Slytherin & Gold

Slytherin & Gold

chapter 7

Viviane

As Viviane walked into the Library, she saw very few students were there, but she did see Hermione Granger. She thought she would go over and say hello.

“Hello Hermione, studying late ?” Viviane said sitting down at the table Hermione possessed alone with a myriad of books lying on it. Hermione smiled, took out her wand and whispered something. Then she sat up and smiled.

“Congratulations, Professor Trisstt.” Hermione said.

“On what, Hermione ?” Viviane said.

“On the babies. Professor Snape told Harry after class and asked for his help to watch over you.” Hermione said.

“He did but … Vi Viviane said surprised Hermione knew. She looked around to see if anyone else listening.

“Don’t worry, I put a silence barrier around the table. No one can hear us.” Hermione frowned “Professor Snape told Harry he could tell Ron and I, so we could help as well. I’m sorry, I thought you knew.”

“This has been a very confusing day. How much has Harry told you ?” Viviane asked not wanting to say too much. She wasn’t sure what Severus had said.

“Well ……about the babies obviously, the prophecy and your ……….lineage. I’m here now doing some research.”

“And how much do you know about nymphs ?” Viviane asked. She was becoming curious about what she was.

“Not a lot I’m afraid. Mostly what Dumbledore told you. There are so many different kinds, each having their own unique attributes, it’s fascinating. Do you have any idea what your natural powers are ?” Hermione asked leaning in as if she were inspecting a particularly tricky potion.

“Natural powers ?” Viviane said blankly.

“Yes. Nymphs are magical, not just able to do magic. I would say from what I’ve observed …..your hair is one.”

“My hair ?”

“It’s so long and those ringlets are flawless. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them messed up. Beauty would be one of a nymph’s natural powers and protections.” Hermione said watching Viviane blush as she considered this possibility.

“And Harry told us about the Chimera Hagrid had. They are vicious creatures. By what Harry said, you could literally have had that thing eating out of your hand.”

“Milly is very sweet. I wouldn’t call her vicious.”

“You wouldn’t, but others would. So possibly the wood nymph part of you communicates with animals. What about the plants ? You have so many in your classroom, and they grow at a rate about double what they would in the greenhouse.” Hermione seemed to be enjoying this game of speculation.

“Do they ? I just thought they were easy to grow.” Their game was cut short as Severus walked into the library and came to the table.

“Congratulations, Professor Snape.”

“What ? Oh yes………Thank you Miss Granger. Did Mr. Potter explain the need to keep this quiet ?” He said looking around nervously.

“Yes, Professor. I’ve learned the silencing spell already. I put it round the table.” Herminone said smiling up at him. Severus looked impressed.

“Have you ….well….very good, Miss Granger. Ten points to Gryffindor.” Turning to Viviane he said, “It’s been a long day, you should get some rest.” Saying goodnight to Hermione they left. But instead of heading toward the dungeons Severus steered her toward her chambers. Viviane looked sideways at him, but didn’t say anything.

After they entered her chambers, he put up the locking and silencing spells, which made him visibly relax.

“What was it young Malfoy wanted ?” Viviane asked starting to take off her robes.

“Nothing really. That’s what has me suspicious. It was like after talking to you, he wasn’t sure why he was there anymore. What were you talking about ?”

“His classes, Quidditch practice, regular boy stuff. He did seem pleased I had asked him to stay.”

“You asked him to stay ?”

“Well….I told him I was waiting for you and I thought it seemed less suspicious to ask him to keep me company.” Severus seemed pleased with this logic. He went over and pulled Viviane into his arms. She sighed tiredly into him.

“I think you should get some sleep. I know I promised to ……….”

Viviane laughed softly. “I am tired. My mind has been in a constant whirl all day.” She continued removing her clothing until she was in only her chemise. Severus removed his clothing as well, though he kept his green cotton boxers, she noticed. He lay the rest on the chair. Viviane watched him as he moved. Her eyes skimming over his body looking where a few scars still remained, but where most were gone.

