Work Text
"For those who don't know me I can get a bit crazy, have to get my way, yep! Twenty four hours a day, cause I'm hot like that. Every guy, everywhere just gives me mad attention like I'm under inspection, I always get a ten 'cause I'm built like that. I go through guys like money flying out the hands, they try to change me but they realize they can't. And every tomorrow is a day I never plan. If you're gonna be my man understand: I can't be tamed!"
-Miley Cyrus (Can't be tamed)
Soleil
Every single pair of eyes were watching as Soleil strode through the train station with Lucius, the breeze shifting and changing course and intensity with every single step Soleil took. Their magic was tingling their fingertips, the dark clouds overhead moving the opposite direction of the wind while the sun peaked through them and illuminated Soleil's frame. It was pure chaos as all the muggles had to chase after their pets, cats and dogs of all kinds taking off after Soleil and following loyally at their footsteps. One lady was practically being dragged by her malamute as he took off while she clung to the leash for dear life. Soleil smiled as a large doe jumped out from the road, scrambling to walk beside them. Muggles gawked at the scene while Soleil stretched their hand out, petting the doe like it was the most normal thing. It was normal, at least for Sol... animals loved them, especially deer. Deer of all kinds, really. Doe and stags alike. The German shepherd on Soleil's other side waved his tail happily while his owner chased after him, leading behind her all the other panicking muggles trying to reign in their pets. Wizards and witches alike were glued to Soleil, their eyes swarming with questions, their scrutinizing gazes trying to decipher Soleil's gender. Soleil could practically read the confusion all over their faces.Soleil looked over at a random man about average height, with glasses and unruly hair. He was accompanied by three other men. Soleil could see all of them looking in curiosity. Soleil waved, unbothered and even thriving under the attention.The man with the glasses grinned and covered his mouth, stifling a flustered giggle with his tall dark haired friend. Soleil smirked and looked away, the muscles under their back shifting, reminding them of the existence of the bird-like creature that existed just under the surface of their Glamour.Lucius slowed to a stop, setting his hand on Soleil's shoulder. All the animals stopped as Soleil stopped, but none were willing to be pulled away. "Here we are. Platform nine and three quarters. Are you excited?"Soleil smiled up at their brother. "Very. I'm excited to start college, find my purpose."Soleil had never left Malfoy Manor, this week was their first time ever outside anywhere other than the forever stretching yard in the back of the mansion. They were excited to finally be a part of something unknown, excited to get out of the home that kept them captive their entire life. They were excited to move on from the nest, spread their metaphorical and literal wings and fly. Soleil could practically taste the exciting burst of freedom, could feel the electric charge in the air around them as they tried to stifle their energy. They couldn't wait to break every single rule they had been following under their father's strict rule for years.They were going to try everything at least once. If it didn't work out for them, that was fine. It was part of discovery. But at least they would get to live, rather than just survive. And this time nobody would be around to stop them from completely letting go. "What are the three big rules to survive college?" Lucius asked. Soleil ticked them off on their fingers. "Stay away from James Potter and his friends, don't lose my temper, and befriend Severus Snape.""Very good. Speaking of which..."Lucius stretched his arm out, pointing to a raven-haired man with greasy hair wearing slytherin robes, standing in line waiting to get on the train with his arms crossed over his chest. A red haired woman chattered beside him, while he occasionally nodded to what she said or responded to her with a soft smile. "You see him?" Lucius asked. Soleil nodded. "He's my brother, too. He's not blood like you, but that doesn't matter. He is family. What do we do in this family?" Lucius asked. Soleil smiled up at their older brother with shining pride. "We protect each other."Lucius smiled approvingly at Soleil. "Exactly."Then he handed Soleil an envelope sealed with red ink. "What's