Second Chance Chapter 2: Part II

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Part II

Second Chance

Chapter 2 of 38

Memory

Severus meets Albus Severus. The past comes back in a very peculiar form.

post-DH/DH compliant Hogwarts Castle 135,975 Words 38 Chapters Complete

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Disclaimer: 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.

Many thanks go to my fabulous beta, Karelia, and to those reading this story.

*************

Dedication:To DUJ. And to Severus.

Part II

Hours passed at an exasperatingly slow pace. Only another day and Snape would be back in the office. The dark wizard was already regretting the silly promise he had made to the Potter boy. And in front of Dumbledore, furthermore! But today he was going to take it back. Just imagine! Harry Potter's son! As if having taught his insufferable father hadn't been enough!

Albus Severus was incredibly punctual, his little face smiling with the zeal of the initiate.

"Good afternoon, Professor!" he greeted happily, and again Snape was lost in the ineffable pureness of those two emerald green eyes. Then he realised that there was unmistakable joy in the child's voice, and an unknown but delightful sensation filled his heart.

"So, here you are!" he exclaimed gruffly, forgetting all his dark propositions. "I hope you brought your books. Who is your Potions professor now?"

The boy said a name and Snape grimaced in disgust. "What?! How could Minerva hire... Oh well! Let's begin immediately! What did you do today?"

The next hour passed in the thorough explanation of the best way to chop Asphodel roots and in the many uses of the little silver knife when extracting juice from some particular seeds. The boy appeared to be unexpectedly bright and, at the end of the lesson, Snape felt the pride and satisfaction of the teacher for a promising apprentice.

Bursting in excitement, the boy asked him, "May I also come tomorrow, Professor?"

There was a hopeful note in his voice, and Snape struggled vainly to remember his previous anger and irritation. But the feelings he was experiencing in that moment were too soothing... Surely another hour of lesson could be afforded! So, he said nonchalantly, "I'll wait for you. Please be as punctual as today."

*************

Minerva came just after the child had left, a hesitant smile on her lips. He felt a pang in his heart. Today? Was he going to be removed today?! Merlin, it was too soon! He imagined how disappointed Albus Severus would feel at not finding him the following day. The thought was strangely hurtful.

But the Headmistress said apologetically, "It seems that the house-elves will need more time, Severus. I'm terribly sorry, but you will have to wait another week. Hope you are not feeling too uncomfortable here."

Snape cast a quick glance at Dumbledore. The old wizard smiled at the uncharacteristically imploring spark in his younger colleague's eyes and didn't comment. Relieved, Snape said in his usual unfriendly tone, "As I already told you, Minerva, I can't oppose your decisions. Do what you think best. I'm not in a position to criticise."

Minerva gave him a long, pensive look, and Snape shifted under her scrutiny. But finally, she said, "Very well. Then I'll leave you boys here." She smiled affectionately at Dumbledore and went back to her office. Silence filled the corridor again until the old wizard raised his head to look at his younger colleague.

"Why do you do this, Severus?" he asked softly.

Snape sighed and looked at his hands. Why, why, why must Albus always meddle?

"Because it's my pleasure," he replied rudely, refusing to admit the obvious.

"I too care for that boy, Severus," Dumbledore said with great tenderness. "But please be careful! He is not like his father... even less like his grandfather."

"Thank you very much, Albus!" Snape blurted out in resentment. "I think I can judge that by myself!"

Silence fell again in the corridor while darkness spread its wings on the day: lights slowly dimmed and the castle was soon wrapped in a peaceful quiet. Yet there was somebody who paced relentlessly that night, vainly looking for rest.

*************

The second lesson was even more satisfactory. Albus Severus was improving quickly, and Snape was enjoying his role more and more.

Looking at his notepad now full of interesting annotations, the boy thoughtfully said with his new, charming confidence, "Dad said you were very strict with marks and discipline. I don't find you so dreadful."

"Thank you, Potter!" Snape replied with mock gravity. Could this be the right moment to investigate without raising suspicions? He paused a moment, then added casually, "I imagine your father told you a lot of awful stories about me."

