Chapter 10: Worldly Pursuits

The Corridor...Hogwarts...

Silence had once again been welcome as Sebastian Prince made his way out onto the grounds. Hermione Granger had just left the library with a smile on her face and crossed into the corridor. She had been so elated that she had not noticed the hands reach out from behind her and cover he vision. She tensed only for a moment before taking in the pleasant aroma of sandalwood and various herbs. It mixed in with her own fragrance and made her whole body fill with warmth.

"Guess who?" said a familiar silky voice dripping with youth.

"Is this a frog or a Prince?" asked Hermione knowing full well who it had been.

"How about a kiss to see if you can tell the difference." he replied.

Sebastian Prince removed his hands from her eyes and she turned to face him. He smiled at her and she returned his warmth. with one of her own. He pulled her into a shadowy niche and they shared a kiss filled with all the passion and hunger of youth. By the time he pulled away from her they had both been a bit light headed.

"Well." he said. "Which am I?"

"A Prince, if ever I saw one." she replied happily.

At this he kissed her once more unable to get enough of her. She returned his conviction with just as much fervor as he gave. After the appropriate introduction he let his hand slid down from the wall to reach her own. He clasped it and brought it to his lips kissed her once more and lead her away from the niche.

"So...what book has caught your fancy this time?" he asked casually.

"Hogwarts Castle: Myths and Secrets, by Carl Parsons..." she replied with a wider smile.

"Of course." replied Sebastian unable to stop the smile from spreading on his own face. "Shall we venture to the lake?"

"For the purpose of reading." said Hermione eyeing him suspiciously.

"Of course." repeated Sebastian. "I have no intention of being on the other end of one of your hex's thank you very much."

Hermione laughed.

"You aren't so bad yourself." she replied.

"You...Miss Granger are too kind." said Sebastian with a look that eerily reminded her of Professor Snape.

The couple headed down to the lake which had been frozen over. Hermione cast a charm over their sitting area exposing the snow covered ground to artificial sun and it melted away revealing fresh green grass. They transfigured a piece of paper into a comfortable blanket and sat down taking books from their robes and re-sizing them so they could read in peace.

Hermione glance at him from behind the cover of her book still with her smile.

Sebastian continued to read his looking up only when her eyes fell back to her own pages. He wore a smile of his own. A well placed warming charm took care of the winter chill and seemed to add to the peaceful scene of them reading by the frozen lake untouched by the winter that had been the back drop all around them.

He couldn't resist the beckoning call of her lips and crawled through the fortress of books to press his to hers. Hermione playfully blocked his attempts with her book using it as a shield. She laughed when he wrestled her to the blanket. He towered above her capturing her lips in pristine arrogance.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING SNAPE?" came the outraged voice of none other than Ron Weasley.

Sebastian shot up standing on his feet glaring at Ron for daring to call him that name.

"What did you just call me?" he asked feeling his rage creep up on him.

Hermione saw his fists clench and got to her feet as well.

"KEEP YOUR SLIMY GIT HANDS OFF MY GIRL!" shouted Ron angry.

"BACK OFF WEASLEY!" shouted Sebastian irate. "SHE'S MY GIRL!"

Ron laughed at this.

"Why don't you go find some Slytherin whore like all the others." he said bitterly.

At this Sebastian's rage intensified.

"Ron stop this." came Hermione's voice.

"It's alright Mione...Snape Jr. is not going to take advantage of you." he said ignoring her. "This bloke is every bit the git his father is!"

"Watch it Weasley." warned Sebastian still glaring at him.

A crowd of Gryffindors gathered around hearing Ron's distress.

"A Slytherin is trying to put the moves on a Gryffindor." said someone among them.

"It's the new boy." said another.

Sebastian looked around finding himself out numbered and surrounded.

"Get him Ron show him who's boss." shouted one of the Gryffindors from the Quiddich team.

Ron had been angry about Sebastian being all over Hermione and knowing all the other Gryffindors were watching only increased his fury. He knew that he couldn't take the Slytherin on in a magical battle but his size and strength gave him an advantage.

"Ron...DON'T!" shouted Hermione.

Sebastian got ready to pull his wand when it suddenly left his hand and flew into the hands of the Quiddich team captain. Fear had been coursing through his body, it had been bitter and quiet familiar. His heart rate increased as he glared at Ron Weasley who advanced on him within seconds. Sebastian struggled as Ron gripped him by his collar and began raining blows that hit him hard in his face. He had been more than capable of defending himself but somehow he knew...he knew that if he fought back she would be upset and the other Gryffindors would join in they all looked ready to pounce.

"RON STOP THIS!" shouted Hermione upset.

The other Gryffindors shoved her out of the way.

Enraged Hermione pulled her wand and started casting hex's left and right. The crowd took off not wishing to be on the receiving end. Ron looked up at Hermione. He kneeled over Sebastian who had been hurt pretty badly. Hermione drew her wand on him enraged.

"No!" shouted Sebastian rather uneasily. "You'll be expelled!"

Hermione froze.

Ron released Sebastian blinking himself back to his senses. The raven haired Slytherin collapsed onto the ground. He rolled over on his side and scrambled to his feet. His mind had been screaming for him to get away. He took off toward the Slytherin dungeons with his heart pounding the familiar sense of fear coursing through him.

"Sebastian!" called Hermione behind him.

He had already been gone. She picked up his wand and ran after him. Ron shook his head unable to believe what he had just done. Hermione searched the dungeons and saw no sign of Sebastian. She left his wand with Draco, who asked far too many questions, and headed back to Gryffindor tower in the mood to hex anyone that crossed her path.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

A Few Days Later...

Sebastian Prince had been weary of Gryffindors since that altercation by the lake. He spent much of his time either alone or with other Slytherin house mates. He hardly spoke to Hermione who looked at him every time he walked into the great hall. He had liked her but she too was a Gryffindor. Her house did not seem to take kindly to a Slytherin such as himself being anywhere near her. He had found just how many Gryffindors where at the school and they included Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore. The incident had been well known to the Gryffindor students but they knew better than to speak of it anywhere around the Slytherins or the staff. Ron had been a sort of respected figure of the Gryffindor house because of it. Hermione refused to speak to or of him after that. Harry had been confused as to the turn of events even as Sebastian kept his distance from him as well casting familiar glares of hatred in his direction. At the end of diner Hermione took off to make her rounds.

