Hermione put on her jacket as the Grangers got ready to go out. She and Harry had spend the day playing board games and watching television. Hermione had apologized that they weren't doing more since she usually got to go to the zoo, a museum or the theater or her own birthday. It was hard for the clever young witch to understand that just going out and having a day at home to do whatever you wanted was a lot to Harry and so she was confused by her friends gratitude and excitement. She eyed Harry's sporty jacket. This whole thing was technically in breech of the instructions they had received from the school. They had been pretty clear – she shouldn't show Harry the papers and they shouldn't go out. Hermione thought that was really odd and that it really was unlike Dumbledore to be this direct. In fact the letter had been short, to the point and a bit commanding kind of like a label on a product and very unlike Dumbledore but perhaps McGonagall had written it? Either way it had been a hurried letter because there was no name, only the school seal. But surely, whether it be McGonagall or Dumbledore they wouldn't have a problem with Harry going out on her birthday? They were in a muggle neighborhood after all. What was the worst that could happen?
”Here, take this!” said Hermione and handed Harry her own jacket.
”Huh? Why?”
”I just thought you'd look really pretty in it,” replied Hermione. Well, that wasn't entirely why. ”Try taking the hood up! Yes! That looks great!”
”Then what will you wear? Do you want mine?” said Harry from underneath the hood and handed her friend the hoodless sportsjacket.
”Hermione, it'll take, like, 10 minutes,” argued Victoria. ”Where's your sense of adventure?”
The Dr Grangers had allowed the children to sleep in the living room so that they might stay up late and watch a film. Mrs Granger was doing some late work in the clinic office and Mr Granger had retired early with a book, leaving Hermione and Victoria alone. The girls had decided what they wanted to watch, but they had yet to begin. Victoria argued that they couldn't possible watch it without some sweets or snacks. Or course the reason she was insisting was that she'd never had a sleepover at a friends house and she wanted this night to be exactly like she'd heard sleepovers were. Dudley had had quite a lot of them and they always were like that. Hermione on the other hand first argued that they didn't have that, then that her parents wouldn't allow them to eat anymore sweet things and then that they couldn't possibly get any. Victoria had then mentioned the money she'd gotten and offered to go to the corner store and get some crisps. Hermione didn't seem at all keen on that but nor did she seem keen on saying no to her friend. After all it was her birthday.
”Okay, but seriously, if mum and dad find out they'll be so mad!”
”So? We'll wait until your mum goes up stairs. And besides I'll do it. You don't need to do anything.”
”Well, I don't like you going alone!”
About half an hour later the girls quietly snuck out of the front door. It was only a few streets away. They'd only be gone ten minutes. Victoria was pleased to see that Hermione's nervousness quickly disappeared. She suspected her friend secretly enjoyed breaking rules. She'd done it enough times at school. This time they both wore hooded jackets due to the colder evening breeze which made it feel so much more risky to Victoria. Hermione kept watch while Victoria went inside and as the made their way home Hermione was laughing. They now had crisps and chocolate hidden in their pockets. Therefore it was a bit it was a bit of a shock when they were met a the front door by both the adult Grangers.
”Where have you two been?” demanded Mrs Granger crossly.
Mr Granger, who was in his dressing gown, closed the door behind them. ”Judging by the size of their pockets, Jean, I might well guess.”
”It's just some crisps,” mumbled Hermione as she studied her feet. Victoria felt awful. She didn't mean to get Hermione in trouble with her parents. She didn't seriously think they'd notice anything.
”Crisps? It doesn't matter if it were assault riffles! Have you any idea how frightened you made us? Coming down to find you weren't in the house?” cried Mrs Granger.
”This goes for you too, Harry!” Continued Mr Granger as he guided them into the living room. ”What would your parents think if you went around sneaking out without telling them?”
”Harry, doesn't h...” Hermione quietly began as she moved.
