Duplicate {Severus Snape}

Chapter Fiveteen: Christmas & the Color Yellow

Severus's POV

I sat in the chair listening to words that only seemed to be going in one way and out the other. I had gotten to the point of tuning his words out every time I came in here, unless he mentions Cassie which lately he has. Waves of guilt were beginning to flood my body the more I thought about it. There was going to be a time when she would realize what her own Godfather was doing, and with that she would find out the same as me.

It was too late now. There was no earthly way that I could come back from it, she could read me if she wanted, just like Remus said and I was on edge because of it. I wanted to give her what I thought she deserved, but its different now. I still want to give her what she deserves, and right now, it would be a Christmas she would always remember.

"Are you quite sure that is what she said?" he asked once more.

"I know his name rather well, Dumbledore,"

He continued to ponder his thoughts pacing back and forth in his study. My mind went back to just the week before on the Quidditch field. I was sure she had said it, and then not only that but she never brought it up again.She didnt trust me when it came to Sirius, and as much as it bothered me, I didnt blame her. I thought of the months prior when I accepted this deal, and now I wish there was a way. However, there wasnt. To her I hate Sirius but he was the last person on my mind.

My mind was constantly going over the millions of possiblities that were to follow. How would there ever be redemption over this. I wish I could say with absolute certainty that she would forgive me, but look at the many people she forgives now? Very few and I know I wouldnt be added to that list.

I feel more for her than ever. I had come accustomed to holding her every night, kissing her forehead whenever she would lay on me. None of this was ever suppose to happen. I was sure I would never feel this way, and yet here I am. In a partnership with somebody who truly does not know me, but doesnt care. She knows me in my present day and that is enough for her, what a shame that it isnt enough for me. That simply knowing her and being with her despite her family would be enough, and it is but I could never convince her otherwise.

She was the prodigal Black sibling that turned out great. She never went to the dark side though her family pressured her, she never left who she truly was. Cassie is good, she will forever be good, but the people around her constantly using her and scarring her, of course, she will never believe it. She is the last one standing, and she will never know it.

I stood to my feet as every thought in my mind was of her. It was Christmas today, and for the past week she had made secret trips to Hogsmeade, I assume trying to find a present. I hadnt even pondered the thought until the very last minute, hense why I am here. If anyone knows her its him, and I had avoided Dumbledore long enough.

"I followed her that night as well. She went straight to him, she even used one of my spells, as I could hear nothing but ringing in my ears," I said rolling my eyes at her level of intelligence, " the point is she seems to go to Lupin alot more these days,"

I could hear him laugh lightly as the words left my mouth. Almost as if he was taunting me with it. He pulled something out of his robes, handing it over to me. I could assume it was her Christmas present, the one he swore behind, but still my heart began to beat faster at the thought of her opening it.

"I cant keep doing this to her," I said softly, taking the gift into my own hands.

"Have you fallen for her, Severus,"

I didnt answer. My eyes stayed frozen at the gift in my hands. I slowly opened it, revealing the hair pendant that looked like a vibrant yellow sunflower, I imagined what it would look like in her hair, or if she even would wear it, but I knew she would. No matter what, she would wear it, and it only dug me deeper. Of course, I had. What else did he expect, hell, what did I even expect. The Black family is one of many things, and Cassie has proven that even in the darkest families, that light can still be within.