Dark Shadows

Plot, new characters, new magical terms and abilities etc. are my intellectual property. If you want to borrow then please kindly ask. JK Rowling's characters and Wizarding Universe are all uniquely hers.

Authors Notes: I am doing my own thing and am drawing on my own Nanticoke/Lenni-Lenape Native American heritage for this story for inspirational purposes, but am taking a number of liberties here. Some of the dialogue of the Native Americans in this story comes from famous quotes found through many sites on the web as well as my own recollections from various readings.

Alternate Universe, Fantasy, Drama, Angst. Summary: After the fall of Voldemort many secrets are revealed amidst new beginnings. But nothing is ever as simple as it would seem even for a Native American in the Wizarding World reconnecting with her long-lost father Harry Potter once again is The Chosen One and there is a lot more to loose. SS-RL-HP-OC

Dark Shadows

by NativeMoon

Chapter 5: Out of the Mists

‘What is this place?’ Severus asked in a hushed voice. It was fairly obvious that there was anything but planting going on here.

‘I hope it is a bridge to my people; to what your kind sometimes refers to as the Otherworld…but it’s not quite that,’ came June’s equally hushed reply. ‘I don’t know how to explain…’

Professor Snape was in deep concentration and the vertical line between his brows deepened. It seemed as though he were scowling; but people always mistook that look for anything other than what it was. That was the problem with a reputation, especially one such as his. Once earned there was little one could do to get beyond it in the eyes of others.

‘A true Shaman…’

‘If it aids in your understanding then yes – the term is relevant…to a degree…’

Severus nodded. Despite having faced the Dark Lord countless of times, there still was no mistaking the fear that he felt. This…was different; very different indeed.

‘The Tibetans refer to this as the Bardo, I believe,’ he said thinking out loud.

‘Your understanding is not wholly incorrect. At the moment this is the time and place between death and rebirth.’

‘Why bring me here?’

‘Because I need you, Sev’rus,’ June said hoarsely as she looked at him with imploring eyes.

‘You…need…me?? I don’t understand…’

The way she pronounced his name – there was something about the way that she said it that tugged at his heart. He couldn’t understand it anymore than he understood anything else about this most peculiar situation.

‘Look; we both know that too many of the wrong people are making a big deal out of me being here – and about everything that I supposedly can do as much as what they believe I can’t. I just am who I am and know what I know. No more. No less. I’m human, Sev’rus. I am not perfect; I don’t have all the answers; I do make mistakes just like everyone else. Yes, my path does require copious amounts of natural wisdom; but with what I face, what we all face, only the worst kind of fool would be so arrogant as to think they didn’t need anyone and knew all that was necessary.’

The Potions Master took a deep breath. His colleague and decided friend was imbued with a common sense that he wished he’d had all those years ago. How different his life might have been had he not become a Death Eater.

‘You did what you were meant to do, Potions Master.’

This was said not by June, but by the man now standing in front of them.

‘The only absolution will come from within’

‘Nuxa????’ June rasped.

Having not tried this before, she had not been certain if her quest would be successful. Had anything gone wrong she knew that Severus could help her. Other than the Headmaster (who was off once again to the Ministry of Magic), he was the only one who could.

‘Yes, my Nicantet,’ said Standing Bear, ‘It is I, your grandfather…’

June stood strong, as a Sachem must. But she was human after all. And her humanity finally burst forth as tears streamed down her face. Her grandfather came forward, took her in his arms and held her, rocking her too and fro while patting her back as he had done when she was a small child. He softly sang a lullaby in the language of their people and gave into his considerable feelings at having been reunited with his only grandchild as the young Sachem wept.

Severus’ mind was going several kilometres a minute. He was as well-versed as he could be with what he knew to be happening. But it was still altogether a different proposition to find himself bearing witness to what many in the wizarding world looked upon as idle fantasy and wishful thinking. It seemed as if he were intruding, but there was nowhere for him to go. All he could do was be patient and wait.

Like most things, there was a reason behind all this.

‘I will ask only one thing of you at the moment, Potions Master,’ June’s grandfather said solemnly, getting straight to the point as tended to be his way. It was as true here as it had been before he had ‘gone home’.

‘And that is?’ Severus said respectfully.

He was a lot of things, but he most certainly was no dunderhead when it came to issues of the spirit, unlike most in the wizarding world including the Dark Lord before he was vanquished. The spirits would give one a serious arse-kicking if they were not respected. Voldemort never understood that, and it helped to bring about his eventual downfall.

