Dark Angel

Severus barged into Albus office. “Albus!” Severus called out. He was in a very foul mood

Dumbledore, who was sitting behind his desk looked up, surprise clear on his aged face. He hadn\'t expected such an outburst. \"What’s the matter Severus? You seem troubled.\" Dumbledore asked worried.

Setting himself down in his seat he tried to calm himself, it wouldn\'t do if he snapped. \"Do you trust me?\" he asked simply.

Dumbledore blinked, what kind of question was that? “With my life.” he answered.

“If I were to tell you a secret would you believe it no matter how bizarre it might sound?”

Linking his fingers together on the desk, Dumbledore stared deeply into his friends eyes. A moment passed and then another before the older man answered. “Whatever you say is not only in confidence but you have my trust in what you say to me I would believe.”

Severus allowed himself to smile, a rare thing and both men knew tonight would change everything. “I have a confession Albus. Serry and I have a son.” The rise of the Headmaster’s eye brows was the only show of emotion. “His name is Darruis Donovan Snape. My own blindness or should I say stupidness had gave me the ugly mark on my arm. Voldemort promised many things but as a result my family was in danger – especially my son. Drastic measures had to be taken and against my wishes Serry asked her best friends, the most trusted, for assistance.

Serry hid her pregnancy with charms and such while they acted as the happy couple ready for the birth of their first child. Serry remained at the Snape Manor most of the time but she’s a free spirit and I couldn’t deny her walks in Diagon Alley no matter how hard I try.” Severus smiled at the memories. “When Serry went into labor so had our friend; a spell passing along sympathy pains – neither woman was happy. Two med-witches were also asked for help and the friend was a very good actress. Once my son was born he was given to Serry’s friend and I couldn’t protest against the choice of who was chosen as a Guardian.

For a year and few months we each kept in touch and visits were made; Darruis was my pride and joy – all of ours. Charms and such were placed on him at birth so Voldemort or anyone for that matter wouldn\'t recognize him as a Snape or Moon.” Severus stood. The memory was still fresh in his mind and he needed to move so he paced a few steps back and forth. “A ‘friend’ also amongst the Death Eaters warned me of a plot to kill Darruis and his ‘parents’. I was too late to stop them. Auror’s picked me up, thankfully I had warned Serry and she was also on her way – but she was too late.”

“Severus, are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Dumbledore asked, he wanted to comprehend what was being said to him.

“What do you think I’m trying to say Albus?” Severus questioned, arms crossed at his chest.

“Darruis Donovan Snape is Harry James Potter. Lilly and James were those friends who had helped. Am I right?”

Severus smiled sadly, eyes wet but he refused to shed a tear. “Sadly, you’re correct.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Dumbledore was frowning; he looked as if someone had taken away his lemon drops.

“Because I was afraid. Here I was on trial two steps away from a life imprisonment in Azkaban or the Dementor’s Kiss. Serry was distraught with the loss of her good friends, Sirius being dragged to Azkaban, Pettigrew getting blown up, Remus running away, it was all a mess. We had both agreed that we would keep Darruis at the Muggle’s home for safety reasons. Death Eaters were running around and we were afraid of him being caught in the middle.” Severus swallowed thickly. “We had thought he was safe, that is until just recently.”

“Please explain.”

“It’s probably my fault. I had heard the rumors but I thought little of them. How can my son have ever gone through what was being said? He was supposed to be cared for and loved.”

Dumbledore stood from his seat and made his way to his old friend. Something was distressing him and he had a funny feeling he wasn’t going to like what was going to be said. “Tell me old friend.” Dumbledore placed a comforting hand on Severus shoulder.

“I spent a week observing my son. I may not have sufficient evidence but I believe he has, no, is being abused by his relatives. I don’t know the extant but I fear for his life.” Severus watched as Dumbledore’s eyes harden at what was being implicated.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I am!” Severus snapped.

“Calm Severus. I only asked because – well, that’s no longer an issue I suppose. The Dursley’s aren’t his relatives.” Dumbledore’s eyes seemed to have glazed over as he was deep in thought.

“All I need to do is fire call Serry and I’ll gather my son.”

“Yes. You do that. If what you say is true then I want Har – Darruis out of there immediately. I need to make some arrangements to ensure the boys safety.” Dumbledore rushed to his desk.

Severus was quick to reach the hearth and throw in some floo powder. “Snape Manor.”