wing, chaos ensued. Dumbledore wasted no time and asked for his presence to go to his office for a talk about what happened. Severus bowed his head, knowing that he'll be blamed once more upon what had happened at the lake. He was about to go to the office when Lucius suddenly appeared in front of him.
The blonde continued to frown as they made their way to the headmaster's office together. He already knew that Dumbledore would resort to this after his friend got discharged, so he came prepared. During his visit in the infirmary, he along with Narcissa and Regulus had composed a letter to be sent to his father about the news.
Eventhough Sev was a half-blood and despised by his father, the man couldn't help to be fond of him since he was talented and favored by his Dark Lord. It wouldn't be long until Abraxas would go to the Ministry or use his influence to make sure that his friend won't take the end of the stick of the Marauders' pranks, that is if the headmaster would stay stubborn after a quick ultimatum.
Both of them sat on the opposite side of the headmaster. It was apparent that he wasn't expecting Lucius accompanying Severus up to his office. Talking to the other Slytherin would be easy since the boy is obviously poor and lonesome. But with a Malfoy in tow? It is virtually impossible to control the issue now.
He offered them some of his sherbet lemons before finally addressing the elephant in the room. He explained that what happened at the lake was merely a harmless prank gone wrong, and that he had already punished James and Sirius with two weeks of detention with Filch.
Severus' face reddened when he heard the headmaster's description of what happened, immediately telling that he was swung upside down by the two Gryffindors while he was just minding his own business by reading under a tree near the lake. He was then let down by his friend, which was also a Head Boy, and was attacked unprovoked when he tried to save Lucius from being hexed for standing up for him.
He lifted up his robes and pointed at his bandaged midsection. While it already stopped bleeding for the past day, it still hurts. Madame Pomphrey heavily advised him to avoid touching it or getting it bumped at all costs. She even gave him three vials of pain potion to drink throughout the next three days.
The twinkling blue eyes of the headmaster became dull as he listened to one of his students recall how he got the large wound. Well that wasn't how Sirius nor James told him about what had happened at all. They told him that Severus insulted Lily Evans by calling her a "mudblood" and that they were only protecting her.
James vaguely suggested that it was the Slytherin who attacked first and that he had called Lucius as a support. Then they went on that the Diffindo charm was casted by Lucius but was reflected by the Protego charm he had casted, hitting "Snivellous" in the process.
Albus silently used legilimens on Severus, only to be kicked out immediately. He stared in shock at the boy. Who knew that someone in his age can already perform excellently at Occlumency? Without missing a beat, his mind was immediately flooded with the boy's memories of what had happened in the lake.
It was James Potter who provoked everything. He was the one who lifted the Slytherin upside down in the air defenseless. Sirius casted the Diffindo charm deliberately at the Malfoy heir, only to be blocked by Severus himself.
After viewing the memories, Lucius Malfoy stood up from his chair and told him about the letter he had written. He gave the headmaster an ultimatum to finally stop the bigotry of him encouraging the house rivalries while also playing favorites with his precious Gryffindors or risk having his arse kicked from Hogwarts by the letter in his hand.
Fawkes chirped in agreement and landed on Severus shoulder, nuzzling his head on the long inky locks of the raven's hair.
Albus gave out a sigh and finally acceded. He never knew that it would all lead to this. He had always favored his Gryffindors since they're typically considered light and in the right direction. Maybe he had stereotyped his students to the point that he himself encourages it instead of putting a stop to it. He silently vowed to try to be better and be equal to all the houses, starting with the Slytherin in front of him.
That night, Lucius, Narcissa and Regulus decided to sneak off to the village to celebrate about what had happened.
Both Griffyndors were punished by a month of detention with Filch and were deducted with 30 points each for bullying, and another 45 from Sirius for using a Diffindo Charm deliberately at a fellow student. They were also given a warning to stop their bullying. Another case will have them on a three day suspension and their wands confiscated until they are deemed to be free of threat.
The three of them practically dragged a protesting Severus with them, bribing him that they'll help him on the subjects he missed out on if he joins their celebration. All of them went to the edge of the forbidden forest and used a portkey to get to outside of the wards of the back of Malfoy Manor.
They will never forget the happiness that radiated off their friend once he first got a glimpse of the village he only heard from their stories. Severus immediately ran to the center of the town, where the large fountain with an intricate statue was placed. His eyes roamed around with a glint of wonder, taking up every detail and joy that the village seem to emanate.
The three of them felt their heart clench when Severus began tearing up. He then proceeded to hug them, telling them how much taking him here means to him. After that, he shared his memory of him and his mum going a place similarly like the village when he was younger. It was the only moment in his life when he truly saw his mum smile, and it pained him.
It reminded him of the plaza his mother brought him to once when he was nine years old. Tobias was passed out from the couch after one too many beers, a rare situation since he's always pretty much still sober but violent when he got drunk. Seeing that his husband isn't concious enough for once, Eileen took the chance and decided to take his son somewhere that will hopefully make him smile.
