Follow Me

CHAPTER 2


Norische took his packages and placed them carefully into his trunk. Train leaves in three hours so he had enough time to go down and get a bite to eat. The entry ceremony to Hogwarts isn’t actually until tomorrow but Norische was going down a day early. He had a couple of things he absolutely had to get taken care of before school started. Even though he wanted to be at the station well ahead of time, he still had a while. Norische was thinking about the students he had met yesterday. They all seemed pretty nice, although there was something about that blond that definitely got his attention.

Today Norische decided on his black button fly jeans, and black silk shirt that was open almost to the waist, even though it was tailored to fit it was comfortable and not too tight. He had a feeling that this train ride was going to be long and boring. He chose his black dragon skin knee boots, to add to the almost pirate look he was working today.

Just as Norische finished gathering the last of his stuff and stacking it by the door, Gazer flew in through the open window. The owl squawked as he handed the letter in his beak over to Norische, who gave Gazer one of the new treats he had bought for him.

Norische opened the letter from Pari, and began to read.

Nori

I hope you are serious about behaving yourself. I was really proud of you when you were selected for this program. I know it is a wizarding school and not exactly what you are used to, but perhaps it will give you a broader look at the world.

I have Owled the Headmaster all of your school records and medical records so they should be well prepared for you. Also, I have had the solicitors set up an account at the wizarding bank there so that you can have access. You will probably have to go in and sign something but it shouldn’t be much of a bother.

If you have any problems please let me know immediately.

With luv
Pari


Medical records, great… now that is going to be a pain in the ass…. Oh well, it was bound to happen. Norische sighed; almost wishing … well never mind it didn’t matter. He gathered up his trunks and got Gazer into his cage, then threw his cloak over his arm and headed the door.


Platform 9 ¾ , that was bazaar. Nowhere Norische looked could he find such a platform. Then he saw it. People were walking into a gateway on the wall between platforms 9 and 10. Norische wasn’t exactly sure about this but he was familiar with gateways. So, he pushed his trolley up to the entryway and extended his hand, yep, it was a gateway all right. So here we go. With that Norische pushed his trolley straight through and sure enough he was on the right platform now. He walked over to the steward and showed him his ticket then handed him his luggage and Gazer, then he walked over to the guy taking tickets and after giving him his ticket and got on the train. An hour and half early, but at least that gave him the opportunity to pick an empty cabin and get a nap before heading off.

Norische walked about halfway down the aisle and opened the door to the cabin then shut it behind him. He put his carryon bag up above the seats, took his cape off and rolled it up to make it into a pillow of sorts, then leaned back to take a nap.

The train slowed as it neared the platform, Norische yawned and stretched trying to force himself to wake up. As the train stopped, Norische stood up and pulled down his carry on bag and grabbed his cape laying it over his arm.

As he stepped off the train Norische noticed that there were not all that many students that were on the train, probably due to the fact that most of them will be coming in tomorrow, on schedule. But he had something to do that wouldn’t wait for tomorrow.

The carriage ride to Hogwarts was beautiful and gave Norische one last chance to think about things, before…. Sigh… this is not going to be easy. Deep breath. The carriage stopped at the gates of Hogwarts and Norische got out, taking in everything around him. As he unloaded his trunks and Gazer, he noticed a house elf waiting in the shadows.

“Excuse me.” Norische crouched down so that he was at eye level with the creature.

“You wish something from Minny young Master?”

“Yes, I would appreciate it if you could have my things brought to Professor Snape’s quarters, and see to my owl. Also if you would kindly tell me where I might find him as well.” Minny stated.

“Professor Snape is in the Headmaster’s office, sir. Minny can show you.”

“Thank you, please do so.” With that, Norische rose and followed the house elf inside the school and through a number of corridors. Finally, they came upon a great Gargoyle statue.

“Headmaster’s office is behind there.” Minny pointed to the statue.

“Minny can you let him know I am here so that I may speak with him.” Norische asked.

“Yes, young Master.” AACK! The house elf apparated and Norische was left to stand in the corridor waiting.

It didn’t take long and the great gargoyle moved aside. Tentatively Norische started up the stairway that was revealed before him. As he reached the top he could hear talking… Norische wondered who all was going to be in the room. Tilting his head, he listened.