‘See my Nicantet with your heart, and not with the prejudices and dictates of your world or those of your own. You must accept her as she is, for not even your own soul is without fault.’

‘I don’t quite understand…’ came the Potions Master’s startling admission.

He was not in the habit of admitting such a thing no matter how true.

‘You will, Severus Snape. Respect the bonds already forged between you.’

‘This will make sense, but only when the time is right…’ came another voice from the mist.

‘Grandmother??!!!’ June cried, not even caring to remember that it was not supposed to the way of a Sachem to be so emotional.

Mourning Dove emerged from the mist and embraced her beloved granddaughter.

June’s grandparents embraced their only grandchild and all wept as they held on to each other. Severus felt something; he most certainly did. But he would not make a public display of himself, and especially not in this situation. But how he envied the formidable caring the young woman had from her family.

‘You do us proud, Nicantet…’ said Standing Bear with great pride.

‘As we always knew you would…’ Mourning Dove said softly.

‘And everyone else…are they here too?’

‘Yes – but the time has not come when this will be revealed to you…’

‘Baby steps, Nicantet. Always remember: You must learn how to crawl before you can walk…’

June nodded.

Suddenly the mist began to swirl.

‘Nooo, please don’t leave me!!!’ she cried as she reached out, desperate to keep them close.

‘We are always here, our Nicantet, ‘ Standing Bear said gently. ‘You above all others in this world understand this. Allow the Potions Master to help you as he so chooses.’

Mourning Dove hugged their granddaughter, who was more daughter to them than even her mother had been, and said gently ‘Lapich Knewell’; ‘I will see you again’ – causing June to break down completely.

Standing Bear walked over to Severus.

‘ Severus Snape: the choice is yours. Learn to see through different eyes and then and only then will the Nanticoke call you brother. Only then will Mourning Dove and I, Standing Bear, will embrace you as a son,’ he said gravely as he clasped the Potions Master’s shoulders and gave him a nod.

This was certainly true, but not only for the Potions Master. Someone else had a lot to learn and changes to make of his own. But Standing Bear would address Harry Potter directly. It was not his way to use intermediaries to carry his wisdom, not even his beloved granddaughter.

Professor Snape stood solemnly. He knew that in spite of everything, with June’s grandparent’s knowing more of him and about him than she did, he was respected and accepted at some level. There was potential for so much more it seemed. And it was very empowering to have such an endorsement.

But if and only if he ‘learned to see through different eyes’.

What was being asked of him was nothing less than what would seem to be monumental change.

But a change about what in particular? What was it about June that would require such a radically different way of being and seeing.

‘You are up to the task. I have great faith in you, Potions Master. More faith than you have ever had and more than you believe in yourself when it comes to these matters. When the time is right you will know what it is in yourself that must change.’

The mists swirled and there seemed to be a calling. A calling for Standing Bear and Mourning Dove to return ‘home’. They turned to leave.

And once more the young Sachem cried. For some odd reason it broke Severus’ heart to know that she was in so much distress. He had never been a comfort to anyone in his life, and now he found himself pulling June into his arms and holding her as she cried. His colleague wrapped her arms around him and cried into his chest. She could not bear to watch her grandparents leave. Painful memories at being separated from her parents came flooding back. Severus held her close and did his best to comfort her as he whispered softly in her ear, stroked her hair and then her back. He was operating on instinct with her; his instincts felt right and he seemed to be doing alright by her.

And so neither the Potions Master nor the Sachem saw the Elders when they turned around.

Or how they smiled as they nodded knowingly.

The Potions Master and Sachem needed each other more than each could possibly know.

…xXxXxXx…

June leaned back against Severus as they sat under a canopy of trees and vines looking up at the rain which was pouring down hard outside now. She sat between his long legs with her head resting just under his chin and his arms wrapped around her holding her close. His back was against the tree itself.

The mist had cleared and her handiwork in this particular dome was revealed. He looked around at the lush rolling hills of varying shades of green inside the dome. The theme of this one was Mitsawokett. And as far as the eye could see were the flora and fauna indigenous to her native DelMarVa Penninsula. She had literally recreated the landscape of her home here, but there was something more though he could not put his finger on it.

It was nothing short of miraculous.

He couldn’t begin to conceive how she managed it without a wand, but there was no mistaking the strength of her natural magic. She had finally revealed it to him the night before, knowing intrinsically that she could trust him to keep her secret until such time as she revealed it to the school, and thus the wizarding world, at large.