”Anything could have happened!” Mrs Granger interjected. ”Empty your pockets. I believe we will be confiscating this. I'm assuming you paid for it, Harry, so you'll get it back when you leave tomorrow.”
”I'm sorry!” Hermione pleaded.
”No, I'm sorry! It's not Hermione's fault. It was my idea!” said Victoria.
”You hardly twisted her arm. You both made that decision and you should both know better!” replied Mrs Granger. ”Now to bed, both of you and you go straight to sleep. You've had enough excitement for one night.”
The girls got into their 'beds' on the couches and the lights were turned off before the adults went upstairs.
”Hermione?” whispered Victoria.
”Mhmm?”
”I'm sorry, I didn't mean...”
”It's okay,” replied Hermione from somewhere in the darkness.
It took quite a while for Victoria to fall asleep. She couldn't stop thinking about what the Grangers had said and whether Snape had felt anything like that when she'd run off in Kitty's Creek or when she had sneaked out. She'd lied about it too when she got back and she knew he hadn't believed her. And then she'd done it again. He'd been so angry with her. He'd said he cared about her. He'd said he wasn't good for her. The more she thought about it all the worse she felt. The thought occurred to her that maybe some of Snape's anger had not been because she was stupid, contrary and a burden. Perhaps he'd actually truly worried about her?
The latest issue of the Daily Prophet lay crumbled in the fireplace presumingly being of the most use to anyone that the Prophet had ever been. Severus was shaking with fury. How could he have been so foolish? Rita Skeeter was nowhere near as clever as she liked to think – a moron could have figured it out and Severus was a fool for not realizing that. As if he didn't have enough reason to be nervous of Victoria's return! He silently cursed himself for not following up on her threats and shadowing Victoria the day before. The article had been ridiculous. Comments upon hair, clothing and the girl's perceived likeness with known male friends of the Potters. Skeeter was gloating throughout the article as she tore the girl's fashion sense apart and concluded that the elusive Miss Evans was boring and in desperate need of a stylist. Of course! It didn't take a Ravenclaw to ask around, find out who Harry Potter's friends were and watch their houses with a photographer – waiting for the chance to get a good picture of her. Some might argue that Severus shouldn't carry on so, that he should be thankful it wasn't any worse that it was. But it was the principle of the matter! It didn't matter either that the girl in Skeeter's photograph was actually Hermione Granger and Victoria wasn't even in the shot. They had dodged a bullet so to speak. Dumbledore had apparently been the first to react according to Minerva who told Severus that concealment charms had already been cast and Skeeter had been made aware of her error in such a way that she no longer suspected the Grangers of hiding the girl. Even so, Severus was angry with himself for not seeing this coming.
The previous day had been nerve wrecking to say the least. He had gotten up, washed and had breakfast before deciding on another attempt to see Dumbledore. However, he first passed Flitwick who cheerfully congratulated him, leaving Severus puzzled as to why. Then he met Minerva who asked him if he had gotten Victoria anything. It was then he realized. How could I have forgotten? The whole world knows this is her birthday! But he didn't honestly know if he was expected to give her anything. Well, he knew perfectly well that fathers – usually, gave their children birthday presents but he was still waiting for her to definitively decide whether she even wanted him. And he'd already let her go to the Grangers when he should have rightly smacked her. Would it be in poor taste so send something? Would it be influencing her decision? Besides he couldn't just send Victoria a letter without the Granger girl asking questions. But surely she'd know it was me even if I didn't... But what would he give her anyway? Would she want anything? What did you even give twelve year old girls? Did they like dolls? Or was Victoria more into sports considering how she grew up? Severus didn't know much about Quidditch and he didn't care. What if she didn't like what he gave her? Would she then refuse to have anything to do with him? Not that I'd want a child that spoiled! But he did want her near him and so didn't like the risk. Where would he even find anything? Her birthday was today! Was she too old for toys? Too young for flowers and such? Considering the fact that he had been working with preteens for years now, he knew very little about them. Perhaps he should give her something useful, something she'd need either way. Yes, he felt comfortable with that. There was no need for extravagance. Now the only question was what?