this?" They asked. "This, Sol, is a list of everything you need to know about Severus. He's very fidgety, you see... he's fitful. You will need to know and remember all these things. His heart is a very fragile thing." Lucius explained. Soleil pointed to the other envelope Lucius held. "And what's that?""Nevermind this. This one is for Severus." Lucius said. He squeezed Soleil's shoulder. "Shall I introduce you?"Soleil looked around as all the muggles finally reeled in their pets, relief on their faces. Owls squaked in wizards and witches cages, all facing Soleil. Frogs were leaping around their feet, rats trailed behind in a large group, and the cats were all sat scattered around them. Soleil waited until their soon to be fellow colleagues reeled in their own animals, then turned to Lucius. "Yes, I'm curious to meet him." Soleil tapped their envelope, watching as Narcissa fretted over Regulus Black from a few feet away. Soleil would be attending college as a freshman with Regulus, but they knew each other well and had a good rapport. They didn't need a list to know how to care for each other. They were family at this point, their families joined by the union of Lucius and Narcissa. "Remember, he's incredibly grumpy, and does not trust easily. You'll have an easier time than most because you're my family, but it doesn't mean it will be easy in general. Severus is a very closed off man." Lucius reminded them.Soleil smiled. "That's good. I like challenges."Lucius chuckled. "Don't I know it. Let's go then, before we make you late."Soleil nodded and followed after their brother. All at once chaos erupted again, and all the animals in the station were making all kinds of noise and chasing after Soleil."Reel it in." Lucius whispered. "I'm trying- but it's hard. I'm excited." Soleil said.Lucius looked up at the sky, watching the clouds defy the wind to follow Soleil. "I can see that."Soleil smiled politely when they approached, and Lucius tapped Severus Snape on the shoulder. Severus whirled around. "Bloody hell!" He smacked Lucius on the arm. "Don't sneak up on me like that!"Lucius chuckled. "My apologies, I assumed you could hear me approach.""Not under all this chaos! Look at the animals, they're being unnaturally..." Severus trailed off, glancing around at all the animals surrounding Soleil, slowly calming down now that Soleil had slowed to a stop. "...Restless." Severus finished quietly, a slight pause on his face.Soleil smiled and offered their hand. "I'm Soleil, it's nice to meet you.""Ah," Severus said. "I see. Lucius's little... uh..." Severus frowned. "...Brother?"Soleil shrugged. "If it pleases you, sure.""Huh." Severus took a long drag of a cigarette Soleil had only just now noticed, because he had it hanging low originally. Soleil looked at it, the smoke fanning out around them as Severus exhaled, the bright red of the cherry dimming as Severus's mouth released the other end of it. Severus offered the cigarette. "Do you smoke?"I do now. "Yes. Thanks." Lucius chuckled as Soleil reached out and took the cigarette, awkwardly sticking it between their lips. Severus and Soleil held contact as they inhaled, a strange charge in the air between them that Soleil had never felt before. The smoke burned their throat, interrupting the moment as quickly as it came. Soleil broke eye contact first to burst into a coughing fit, clouds of smoke spurting out around their head. "Yeah, you do not smoke." Severus smirked and took the cigarette when Soleil regained control. Their fingers brushed slightly, and electricity raced up their arms. Both of them jerked their arms away from each other, cradling their own respective hands to their chests. "Everything okay?" Lucius asked. "Err- static. We shocked each other." Severus mumbled. Soleil stared down at their hand in confusion. What on earth was that? That definitely wasn't normal. "Ah." Lucius reached out and handed Severus an envelope. "Don't open it here. Wait until you're alone. This is top secret information."Severus rolled his eyes but took the envelope. "Always with the dramatics."Soleil looked as the train sounded. Lucius looked at Severus. "Will you and your friend take Soleil in? And Regulus, of course, if he accepts it. I want them to have someone to know.""Sure!" The red-haired woman said, reaching her hand out. "I'm Lily. It's nice to meet you."Soleil smiled politely, shaking her hand. "Likewise." Lily looked at Severus, gently shaking his arm. Soleil noticed their arms were linked. Maybe