"No, sir. He just said that you fought in the wizarding war against Voldemort and that you were very brave." The boy was busy reordering his things, but suddenly stopped and looked up at the portrait in uncertainty.

"May... May I ask you something, Professor?" he ventured, blushing in hesitation.

Snape sighed. "You have spent the last hour torturing me with questions, Potter. Another one won't matter."

"But this... this is a personal question." Albus Severus stammered in confusion. "You said that you knew my grandparents... How... How did you..."

Snape felt suddenly horribly empty. "How did I get to know them? Because they both were students at Hogwarts with me. They were Gryffindors like you while I was a Slytherin, but we were same age and studied the same subjects in the same classrooms." Again he paused, lost in his memories. "Your grandmother... she was beautiful. She was my best friend for a long while."

"Oh! And then what happened?" the boy asked, very interested.

"She... she met your grandfather... and she liked him better," Snape whispered.

"Ah!" The boy seemed to suddenly realise how much the man had saddened, and he asked anxiously, "But you were still friends afterwards, weren't you?"

Snape took a deep breath, feeling something cold. The boy's curiosity was slicing him like a scalpel, and the pain was immense. He shouldn't have encouraged these confidences. Now, what could he say to Albus Severus? The boy was looking at him so trustfully... Wrong choices had brought Snape so much anguish and pain in the past! He couldn't afford to be judged and despised by this boy too.

"Yes," he answered and his eyes became blank. "We were... still... friends."

Understanding that the older wizard was pained, Albus Severus suppressed the questions that were still dancing in his mind. Adults were strange, he thought, but he knew there would be time in the next days. It was only a matter of patience.

*************

In the following days, Snape's thoughts focused more and more on the boy, and he raised his head in hope each time he perceived the sound of footsteps approaching. Yet, there were moments in which the dark wizard still wondered...

Why hadn't Harry Potter told anything to his children? Because, incredible as it would seem, apparently he hadn't.

Nineteen years had been a great gap in time. The dreadful memories of the war had probably weakened in the minds and conversations of the wizarding world outside the castle. Perhaps adults might still dedicate them a thought, but surely children were much more interested in their little daily problems, in dealing with studies and with that abominable Quidditch game.

In this way, Severus felt safe. As long as their lessons were undisclosed, there was a hope that nobody would comment and tell the boy the horrible truth about the role Severus had played in the lives of the Potters. Of course, sooner or later the boy would have to know... But by that point, he would have also known who had destroyed his family and then sacrificed his life to pay for his mistakes.

In any case, by that time, Severus would probably be safely buried again in the Headmistress's office why was this thought so disturbing? away from any other implications...

And why had Potter chosen Severus's name for his second son? Snape soon renounced further investigation of the subject. The child was there, and that was the only thing that mattered.

The trust and the confidence sparkling in the boy's eyes, his infectious laughter and his naïve but sincere admiration were a comforting balm for Severus' wounded spirit. The painful memories that were haunting his heart seemed to slowly fade away while a mysterious, paternal feeling gradually replaced anger and bitterness, changing them into shining, pure emotions.

Refusing to worry about the future, Severus painstakingly devolved the best part of his soul to Lily's grandson, hoping that this could be at least a compensation for his mistakes and a promise for the years to come.

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Leave a Review

Latest 25 Reviews for Second Chance

157 Reviews | 6.82/10 Average

0/10

deejay

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.

10/10

mick42

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!

10/10

MsTree

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.

10/10

jadecadence

Complete is better.

Response from Memory (Author of Second Chance)

You will excuse me, but I don't understand what you mean.Sorry.

10/10

mick42

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.

10/10

mick42

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.

10/10

mick42

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.

10/10

MsTree

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.

10/10

mick42

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.

10/10

MsTree

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. ^_^

0/10

Nevilleherosnape

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.

10/10

mick42

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 :)

10/10

MsTree

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.

10/10

mick42

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!

10/10

jadecadence

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!

10/10

mick42

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.

10/10

arynwy

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)

10/10

ClayPotter

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)

10/10

mick42

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)

10/10

MsTree

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... ;)

10/10

mick42

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... ;)

10/10

mick42

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)

10/10

mick42

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)

10/10

mick42

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.

10/10

mick42

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.