”Rats!” cried Hermione as she unrolled the Daily Prophet. Victoria almost choked on her cereal.
”Hermione!” admonished Mr Granger in a calm voice. ”What's the matter?”
”Oh,” replied Hermione when she remembered she was not alone. ”Nothing.”
”What is it?” said Victoria as she snatched the paper from Hermione. Her eyes went wide. There on the front page was a large picture of Hermione in Victoria's jacket. She recognized the corner shop in the background.
”What the hell?!” gasped Victoria as she read the words 'The Mysterious Evans: Harry Potter's true face revealed!' twisting across the front page.
”Language, please,” said Mrs Granger.
”It's nothing, just some crazy wizard news,” shrugged Hermione.
”Erh, yeah,” mumbled Victoria. Inside she was seething. How long had this been out? How long had the media been looking for her? Why didn't anyone tell her?
”Girls, I think we need to speak about what happened last night,” said Mr Granger calmly. Oh, yeah... There was that!
In the afternoon Victoria stepped out into the backyard of the Granger residence. She was not nearly as surprised to be leaving this way as she was to see professor McGonagall standing there. She politely nodded to the Grangers as Victoria stepped closer.
”Thank you very much! Have a wonderful summer,” the professor said. The three Grangers all said their goodbyes to Victoria and Hermione hugged her tightly. ”Miss Evans, if you will take my arm. I am in a hurry,” said McGonagall calmly.
Victoria took her professors arms and instantly felt herself being squeezed into nothing and stretched back out again. But she had been too busy thinking about why on earth McGonagall was there when it happened so she didn't have time to brace herself.
”Are you alright, Harry?” inquired McGonagall as she helped her to her feet. ”I'm so sorry. I had been informed that you have side-along apparated before.”
”Ugh, I have,” replied Victoria. ”It's still awful.”
”Ah, of course. We had better get a move on. I have a lot of work to do.”
Victoria trotted along while trying to keep her insides from fleeing her body. ”Umm, professor?” She asked as they neared the castle gate. ”Why did you come and get me?”
”Why, Harry, you could hardly expect the Grangers to let you walk away without knowing if you had been picked up by one of us and it would be rather strange if any teacher but me came to get you, now wouldn't it?”
”Oh.” Well, that was one question answered. There was still other things bothering her but McGonagall really did seem eager to return to work and so Victoria didn't question her about the news. Victoria had read the entire paper in Hermione's room while the other girl paced and bit her finger nails. There was a man who said she was dead, which wasn't that bad. Then there were several articles which all but called her mother a slut. Honestly, the whole 'James was okay with it'-side to their story weren't really being paid attention to. Then there were people saying she might be the daughter of some guy named Black whom she'd never even heard of but apparently it couldn't be confirmed by him since he had gone crazy or been sent away or something. At least they weren't suspecting anything about S.... Oh, wait. Snape. I'm such an idiot. She hadn't given it a single thought all morning. She and McGonagall separated and Victoria made her way into the dungeons. It felt almost surreal to be walking there now. For the majority of her time at Hogwarts they had been a terrible place. A den full of nasty Slytherins and the location of dreaded potions classes. Over the summer it had become both a refuge and prison. She had settled into Hermione's house so quickly that it felt like ages since she'd been here even if it was only three days. She reached the door to Snape's office and as she placed her hand on it it instantly flew open. Surprised, it took her a second to step inside. She kept her eyes on the floor and didn't look up until the door closed behind her. Snape was sitting at his desk, quill in hand and Victoria couldn't help but fidget as she struggled to find the words. He looked like his usual unfazed self although she did detect some hints of exhaustion.
”Umm, hi,” she finally said.
”Hi,” repeated Snape calmly.