they were lovers, they seemed to be comfortable being intimate. They were probably dating, Soleil assumed. "We should get going before we miss the train." She told him.Severus nodded and looked at Lucius. "It was nice seeing you, Lucius.""You too, Sev." Then Lucius looked at Soleil with a playful wink. "Don't get in too much trouble. I won't be there to get you out of it all the time."Soleil smiled and rolled their eyes. "No promises."Lucius laughed. "I assumed as much."Soleil waved their brother goodbye as they walked away. Once again, all the animals went crazy as Soleil began to walk away. Severus and Lily looked around wide eyed at all the chaos. "One moment." Soleil said with their foot on the steps of the train. They turned and looked at all the animals. "Stop."All the animals slowly calmed down, but they were still barking and meowing, trying to get on the train as well. Soleil closed their eyes, trying to remember what Narcissa taught them. Deep breaths. In and out. Picture energy falling over the animals like a blanket, connecting your mind to theirs. Soleil opened their eyes, trying to push their intention on the animals.Slowly but surely, with a great deal of effort, all of them calmed down. Soleil pushed a calming energy on them, trying to manipulate their emotions so their anxiety would simmer down.When the animals were finally calm and compliant, leaving with their owners, Soleil turned and smiled at Severus and Lily's stunned faces. "Shall we?" Soleil asked. "Yeah... sure..." Lily breathed out, looking back in astonishment as Severus led her into the train and Soleil followed them. Once they were all seated and the train was moving, Severus leaned forward and looked at Soleil. "What was that?!" He hissed quietly. Soleil had the pleasure of seeing him pale in awe- something Lucius said was pretty difficult to do, but Soleil hadn't even tried yet. "I'm an energy empath." Soleil boasted, waving their hand around nonchalantly and trying to appear humble - which was hard. Soleil was really quite proud of their power. Soleil took any opportunity they could to talk about it. "I can feel and manipulate the emotions and energies of those around me. It's a gift and a curse I've been dealing with my entire life, I can't always control it.""Seemed like you had a great deal of control to me." Severus said, leaning back and crossing his arms. Soleil grinned brightly. "Thank you. I would hope so, I've worked pretty hard at it."Lily leaned forward in interest, her eyes wide. "Is it just animals?" She asked. "No. It's the earth as a whole, I've learned. Something earthbound tethers me, like a spiritual connection of some sort. I know this because nature speaks to me." Soleil answered. Severus frowned in confusion. "What do you mean nature speaks to you?"Soleil was quiet for a moment, thinking and choosing their next words carefully. "I can feel and shift the energy in the air around me, I can help or hurt plant life, I can calm or rile up animals... and I can feel the emotions of those around me. And with a great deal of concentration, can shift the emotions of people as well. But the only person's emotions I've been able to manipulate has been my father's. I don't like to but have to, you see. So he doesn't go too far when angry. Sometimes I can change my brother's emotions, with consent of course. I don't ever use it forcefully unless I have to. If someone cannot calm down, for example.""Woah!" Lily gasped. "Can you feel my emotions?""I suppose I could zero in on you if I tried. Right now I feel everyone's emotions." Soleil replied with a shrug. "Like a supernatural radio that keeps flipping channels.""That must be so... overstimulating." Severus said. "It can be. But every radio has a volume, all I have to do is turn the dial down." Soleil said. Suddenly and without warning, Soleil felt compelled to tell Severus things... intimate details of their conscience It was like an impulse you couldn't control, like being curious about a hot stove, and your brain forgets to send signals telling you it's a bad idea. "...I find it really difficult to feel my own emotions. I spend so long feeling everyone else's emotions, that by the time I get a second to myself, I'm too exhausted to feel my own. Feeling my own emotions takes concentration. My only saving grace when I'm out in public is to turn the metaphorical dial down on everyone else, otherwise I'm left hollow by the time I'm alone. I'm actually quite terrified of it."
Why did I just tell him that?