"Mione..." said Harry catching Hermione in the halls. "What's wrong with Sebastian?"

"He hates me." she replied sadly as tears threatened to come from her eyes. "He hates me...and it's all because of Ron."

"I don't understand." said Harry confused. "Why would he hate you and what does this have to do with Ron?"

Hermione sighed and told Harry everything that happened at the lake. She had been horrified to see her friend's green eyes widen in terror.

"He hates all Gryffindors." he said softly. "Just like..."

Hermione studied him.

"Just like whom?" she asked.

"S-Snape." replied Harry softly as he sunk down to the floor. "M-my father use to attack Snape, he and The Marauders, and other members of Gryffindor house...and... "

"And now history seems to be repeating himself with Sebastian." supplied Hermione sadly.

Harry nodded his own eyes near tears.

"He's probably terrified." said Hermione. "Especially, if he takes into account that most of the teachers are...Gryffindors."

Harry nodded again unable to do much else.

"We have to find him." said Hermione.

"He has to know that not all of us feel that way." said Harry getting to his feet. "There's still time to help him."

"I don't know where he would go." said Hermione helpless.

Harry took a breath sifting through Snape's memories.

"I do." he replied.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Lair Of The Half-Blood Prince, Hogwarts...

Harry stood outside the abandoned classroom door. Hermione had been with him hoping against hope that he had been here. Harry cast the unlocking charm and entered the room wearily. He had not wanted to spook Sebastian who he found sitting at a window looking very much like a young Professor Snape as he stared out a rather large castle window while sitting on it's seal.

"What do you want Potter?" he asked sounding more exhausted than anything.

"Sebastian...I." started Harry.

That was as much as he got out before Hermione charged in pushing passed both him and the door.

"Sebastian Prince you have some nerve avoiding me!" she said outraged.

Harry had been shocked as she stormed over to the young wizard and pulled him from the window seal into a kiss. Sebastian tried to pull away but found himself caving to his emotions. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him.

"Mione." he said as she pulled back.

"Stupid Slytherin Git." said Hermione not at all concealing her anger.

"Why did you come here?" he asked not taking his eyes off her.

"I thought that would be obvious." she replied.

Sebastian looked up at Harry who's mouth had dropped in shock.

"Close your mouth Potter." said Sebastian with a scowl in his direction.

Harry did as he instructed.

"Y-You two are..." he started unable to imagine that this would be the outcome of their hex wars.

"Yes." replied Hermione sharply. "Is that a problem for you Harry Potter?"

"N-No just a shock." replied Harry with a weak smile.

"How did you know I was here?" asked Sebastian changing the subject.

"Harry remembered Professor Snape use to come to this room when he was a Hogwarts student." replied Hermione simply.

Sebastian looked at Harry confused.

"Professor Snape shared that with you?" he asked skeptical.

"Technically, yes." replied Harry with a shrug. "He shared his memories with me during the war."

"So.." said Sebastian appearing nervous for the first time since they had known him. "Do-do you think you could tell me about him...do you know if...if he's my father?"

Harry took out his wand and fixed a broken desk and chairs so they could all have a seat. He sat down in one of the empty ones and looked back up at his friends.

"What do you want to know?" he asked.

Sebastian sat down in a chair and Hermione took the one closest to him. She clasped his hand as if trying to prevent him from running from her again. Harry saw the affection between the Slytherin and his best friend and gave them a soft smile. They had seemed to like each other a lot more than he first realized.

"W-what is his first name?" asked Sebastian.

"Well, I might as well tell you everything I know about him if he's going to kill me when he returns." said Harry as a flash of Professor Snape scowling at him came to mind. He let out a small nervous chuckle and took a breath. "Professor Severus Snape was born in Muggle London to Eileen and Tobias Snape."

"Muggle London?" asked Sebastian.

"He's half-blood like myself." replied Harry.

"So McNair was telling the truth about that?" asked Sebastian.

"Half-blood's are common." replied Hermione. "I'm Muggle-born."

Sebastian looked at her apologetically.

"It's alright." replied Hermione. "It just means I am that much more talented."

"Where did he get his powers?" asked Sebastian.

"Well, his mother Eileen was a witch." replied Harry. "She also attended Hogwarts and was sorted into Slytherin house."

"Naturally." said Sebastian with a hint of pride. "No grandmother of mine would be dare be from Gryffindor."

Hermione smacked him playfully on the arm.

"Your girlfriend is from Gryffindor." she said seemingly outraged.

"A fluke if I have ever seen one." replied Sebastian. "Perhaps you were sorted into the wrong house."

Hermione smacked him again.

Harry smirked before continuing.

"He was born January 9th 1960...so his birthday is in a few days." he said. "He lived at Spinner's End until he got his first letter from Hogwarts..."

"January 9th is my birthday as well." said Sebastian seemingly lost in thought. "I am told I am going to be 18 next year."

Hermione looked at him for a moment.

"You're 17?" she asked.

"Of course." replied Sebastian.

Harry looked at Hermione and laughed.

"What's so funny?" asked Sebastian arching an eyebrow.

"Well, your girlfriend there is 18." said Harry smugly. "She'll be 19 come September."

Hermione blushed.

"Oh shut up Harry." she said annoyed.

"What happened to Eileen and Tobias?" asked Sebastian changing the subject.

"They died." replied Harry trying to soften the blow. "When he was in his 5th year...he became a ward of the school until he came of age."

Sebastian looked at Harry with a new-found sympathy.

"It must have been hard for him." he said softly. "And for you too."

Harry looked down at his hands.

"It's not as bad as you might think." he replied trying to reassure the young man. "I had Professor Snape looking out for me."

Sebastian nodded in understanding.

"So what was he like as a student?" he asked.

