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Snape entered, his cloak billowing in the air as he walked down the marble halls of the Malfoy Manor. His steps were light and confident: he had brought good news for the Dark Lord it seemed.The man ran up the stairs in twos. Two, four, six, eight ... fourteen, sixteen. Then finally the next floor. He took a few, calm steps forward into the light.The table in front of him was seated by Death Eaters. The Malfoys, Yaxley, the Lestranges, with Bellatrix seated as closely at the end near Voldemort. His red eyes, nose slits, and waxy, pale skin. His lips curved into a smile as he noticed Snape by the doorway."Severus," said Voldemort, motioning to his right, "you're almost late. But no matter. We've saved you a seat."The Potion's Master merely nodded and took his place on the table.The meeting began with a single word. "News?""The best kind," replied Snape. "The girl ... we've successfully infiltrated the home of Molly Weasley. Eleanor Potter is out and about in town now. Her next move ... presumably the ministry itself.""They're stupid going into the ministry like this," said Yaxley, scoffing at the idea. "We've got them all under control. It's a suicide mission.""Suicide or not, knowing Potter, she would definitely attempt something like this," said Snape, calmly. "She's daring, don't forget that.""Daring enough to walk into death?" Bellatrix cackled. "Straight into the Dark Lord's arms without him needing to lift a wand!""Even if is," began Snape coldly, "there's no doubt that it remains a possibility.""Then where will she go next?" asked Voldemort."Presumably at the Order's headquarters," said Snape. "A location that I don't have."A lie. Snape prayed that his shields of Occlumency would remain strong as he stared into Voldemort's eyes. He can't know, he can't know-The other Death Eaters merely laughed, their voices filled with doubt and derision. It wouldn't matter whether he knew or not. The Fidelius Charm wouldn't have been able to grant him the ability to disclose the location anyways."I believe Severus," said the Dark Lord. "We must be prepared."The rest of the meeting proceeded without so much of a hiccup. Voldemort asked for the necessary information he required to formulate his next steps. What Snape could only do is guess as he listened to the table speak.Then, Voldemort dismissed them. They all stood up in unison and prepared to leave, but-"Severus, a word."Snape turned around. "My Lord?""Just a word with you," said Voldemort. "Come, walk with me in the gardens."Severus loved to walk. Walking meant getting away from his troublesome home and taking in the views outside. Sometimes he'd even trek a long way just to see a certain girl who had long passed.The sights of the Malfoy Manor would have excited him if not for the unwelcome company at his side. They were sure to keep their front lawn as beautiful as they could to project an image of perfection. The perfect family. The perfect life.At least the moon is bright, he thought. Just like someone he knew very well.The gardens owned by the Malfoys were clean cut and organized and consisted of a many stoned pathways surrounded with flowers, magical and non-magical alike. A little further down this road, and one would reach a stained glass dome at the very heart of the garden. Nay, one might also be lucky enough to spot a peacock bearing its feathers for all to see.But for now the duo were quite far from all that. The only interesting plants that seemed to surround them were a few narcissus', and roses. As much as Narcissa loved the flower bearing her namesake, she loved her roses much more. It was evident with how much care she put in with them: only the prettiest and most vibrant were allowed to bloom.And judging from Voldemort's behaviour, so did he. He silently peered over the hedges, his eyes focused on a single red rose."My Lord," began Snape, "you ... you wished to speak to me?""Patience is a virtue Severus," said Voldemort. He took out his wand and cut the rose off its bush. "Tell me, how are things at Hogwarts?""Just as you wished it to be," replied Snape, eyeing the rose apprehensively. Voldemort did not notice. "Ever since the Carrows have arrived, managing the school has been smooth sailing, even with the rebel students."Smooth sailing. One can imagine that.The image of a lady with raven locks suddenly appears into his mind. Her figure may be clear, but everything around her is blurred, even parts of her clothing. Still, Severus knows she's wearing a cloak. He knows because he saw her make it herself.It too is black, and while the one he wears makes him look like an overgrown bat, it does not have the same effect on her. It compliments her outfit well and gives her a sort of neat and professional look, similar to that of a teacher.The lady shoots Snape a single glance, her face a mixture of anger and sadness before walking away. Her cloak billows behind her as she walks away. It might even look like she's escorting something out.Or maybe someone.Push it out of your mind, Snape thought. Not here. Not now.He hoped the Dark Lord would not ask of her."And your daughter?"Snape did his best to suppress his shudder. The girl he thought of ... it was his daughter. His daughter. The one he and Lily conceived on a full moon night eighteen years ago. And the one Voldemort had glimpsed from so far away.The image returned, although this time, the memory was clear. They were pacing around in the halls in Hogwarts discussing what he remembered to be school changes. Voldemort had wanted the education to be altered to fit the criteria he had approved of. It was a tiring conversation, but one that was with renewed when they heard a lady singing.