"Is that easy to do?" Severus asked. Soleil shifted uncomfortably in their seat. "Most times, provided I'm not overwhelmed." They answered honestly, too honestly."Hmm." Severus hummed, his eyes trained on Soleil in a way that made them squirm. It was like Severus was seeing right through them. And yet there was this indescribable need to rattle things off to Severus.Soleil wasn't used to having no privacy.They had none around Severus. Soleil felt like they were laid bare, but only Severus was able to see it.It was an uncomfortable feeling, and Soleil wondered if this was how their loved ones felt whenever Soleil was able to read their emotions. "Do me! See if you can focus on my emotions. I wanna see if you get it right." Lily challenged him.Soleil smiled at her. "I can... but I can guarantee you won't like the result." She frowned. "Why?""Tapping into your emotions means I will feel all of them. Even the underlying, subconscious ones that you may be consciously or subconsciously avoiding, the ones buried under the surface." Soleil answered. "It will be like opening a book and reading right through it. None of your emotions will be private if you allow me to focus on them. Right now, because I'm not zeroing in on anything, all I can feel is the surface level."Lily contemplated this for a while, before nodding her head. "If you keep your voice down so it's just us three that can hear you, I'm willing to risk it."Soleil raised a dubious eyebrow. "Are you sure?"She shrugged. "Sure. Psychoanalyze me. I'm used to it, Sev does it all the time."Severus gasped at her. "I do not!"Lily smirked at him. "Yes you do. You psychoanalyze everyone and everything.""That's understandable. People are interesting." Soleil said. Severus crossed his arms and sank a little in his seat. "I do not psychoanalyze anything. It's not my fault everyone comes up and tells me their whole life story. You think I want that?"Lily smiled knowingly at him. "Sometimes."Severus stared at her for a while, before finally cracking under her gaze and returning her smile. "You're going to be the death of me."Lily looked at Soleil. "Okay. What am I feeling?""I don't know you, and we're surrounded by people. Both of those things mixed means it will be very difficult for me to do." Soleil reached their hands out. "May I touch your hand? Sometimes physical connection makes the emotional one stronger." That was exactly why Soleil hated physical touch so much, and avoided it if they could. As soon as people touched them, all of their feelings flooded into Soleil and they could feel everything. This was how Soleil had come to the conclusion that, fundamentally, not a single person on this earth walked without burden."Sure!" Lily reached her hand out without hesitation.Soleil cupped her hand, holding her hand with both of their own.Soleil closed their eyes, concentrating.After a few minutes, Lily's emotions began to rush up Soleil's arm, a warm current of electricity radiating positive energy and happiness."You're excited to be back at Hogwarts." Soleil murmured quietly, their eyes still closed. Slowly, the hidden emotions began to trickle in."And you're homesick. You miss your family."Soleil paused.There it was. A small flicker of irritation, random and slowly getting stronger. Like Soleil was sticking their hand inside a flame and holding it there too long."You just got annoyed." Soleil opened their eyes, yanking their hands away with a sharp gasp when the irritation suddenly cranked up to a burst of wild anger. At first, Soleil thought maybe they read too closely into her mind and it made her uncomfortable. Severus snickered. "Yeah. I wonder why."That's when Soleil felt a presence behind them, an energy so overpowering it was nauseating - it felt like the rough velcro of entitlement and hostility scraping against their skin. They spun around to see where it was coming from, looking up only to be met with a brown haired man wearing glasses, and three strangers behind him. The stocky one was nervous and excited, the tall one was bloodthirsty, and the one with the scars on his face was stressed. Soleil recognized them from when they were staring earlier like Soleil was some roadside attraction. Which was fine, being noticed in any capacity was better than being invisible to the world they supposed. This must be the annoying troublemakers Lucius had been harping on Soleil to stay far away from. Oh. That was interesting. The tall one was holding hands with the man with the scars, his feelings possessive and domineering, while the man was feeling nervous. But he wasn't nervous for himself... he was nervous for someone else. Soleil followed the trail of his worry, and was surprised to find that it landed on Severus."Hi, Evans." The man with the glasses said, walking around the booth so his arrogant smile was on display for everyone to see.Lily rolled her eyes. "Leave me alone, Potter. I am in no mood to deal with you today."Soleil was going to agree with her, the fiery