* * *
~ Conflicting Interests ~
By: Oy! Angelina
* * *
"Here," Sirius Black thrust the envelope towards Severus Snape in the late hours of the afternoon January 1st. "That's the formal version of the apology. Just in case I forget anything I intend to say now."
The two boys were the only stiff occupants of an empty classroom. Snape wouldn't have come if it hadn't been insisted upon by Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Heilsing. He had no desire to hear what Black had to say, but he knew he wouldn't be permitted to leave until he had finished.
"While we're young then," Snape curtly encouraged.
Black appeared as though he wanted to retort, but held his tongue.
Impressive, for Black.
"I thought about what to say to you and decided against feeding you the apology McGonagall and Dumbledore would like me to say and mean, but they're not here so I have the luxury of honesty," Black led in.
"In spite of how much I can't stand you, I didn't intend for you to get hurt last night. You won't believe me, but it's still true. It was wrong for me to attempt and I'm thankful James stepped in before - well, I'm sorry I could have gotten you seriously injured. You don't have to forgive me and I certainly see no reason for us to get all chummy now, but I just thought you should know that I take no pleasure in the idea of you getting roughed up or worse by Remus and don't plan on trying anything of the sort again. Incidentally, don't take it out on Remus. He had no clue what my stupid git face was up to, so if you want to take it out on someone, well I'll be around."
"Perhaps you will," Snape eyed Black coldly, "or perhaps my family will have more sway over Dumbledore than I have."
Black sighed.
"Won't settle for anything less than expulsion, will you?" Black demanded, "trust me; I'll be paying with interest for this without them having to break my wand. You'll get to see me walking about plenty miserable for your amusement."
"Oh yes, the trials and tribulations of mingling with your friends and being one of the most popular faces in school," Snape sneered, "how my heart bleeds for Sirius Black."
"You have no idea what - " Sirius pointed at Snape before taking a deep breath. "Look, there's no love lost between us here. We're going to go back to hating each other like old news and that's how we both like it. The thing is you're in the right this time and it will probably be a while before we're back on equal footing concerning this feud. So have fun on your high horse, I'll send you an Owl from detention to keep you posted on how my penance is going. Good? Grand."
"Make light of this all you want, Black," Snape haughtily replied, "you're not in the clear yet. I'll see to that."
"Yeah well, run yourself ragged, mate," Sirius muttered as he waved Snape off. Heading towards the classroom door, he glanced back at Snape. "Are you going to tell McGonagall I apologized or you planning on being a prat?"
"I'll tell her about your mediocre attempt," was all Snape would promise.
"Bully to you, then," Sirius flashed a smile.
It showed every last tooth and was completely insincere.
The obnoxious smile of Blacks.
Snape lingered in the classroom for a moment, glancing at the letter in his hand, musing its contents.
He decided he didn't care.
"Incendio," Snape touched his wand to the envelope and released it before it burst into combusted.
Brushing the ash from his robes, Snape departed the room.
* * *
Severus Snape awoke a little after four in the morning on January 2nd from his usual dreamless sleep. This was almost a standard time for him to rise. Not intentionally, just reflexively. A horrible insomniac, Snape habitually mixed light sleeping tonic to force out small amounts of sleep. He didn't mind really.
You accomplish a lot more in 20 hour days anyway.
Too early for him to leave his room without invoking the ire of Argus Filch (the only man in this school who slept less than himself) Snape decided to brew some of his fouler potions before he bothered to clean himself up for the day.
Since winter holiday started, Snape had found an abundance of time on his hands. Without classes to prep for and assignments to complete, he had more opportunities to refine his potion brewing. Might as well stock up for when the rest of the Slytherin returned since their would be no shortage in demand (or finances) once everyone was putting in orders for stimulants, sedatives, mild poisons, and the occasional special request from his Housemates. The steady money was a nice incentive, but Snape did it mostly for the practice and to be considered an active part of House Slytherin.
It was the best his anti-social personality could manage as far as peer outreach was concerned.
After six years of doing this, Snape had earned a few allies and a few favors along the way. The sheer mercenary quality of it all was also to be respected amongst the Slytherin. He was careful never to fashion anything illegal or fatal since Snape had no desire for it to be traced back to him, however, he was not above the questionable or peculiar so long as the client had the money to compensate him for the supplies and his time.
Practice, practice, practice.
While others were intimidated by the exacting art of potion making, Snape welcomed the demand for attention and precision. It kept one's mind off a great many things.
It was soothing.
Snape was presently enlisting such relaxation techniques so he wouldn't be tempted to plot revenge against a bulk of the Gryffindor Six Years. It was hard not to think about how much he loathed the lot of them, but Snape knew any unconventional retaliation on his part wouldn't be tolerated by Dumbledore who was supposedly handling matters from the night before. It didn't help that Heilsing had made her presence more than known. Snape was half amazed she didn't decide to camp out on his bedroom floor just to be on the safe side of things.
Heilsing rightfully suspected he had cast the blood trail incantation, she just couldn't prove it because Dumbledore refused to indulge her.
Fortunately for him.
Snape very much doubted he would be expelled for that since attempted murders like Sirius Black were still around; however that would just raise a slew of questions Snape didn't feel like addressing.
For example:
How he had learned the incantation?
What others did he know?
What was his opinion on the Dark Arts?
Answers:
Through diligent effort and the proper books.
Lots.
A slanderous word for useful magics.
To Severus Snape and a substantial portion of his family and friends, dark magic was regarded as a tool of neutral alignment. The moral were typically too unimaginative to appreciate its benefits while the immoral were too greedy or unwise to recognize it limitations and costs. This philosophy had earned his family a questionable reputation in the Wizarding world and found their closest friends and contacts to be of a less reputable sort as a result.