Harry looked at Hermione. He had not been sure if he wanted to reveal that James Potter had been one of his biggest tormentors. Or that James Potter had been his own father. She nodded for him to continue as Harry told Sebastian what life was like for Severus Snape within the walls of Hogwarts with James and the Marauders torturing him for years. He had been rather careful to leave out the details pertaining to his mother feeling Professor Snape would not have liked for that information to be known especially to his son. The raven haired wizard listened and looked at Harry studying the shame on his face for his father's antics. He even told him about his own behavior when he met Professor Snape.

"I'm sorry." said Harry finishing his eyes looking down at the table.

"Why?" asked Sebastian. "You are not your father...nor your Godfather for that matter."

Harry looked up at him confused about how to react.

"But..." he started.

"You could have omitted this information and kept on telling me little things about his general education but you decided to tell me the truth anyway." said Sebastian with a kind of admiration in his voice. "You are a good friend...Harry."

The raven haired wizard extended his hand.

Harry looked at Hermione as his face beamed with pride. He shook Sebastian's hand relieved that he had the chance to be friends with the son of Professor Snape. It had been the first step in making up for what his father and mother did to the man when they were younger.

"Thank you." said Harry finally.

"No, thank you." said Sebastian with a smile. "Harry."

Head Boy Room, Slytherin Dungeons...

Sebastian kissed Hermione as she lied with her back pressed against his mattress. Their robes littered the floor as they maneuvered lead by passion as they continued to kiss with their hearts racing. Amber eyes met Obsidian as they got lost in each other. It had been one of the many afternoons that they spent like together like this only the change of venue had been frequent.

"Mione." said Sebastian looking down at the young witch in his bed. "You're so beautiful."

Hermione let her hands stoke his pale bare chest. She found herself arching up into him needing his body against hers.

"Bastian." she said breathless.

He went back in for another deep kiss. They had been so distracted they had not noticed Draco Malfoy entering with Pansy Parkinson. The Slytherin wizards were heavily involved in kissing and barley managed to make it to Draco's bed. Already robes were thrown to the floor meeting shoes and socks. Pansy's moans reached Sebastian's ears and on instinct he called out to Draco.

"Malfoy silencing charm!" he said.

Hermione sat up realizing that someone else had been in the room.

"Draco's here?" she said suddenly nervous.

"Yes." replied Sebastian. "He and Pansy..."

He realized that they were not alone. Hermione scrambled to fix her attire and put on her robes.

"Hey mate I'm trying to..." started Draco before he realized that Sebastian also had a girl in the room.

Pansy scrambled to fix her attire and put her robes back on.

"I thought you said it was only Sebastian?" she huffed.

"I thought it was I had no idea he was entertaining..." said Draco in his defense.

Draco got up off the bed.

"Listen Bastian, there's no reason for your girl to go..." he started before getting a good look at Hermione Granger. "Granger?"

Hermione had finished dressing and looked at him.

"Malfoy." she said with an air of dignity despite the situation.

Draco suddenly realized that he had been in nothing but his small clothes. Sebastian stood next to Hermione in nothing but his black trousers. The albino wizard decided to act as if he had been comfortable with her attention.

"Well, well Granger venturing into the dark side aren't we?" he asked with a smirk. "A lion among snakes."

"Give it a rest Draco." said Pansy with a sigh. "Hermione you're welcome to stay."

"No thanks." replied Hermione pleasantly. "I have to get back to the tower before McGonagall notices I'm gone."

"I'll walk you." said Sebastian picking up his robe and throwing it on over his bare chest and trousers.

"No need to rush back." said Draco.

Pansy slapped him across the arm.

Sebastian rolled his eyes and joined Hermione outside the common room. Nightfall on the grounds had been quite peaceful as the young students made their way toward Gryffindor tower. Sebastian held Hermione's hand as they continued dodging Filch's patrol and making it into the tower at last. Hermione wanted a last kiss. Sebastian had been more than happy to oblige. They shared one last parting kiss when the sound of someone clearing their throat filled them both with dread.

"Aheem."

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Gryffindor Head Girl Room, Gryffindor Tower...

Hermione's amber eyes grew wide as she looked up to see her Head of House, Professor McGonagall standing behind them. Sebastian saw the fear in her eyes and it in turn filled him with dread. The presence of some looming force being behind him seemed to make the hair stand up on the back of his neck.

"Mr. Prince." said the highly irate tone of Professor McGonagall. "What do you think you are doing?"

Sebastian whirled around and found himself staring into the eyes of the angry Professor.

"I-I was just..." started Sebastian becoming unnerved.

Hermione gripped his hand.

"I was making sure Miss Granger got back to her rooms." he said finding the courage to stand up to her glare.

"And what were you doing out of your rooms Miss Granger?" asked the Professor shifting her eyes to Hermione.

"I was just finishing my Rounds." replied Hermione not wavering under McGonagall's gaze.

"Fifty Points from Gryffindor, Miss Granger for being out this late." said the Professor. "Fifty Points from Slytherin, Mr. Prince for being out passed curfew and "snogging" in the halls."

Sebastian looked at the old woman. She didn't seem to like him very much.

"Miss Granger, I think you should get to bed." said Professor McGonagall. "Mr. Prince, I would like a word with you in my office."

Hermione cast a sympathetic look at Sebastian and made her way into her rooms. Leaving Sebastian alone with an very irate Professor McGonagall.

"Come along Mr. Prince." she said coldly.

Sebastian followed her down the hall remembering all too well that he had forgotten his boots in is attempt to escort Hermione. The old castle floor reminded him of this face too little too late.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Head Girl's Room, Gryffindor Tower...

The breath that Hermione had been holding since McGonagall caught her snogging Sebastian in the halls finally let out. She had hoped that he would not get into too much trouble. Fifty points being taken was usually enough to satisfy McGonagall and possibly a good chewing out to further drive her point home. Amber eyes fell on the empty but neatly made bed with it light blue comforter and crisp white sheets. Despite the ending that last kiss with Sebastian had her walking on air as she changed into her night clothes and climbed into bed.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Professor McGonagall's office...

