An Unlikely Savior ~ (Edit) COMPLETED

Chapter 50 ~ Discussions

Alsop Apparated directly into Knockturn Alley, the regulars narrowing their eyes at the unaccompanied young man. But it was clear he knew where he was going as he headed for the apothecary shop, so no one accosted him.

He opened the door and Odessa looked up from behind the counter and gave him a smile.

”May I help you?” she asked him.

”Um, yes. Is Eileen here?” he asked in return.

Odessa’s smile became a bit knowing as she studied him for a moment.

”I’m afraid not. She’s away for the weekend,” she told him.

Alsop looked upset. If Eileen wasn’t here, she probably went home. But he didn’t know where she lived. He’d never been there. Well, someone needed to go check on her. He wasn’t looking forward to doing what he did next.

”Is Mr. Snape here, then?” he asked Odessa.

”Yes. He’s brewing in the back,” she replied.

”I—I need to speak to him,” Alsop said. “It’s about Eileen. It’s important.”

The look on the boy’s face told Odessa something was very wrong.

”Wait here. I’ll get him,” she said, walking into the back of the store. Alsop’s stomach felt as if there were a number of dragons flying around in it. Presently, a scowling Snape appeared, walking around the counter and up to Alsop.

”What’s this about Eileen?” he demanded.

Alsop explained that something had gone wrong at dinner and Eileen Disapparated from the Burrow.

”I don’t know what was said exactly. They sent me to go get clotted cream and I had to wait,” Alsop said bitterly. “If I had been there—“

His voice trailed off.

Snape studied him. The apothecary was familiar with the outspoken Molly Weasley. The woman needed her tongue tied down. It was clear to see Alsop was very upset. What was also clear was that Eileen hadn’t come to him, which meant she didn’t want to see him and was probably dealing with this herself. The father in him wanted to go see her and comfort her, like he used to do when she hurt herself and needed him to heal the wound.

But another part of him, the part that realized she was growing up, held him back. This was a part of becoming an adult, dealing with other people and difficult situations. He had known being thrust among the Weasleys probably wouldn’t have a good end, but he had hoped everything would go smoothly. Eileen’s happiness was his main concern. He didn’t want to intrude on her solitude. If she wanted him, she’d come to him.

Alsop was shifting side to side, his brown eyes worried.

”Do you think she went home?” he asked Snape.

Snape nodded.

”More than likely,” he replied softly. “She probably wants to be alone.”

Alsop blinked his eyes rapidly.

”Can you tell me where she lives? I just want to see if she’s all right. I won’t stay long, sir. It’s just that—well—I just want to make sure she’s okay,” he said to Snape.

”How did you get here?” Snape suddenly asked him.

Alsop reddened.

”I Apparated,” he admitted. “But, this was important.”

Snape nodded.

”I see,” he said. “I suppose that when you did, you revealed your ability to your family?”

Alsop paled. He hadn’t thought about that. He’d Apparated right in front of his father. Merlin. He was in for it when he went home. He probably wouldn’t see his broom for several years.

“I guess I did,” Alsop replied.

Snape studied him. He must care about Eileen very much to abandon his family and go after her in such a manner. More than likely the boy would be in for it when he went home. He was loyal. That much was clear. Snape cocked his head at him for moment, then turned to Odessa.

”Odessa, I am stepping out for a moment,” he said to her.

”All right,” she replied, looking concerned.

Snape turned back to Alsop.

”Come along, Mr. Potter,” he said, walking over to the coat rack, putting on his heavy traveling cloak, and walking out of the shop.

Looking bewildered, Alsop followed him. Snape stopped and turned to him.

”I am going to take you to Eileen,” the dark wizard said, “but I want to make one thing perfectly clear to you, Mr. Potter. This is not an ‘all-clear’ to court my daughter. I just think she could use—a friend right now, rather than a father. Conduct yourself like a gentleman, or so help me, illegal Apparition will be the least of your problems.”

”Y—yes, sir,” Alsop stammered.

Snape slipped his arm through his and they Disapparated.

They reappeared a distance from the house. Snape looked up, noting a soaring dot on the horizon. It was Eileen, flying on her Firebolt at top speed.

”There she is, Mr. Potter,” he told Alsop, pointing.

Alsop squinted and saw her.

”It might be some time before she lands,” Snape said to the young wizard, who was staring at the small dot zipping about. “Maybe hours.”

”I’ll wait,” Alsop said, not taking his eyes off Eileen.

Snape’s mouth twitched a bit as memories of himself waiting on Lily for hours came back to him. He hadn’t cared about anything as insignificant as time when it came to her. Hours could pass, and he wouldn’t move until it became too late to wait anymore.

She didn’t always show up.

”Very well,” Snape said to him. “Remember what I told you, Mr. Potter. I expect you to be gone by the time I get home.”