His Father had joked that those connected to their blood were best regarded as the lesser of all evils.
Admittedly, Arcanus Snape traditionally didn't have a sense of humor so he may have just been making a simple observation.
Leaving his potions to simmer as he left to bathe, Snape pondered this characteristic of his father along the way. It prompted the question of where he had inherited his sardonic wit if not from him. Many often commented how alike he and his father were in disposition and features, of course he was typically only sarcastic when people were aggravating him or he could afford to be so, which was rarely the case when he was with his father's colleagues or family associates.
Mother then, perhaps?
It would make sense. Her sharp, socialite tongue that possessed the skill of innuendo and the knack for isolating the most remote of weaknesses to lash out upon. He had spent a majority of his time prior to Hogwarts in her presence since his Father loved his career and cared for his family. Of course being the self-imposed sheltered creature she was, his Mother wasn't placed in charge of his formative education; that was for his Father or tutors.
Snape had to admit Mother was not without things to teach. In addition to her gift of aristocratic savvy, her knowledge of hexes and high-road magics was astounding. Snape had enjoyed these lessons, but they kept his Father surprisingly ignorant of this considering he worked in the Department of Mysteries in the Ministry.
Snape accredited his mother's cruel humor and lax biases on magic as the foundation for their fairly pleasant relationship. She was rarely more proud of her only son than when she was privy to him tearing down someone annoying and it was mutual for him.
This had prepared him extraordinarily for functioning within Slytherin.
At breakfast, the other members of the House that stayed over were plotting how to best while away their fleeting days of break. Judging by the infrequent sightings of both of Aaron Lestrange and Mary Tudor's hands and his utter lack of interest in what they employing them for, Snape assumed they had a plan. Nott and Avery were in a debate whether Pure-Bloods or Mud-Bloods made better ritualistic sacrifices in various spells and argued when they couldn't match opinions.
Snape stole a quick glance at the Gryffindors end of the Hall. Lily and Potter were seated close to one another but weren't nearly as affectionate as the couple at his table. It was a good thing they retained some decency, anything less wouldn't suit the Gryffindor golden boy and his latest trophy.
Though Snape thought it would be funny if Potter tried something lewd since he was assured Lily's reaction would be memorable.
Lupin made infrequent comments to Pettigrew's dialogue. He appeared to be far too invested in looking sour when he wasn't buttering Figg's toast or pouring her fresh pumpkin juice from a pitcher. Snape assumed this was meant to be some thoughtful gesture but he viewed it as just making Figg out to be utterly incompetent. Taking this as some sort of indication that Lupin and Figg were attached now, Snape was curious if she knew about Lupin's nightlife. Snape had to admit that the two suited one another a bit.
Whenever he wasn't a foaming monster, Lupin was a whimpering pushover who was just begging for some domineering shrew like Figg to waltz in and commander whatever fraction of dignity Snape didn't give him the credit of possessing.
Black was nowhere to be found at the table and Snape figured it would be uncharacteristically optimistic of him to assume he was lying dead somewhere in the castle. That only left his friends had turned on him in all likeliness.
So even the loyalty of the Gryffindors has its limits.
When the family Hawk (Mother found Owls passé) delivered a package that was most likely potion supplies and a letter, Severus had an excuse to ignore the heavy petting and morbid curiosity that was presently boxing him in along with the speculations regarding the Gryffindor. He read the letter but refused to open the package in public.
* * *
1977, January 1st:
Severus:
Your Father and I would wish you a Happy New Year if Albus Dumbledore had not made us so acutely aware of how it began. We are relieved to know that you are well in spite of everything; however, I am not entirely confident in his methods regarding the Blacks' son.
At his invitation; although we would have come otherwise, we shall be arriving at Hogwarts in the late morning of January 3rd to discuss this incident. Your Father will encourage an alternate decision of Headmaster Dumbledore as, judging from the letter you sent describing what had transpired and everything leading up to it, he is completely under reacting. Well, this will all be sorted out in a few days time.
Winifred was bored without your presence at Winter Solstice. I know she is not nearly as sophisticated a conversation as you traditionally favor, however you are the only one who bothers to talk to her at these family affairs since the rest of your Father's side be rather unaccommodating to those unfamiliar with everything unknown. Your Father is a brilliant man, Severus, but that does not excuse his frustrating theoretical topics of conversation.
As such, I have decided that regardless of your preference for where you will be spending your Spring Holiday, I would like you home. Vernal Equinox will be with us and I refuse to have your Aunt Vates talk down to me as though I were a simpering fool because we all cannot be blessed with clairvoyance. Thankfully you were never your Father's son when it came to the vaguely credible field that is Divination. In any case, feel free to invite whomever you care to over for the holiday, just so long as they refrain from insisting upon reading their tea leaves every time we pour a fresh cup.
I picked up your usual supplies for your projects and a few rare ones I happened across in Knockturn Alley. I am not certain of what all of them are ingredients of, but I'm sure you will find a use to put them to. Winifred will be returning to school this weekend. If she requests you brew her anything, oblige her since she recommended a few of the components to me.
Fondly,
~ Mother
* * *
"Anything interesting?" Mary Tudor poked at the package with one long finger, before nodding to the letter.
"The usual family trappings," Snape replied in a bored tone. He hadn't bothered to mention his other evening to the rest of the Slytherins since they would relentlessly pry for details and lacked the facets necessary for any constructive advice. "My Mother chiding me for not coming home to entertain Winifred."
Winifred Wilkes was Snape's distant cousin on his paternal side. Their Great-Grandfathers had been identical twins and they were the most recent descendants of these lines. As such, they were more than accustom to one another's presence and maintained a civil relationship both inside and out of Hogwarts. In her own self-indulgent way, Winifred was amusing at times but their interaction typically lacked the intelligence and appeal that his ones with Lily Evans offered. She was also familiar with Mary Tudor and the other Slytherin girls of their Year.
