Part XXV
Chapter 25 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 beta AmyLouise. Many thanks to all my kind readers and reviewers.
*************
Part XXV
The white softness wrapping Snape gently opened again, but this time he found himself in the Headmistress' office. Minerva McGonagall was staring at him, brows furrowed and an undecipherable expression on her face. Was that anger or worry? Instinctively, he crossed his arms over his chest in the rigid pose he used to strike when he felt challenged.
Silently, Minerva disentangled his miniaturized frame from the fabric and carefully put it on her desk. Her lips had tightened in a thin line, an alarming sign of her repressed tension.
The woman and the portrait locked their gazes, each one waiting for the other to speak. The silence became heavy.
"So, here you are," Minerva finally said. Incredulous, Snape felt astonishment and even awe in her tone rather than the scolding he was expecting. "Scorpius told me you had left, but I couldn't believe it. Did you really go and visit Lucius?"
"I did," he replied and braced himself for a discussion. But Minerva was still looking at him with eyes that were rapidly filling with tears.
"Oh, Severus," she sobbed, and disoriented again, he felt guilty for what he felt was released anxiety.
"I'm sorry," he murmured uncomfortably, "I should have advised you."
The Headmistress shook her head. "Don't you understand?" she asked, and a tremulous smile opened on her face. "You are beginning to break the walls of your prison."
He stiffened, trying to suppress the violent emotion he felt at those words. Their eyes met again, and he smiled wearily in return.
"All portraits can travel," he replied.
"But I have never seen one of them choose an owl to do it," she remarked. "Oh, Severus," she repeated, lifting her glasses to wipe her eyes. "I am so happy."
I am not, he thought while a mass of confused thoughts gathered in his mind again. Innumerable bitter reflections had arisen during his trip back to Hogwarts as he had begun to envisage the difficulties of the task he had so imprudently sworn to fulfil. How many obstacles were still in front of him!
The last words he had shared with Draco once more echoed in his brain: Draco, and the terrible responsibility he had so resentfully thrown on Snape's shoulders.
"Do you realise what may happen?" the portrait had asked severely, but Draco's eyes had become chillingly cold.
"Don't put the blame on me! The Ministry condemned my father to Azkaban. It's not my father's fault if he got infected there. He didn't ask to be locked in that cell. What they sowed, they reaped."
That insolent reply reminded Snape unpleasantly of another scene lost in the mist of time: a boy who was obstinately resisting the questions he was being asked while watching his teacher and Head of House with a defiant expression. Had twenty years actually passed since that night after Slughorn's party? Watching Draco, it seemed like only yesterday: same arrogance, same contempt, same foolish confidence.
The portrait reacted with irritation at the memory.
"Yet, Draco, you should understand what an infection may... "
"I don't care about the others! They never cared about us! Why should I worry about them?"
"They might accuse you of acting on purpose," Snape replied, impatient in the face of such obtuseness..
"They won't. I have taken my precautions."
"What do you mean by that?" the portrait asked, alarmed.
"The French mediwizard." A spark lit in Draco's eyes. "He was the only stranger to the family to know, and he has been thoroughly Obliviated. Nobody else has entered this house. And my elf has been properly instructed. No witnesses, no knowledge, no accusation."
"You have planned everything, I see, except my arrival," Snape commented disdainfully.
Draco curled his lips in a cruel smile. "You are not going to speak, Professor," he declared slowly, "because I'm not going to let you go back unless you swear you won't betray us."
"You can't ask this of me, Draco."
"Why not?" the man replied. Then, with sudden violence, his fist hit the table where the portrait had been placed, making the frame swing unsteadily.
"WHY NOT?" Draco repeated with rage. "You let so many people ruin themselves in order to protect just one precious life! I'm not asking you for the impossible. After all, you are a portrait. Human beings are not in your care."
A deep breath; then, in a calmer, dangerous voice, he said, "I'm going to smash you into pieces, Professor, if you don't swear here and now."
"Would you like me to also take an Unbreakable Vow?" Snape asked ironically.
"Just let my father die in peace! You asked if I realised what may happen. Well, did YOU realise? What about my mother, my wife, my son? Should our lives be definitely destroyed for a mistake we didn't commit?"
Draco clenched his hands in increasing fury.
"Just let my father die in peace," he repeated forcefully. "Then we will leave the country, and you'll be free to reveal the truth."
The portrait sighed. "You forgot, I promised to save him. I swore it to your mother, and I'll do everything in my power to keep my word."
"You really believe you can do something? You, a mere picture?" The contempt in Draco's voice and eyes was hard to stand. But immediately after, the man quickly took advantage of Snape's declaration.
"Well, then I challenge you! Find a remedy, and you will save my father and those he might have possibly infected. Otherwise, there is no solution. Whether you accuse us or not, they will all be condemned!"
"Severus? Are you listening? Is anything wrong with you?"
Abruptly brought back from his unpleasant memories, Snape studied Minerva's face...so wrinkled, so tired...and she returned his look with the fond smile she reserved for him.