"Who's singing," Voldemort asked. He was under the Disillusionment Charm, yet Snape could sense his head moving towards the music.
"Someone who wishes to interrupt us," Snape replied. He knew exactly who the voice belonged to and had no intention of letting Voldemort know. "Let us come this way. It is probably just another student."
"No," said Voldemort. "It hardly sounds like it. I want to know who it is."
They turned round the corner which revealed a startling scene. There sat an older witch and a student who looked no older than eleven. It was the witch that sung for the girl.
Then, she turned her head, revealing her face.
And her face ... s
he had Lily's face, her figure, her smile. But her eyes ... her eyes were like the night. Just like Severus'. And while her hair was black like her father's, hers was thick and fell down in waves like black silk. There wasn't a trace of a greasy curtain anywhere.
Voldemort, who was still under the Disillusionment Charm couldn't be seen, but Snape could tell he was frozen. Fascinated even.
"And who might that be?" asked the Dark Lord in a quiet manner. He began to finger his wand like he was agitated, and tapped it across his palm repeatedly.
Snape swallowed. "My - my daughter My Lord."
"Ah!" Voldemort exclaimed. "So this is the witch Lucius has told me all about."
"Yes."
"She is quite charming for a lady her age," he remarked, observing her closely. "She's ... "
But Voldemort didn't have the time to finish. The witch had noticed her father at the end of the hall, watching her silently. Seeing him had greatly upset her. She threw a dirty look at her father before motioning to the young girl.
"Let's get you to bed Ashley," she said in her melodic voice, crouching down to the girl's height. "You've got a long day of school ahead and it would do you no good to sleep in them."
The young girl - Ashley - nodded in agreement. "Yes, Professor."
Then the witch merely swished her black cloak around the child as they walked away. Click clack, the sound of her heels on marble echoed through the school at a brisk tempo. Neither of the two would forget the sound so easily.
"My Lord?" asked Snape as he watched his daughter fade from view.
"Oh, yes," said Voldemort, snapping back to reality. "Her name was?"
"Esmeray," said Snape. "Esmeray Aruna Snape."