Victoria blinked. This was it. This was the point where she was supposed to inform him of whether she'd like to have any relationship with him and he didn't seem at all like he had been waiting three days to hear it. And furthermore, Victoria wasn't entirely sure how to tell him either. After all she didn't have much practice in talking to adults about feelings.
”Umm,” she tryingly began.
”May I suggest you go to your room and unpack?” said Snape as he returned his attention to his work.
”Okay?” mumbled Victoria. Snape's quill momentarily stopped moving. ”I mean...Yes, sir. I'll do that.”
She took the suitcase and let herself in through the secret door. She didn't know what to make of this. Didn't he want to know what she had to say? Maybe he was mad at her for some reason. Oh, maybe the Grangers had told him... But how would they do that? Why should they do that? She felt rather deflated. Before she'd left she'd nearly already decided. Being told she was wanted was more than she'd ever dared ask for. The only thing she'd considered was Snape changing his mind. Perhaps he had. Perhaps coming to your senses took three days. But it was terrible. She'd realized something at Hermione's house. Some time ago, ages it seemed, she'd have settled for anything better than the Durleys – it didn't occur to her to ask to be wanted or liked so long as she was safe and tolerated. But now Snape had said he wanted her and hugged her too. That was a promise. And she'd seen it now. How it was supposed to be. She'd never actually thought that families could be as nice as Hermione's was. Sure, they'd gotten in trouble and the Grangers had scolded both of them quite a bit – twice! She'd always been a freak and not worthy of being cared for. She been punished often but never for risking her safety. Dudley, she realized, might be doted upon but her aunt and uncle had never scolded him once regardless of what he did. But when she and Hermione had gotten in trouble she could see how much her parents cared about Hermione. Perhaps, Petunia and Vernon didn't care as much about Dudley as she had thought? But Snape was confusing. He'd gotten plenty mad alright whenever she did something he didn't approve of but now she thought he should be eager to speak to her if he truly cared. In fact h...
Victoria dropped the suitcase on the floor and it instantly sprung open. She didn't notice as she covered her mouth with her hands and took a step backwards. She hadn't initially noticed when she'd opened the door and stepped inside and for a moment she simply stared. Had she gone wrong? The room was completely different! The wardrobe was still there but gone was the old bed, desk, chair and bookcase. In their stead where new white painted furniture – simplistic but pretty. The bedcover was now peach – and Victoria couldn't help but notice it was almost the same shade as Hermione's room had contained only Hermione's were more rosy. The dungeon stone walls were no longer visible. Now there was light blue wallpaper there instead. The floor was still stone but there was a fuzzy white carpet lying between her bed and desk. It was clearly some kind of compromise excluding both Gryffindor and Slytherin colors without entirely being another house's colors either. She didn't know what to do.
”Your clothes hardly belong on the floor,” said a low voice somewhere behind her.
Victoria spun on her heel and ran to Snape so quickly it was too fast even for his reflexes. She didn't even fully process it in her brain but simply did what felt right as she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest with such speed she nearly knocked the air out of him. For a moment nothing happened. She couldn't think of the words to express what she felt and even if she could she'd likely have been unable to speak anyway. Snape had frozen completely. Clearly he was as shocked by her as she was but she couldn't let go. After a moment she felt him place his hands on her shoulders. Her didn't fully hug her back but it still felt very reassuring.
”Am I to take it you approve of your birthday present?” he asked.
He remembered! ”Yes!” she mumbled into his robes. ”It's perfect!”
They stayed like that for a few seconds until Victoria made the mistake of sniffing. That clearly became too much for Snape who was likely already very uncomfortable. Keeping his hold of her shoulders he pushed out from him and looked at her. Victoria blushed as she realized how silly she had to seem. But it was a lot! He'd gotten her all those things and she hadn't even believed he knew that she'd turned twelve.
”Put your things away. I'll order some tea,” said Snape finally as he released her.
”Yes, sir,” Victoria sniffed, smiling slightly. ”Thank you.” She turned and bent down to take the suit case.