“You\'re healing very well.” She said with more emotion in her voice, than she had meant to express. He looked up at her, seeing the pain crossing her face.

“I am alright, Viviane.” Severus said softly, then crossing to her and leading her to bed. Tears were coming to her eyes again. She felt like she had done little else for several days, but cry and it was frustrating. Severus brushed her tears away and held her close.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to cry so much.”

“My love, you are pregnant. You are bound to have some hormonal differences, and you are having twins, that’s even more of an imbalance than with one. I understand. I just do not want you feeling guilty. There was nothing you could of done to prevent me from going to Voldemort.”


“I know……I just……..I love you so much, it hurts sometimes. I feel your pain greater than my own.” Viviane said as she snuggled against him. Severus was quiet and thoughtful. Viviane soon fell asleep.

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The next couple of days were very busy for Viviane and Severus. The Yule ball was in two weeks. They had to get the trees up and the decorations ready. Viviane had finalized the menu for dinner with the head house elf. An older elf, who had some very good ideas and suggestions for the dinner.

Viviane was thankful for the distraction of the ball. It kept her from worrying about Voldemort, too much. She also worried about her parents. She wanted to send them a letter, but didn’t know what to say. Something as big as being told your adopted should be discussed in person. And she wanted to tell her mother she was pregnant and engaged. But with the reality of Voldemort after her, she could not leave the castle. She couldn’t even tell her parents she couldn’t leave. Every time she started thinking about this it gave her a headache.

After talking to Hagrid about the plans for the grounds during the ball, Viviane headed back to her office. She was leaning on her desk with her head in her hands, when she heard the sound of claws chinking on the stone floor. She stood and walked around the desk to see Padfoot. He sat down and sniffed the air curiously, then Sirus was stand where the dog had been.

“Sirus, I glad you’re here.” Viviane said going over to hug him.

“Viv ……..you\'re…….do you know? …..you\'re um” Hs a s a complete lose for words.

Viviane seemed confused for a moment, then realized what he was talking about.

“You can smell that ?”

“Hormone changes, you know.” He said looking a bit sheepish. “Congratulations !” he said hugging her again. “I guess my presence before didn’t put Severus off you completely. I mean it is his, right ?”

“Yes Sirus ! As you’ve said repeatedly, it’s always been him.”

“Wait here I have an early Christmas gift for you.” Very excited he headed out the door again.

“Sirus, you know I won’t open anything until Christmas day.” She called after him.

“I hope you don’t mean that. I’d be pretty cross by Christmas.”

“Remus !!” Viviane ran over to a smiling Remus and hugged him painfully. Tears instantly springing to her eyes.

“Viv, I don’t mean to make you cry. Do I look that bad ?” he said laughing. The truth was he did. He was thin and pale with dark circles under his eyes.

“No …Remus…….I’m just so glad to see you. And see you are alright.” She couldn’t help herself, she hugged him again. After Lily, Remus had been her very best friend and confidante. Now she only got the occasional letter.

“I heard you took my old job. How do you like teaching ?”

“I really like it, though I don’t know if I’ll do it after this year.” she said involuntarily wiping a hand across her stomach. Remus seemed confused. “What brings you here ?”

“Sirus said he got an urgent owl from Severus. He figured if it was big enough for him to write to Sirus, he better come get me. Any idea what’s so dire Severus would write to Sirus ?”

“I think I better let Severus and Dumbledore explain. After dinner will be soon enough. Come, tell me how you’ve been.” She pushed him into a chair as she sat on her desk, waiting to hear all his news.

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The four of them had a pleasant dinner in Viviane’s chambers. Since Sirus was technically still a fugitive they thought it best to keep him out of sight and only let the students see Padfoot. Severus was actually civil to Sirus and Remus, though he didn’t seem to like the way Viviane hung on Remus’ every word and how often she touched him.