“So Severus do you have any idea who might be wishing to speak with you?” Older voice.

“I have not set any meetings with students at this point so unfortunately not.” Probably Professor Snape…his first name was Severus after all.

“I would say your guest is here Professor.” Another voice, again male.

Norische knew that the last voice knew he was near, so taking a deep breath he moved further into the room. The room was bathed in deep rich hues of burgundy, and gold. A gentle glow seemed to be emanating from everywhere although Norische could not see any one specific source. Norische did not wish those present to think that he was hesitant or sneaking around so he walked purposefully toward the inner room where the voices were coming from.

As he reached the doorway Norische stopped and took in the three men that were standing there. It was easy for him to see which one was Snape. The old man behind the desk in the center of the room was probably the Headmaster that the house elf had mentioned. There was another man about Snape’s age, he would guess, who was there as well. The other man had wheat golden hair that had sprinkles of silver through it, as Norische got nearer his sense of smell told him that the blond was a werewolf, although he had a funny scent about him. Norische didn’t bother to try and figure that part out right now.

“Yes, you requested to speak with Professor Snape?” The old man asked.

Norische wanted to make sure that he showed no nervousness or fear, without thinking, he squeezed his hand into a tight fist, forcing his nails to bite into the tender flesh of his palm. “Yes Sir, if I may have the opportunity to speak with Severus Snape?”

The dark haired one turned and glared at Norische. “Exactly who are you? I do not believe we have ever met.”

Norische squeezed his fist tighter, and began to feel droplets of blood slowly drip from his hand, yet he remained calm. “My name is Norische De LeNoir, Sir, and no we have never met.” Norische could smell the blood as it hit the floor, and he wondered if the werewolf could smell it as well.

“What do you wish to speak to me about Mr. De LeNoir?” getting rather frustrated at the disturbance this young man was causing to his meeting with Dumbledore, “And can it wait until tomorrow?”

“It is a private matter and no Sir it cannot wait.” Straight and to the point, Norische looked right into Snape’s eyes and waited.

“Severus…” the blond interjected.

“What Lupin?”

Lupin motioned to the blood pool that was now collecting on the floor beneath Norische’s hand.

Severus reached over and took the boy’s hand, which was dripping with blood, and opened it. Thinking perhaps the boy had injured himself on something. What he saw though was not what he expected. In the palm of the boy’s hand were four perfect half moons where his own fingernails had ripped through his skin. “What is the meaning of this?” Severus demanded.

“It is nothing, it is not important. I would appreciate if we could speak privately Sir.” Norische paid no attention to his hand or the blood but kept his eyes focused on Snape.

Severus did a quick charm to heal the wounds, and then another to clean up the mess. “I have no intention of speaking with you until I know the nature of the conversation.” Severus stated calmly.

Norische took a deep breath and reached into his robes pulling out a scroll and handed it to Professor Snape. The professor released Norische’s hand and took the scroll from him, opening the binder he began to read it.


Severus my love,

There is so much that I have wished to say to you, so much I want to do. I am not sure where to start. What we shared was the most precious thing that has ever happened to me, I want so much to be with you. If only our parents…

I have tried to contact you several times but your father keeps intercepting my owls. I am sending this message with Kindey my personal house elf. Hopefully she will be able to get it too you.

My love, I wish to tell you that I am with child, our child.

I don’t know how you will react, but I know that I love you and I always will. I hope that you accept my love and turn from the darkness that has you now. I am so frightened for you; I just want us to be together. Please let me know how you feel. If I do not hear from you this time, I will assume you no longer wish to be with me…

My Heart and Soul
Angelica


Severus read over the letter several times, not believing what he was reading. “Where did you get this?” Severus asked the boy, his voice slightly shaking.

“It was in my mother’s possessions. I found it when she died last year.” Norische fought to keep his voice strong and steady.

“Your mother’s?” Severus looked at the young man. Closer this time, looking intently at his features.

“Severus…is everything alright?” the headmaster asked.

“No Albus…” Severus just kept staring at the boy. “When?”

“Which Sir? My birth or her death?” Norische asked.

“Both actually.

“My birth, August 8th, 1989. Her death November 5th, last year.”

