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 7: The Day Before The Rest of Their Lives

‘I disagree, Albus,’ said Remus as he shifted in his seat in Dumbledore’s office. ‘You of all people know better than anyone about the life I have had to lead. June’s life here is filled with promise in spite of the obvious challenges…’

It was the day before the new term started at Hogwarts. He had been thinking about his daughter more and more, and of the challenges which lay ahead for her. Even had he not been her father what she faced were seeming insurmountable obstacles to overcome. But he had no illusions about the difficulties June faced once the truth was out about her parentage.

The best thing he could do was to stay away from her, and give her the chance to have a reasonably happy life in the wizarding world.

‘She has asked about you, Remus…’

‘She…has??’

‘Why would she not? After all, she is well aware of your existence and the truth of what happened all those years ago. I have said it before and it bears repeating: there is so much emptiness within her, Remus – and part of that emptiness only you can fill. You are so close, and yet so far away. She needs you, even though it is not her way to admit to such a thing. She needs her father by her side as she takes the real first step into the rest of her life tomorrow. Please reconsider.’

‘I can’t do that to her – I can’t condemn her to the life I have had to lead!’

The Headmaster nodded slowly.

‘I understand your concern – but you are making a grave presumption. At the heart of it all you are just afraid of taking these first steps, even though you should be safe in the knowledge that your daughter loves you and bears no ill will. She understands how destiny moved through her life far better than any of us, my friend.’

Lupin sighed and shifted nervously in his seat once more. Professor Dumbledore always was a master at getting to the heart of any matter where he was concerned.

‘OK,’ he said softly. ‘I will do it then…but on one condition.’

‘And that is?’

‘That no one knows that I am her father.’

Dumbledore sat back in his seat and his eyebrows shot up into his glittering gold and red hat.

‘After all you both have suffered being apart from each other – you would force her to deny who she is and you??’

‘She wouldn’t be denying anything! She is Juniata Woapanachke no thanks to her grandparents – not Rima Lupin as she was originally named and would have been known in this world. No one need know the true origins of her parentage.’

‘Don’t you think your daughter has a say in all this? She would never deny who she is. She is so very proud of you, Remus!’

‘I appreciate your concern Albus – but I would never willingly condemn anyone to the life I have had to lead ostracised and marginalised in our world – in all worlds as a matter-of-fact. I was so happy to have a child – even though I knew there was a chance she would be born with my affliction. June does carry the lycanthropy genes and I do need to talk to her about that. I suppose you have talked to her about it already?’

‘She needs to have this discussion with you herself; I have not ventured to say anything to her on the subject.’

That was very true, but Professor Dumbledore did know a lot more than he was letting on. As far as he was concerned it was up to June to discuss her most peculiar situation with her father and then he would do all he could to help the two of them deal with it. And Severus as well, when the time came.

‘I just want my baby to have some hope Albus, even though I know that some of what she will face will be very difficult. I want to be there for her – but away from prying eyes and the judgments that would be cast against her should the truth come out…’

‘I am afraid that prying eyes are already on her. She already has been judged by many despite my best efforts.’

‘Then this will only make things worse…and no doubt some of the usual suspects will do everything in their power to drive her out.’

The usual twinkle in Professor Dumbledore’s eyes dimmed considerably.

‘That was a long time ago, Remus. He is not entirely the same person and this is my goddaughter we are talking about – an altogether different proposition given all that’s happened. You do need to come to an understanding with Severus, all things considered. Harry did make a fair point – you owe Severus Snape as much as any of us do…’

‘What? What are you suggesting? A leopard doesn’t change its spots – Snape would do anything for the DADA position and god knows will do when he finds out the truth about June! Why would he be any different with her than me? He hates werewolves, Albus. He always has and always will…’

Remus was once again deliberately sidestepping the issue of his own hand in shaping of the man that was Severus Snape. And the Headmaster wasn’t having any of it.

‘The truth is never easy, my friend. No more for Severus Snape than it is for any of us including you. But this time – he has much more incentive to learn to see through different eyes. Sooner of later you will have to face all that you did not do back then. That is what lies at the heart of the conflict between yourself and Severus. That; and the fact the Sirius Black tried to use you to kill him. You have never tried to explain the truth of that night to him – is it any wonder he has held his grudge for so long?’

Remus sat quietly and listened as the Headmaster then relayed the results of June’s recent quest and the messages from her grandparents. Lupin sank in his seat, a multitude of thoughts racing through his mind.

‘But that is nigh on impossible – we have always been taught…’ Remus’ voice faltered as he had a realisation. ‘And Snape – of all people…Severus Snape…’

‘That is precisely why she is here, Remus. With what I know to be coming we need her and her abilities and spiritual gifts. Without your daughter’s help we cannot survive. June and her most remarkable abilities combined with Severus’ just might see us through. Would you deny your daughter the only real possibility of love and support she will ever have for whatever time she has left on this earth?’

‘So she was right – in what she said to Harry…there is a new threat to our world…’

‘Not just our world. And this time it is spiritual in origin. June told Severus and I that magic is an element of the spirit which manifests in the material world. This is why we exist alongside Muggles and so can the other magical worlds and yet so-called non-magical people have no real sense of what they have turned their back on in their tendency to look outside themselves for the answers already contained within. I have no doubt what she says is true and until now I did not have the degree of power I wished to teach the truth about what we are and from where this all comes. Magic is uniquely alluring regardless of whatever label you attach to it – Black or White, Dark or Light – magic is magic and can be used in all manner of ways for good or ill. We attach far too much to labels whilst wallowing in ignorance and we pay a high price for it. There is within all beings some true sense of the spirits that they truly are – there is always a longing for something more than what they understand themselves to be. That is as true now as it ever was.

June isn’t making a mistake.

I wish she was to a degree, but I scried and Firenze confirmed it just before your arrival. I have even consulted the Oracle of Avalon and she too confirms it. The Oracle was immensely grateful for it as she knew something was amiss – but hadn’t quite managed to reach a definitive conclusion. She would like to meet with June as soon as possible. She is well aware of the situation between you and would ask that you be present along with myself, Severus and Minerva. There is something on the horizon and at the centre of it all is young Mr. Potter yet again; and only because he has not yet learned his lessons from Voldemort. This is nothing less than karma in an important sense for lack of a better way of putting it – but its June’s word and seems more than appropriate.’

‘And there is more you said?’

Dumbledore nodded gravely. The light was well and truly gone from his eyes.