He never got the chance to fulfill his promise to take his mum away since she died in his last year at Hogwarts, only a week short before he took his NEWTS. Her cause of death was strangulation. Tobias was captured by the muggle police and was sentenced with life imprisonment without parole for homicide and abuse.
"Mama, why are you crying?" Jamie asked after noticing that his mum stopped walking.
"I'm not crying, sweetie," he wiped his tears away from his face, mentally cursing himself from getting off guard.
"Don't lie, mum! You promised you won't cry again!" Severus sighed and kneeled down eye level to his son.
"Jamie, not all tears are bad. Some people cry because they're happy, just like today. I'm really happy that you like it here." the toddler smiled back at his mother, hugging and thanking him for bringing him back there.
Severus brought his son to the center of the village. His heart fluttered when Jamie squealed in delight as he admired the large fountain. It reminded him of himself. This must've what his mother felt back then.
"Really? You're happy?"
"Yes, really. Mama's happy that ou liked it here. I spent so much time here when back in the day, you know?" he smiled fondly, recalling the times when they visited the village just to hang out.
"What happened, Mum?" Jamie asked, wringing his small hands together as he continued,
"If this place made you really happy before, then why did you stopped visiting?" Severus' paled.
Memories of the war flashed through his mind. He vividly recalled that night when Narcissa and Lucius informed him that Regulus died. His best friend never really accepted that he got marked by the Dark Lord, so he did what he thought was right. He researched ways to hopefully defeat the megalomaniac.
He only learned about the truth when Kreacher came to him with Regulus' journal the same day he received the news. The house elf explained that the journal must only be delivered to Severus if and only if he died. Kreacher popped out after that, wistfulness and grief apparent in his eyes.
That was the time he learned that his best friend died sacrificing himself to destroy a horcrux somewhere. It was also apparent that Regulus had feelings for him, as written in the journal. Not only that, he also left his personal vault to him. He dropped the journal from his hands and started to cry.
He, Lucius and Narcissa rarely had gone to the village since Regulus died. They simply cannot bear sitting at their favorite table with one chair empty. It reminded them of their friend. It made them scared that it may be them one day. The Dark Lord isn't known to be forgiving to his followers.
The last time he visited the village with his friends was before the final battle. They all knew that it was the end. All of them will either die or live after it. Lucius proposed a toast for Reggie, saying that their friend wouldn't want them to be afraid in their own sanctuary. The three of them spent their night enjoying each other's company, but deep inside, they knew that it could be their last.
Severus never went back after that. The only reason he was still alive was because of his friends. On the verge of dying, he saw his friends. He couldn't stop crying when he learned that Narcissa and Lucius were already dead as well. He admittedly told them that he was ready to die, he had nothing to live for after all. The only people that truly gave a damn about him were all dead, so what's left to lose?
Regulus sadly told him that it's still not his time yet, that he still needs to continue living. He also told him to move on and experience life now that the Dark Lord's gone. He longed to see Severus finally be happy and experience love even if it's not with him. Severus broke down after that, not understanding why he cannot die just yet to be with them. It took them almost an hour just to console and convince him to continue on without them. Before leaving, Lucius made him promise to never attempt to kill himself after he wakes up.
He did wake, drinking the antivenin in one gulp despite of his continued crying. He wanted to disappear from the Wizarding World. There was no point to live now that they're gone, plus, he already had outlived his purpose, so why bother staying?
Severus stared at his son and sighed. If he truly had died back then, then he wouldn't have Jamie nor his little one. As much as he truly wished he's already dead, he wouldn't say that he wants it anymore. He has his children now, and he's also fulfilling his promise to look after his godson. They are his strength, they gave him another reason to try and live again.
And then there's Harry.
The first one to ever capture his heart, and the first one to rip it apart as well. Even though his soon to be ex-husbandhad strayed from keeping his vows, he knows that deep inside his heart that he still loves him. It just so happens that they got married a little bit too early. Harry's still young to be committed into a lifetime commitment, let alone with a greasy ex-death eater, he should've known better to keep his hopes up.
"Last year, we visited the village, didn't we?"
"But that was only last year, I meant before that, mama." For the first time in his life, Severus mentally facepalmed himself because his son obviously got his brains.
"Well..that was..I..I stopped visiting because I have no one to go with anymore to be honest." While it was not a complete lie, it wasn't completely true either.
Jamie's eyes dulled a bit in understanding. His mama had once told him about Uncle Draco's parents and how they were his friends. He hugged his mother's leg and looked up at him.
"You'll have me, Uncle Draco and baby, mama!" Severus cannot help but to smile at his eldest, for he cannot doubt that his little sunshine will always be looking out for him as much as he is there for them, his children.