"Pity she didn't stay over. It would have been nice to have her around. Bit dull with no other girls my Year to talk to," Tudor commented as her boyfriend nibbled on her ear. Snape was fairly sure Tudor had managed too keep herself amused just fine without female companionship. "You don't have any vials of Contraceptive Drafts about do you."
"I am entirely too informed of your sexual habits, Mary," Snape reported while he folded his letter into his robes.
"If you weren't so repressed you could be an active participant," Tudor countered playfully.
"Flattered, however I don't quite feel like relinquishing the oddity of being the only person in our House not to see either of you naked," Snape declined. "I'll put it on your already running tab and leave the bottle in the common room?"
"That's fine," Tudor shrugged as she turned her attentions to Lestrange who was contributing his own opinions to Nott and Avery's debate.
Although cunning and ambition were prerequisites of Slytheirn according to the school's the Sorting Hat; hedonism, amoral behavior, and sexual debauchery became chic somewhere around 4th Year. Not nearly as provocative as the other Houses extended them the credit of being, Slytherin operated on a do-as-you-feel-just-don't-get-caught principle that many students outside of the House had difficulty grasping.
Professor Heilsing certainly didn't condone it but she wasn't really considered to be a part of Slytherin even though she was the Head of the House. As such, a form of Slytherin fun was the coveted art of misdirection. Successfully preoccupying Heilsing without her knowing you were responsible was an instant and vast source of prestige. The more daring for the perpetrator and the more infuriating it was for Heilsing, the more satisfying it was when congratulations were distributed in the commons.
Not at all curious about what Mary would interject next into the conversation, Snape rose from breakfast with his package under arm. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Professor Dumbledore was approaching him. The other Slytherins quickly straightened up and abandoned any unseemly conversations as they watched the Headmaster suspiciously.
"Good morning, all of you," Dumbledore greeted the table, earning a few muttered responses before he turned to Snape. "Would it be an inconvenience for me to walk with you for a bit, Severus?"
"Not at all." Snape cordially replied as he walked off with Dumbledore, keeping his package on his opposite side. Exiting the Great Hall, Dumbledore said hello to some late arriving students before turning to Snape.
"Severus, I was curious to know if your afternoon was free," Dumbledore smiled as Snape approached.
"I had some projects in mind but nothing that cannot be put off until later," Snape replied, feeling little need to mention he had been eager to brewing with supplies only available in Knockturn Alley since his package had arrived. Although he was still disgruntled with his lack of satisfaction in Black's discipline, Snape didn't believe it would be prudent to antagonize the Headmaster.
That was for his parents to do.
"What would you have of me, Professor?" Snape inquired.
"Regarding the incident a night prior," Dumbledore spoke softly so his voice would not carry too far from the conversation. "I plan on informing the other students involved later of this as well; all your parents or guardians will be arriving tomorrow to discuss what has occurred."
"Yes, I received a message from them just this a few moments before informing me of such," Snape nodded, "I will see them later tomorrow morning I believe."
"Your Father works for the Ministry, does he not?" Dumbledore made polite conversation.
"Yes, the Department of Mysteries," Snape agreed. "They are considering promoting him as the Head."
"I am certain Arcanus Snape would be well suited for such a position," Professor Dumbledore processed this thoughtfully. "I took the liberty of contacting someone in the Department of Magical Catastrophes I would like you to speak with before all the parents and their students discuss what has occurred."
Snape's eyes lit up slightly at this prospect. Perhaps Dumbledore wasn't being as unaccommodating has he had originally thought if he was willing to involve the Ministry. Most likely this was a part of some procedure that needed to be carried out, but it still ensured that the Ministry would be aware beyond that of his Father and any other parents who held ties to the Ministry.
"That would be acceptable," Snape consented. "When will they be arriving?"
"Actually you are to meet her in Hogsmeade at noon in the Three Broomsticks. She felt it would bring less attention to the situation if she spoke with you outside of Hogwarts," Dumbledore informed. "I have made all the traveling arrangements already. Once you are prepared to leave, speak with Professor Heilsing and she will see you out."
She? So then a Witch.
"Whom shall I ask for when I arrive?" Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, I believe she shall introduce herself to you," Dumbledore assured. "If you will now excuse me, I must see a few more of your peers before the day is out. Enjoy yourself, Severus, if it is at all possible given your recent stress. Farewell."
Dumbledore strolled off, leaving Snape near the entrance of the dungeons. He was wary of Dumbledore's deliberate vagueness concerning his meeting in Hogsmeade, but that was also the Headmaster's usual peculiar disposition. Deciding he had enough time to inventory his new potion ingredients and retrieve the vial Tudor requested before he should leave, Snape was curious as to what the Ministry's assessment of the situation would be.
* * *
Arriving in Hogsmeade with twenty minutes to spare, Snape browsed the shops of the burg. It was refreshing not to have half of Hogwarts scuttling about with him. Deciding there was nothing in particular he cared to purchase, Snape made his way to the Three Broomsticks at a leisurely pace.
Stepping into the establishment, it was almost startling empty since Snape was more familiar with it being overrun by Hogwarts students. Supporting only a few patrons for lunch, Snape scanned the room until he noticed a young woman motioning towards him.
Approaching the Witch as she rose to greet him, Snape observed that she was probably in her mid-twenties if that. Her robes were professional but feminine navy satin to match her eyes which were masked beneath oval glasses. Her raven hair was drawn behind her head, reminding Snape slightly of Professor McGonagall.
If McGonagall had ever been an elegant, composed beauty that is.
"You must be Severus Snape," the Witch extended her hand and a smile to Snape, which he accepted.