”Yes, sir,” Alsop said, then turned to him.

”Thank you for bringing me here, Mr. Snape.”

Snape studied him.

”Don’t make me regret it, Mr. Potter,” he replied, then Disapparated.

Alsop turned back, his brown eyes watching Eileen as she flew top speed through the skies, working off her anger and disappointment.

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Hermione returned home, and had barely taken off her hat and coat, when she heard the sound of Apparition outside her door. She pulled it open and looked into the narrowed eyes of one Severus Snape.

”I believe we need to talk,” he said softly.

”Yes. Please come in, Severus,” she replied.

Hermione felt awful. This had been the first time Eileen had gone on an outing with her, and it had been a disaster. Now, Severus was here to rub her face in it. Snape entered and Hermione closed the door then turned to look up at him with glistening eyes.

”I imagine Eileen told you what happened at the Burrow,” Hermione said.

Snape shook his head.

”Actually, it was young Mr. Potter who informed me something less than stellar occurred, but he couldn’t give me details. It seems he was on clotted cream detail,” Snape replied. “I was hoping you could clue me in.”

“Where is Eileen?” Hermione asked him worriedly. If she hadn’t gone to her father, where did she go?

”She is home. Currently tearing through the skies on her Firebolt,” Snape responded. “Mr. Potter is with her, in a manner of speaking. She didn’t come to me, so I didn’t intrude. But I do want to know what happened.”

“Molly broke the rules,” Hermione said, her voice cracking a little. “She said something bad about you in front of Eileen, and Eileen immediately went on the defensive.”

“What did Molly say, exactly?” Snape asked her.

“She basically said it was a shame we didn’t know about her sooner. If we did, we could have undone some of the damage she suffered by having you for a father,” Hermione said softly.

Snape’s black eyes glittered for a moment.

”I see. Well, thank you, Hermione. I’ll be leaving now.”

Hermione’s brows drew together as Snape turned toward the door.

”Wait. That’s it? That’s all you have to say about this?” she asked him. “Aren’t you angry? Don’t you have at least an ‘I told you so’ to blurt out?”

Snape turned back toward her.

”I’m disappointed, yes. But lashing out at you isn’t going to serve any purpose other than wasting precious energy. But, I’m sure you’ll beat yourself up enough for the both of us. Gryffindor guilt is legendary.”

”But—but what Molly said—“ Hermione said.

”Molly Weasley did not sign a family contract, Hermione,” Snape said quietly. “You can’t control the whole world, just your small part of it. Eileen will recover. She understands how people can cause pain. But—“

Snape faltered for a moment.

”But what, Severus?”

He looked at Hermione.

”I believe Eileen fell under the spell of your ‘perfect’ world. I imagine her evening with your family was quite nice. She seemed very happy when she came home. The result of that was that she let her guard down, and opened her heart, thinking everyone else in the ‘extended’ family was like you. As a result, Molly had an open target, Hermione. Do yourself a favor. Don’t present your world as all lollipops and flowers, because, that’s an illusion. Open your own eyes, Hermione and see it for what it is. As imperfect as any other world. Let Eileen know that as well. Good day.”

Snape turned and headed for the door, Hermione looking after him.

”I won’t be taking her back to the Burrow,” she said.

”Your decision,” Snape replied opening the door and walking through it, closing it behind him.

The sound of Apparition followed.

Hermione stood there, not knowing what to make of his brief visit. If it had been her, she would have yelled her head off at him for putting Eileen in such a situation, then having her run off and not knowing where she went. His calm reaction threw her for a real loop. She was sure he was going to use what happened as an opportunity to show how lacking she was as a mother.

But he didn’t.

And that disturbed her more than if he had taken her to task.

Was Severus a better parent than she was?

Hermione walked into the living room and sat down in one of the armchairs. She flicked her wand at the fireplace.

”Incendio,” she intoned, lighting a fire.

No, he wasn’t a better parent. Just a different one. Severus was a man used to disappointments. He expected them, so was never caught off-guard. More than likely, Eileen was just like him, but had let her guard down because of her. She wanted to believe things could be as nice as Hermione had shown her that night. That having a larger family could be good. Great even.

But, it wasn’t all lollipops and flowers, just as Severus said. There were different personalities to deal with. Different outlooks. Not everyone would follow the ‘rules.’

Hermione sighed.

She hoped Eileen would give her another chance.

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A/N: Another short chapter, but at least I got something out. And good news! The fundraiser was a success and the repairman will be here after lunch. I’ll be ‘cooling out’ soon. So a big thank you to all who contributed and I hope you enjoy the unlimited access to the special content at the Pen. Thanks for reading.

A/A/N: The fundraiser is back on. Sigh. Seems the chipboard and thermostat burned out as well as the relays, so I have to get those parts. So, back to square one.