From then on, Voldemort had always inquired about his daughter any chance he got. Sometimes they were during private conversations between the two, but on occasion, he would inquire of her during an important meeting. Many of the Death Eaters would ridicule Esmeray's status as a half-blood, but to this Voldemort only replied, "that is what you'll say until you've met her."Snape smiled as best he could, praying his answer would be sufficient. "She remains as she was when you last glimpsed her."Voldemort's lips rose into what looked like a lustful smile. "It takes quite some time to change a person Severus. I daresay, under your guidance, I might find her joining us soon."The Potion's Master bit his lip, trying to formulate the right words to save his daughter from the same fate as his whilst also pleasing the Dark Lord. "That is something for her to decide my Lord. She's only eighteen-""A perfect time to join us, don't you think?" interjected Voldemort. "I trust on you to convince her. We could use a witch with her powers.""She's expressed her wish to continue as a Potion's Assistant and take over my old post," said Snape. "I don't know if she's willing to part with that dream so soon.""A Potion's Assistant?" Voldemort could hardly contain his laughter. "I've heard many things about Slughorn, the way he talks and acts in that school. If she were to remain an assistant under him, I'd feel as though it were a waste.""But to be forced into a life of servitude," Snape let the idea stick on his tongue. "She's a free bird. They may wander, but they'll come back in due time."The Dark Lord's nostrils flared angrily. "And when will that be? When she is old and grey?"Snape swallowed. "I hope not.""I know she was close to the Potter girl," said Voldemort, spitting her name. "Her mind is not in the right place Severus."Close to the Potter girl. "I understand."Voldemort breathed, satisfied with the answer. "Tell her this: let the potions brew themselves. Join us and join us for a better cause. We need a witch like her."A beat. Then-"I shall certainly try," said Snape."Good," replied Voldemort, handing him the bloodred rose. "I'm counting on you Severus."The man suppressed a shudder before taking the rose. It was certainly intended for his own daughter and while it wasn't unfortunate looking, it scared him. Voldemort was growing more obsessed by the day with Esmeray. He'll make his move inevitably to get her to join him. Whether she would, however, was not up to her to decide.Snape gave the Dark Lord a stiff bow, secretly crushing the rose in his grip. The thorns dug into his skin, drawing blood. Whatever happened, he would do everything in his power to prevent Esmeray from joining. He had made that mistake once.His daughter shall not suffer, he swore to it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Esmeray surveyed the hallways. Empty.Good. That meant that the students were safe and in bed, far out of the reach of any Carrow in the school.Not that there were any Carrows. Her father was at a secret meeting somewhere outside of Hogwarts, a location even he would not disclose to his daughter. Most likely the Carrows have left with him too, travelling to said unknown location where they would meet him.Him, meaning the Dark Lord. Her students were safe, but not for long. Not while the Voldemort reigned, and not while her father remained loyal to him. Even his name sent shudders down her spine. The Dark Lord after her sister? How many sleepless nights must she suffer before this war is over?Was she safe?She doesn't want you to think about her, a voice in her head said. Remember what she said? Stay away from me and my friends for good. Why bother Esmeray? Why?
Because she's my sister.
A flash of an old memory shifts through her mind. Her father was kneeling, on the verge of tears as he clutched her shoulders. His mouth opened to say something Esmeray could not hear, but she could make out the words herself.
"Protect Eleanor," he said. "Protect your sister."
Then he ran up, towards the Astronomy Tower leaving her in a state of shock. Even now, she did not understand it. For so long Snape had kept the identity of her mother from her, brushing off her questions with vague answers. But that night he had confessed that Eleanor and Esmeray were sisters.Of course he had. He ran off with Malfoy and the band of Death Eaters afterwards. Why wouldn't he tell her that crucial piece of information if he was going to leave so soon?We share the same mother, she thought. Lily. The one person Snape loves more than himself.
And now he's at a secret meeting with the people who will stop at nothing to destroy my sister.
Esmeray did not know the contents of the Death Eater gathering. And despite her constant questions, her father had refused to say even a single word about them. If he ever did respond, it was with very obvious facts.There was no use reading him. Esmeray might have rivalled her father in Occlumency, but her Legilimency was still lacking a little bit. She could never push past that cocoon of emptiness he always kept. But what she could observe was his physical being. On some occasions, she found him carrying things he didn't have before he left. And other times, she found him burning those things, the gifts (perhaps they were) he had were either stored away or burned.Sometimes she wondered if they were for her. But they couldn't have been. Who would be considerate enough to send her gifts besides her father and her deceased grandmother? Besides, she was like a bird, caged. Whereas Eleanor was roaming free, fulfilling the task given to her by Dumbledore, Esmeray spent her time here at Hogwarts. It was a life of constant fear, every day for Esmeray. She spent her days teaching classes well, fearfully patrolling the hallways whilst avoiding the Carrows, and spent her nights waiting for her father's timely return from whatever mission he was gifted with.If only she could have left. They would've been able to together, like all sisters should, but ...
Stay away from me and my friends for good.