Such a familiar smile . . .
"You are with the Ministry then, I assume," Snape rhetorically guessed as he sat in the seat she gestured towards. He took note of her handsome carrying case, along with some folders and stationary arranged orderly on her side of the table.
"Yes, I'm an Analyst," she nodded.
"Of situations such as mine?" Snape inquired.
"Of people in situations such as yours." she replied
Realizing what Dumbledore's wolf in comely sheep's clothing, Snape had to laugh.
"That would make you a psychiatrist then?" Snape smirked.
Brilliant. The old man thought he was mad.
"If you'd like to reduce my position to its most evidently threatening incarnation to you, then yes," she nodded, slightly amused. "In all actuality, I meet with wizards and witches after traumatic events, listen to what they have to say about them, make a few notes, and offer recommendations on how to remedy things without complicating the circumstances any further than it has already become."
Removing her glasses, the Witch offered another kind smile.
"Your statement on what has transpired is the only part of our meeting any person, aside from myself, will be aware of officially. If you feel there is anything you wish to confide in me, then I took a rather serious oath when I started in the department obligating me to treat whatever you mention discreetly. While it might impact my recommendations to my superiors, they will have absolutely no knowledge of the specifics. I would very much like to hear what you have to say since I can only imagine what you're thinking and feeling presently."
Snape's black eyes didn't waver from the woman as he listened to her. He was still attempting to handle that he was sitting with a supposed authority on emotion and reaction courtesy of Albus Dumbledore. While he could recognize the necessity of a person such as herself in the Wizarding worlds, Snape felt if he had required someone to reflect on his assumed distress then he would have requested one. Resentful of his permission being usurped so blatantly, Snape decided to be only cooperative enough to move things along.
"I'm assuming you'd wish me to tell you what happened?" Snape suggested.
"Well I have a very thorough description of events thanks to Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall's that's based on everything either had heard from the parties involved," the Witch explained. "I'm mostly here for your perspective and what we discuss from that point forward will be up to you."
"You're coming off as a therapist again," Snape observed coolly.
"That will happen, I'll beg you to bear with me," she looked amused again.
"May I speak bluntly?" Snape didn't bother to wait for a reply. "I find this entire meeting to be bloody ridiculous. I'm the victim of an elaborate deathtrap engineered by a deranged mind yet I'm the one being analyzed. Psychiatrists are fond of seeking out the root of the problem aren't they? I'll spare you a precious amount of time and energy, his name is Sirius Black and I believe he is in more desperate need of having his head examined than myself."
"You know I've been recommending it to the family for years, I assure you," the Witch smiled in a knowing manner.
"You are familiar with Black?" Snape was suddenly interested in what she had to say now.
"Only by blood. My name is Dr. Aurora Black," Aurora introduced herself formally. "Sirius Black is my younger brother."
Although he had felt blindside since he'd bother to leave his room, Snape had to admit he didn't see that one coming.
Considering himself to presently be the subject of an intricate conspiracy to agitate him even more than he already was, Snape found himself glaring at Black's sister. This must be Dumbledore's grand plan to have the Ministry involved while everything gets silently swept under the rug. After all, it's not as though Black's sister was going to throw the book at her own brother.
"Doesn't your department find this to be a conflict of interests? Sending an attempted murder's sister to talk with his intended victim?" Snape raised an eyebrow, speaking through his teeth. He was outraged to the point of storming out and Owling his parents that very instant.
"Actually I said that myself," Aurora shrugged as though it were some minor irony. "They thought I would be able to offer a unique perspective through my relationship with Sirius and my conversation with you. I had my own protests initially but I suppose there is a certain wisdom in all this."
"This is a waste of both our time," Snape's voice was icy. "Whatever I have to say on the matter will be sugar coated through the intervention of family bonds. By the time we're finished here, you'll be describing Black as a cheeky lad who got a little carried away."
Aurora Black gave Snape a sharp look as though he had personally insulted her as he was sorely tempted to. Leaning in closer, she locked eyes with him in a firm manner.
"Instead of you guessing at what my position is on all this, why not let me inform you," her voice wooden.
"I love my brother, Mr. Snape and I won't pretend otherwise, however I am also extraordinarily serious and devoted to my vocation and the responsibilities that are a part of it. You have my assurances that I will to take note of what you have to say with the same objective mind I would have in any other case. If I feel Sirius is every bit the danger you describe him to be, I'll be the first to recommend measures be taken to ensure his safety and those associated with him. It's because I love Sirius that I wouldn't risk blinding myself to delinquent behavior. I don't want him to muck up his life beyond repair if I can do something to prevent all that."
Snape couldn't decide if she bore a resemblance to Sirius Black yet since he had never seen Black look either serious or mature in all the encounters they shared over the years. She had his dark hair, but her eyes were a different blue. Not the frosty shade of Black's, but the color one would find on the deepest ocean. Weighing her family ties against her sense of professional integrity, Snape decided to give the woman a fair chance since she appeared adamant about hearing him out.
Even if she was a Black.
"Very well," Snape consented, "however if I get the slightest indication that you're attempting to dismiss or twist my words to save your brother's hide, this conversation is over and I'll be sure you're lack of professionalism is noted."
"That is an utterly reasonable request," Dr. Black nodded, smiling again. "I should make you aware, part of my being objective is to offer alternate points of view for you to consider. Think of it as a civil debate. You don't like what I say, challenge it, and I'll pay you the same respect."
"Agreed," Snape crossed his arms, wondering how long it would be before she was abandoning her word on Sirius's behalf.
Placing her Raven-feather Quill between her fingers, she placed her spectacles upon her face and pulled a section of parchment in front of her.
"Now then, if you'd describe the evening as you saw it, we can get started," Dr. Black encouraged.