‘Severus came to me with June late last night. She was very distressed and in quite a bad way – so tormented was she by the visions sent to her from the Otherworld. We can consider ourselves lucky that Severus was with her when she fell ill. Her life was in danger from the experience and only because of him did she survive it to tell me the tale, though she does not realise it just yet – and Severus asked me himself not to mention to her just how bad her turn really was. From what he has managed to piece together it would seem that she saw the future – the future presently being shaped no thanks to the current situations with Harry and Hermione. It was nothing less than terrifying! Despite that there is much being hidden from her about her own destiny and the life she is meant to lead, including her life with Severus like it or not. She needs him just as much as she needs you, Remus. Accept it or ignore it to your detriment!’

‘It would seem I have no choice. I am a lot of things, but I am not stupid…’

The Headmaster nodded. It was a start, though it was not easy. But he knew Remus well enough to know that the werewolf would rise to the occasion, no matter how painful.

‘My goddaughter’s relationship with Severus is the least of our concerns. It would seem that Harry can be turned…and quite easily given his current state of mind. He is damaged, and does not see that he is or that he needs help. All of the finer details of what will happen is anyone’s guess…but once again Harry can make all the difference in the world depending on his insatiable need to be the hero and run from all that has come about through his hands.’

‘Harry?? How can she be sure? Even June isn’t above making a mistake with some of the details, she is only human after all. And Snape…’

‘Standing Bear is incapable of making mistakes,’ said Dumbledore as he peered at the werewolf over his glasses. Only a fool would ignore him at their own peril when he did that. ‘And he is determined that Harry will hear what he has to say! Most important, he has complete faith in Severus being able to make a difference once more – not just for the sake of saving our world but in saving your daughter’s life! Standing Bear has urged June to allow Severus to assist her in whatever manner he chooses!’

‘Merlin’s Beard!’

Remus held his hands in his head.

‘I warned Harry… Albus I have tried over and over again to get through to him! And Avalon of all places is under threat…I never wanted to believe that old story that one day a grave threat would come from within…so Trelawney managed to make a second prophecy with merit. I guess I should at least give Severus credit enough for not lording it over us all what he has done for all our sakes…’

‘Ironically enough, yes she did and so it will be. It will be by Harry’s hand though quite innocent – as he always claims he is though he could do much better for himself and everyone else. His stubborn single-mindedness could bring about downfall of all magical worlds. He is out of control, Remus. And his recklessness is a mortal danger to all of us, but your daughter especially. You need to bury the hatchet with Severus; the sooner the better. But only after he has had time…to adjust to the greatest challenge he will ever face…’ the Headmaster replied.

‘And that is?’

‘He’s fallen in love, Remus. He and June have fallen in love even though both are terrified of it. Sooner rather than later they will have to face the truth of what they really feel for each other and what each means to the other. With that realisation, certain facets of their lives will have to be faced, especially June’s.’

‘Oh for god’s sake! Have you any idea what he will do to her when he finds out about me??! And she is young enough to be his daughter – this is my daughter we are talking about!’

‘Yes I do. And again I put it to you that you grossly underestimate him – as we all have done over the years. Is it so bad a proposition, Remus? You have had love – though nothing about your life was ever easy, you at least have had love.

I am not excusing Severus’ manners or his ways. But he has never had any of the things he wanted for himself deep inside where it counts. June is the first person to ever get beyond the irascible face he presents to the world and that has happened for a reason. Would you deny him the blessings you have had even with your affliction? He is just as afflicted, Remus. Afflicted and conflicted – you simply choose to ignore it as we all have done.

It is a testament to the remarkable woman you have brought into the world that she sees the good inside him and focuses on that – rather than anything else you feel she ought to consider. You must sort out your differences – we all have to stand together, it is most imperative.’

There was a weary silence as the two men digested all that had been said. After so many magical wars that echoed those of the Muggle world – all the average wizard or witch wanted was peace. But there would always be those that wanted more – those that thrived on chaos and calamities. And when someone as troubled as Harry Potter made the fatal and unfortunate mistake of crossing their path the results would be nothing less than catastrophic.

In this moment both realised that what June had said that day in the Three Broomsticks was very true.

Peace was nothing but an illusion.

It was even truer now that it had ever been before in any of the magical worlds.

All save Avalon.

And only for the moment, no thanks to the one and only Boy-Turned-Man-Who-Lived.

…xXxXxXx…

June yawned and turned over onto her back. She gently wiped the sleep from her eyes and slowly the details of her surroundings came into focus. She was in a bedroom that was not her own. It was dreary with its dingy unfinished stone walls. There was on overwhelming feeling of despair and anguish. She could feel it to her core.

The Sachem looked under the covers. She was dressed in a man’s nightshirt – one that had seen better days from the looks of it.

‘Good Morning,’ came a silky whisper.

June turned on her side once more and found herself facing Severus. He was seated in a chair next to the bed and was still dressed in his clothes from the day before. It was obvious he hadn’t had any semblance of sleep.

‘Morning,’ she replied huskily. ‘What happened?’

‘You were not well last night. I didn’t think it wise to leave you on your own. The Headmaster felt it best that you recovered away from prying eyes and gossiping tongues so I brought you here rather than the infirmary after we spoke to him. I wasn’t able to get your password out of you…’

‘We did? I was ill?’

‘Yes – we did. And yes – you were. Do you not recall?’

June shook her head ‘no’. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before and she told him so. Tears welled up and she turned away from him so he wouldn’t see her cry.

‘June…’

The Potions Master threw all caution to the wind and lay down next to her. He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly as she wept.

‘It’s started, Severus! It’s started and there’s nothing I can do…the reason why I had to come here! I had hoped somehow things would change…’

‘Yes – I rather suppose it has considering all you had to say to us last night…’

Severus told her all that she’d revealed to he and Professor Dumbledore.

‘It’s not because of you that this conflict is coming. As you said – you are simply an instrument of the spirit, June. No more, no less. Your life has its own will and purpose as does the rest of ours. I had never quite thought of it in that way, but you are quite right about that.’

‘What’s the point of so much sacred knowledge if I can’t make a difference in the world?’

‘Who said you can’t? Whatever is coming has to happen – whichever way things fall. What is meant to be is what will be. I don’t mean to throw your own words at you – but they give us hope. If nothing else I can remind you of them so that perhaps there will be something which sustains you as much as myself and the Headmaster. You are already making a difference; a big difference – surely you realise that.’

‘Does anyone else know about last night?’