Sirus had been good naturedly teasing Severus about taking so long to make a play for Viviane. She scowled at Sirus, but Remus, her champion, kicked Sirus in the shin. Which may have even won him a few points with Severus.

“We had better go see Dumbledore now, he should be in his office waiting for us.” Severus went over and kissed Viviane deeply and longer than he should have in company. She allowed it thinking his pride enjoyed doing this in front of Sirus, whom he always mistakenly thought of as a competitor for her. She hugged Remus and Sirus telling them goodnight. She hoped they would not be looking at her too differently tomorrow.


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Severus


Dumbledore was waiting in his office for them. He greeted Sirus and Remus enthusiastically. All too soon, they were sitting and ready to discuss the problem at hand.

“So Severus, what’s the urgent problem pressing enough you wrote to me ?” Sirus asked in his jovial manner.

“Viviane is the reason I contacted you.” Severus said.

“What’s wrong with Viviane ?” Remus said looking from Severus to Dumbledore concerned.

“She’s pregnant.” Sirus said. Remus looked sharply at him. “Why contact me about that though……..Oh …Sev….now you know ……..there was never anything between Viv and I.” Sirus said looking worried. Severus merely smirked.


Dumbledore held up his hands. “Gentlemen. I need to tell you about a prophecy, how Viviane fits into it and why Lord Voldemort wants her dead.” Sirus and Remus looked very anxious at this statement. Dumbledore explained about Viviane’s true parentage and about the prophecy. He explained how Severus had come back to Hogwarts nearly dead after refusing to deliver Viviane to the dark lord.

“I contacted you, Black to help me keep Viviane and our babies safe.” Severus said looking at seriously.

“Babies ?!” said Sirus and Remus together.

Dumbledore smiled. “Yes, twins isn’t it wonderful ?” Both men looked a little shocked at all this new information.

“But Viviane ……not…… human ? I have a hard time buying that.” Remus said.

“I don’t know Remus, she always has been just a bit too beautiful. No offense Sev.” Sirus said.

“None taken, I’ve always thought she was too beautiful for you.” Severus said a smirk coming to his lips. Sirus nodded to him as if to say touché .

“What can we do to protect her ?” Remus asked looking more concerned than ever. “If Voldemort wants her. He has Death Eaters everywhere and from what I hear more joining all the time now.”

“Voldemort is still loathe to enter Hogwarts. Viviane will stay here. You, all of you and Harry are to help keep her protected from the unforeseen.” Dumbledore said. “Someone should be with her at all times once news of her pregnancy is out. However, I think we still need to be on our guard. I’m sorry I didn’t say this before Severus, but I didn’t want to upset Viviane. I believe Voldemort wanted you to bring her to him, so he could sire a child by her.” All three of the men facing Dumbledore looked thoroughly disgusted. “He is on a constant quest for power. He may have thought to sire and raise an ultimately powerful being to use for his own evil purposes.”

“Alright then. I assume Severus will be with her at night.” Remus said thinking. Severus actually blushed. “I taught her class before so we could come up with some reason for me to be in her classes helping. Harry, I presume is taking her class as well. Padfoot could be with her at other times, such as in her office and such.”

“Excellent ideas, Remus.” Dumbledore nodded approvingly. He opened the top drawer of his desk, pulled out a box and handed it to Severus. “Please give this to Viviane. I have enchanted it. If she is ever in trouble, she can notify me immediately. All she need do is clutch it in her hand and say my name, I will know where she is.” Severus opened the box. It was a gold necklace with a gold charm of a phoenix with a ruby eye.

“Thank you, Dumbledore.” Severus said looking at the necklace, overcome by the gesture, he felt tears begin to burn in his eyes.

“We love her too, Severus. We will do everything in our power to protect all three of them.” Dumbledore said looking into Severus’ eyes and speaking softly. Severus nodded not trusting himself to speak. Dumbledore had always treated him in a paternal manner, and he never appreciated it as much as he did right now.

