The Family That Saved Me

Chapter 10

Severus POV

* To say I was confused would be an understatement, who was this young girl, where did she come from...and most importantly what had she been through?* I watched Lucius with her and could see she was beginning to trust him and it made me wonder exactly how long she had been here, and if she was why he needed my help. I understood why I frightened her Lucius was wearing clothing that could pass for muggle while mine was obviously....not. Her impending panic attack was stopped by Lucius' fast thinking. I could hear him talking softly to her and then he stood with her in his arms, she was clinging tightly to him as if her life depended on it, I'm sure she felt it probably did. I sat down in the armchair in hopes of appearing less intimidating, she watched my every move like a frightened deer. Now that I had a chance to look at her I can tell she is a lovely child with big golden brown eyes and long curly brown hair. As I studied her she was watching me with apprehension, Lucius walked over to the other armchair and sat down with her as we just allowed her to watch me for a few minutes. She surprised us both when she climbed from his lap and walked toward me and touched my hand as she said "You have sad eyes Mister." Lucius and I just watched her in surprise, "Why are your eyes sad Sir?" I placed my hand over top of her small one "I've had a hard life my dear, what about you why are your eyes sad?" She looked down "Mister and Mrs. don't like me, I-I-I think they used to buts now they hate me." she started tearing up "I-I don know w-w-why but they hit me now and and they hurt my shoulder an' kicked my tummy, I runned away once but Mister found me 'n' locked me in the room and a big scary monster came in and and..." She was sobbing deep gut wrenching sobs again and grabbed my arm, I reached out and she lunged toward me and into my arms. Lucius watched with both surprise and anger reflecting from my own eyes. I patted her back as I gently rocked her back and forth, eventually she stopped crying and her breathing evened out. Lucius confirmed my silent question of her sleeping with a nod. "Lucius. who is this girl, where did she come from-" I clenched my jaw and spoke so low it was nearly a growl "And was that story about "the monster" going where I thought it was?" Lucius nodded grimly "I believe so yes-" he paused gathering himself then accioed a parchment and handed it to me. "Severus prepare yourself that paper isn't pleasant, those are the injuries I found her with."

I braced myself as I read over the list getting angrier the farther down the list I got, then I read what confirmed my fears and was filled with so much rage my hands were shaking. Hermione whimpered in my arms and I calmed myself "When and where did you find her?" I asked as I handed the parchment back. "I found her on my last trip to London, she was laying behind a bush in the freezing cold. She seems to have taken to you even faster than she did me" He smiled softly at her "Abused children are generally drawn to people or other children that have suffered as they have. I'm assuming she is why you needed my help? So what did you need?" He frowned "Unfortunately I can't keep her here, it wouldn't be safe considering she is a muggle child it would be illegal for me to keep her here anyways. But I wont just drop her somewhere unless I know she will be safe. That's where you come in my old friend." He smiled again "You want me to use my muggle connections to find her somewhere safe" "If you can yes" I looked down at the young girl curled up in my arms "I will do my best to ensure her safety, were you planning to Obliviate her?" "I did not use any magic around her while she was conscious maybe alter her memory for her safety?" I nodded "I can do that, I'll bring her somewhere safe and check in on her from time to time" Lucius walked over and leaned down and kissed her on the forehead "I hope you have a better life from here on out, Goodbye Dear One." he whispered to her then nodded to me and left his study.

I sat with her for a few more moments before I altered her memories then stood and apparated to a home in London. I ran my hand over her hair and covered her with my cloak to ensure she was warm before ringing the bell, my old Squib friend Arabella Figg answered the door with a friendly smile. "Hello Dear Severus what brings you by?" I uncovered Hermione from my cloak "I need your assistance in finding a safe home for this young lady." She walked forward and took Hermione from my arms as she smiled at me "Absolutely dear, would you like to know where she is after I get her settled?" "It would be greatly appreciated, Arabella, her name is Hermione and she hasn't had a good life so far so please make sure they are good people." I gently patted Hermione on the head "I will see you again young one" I smiled a rare smile at Arabella then turned on my heel and apparated home. 

AN; 950 words! I think this is my longest chapter so far I only have a few more pre written and then it will be slow going as I get more written but if you can bear with me it will be worth it 😊