They sat in silence, not quite believing how fast mists of time seemed to have moved their relationship forward and yet being immensely grateful for it.

‘Thank you,’ she said quietly breaking the silence and turning at an angle to look up at him.

‘Whatever for?’

‘Everything…’

Severus looked down at her with a look she did not dare name.

‘It is I who should be thanking you.’

‘For what?’

‘Everything…’ he replied with a gentle smile.

Black eyes met blue and Severus Snape took the biggest risk he’d ever taken in his life.

He leaned in and engaged Juniata Woapanachke in a kiss.

The first both had had in a very long time.

A gentle breeze blew around them even though all doors and windows were shut tight.

Their kiss was turning into something much deeper and the spirits most definitely approved.

xxxOOOxxx

‘You alright Harry? Long time no see!’ Rosmerta, hostess and barmaid at The Three Broomsticks called out casually.

‘Ahh the old Mists of Avalon haven’t claimed you yet then Harry, eh old son?’ said Llewellyn the bartender as Harry shook his hand.

‘Too bloody right,’ Harry said laughing as he chucked his backpack down and took a seat in a booth after shaking off the rain. ‘It’s good to be home.’

‘Oh let me guess; the usual eh…’ said Rosmerta evenly.

‘You got it – you know what I like,’ Harry replied with a twinkle in his eyes. ‘A woman after my heart…’

‘You always were a sweet-talker; But I’m still old enough to be your mother…’

‘Hey Tina Turner is still hot even at her age!’

No matter how old Rosmerta might be, she looked pretty damn good, he thought to himself. He was reminded of Julie Christie, from the classic film Dr. Zhivago.

‘Who is Tina Turner?’

‘Nevermind…’ Harry said rolling his eyes playfully. ‘Have a couple yourself and join me?’

‘I think I just might do that…’

Rosmerta returned with several heated mugs of butterbeer on a tray as Harry was looking around at the sparse showing of customers. The place was usually humming, even with school not in session.

‘Awfully quiet in here isn’t it? The trade usually picks up in the summer…’

The barmaid sighed.

‘With the war being over people are finally venturing further afield and for longer periods of time…’

‘Come on Rosmerta, this is me you’re talking too…’

‘Well – you’re bound to see it sooner or later...’ she sighed.

Harry took a long draught of Butterbeer.

‘See what?’

‘There are a couple of new places that have opened. Live music and everything; supposed to be quite the business from what I have heard.’

‘And the Hogs Head?’

‘Oh that hasn’t changed one bit. Still take all sorts in there…’

Harry snorted.

His mind went fleeting back to his Fifth Year at Hogwarts when everyone was suffering under the tyranny of the old Under Secretary to the Minister of Magic, Dolores Umbridge, who was also the self-appointed DADA Professor. Hermione had the idea that Harry could teach the more practical aspects of DADA since all Umbridge was having them do was read. After all, he had already dealt with Voldemort several times by then. Effectively they created what was an illegal organisation and those interested met up for the first time at the Hog’s Head pub; a pub that had a not undeserved peculiar reputation given its dodgy of clientele. Their entire conversation had been overheard, but mercifully for them by Mundungus Fletcher.

‘Have you heard the latest about what’s going on at Hogwarts?’ Rosmerta asked in a hushed voice even though no one could hear her.

‘Something is going on at Hogwarts?’

‘Aye! Old Dumbledore’s gone and done it now. A bit cracked if you ask me, but who am I anyway…’

Harry didn’t want to tip his hand, but he was more than curious. Rosmerta wouldn’t let him down. She loved gossiping and he just let her get on with it. It was the easiest way to find out anything.

‘He’s gone and hired a Muggle for the DADA course, and if that weren’t bad enough wouldn’t you know it – she’s a bloody YANK!’

Harry spit out his Butterbeer at hearing that.

‘He….what???? Bloody Hell, I’m more qualified than some poxy American – and a MUGGLE – not even a Muggle-born??!!’

He’d wanted the position and Dumbledore turned him down, not giving any particular reason.

‘No wand so I’ve heard – as Muggle as Muggle can be. No signs of magic in her at all. AND…’

‘There’s more??’

Rosmerta nodded.

‘She’s one of those Indians – American Indian…’

‘You mean a Native American…’

‘Aye – that’s the one.’