"How is Lucius?" she asked. Swiftly, Snape averted his eyes. Great Merlin, not now! How could he answer that question without betraying Lucius, without alarming her, and above all, without lying? He needed time to weigh the situation, but time was running out so quickly in the world of humans!
He returned her question. "Did you see him during the Hogwarts celebration?"
"Oh, I saw him for just a few moments at the beginning of the feast. He looked very uncomfortable, but being a Malfoy, he hid it under his usual arrogant air," Minerva replied, almost merrily. Then her brows curled in a pensive expression, and her voice became slow and grave. "I remember I noticed how pale he looked. And old. Even older than I am, I thought."
Only a few moments. Snape repeated those words in his mind and relaxed. A very short exposure, so perhaps the danger of an infection had been avoided. But then, Minerva spoke again.
"I got to see him better later. I spent more than an hour with the members of the past Board of Governors, and Lucius was the most insistent of them all. He practically monopolised the whole discussion! At the end, the meeting had turned into a private conversation because, one by one, all the others left. Not very happy to be associated with him, I would say."
She paused, compassion clearly showing on her features.
"Lucius Malfoy," she mused, her eyes becoming sad again. "A man whose name meant power, and adulation, and riches."
With a sudden shiver, Snape reacted to the chilling horror with which he had listened to her story.
"Minerva," he interrupted her abruptly, an intolerable agitation running in his fibres, "I need to speak with Mr. Bernardi as soon as possible!"
"Ber... nardi?" She repeated that uncommon name uncertainly, evidently baffled by the switch in the conversation.
"The Italian painter you called to install my fax."
"Oh! Oh, yes, now I remember him. A fine young man."
Still surprised, she considered him with a worried look. "Is there anything you need from him? Has the trip perhaps damaged you?"
"I have a question for him," Snape replied curtly. "A very important question."
Old, sad, tired eyes watched him, suddenly alerted.
"I suppose you are not going to tell me, then." Her voice had become cold and practical, the suspicious voice he remembered so well from his final year as a Headmaster. Minerva looked pointedly at him, but he didn't lower his eyes.
"I will call him," she finally conceded.
*************
The night passed in agonizing slowness. Back to his room and to his usual size, Snape paced in his frame while thousands of possibilities and objections surged, twirled and were discarded in a frantic examination. Now and then, he paused to look at the small number of books and parchments gathered on his bookshelves and sighed in exasperation.
He ought to find more materials, but how could he consult the much richer collection contained in the Hogwarts library? He yearned to perform an accurate search, but how could he ever hope to open and read the volumes that, at the moment, were his only source of information? He needed to speak with Marcello Bernardi as soon as possible; however, he couldn't ask the Italian artist to paint the entire Restricted Section for him.
Furthermore, even if Bernardi could help him in those practical tasks, there were still too many unknown factors to deal with, too many gaps to be filled. He had spent nineteen years in the somnolent quiet of an office: What had the other potioneers discovered in the meantime? Teaching children and using old textbooks wasn't exactly the best way to keep oneself updated. He needed to ask other professionals, to create a staff of possible consultants, but without revealing to them the truth, and therefore probably hindering their efforts.
And all that work had to be done as soon as possible! Every moment could be the last one for Lucius' exhausted body. Snape finally sank in his chair and buried his face in his hands. How suffocating the bars of his cage were that night! And how demanding the choice that Draco had put on his shoulders!
"Destroy me, Draco, if you wish. But your action won't prevent the truth coming out, sooner or later. And then, how will you justify yourself? Are you going to make your son pay for misguided pride?"
"Your word or your existence, Professor!" the man had replied with cold determination.
A wand was lifted, and Snape smiled bitterly.
"I have already traded my soul for yours, Draco, in another existence. And you were happy to leave that decision to me, that night on the Astronomy tower."
The man froze. Then, with a sudden move, he threw the wand to the ground, exclaiming angrily with a strangled voice, "Will that memory always haunt my days?"
A tormented look in his eyes, Draco grabbed the frame. With jerky movements, as if he were fighting against himself, he took the handkerchief in which Snape had arrived and began to wrap it around the picture, declaring in broken sentences that matched his frantic gestures, "Go back. You are free. Go back to Hogwarts. Go back, before I regret my choice."
The fabric inexorably enveloped Snape in its muffling whiteness, yet he was still able to hear Draco add, "Our destinies are in your hands, Professor."
The words continued to linger in Snape's mind while the vision blurred and vanished away, leaving a biting pain in his heart. There was no hope of escaping that agony. Being a picture meant no dependence on physical needs like thirst or hunger, but for that same reason, it also excluded the soothing relief that sleep could offer to his troubled soul.
With an effort, the wizard raised his head again. Slowly, his hands tightened in determination.
Horatius Hobnook, a mediwizard living in the sixteenth century, had found a remedy for a horrible disease in spite of the empiric period he lived in.
Five centuries later, Severus Snape was willing to accept the challenge again and to be triumphant.
With a bit of hope.
With a bit of luck.
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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.