The Dark Mark (The Girl Who Lived part II)

A Unique Father-Daughter Bonding Experience

After unpacking my things, I slowly made my way downstairs to roam the hallways. I ran into Snape. "Hey Dad". "Hello". "Where are you off to? You appear as though you're in a hurry. By the way, have you seen Harry? I haven't seen him since the train ride and I'm worried". "Speaking of Mr. Potter, I need to pick him up. Apparently Mrs. Tonks found him". "Do you mind if I come along?" "Not at all. But must I ask why it had to be Mr. Potter?" I knew that Snape didn't like Harry to begin with. If not, then almost to the point of hatred. And even more so now that Snape had claimed me as his daughter and Harry and I were in a relationship.

"Because he's him". I answered simply. It was much more difficult than that to put it into words. If I were to fully explain it, the answer might simply take hours on end to explain in its entirety. "Potter's are always up to no good. Never trust a Potter, of any kind". We stood at the entrance of Hogwarts. "What about that Ron Weasley?" He asked me. "He confessed his feelings to me. He likes me, but it's not mutual. I don't see him as more than a friend. Why would you ask me about Ron? I thought that you hated him". I was almost certain that he did. In fourth year during study hall, he witnessed the twins talking, but went out of his way to punish Ron and Harry for it. It wasn't that he had a problem with Weasley's. It was just his distaste for Ron. "I don't. That question was just a test. I was just ensuring that you have standards. Which, you do".

We waited a bit longer. It was strange talking to him like this. As if he hadn't been absent for all those years of my life. As if he weren't my estranged father. Maybe not as estranged as other's considering that he'd been my teacher for years, but he still fit underneath the "estranged" category. But strange as it was, I wouldn't have had traded this time for anything. Even if I could somehow trade this for a father who was much like Mr. Weasley, or rather, a family like the Weasley's, I wouldn't. Because regardless of how much time together, we had spent, he would always be the only father I had. He would be the only one to fit the shoes that had been designed especially for him. 

Though Mr. Weasley was much of a father figure as Mrs.Weasley was a motherly figure, the shoe didn't fit. They weren't my parents. I loved them as much as one would love their own parents, but something prevented me from viewing them as such. "Alright, since Ron and Harry don't meet your standards, then who does?" I asked him. He thought for a minute and didn't seem as though he was able to come up with an answer. But he finally responded minutes later. "I can't think of any". He said, flatly. "What about Fred?" I asked him. "Ah, one of the Weasley twins. Which one is that?" "Okay fine, Fred or George". "They can't seem to take anything seriously and don't seem to care for taking responsibility. If they were to get into a situation-" "They would most likely be the cause of the situation". I said. Snape nodded his head in agreement. "What about Draco Malfoy?" I suggested. "He's nothing more than a daddy's boy who's never had to work a day in his life". 

"What about Oliver Wood? He was the Gryffindoor quidditch captain. He was also the "bludger magnet"". Snape picked off pieces of lint that collected on his black robes. Everything seemed to stick to black clothing more than any other color."Mr. Wood? Please, I'm surprised that he's still functioning with all the concussions and blows he's received from quidditch. His IQ is dwindling. It's nearly a two digits, if it isn't already". He said this without looking up. "Neville Longbottom? He's possibly the sweetest person you could ever meet". I said. "Mr. Longbottom.... Where shall I begin? If he were to be placed under either of the two categories vertebrates and invertebrates, there isn't a doubt in my mind that he wouldn't be classified as an invertibrate. He's got no backbone. He's spineless. If there was ever a situation when you were in danger, he wouldn't be able to protect you".

A carriage pulled up. Harry stepped out. "Harry". I squeezed him into a hug but we were soon separated when Snape flicked his wand, moving us each four feet in the opposite direction. "Good to see you too, Mr. Potter". "Sir". Harry said, slightly bowing. Snape narrowed his eyes. Much like with a majority of things, he was not impressed. "It's time for you to attend the Start-of-Term Feast. We're late". He led us through the empty corridors. Harry and I took our usual seats at the Gryffindoor table. "And remember Mr. Potter-" Snape began. "-If I break her heart, you'll break my everything". Harry continued for him. Snape had said this to Harry on numerous occasions. Enough times that this had become a routine. "I still don't know why she chose you out of all people. But as long as you're aware that she could leave you at any moment's notice because she's finally come to her senses, I suppose it's fine". He turned on his heel, and looked over his shoulder. "And Mr. Potter, I despise you". He said, before making his way over to the other teachers.

"What happened?" I asked Harry. "I went to investigate Malfoy. My suspicions were confirmed. He's got the Dark Mark. But before I was able to leave, he caught me". I examined Harry's nose. It was ever so slightly crooked. "Did he do this? I'll make him apologize". I moved in my seat, prepared to march over to Draco Malfoy and wipe that smirk clear off his face. Harry caught my arm. "Scarlet, I know that your intentions are good, but don't get involved. This isn't something you should get in between. Besides, Malfoy's never been trustworthy. I don't want you near him". I only half listened to what Harry said. Something about good intentions. But all I could think of was how to make that stupid little smirk on Draco's face disappear.