Maybe Eleanor was right. Even if she was her sister, Snape killed Dumbledore. And ... and it's only natural she wouldn't trust anyone related to the ex-Potion's Master.So she would remain here, as useless as a bottle of wine while her sister faced dangers she did not know of or want to imagine. The last time they were spotted, they had apparated away from the wedding and out of Weasley's house. Her father had told her how disappointed Voldemort was in Rowle for having not secured the girl, and that sent shivers down her spine.If they were anywhere, dear Ellie and her friends were most likely hiding out in the muggle world. The Wizarding World is not safe for them anyway. Probably in Grimmauld Place, safe from the Death Eaters.But even if Esmeray was to remain at Hogwarts like a useless bottle of wine, she was determined to make her time here worth it. After all, the older the wine, the better tasting.Hogwarts may only be a school, but as a student teacher, Esmeray could impact the education of the children even if it was small. She could help the rebel students in the school. She could stop the Carrows from torturing more students. She had the power to fight against Voldemort even if she was trapped in the inside.Speaking of the rebel students, she had a mission to fulfill herself.Aberforth Dumbledore had been supplying Dumbledore's Army with his own cooking, but from what some of the DA had told her, it was absolutely dreadful. Still, it was the best they had for a while. No one really complained about the taste of it. But when a food shortage appeared, a few of the DA members risked leaving the Room of Requirement to sneak over to the kitchens. Unfortunately, they were caught by the Carrows who punished them heavily.
"Crucio!" cried a voice from an empty classroom. "Crucio!"
They were at it again. The Carrow siblings. No doubt they were, they're the only ones who would even dare use an Unforgivable Curse on school grounds.
Esmeray ran, as fast as she could, following the screams of pain. Left, right, left, right. She could hear the sound getting closer. Even the portraits were covering their ears and pointing towards the directions of their cries.
The fact that her father had allowed such heinous acts to be performed at Hogwarts angered her. But she didn't have time to think about that. Not when the Carrows were at it and not when students were being harmed.
Her fingers wrenched the door open to reveal Amycus, his wand pointed directly at a younger boy who was wearing a red and gold sweater. The boy's body writhed in pain, screaming loudly for the pain to stop. Behind him was lay a girl with white blonde hair dressed in blue. Both looked disheveled and exhausted.
Anger curled within her stomach and soon, Esmeray found herself pointing her wand at the man.
"Stop it Amycus," she said, aiming her wand right between his eyebrows. "If you're going to practice an Unforgivable Curse on a student, you're going to have to answer to me."
"Snape's orders," he said gleefully. "These two were trying to sneak into the kitchens to get food. As if they deserve any," he added, kicking the boy in the shins.
"There's a difference between punishing someone reasonably and doing it for fun," Esmeray replied, her hand shaking with rage. "Put your wand down, or else."
"What? You're going to tell Snape or something?" Amycus said, oblivious to the boy's yells. "As if he'll do anything—"
"Stop it. Now."
The Death Eater lowered his wand. The screaming stopped soon afterward. The only sound that filled the room were the boys moans and whimpers as crawled away. He scrambled towards the wall and huddled together with the girl and together, they began to search the floor for something.
But, Amycus did not see it. Instead, he turned to face Esmeray with a mad glint in his eye. "Make me."
A jet of red light fired out from Esmeray's wand. Amycus parried it, and with a swish of his wand as well, he sent forth a jet of red light of his own. It too was deflected by Esmeray. She flicked her wrist lazily and smiled smugly at the Death Eater. Not many new it, but Snape had taught her privately before which pushed her to become an expert duellist herself.
Amycus grits his teeth. "I see how it is."
Both moved to raise their wands, but Esmeray needn't lift her wand much more. Suddenly, Amycus went stiff and rigid like a board, like he'd been Petrified. Behind him, both the boy and the blonde girl had her own wand pointed squarely at his back.
Then, the man fell with a resounding thud onto the wooden floor.
"There's no need for you to duel in a classroom, Professor," the girl said airily. "But thank you for sticking up for us."
"Both of you," said Esmeray, pointing her wand at the duo. "Your detentions are over and lifted. Get up. I'll lead you to back to your common rooms unless you want to look for more trouble."
"Thank you," said the boy, who was struggling to stand. The professor swished her wand, forcing him to his feet. He mumbled his words of thanks before rubbing his arms.