flames of wrath so intense it was causing heat waves around them, drowning out and smothering the emotions of everyone else. When Soleil focused on it, however, they could see visual manifestations of it starting to formulate... and it did not take up residence around Lily Evans.In Soleil's experience, one had to be feeling pretty hard for Soleil to be able to physically see the emotions. Smoke was forming around Severus, wrapping around the entire group in front of their booth, but heavily clinging around the man with the glasses and the tall one. The smoke was on the stocky one and the man with the scars as well, but it was barely touching them. Most of the smoke was clinging to the man with the glasses and his tall friend. The anger was so intense and hot that Soleil was starting to sweat in their clothes, and had to fan themselves just to be able to breathe through the sticky humidity. "Oh, come on, Evans." The man with the glasses leaned against the table, resting his hands on it. Severus glared at his hand on the table like he wanted to set it on fire with his eyes."Did you hear her? She said leave her alone. I won't tell you twice, Potter." Severus warned him, his voice shaking. Potter burst into laughter, nudging his tall friend. "You hear that? Snivellus doesn't feel like repeating himself."Suddenly Severus jumped up. "You're right, I don't! So why don't you do yourself a favor and shut the hell up before I break the glasses right off of your arrogant face?"Lily stood up and put her hands on Severus's shoulders. "Severus, stop! You're a better man than he is, you don't have to stoop to his level."Potter narrowed his eyes at her words, his jaw flexing in his irritation. "Let's just go, okay?" Lily urged, pushing Severus. "Let's go to a different cart. Come on, Soleil."Soleil, still stunned into silence by the intensity of Severus's anger, stood up on shaky legs and nodded. "Yeah, okay."Soleil had no clue why Lucius was so worried about their temper. Sure... Soleil's patience wore quite thin, quite fast with all the emotions constantly surrounding them. They knew exactly how bad they could get.But this was on an entirely different level. The anger coming off of Severus Snape was dangerous, almost violent.Why Lucius wasn't more worried about Severus Snape's wrath was a mystery to Soleil.Soleil fell in step with Severus on his other side, trying to soothe the fire. They tried to focus on ways to calm Severus, but in order to do that, Soleil needed to connect to their brain waves and locate the most chaotic signal being sent.The problem was... Severus's mind was deadly silent. And considering his anger, Soleil knew for a fact it was anything but.Severus had found a way to guide his mind.He must be an occulomens - and a damn good one at that. In fact, Soleil was surprised they could feel Severus's emotions at all with how well hidden his mind was... the emotions must be too wild for Severus to control. Severus Snape's emotions were drowning out everyone else's. It was actually a nice reprieve. Soleil would much rather feel one man's intense emotions, than a crowd of confusing other ones constantly swirling around them. Severus Snape, despite his cool and carefully constructed demeanor, felt more intensely than anyone else. His emotions were so intense that Soleil could only focus on and feel his, they completely overshadowed everyone else. It was a relief. A huge relief. Soleil could actually feel their own emotions for once. For once, Soleil's emotions weren't clouded by the crowd. Soleil actually had time to think. "I'm gonna kill him one of these days." Severus muttered darkly. "Stop that! No you won't." Lily hooked her arm in Severus's, then reached down and intertwined their fingers together as they all sat down. "How long have you two been together?" Soleil asked, attempting to distract Severus. They pulled out their wand, twirling it between their fingers for something to do. It worked. The anger had simmered down to a mildly uncomfortable heat, and now Soleil could breathe properly. "What?" Severus asked in confusion. Lily laughed. "Severus is like a brother to me. We love each other, of course! But we aren't in love." She clarified.There was an overwhelming coolness around them that directly contradicted that, the sad beginnings of cool precipitation coming in waves around Severus. The air wept around Severus Snape, a dark cloud looming over his head.Soleil looked back and forth between them. "Are you certain?""Mhm." Severus hummed unconvincingly, wrapping his arms around one of his knees and lightly chewing his thumbnail. Soleil looked back and forth between them again, trying to read the situation. All they could feel was a mix of willful ignorance and overwhelming sadness. Miss Evans was ignoring the glaringly obvious in hopes it would go away, possibly she thought it was a harmless crush. Meanwhile Severus's feelings radiated equal parts unhealthy possessiveness and complete adoration. Oh, buddy...
