Part VI
Chapter 6 of 38
MemorySeverus meets Albus Severus. The past comes back in a very peculiar form.
ReviewedDisclaimer: This is a non-profit tribute to the works of JK Rowling, who created and, together with her publishers and licensees, owns the characters and settings elaborated herein.
All my gratitude to my betas and previewers: DementedLeaf, Xoxphoenix, Morgaine_Dulac and Duj .
It's extremely difficult to correct an Italian writing in English! Sorry for the many odd things that could not be changed, and many thanks to my brave and kind readers and reviewers.
*************Part V
The room was comfortably spacious. Its most noticeable ornament was a life size painting of Severus Snape seated at his desk, positioned on the wall opposite to the door as if waiting to welcome those entering. On either side, other magnificent pictures decorated the room, all carefully chosen to display only landscapes.
Many desks and cauldrons stood in orderly rows. Next to each cauldron there was a short column and, over each column, a small painting was slightly inclined at an angle that allowed a perfect view of the cauldrons' interiors.
Several capacious cupboards, obviously filled with the necessary tools and ingredients, were standing against the walls, and four imposing suits of armour had been positioned at the corners of the room, watching over the place like intimidating guardians. The light of the early morning joyfully filtered through the glass of a large coloured window. Minerva beamed in joy.
"Ready for your first lesson, Severus?" she called.
"This is not my first lesson," he remarked quietly, and Minerva smiled inwardly at his confidence.
"How do you like it?" she asked, indicating the place with a proud gesture. "I think we have followed all your indications."
For probably the hundredth time, Minerva recapitulated the details of the room. "The picture where you are now is your office. Inside it, we have painted your desk, chair, quills, ink and all the necessary to write, grade and do what's connected with teaching."
She stopped. "I hope you have checked the contents of the drawers," she asked anxiously. He nodded in amused gravity; reassured, Minerva went on with the description.
"At the back, you have your cauldron, and a cupboard with ingredients and tools. We have also painted a library with all the usual schoolbooks, plus many other specialised texts. If you should want more of them, just let me know their titles, and we will add them. However, I don't think you will need all this material now."
"This is perfect, thank you." Snape again nodded in appreciation, while his brows automatically furrowed, as if he was unconsciously rehearsing his expression.
Enjoying the approval in his voice, the Headmistress continued. "Then, as you requested, your portrait is connected with these little pictures near the cauldrons, so you can enter and exit any one of them at your will, to check the students' work."
"Excellent," he replied in his dry, concise way, and again, she felt immensely pleased to see him entering his role again, and so smoothly. The Headmistress took a deep breath. Finally, the magical moment had arrived.
"If you are satisfied, we can introduce your new pupils now," Minerva said with an expectant smile. But an unexpected, mature voice at her shoulders made her startle in surprise.
"I too was waiting to be introduced to Professor Snape, though I hope there should be effectively no need of presentation between us. I am really honoured to have him as a colleague, having personally experienced his great talent as a teacher."
A man had entered the room; his lips displayed a cordial smile, but his bespectacled eyes were cold and vigilant. Minerva blushed in unease, suddenly realising that, in her concern, she had lacked in delicacy towards her current Potions professor. But Snape nodded in acknowledgment and replied with cautious politeness.
"Mr. Zabini! Glad to see you again at Hogwarts. I had been told that you were teaching Potions. Well, isn't this an unexpected pleasure? I've always thought your skills and ambitions would lead you to a very different career. But sometimes life has its own plans, I suppose."
A pause followed, while the two men stared at each other with wary curiosity.
Looking at Zabini, clearly unbalanced by that rich accent evoking so many memories, Minerva remembered in a flash the tragic moments he had experienced after the Dark Lord's fall. His family, his mother and he himself have made no mysteries about the side attracting their sympathies. As a result, disgrace had irrupted in their lives, devastating them economically and socially. After Voldemort's fall, vindictiveness had spread its dark wings on the wizarding world: several exponents of the winning party had been ready to take the opportunity and use their newly regained power to level social disadvantages, destroy potential careers and occasionally even retaliate against personal enemies. So, no more influential wizard had opened his door to the son of the beautiful adventuress. Even Blaise's stepfather – the last of a long series – had precipitously cut every connection with his wife, abandoning her and her boy to their unlucky destiny.
Slughorn had been the only one to feel a spark of pity. The old man had retired and become even fatter and lazier in the last years, but he had enjoyed playing the role of the benefactor, as long as he had noticed that his reputation wasn't damaged but reinforced by these generous acts so openly exhibited.