“If you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to retire.” Dumbledore said as he stood to shake each man’s hand. Severus hugged the Headmaster briefly, before saying goodnight.

Once in the entry hall Severus turned to the other two. “Fancy a drink ? Black ? Lupin ?”

“If you don’t mind Severus, I’m a little worried about leaving Viviane alone. I’m going to go visit with her for a while.” Remus said looking way to old and tired for his age.

“Looks like you and me Sev.” Sirus said clapping Severus on the back.

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Severus handed Sirus a whiskey and took his to the seat opposite. They each sipped their drinks in silence, each staring into the fire.

“I want you to know Bla…..Sirus. I’m grateful to you for coming so quickly and for bringing Remus.” Severus said feeling he had to speak it out loud.

“We’re not here just because of Viv, Severus. I hope you know we’re here for you, too.” Sirus said seriously. “I know we’ve had our …….moments in the past, but you can count on us.”

“Thank you. I know it now.” Severus said looking deep into his drink.

“And about Viv.”

“Yes…..”

“She’s always loved you , you know. Not that I didn’t try to make play for her.” Sirus said chuckling. Severus raised an eyebrow. “She never looked at Remus or I that way.”

“So she’s said.”

They drank in silence.

“How is Harry doing ?” Sirus asked. “You know teenagers, they always say ‘fine’.”

“Harry is doing well. He was a great comfort to Viviane when I was gone. She’s quite attached to him.”

“Careful Sev, it almost sounds like you like the boy.” Sirus chuckled.

“He’s …….growing on me.” Severus said sipping his drink.

“Good. He seems to have gained a whole new respect for you, too.” Sirus said emptying his glass. “Thank you for the drink Severus, I’m going to go collect Remus. Do you and Viv stay here or in her room ?”

“I’ll walk with you. Padfoot should probably be accompanied until the students are used to seeing him.” With that Severus finished his own drink and stood.

Padfoot was sitting where Sirus had been standing. Severus went to the door and opened it for the dog.

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The next day Remus came to Severus’ office, after his morning potions cl

“Severus, do you have a minute ?” Remus said sticking his head in the door. Severus looked up from his desk and waved him in.

“Don’t worry, Lupin. I have already started brewing the Wolfsbane potion for you.” Severus saidRemuRemus sat down.

“What …..oh….yes…good idea. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Viviane. I’m worried about her.”

“We’re all worried, that’s why you’re here.”

“No, I don’t mean that. Severus…….….Viv is very close to her parents. Finding out she’s adopted and everything else has to be rough on her.” Remus said looking intently at Severus.

“She seems to be handling it well.” Severus said a bit sharp.

“I know, that’s the worrying part. I know she must want desperately to talk to her parents, but she can’t leave the castle.” Remus said.

“She can write to them.”

“Do you want your future in-laws to find out about your marriage and their only grandchildren from a letter ?” Remus asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t have any family. I never really thought about it.” Severus said thinking. “Do you suppose they would come here ?”

“If you wrote to them and asked, I bet they would. The Trisstts are really lovely people, you’ll like them a lot. You’re a very lucky man Severus, in more ways than one.” Remus said looking a bit sad.

“Don’t give up hope, Remus. There are many wizards still working on a cure for lycanthropy. This could happen for you someday.” Severus said actually trying to smile.

Remus laughed softly “I don’t expect miracles. I’ve made my peace with what I am. I just think Viv deserves the chance to do the same.”

“I will send an owl today. Perhaps the Trisstts could stay for Christmas ?” Severus stood to shake Remus’ hand and to thank him. “And the potion will be ready tomorrow.”

“Thank you, I hadn’t even thought about it. I’ve had to rely on Sirus, too much lately during the full moon.” Remus turned to go. “I’ll see you at dinner.” Severus nodded.

What would he say, Severus thought. How much should he say in a letter, especially since it might be intercepted. He felt he should think about it during lunch and send the letter in the afternoon.