‘Just Minerva. I didn’t have all the ingredients to hand that I needed for the healing draught I prepared for you and she was kind enough to bring what I needed from my personal stores and the greenhouses after an alert by the Headmaster. Minerva was the one who prepared you for bed. She is very worried about you – but I have assured her you would make a full recovery from your turn.’

‘Thank you – I don’t know what I’d do without you…’

‘The same can be said for the rest of us where you are concerned. Anyway, you need to rest. This is the last moment of sanity before the term commences. We can talk some more later.’

Severus started to get up and June pulled him back.

‘Don’t leave me,’ she whispered tearfully.

Never before had she looked so frail and lost. And utterly alone.

Severus stood and closed the curtains even though it was a dark and dreary rainy day. He stripped down to his underpants in the dimness of the room and then slid in next to the only person in the world he cared about.

To his surprise he found that June was naked. He quickly pulled off his underpants and tossed them on the floor on top of the nightshirt that June had discarded before he could change his mind about what was happening between them.

‘Now go to sleep,’ he admonished her gently.

‘You honestly expect me to sleep?’

‘Yes – I most certainly do…’

‘Good…’

Severus chuckled in spite of himself and was rewarded with a faint smile from the woman he most definitely had feelings for – though he did not dare use the ‘L’ word just yet.

June yawned and then snuggled up against him. The Potions Master pulled her into his arms and within in a few minutes she was fast asleep after wrapping an arm around him and resting her head on his chest.

Though he was undeniably exhausted, Severus found he could not fall asleep right away. This was the first time in his life when he had true intimacy. His only other significant experiences, if they could be called that, had not come without the aid of a bottle of Firewhiskey and a sack of galleons. As far as he had been concerned it was not money that had been well spent. His hands were no substitute for the warmth of a woman – but he wanted more than just sex.

He wanted someone who cared about him and wanted to be with him of their own free will. He wanted love – true love; something that others seemed to have in abundance and which he’d never had until now. Never in a million years would he have thought he’d be with June like this – no matter how much he dreamt of it and longed for it recently.

The Potions Master was almost afraid to fall asleep – afraid that he would wake up to find that this precious moment was just another dream.

‘Mmm, Sev’rus…’ June moaned.

‘Yes?’ he croaked trying to ignore the fact that he was very aroused.

It sounded like she actually wanted him. But here they were naked as the day they were born so no doubt she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. After all, he had not needed to persuade her to rid herself of his nightshirt. Then again, he supposed that she was desperate to be rid of it – as tattered and gray as it was. It wasn’t fit to use as a rag to clean up Hippogriff dung.

‘Mmmmmm.’

Severus looked down at the women he realised to his horror that he loved. June was fast asleep. She was dreaming about him – and it seemed rather bizarre to him that she not only would, but definitely found whatever it was pleasurable.

There was no turning back now.

The Potions Master began to drift off to sleep. He felt reasonably comforted by the fact that he definitely loved her and would do anything for her.

As far as he was concerned, he was the luckiest man in the world.

…xXxXxXx…

‘Harry!! Harry – over here!!!’

The-Boy-Turned-Man-Who-Lived lurched forward unsteadily.

He said something, but his words were slurred and unintelligible.

‘What on earth is wrong with him?’ whispered Mrs. Weasley to her husband.

‘He’s drunk, Mum,’ Ginny hissed angrily. ‘Drunk as a skunk! How many galleons do you want to bet it’s because of Rosmerta?’

‘It’s more than that dear,’ replied her mother knowingly. ‘He can only run so far – no matter what he thinks he can’t run from who he is and the mistakes he’s made. He’s probably run out of options…’

‘Quick – we need to get him home before someone takes too much notice…’ said Mr. Weasley quietly. ‘Fred, George – he won’t kick up a fuss with you two. Think you can manage to get him back to the Burrow?’

‘No problem Dad,’ said Fred.

‘Leave it to us…’ added George.

‘I will make up for your losses somehow – I know this will be one of the best days you will have to earn a fair bit….’

‘Don’t worry about it – money isn’t everything. Harry needs sorting out before someone else gets hurt…’ said Fred solemnly.

‘Or he gets himself killed,’ Bill added ruefully.

‘Hey Mum! Dad! You will never believe what I just found in Flourish & Blotts! Finally…’

Ron’s voice trailed off as he took in the sight of his twin brothers holding up a very drunk Harry Potter. Harry’s best friend couldn’t believe that he’d finally sunk so low. It looked like he’d been sick all over himself. He smelt of vomit and urine.

‘Great – just great. Another bender…’

‘What??’ asked his mother incredulously.

‘I don’t know what to do, Mum. I honestly don’t. We lead completely separate lives at Uni…he wont listen to me and everything seems to end up with us fighting…especially whenever I try to talk to him about Hermione. I was waiting to find the right moment to tell you…I applied for my own flat and it’s been approved. They are giving me a place in the Palatine District on the far side of the island. I can’t take it anymore…he’s making me mental!’

Mr. Weasley reached over and hugged his troubled son.

They’d had another heartbreaking visit with the young woman they still hoped would be their daughter-in-law the day before. It killed Ron to his core to see his fiancée in such a state. He was desperate to find something or someone that would heal Hermione and he’d gone through was little savings he had trying. He would have thought Harry would be keen to help – but it seemed he didn’t want to know. Ron would never abandon or give up on the people he cared about as his best friend had done.

‘Right – you think you can manage him with the Floo powder?’ asked Mr. Weasley. ‘We’ll take a portkey…just need to pick up a few more things since we’ll have a full house…’

‘We’ll be alright – see you in few minutes,’ replied George as he draped his raincoat over Harry. ‘Who needs that new Tapas place anyway? Give me some good home-cooking anytime…’

‘A waste of money if you ask me. We can pitch in with the serving…’ added Bill with a nod.

‘I am ‘appy to ‘elp too,’ added his Veela fiancée, Fleur Delacour.

Mrs. Weasley gave her family a faint smile. She knew what they meant and it warmed her heart that no matter how bad things were – they always tried to find strength in adversity. They were used to turning negatives into positives, especially where Harry was concerned.

The Weasleys always tried to downplay the obvious: things could be a lot better for all of them had it not been for the wizarding world’s biggest celebrity.

xxxOOOxxx

‘How is he lads?’ asked Mr. Weasley once they were all seated with tall mugs of steaming hot tea and a Tapas lunch that his wife and Ginny had whipped up following some recipes from a cookbook Bill and Fleur surprised her with.