”Victoria...” said Snape behind her.
”Yes?” she replied as she lifted the suit case and looked back over her shoulder.
”Happy Birthday.”
True to Snape's word there was a tray with tea and biscuits waiting on the small round table when Victoria finally entered the living room. Snape was seated in one of the armchairs, already sipping from a cup. Victoria took a seat in the other armchair which was a bit uncomfortable because she had to sit sideways in it with folded legs to be facing him. Snape took another sip but continued to look straight ahead. Victoria wasn't really feeling like tea but she took one of the biscuits and took a bite just for politeness sake. It seemed like neither of them really knew how to start this conversation.
”Thank you,” said Victoria. ”For the room. It's really pretty.”
”I'll admit I had help,” said Snape to the opposite wall.
”Still,” mumbled Victoria as she took another bite. ”I wanted to say that...” Here she trailed off. Snape didn't comment upon that, he simply put his teacup back on the table. ”I wanted to say that... I'm sorry.” Snape looked up at her, a strange expression on his face that Victoria couldn't read. ”I'm sorry I sneaked out and I lied to you.”
The professor blinked. ”What makes you say that?” His tone was almost curious.
”Well... Nothing,” Victoria replied as she crumbled the biscuit in her hand. ”If Hermione sneaks out her parents would be upset because they care.”
”I see,” commented Snape.
”And you...?”
”I care about you,” he finished for her.
”Okay,” said Victoria rather awkwardly. There was a moment's silence. ”Yes.”
”Excuse me?” replied Snape, studying her.
”My answer is yes,” she said with renewed determination.
”You're certain?” questioned the man, his continued stare upon her.
”Yes... And you can't change your mind either!”
Snape sighed deeply. Victoria left the biscuit crumbles on her plate and waited for him so say something. He didn't. She was still nervous so she got up from the chair and walked over in front of him.
”Did you...” Change your mind? She couldn't finish that sentence. To her surprise he looked up at her.The corners of his mouth twitched. He was smiling? And then he extended his right hand to her while laughing slightly into the other. It was a light chuckle but it had Victoria so confused. The hand remained mid air and after getting over the surprise she reached out and took it. He gave her hand a squeeze.
”It's too late for me. I already... I'm never going to change my mind,” he replied mostly to himself. Victoria smiled weakly. ”What a mess your mother and I have made. But I will figure this out somehow.”
”So...” Victoria hesitated to use the word. ”Are we like... a family?”
Snape snorted at that. ”Of course we are!” he said with just slight hints of a sneer but the smile remained in place yet. He released her hand and stood. Victoria was torn between keeping this conversation going and jumping up and down. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't Hermione's family either. But it was hers. She was giddy and embarrassed to be. She was blushing slightly and decided she needed a few moments to herself in her room to compose herself.
”Oh, and Victoria?” said Snape suddenly as if he sensed her eagerness to run and hide. The smile had turned into a smirk. ”You're grounded.”
”Huh? What? Why?” exclaimed Victoria.
”For sneaking around to meet with the Headmaster, for lying to me and for whatever it is you've done while visiting the Grangers,” he stated.
”How did you...? I mean I didn't do anything!” At Snape's pointed look she amended: ”I mean it was nothing.”
”I'm sure it wasn't. If it was substantial enough for you still feel guilty about it and something you'd not like me to know about. Furthermore, we never really tackled your previous behavior and if I were you I'd be thankful you're being let off easily. Another time you might not be so lucky.”
”I've changed my mind,” muttered Victoria, rolling her eyes. ”Parents suck.”
”Don't you start,” replied Snape but it was clear that he knew she wasn't serious.
”We just went to the stores without telling them,” shrugged Victoria. ”It was nothing really. But Hermione got in trouble because I talked her into it,” she explained sheepishly. She tryingly looked up at him but Snape just stared at her blankly.