Dr. Black listened without interruption or protest, though she did occasionally ask him to pause so she could finish something she was scribbling or repeat a sentence so she could quote it. After spending fifteen minutes or so recording his version of the night, Aurora Black quickly scanned over her notes and placed them to the side before returning her attention to Snape.
"Let's take a break, hm?" She offered. "Order a bite before we go on?"
"If you are so inclined," Snape consented aloofly.
Beckoning a waitress over, Dr. Black turned to Snape.
"Get whatever you want on my coin," She insisted. "It's the least I can do considering Sirius's behavior."
"So you're Black's older sister now, Doctor?" Snape questioned.
"When I'm on lunch break I am," Dr. Black reported slightly amused. "Speaking of which, feel free to call me Aurora when you're my dining company. May I call you by your first name as well?"
"I suppose if 'Mr. Snape' is too difficult for you to recall," Snape commented.
"I respond just as nicely to 'yes' or 'no' answers as I do to 'sod off, cow', Mr. Snape. Possibly better, I'd wager," Aurora assured, calling Snape on his rudeness.
Sirius's wit was poking out a bit on her.
"Severus is fine," Snape saw little point in being petty.
Ordering a few sandwiches and a pot of tea between them, Aurora removed her glasses once more, folding them along with her hands.
"Why not tell me a bit about yourself?" Aurora suggested. "You know, the usual sort of chitchat, family, friends, hobbies?"
"Parents and some extended members, few and far between, and potion making as well as hating your brother and his friends," Snape listed.
Aurora snorted a laugh.
"Sarcastic thing aren't you?" She observed almost appreciatively.
"Sorry if my etiquette is a bit off," Snape smugly, "I'm not entirely sure what to discuss with the sister of a boy I utterly loath while she's attempted to analyze me."
"But you have spoken with PEOPLE before, haven't you?" Aurora rolled her eyes a bit. "It's pretty much along the same lines. If you don't want me to know anything you don't have to mention it, we both attempt inoffensive inquiries of one another's lives, and if I hit a sore spot just tell me so and I'll back off graciously."
"Fine, how long have you had this intrusive job of your?" Snape provoked a chuckle from Aurora. The woman certainly had a measure of tolerance her brother didn't possess.
"Six years," Aurora replied. "I spent my first two years out of Hogwarts interning at St. Mungo's. I had considered becoming a physician initially."
"What had changed your mind?" Snape continued.
"I found myself spending more and more time with those whose memories or psyches suffered tremendously after some Wizarding mishap or another. It struck a cord with me so I made the decision to help prevent people from landing in such predicaments rather than resign myself to merely treating them. My current employ allows me to accomplish such and I find it very rewarding," Aurora went on.
"I'd expect as much gallant sentiment from a former Gryffindor," Snape stated.
"What would you expect from a Ravenclaw since that was my affiliated House at Hogwarts," Aurora smirked.
The waitress came along with their tea and sandwiches, distributing them appropriately.
"I had assumed that Blacks were commonly Gryffindors," Snape muttered, aggravated that jumping to that conclusion had made him look foolish.
"Because of Sirius? No, he's the first Gryffindor to the Black's credit in ages. We're traditionally the Hufflepuff sort, but Sirius and I thought it would be fun to shake things up a bit," Aurora sipped her tea. "Must say, Gryffindor suits the little prank-monkey."
Snape felt a smile twitch at his lips but he refused to indulge it.
"So, how about you? What House are you associated with or do I get to guess too?" Aurora sweetened her tea some more.
"Why not guess," Snape felt like testing the woman's perception.
"Hmm, afraid you'd say that. Probably shouldn't have offered, eh?" Aurora paused as she looked Snape over for a moment. "I'll say a fellow Ravenclaw."
"Why?" Snape prompted, gagging to see if her entire basis for this was narcissism.
"Let's see. You resent the Gryffindors a bit for their showiness so that would suggest you're not one of them. You strike me as the introverted sort so that would make you a strange breed of Hufflpuff. You articulate yourself well and have a dry wit, which makes you as likely candidate for Slytherin as Ravenclaw, but the Slytherins I know seemed a little more fond of their mind games in conversations," Aurora rationalized. "So?"
"I'm a Slytherin. Interesting deduction though," Snape informed as he picked at his food. "And I do like my mind games. Pity your brother doesn't have much of one to play with."
"Sirius was never one for subtleties, but he has his own way of contending with people whom challenge him," Aurora agreed in a nostalgic tone. "I used to be my Brother's keeper . . .still am I suppose. Wish I could go back to sending him to his room without afternoon tea."
Aurora had done an admirable performance of pretending not to be affected by her brother's behavior, but the mask slipped briefly when she glanced off to the side, hiding the disappointment in her eyes. Snape imagined she probably took Black's prank personally, as some comment of the influence she had in his life. Just as quickly as this vulnerability displayed itself, Aurora brushed it to the side like a stray thread on her robes.
"You said it's only you and your parents. Only child then?" Aurora smiled with interest. Snape recognized she and Sirius has the same smile, though Aurora's was far less sarcastic than the one he was used to seeing.
"It suits me," Snape divulged. If Sirius was any indication of the Blacks' quality of stock, he wagered Aurora would have been better off as one as well. Snape was struck with the morbid curiosity of what the Black Line's chances of dying out were.
"How many siblings do you have aside from your brother?"
"Two sisters; younger than me, older than Sirius," Aurora replied. "A couple years after me was Celestine, she's got a fairly successful owl breeding venture going through my parents, and two years before Sirius is Acontiae, she just started as a photographer for Witch Weekly a month ago."
Snape shuddered at the thought of having three older sisters, two of which sounded like absolute flakes. Snape wasn't entirely sure of his opinion towards Aurora as of the moment. He resented her on the possibility she was some Trojan Horse to help Black out of the hot water he had landed himself in. Other than that, he never would have believed her to be such a close blood relation of Sirius Black if not for her admission.