"Let's go."
The trio traversed through the halls briskly, Esmeray leading at the front. She clutched her wand anxiously, peeking round the corners to see if anyone unfriendly was there. Luckily there was no one.
She had sent them off their merry ways that night once she was sure it was safe. And luckily for her, she knew who the duo was. Luna, the Ravenclaw girl, and Neville, the boy from Gryffindor. Her own house.It took the DA a little but of time to trust her again, but after what Neville had told them, they were convinced that she was nothing like her father. It was nice being part of the group again and it pleased her to know that she was helping them do something good. For now, that came in the form of getting food from the kitchens, which she had, and making her way down to their secret headquarters.The Room of Requirement opened to her without fail. As it should."Guys," Esmeray said, the door disappearing behind her. "I got you something."The first to wake was Seamus. "Guys, wake up!" he yelled. "Esmeray's got us something?""Is it food?" a Hufflepuff girl asks.She smiles, holding up the basket. "Yes it is guys."The room erupted in cheers."I was able to snag enough for you all to share," continued Esmeray, throwing the basket over to Seamus. "It'll be enough to survive. I'll be back the following night, don't worry."But the group was already digging in, oblivious to her words. As they would be, she thought. I don't think I would've survived on Aberforth's cooking myself. The last meal they had from Aberforth had been a plain soup with watered down stock and barely edible vegetables. The taste was so bad that some of the DA were left with horrible stomach pains prompting Neville to send an emergency owl to Esmeray for Madame Pomfrey's tonics which the latter snuck inside her next basket."Thanks though," said Neville who had climbed down from his makeshift hammock. "We wouldn't be able to survive as long as we are without you."Esmeray simply nodded and smiled. "I do my best. I'm glad I've been able to be of some use."Neville returned the smile. He opened his mouth to say something more, but at that very moment, the bells rang.The clock struck twelve. It meant one thing: he should be returning soon."Esmeray—""I have to go," she said, dashing to the door which had slowly begun to materialize. "Sorry Neville, I can't talk now but I'll be back tomorrow, I promise!""Wait—"But the door shut behind her before she could hear what he had to say.Esmeray ran. Up the stairs, her heels clacking on the spiral staircase in a steady beat. Her cloak followed her, puffing out behind like black wings. And her hair, which was left loose, moved from side to side as she ran.The top of the tower was strangely calm aside from the wind rushing past her ears. Her hair whipped past her face as she peered up into the sky. The moon was out, shining brightly and modestly. Like my name, Esmeray thought.Snape had told his daughter the story so many times. But he was never the greatest or the most emotional narrator and usually told the stories in one or two sentences. "It happened on a full moon," he'd say disinterestedly. "She was gone the following morning and a year later, she left you with me and gave you that name Esmeray."The full moon. Esmeray meaning "the dark moon", and Aruna meaning ... "moon love". Certainly her mother had loved her father if he were to give her that additional middle name.But she left me on his doorstep, Esmeray thought. No mother would have done that.It was something she constantly questioned. Perhaps her mother thought of her as a mistake and didn't love her. Or—No. Severus had always told her that her mother had loved her immensely. He always said he had concrete proof of it, the proof being a letter from that night eighteen years ago. Ever since she turned eleven, Snape had also gifted a letter written by her mother to be read at the start of every school year. The ends of those letters were always ripped off. Her signature, her mother's signature was kept a mystery.Esmeray would always fume whenever she saw those torn ends. She had always addressed her mother as "mother" and this one chance to get to know her name was ruined. The signature gone, the image of her mother she had made that would be left without a name upset Esmeray as much as the student's Snape taught did.She threw a tantrum every year. Her father was selfish to keep mother's signature for himself, jealously hoarding the pieces of her in the name of Esmeray's "protection". Protection or not, it didn't matter. Snape would always kept that part of her writing if he could afford it.The last letter Esmeray received was when she entered her seventh year at Hogwarts. As usual, her mother's signature had been torn off the end. Esmeray fumed once more, and with