Oh, buddy...
Soleil tapped their wand lightly against the table, already trying to think of a way to fix this. They wouldn't meddle in their emotions. They wouldn't. Soleil refused to do that, only when they absolutely had to or had consent. Neither of those things were the case here. Maybe there would be something in the list Lucius gave. Soleil would have to read through it the first time they were alone.Suddenly, Soleil could feel the every energy of being watched. Severus must have felt it too, because he looked the same time Soleil did. Potter was glaring at them, apparently locked into a staring competition with Severus. Soleil narrowed their eyes and concentrated. Sometimes, if they manipulated someone's emotions and brainwaves enough, they could make them believe things that weren't true. Soleil decided now was the perfect time to practice on James Potter.
Your heart is pounding. Your palms are sweating. You can't breathe.
James jumped up suddenly, his eyes wild with fear as he clutched his chest, gasping for air as he fought for breath. "James!" The tall, dark haired one gasped, jumping to his feet and grabbing James's shoulders. "I can't breathe!" James blurted out, twitching and pacing back and forth, clutching his chest.
You're a terrible person. You should be ashamed of yourself, trying intimidate people. How's it feel, James?
Tears sprang in James's eyes, and he started sobbing, guilty tears spilling down his face. "Stop!" A hand was on Soleil's arm, anxiety and worry surging through them coming from Lily. She had jumped up and grabbed Soleil in her panic. It broke their concentration. Soleil jerked back, looking at her in surprise. "I've upset you." They concluded. "Yes!" Lily hissed. "Okay, I'll stop then." Soleil waved their hand around and James collapsed, choking out relieved breaths while his confused friends consoled him. Severus stared at Soleil, his mouth hanging open. "Okay... that's impressive."Soleil grinned, waving their hand around and doing a little bow in their seat."That is not impressive! That's diabolical!" Lily hissed. Severus smirked at Soleil. "For someone who claims not to have control, you seem to exercise it pretty well."Soleil's grin stretched proudly. "Thank you.""Seriously. If the resemblance wasn't enough evidence of your relation to the Malfoy's, what you just did certainly is." Severus continued. "Oh, stop it." Soleil said, feigning embarrassment. Severus grinned and shook his head. Then he sighed and folded his arms on the table. "Wake me up when we arrive.""Have you been avoiding sleep again?" Lily asked in concern, finally sitting back down in her seat. "Mhm." Severus mumbled tiredly."Severus, you really shouldn't do that!" Lily scolded him.There was a hot trickle of irritation from Severus as he lifted his head and looked at her. "I have to when I'm home, Lily. You know that."Lily shook her head. "There has to be a healthier-""Well there isn't. He's a menace and a drunk." Severus put his head on his arms again. "I'm going to sleep."Lily nodded, shuffling through her bag. "Alright. Goodnight, Severus.""G'night." He mumbled. Lily began reading a muggle book, and Soleil looked out the window as the train finally began moving.The clouds were gray. The air was fresh.It was going to rain soon. It might even storm.The envelope felt heavy inside Soleil's pocket. They were anxious to arrive at Hogwarts just so they could reading the letter. More for curiosity than anything else.Soleil wanted to know what was in that list.
Okay! Thoughts, feelings, opinions? I desperately need to know what y'all are thinking! Ahhhhh 😫🙏