Or that same smile.
Something vague hinted to Snape, like a teasing quote you could only paraphrase rather than entirely recite.
"You remind me of someone. Someone other than Black," Snape clarified.
Who though?
"Is that a good thing?" Aurora picked up the remaining part of her sandwich.
"Possibly," Snape watched her more closely, hoping it would come to him soon.
"You mentioned when you weren't despising my brother and his company you liked Potions. Is that your favorite class?" Aurora kept the conversation moving.
"That or Defense Against the Dark Arts. Both have inadequate instructors," Snape answered.
"Dumbledore had hired Vigilia Heilsing the year after I graduated, hadn't he? Given her reputation in the Ministry I would have thought she'd be a wealth of knowledge," Aurora admitted a bit surprised.
"Perhaps," Snape was wondering if his personal dislike of Heilsing was clouding his evaluation of her teaching. "I stand by Brewsteem being sub-par."
"You mean she's STILL teaching?" Aurora marveled with a laugh. "She looked a stone throw from a nervous breakdown when I attended. Probably why I didn't much care for potion making. It's a wonder you fancy it."
"I had aptitude before hand," Snape explained. "And I have extracurricular projects to keep me interested."
"I liked Charms myself," Aurora noted. "I'm attempting to develop one for clarity of the mind. My hope is it might help those who have gotten muddled by some accident or another. Planning on doing anything with your Potion work?"
"I suppose I'll take a route similar to yours. Invent some new draft that might be of use," Snape shrugged.
"Well you might want to consider being an Analyst if that doesn't work out," Aurora advised. "You're a good listener, ask the right sort of questions. Penchant for mind games never hurts."
"Be that as it may, I think my interpersonal skills are very lacking," Snape countered.
"That's just because you have a guarded personality," Aurora decided.
With that, the elusive similarity came into focus for Snape.
"Lily Evans," Snape said abruptly. "That's who you remind me of. Somewhat."
There were similarities. Fondness of Charms, subtle wit, graceful poise, sense of compassion, seriousness towards their duties. But they were different women. Aurora appeared to possess a greater command of her emotions. She dismissed his snide comments with amusement rather than allowing herself to be wounded to the heart with each one. Aurora was also far less reactionary; she permitted so much to drift past her without feeling compelled to overanalyze or jump to conclusion. Perhaps this was just the difference of eight years or so. When such time elapsed for her, Lily might be the same sophisticated woman as Aurora Black.
Probably not with Potter's influence.
"Lily Evans?" Aurora glanced to her notes without really reading them. "She was the girl involved. You never mentioned how you were acquainted with her. Seems like an awful lot of grief to go through just for a classmate."
"We are peers with civil regard for one another," Snape specified.
"So friends then?" Aurora cocked her head just to the side. She said the word as if it were both obvious and novel; probably because she considered it obvious to her and novel to him.
She wasn't without a point.
"We're both Prefects. At times, we are friends," Snape stated.
"At times?" Aurora glanced quizzically as she poured fresh tea for the both of them.
"We have the habit of saying the wrong things to one another," Snape wasn't comfortable with this conversation. "It's complicated."
"Isn't it always with the opposite sex?" Aurora said more to herself than Snape.
"Why? Are you dating an egotistical prat who plans to coast through life with nothing more than charm and juvenile antics as well?" Snape inquired curtly.
"I hadn't realized Sirius was seeing Miss Evans," Aurora smiled to show she was joking.
Snape felt himself smile slightly.
"Potter," he corrected.
"Ah, James!" Aurora smile broadened.
What the hell was with women and Potter?
"Take it you like him?" Snape observed bitterly.
"Practically a second little brother that one," Aurora nodded. "Typically had the most sense of the two. Poor boy though, he's had more loss for him than most will ever know. He and Sirius are good for one another."
Aurora stopped, as though she realized she was talking a bit too much or just to the wrong person.
"Well, you reckon we should get back to talking about the other night?" Aurora suggested.
"I suppose," Snape was not at all eager to resume Aurora's inquiry. He doubted that deviating from their idle conversation would do anything other than lower his opinion of her.
Oh well, it had been interesting for a while.
"All right then. Now do you think Black intended to harm you through his prank?" Aurora began. Snape was slightly impressed with her ability to detach herself personally from the situation so abruptly.
"I'd say it's likely given our prior interactions," Snape responded. "Who could be so thoughtless as to assume they have a situation such as that under their explicit control?"
"Evidently Sirius Black," a knowing look flickered over Aurora's face but vanished as quickly as it had appeared. "Do you think it was his intention for Lupin to either bite or kill you that night? Part of my reason for being here is to assess if Sirius Black is capable of cold blooded violence."
Aurora's expression was blank as she awaited his reply. How could she say something like that about her own brother without reacting?
"I'd say Black was more negligent than deliberate," Snape admitted. "That doesn't make him any less a menace in my opinion."
"I can understand that," Aurora scribbled notes down.
Snape guessed she meant that professionally, not as Black's sister.
"Do you think Black's capable of repeating an incident such as the one New Year's Eve?" Aurora pressed.
"It's not certain, but it's likely," Snape replied.
More notes.
How could she just block through it?
"Do you think Black's likely to attempt harming you in the future?" Aurora questioned.
"Probably not through nearly as elaborate a means as before, but yes." Snape confirmed.
"And others?"
"I think Lupin, Evans, and Pettigrew could attest to Black being something of a threat to those exposed to him," Snape noted.
"How would you describe Sirius Black's mental state?"