There was nothing like a cuppa and good hot meal to wind down.

‘He’s out of it – I charmed him so he won’t wake up till dinnertime…’ said George.

‘We cleaned him up and put him to bed. Those clothes aren’t worth keeping so he will have to make due with some of ours…’ added Fred.

‘Would serve him right if he were left to stew in his own sick,’ mumbled Ginny.

Mrs. Weasley leaned over and patted her on the shoulder.

‘I know it’s hard, but you have your own life to lead. With his problems you are best kept well out of his…’

She knew her only daughter was still nursing a broken heart. Harry had finally taken notice of her in his sixth year at Hogwarts. Ginny had been so convinced of her formidable feelings for him that she’d given him her virginity. They had been together for almost a year when he dumped her. Like everyone else, she’d been surprised to find out about his ‘relationship’ with Rosmerta. It seemed he had barely finished with Ginny before he became the Boy Toy of the proprietress. Ginny had had a few dates since then, but nothing serious had ever come of any of them. But her family knew she only dated to keep the peace at home so that no one would say anything about the undeniable love and attraction she still had with Harry.

‘So – Ron; what was it you found in Flourish & Blotts?’ Ginny asked changing the subject.

‘This book that Professor Snape told me about – he said that it’s really rare but would be worthwhile to see if we could find a copy. He has some ideas on charmed potions that might help with Hermione’s condition.’

‘Snape??’ asked Bill. ‘Why do you want to bother with that old Greasy Git for? He doesn’t care about anyone except himself!’

‘Professor Snape,’ chided Mr. Weasley with a frown. ‘You’re wrong, Bill. We all owe that man and high time you changed your attitude! I won’t tolerate any disrespect in my house!’

‘He’s been very good to me actually,’ said Ron tensely. ‘I never made it any easier for him than he did for me; and that was down to Harry more than anything else. And no he doesn’t care about Hermione as such, I’m not that thick. But he offered to help and like it or not – he is one of the few left who really is a master of Potions and the Dark Arts. And as much as he hates Charms – he is a lot better than me with them even with my Auror training. He knows his stuff – seriously.’

‘And he’s been doing a lot to try and find a cure,’ said George. ‘I don’t like him either – but he’s exactly the sort we need to have on our side. And let’s face it – he survived all that business with Voldemort for all those years…nothing to take lightly or ignore…’

‘That’s the right attitude to take,’ said Charlie who had flooed in from Romania to have a long break with his family. ‘Things are different now – and Hermione needs all the help she can get. Don’t let Harry’s problems with him get in the way of common sense. You’d be stupid to not let him help…’

Just then there was a tapping at the window.

‘Hey – speak of the devil; looks like Professor Snape’s owl…’ said Mr. Weasley the bird flew in and landed expertly on the table without disturbing their lunch. It was a small very rare Black Owl native to Snowdonia in Wales.

Ron reached over and took off the note attached to its leg. It was addressed to Ronald Weasley, The Burrow and he read it aloud.

‘Mr. Weasley,

I have received notification from Flourish & Blotts that they were able to secure the compendium we spoke of during my recent visit. I will be journeying there later today to purchase it.

I would also like for you to meet someone whom I believe can provide the help we need. I would propose that you meet with her during the first break after term starts. I am well aware that you will be returning to University this evening and therefore your time will be limited until the first of the school breaks as ours will be.

Just so that you are aware, she is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor here at Hogwarts. Despite any suggestions to the contrary she is more than capable and her talents and knowledge are not to be taken lightly. She would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and Miss Granger’s parents and will do all that she can to be of service. She will be accompanying me to purchase the tome in question. You are welcome to meet us at Flourish & Blotts at 3:00pm. We can have a discreet chat in a private room at the Leaky Cauldron.

It will take time, but we believe that Miss Granger can be cured. Her place is with those who care about her, not the wards of St. Mungos.

Regards,

Severus Snape

Potions Master & Head of Slytherin House

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

‘Well – that sounds promising eh son?!’ said Mr. Weasley enthusiastically.

‘I can’t believe it…’ Ron sputtered. ‘After all this time – Hermione might actually be cured?’

‘’Er place eez weez zose ‘oo care about ‘Er…pas mal pour un ‘Greasy Git’,’ said Fleur with a big smile.

Her English was always heavily accented and mixed with her native French when she became excited.

‘Nope – not bad at all I agree,’ said Bill with a nod before leaning over and giving her a kiss.

‘Well – we will have to have a little celebration – Peppermint Imp Tea anyone?’ said Mr. Weasley clapping his hands in delight.

‘What? No dash of Firewhiskey?’ said Fred with a wink.

‘There will be none of that here!’ shrieked Mrs. Weasley.

‘Too right,’ said Ron as he scribbled a reply back and tied it to the leg the bird had stretched out.

He tucked several knuts into the money purse attached to its other leg and gave him a couple of Owl Treats.

‘We’ll have them to dinner,’ said Mrs. Weasley. ‘I’ve heard the odd rumour about her; but Dumbledore knows what he’s doing to have hired her. I managed to have a word with Minerva in Madame Malkin’s shop while Fleur was trying on her Handfasting robes.’

‘You’ve heard what?’ asked Ginny quizzically. It amazed her how fast her mother managed to find out all the gossip considering they had been out of the country for most of the summer.

‘Well – Dumbledore is unofficially going to recall the Order of the Phoenix for a start.’

‘He WHAT??’ roared George

‘But – You-Know-Who is gone!’ said Fred ‘Isn’t he?!’

‘Yes he is, but apparently there are signs that something is coming. The DADA Professor alerted Severus and the Headmaster. They have even consulted the Oracle of Avalon…’ said Mrs. Weasley with a knowing look.

‘The Oracle?’ whispered Ron respectfully. ‘Bloody hell!’

Charlie let out a low whistle.

‘It’s that serious then. Dumbledore never even did that during all that business with You-Know-Who…’

‘Not even during the First War,’ said Mr. Weasley wearily.

Their good mood was yet again short-lived.

‘Minerva couldn’t go into all the details – wasn’t the right place or time.’

‘Besides which – you never know who is listening,’ said Ginny.