Finally, Blaise had ended up working for him, learning as much as he could of a specialization that he had always detested. The Malfoys too had kept an eye on him, ready as always to help a fellow Slytherin; they'd tried to find him an opportunity, and the chance had presented itself as soon as the last Potion teacher at Hogwarts had left his position. So, this was Blaise's second year in the school and, although he wasn't very loved by his colleagues and students, he had slowly become part of the mechanism.
While these silent considerations took place, Snape was studying his interlocutor as well, and Minerva understood his thoughts. The boy that once had been his student had grown to a full maturity, while Severus was frozen, trapped in a canvas and condemned to be a perpetual spectator. Confronting memories with real life, Minerva felt again an immense sadness. Then, unexpectedly, Snape tilted his head, narrowing his eyes.
Suddenly, Zabini staggered back, a stab of pain altering his face. Surprised, Minerva raised her eyebrows. The man had visibly paled, but there was nothing that could justify such a strong reaction: yet, Zabini looked definitely shocked… What could have happened? An alarming doubt insinuated in the Headmistress' mind: could a portrait still perform Legilimency? Could Severus be able to read souls through his eyes?
While Minerva silently wondered, Blaise took off his spectacles and wiped them clean, evidently trying to recover his composure. Then he raised his head and met Snape's undecipherable eyes. With an angry gesture, the man put his spectacles on his nose again and replied coldly, "Yes, Professor, life is full of surprises, but not all are as pleasant as we would like them to be."
He inclined his head in a defiant nod, like a fencer before a duel, then he addressed Minerva, who was watching the skirmish in uneasiness.
"If you allow me, Headmistress, I would be pleased to introduce the children." For a moment, a strange note vibrated in his voice: wariness and something more obscure, a feeling that Minerva interpreted as regret for having been excluded, and desire to reaffirm the rights of his role in front of his two interlocutors.
Without waiting for an answer, Zabini went to the door, opened it and nodded to somebody invisible outside. Following his command, an ordered queue of boys and girls entered the room, greeting good morning with their clear, tiny voices and looking around in curiosity.
"Professor Snape, here are my best second year students," Zabini announced.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Second Chance
157 Reviews | 6.82/10 Average
This is a great story and more so since you have been working in a second language. Well done!
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Thank you very much! I feel honoured by your words and glad you liked the story. Best regards from Italy.
That was very intense, I'm so glad Severus found Al,and got him back to Hogwarts in time. Severus loves little Lily so much, whoever else he may resist, he could never resist Lily's pleas. Thank you for the update.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Thanks to you for leaving me a review each time. I hope you will enjoy the last chapter. Looking forward to hearing your final comment. Best wishes for the new year!
Ooooo! So heart-wrenching. ^_^
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
You should know me by now... I am a very emotional Italian ;)Thank you very much for leaving me a comment. Last chapter has been uploaded. See you soon.
Complete is better.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
You will excuse me, but I don't understand what you mean.Sorry.
Poor Al, I hope he will be alright, and that Severus can explain his reasoning more fully when he finds him.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Thank you very much for your message. Something very particular is going to happen... but of course I cannot tell you anything. Best regards from Italy.
I loved the way Severus granted the wishes, young Al is a very sweet child. The flying was wonderful, the childrens surprise at Severus' ability to fly was great. I hope that Harry will finally see what a prat Sirius Black really is.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Thank you for your comment, I'm glad you liked the chapter as it's one of my favourites ;)Only three chapters to the end, but there is room for other "surprises" that, hopefully, you will like.
It is not surprising that Severus is feeling so depressed, reliving all the pain Dumbledor watched him endure. I wonder what wishes Severus will grant to the children, I will have to wait for the next chapter to find out.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Thank you very much for leaving me a comment. Severus is in a painful situation. I hope you will like what happens in the next chapter.
A wish? Can he even work magic right now? Excellent writing although a bit depressing. Of course, that may be what you were trying to do here. ^_^
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
In fact. Be prepared to a wide assortment of all the possible emotions, in pure dramatic Italian style ;)No, well, seriously: be prepared to moments of anguish and moments of joy. The situation in which Severus is now is really destabilising, as you can imagine. And soon he will ask himself if... Sorry, can't say anything else. Thank you very much, especially for your comment about my writing. Opinion like yours make me feel taller.
My first reaction to Gimmy was anger { hurting Severus is not on , in my book. }, but as she opened up and began to speak about her life with Harry, I began to see her point of view. I had never thought about it before, but Ginny does not seem to have had much say in the names of her children, it's all Harry, his family, the people he admires. I look forward to the next chapter, thank you.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Hello! I was waiting for your review ;) Thank you for being such a loyal reader. Yes, I think that Ginny had to accept a lot of things. She has a very ardent character, but when it comes to Harry, I see that she is ready to comply with his will. I suppose we could call it "love" ;)The next chapter is still with my beta. I hope she will send it back soon. However, the countdown has started. Only five chapters to the end. I hope you will like them all.Best regards from rainy Italy.