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Harry

Ten days until the Yule ball and Harry still didn’t have a date. At least he wouldn’t have to be the center of attention this year. He really wanted to ask Cho Chang, but was nervous about it. Ron had told him just to do it and get it over with. If she said no, then he’d have his answer and he could go on. Easy for Ron to say, Harry thought. He’d asked Hermione a month ago just to be sure she was going with him this time.

There she was. Harry had been waiting outside the History of Magic classroom for Cho to come out. As he saw her and two of her friends leaving, he steeled his nerve and called her name.

“Hi, Harry.” Cho said cheerfully.

“Hi Cho …… I was ….Well if you would like…..Will you go to the ball with me ?” There he’d said it, but the look that crossed her face was not what he had expected. Almost instantly she was crying. Bewildered Harry asked what was wrong.

“Harry ….. I’m sorry …..it just makes me think of ……Cedric. I can’t get the picture out of head of seeing you bringing the body back. I don’t want to hurt your feelings…… I just…..I don’t think I could go with you.” she said.

Harry looked down at the floor intently. It would have been better if she had just said no. “I understand. I’m sorry to have bothered you.” Without looking at her again he left, walking quickly he didn’t know where. Anywhere away from her, away from the memories of last year. She saw the body, indeed. Harry had to watch Cedric die. He couldn’t stop it. He’d lead Cedric to it, unwittingly.

Harry kept walking, not sure of where he was until he realized he was in the Astronomy tower. He looked up into the clear cold night sky. The cold made him notice the tears streaming down his face. The sky looked as empty as he felt. Why !?! Why could nothing in his life ever go right ? Why did he have to love a woman he couldn’t have ? Why did he have to like a girl that hated him for getting her boyfriend killed ? Why weren’t his parents here to help him, when he needed them ? Why did it seem he would always be alone ?

Harry crumpled on the floor hugging his knees and rocking back and forth sobbing. Really he didn’t know why he was crying, he wasn’t sad. He was enraged !! Nothing ! Nothing ever goes right !

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Severus


At dinner, Remus sat at the staff table. Viviane was laughing and talking with him so much Severus was beginning to get a bit jealous. In the middle of laughing, her face suddenly changed, she gripped her chest as if someone had plunged a knife it. Her wild eyes turned to Severus who had already gotten up and was at her side.

“Out….out of the hall” Was all she could say.

“Viv …….” Remus started, but Severus was helping her up. The three of them went through the staff door.

By this point, Viviane was sobbing. “Harry ……Severus it’s Harry.”

“What about Harry ?” This confused him even more. He had noticed Harry hadn’t come to dinner.

“The Astronomy tower. He needs you Severus. You have to go. Now !” She was clinging to Remus still sobbing. Severus was torn, he didn’t want to leave her like this, but if Harry really was in trouble……

“Take care of her, Lupin.” Remus nodded as he tried to sooth Viviane.

Severus went out into the entry hall and took off for the tower at a run. All kinds of horrors came to mind as he climbed the stairs. Finally reaching the top, he pulled out his wand and listened for any sounds of danger. All he heard was …….. someone crying. Putting his wand away, he looked in and saw a figure huddled on the floor. Walking around to the front of the person, he realized it was Harry. Harry was so distraught, he didn’t notice Severus had come in.

Sitting down on the cold stone next to him Severus called his name softly. “Harry ? Harry .” The brown head turned up to face him, cheeks cold with tears. Harry’s eyes were unfocused and staring.

“I couldn’t . I couldn’t save him. All because of me.” Harry’s head dropped back into his lap, as a new round of sobs shook his body. Severus knew he was beyond words right now. He gathered the boy to him, hugging him and trying to sooth him. He rocked Harry as if he were a baby, the only comforting thing Severus could think of.