”Are you completely...” he began, clearly trying to keep his temper from flaring. ”No. Just go and settle into your room before I change my mind and teach you a proper lesson,” he said as he turned towards the office door. Victoria remembered quite clearly from the last time she'd simply gone off into the streets alone what that meant so she didn't need to be told twice.
”I'll be lucky if I don't have a heart attack before the year is out,” she heard Snape mutter as he disappeared through the door.
Victoria was surprised to find Snape quite calm at dinner. He didn't even mention anything. She was actually quite curious as to how long she was supposed to be grounded for but as she sat there she felt oddly comfortable and realized she'd actually kind of missed it. She wasn't about to ruin that. She wanted to ask about the news as well but Snape looked tired and considering how close he'd come to flipping out earlier she'd keep it to herself for at least another day. Upon reaching her room she'd screamed with excitement into a pillow. And now, sitting here it somehow felt right to Victoria. Like she'd always been there. Snape didn't say much but he still seemed to be in rather a good for Snape standards at least. It was so difficult to tell with him.
Later she went to the bathroom to take a shower before bed. After her shower she wrapped herself in a towel and she just stood there, looking in there mirror. Her hair llooked longer now that it was flat and she wondered how long it would grow. She didn't think she'd like long hair like Hermione. Didn't it always get into people's faces? She ran her fingers through it. Ugh, it was getting greasy again! She'd been able to wash it properly at Hermione's house but while she'd been living in the dungeons she'd only used water. There were no hair products near the shower. She didn't have her own and she'd been to nervous about being there to ask for it or look for it herself. But he had to have something! Well, honestly it didn't look like he used any. But still.. She opened the cabinet only to find several unmarked bottles. Most of them were greyish or greenish and Victoria raised an eyebrow. Why would Snape stock potions in the bathroom cabinet? One bottle was white and looked almost like it might be what she was looking for. She got on her toes and reached up for it. Her fingers graced it and in the next moment she jumped aside with a shriek as the glass bottle shattered on the floor.
Not a moment later there was a knock on the door. ”What's happening in there? Are you decent?” she heard Snape's concerned voice say through the door.
”Ehm...” she said as she surveyed the damage. The was another knock and Victoria stepped over the glass to open it. Snape stared at the glass for a second or two.
”Stand still,” he said finally. ”Reparo.” The glass bottle reassembled and was levitated back to it's original place. ”What on earth were you doing?” Snape sneered at her.
”Erm... Looking for shampoo,” Victoria shrugged.
”Good heavens,” he sighed. He stepped over to the cabinet and picked a green and an aubergine bottle from the cabinet before he handed them to her. ”Mix them both in and rinse it out.”
”Is it shampoo?” said Victoria, narrowing her eyes at the bottles as she turned them in her hands.
”No, it's something much stronger. I'll find you some tomorrow. Now finish up and be glad you didn't get my hair,” he said as he closed the door behind him.
Victoria huffed. She wasn't so sure she didn't. Now, there was a disturbing thought. And another argument for not having long hair. Imagine looking like a mini-Snape? Victoria shuddered and stepped back into the shower.
Twenty minutes later she crawled into her new bed with very clean and damp hair, having hastily said goodnight to Snape who was reading something in the kitchen. She tossed and turned for ages. It was weird to think she was this happy about having Snape as a father. But it wasn't like Snape was ideal in her eyes either. He yelled way to much and he got upset over everything. He even... But then she heard the doorknob turn and quickly closed her eyes before the dim light from the hallway crept into the room. She could hear Snape stepping inside. She wished she hadn't automatically closed her eyes because now she'd have to fake sleep to perfection. Yeah, he might well have said something if he came and she was still awake but opening her eyes now wold be embarrassing. He just stood there. Didn't make a sound. Victoria wished she could see him. What was he doing? After a moment which felt like it dragged on forever she felt the covers being tucked tightly around her and then the man left, closing the door behind him.
Oh, well, he isn't all that bad.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Victoria comes to understand..
Determination
Chapter End Notes:
You are filled with determination...