Chapter 12 - Severus

Due to her heritage, Severus assumed that the girl would be in Gryffindor like Sirius Black, or Slytherin as - he now knew - her father. On the other hand, having had met Candice, he highly doubted that she would be sorted into his house (as much as he secretly hoped so).

He growled as he walked away from the common room, leaving the girl to socialise on her own. He almost turned back in guilt, but he reminded himself that she was no different to the other students; she should be treated like everyone else. However, he did agree with the Sorting Hat: her qualities fit her in all houses... Or at least the three and a bit of Slytherin.

The Potions Master was now strolling back to the Headmaster's office, wishing to have a chat with both inhabitants: Albus and the Hat. He still had trouble getting the new Slytherin out of his mind. He sneered to the empty corridor remembering her words of Slytherins being 'evil'. He never guessed her to be a one to believe in sterotypes. Nevertheless, he expect nothing less from a Black.

Severus also thought of taking a bottle or two from Albus' firewhiskey collection. He needed a drink, and he ran out. Plus he could not be bothered going to Hogsmeade on the first night of the year. Finally, he reached he's destination and the Headmaster's door opened in front of him.

"Ah son. I expected you to be back, but not so soon." Albus teased from his seat.

The dark man scoffed and took his usual place in front of the father figure.

"Oh don't tell me... You just left her there?"

"She's sixteen. I feel not the need to babysit her while making new friends."

"You know how your Slytherins are-"

"Enough." Severus cut the man off, "If I will be made aware of any torment towards the girl, I will deal with the individuals involved accordingly. I did not come here to be educated on my role that you very well know I carry out perfectly."

"Of course, I apologise. Would you like to talk to the Hat first?"

"How did-"

"I know you well Severus." Albus shrugged him off, and pointed towards the Hat, "Go on then. I've already chatted to it myself."

The Potions Master realised how stupid it sounds to chat to a hat, and decided he should not. Instead he shook his head and continued with his Father.

"Miss Black is... Not what I expected."

"She isn't? Perhaps you shouldn't have thought so lowly of her from her name."

The Headmaster's tone hinted amusement, which he knew annoyed his son to death. Of course, that thought made Albus even more amused.

"Did you know she wasn't Sirius' daughter?"

Severus saw his question threw the man in front of him into confusion so he carried on.

"She said her father was Regulus Black. She's also a Half-Blood."

"Curious." Albus nodded and gestured him on, "and the stutter?"

The father noted the dark man's hands, as they clenched into fists and anger radiated of his whole person.

"Anxiety. Fear. I have a theory where it originates from, but I'd rather not share."

Dumbledore gave him a look, while Severus sighed then showed him Candice's memory from the train. Although Albus disagreed with the use of legilimency on her, he was more concerned over what he just saw.

"You think this actually happened?" he questioned.

"I wasn't so sure before. I assumed it was her mind playing tricks as she called Black 'uncle' not 'father'... But now that I know their relationship status, I feel it is something to consider."

"You almost sound like you care, son." Albus chuckled.

"You know as well as I that this is serious!" the Potions Master stood, "Don't be as dismissive as you were with me all those years ago."

Severus went off towards the cabinet where his father kept the firewhiskey and other drinks. He knew his words stung the Headmaster, yet he also knew he only spoke the truth.

After the long and stressful talk, the professor just wanted to exit with a bottle in his hand, just as he planned beforehand. The Headmaster had not spoke a word until he was right at the door.

"Oh and Severus?" he turned back to face Dumbledore's twinkling eyes and smiley face, "Take care of her."

He stiffled a groan, and nodded. He was going to take care of the girl just as all his other Slytherins. He didn't understand why Albus specified. Even if he did feel a different pull towards the girl, he was not to act on it. Why was he even thinking such things, he questioned himself with annoyance. Arriving at his own chambers, he let his posture relax as he entered.

Time to forget the today, he thought, not even bothering to get a glass. He magically popped the lid of the firewhisky and took his seat on his couch near the fireplace. He gulped swallowing a fair amount, then quickly placed some protective and silencing charms around his quarters. He knew himself, and he was to follow his usual routines. He was not to be seen or heard in such a state.

Not long later, he felt the bottle decrease in weight. He took a last sip, almost spilling it, then harshly threw it against the closest wall. It shattered to pieces - none of them had enough force to travel the distance to reach the man - and a clear mark was left in the basil green wallpaper. The Potions Master had no energy to flick his wand to clean it up. He just stared as the firelight danced along the edges of the glass pieces, creating mesmerising colours.

It is going to be a long year, the dark man thought, as his urge to pick a piece up subsided. Still in his cloak and robes, Severus laid down, making himself more comfortable. He spent the rest of the night with his eyes on the ceiling, hoping for sleep to overcome. Unfortunately, that has not happened.