Gradually, Harry calmed down. He seemed to find some comfort in Severus’ embrace. They should be here, Severus thought. James and Lily should be here for their son. Harry started to shiver, the cold getting to him at last. Severus gently urged him to his feet, took off his robes and wrapped them around the boy’s shoulders. Hugging him again for warmth and comfort Severus felt Harry might be ready to talk.

“What’s wrong, Harry ?” Severus asked. In halting speech, Harry relayed what had happened with Cho. Relayed how guilty he still felt.

“Harry you can not take responsibility for things that are not your fault. You were lucky to have survived. No one blames you for Cedric’s death.”

“Cho does.” Harry said pressing his face into Severus’ chest.

“She said, going with you would remind her of his death, not that you were responsible.” Harry quieted a bit thinking about this.

“May I give you some advice, Harry ?” The boy nodded. “Look for the girl who likes you the best, not the one you think you like the best.” Harry looked into his teachers face more confused than ever.

Severus started walking them inside and down the steps. “Let me explain. When I was in school, there was a girl I liked very much.”

“Mum.”

“Yes, Lily” Severus said smiling slightly. “And there was the girl who loved me.”

“Professor Trisstt”

“Yes. Which one will I be marrying ?” Severus stopped on the stairs and looked at Harry raising an eyebrow.

“As men, we often don’t realize what’s good for us. If we learn to swallow our pride a bit and admit what we want is to be loved, we can be truly happy.” Harry thought about this as they continued to descend the stairs.

“There’s no one that loves me, though.”

“That isn’t true, Harry. Your friends, Sirus, Remus, Albus, Viviane and I myself have even found you …….tolerable of late.” Severus said squeezing Harry’s shoulder affectionately.

“I meant a girl, there’s no girls that like me that way.” Harry said looking up at Severus with half a smile.

“Well, I seem to remember a certain young redhead who found you interesting.”

“Ginny ? No…..no ….I was the one that pulled her out of the chamber of secrets, I’d probably just bring back bad memories to her, too.”

“Ask her Harry, don’t wait. I waited far too long because of false assumptions I’d made. At worst, you would know for sure.”

“You sound like Ron.”

“Perhaps Mr. Weasley is just maturing.” Severus opened the door to Viviane’s chambers. Viviane ran immediately to Harry hugging him, kissing his face and asking if he was alright. Harry seemed to have caught on to something.

“Hang on ! How did you even know where I was or ……..” Harry said looking at Severus. Severus raised an eyebrow and looked at Viviane.

“I don’t know.” she said “I just felt a horrible pain and emptiness in my chest and I knew you were in trouble, Harry.”

Everyone looked equally bewildered. “Do you suppose that’s one of your natural talents, Viv ?” Remus asked.

“I don’t know, maybe. Maybe I can feel the pain of people I have a connection to.” she offered. “Does it matter really ? Harry’s alright, isn’t he ? I didn’t send you dashing off for nothing did I ?”

After sitting down in front of the fire with the hot chocolate Viviane had made him, Harry tried to explain what had happened and how he felt. He only got about two sentences out, when Viviane reached out and hugged Harry to her breast, stroking his back in a motherly way. Harry let himself be hugged, while still trying to get his story out.

“Viviane, will you let the boy up for air ?” Severus said in a half irritated manner. She released Harry and gave Severus a nasty look.

“It’s alright, Professor” Harry said to Severus smiling. “I kind of like it.”

“Me, too.” said Remus. Severus scowled at them both, which just made Viviane laugh.

They sat and talked by the fire for awhile until Severus announced it was time for Harry to be off the bed.

“I’ll walk Harry to the tower, if you can stay Remus.” Remus nodded. Viviane hugged Harry again and kissed him gently on the lips saying she was glad he was ok. Harry blushed as Severus looked at him.

Soon they were outside the Gryffindor common room. “Remember what I said, Harry. Ask her, you may be surprised.” Severus hugged him again and ruffled his hair.

“Thank you, Professor Snape, for everything.” Harry was as he walked through the portrait hole.