Ensnaring The Senses

September 1st, 2011

Severus looked around his supply cabinet with satisfaction. It had taken him the better part of the last month eradicating his predecessor's woeful collection, and he now had it restocked to his pre-War glory. He made one last adjust before stepping out and locking it.

It had taken Headmistress Minerva McGonagall 12 years to wear the stubborn former professor's objections down in returning to his first love, Potions master of Hogwarts. He'd spent his time fruitfully at least creating new potions, and hunting down Death Eaters. He was still active in the Order, but meeting with Remus Lupin away from Headquarters only when necessary.

“Severus! Come on boy, shake out of this funk! No one cares about your past misdeeds, time does heal a lot of wounds.” She pointed out during this July. Severus had been shocked when he had seen her. He'd forgotten just how much time had past, twelve years since Voldemort's downfall... and his. Her hair had grayed to a white and the winkles had deepened. “I want to retire after this year, and Albus' portrait won't allow me till I can name you as my successor next year.” Minerva's eyes had twinkled when she offered him that.

“My being Headmaster would close Hogwarts down. No one is going to want a former Death Eater protecting their children for seven years.” Severus replied as poured them coffee and set out a plate of sandwiches. Her showing up in person instead of her customary owl warned him he was in for a long fight.

Severus bit into his ham sandwich and smiled in pleasure. “And will I get my Head of Slytherin restored?”

“Yes, Severus.” She nodded as she sipped her coffee.

“You're not going to take no this year, are you?”

“No, Severus. You've walled yourself away from your friends for far too long. Hogwarts misses you. I miss you.” She smiled as his face took on a pensive look.

“I'll do it.” He poured them some more coffee. “Oh, Merlin! This is the year all those War babies start.” Severus groaned in remembrance as he did the math in his head. “A sea of redheaded Weasleys, just great!” Minerva laughed.

“Glad you remembered after you agreed.”

Twelve years had aged him slightly. His hair now showed flecks of gray, and light winkles surrounded his eyes. Severus looked in the mirror as he tied his hair back and grimaced. He'd be fifty-two this January. He was still in his prime in the Wizardry world. He opened his wardrobe and surveyed his new work robes with pleasure. It had been so long since he played the dungeon bat and he was glad to be back.

Severus made his way to the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony. Like past years he had wanted to miss it, but Minerva wouldn't allow it. As he entered he heard the gasps from the students and laughed silently. He took his seat beside Minerva and waited for the first years to enter. Severus saw Neville Longbottom in Sprouts' spot and smiled. Pomona had died in the War, just one of the many casualties.

“Who's leading the first years out?” Severus asked as he took a sip of his pumpkin juice.

“Remus is as deputy Headmaster. He'll be yours next year also.” She smiled.

“He should be your successor.” Severus reminded her.

“He won't because of his furry problem. Even though your improved Wolfsbane potion gives him increased control of his transformation, he still takes a few days to recover. That's why Tonks is his co-professor.” She replied.

They watched the doors open as Remus entered followed by a rather large amount of first years. Severus did what he did every year at this time, he let his mind wander in thought. So, he almost missed it when a name was called.

“Granger, Narcissa!” Remus called out. Both names shocked Severus from his revelry as he stared at the small girl making her way to the Hat. Bushy black hair, round black eyes and Hermione's nose.

“Bloody hell.” He whispered as his mind traveled back close to twelve years. Without caring what anyone thought, he stood up.

“Your mother was a brave Gryffindor I see,
Your father Slytherin, braver than she,”

Severus barely acknowledged the Sorting Hat's words as he drew closer to the girl. He jerked as Remus placed a cautionary hand on his arm.

“You're so hard to place my dear,
So Slytherin it is I fear!”

The cheers from the Slytherin table barely made a dent in his mind as he looked at the small girl in front of him.

“Don't do it!” Remus growled in his ear. Severus pulled his arm from Remus's grasp. Narcissa, his daughter, screamed in fear as he glowered at the wizard she called Uncle Re.

“You knew, didn't you?” Severus felt his heart pound through his chest as he watched Remus gather the crying witch into his arms. Severus stormed out of the Great Hall, his robes billowing in the breeze his anger made. The portraits gasped as he strode by on his way to his apartment in the Dungeons.

Severus whispered the password and his door opened silently. H made his way to the fireplace and took down the worn locked box and held it in his hands. He slammed it against the hard stone and it broke open, the yellowed letter fluttering out to the floor.

~*~


Remus held the small girl to his chest as her tears soaked through his robes.

“Take Cissa to the infirmary to Hermione,” Minerva said. “I'll finish the Sorting.” Remus nodded as he murmured lovingly to his niece. Her tears finally ended in hiccups as they arrived at the Infirmary.

Hermione had become Madam Pomfrey's assistant eight years after her final training at St Mungo's ended. Poppy had retired four years ago and to Hermione's delight Minerva had given her the position. She loved Hogwarts and it being her home permanently had been just fine with her. Narcissa probably knew more about the castle's secrets then her Uncles Fred and George did. The only place she was not allowed was the Dungeons. She had went there just once a few years ago, and had been made to clean the chamber pots as a punishment. She was a smart young girl, cause she never did it again.

Hermione looked up in surprise as Remus entered with Narcissa in his arms.

“What happened?” She asked as she stood up from her desk and as he set Cissa down.

“Severus happened.” Remus answered.

“Oh, Merlin.” Hermione said as Cissa looked up at her.

“The Dungeons' Bat you told me about is real, isn't he?” Her black eyes looked up at her mother.

“Yes, love.” Hermione wanted to laugh, but was still angry at Severus for making their daughter cry.

“The Hat put her in Slytherin.” Remus remarked, and watched Hermione's face pale.

“Bloody-”

“Mummy!” The child exclaimed.

“Sorry, Cissa.”

“I'm going to go 'talk' to him now. I'll try and talk Minerva into changing her to another house in the morning. I don't think anyone will mind you keeping her here tonight.” Remus said as he kissed Hermione on the cheek and left

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Thanks gals for your lovely reviews.
Thanks beeky for finding my typo. It's still kinda early and was soo sleepy.