Awwwww! Such a cleansing moment! This has been such an excellent story. I hate to see it end, but all good things must end sometime. Hopefully not for another ten or twenty chapters, though! Huh? Huh? ^_^
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
That's so kind of you and so nice to hear! 
Thank you very much! I really appreciate your generous words and I am extremely grateful for your comments. They make worthwhile the long, exhausting hours I've spent trying to convey my ideas and emotions in a language completely different from mine. And you can't imagine how this kind of exercise can be frustrating! Especially when I see you other wonderful native authors flying high... while I am here, chained to the ground.So, in my Italianly emotional way, thank you very much. I'm glad that you like my story as much as to hope that there are other ten or twenty chapters. But I'm sorry to tell you that, unfortunately, chapter 38 will be the final one. I hope you will enjoy what happens in this last part of the story, that takes place during a whole Christmas day.Thanks again and best regards from sunny Italy. (And sorry for my English... my answers aren't betaed).
Response from MsTree (Reviewer)
Your English is probably better than mine. ^_^
This is fantastic!! I'm new to The Petulant Poetess and I found myself drawn in by your story a few days ago!!! It's brilliant!! You brought out all the fantastic sides of Snape that JK only hinted at!!
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Wow! This is certainly a very nice review to find, especially considering that I am Italian and therefore I feel like a sort of ugly duckling amongst the other fantastic authors in this site. Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm glad you like the story so much. You arrived almost at the end, however. Only other 6 chapters to the end. I hope you will enjoy them, because according to me, they are the best part of my novel.
I don't think that Harry would be in much danger, Severus is above all , a man of honor.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Well, a man of honor yet still a man. You shouldn't undervalue temptations, especially in a case as complicate as a portrait coming back to real life. But you will see how Snape will face dangers and options and how he will handle them in the next chapters.Thanks for reading and leaving me a message :)
This chapter made me cry! Good work! ^_^
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Next chapters will be as emotional as this... but hopefully, a good, sweet emotion. Thank you for reading and leaving a message. 
I'm sure Mr Zabini thinks he has all bases covered,but he has forgoten with whom he is dealing. He will find his biggest mistake was threatening Lily.
So glad everyone is getting better, I knew Severus could do it.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Your assumption is right, but I think you will be surprised by the next chapter ;)Thank you very much for leaving me a message. Best wishes of a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
evil cliffie... really evil cliffie. did you write this whilst on drugs? i loved this story! the characters were fleshed out in both micro and macro form. loved the philosophical understanding.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Er... thank you. I feel honoured by your words, though a bit puzzled about the part regarding drugs. Should I take it as a compliment? You see, I'm Itaiian, so perhaps I don't catch every shade in your sentences ;)Anyway, thanks again. If you liked the story and have the patience to wait for the new segments to be uploaded (the queue lately seems eternal), there are still 8 chapters before the end. And according to me, they are the most interesting.
Response from jadecadence (Reviewer)
well, thanks for your response, memory. i understand that you're italian. everyone in my family has got cough so i read your fanfic whilst being high on cough syrup and found it extremely meaningful and 3-dimensional. no need to apologise about being italian. i need to thank you for bringing me along on this wonderful journey. come visit me when in singapore! :))
Response from jadecadence (Reviewer)
that's if u ever want to come to singapore or malaysia :) i've been to italy! :) and the vatican city...
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Ah, Singapore! Wonderful city. Never been there, but my father and sisters used to go there often. One of my sisters now lives in Myanmar, and she goes to Singapore many times. Hope one day I'll visit it too :)Best wishes for the holiday season and Happy New Year!
From a child's point of view { and Finlay was a child at the time } there can be no excuse, or explanation for such an act. To say that it could have been worse, if not for Severus' diverting attention away from the victims is a poor excuse, at best. Hopefully the fact that he gave his life in atonement,, will count for something, to the authoritys, if not to Finlay.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
I see that what happened to the Finlay family has really impressed my readers. Therefore, I hope that you will like what happens in the next chapter... ;)Thank you very much and best regards.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
I see that what happened to the Finlay family has really impressed my readers. Therefore, I hope that you will like what happens in the next chapter... ;)Thank you very much and best regards.
Hopefully, Harry will actually listen to both sides of the story before he takes further action. People's lives are currently on the line and the past is the past and can't be changed. I understand Finlay's pain and he should have his moment, but I can't help saying, NOT NOW! ::grins:: Severus really should have brought the man on board before getting the journal transferred - Finlay is the Deputy after all. It will be interesting to see how this is resolved.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Harry is an interesting pawn in this game. I hope I'll be able to update soon; I'm curious to know your reaction.(Anyway, Severus couldn't involve Finlay in the "experiment". He needed to keep it as secret as possible, because of Lucius).Thanks and see you soon.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Harry is an interesting pawn in this game. I hope I'll be able to update soon; I'm curious to know your reaction.(Anyway, Severus couldn't involve Finlay in the "experiment". He needed to keep it as secret as possible, because of Lucius).Thanks and see you soon.