‘Well – this new professor must be something because she has already met Harry and set him bang to rights apparently. She told him off about his attitude and the like. Our little celebrity didn’t take it too well…happened in the Three Broomsticks. She’s Muggle, American – Native American actually. At first it struck me as just plain wrong – but when Minerva explained things it made a lot of sense why the young lady – June I think her name is – why Dumbledore wants her at Hogwarts…’

‘No he wouldn’t,’ said Ginny. ‘No one can tell him anything. He doesn’t think about anyone – not even himself…’

‘Well – he’s certainly been given a lot to think about. We’ll know more, I expect, when she and Severus come to dinner,’ said Mrs. Weasley as she began clearing away the table with Fleur’s help.

‘Dumbledore and Minerva ought to come too,’ said Mr. Weasley thoughtfully.

‘Ahh, and don’t forget Lupin!’ exclaimed Bill. ‘After all – he is our most eminent DADA expert. If there anyone who has to be here to deal with this woman it should be him. So Dumbledore’s gone and hired a Muggle – a Native American??’

‘Yes – but apparently she is very expert in the field…’

‘How can a Muggle be expert in Defense Against the Dark Arts??’ asked Ginny.

‘She is a sort of Shaman – I think…that’s what Minerva said…’

‘Really??’ asked Charlie. ‘Hmm they are supposed to be really talented when it comes to matters of the spirit and especially with natural magic. I’ve read some stuff recently – mind-blowing…’

‘Oh come on; that’s just a load of nonsense,’ said Bill. ‘The Ministry has always said…’

‘For goodness sake – haven’t you learned anything,’ said Ginny heatedly. ‘Since when do you believe everything the Ministry tells you?’

‘They keep you ignorant to keep you down – and to maintain their control,’ said Mr. Weasley. ‘There is nothing wrong with exploring other avenues – no matter how far-fetched they seem…’

‘I don’t care how crazy it is,’ said Ron quietly. ‘The Ministry and St. Mungos haven’t done anything for Hermione except make things worse. If Professor Snape believes in this lady then that’s enough for me. When have you ever known him to be wrong about these things? He has always thought that there was a solution – and he’s put a lot of time into research and testing cures for Hermione. I don’t have to like him – but I do respect him and what he can do. The same goes for her. I’m not going to dislike her just because Harry does. I’ve had enough of that…’

‘Stick to your guns, Ron,’ said Charlie. ‘It’s Hermione you need to be worried about and not what anyone else thinks.’

‘Right – three o’clock it is then,’ said Ron as he folded the note and put in his shirt pocket.

‘You’re going?’ asked Bill incredulously. It was all still too much for him to take in.

‘You better believe it. Whatever your problems are with him they will just have to be yours,’ said Ron as he tucked into the vanilla ice cream his father was serving up.

The only thing that mattered to him was that Hermione recover so that they could get on with their lives together.

…xXxXxXx…

June leaned over Severus and looked at the timepiece on his bedside table. It was just past 1:30pm. He was sound asleep and she hadn’t dared wake him. But they had something important to attend to, he’d said the day before when he made whatever arrangements that needed to be sorted out.

The Sachem admired the sleeping form of the Potions Master. She found just enough bravery to peek under the covers after lying back down.

‘Have mercy!’ she whispered.

‘I take it you like what you see?’

June shrieked.

‘Oh, uh – what?’ she sputtered.

Severus chuckled.

‘Admit it; you were caught red-handed…’

‘I have no idea what you are talking about,’ said June as she looked anywhere but in his eyes.

‘Mmm hmm; you don’t say…’

‘I do say – I am totally innocent…’

‘I daresay the lady doth protest too much…’

June sneaked a look at the tent that was increasing in size where the sheet covered the most intimate part Severus’ body.

‘Huh?’ she mumbled as she tried hard not to stare.

Severus pulled her closer to him and stroked her face.

‘You were dreaming…’ he whispered.

‘Oh my god!’.

‘I assure you Muggle deities had nothing to do with it…’

The Sachem cringed. She hadn’t meant to say it.

‘You talk in your sleep…’ Severus continued in a silky whisper.

He was enjoying this – particularly as he realised that June had never really been completely intimate with a man before. He never would have believed he would end up being anyone’s first – let alone hers.

‘What…what did I say?’

‘You moaned… you moaned and when you said my name, you moaned again…’

Severus leaned over the woman he loved and kissed her before she could say anything. The less they had time to think the better off they would be. June’s mouth parted and Severus engaged her tongue in a sensuous dance unlike anything she’d experienced so far with him. This was beyond interest and simple attraction. Everything he felt for and about her was in this moment.

He then rolled over so that she was in the dominant position. June savoured the taste of him, his scent. She relished everything about him. She summoned the courage to let go of her fear and give in to the fact that she loved him. She moved down and kissed and nibbled his neck. She must be doing something right, she thought to herself, because he groaned and ran his hands over her body urging her on.

She moved down more and more, exploring him as she went. At last she reached the part of his body she’d been more than a bit curious about. She looked up into his eyes. He was filled with wanting her and it showed. He wanted her to like being with him; and that showed too. She pleasured him and to her greatest pleasure he responded.

‘Don’t stop, my love,’ he begged hoarsely. ‘Oh gods please don’t stop!’

‘Is this alright? Am I ok?’ she asked. ‘Do you like it with me?’

‘W..what?? Oh yes – yes!’

June followed some instinct she didn’t know she had and did as he wished.

Suddenly Severus tilted her head up gently.

‘I want you to Sev’rus…’ she whispered as she moved up for another kiss.

He rolled her onto her back moved on top of her.

They had plenty of time…and this was not a moment either wanted to rush…

…xXxXxXx…

‘The next stop is Picadilly Circus,’ came a voice over the speakers on the Underground.

‘That is us,’ said Severus quietly.

He and June moved towards the rear doors where fewer passengers were standing.

June looked up at him and smiled; a lovely dimpled smile that stoked the fires now raging in his once icy heart. Severus looked at the young woman who was holding onto him. She was serene and glowing. He’d never seen a woman look that way before…and especially because of him.

‘I love you, Sev’rus,’ she whispered in his ear.

The whole of her body ached but she was at peace about what had transpired between them. The Potions Master gave her a smile and then pulled her closer.

‘I love you too – my precious Wolf-Child…’ he whispered before kissing her gently.

To hell with what anyone thought about his public display of affection. Severus Snape, the feared and hated Greasy Git of Hogwarts and the wizarding world at large, was happy.

The Potions Master was loved and worth loving.