The door to the Transfiguration Professor's office opened and he stepped inside be hind her silent in both his movements and his manner. It had all the cluttered air one would expect of an old woman with faint traces of catnip in the air. She sat in a rather large Gryffindor gold chair with a red velvet finish. Sebastian watched her patently as she gestured over toward two hard wood sitting chairs. He chose the one closest to the door which had been unfortunately, in lined with her view.

"Mr. Prince what were you thinking?" she asked outraged.

"Madam?" he asked confused.

"Hermione Granger is not the girl for you." said Professor McGonagall. "She had been through far too much over these past few years...not to mention her trying to keep up with classes and with N.E.W.T.S. coming up...she doesn't need to get involved with another student."

Sebastian watched her get all worked up and didn't say a word.

"I realize that it may be hard for you to contain yourself but you are expected to behave during your stay here." she went on. "I thought Albus made it clear that you are held at a higher standard than the other students of this school...we took you in because there are people trying to hurt you...and now your placing our students in direct conflict with those out for your blood..."

Sebastian had been confused. He had no idea that being around him had been the cause of so many problems.

"Just look at what happened to you all at Hogsmead..." continued Professor McGonagall. "All of you could have been killed...Mr. Prince...Hermione could have been killed...and I suspect it was all due to your association...I will not allow you to place my students in danger...I simply forbid it...whatever this is must end before it goes any farther...I won't have you bring darkness upon yet another Gryffindor student...I won't let you cause Hermione the same pain you caused HER...I simply cannot allow it..."

Sebastian couldn't keep silent after this.

"Who was she?" he asked. "What happened?"

The Transfiguration Professor went on.

"Haven't you caused enough pain...hasn't one young witch's senseless death been enough on your conscience?...I simply cannot allow you to do the same to Miss Granger...I cannot...If I catch you anywhere near her again outside of a classroom function I shall approach the headmaster with grounds to have you expelled...do I make myself clear young man?"

Sebastian had been horrified at what she told him.

He had caused the death of another student...a Gryffindor witch...A witch very much like Hermione according to Professor McGonagall.

"Yes." he said pushing down his anguish. "I understand Professor McGonagall...it will not happen again."

Professor McGonagall had been satisfied that she had made her point.

"Well good then." she said. "You may return to your rooms."

Sebastian took his leave of Professor McGonagall and ventured back to the dungeons. He could not believe what he heard.

He had cause the death of another student.

A girl not so unlike Hermione.

He entered the dungeons and toward the room he retreated to whenever things got too bad. It had been dark and quiet...ultimately safe.

When he finally did go to sleep he had been seized with dreams of a girl with red hair and amber eyes being killed by death eaters. He screamed in terror waking up alone on the cold stone floor in a pool of sweat. He had been trembling. His hands shaking as he reached for his wand. He knew he had to get back to the common room. He knew Draco would be looking for him.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Head Boy Room, Slytherin Dungeons...

Draco had been just waking up when he caught sight of Sebastian rummaging through his trunk. He sat up suddenly feeling he should be worried about his friend. Pansy had cleared out hours ago when Draco grew frantic and ran out looking for Sebastian and he didn't return. He had even ventured to Gryffindor tower under guise of patrolling.

"Do you have any idea what time it is mate?" he asked annoyed. "I've been looking for you for hours."

"Go back to sleep Draco." said Sebastian simply. "As you can see I'm in one piece."

"So did you score with Granger or was this all some illusive quest?" asked Draco.

"Miss Granger and I will no longer be a problem." replied Sebastian sounding eerily like Professor Snape.

Draco looked him over.

"Bastian, are you feeling okay?" he asked worried. "Y-you don't look so well mate."

"I'm fine Draco." replied Sebastian. "Go back to sleep."

Draco yawned.

"If you say so." he said sleepily.

The young blond albino wizard fell asleep in minutes as Sebastian climbed into his own bed. The raven haired wizard stared out his window falling asleep once more. The thoughts of what he had done plagued his conscience once more.

He had been responsible for the death of a Gryffindor witch...a witch like Hermione.

Hermione...

{ Blood covered the hands of Sebastian Prince as he stood in the center of a strange manor shrouded in darkness. A beautiful young witch with Amber eyes and red hair had been on the ground. She looked up at him but there had been no life in those soulless orbs that use to be the highlight of her face. Her smile had once been warm but nothing remained of it...

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE MR. PRINCE?" asked the distorted voices of Professors McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore in unison.

"I-I don't...I didn't mean..." started Sebastian. His own voice breaking wracked with sorrow.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO MIONE!?" came the outraged tone of Ron Weasley. "I KNEW YOU WERE BAD...SLYTHERIN GIT...YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!"

"No." said Sebastian unable to wipe away the blood that covered his hands. "I didn't...I..."

"I thought we were friends Sebastian?" said the voice of Harry Potter. "WE TRUSTED YOU...SNAPE...WE TRUSTED YOU!"

"Harry please." Sebastian tried to explain. "I love her...I would never...hurt her."

"Your dear ol' dad was a death eater." said the voice of McNail. "Severus Snape was a death eater."

"He's not my father!" shouted Sebastian.

"Then why do you look so much like him?" asked Draco Malfoy.

He pushed a mirror in front of Sebastian. He saw himself vanish and the infamous Potions Master take his place in his reflection. He moved his arm and Snape did the same. He touched his robes and Snape proceeded to follow his action.

"No!" he yelled.

Snape leapt out through the glass.

Hermione's body got up and walked toward him...blood every where. Only her eyes had changed. They weren't amber like before. They had become green. Green, like Harry's had been.

"Don't you remember me?" she asked sadly. "Don't you still love me."

Sebastian could only shake his head in horror as the dead woman came after him. Arms stretched out before him like twisting branches on the a hollowed tree.

"Don't you still love me?" she asked.

Everything shattered around him...}

"AHHHH!" yelled Sebastian looking around wildly. Fear and panic had seized him. He blinked until he saw Draco Malfoy kneeling at his side with a worried look on his face.

"Bastian." he said trying to get him to focus. "Bastian...it's me...it was just a dream."

Sebastian looked at his friend confused.

"It was just a dream." said Draco trying to sooth his friend. "You're alright mate...your back at Hogwarts."