“You stated you found this amongst her things?” Severus could not take his eyes off of the delicately scribed words on the scroll.

“Yes, as well as the body of the house elf who was suppose to have delivered it. Apparently, grandfather did not appreciate my mother’s desire to communicate with you.” Norische stated.

“How did she die?” The sadness was thick in his voice.

“She committed suicide, Sir.” Severus’ head shot up and he looked deeply into the boy’s eyes for any sign of deception. When he found none, Severus quickly decided that he needed to sit down. Remus was quickly at Severus’ side and ushered him into a chair.

“Severus are you all right?” Remus gently took the scroll from Severus and read it. As he read Remus’ eyes got wide and his mouth opened. “Severus, is this…true…”

Professor Snape could only stare at Norische and nod.

“Why?” Severus asked.

Norische knew what he was asking and lowered his head. “In her note she stated that I was grown now, and that she could no longer live another day without her mate. She honestly thought you had rejected her and that there was nothing left to live for.”

“I never…” Severus felt tears welling up in his eyes. “I was young, I… never refused her… I was just… I had obligations, I…”

Remus put his hand on Severus’ shoulder. Trying to comfort Severus without being too bold.

“Sir, I did not bring you this information to cause you pain or sadness. I merely wished you to know. I am suppose to start school here tomorrow, but if my presence is unwanted or too painful for you, I can return to my godmother’s and leave you in peace.” Norische still had his eyes cast downward, not wishing to see Severus’ face.

“I … No! You most certainly will not leave. Ah…. let me think, give me a minute please.

Then Remus and Severus went to the other room, talking quietly between themselves; while Norische remained behind, with the headmaster. Norische turned his head to listen to them, although he did attempt to be discreet due to the fact that he was not alone right now.

“Severus, is that young man actually your son?” Remus asked.

“Apparently.” Severus replied. “Angelica and I had a brief romance in my fifth year. She left school and did not return; I assumed it was because her father found out about us. We were only together three times, and apparently, one of those times she conceived a son. Remus this is the first I have ever heard about my son, I never knew…”

“I know love, and I know that if you did know you would have said something. You have never hidden something like this from me. Don’t worry I am not mad. I am just worried about you. What are you going to do now?” Remus’ words were filled with love and understanding.

“I… I suppose I have a son. Which means things will probably be changing, I am not pushing you away Remus…please understand that, I want you… no I need you here with me now more than ever. I have no clue how to be a father, no idea of what to do. But that boy just lost his mother and I cant turn my back on him.” Severus’ words touched Norische deeply. No…this Remus was apparently a very important part of Severus’ life and he wasn’t going to destroy it.

Norische looked over to the headmaster. “I apologize Sir for interrupting your meeting, please forgive me.” With that Norische turned and headed back out the way he came.

Norische walked back down the stairwell and down the long corridor towards the front of the school. Norische took his cape off and tossed it over one of the benches at the gates of the school, then reached into his pocket and pulled out his cigarettes and lighter, lit up a clove cigarette and crouched down…trying to figure out what he was going to do about the trunks he had delivered to his father’s quarters.

Norische was about halfway through his cigarette when he heard feet running in the distance.

“Remus do you see him? I can’t see anything.” Severus asked between breaths.

“I don’t see him but I smell something. This way!” Remus lifted his nose to the wind and took several deep breaths.

The sound of running got closer. Damn! I forgot about the cloves. “Fuck!” Norische hung his head and waited for the two of them to find him. It was only a moment or two and Remus and Severus ran up to Norische breathless.

“What… in Merlin’s name… do you … think you are doing?” Severus was trying to talk but he was quite winded right now.

“I’m leaving.” Norische answered.

“Why? Did I say or do something… I …” Severus was still trying to figure this all out.

“No, I shouldn’t have come here. I’m sorry that I have caused so much trouble; I’m going to go back to Pari, my godmother. Unfortunately, I already had a house elf take my things, so if you would not mind please have them sent to the address that is listed on my school records.” Norische flicked the ash off of his cigarette but did not look at either of the two men.

“You haven’t caused any trouble. I was just not prepared for this, and you most certainly will not be leaving.” Severus had managed to calm his breathing somewhat.