"Impulsive and volatile. He changes moods very rapidly between the camaraderie he extends to his friends and the wrath he subjects his enemies too. He's unstable and seems to not value his attachments since he was willing to exploit his own friend just to get at me," Snape evaluated.
Notes again.
No reaction.
"Finally, what do you think should happen to Sirius Black?"
"I think he should become expelled before he learns of new ways to hurt those around him," Snape spoke candidly. "I'd also recommend someone investigates his psychological stability more closely."
Aurora Black placed her Quill down and turned to Snape with a smile.
It was in courtesy, not warmth.
It had changed.
"Thank you. I'll be sure to consider your sentiments in my recommendation for my superiors and Professor Dumbledore when we head back," Aurora started to return her belongings into her carrying bag.
"We?" Snape asked curiously.
"Yes, I'll be returning to Hogwarts with you," Aurora nodded, softly adding. "I planned to talk with Sirius."
"That must be a conflict of interests. To analyze your own brother," Snape mentioned.
"Oh, I'm not going on behalf of my job," Aurora shook her head. "Just as his sister."
"Oh."
"If you have no objections, we could head out right now," Aurora offered.
"That would be fine," Snape approved.
"Alright," Aurora paid the bill and rose. "Well, I'm officially off the clock so no more shop talk, agreed?"
"Agreed," Snape replied, not interested in going into that conversation further.
Aurora had a relieved smile on now.
Snape wondered if all the Blacks had that same smile.
"So do Slytherins and Ravenclaws still have that peaceful acquaintance policy running?" Aurora wondered.
"We have a mutual tolerance in effect," Snape smirked, "the brave few inter-House date on occasion."
"It was like that when I went," Aurora reminisced, "I was one of the brave few from time to time."
"Any particular reason for being such?"
"Practicality has its appeal and if its one thing you Slytherins know it's you can't learn everything from books."
* * *
Just as she had said, Aurora didn't mention the incident on New Years Eve any more nor did she ever attempt to dissuade Snape off his dislike for Sirius Black.
In fact, she only mentioned her brother in passing conversation.
Snape assumed Aurora was more than conscious of what her brother considering he had been reared in her presence. She also was probably sensitive how his antics may be difficult to appreciate outside of the family and those close to them.
On their return to Hogwarts, Aurora and Snape exchanged more dialogue like they had at lunch. The more relevant points of their discussion revealed that Aurora was twenty-five as of September and she lived in London with a Morning Dove named Helios as her only acknowledged roommate if there were others, but spent time at her family manner when she could afford it. She didn't keep a close interest with Quidditch but knew enough herself and was moderately informed between her father, Sirius, and her sister Celestine prattling on to have something of an idea of what went on.
That was as personal as Aurora delved, but Snape noticed a bit more past the surface of their chat.
Aurora avoided mentioning anything personal about her life, such as friends, hobbies, or other intimate details that slip out. Perhaps she was still keeping up a certain professional decorum or perhaps she didn't have much of a personal life. Still, she said things whether or not she intended.
He was willing to wager that Aurora was significantly influenced by her Father's example since she lacked the typical emotional responses more domesticated women project. It wasn't impossible that her Mother was a strong example to follow but Sirius Black struck Snape as more of the coddled Momma's boy sort. Aurora appeared to project a majority of her maternal instincts in her younger brother, possibly her younger sisters too but Snape couldn't say for sure. She presented herself as independent and secure, which probably meant she was either a professional bachelorette or in a deeply invested relationship. Snape leaned towards the former since she appeared reasonably guarded.
He noticed that though he was eight years younger than her, Aurora never spoke down to him or implied that his opinion was less credible since he was her junior. Snape doubted it was on account of her infrequent association with his age group since he imagined Black had his friends over often enough. Maybe she was just accustomed to speaking with young adults as adults or potentially pandering didn't suit her liking all that well.
Snape was also fairly confident that as he analyzed Aurora while speaking she was inspecting his own words and nonverbal signals as well.
Maybe he would be a decent Analyst.
Strolling through the grand entrance of Hogwarts, Aurora stopped her pace in front of the main stairwell. She turned and extended her hand once more to Snape.
"Well Severus, this is where I shall leave you for the day so I can reflect on our discussion, contact my superiors, and give my assessment to Professor Dumbledore," Aurora reported with a slight bow as the shook hands. "I'll Owl you sometime when I get the opportunity, see how things are going along with you. Feel free to do the same in between your Potion projects."
"You don't have to say that. You don't have to feel obliged to talk with me now that I'm off your caseload," Snape replied softly.
Aurora smiled one last time, rolling her sapphire eyes slightly.
"I'll Owl you sometime," She repeated, before she made her way up the stairs with a polite wave.
Thinking better of lingering, Snape made his way to the library. Ignoring the usual intrusive stare of Madam Pince, Snape made his way over to the stacks reserved for information pertaining to Hogwarts. Scanning the shelves, Snape found the Hogwarts Memoirs for 1969-1970. Curious to see how much he thought he knew about Aurora Black, deemed it would be good to start by seeing if she was even a Ravenclaw as she had claimed.
Scanning the scribed print and animated pictures of the years, Snape skipped to the index to find the Black, Aurora. He found cited on nearly a dozen pages in the book, far more than most of the other Ravenclaws graduating in her Year.
Starting with the first reference, Snape found it was a biography of Aurora Black that all students expected to have made in their final Year at Hogwarts.
* * *
Aurora Black
Born: 1952, September 3rd
Credits: Quidditch (Keeper);1966-1970, Prefect; 1967-1970, Special Merit Award for Outstanding Performance in Charms; 1970
Nicknames: "Aura" and "The Honorary Slytherin"
Best Remembered for: Getting off scot-free after slapping Lucius Malfoy in front of Professor Dumbledore in Transfigurations.
Prediction for the Future: Most likely to let her smile be her passport.