‘Dumbledore has gone and hired a Native American to teach Defense Against The Dark Arts?? Right…’

‘That’s what Stan and Ernie were on about when they came through here last night on their break from the Knight Bus. They have a point you know. What good is someone like her against the likes of You-Know-Who?? You just know something worse than him has to be out there – waiting for the right time to strike! After all, wasn’t he worse than old Grindewald? Everyone is talking about it and the Prophet is bound to run ‘blind items’ on the situation; they don’t have the moxy to take Dumbledore on like they did back in the old days. He’s proven them all wrong one time too many. And they won’t do themselves any favours if they do.’

Harry thought for a moment.

‘Well, there has to be more to her that what you all think for Dumbledore to have brought her here…’

‘I’m not convinced...’

‘Have you even met her, Rosmerta?’

The publican always had very strong opinions especially where she had little experience or knowledge of anything.

‘Nae – hasn’t even come into town. I heard she dresses quite odd – would stand out quite a bit I’d reckon. Some of the others come in regularly and they aren’t too happy let me tell you. Harmsworth-Quays has really got it in for her…’

‘The only woman he respects is one on her knees getting him off…’

‘Oh really – and what would you know about THAT Mr. Potter.’

‘You mean to tell me the biggest goss in Hogsmead never heard about him and Madam Pince?’

‘WHAT?? You’re having me on, you are!’

‘Nope! If I’m lying, I’m dying! Everyone at Hogwarts when I was there knows about it…’

‘Don’t get me wrong – he’s a nice bit of eye candy; but her….oh don’t even paint me a bloody picture…’

‘No accounting for taste on either side,’ Harry said shuddering at the thought.

Both took another draught of their Butterbeers. Harry was digesting all that he’d been told while Rosmerta just enjoyed the company of the famous Boy-turned-Man Who Lived. She was careful not to overstep the mark in public, however. Everyone knew she had a great rapport with the customers, especially her regulars. She wasn’t above flirting and teasing – but didn’t take it but so far.

Harry Potter was the only exception. The first and only exception.

‘So, Rosmerta. What do you say to me staying a while?’

The barmaid fixed him with a cool penetrating look.

‘In what capacity, Harry?’

‘It’s been a while…’

‘Yes it has.’

There was a lengthy silence. Rosmerta still said nothing as she rose.

‘Keep an eye out, Llewellyn,’ she instructed just as Harry knew she would.

He grabbed his things and followed her around the bar, through a closed door and down a long corridor past the door leading to the lodgings for customers. They made their way through another door at the end of it to where he knew the staircase was to her flat. Once inside her flat Harry set his backpack down.

The barmaid stood, arms across her chest, waiting.

‘You never were any good at playing games, Ros,’ Harry said huskily.

He pulled her in his arms and engaged her in a rough French Kiss and she gave in easily. She’d always hoped he would come back to Hogsmead; that he would come back to her. The more she told herself that it didn’t matter that he didn’t love her, that she didn’t have his heart and never would – the more she loved him and wanted to be with him.

Harry pushed her backwards into her bedroom as he pulled off her clothes and then his.

Rosmerta wouldn’t make it back downstairs for several hours.

…xXxXxXx…

A few of days before the start of term June stood at the top of the Astronomy tower looking up at the stars. Astronomy was an important part of her culture as well as her path. But this bout of stargazing was just for her.

Severus had secured a special picnic meal for them (from where he would not say) and he’d taken her to the top of the tower. He had a surprise for her, he’d said with a twinkle in his eyes that usually wasn’t there.

‘This is wonderful, Sev’rus,’ she said breathlessly as she gave him a hug.

It was just past Midnight and even though she should be tired, she was anything but.

‘I’m glad you approve,’ he replied.

The twinkle was back. June knew enough to know that this wasn’t part of his usual repertoire and couldn’t resist a smile.

‘The best is yet to come…’ he said with a smile of his own.

‘Oh? I didn’t think it could get any better than this…’

The Potions Master pulled a small object out his pocket and placed in her hand. It was a miniature broom. There was writing on it, but the script was so small she couldn’t make it out, not even with the heavy moonshine beating down on the landscape.

‘A broom??’

Severus reached into his pocket again and pulled out the tiniest clothes and boots she’d ever seen. They didn’t even look as though they could fit a Barbie Doll.

‘For you,’ he said with a smirk.

He was trying desperately not to laugh as he took in the look of incredulity on her face.

‘What is it you say over here – you’re taking the mick?’

Professor Snape finally broke down and laughed. He whipped out his wand.

‘Engorgo!’