Norische stood up to his full height, and turned to the Severus and Remus. “Sir, you may be my father but cannot tell me what to do. I am not going to destroy the happiness you have now, and you cannot force me to stay.”

“What are you talking about?”

Norische looked purposely looked to Remus, who blushed just a little. “Sir, you may or may not have realized it but my Mother was Vampyric, and I do not know what you know about our kind… but I will not come between the two of you.” Norische was talking to Severus but looking at Remus.

“How did you know?” Remus asked.

“I don’t mean to be bold, but you have the scent of my father all over you.”

Remus blushed heavily this time, but then again so did Severus. “Does this bother you?” Severus asked.

Norische dipped his head down just a little and smirked. “Not at all, it actually kinda explains a couple of things for me.” Both men looked a little confused. “I’m gay.” He said it in such a matter of fact manner that Severus and Remus were taken back a little.

Remus smiled and shook his head. Severus rolled his eyes at the comment. “Norische, Severus and I, we don’t want you to leave. I mean. I could never forgive myself if I thought that you were going to leave because of me. Severus is very dear to me but you are his son…”

“Absolutely. I may not know how to be a father but don’t deny me the opportunity to find out.” Severus was very calm and focused now.

“My mother searched her whole life for love, I refuse to be the reason my father abandons it once he has found it.” Norische shook his head and turned around, looking off into the distance, he took a long drag from his cigarette.

Severus looked so crushed. Remus had to say something. “Norische, if we…I mean Severus and I… were to continue as we are, but include you into our home… would you be willing to stay?”

Severus looked at Remus, the love within him pouring out through his eyes. “Yes… I don’t want you to leave; I want to have the opportunity to be your father. Please stay.”

Norische looked down at his boots and thought for a moment. Then lifting his head, he turned back around and faced his father and the werewolf. “Very well, but if for a moment I think that I am interfering or that I am getting in between the two of you…I will leave and I wont ask for permission to do it, I will simply be gone. Also I know you are a professor here, and I refuse to be treated differently than the others. I expect to have to prove myself and to be expected to work harder than the rest of the students, simply because I am your son. One more thing, I am not a kid, I have taken care of myself for years now, so please don’t treat me as if I am innocent or ignorant because I am neither.”

Severus listened to his son and couldn’t help but smirk, this young man is definitely going to be a handful… and what is worse he is fully aware of that fact.

“Agreed.” Severus stated. “Now come with us, we will show you to our suite. Ah by the way this is Remus Lupin… Professor Remus Lupin. He teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts, and you have him as a teacher as well as myself, I teach potions.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Norische extended his hand. “Potions! That’s great, well that is something else I now understand.”

Severus frowned a little at Norische’s comment. “Sorry, I’ve been told by my previous instructors that I am, shall I say, gifted in potions. I’m not trying to brag but I have yet to find a potion that I can’t do.” Norische explained.

Severus smiled at this new information, practically beaming with pride. “We shall see young man. I will want to test you before you start classes so that I can make sure that you are meeting my standards for my class.”

Norische grinned. “Not a problem, I can take anything you dish out.”

“Pardon me?” Severus looked confused again.

“Sorry American muggle term. It means I accept your challenge. By the way, what should I call you? Both of you that is?”

Severus looked at Remus then at his son. “You may call me father, if you wish. Or Severus…but when we are in class then I expect you to address me properly.”

Remus wasn’t quite sure how to respond… “Well feel free to call me Remus, and likewise on classroom etiquette. As too more familiar titles, you may call me what you wish…I am not sure what you would feel comfortable with or what would be acceptable.”

“Ok, no problem. By the way, I sent my luggage to your area… I don’t know if the house elf put it in your office or your suite, but there are a couple of things in there that I have under a refrigeration spell that really should be put in proper storage. If you wouldn’t mind.” Norische stated.

“Then perhaps we should go inside and find your things.” Severus slipped an arm around Remus’ waste and started walking back inside the school. Norische flicked his cigarette butt off in the distance and grabbed his cape then hurried after the two of them.

“By the way, did you know students smoking was against school rules?” Severus asked over his shoulders.

“Didn’t ask.” Norische replied with a mischievous grin.

Severus shook his head and kissed Remus on the cheek.