Sebastian seemed to calm some but the terror still filled him.

"Don't you still love me?" she had said.

"No." said Sebastian softly.

Draco looked at him confused.

"Should I get the med witch?" he asked. "You don't look so good."

"No." said Sebastian more strongly. "I-I have to go."

He tried to get out of bed only to be stopped by Draco.

"You shouldn't be wondering around." he said concerned. "Take the day off...classes will go on..."

"I-I need the loo." said Sebastian finding his voice weaker than he expected.

The feeling of Nausea crept up on him. The images had been far too vivid to ignore and the blood. All the blood had been more than real. Draco let him get to his feet ready to assist if he should fall. Sebastian made it to the toilet and proceeded to empty his stomach of all its contents. The images all flooding back.

"SNAPE WE TRUSTED YOU!" shouted Harry Potter's voice in a combination of hurt and anger.

"Don't you still love me?"

"Snape was a death eater."

"He's your father."

"You're just like your slimy Slytherin git father!"

"You look just like him."

"I forbid you to see Miss Granger...Hermione Granger is not for you...just like the last witch..."

The raven haired wizard trembled as he continued to empty his stomach.

Draco knocked on the bathroom door.

"I'm going to get Madam Pomfrey." he said concerned. "You aren't to leave this room."

His mind had been on high alert. RUN! HIDE! had been all he heard. Once Draco was clear of the door he scrambled out and made his way down the dungeons. His heart was beating wildly in his chest as he reached the one place that spelled safety to him in the entire castle.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Halls of Hogwarts...

It had been near night fall and Hogwarts had been buzzing with activity as the search for Sebastian Prince continued. Draco announcing that the young man had taken ill seemed to put more urgency into the effort with even Dumbledore getting into it. The concern on his face unmistakable as he stalked the halls. The later it became the more frantic the staff seemed to become ushering all the students into their respective houses. Harry had gotten the attention of Professor Lupin just before being shoved into Gryffindor tower. He had a strong feeling that Sebastian had retreated to the only place in the school where he felt safe.

"Professor Lupin." said Harry.

"Yes Harry." said Lupin.

"Sebastian...well he likes to retreat to the west end of the castle when he's upset." said Harry. "It's the same thing Professor Snape would do when..."

The young man trailed off looking at the ground. Lupin seemed to catch what he had not the courage to say.

"When we marauders would torment him." he said understanding.

Harry nodded.

"Yes, sir." he said. "It's where he went once after things got bad for him."

Lupin sighed.

"History seems to love to torment a Snape." he said sadly.

Harry looked back down at his feet.

"Not history sir." he added.

"Just Gryffindors." finished Lupin understanding.

Harry nodded sadly.

"Alright Mr. Potter I'll take what information you gave me and put it to some use." said Lupin. "You better be getting off to the tower, wouldn't want McGonagall to be coming down on you."

"Yes, sir." replied Harry.

He started halfway up the stairs when he stopped. Lupin hesitated before he turned to walk out.

"Professor Lupin." he said.

"Yes Harry?" replied Lupin turning back to Harry.

"When you find him can you tell him that his friends are worried about him?" asked Harry. "Not all of us Gryffindors are complete gits."

Lupin smiled at this.

"Will do Mr. Potter." he replied. "Now off you go."

With that Harry entered Gryffindor tower. Remus Lupin headed toward the west end of the castle. He had to find Snape's boy before something serious happened to him. It was the least he could do, the young man had been the one brewing his Wolfsbane potions.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

The Lair of The Half-Blood Prince...

Professor Lupin stood outside the door of an abandoned classroom. He made his way inside the dark and quiet room with his senses on full alert. He had expected Snape's old stopping grounds to contain traps. When nothing happened he realized the young man must have had a time disarming them. He stepped into the center of the room fed up with the darkness he cast a spell with his wand illuminating the entire room. To his surprise it had been filled with toppled and broken furniture and bare walls. He guessed by the age of the damage that Snape must have destroyed the room in a fit of rage some time ago. Probably about the time Lily stopped talking to him. Lupin continued to look over every corner of the room before his sensitive ears picked up the sound of shivering. He quickly closed the space between himself and where the sound had been coming from.

His eyes fell on a pale young raven haired boy curled into a corner. His heart dropped into the pit of his stomach as he reflected on just how much the young man reminded him of Severus Snape. How many times did Snape come here and do the same thing? Lupin took off his robes and draped them over the shivering boy. He had looked quite ill.

"Sebastian." said Remus Lupin softly. "It's Professor Lupin...I'm going to take you to Poppy...you're not looking well."

The raven haired boy gave no reply as Lupin pocketed his wand and carefully pulled the shivering mass into his arms. He stood up noticing for the first time why the young man had not answered. He appeared to have been in a deep sleep and sweat was pouring off him despite his shivering.

"You're going to be fine." said Lupin trying to reassure the boy. "Poppy will see to it."

Lupin walked out of the room with Sebastian in tow.

The trip to the infirmary had been nothing more than a brisk walk but it seemed to take Lupin forever to reach the place. Sebastian opened his eyes briefly feeling himself moving without the use of his legs. He had been exhausted leaning against the chest of the Professor. Lupin's dark eyes occasionally darted downward to glance at him.

"Professor Lupin?" said Sebastian weakly.

"Shhh." said Lupin softly. "It's alright Lad...I've got you."

"What's happening?" asked Sebastian still naturally suspicious.

"I'm taking you to Poppy." replied Lupin. "You're not well."

"Neither are you." replied the boy with a weak knowing smirk.

Sebastian's condition did little to dampen his sense of humor.

Lupin found himself giving him a small smile. This boy was as cynical and quick witted as Professor Snape. He continued to carry him reaching the infirmary in a couple of strides just before the young wizard passed out again.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

The Infirmary...

Lupin entered with Sebastian in his arms and quickly found himself surrounded by Dumbledore, Poppy, and McGonagall. All had worried looks on their faces as they each turned their gaze to him. Dumbledore cast a levitating spell on the boy and gently placed him into one of the beds. Lupin stood back as the headmaster made his way over toward the young raven haired wizard with a sense of urgency.