* * *
Snape suppressed a chuckle, as he flipped to more pages. According to the book, Aurora moonlighted as a Slytherin since she spent nearly as much time with them as her own House. There were a few pictures of her and Lucius Malfoy together, showing them smiling formally with their peers around them with one portraying them strolling the meadow near the lake.. Snape knew Lucius Malfoy through his Father's work and Mother's friends. He appreciated Lucius's presence usually since there were few people his age typically at family functions and other gathering. Snape wondered how familiar he was with Aurora during their time at Hogwarts. Reasonably, he'd wager, if she had cause to slap him.
That was probably an interesting story.
Aurora also underplayed her interest in Quidditch since she was on her House team for four years; possibly she outgrew it after graduation.
Snape noticed that most of the pictures had Aurora smiling out with a proper grin, pretty but insincere. He doubted that she was necessarily miserable when these pictures were taken, but she probably wasn't the type to ever be caught exuberant while unaware of it.
Satisfied that Aurora was, more or less, who she claimed to be, Snape closed the book and left the library, debating what to do with his evening. He considered visiting the House commons but doubted he'd find any entertaining company. Lily was probably off with Potter if she didn't take it upon herself to futilely appoint herself as mediator Lupin and Black's falling out. Snape recommitted himself to start mixing potions has he had originally intended to that day.
On his way back to the Dungeons, Snape heard Professor Dumbledore and Sirius Black's voices carry into the corridor.
"My sister's here? Why?" Black asked.
"Aurora's present on my invitation," Dumbledore explained, "I asked her to offer her insights onto the situations. We just finished a lengthy discussion in my office and she has requested to speak to you about the decision we have reached."
Curious in spite of his better judgment, Snape followed where he suspected the voices were heading. Careful to take quiet steps and maintain a length of distance, Snape crept after the Headmaster and Black. Edging around the corner, Snape was grateful for the shadows as he caught sight of the Black siblings and Dumbledore from a distance near the main entrance.
"I believe I will take my leave of you for the moment. I'm sure there are matters you both wish to speak of in confidence."
Snape didn't care for the knowing tone in Dumbledore's voice but suspected that he would have called him out if he had known he was actually there.
"Aura, hey. What's new," Black's tone was deflated.
"Busy. Not as busy as you though," Aurora replied in a disapproving tone.
"Yeah," Was all he could say in response.
"Do you know what you DID to all of us at home, Sirius?" Aurora's voice broke as she stared at her brother. "What you could have done to Severus Snape? To your friends?"
"I know," Black couldn't even look at his sister. "How's everyone?"
"Celestine beside herself with worry. She's convinced you'll go to Azkaban for this no matter what I tell her and don't expect Acontiae to speak with you anytime soon. But she's always been the one to hold a grudge amongst us," Aurora reported with a sigh. Black nodded.
"And Mum and Dad?" Black asked hesitantly.
"Mum's sure you'll be expelled for this and Dad says he's going to pull you out of Hogwarts and break your wand himself if they don't," Aurora reluctantly admitted. Black flinched at the words as though each one lashed against him like a whip. "Mum just won't stop crying, Sir."
Black seemed as though he was about to cry himself.
"Bloody hell. I screwed up, didn't I, Aura?"
Snape imagined Aurora would have found the question rhetorical if anyone but her younger brother had asked it. Common sense probably had a habit of passing Black along much too often to take the chances.
"Yes, you did," Aurora nodded.
"So, what's going to happen now?" Black pressed.
"I recommended to Professor Dumbledore that you come back with me to my department for a bit," Aurora explained gently. "You still have almost a week until school is back in session and if things go as I expect them to, you'll miss only a day or two of the new term at most."
"So they're locking me up," Black didn't sound that surprised.
"No," Aurora firmly corrected with a reassuring hand on her brother's shoulder. "We're just going to talk and try to knit some of that scattered brain of yours back together."
Smiling to show she was only half serious, Aurora affectionately brushed a stray lock of Sirius's hair from his eyes. He looked towards her before pulling her into a hug.
"Aurora," Sirius sobbed quietly into her shoulder
"I didn't mean to. James, Remus, Lily…"
"I know, Sirius," Aurora soothed, "I think a lot of people know that too."
Uncomfortable with his eavesdropping suddenly, Snape left to brew his potions.
It always took his mind off things.
Severus Snape didn't want to think about conflicting interests.
* * *
* * * * * *
* * *
Looky, a great big chapter about the Sexy Sulky Shrewd Scowling Sarcastic Severus Snape! It's a Lily and James fic, I know, but I think this is a fun chapter that people might like even though most of our favorite Gryffindors won't be seen until the next one.
Stuff mentioned:
(Father) Arcanus Snape= Arcane/Unknown
(Aunt) Vates Snape = Seer/One who divines
And Aurora's a Virgo!
* * *
I'll Stand By You
By: The Pretenders
* * *
Oh, why you look so sad? Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now.
Don't be ashamed to cry, let me see you through
Cause I've seen the dark side too.
When the night falls on you, you don't know what to do,
Nothing you confess could make me love you less
I'll stand by you, I'll stand by you, won't let nobody hurt you,
I'll stand by you.
So, if you're mad get mad, don't hold it all inside,
Come on and talk to me now.
And hey, what you got to hide? I get angry too
But I'm a lot like you.
When you're standing at the crossroads, don't know which path to choose,
Let me come along, cause even if your wrong
I'll stand by you, I'll stand by you, won't let nobody hurt you,
I'll stand by you.
Take me into your darkest hour, and I'll never desert you.
I'll stand by you.
And when, when the night falls on you baby, you're feeling all alone,
You won't be on your own, I'll stand by you. I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you, won't let nobody hurt you. I'll stand by you
Take me in into your darkest hour and I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you.