This day had been a long time coming.

xxxOOOxxx

He and June made their way out of the Tube and into the busy streets above. As always, Central London was heaving with people and Muggle transport. This was the Sachem’s first visit to London so he pointed out some of the more interesting landmarks. They walked down Shaftsbury Avenue, home of some of the Capital’s most famous and respected theatres towards Charing Cross Road. A quick turn left onto the thoroughfare and the Leaky Cauldron was within his sight. Only his, or so he thought.

‘The Leaky Cauldron – black front with a sort of porch thingy and tall black and gold doors…’ June said quietly. ‘It looks like they could do with a good tidy-up and a paint job. That sign is on its last legs…’

‘You can see it?!’

‘Yes – of course I can…’

‘But how? Muggles don’t have the ability to see anything magical!’

‘If they trained and focused their energy then yes they would be able to. Non-Magical people are always tuning into the realm of the spirit. And their rational mind explains it all away so that they never really see and experience it. To them the realm of the spirits is always something other than it really is.’

‘You are no mere Muggle, June. We both know that.’

‘No, I suppose I’m not. But that is why I am here, Severus…remember?’

The Potions Master nodded. He didn’t know why he was so taken aback by this. After all – she had seen Hogsmeade without the necessity of foolish wand-waving or silly incantations. Still, something about this bothered him. For the first time in a long time he was beginning to mull over the concerns he’d had about her when she first arrived.

…xXxXxXx…

‘Ahhh, here we are,’ said the sales clerk as he pulled down Professor Snape’s rather heavy book from the ‘Special Orders’ bookcase in Flourish & Blotts. ‘Took us a while but I knew we could get at least one copy…’

June looked around her at the madhouse that was the bookshop. Hogwarts students were swarming about shouting out books from their reading lists. Harried parents were shouting at them to not touch anything and queuing up five deep for the two tills to pay for their purchases. University of Avalon students were shoving everyone out of the way desperate to get whatever they could at what they thought would be a much cheaper price than the University Bookstore.

There were books that screamed, books that took a bite out of you, books that made you fall into a deep sleep were you not careful. The Sachem thought it odd how the wizarding world just couldn’t leave well enough alone when it came to magic. They seemed to take great pleasure in doing absurd and dangerous things with it just because they could.

‘I will have a look over here if that’s alright?’ she called out to Severus above the din.

The Potions Master nodded and queued up to pay for his book.

There were some books on a display table at the front of the shop. The theme was ‘Dark Arts Defensive Theory’. June was having a look when she was tapped gently on the shoulder.

‘Excuse me,’ came a deep voice. ‘I saw you with Professor Snape; you wouldn’t happen to be…June…would you? The new DADA Professor at Hogwarts?’

The Sachem turned around to find herself staring into apprehensive blue eyes.

‘Yes – I’m June Woapanachke… You must be Ronald Weasley?’ she asked extending a hand.

Ron let out a sigh of relief as he shook her hand. June had put down the book and clasped his hand in both of hers. She looked into his eyes and something about her calmed him.

‘Everything will be alright Mr. Weasley,’ she said quietly.

‘Erm, Ron…’

‘OK, Ron…everything will be alright…’

Ron’s eyes began to well up with tears.

‘Thank you; thank you so much Miss…’ he croaked as he tried to blink back the tears that had begun to fall.

June leaned forward and put and arm around him. She whispered in his ear as she placed a hand over his heart and then over his solar plexus. Severus watched them from his vantage point as his package was being handed over.

He didn’t know why he had almost picked a fight with June; why the old questions were rearing their ugly heads. But in this moment he thought he was just being foolish. She was nothing less than a beacon of hope and he was not about to do anything to ruin it.

xxxOOOxxx

June and Ron stood outside the shop waiting for Professor Snape to make his way through the hoards of shoppers inside. She would come back another day when it was less likely to be so crowded.

‘Feeling better?’ she asked gently.

‘Ahh there you are!’ shouted Mrs. Weasley as she spotted her son.

‘Mum? What are you doing here?!’ asked Ron as he wiped his eyes and took a deep breath.

‘I thought you could use some support…’

‘Mum! It’s not like I haven’t met the man before, Bloody Hell!’

‘Don’t worry, Ron. I’m not taking it personally and neither will Sev’rus…’ June said with a smile.

Mrs. Weasley’s eyebrows shot up not only hearing the DADA Professor say Professor Snape’s given name, but also the way in which she said it.

‘Molly! Molly! Thank heavens you are where you said you’d be; it’s an absolute madhouse…’ came Professor McGonagall’s voice.

‘Reinforcements?’ June asked politely just as Severus emerged from the bookshop.

‘Remind me to never darken this doorstep again in the week leading up to a new term,’ Professor Snape said bitterly. ‘I bought a few things I thought you might like on my way out…’

His voice trailed off at the sight of Mrs. Weasley and Professor McGonagall giving each other knowing looks as they took in the sight of him with his girlfriend.

‘Not my idea, Professor,’ said Ron holding up his hands. ‘You know what Mum is like…’

Professor Snape rolled his eyes and scowled as only he could.

‘And what pitiful excuse have you conjured up?!’ he snapped at Professor McGonagall.

‘Well I thought that since Molly was coming up and I needed to pick up a few things that perhaps we could meet up and have a spot of High Tea…’

‘High Tea?’ groaned Ron. He needed that like he needed an extra hole in the head.

‘I think I know of a situation for more suitable than the Pink Lady Tearoom and Enchanted Emporium,’ sniffed the Potions Master. ‘You and those blasted dancing, prancing teddy bears and dolls…!’

Molly and Minerva failed to hide their disappointment as June suppressed a giggle.

They made there way over to a little jazz café tucked away at the top of Diagon Alley.

‘Hey…cool;’ said Ron as he took in the sounds of Miles Davis coming from the Muggle stereo system the owner had rigged up. ‘Much better than that dross in the Tearoom…’

‘What was that?’ shot his mother.

‘Didn’t say a word, Mum…’

Severus and June poured over a menu as the others pretended to look at theirs.

‘You will get a far better result if you focus your attention on the task at hand rather than concern yourself with my intimate affairs,’ the Potions Master huffed defensively.

‘You better get used to it, Severus,’ said Molly. ‘You two are the talk of the town in Hogsmead from what I’ve heard…’

‘Rosmerta is better than the Wizard Wireless Network…’ said Ron.

A dark look from Professor Snape prevented him from pursuing that particular line of thought any further.

‘Oh heavens – I almost forgot!’ exclaimed Molly. ‘Be right back! Go on and order for me Minerva – you know what I like…’

‘Oh nothing sensible, I hope,’ June said to Ron. ‘I could go for a stack of buttermilk pancakes and maple syrup myself!’