I like Cornelia. She is very intriguing.But now we have a big mystery. Which house, how does he find it, whose help will he enlist to dig up the box, and how will they gain entry into the new house? So many questions. I'm sure you will answer them in due time.I am so enjoying this story.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Hi, I'm glad that you like Cornelia and the story. For a foreigner, this is the best compliment. It means that, in spite of my many flaws, I can transmit you not only emotions but also curiosity.About the next chapter, as I always tell my reviewers, this story is complete and completely written. Still eleven chapters to reach the end, but they must be revised thoroughly to be allowed to enter TPP. This means a lot of work for my beta, and she is a busy one. But chapter 28 has just been checked, so I will post it. I'm sure you will appreciate how your questions have been answered ;)Thank you very much and best regards from Italy.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Hi, I'm glad that you like Cornelia and the story. For a foreigner, this is the best compliment. It means that, in spite of my many flaws, I can transmit you not only emotions but also curiosity.About the next chapter, as I always tell my reviewers, this story is complete and completely written. Still eleven chapters to reach the end, but they must be revised thoroughly to be allowed to enter TPP. This means a lot of work for my beta, and she is a busy one. But chapter 28 has just been checked, so I will post it. I'm sure you will appreciate how your questions have been answered ;)Thank you very much and best regards from Italy.
I can understand why she wouldn't talk to Dumbledor, with his track record of doing things "for the greater good" no matter who or what it destroys.
I'm going out of my tiny mind trying to figure out ,where the house is, I have several theorys , I can't wait for the next chapter, to find out if I'm right, or not.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Thanks for being such a nice reviewier :)I think that you will be very surprised by next chapter. Sorry, it will take a bit more time to publish it because it's long and complex, so my beta is still revising it. But as you know, the story is complete, so no need to worry. Thank you for your patience. Best regards.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Thanks for being such a nice reviewier :)I think that you will be very surprised by next chapter. Sorry, it will take a bit more time to publish it because it's long and complex, so my beta is still revising it. But as you know, the story is complete, so no need to worry. Thank you for your patience. Best regards.
Let's see: Will he choose Zambini, the one who replaced him? How about Albus and Scorpius? Then there's Hermione for the research. Or will he stick with personnel within the school? ^_^
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Hi, thanks for the message. About your question, just prepare to be surprised... ;)
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Hi, thanks for the message. About your question, just prepare to be surprised... ;)
Thank you for the up date, if anyone can find a cure, it's Severus, can't wait to see who will be choosen to be his staff.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Thank you for leaving me a message. I think you will be very surprised... ;)
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Thank you for leaving me a message. I think you will be very surprised... ;)
There can never be anything between Lily and Severus, as much as it hurts, it would hurt so much more if she pretended to feel something she didn't, after all the heart wants what it wants, Lily can no more make herself love Severus, than Severus can stop himself loving her. Whatever is wrong with Scorpius, it's something big.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
In fact, Lily has been very sincere. But sincerity is not what a disillusioned lover can appreciate. The trouble with Scorpius IS something big. And you will see its consequences in the next chapters.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
In fact, Lily has been very sincere. But sincerity is not what a disillusioned lover can appreciate. The trouble with Scorpius IS something big. And you will see its consequences in the next chapters.
Yes Lily, you hurt him AGAIN, now what is he going to do. withdraw into his shell again? What does Zabeni have to do to be alowed back into the family?On to the next chapter to see.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
The relationship between Lily and Severus is a very difficult one, now that they have somehow grown but they have also crystallised in their portrait forms. Zabini? Ehhh, Zabini has a big problem to solve...
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
The relationship between Lily and Severus is a very difficult one, now that they have somehow grown but they have also crystallised in their portrait forms. Zabini? Ehhh, Zabini has a big problem to solve...
Interesting, that Severus would choose the same test that Slughorn used,with Lily and himself, to try to help James.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Memories are coming back more and more powerfully, and feelings with them. All things that help Severus examine and learn from the past in order to build the future.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Memories are coming back more and more powerfully, and feelings with them. All things that help Severus examine and learn from the past in order to build the future.
Severus always has to learn things the hard way, doesn't he. I loved the conversation with Minerva, their friendship is growing,and getting closer.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Personally, chapter 19 is one of my favourites. I'm glad that you too liked it.
Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)
Personally, chapter 19 is one of my favourites. I'm glad that you too liked it.