Voldermort's Grand-Daughter: Fates' Wager

Chapter 17: Change of Heart

Down in the Great Hall, Severus was walking around with Dumbledore by his side, watching over the sea of bodies laying in sleeping bags. Everyone was asleep except for one certain boy-who-lived.  

Severus grumbles, "I've done the dungeons. No sign of Black. Nor anywhere else in the castle".

Dumbledore nods, "I didn't really expect him to linger. And you're sure you checked the common room thoroughly?".

He turns to him in offence, "My daughter and godson are down there. Trust me, I was very thorough in my search". He brings them back to topic, "Remarkable feat, don't you think? To enter Hogwarts castle on one's own, completely undetected, especially by the dementors".

Dumbledore hums, "That it is".

He squints, "You may recall, prior to the start of term, I did express my concerns about when you appointed-". 

"I do not believe a single professor inside this castle would have helped Sirius Black enter it, Severus". He looks over the students, "No...I feel quite confident the castle is safe. And I'm more than willing to let the students return to their Houses. But tomorrow. For now, let them sleep...". He looks down at Harry, who immediately closes his eyes, "...It's astonishing what the body can endure when the mind allows itself to rest".  

Severus sighs in frustration, "I can guarantee that my daughter will not be happy with this. She already has her reservations about the security of the castle". He glares at the Headmaster, "Frankly, I'm starting to believe her".

Before Dumbledore can respond, the light of a Patronus enters the Great Hall. Severus looks over as a snake stops in front of him.  

He hears the voice of Salazar, "Severus, come to the dungeons. Draco has requested your presence. It's about Lilith".

The Patronus fades as Severus turns to Dumbledore, "If you'll excuse me, my daughter needs me".

He nods, "Of course, Severus".  

He storms out of the Great Hall in a hurry, Dumbledore slowly following behind him. Once he confirmed they were gone, Harry opens his eyes and quietly sits up. He thinks about their conversation. He was already starting to have doubts about his safety when it was announced that the Dementors were guarding Hogwarts, even more so that Sirius Black got in without them noticing.

He looks around at the other Gryffindors and his mind goes to Neville. The boy had pretty much abandoned most of his Gryffindor friends for Lilith's group. At first he was upset, but slowly realised just how happy and accepted the boy was with them.

Perhaps he was onto something.  

Down in the dungeons, Severus raced towards the entrance of the common room. He approaches the portrait and Salazar smiles worryingly.

Severus asks quickly, "Salazar, what's going on?".

"Severus, my boy. Lilith knows of what occurred upstairs and is in great distress. Draco managed to calm her down. Regardless, she needs her father".

He nods, "Thank you for looking over her".  

The portrait opens and Severus runs in. He sighs in relief as he sees Lilith asleep in Draco's arms. The two were sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace. He slowly walks over and Draco turns to him.  

"Uncle Sev, thank Merlin".

Severus sits next to them, "What happened, Draco?".

He sighs, "Salazar told us about the news about the slashed portrait. At the time, we didn't know who did it, so we came inside. As we were talking with Micah, Neville came in and told us the news about Black. He also informed us that Dumbledore put the Gryffindors in the Great Hall". He looks down at the girl in his arms, "Lia started freaking out and...that's when I told Salazar to call for you".

Severus kisses the crown of his head, "Thank you for getting me, dragon. And thank you for alway being there for my daughter".