"Where did you find him?" he asked looking from the boy to Lupin.

"In the west end of the castle." replied Lupin dutifully. "It seems to have been a place Severus frequented when he was a boy."

Dumbledore looked at Lupin and considered what he had been told.

"Any idea why?" he asked.

"It appears to be the safest place in the castle to him." replied Lupin. "No doubt Severus thought the same...or at least that's what Harry has told me."

"Harry?" asked Dumbledore inquisitive.

"Yes." replied Lupin. "It was Harry who suggested I look there."

Dumbledore's blue eyes started to return to their familiar twinkle.

"I see." he replied and turned his attention back to Sebastian as Poppy began her work of caring for him. "Thank you for your help Remus."

Lupin nodded in respect.

"Headmaster." he said making his way toward the doors.

"Do you have any idea what's wrong with him?" asked Professor McGonagall worried.

"Nothing seems to be physically wrong." replied Poppy. "I could give him something for the nausea but that's about it."

Dumbledore watched the boy tentatively as Poppy went off to retrieve the proper medication.

"NO!" shouted the raven haired boy as his body tensed.

"Minerva." he said turning his attention to Professor McGonagall.

"Yes Headmaster?" she asked not taking her eyes off the boy.

"Just what was it that you discussed with Mr. Prince that night in your office?" he asked.

"I-I remember being livid when I found him with Miss Granger." she replied. "I-I lectured him on how they were incompatible with death eaters after him and..."

She stopped suddenly remembering that she had brought up the death of another young Gryffindor witch to illustrate her point. In shock she placed a hand over her mouth. Dumbledore arched an eyebrow in confusion.

"What have I done?" she said looking at the raven haired boy.

"Minerva?" he said now focused solely on her.

"I told him about her." she said quickly.

"You what?" asked Dumbledore in a calm tone but he had been unnerved just the same.

"I told him about HER." repeated Professor McGonagall. "And I may have implied that he was responsible."

"Minerva!?" said Dumbledore surprised at her. "How much did you tell him?"

"Nothing to arouse suspicion." replied Professor McGonagall.

Dumbledore turned back to the raven haired boy. He sighed and drew his wand. With one last look at professor McGonagall he waved his wand over the boy.

"Obliviate." he said softly.

Sebastian stopped twitching.

Dumbledore leaned in and spoke softly to him as Professor McGonagall looked on. Poppy returned with the nausea medication. She administered some to the young wizard and went to stock her shelves.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Later...

Sebastian awoke to find Hermione sitting at his bedside with her hand in his; staring down at it as if she had been in some sort of trance. He had been confused as to why she had been there. She appeared to have been exhausted with the dark circles around her eyes which had been puffy from crying. He smiled softly at her and brought his free hand up to touch her face. He had cared a great deal for the beautiful young Gryffindor witch. At the instant of his touch; her head shot up amber eyes meeting obsidian as a soft smile filed across her face.

"You're awake." she said softly.

"It would appear so." replied Sebastian evenly.

She stroked his cheeks and brushed his unkempt and sweat blasted hair from his forehead.

"Slytherin Git." she said affectionately.

"Insufferable know-it-all." he replied returning her affection.

"Why didn't you stay in the room?" she asked.

"I-I don't remember." replied Sebastian confused. "All I remember was...feeling...ill."

"Draco was worried sick about you." said Hermione almost in disbelief; She had never seen Draco Malfoy care so much for anyone outside of his family the way he took to Sebastian was just shocking. "We all were."

"We?" asked Sebastian.

"We." replied Hermione putting emphasis on the word. "Harry, Ginny, Pansy, and Me as well."

"Harry, Ginny, Pansy and I." replied Sebastian correcting her in a mock Professor tone.

"Harry, Ginny, Pansy and I." said Hermione rolling her eyes. Of all the times for him to remind her of Professor Snape. "You prat."

Sebastian smiled at that.

He flexed his long pale finger into hers squeezing just a little in reply, their fingers had been intertwined and locked together the entire time; hidden only by the blanket that covered him.

"I missed you." she said petting his hand softly with her free hand.

"I've missed you too." he replied.

"I'm rather glad your okay." she said.

"As am I." replied Sebastian. "Thanks to Professor Lupin I am told and...Harry."

"Professor Lupin found you?" asked Hermione in absolute shock; then added in a slightly irate tone. "Harry, never said anything to me about knowing where you were."

"It was Harry who told him where I might be apparently." replied Sebastian not at all phased by her tone. "It appears I am more like Professor Snape than I originally believed."

Hermione laughed at this her irate mood suddenly vanishing at the thought.

"If only he knew." she said with a wide grin.

"Something tells me he would not be too pleased to have a son." replied Sebastian emotionless.

"I don't know." replied Hermione. "One never knows what Professor Snape is thinking...he's always been quite...complicated."

"Complicated or unreasonable?" asked Sebastian trying to gauge the temperament of his so-called father.

"Both I suppose." replied Hermione honestly. "Although to be fair, the man's been though a great deal...he's lost so much..."

Her voice trailed off and he had caught the rueful look in her eyes.

"Such as?" replied Sebastian.

"He's lost someone that he loved very dearly." replied Hermione trying not to become overly sentimental. "It had a profound effect on him."

"I couldn't imagine losing someone that I love." replied Sebastian tightening his grip on her hand just a little.

Hermione smiled at this; catching his meaning without question.

"All I'm saying is be patient with him." replied Hermione evenly. "If he is indeed your father, he's a good man and worth the effort."

"I'll keep that in mind." replied Sebastian just as evenly.

Hermione couldn't help but giggle at this.

"What's so funny?" asked Sebastian.

"You're so much like him it's uncanny." she replied happily.

"So everyone keeps saying." replied Sebastian.

Hermione giggled again.

Sebastian rolled his eyes and pulled her down toward him on the bed.

"Gryffindors." he said with an exaggerated sigh "Is there no way to shut you up?"

Hermione could only smile being this close to him. Her hand had been on his chest and their lips were inches apart. All she could think about was how pleasant it would be to kiss him. The only thing she had wanted to do since she walked into the infirmary and found him sleeping.