a defeated sigh, set the letter away in a secret box as usual. What was the point of reading it if you don't even know who it's from? Sure, it's from your mother, but who was she?After years of waiting, Esmeray finally got her answer.Lily, Snape told her that night. Your mother's name was Lily Potter.It didn't help with the new revelation that Esmeray was Eleanor's half sister. Her father had only entrusted her the truth. Protect your sister, he said that night, before making up the Astronomy Tower. From the sidelines or in battle, protect her as best as you can.When she was a child, she didn't understand it. It was either "protect her because I said so" or "because she is the Girl-Who-Lived". Now, Esmeray had an actual reason— and a good reason at that. And she now had a reason to read those letters that were kept hidden in that secret box hidden in her office.A loud whooshing sound and a breeze past her ear interrupted her thoughts. Esmeray turned around to see black smoke materializing someone very familiar."You're back," said Esmeray, watching Snape's black cloak come into focus.Her father stared back at her blankly. "Esmeray," he said stiffly."Well," she began, putting a hand on her hip. "Why are you back so late?"Snape lets out a hollow laugh. "You don't have to stay here up every night just to wait for me if that's what you're concerned about.""Yes I do!" Esmeray snapped. "What am I supposed to do if you don't return?"Snape remained silent as he stared into his daughter's eyes. He could tell she was stricken, deeply affected by his absence and his lack of care. Like he had a choice in that matter. If he had risked growing attached to her—He didn't have a choice. That hurt him too and he turned his gaze to face the moon instead."Even after all that's happened, you're still my father."His eyes snap back to hers. "And what?""That still means I have a duty to love and care for you," Esmeray replied indignantly. "You might've been absent most of my childhood, but Grandmother Eileen gave me the childhood you couldn't. And thank her for that because I remained whole."The fact cut through Snape's heart, tearing it in half. He had wanted to raise Esmeray. But in his cowardice, he had shoved her into the care of his mother Eileen. And then he ran, far away into Hogwarts where he could forget the mistake he had made so many years ago. But the children's faces would always remind him of the girl he abandoned in his home back in Spinner's End.During the summer he would return home to see his mother and the little girl. Maybe she grew a little taller. Maybe she grew a little more clever. Maybe she would do something different when he came back. But no matter what it was, he always kept his distance from both. And so Esmeray grew up with her absent father ... until Eileen passed away and he was forced to take in the girl."And I'm lucky," said Snape. "My daughter is nothing like the Dark Lord."Both remain quiet, the wind rushing all around them. The mistakes that stood between them. Their lost childhoods. Everything.Her eyes dropped down towards his hand."You're bleeding," said Esmeray.Her father's mouth curved into a sneer as he shoved his hand into his pocket. "Astute observation Esmeray.""And you're holding something."Snape heaved a breath, obviously annoyed. His hands opened to reveal a crumpled red rose. It was a pretty thing, but tainted by his blood and crushed by his own grip out of anger, something Esmeray did not know."A rose," he said, flustered.She raises an eyebrow. "I thought your favourite flower was a—"A lily. Esmeray caught herself before that word escaped her mouth. It would pain the both of them. "You never liked roses. Especially red roses."His cheeks were highly coloured now. "If anyone asks, don't tell anyone you saw it.""Why?"His mouth opens, struggling to find the right words. A wrong word and she'll know."It would do you good if you never knew about it," said Snape. "Go to bed. You have to teach tomorrow."She merely stares at him, confused. "Father—""Go!" he snapped, giving her an icy glare. "And don't come back here and wait for me again Esmeray. It isn't safe anymore."It isn't safe. Esmeray might not like her father, but she knows when to heed to his words. With a glare of her own, she curtsies and walks away, down the steps and out of the spiral staircase. Snape watches her go, making sure she's safe before breathing a sigh of his own. He turns his attention back to the rose."Incendio," he mutters. A tiny flame shoots out of the tip of his wand, setting the flower on fire. The flames lick at the red petals, which curl under the heat, before they crumple into a pile of black ash. With another flick of his wand, the remains disappears.Then, he descended down the stairs and into his quarters for the night.