The clothes, boots and broom sprang to full size. She could see that the broom read ‘Nimbus Millennium’. She had no way of realising this was an International Quidditch Standard state-of-the-art broom. Another incantation and June wore rather heavy robes and what looked to be a snowsuit and Severus was sporting a change of robes and clothes as well.

‘ Sev’rus Snape just what are you up to?’ she asked with a rather suspicious look.

Her answer was a trademark Snape smirk as he took to his broom and held out a hand.

June looked at him as if he’d gone mad, which is what anyone else would have thought if they could see this. Imagine it, the hated and derided Potions Master was attempting to be romantic. And it had everything to do with the young woman who was seated in front of him frightened out of her wits. June wasn’t familiar with this vestige of the wizarding world. There was so much to take in and become familiar with, flying had been the last thing on anyone’s mind.

‘I won’t let anything happen to you,’ he whispered as he placed an arm around her waist and used the other to reach in front of her and grip the broom.

He instructed her on how to help him kick off and guide the broom. With a frightening lurch they shot up off the tower. It was everything June could do to not scream. Severus tightened his grip on her and it helped to reassure her somewhat.

They headed due North under the watchful eye of the moon and the temperatures plummeted. She looked down and could see large landmasses that were completely snow and ice. Now she understood why the change of clothes and shoes was necessary.

‘Look over to your right,’ Severus instructed.

June looked over and gasped. In the sky as far as the eye could see was the most brilliant display of light against the midnight sky she had ever seen. Indeed, it was the only time she’d ever seen it outside of photos in a book.

They were headed straight for the Aurora Borealis.

‘ Sev’rus – Oh my God!!’

Nothing else could be said as they took in one of the most spectacular of sights in all of nature. June had mentioned to him one morning at breakfast that she hoped one day to see the Northern Lights as she leafed through an encyclopedia of Astronomy. Never in a million years would she have thought such a dream would come true.

Severus flew right into it. It was everything June could do to not shake herself off the broom.

‘I’m going to take us down now…’ he shouted. The wind was unbelievable.

It felt like an eternity, but at last they landed. Both donned heavy goggles and took in the sites of Arctic landscape and Aurora as it shone all around them. Thanks to some clever charms they were more than protected from the sub-freezing temperatures. Another charm and they could now talk to each other properly and be heard. But both were too awestruck to say anything.

‘Come,’ he said after a time. ‘Let’s go home before these charms wear off…’

June nodded. She took one last look around, still believing that somehow this was a dream. After a moment they mounted the broom and kicked off. Now that the Sachem knew what to expect she was a bit better on the trip back to Hogwarts.

They landed softly on the Astronomy Tower. It was almost 3:30am. A wave of his wand and both were in the attire from earlier in the evening and the items for their trip shrunken. He handed June her tiny items and she laughed.

‘A memento of my glorious surprise?’

‘Exactly,’ came a silky reply.

The Potions Master escorted her back to her quarters. They stood beneath the portrait of Black Elk guarding her quarters. June was quite curious to know what had possessed Severus to ever do such a thing for her, but knew better than to ask.

‘Did I do alright? Severus asked as she moved closer to him.

‘You did wonderfully; this is the best surprise I’ve ever had…’

June leaned up and gave him a kiss. It was their first since the fateful kiss in the Mitsawokett Dome. Severus gave into the feelings that he’d been holding back all that time, even from himself.

He pulled back rather reluctantly after a time. ‘How do you feel about taking a trip into Hogsmead tomorrow?’ he asked quietly.

June frowned.

‘Pay them no mind, June. Not one of them is worth it…’

‘I know. I know you are right, Sev’rus. And the longer I put it the harder this first trip will be.’

‘Precisely, oh wise sage…’

‘You mock me, Professor?’

‘Never,’ Severus replied softly before kissing her snub of a nose.

June gave him a look and then let him cuddle her.

‘Hogsmead – The Three Broomsticks does a nice lunch,’ said Severus.

‘The Three Broomsticks? How appropriate,’ said June with a smirk. ‘Ohhh – alright. Lunch in Hogsmead it is then…’

‘Good – as neither of us will make it to breakfast I will meet you here at 11:30. We have a bit of walk…’

Severus gave her one last kiss and then saw her into her quarters before heading to his own. As he prepared for bed he thought of Standing Bear’s words to him.

He still could not fathom what it was about June that would require him to ‘learn to see through different eyes’.

For all her frailties and imperfections – to him she was beautiful inside and out. She was beautiful precisely because he had feelings for her. It did not matter that no one else saw her as he did.

To Severus, June was perfect.