"I may have an idea." she said softly.

They shared a long slow kiss. Sebastian pulled her close to him wishing to feel her body against his despite his condition. They had been so preoccupied with each other's lips that they had not noticed when Professor Lupin arrived.

"Aheem." he said clearing his throat to announce his presence.

Hermione pulled away from Sebastian and looked rather sheepishly at Lupin.

"Oh hello Professor." she said shyly. "I was just making sure Sebastian was okay."

Lupin gave them a knowing smile.

"I'm sure you've done quite a job speeding along his recovery Miss Granger." he said cheerfully.

Hermione's cheeks turned red.

Sebastian laughed at this.

She turned and glared at him.

"Slytherin Git." she said in a huff.

"Gryffindor know-it-all." he replied teasingly.

She turned her attention back to Lupin.

"Professor." she said politely. "If you will excuse me...I have some homework to attend to."

"Miss Granger." he replied equally polite.

She took her leave of them. Sebastian watched her go with almost a saddened expression on his face. Lupin smiled warmly at him while he pulled up a chair next to the bed and sat in it. The sheer knowledge that this young man wasn't as closed off as his apparent father made him almost sorry that he had interrupted the two of them.

"Well Mr. Prince." he said pleasantly. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Very well." replied Sebastian evenly. "It appears I owe you a bit of thanks Professor."

Lupin waved him off casually.

"Just doing my job Mr. Prince." he replied modestly. "Besides, it was Mr. Potter's information that was most helpful."

"I thought as much." replied Sebastian. "But still, you are the one that got me to Poppy, so you have my thanks."

Lupin smiled.

"It's amazing how much like him you are." he said wistfully. "Granted he would never thank ME in a million years...well not without doing it begrudgingly of course."

"He?" asked Sebastian already knowing who the Professor meant.

"Forgive me lad...I mean Professor Snape of course." said Lupin.

"Of course." replied Sebastian.

"You must get tired of hearing people compare you to him." said Lupin in understanding.

"You have no idea." replied Sebastian. "I seem to remind everyone around me of a man I have never even met."

Lupin sighed see how that would be difficult for the young man.

"Professor Snape...Severus...and I went to school together." admitted Lupin.

"Were you friends?" asked Sebastian giving him his full attention.

"Ah...sadly no." replied Lupin with regret. "Severus and I were never friends...and I do not believe he would ever welcome my presence."

"Why not?" asked Sebastian curious, he couldn't imagine Snape not liking Lupin; he liked the Dark Arts professor well enough and he was considered to be so much like Snape.

"I was not very kind to him when we were children." replied Lupin sorrowfully. "I did nothing to directly harm him you understand but I was apart of it just the same."

"The Marauders." said Sebastian with a hint of disdain.

"Yes." said Lupin a bit surprised. "How did...?"

"Harry told me." replied Sebastian. "So you were the werewolf that nearly killed him."

"I-I am not proud of who I was." replied Lupin. "And that night I was truly not myself."

Sebastian saw the genuine regret on the face of this man. From what he heard about Professor Snape he felt it was only fair to forgive Professor Lupin of his past mistakes as well. Perhaps even extend the olive branch for the sake of the Professor that could very well be his father.

"I understand." replied Sebastian. "You were young and lacked the courage."

Lupin had been surprised the boy deduced him so quickly.

"In a manner of speaking." he said in agreement though he would not have put it quite so bluntly. This must be Snape's boy.

"But you don't lack courage now." replied Sebastian evenly. "You've fought with him to stop...the dark lord."

For some reason, he felt it wrong to address him as Voldemort.

"Yes." replied Lupin. "We both served the order in our own way."

"Then...there is no need for past animosities." said Sebastian. "That life is over."

"I suppose you are right." said Lupin with a light chuckle. "So now that you know of my past with your father, am I still your favorite Professor?"

Sebastian gave Lupin a warm smile.

"Of course." he replied casually. "Who wouldn't want a werewolf as a professor, you're absolutely fascinating."

Lupin chuckled once more.

"You...young man are your father's son alright." he said pleasantly. "Right down to his dark sense of humor."

Lupin reached up and tussled the younger wizard's raven hair affectionately. Then he got up from his chair and placed it back where he had taken it.

"Well, I've got a class to prepare for." he said casually. "I'll leave you to your rest."

As Lupin turned to walk toward the door Sebastian stopped him.

"Professor Lupin." he said in a soft voice that seemed to prick the werewolf's ears.

Lupin stopped and looked over his shoulder.

"Yes, Mr. Prince?" he said attentive.

"You really are my favorite Professor." replied Sebastian with a warm smile.

"Why thank you Mr. Prince." replied Lupin. "You are shaping up to be one of my favorite students."

"Sebastian." said Mr. Prince.

"Thank you, Sebastian." corrected Lupin with a chuckle. "I'm sure your father would have a field day with that."

"I'm sure he would too." replied Sebastian with a knowing chuckle of his own.

"Good day." said Lupin taking his leave of the raven haired boy.

"Good day, sir." Sebastian's parting words trailed after him.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Much Later...

Sebastian had awakened to see Draco Malfoy pacing the floor. The sleek blond wizard's grey eyes filled with a mix of worry and relief. He had not seen Draco since he had taken ill and the young man went to fetch Poppy. A small ounce of guilt filled him as he noted that the young man appeared to have been quite exhausted from worrying about him.

"Malfoy?" said Sebastian.

Draco's body tensed and he rushed over toward Sebastian's bed. His gray eyes widening as he looked over his friend.

"Are you hurt Bastian?" he asked attentive. "Do you need anything?"

"I'm fine Draco." replied Sebastian.

Draco let out a sigh of relief and found himself flopping down aimlessly in a chair beside the bed. With the young Malfoy up close Sebastian could see that he looked worse than he thought.

"Are you alright Draco?" he asked.

"I am now." replied the young albino wizard. "Bloody hell, Bastian do you have any idea what you put me though looking for you."

Sebastian shook his head apologetically.

"Father, would have my head if anything happened to you." said Draco weary. "Uncle Severus would skin me alive."