‘Oh – I wouldn’t mind; Mum will go spare but I have had enough of behaving myself all day,’ Ron replied with a grin.

‘We will all blame you for such nefarious influence,’ Severus said silkily. ‘So three stacks of refilling pancakes it is?’

‘Better make that four,’ said Professor McGonagall. ‘And I will really be decadent and have mine with summer fruits marmalade!’

‘Mum will have the same thing – you know what she’s like. Talks a lot but she’s got her weaknesses. Marmalade and chocolate…’

‘I hope not at the same time,’ giggled June. ‘Be right back – I need the ladies….’

June made her way to customer facilities at the back of the shop.

‘She’s lovely…’ said Ron. ‘We had a bit of a chat while we were waiting for you, Professor.’

‘I noticed. And I am glad to see that she can help you.’

‘You are? Oh, Erm. Yes – yes she can. She’s great to talk to…’

‘Speaking of chocolate…Hello Remus, what brings you here?’ asked Minerva as she looked suspiciously at Mrs. Weasley.

‘Molly – she said I should stop hibernating and make myself useful…’

‘Your mother is about as subtle as a dung bomb,’ sniffed Severus.

‘Too right!’ laughed Ron.

Remus pulled over another chair.

‘Have something – on me, Remus,’ said Minerva. ‘We haven’t placed our orders yet…’

‘Oh I couldn’t possibly….’

Snape gave Lupin a look that was the equivalent of a killing curse.

‘You can and you will. I will not sit here with you drooling like some common troll over my food…’

‘Encouraging as always, Severus. Right – I will have a stack of pancakes then with Maple syrup…’

‘You can place our order then…’ said Snape. ‘Four orders with the syrup…’

‘…and two with the summer fruits marmalade and 6 pots of English Breakfast Tea,’ added Minerva eagerly.

Remus excused himself and went over to the counter located near the back of the shop just as June emerged from the Ladies Room. He stopped short as he took in the sight of his only child walking towards him.

‘June??’ he whispered trying not to break down.

June couldn’t say anything. Time seemed to stop and she could hardly breathe.

‘Daddy,’ she finally whispered.

She broke down in tears.

‘Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!!’

The young Sachem launched herself at her father and both clung to each other through their tears. The commotion between them had definitely caught the eye of their companions.

‘What…on…earth…’ whispered Molly incredulously.

‘No!’ whispered Professor McGonagall. ‘Not after all these years…so that’s why…Merlin’s Beard!’

‘Wait – you mean that Remus and Jacinda…??’

Professor McGonagall lowered her head in a sharp nod ‘yes’ and peered over her glasses.

‘WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?’ roared Professor Snape as he stood and knocked back his chair.

‘Mum – what’s up?’ asked Ron excitedly. ‘Why is June calling Lupin – Daddy?!’

‘Because he’s my father,’ June said proudly through her tears as they walked over. ‘I was taken away from him by my grandparents, my mother’s parents, when I wasn’t even four years old…and now I finally have him back! I haven’t seen him since I was a baby – but I have never forgotten him. And not one day goes by when I don’t think of him or want to be with him again.’

‘June – NO!!’ Remus said sadly.

‘I won’t deny you! I won’t! I’m proud of you and proud to be your daughter! I don’t care what anyone else in this miserable, godforsaken world thinks! I won’t treat you like you’re some dirty little secret! I know who I am – and I have NOTHING to be ashamed of. I don’t have anything I need to hide or run from!’

‘You…you…’ Severus whispered in a voice was beyond cold and angry. ‘All this time you have been making a fool out of me…’

‘What? Severus, no – I haven’t! I wouldn’t!’ June exclaimed as she reached out to touch him.

‘Get your hands off me werewolf!’ he shouted as he took a step back with a look of revulsion.

‘Severus please; don’t act like this please. I’m not…’

‘Just hang on a minute!’ Ron said angrily to Professor Snape. ‘She is the same person that you obviously loved not less than five minutes ago! Do you have any idea how lucky you are to have someone that loves you and care about you?!’

‘Is that a fact Weasley? Then you can have her then – let the werewolf make a mockery of you. I am finished with her! As for you,’ he spat at June as he hurtled towards the door, ‘Don’t look at me, don’t talk to me, don’t come anywhere near me – I want nothing to do with you outside of staff meetings and necessary appearances at meals in the Great Hall. Don’t even think about pushing your luck with me!’

Professor Snape stormed out of the café leaving a devastated June in his wake.

‘What have I done??’ she whimpered before collapsing into tears in her father’s arms.

‘Bill was right – Snape’s nothing but an arsehole!’ huffed Ron darkly.

‘Ronald Weasley…enough!’ hissed his mother.

‘Come on sweetheart,’ she said soothingly as she smoothed June’s hair and wiped her cheeks with a handkerchief. ‘Let’s get you tidied up, eh? We will sort this out, I promise you. Love that’s real doesn’t just evaporate. Severus is hurt and he is angry. But he does love you – he’s just telling himself he shouldn’t. It has everything to do with your father. It’s not you, please believe me. But I know this if I know nothing else: you are the best thing that ever happened to that man and he knows it still. He will come to his senses. Give it time.’

‘I love him, Mrs. Weasley. I love him so much,’ June croaked. ‘Why do the people I love and need so much always have to leave me?’

Remus looked nothing less than horrified and then devastated at seeing his daughter break down once more. He’d had no real sense of the psychological damage done to his child deep down. First she lost her parents, then her people and all that she knew and now the one person in the world that had ever really loved her had abandoned her.

He knew from Mourning Dove that none of the warriors in the village had wanted claim June despite the less than a handful that had used her – they rejected her because of him; because of what they thought she was despite her power and her position.. As a Native American she was cast out and marginalised in the so-called illusionary ‘Melting Pot’ that was the idealized America. And in this world and the Native Communities June was not entirely accepted because he was both wizard and werewolf and her mother had turned her back on her own people. She’d had no real choices available to her.

‘Remus, sort out the food. We’ll be right back,’ Molly said firmly.

What June needed now was a mother’s love and understanding. Mrs. Weasley understood all too well how she had to feel. She’d nursed Ginny through her own set of troubles with Harry and she’d had her own problems growing up before she agreed to an arranged marriage with Arthur Weasley.

