Severus Snape - Refuge

Chapter 9 - The Twins

Professor Snape knocked on the door of the orphanage. A lady answered the door. Severus had learned that Mrs. Cole, the former matron of the orphanage, had retired, and her niece had taken over in her place. This Ms. Cole was stunning, even in her matronly wardrobe, which was gray from head to toe. Her raven dark hair was tied up tightly in a smart coil on top of her head, a few wisps loose around her face, which was the only clue that her hair was long, reaching almost to her waist.

"Professor Snape, we've been expecting you. The children are ready and waiting for their transfer," she said, and it didn't pass his notice that she looked at him from top to bottom before meeting his eyes again. He wondered at her scrutiny. His own attire was not too outside the norm for a Professor, even in the Muggle world.

"Ms. Cole I presume?" Severus said as she ushered him in the door.

"Yes, sorry, although I would prefer you call me Miss Ellie. Mrs. Cole was my aunt, and it helps to avoid confusion," she said while smiling and batting her eyes.

"I'm sure no one could mistake you for your aunt, but I would be happy to call you Miss Ellie," he said, and he was a little nonplussed when she blushed.

"Please, come and have a seat while I tell the children of your arrival," she said, leading him to a small parlor. Before she made her leave, she made him a drink. "Here you go. You might need it when you meet these two. They are a handful, I must say," she said in warning, then took off quickly down the hall. When she returned, she made her own drink and sat on the small divan, motioning Severus to sit as well. "They are gathering their things. While we wait, could you tell me about your school?" she asked.

"They will be staying at the Refuge during the summer until school resumes. The Refuge is a small summer school with around a dozen students. Although the accommodations are modest, it is quite homey. My wife and I run it, along with a few staff members. The children will be provided instruction and guidance so that they can more easily adapt to their school environment," Severus explained. He saw her look at his hand, specifically at his wedding band, and he thought she looked disappointed when he had mentioned his wife.

"Ah, that's lovely," she said, her smile gone, then drained the rest of her glass before abruptly standing and heading back down the hall, "I will go see if they're ready."

Severus heard banging and shouting down the hall, and most of the ruckus was from Miss Ellie's high-pitched voice yelling at them. After a few minutes, Miss Ellie was dragging a boy and a girl down the hallway with a tight grip on their arms. They were each carrying a pillowcase, stuffed with what little belongings they had. They were both rail thin. He was more surprised that they were as tall as Miss Ellie. He was expecting much younger children, but these two looked like they were teens. And, they were obviously twins, both toeheaded. In fact, their hair was almost white, along with their skin, and their eyes were light blue.

"This is Blanche and this is Alabaster," Miss Ellie said, introducing them, letting go their arms to brush the loose strands of hair from her face and smooth down her clothes.

"And what is their family name?" Severus asked, curious.

"They don't have a last name, at least one that we know of. They were surrendered to us anonymously," she said with almost a sneer, and Severus noticed that the two children looked down at that, as if embarrassed.

"No matter, perhaps we can assist them in choosing their own," Severus offered, and he saw them look up through their pale lashes at him.

"I am Professor Snape, as I am sure you have been informed. Say farewell to Miss Ellie and thank her for your care," he said, and they both frowned like they didn't want to even talk to her.  "Do it quickly. You will not be returning," he said. Their eyes grew big, and they smiled sheepishly before mumbling their goodbyes and thanks.

"Professor Snape, there are some things I should probably tell you before you leave... about the children. I don't think it would be fair to hand them off without some warning," Miss Ellie said, and he was a little suspicious as to why she offered the information now instead of when they had privacy earlier. If anything, it seemed awkward now, and he saw the children squirm as if they were afraid of what she might have to say about them.

"I'm on a bit of a tight schedule, Miss Ellie. But thank you, I will consider myself warned. If I need any more information, I will send correspondence," he said, handing his untouched drink back to her. The two hurriedly moved to stand at his side, as if they were more than ready to take their leave. "Thank you again, it was a pleasure meeting you," Severus said, nodding his farewell before leading the children out of the orphanage and onto the streets of London.

"Follow me," he said, and led them quickly down the street and to an alley behind the old buildings. He stopped and turned to them, looking at them each in their eyes. He wished Sirana was here. She had a way with children. She would know what to say to put them at ease. "Whatever has transpired so far in your lives is part of your past. I offer you a new beginning. You may find that you prefer it. I know you are both different here, but you will not be alone in that aspect where we are going. You both have powers that other children you know do not, correct?" he asked, and they both looked at each other, then nodded. "I have powers as well," he said.

"Prove it!" they said in unison, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Hold on to my arm," Severus said, then as soon as they did, he apparated with them back to the Refuge.