Sebastian looked at Draco for a moment.

"Why do you call him uncle?" he asked.

Draco looked around for a moment to make sure they were alone.

"Uncle Severus has been a friend of both my mother and father since they attended Hogwarts together." he replied. "When I was born he became my godfather but I've always called him Uncle Severus when we were alone or back at my home."

Sebastian nodded.

"I take it no one knows of this." he said.

"No one except you." replied Draco evenly.

"And why not?" asked Sebastian.

"Take your pick." said Draco. "He's our Potions Professor, he's a very private man, and he's fiercely protective."

Sebastian found himself understanding.

"If he's my father..." he began. "Then what should I call him?"

Draco looked at him stunned.

"You have to ask him that." he replied. "How could he not be your father...you look just like him, you talk like him, you even think like him according to Potter."

Sebastian's cheeks turned red.

"That bad huh?" he asked.

Draco gave him a soft smile.

"Hey Uncle Sev is a good man." he said. "You should be proud to be his son...I know if he were my father I would be."

Sebastian looked at him a moment.

"You sound almost as if you wished he were your real father." he said.

Draco threw up his hands.

"Don't miss understand...I love father...it's just..." He started.

"Sometimes you wonder." replied Sebastian.

"Exactly." replied Draco.

He looked around again.

"If I tell you something you have to promise not to say anything to anybody." he said in a near whisper.

Sebastian could see the urgency as well as apprehension in his eyes.

"I promise." he said in a near whisper himself.

"Uncle Severus and Mother use to date when they attended Hogwarts." said Draco.

"What?" said Sebastian stunned. "What about your father?"

"He was a prefect and much older than they were at the time." replied Draco. "Apparently Uncle Severus had been distraught over some Muggle-born Gryffindor that wouldn't return his affections and mother was dealing with her families demands after her elder sister took off with some Muggle."

Sebastian shook his head in disbelief as Draco continued.

"Uncle Severus and Mother began seeing each other after a time and made a go of it until..." said Draco trailing off.

"Until what?" asked Sebastian.

"Well, she married father." replied Draco. "Mother's family arranged for her to marry father and she simply stopped seeing Uncle Severus."

"That must have been hard for him." said Sebastian sympathetic to his father's pain.

"He thinks nothing of it now of course." replied Draco. "Mother and father seem happy enough."

"That explains why you wonder." replied Sebastian. "How does one lose two loves?"

"I don't rightly know." replied Draco. "Uncle Severus seemed alright, but he is a very private man."

"Do you think he loved my mother?" asked Sebastian.

"Possibly." replied Draco. "There's a lot about him that even I don't know...never would I have imagined him with a son."

Sebastian smiled at this.

"I get the feeling you are not the only one." he said. "Half of this school is still in shock."

Draco laughed at this.

"That they are Bastian." he replied. "I imagine it will be an even greater shock to Uncle Severus."

Sebastian shook his head trying to imagine the Potions Master's reaction to finding out he was a father.

"Somehow...I think you're right." he replied.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

The Grounds...

Excited giggles could be heard as Hermione Granger found herself pressed against Sebastian Prince after he surprised her from a shadowy niche well hidden from any prying eyes and watchful teachers. He pressed his lips to hers pinning her body between his own and the cold castle wall. He could not remember anything about his past but he got the feeling Hermione made him feel something he had never experienced before. He closed his eyes and leaned into her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Slytherin Git." she said teasingly as they broke the kiss to catch their breath.

"Insufferable Gryffindor." he replied smiling at her.

They had been walking together toward the usual meeting spot with the others when Ron stepped out of the shadows. He had his hands in his pockets and had been looking down at his feet for quite some time. Hermione gripped Sebastian's arm tightly glaring at her former friend. For his part Mr. Prince had been doing his best not to reveal how truly unnerved Mr. Weasley's presence made him if only for Hermione's benefit.

"What are you doing here Ron?" asked Hermione in a rather icy tone. She had only intensified her glare.

"I-I...Well..." stammered Ron helplessly. "I want to apologize...to Sebastian...and well...to you."

Sebastian studied Ron rather suspiciously.

"That's not necessary Weasley." he said plainly.

Ron looked down at his feet.

"I-What I did was..." he continued

"Stupid, ghastly...rude..." supplied Hermione in an irate tone.

"Well, yeah." replied Ron looking up at her for the first time. "All those things and more...I guess I was...just..."

"Jealous, spiteful and arrogant?" supplied Sebastian evenly.

Ron rolled his eyes.

"I'm a Prat." he acknowledged. "A stupid Gryffindor Prat...who's very sorry that he ruined on of the few friendships a guy like me could manage by being just as bad as James Potter and picking on you because you are Snape's son and you obviously have feelings for Hermione.."

As he said this Sebastian pulled himself from Hermione's grasp and walked over to Ron. He leveled him with a swift hay-maker to the jaw and sent him down to the stone floor below. Ron nursed his injured jaw and struggled to his feet.

"Happy now?" he asked obviously resigned to the notion that he deserved that and more.

"Immensely." replied Sebastian with a wicked grin. "For my part you are forgiven Mr. Weasley...and do take care that it does not happen again...the only reason why I could not rip you apart was because of how much you meant to Hermione and the possibility of expulsion for me is...guaranteed...as for her...you're on your own."

Ron looked at Hermione who had not said a word since Sebastian leveled him, nor did she express even mild concern.

"Well, you did get what you deserve...Gryffindor Prat." she said meeting his eyes finally.

"I know." replied Ron.

"I shouldn't forgive you." added Hermione.

"I know." replied Ron.

"Ronald Weasley if you ever do anything like that again I will not hesitate to hex you into oblivion and then let Sebastian rip you apart is that clear?" she said putting her hands on her hips for emphasis.

"Understood Mione." replied Ron.

"Good." said Hermione. "Sebastian, I believe we were going some place."

Sebastian smiled and turned his attention back to her.

"Indeed." he said simply. "Do take care Weasley."

"Same to you Prince." replied Ron much too happy that Hermione had forgiven him to feed into the baited trap.

"See you later Ron." added Hermione as she and Sebastian continued on their way.