‘Is everything alright over here?’ asked their waiter. ‘Did I hear something about werewolves? We don’t want any trouble in here – and not with that kind! You need to go elsewhere if that’s what you are…’

‘Yes it is and no you didn’t,’ said Ron sharply. ‘We placed an order – it doesn’t take this long to make some ruddy pancakes…’

‘Fuck the bloody pancakes! You don’t accept werewolves then you don’t accept me!’ shouted June. ‘What is wrong with you people? THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH US!!’

She ran out of the shop with Molly chasing after her.

‘You just made a serious mistake,’ hissed Ron as he flashed his Junior Auror’s badge. ‘It is against the law to willfully discriminate and I can have you before the Ministry. There are witnesses!’

‘You’re fired!’ said the Manager to his employee. ‘I’m not losing my shop and good paying customers over your attitude!’

‘Right! Money! Not like it’s on the principle itself now, is it?’ Ron hissed.

‘Let it go, Ron. Let’s get out of here,’ said Remus.

Damn Dumbledore and his idealism. All that had happened was exactly what the werewolf feared. Molly should know better than to fill his daughter with false expectations. Despite what Dumbledore had said, Severus had hurt her and there was no way he would ever accept her.

Lupin, Ron and McGonagall left the shop without paying for their order. They caught sight of Molly and June a few doors down. The young Sachem had managed to pull herself together, but looked tired.

‘Let’s go back to ours, Mum,’ said Ron. ‘We can all relax and talk there – everyone wants to meet you, June…’

‘I was just saying the same thing,’ replied Mrs. Weasley.

The little group headed towards the Floo Travel Centre next to the Leaky Cauldron. They made small talk but June was silent. Severus had given her everything that she’d ever wanted for herself and now it was all gone.

xxxOOOxxx

Severus sat in the doom and gloom of his sitting room. He couldn’t stop fidgeting and began to pace. He was always better at thinking on his feet, thought thinking was the last thing he really wanted. But the thoughts were coming.

Her eyes. His beloved had her father’s eyes. And his calmness, strength and gentleness. Lupin had marked her at the moment of conception. June was definitely her father’s daughter. No wonder she had seemed so familiar.

The Potions Master tried not to think of her. He did not want to think of her. But every time he closed his eyes, he could see her. He thought back on their interlude before they went to London. Never before had he ever known such bliss. She had bewitched his mind and ensnared his senses from the moment he laid eyes on her. Flashes of her swam before his eyes.

Her smile. Her laughter. She could communicate more with a look or simple touch than even the greatest wizards of the age. Her head thrown back as he thrust inside her. The way she called out for him, wanting more. The feel of her skin. The pleasure she gave him; the pleasure she gave willingly. She had been the first to utter those three little words. ‘I Love You’ – how he had longed to hear those words.

How he longed to hear them again.

Severus’ hands shook as he held a glass and bottle of Firewhiskey. His eyes burned with red-hot unshed tears. He tried to pour himself another glassful and splashed it all over himself. He took a drink and it burned his throat. Why was he drinking the stuff when he hated alcohol? Tears started to fall.

‘No – no!!’ he admonished himself.

Still the tears fell.

‘Stop it!’ he roared as he hurled the glass against the wall. It shattered as his heart seemed to have done when he walked out of the café.

‘Junel June!’ he cried through his tears. ‘I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it!’ I didn’t mean it!!!’

The Potions Master collapsed onto the floor and sobbed.

A couple of minutes passed and he felt strong arms lifting him up as he continued to weep.

‘I didn’t mean it, Headmaster! I didn’t mean it! I love her! I need her!! Why does everything I touch turn to poison!!’

‘We will get you through this, my son,’ whispered the old wizard tearfully. ‘True love cannot be denied – but it does require that you learn to see through different eyes…’

Severus looked up at him with bloodshot eyes. His mouth was drawn in a wide ‘O’.

‘Do you love her, Severus. To the centre of your core do you love her still?’

‘I never stopped – it was Lupin I was angry with…and this situation. Not knowing…’

‘And you lashed out at the one person in the world who would do nothing except give you her love and support. All that she asks of you is the same in return…’

‘Is she a lycanthrope like her father?’

‘Does it matter?’

The Potions Master went quiet and sat on his sofa. The same sofa where June had been curled up when she took ill. He could still smell the scent of her essential oils; a scent that was uniquely hers.

‘Does it really matter, Severus?’ asked the Headmaster as he sat across from him.

Professor Snape shook his head ‘no’.

‘I want to hear you say it, Severus. You need to hear yourself say it.’

‘No,’ came the reply in a small voice.

‘Have the strength of your convictions Potions Master,’ came another voice.

‘Standing Bear,’ said Dumbledore standing and then bowing. ‘It is a great honour to be blessed with your presence.’

‘Oh shit,’ Severus thought to himself.

‘I know all that you are, Severus Snape, and all that you are not,’ said Standing Bear as he clasped Dumbledore and the Potions Master each on a shoulder. It was his assurance that all was well between them. ‘You are more than you and others would believe that you are. You are no different than Harry Potter, running from who you really are. Other men have defined you and it is their judgments that you are burdened with as you try to walk strong.’

Professor Snape bristled at being compared his former student and thorn in his side. But he knew better than to offer up any semblance of backchat.

‘The Headmaster has posed a question. But I put it to you that you knew in your heart you would always love her even in that moment. Destiny has a way of making us be certain of what we want. In your heart, to the core of what you are – what do you want, Potions Master?’ asked the Nanticoke Elder as he took as seat on the floor.

It was a highly significant move, one that was not lost on either Severus or Professor Dumbledore as the Headmaster also took a seat on the floor.

The Potions Master looked into Standing Bear’s eyes as the Elder ordered him to stay where he was on the sofa. This earned him more respect than even he could comprehend.

‘I want June,’ Severus admitted tearfully. ‘I want her back. She is everything to me – and I am so lost without her. What I said had more to do with her father than anything…I let my problems with him take precedence. I was a dunderhead of the highest calibre. I don’t deserve her. I hurt her – and that will haunt me for the rest of whatever time we have together in this life and ever-after…’

‘Then you must work hard to regain her trust,’ said the Elder with a fearsome gleam in his eyes. ‘You must prove yourself worthy of all that you want from her; of all that she has given to you. Especially what she has given to you on this day! Do we understand each other Severus?!’

The Potions master looked at his superior with wide eyes.

‘Yes, of course I do!’

‘We will resolve these matters once-and-for all and they will be left in the past as lessons well and truly learned,’ said Standing Bear as he rose. ‘Come; there is no time to loose…’