Lucy Snape and the Half-Blood Princess (Book Six)

O' Father Mine

Chapter 39: O' Father Mine

As if the dying remains of the sun had filled Lucy with happiness, she skipped up the stairs happily and hummed to 'Do the Hippogriff' by the Weird Sisters. She was about to jam her keys into the door to Snape's quarters when the door swung open and Snape stood there. Lucy ceased humming immediately.

"Lucy, you're back," Snape looked at her with wide eyes. Lucy was certain her happiness was going to be consumed by the dark pits of his eyes. "I was beginning to get worried."

"I'm sorry that I stayed out past curfew...the exact rule that I helped forced," Lucy's shoulders slumped. "I'm such an awful role model."

"No matter," Snape shook his head. "If nobody saw you - which I'm certain they didn't - you're fine."

Lucy stared at him in disbelief and he frowned.

"Well don't just stand out there in the cold, come in," he ushered her in and shut the door behind them. It was apparent Jessica wasn't here and was probably dealing with the gifted. "Do you want a cup of tea?"

"No thank you, I'm okay," Lucy raised her hand.

"I insist, you look absolutely parched," Snape immediately switched the kettle on before she could protest further. "Sit down," he commanded.

Lucy reluctantly sat down in her usual seat and Snape sat opposite in his. "What's gotten into you?

Snape frowned. "I don't follow."

Lucy elaborated. "One minute you absolutely adore me and the next you've disappeared and won't even acknowledge me."

Snape opened his mouth to comment when the kettle made a sound to indicate it had finished boiling. Snape held up his finger to inform her to wait a moment and he got up and quickly finished making the two cups of tea; one for him and his daughter.

He hastily placed the cup in her hands after making his way over to her. He then sat back in his own chair. "I apologise, Lucy, I really do. I try to be here for you as much as possible but it hasn't been as possible with - "

"The unbreakable vow." Lucy finished and took a sip of her tea innocently despite the fact that it scalded her throat mercilessly.

Snape opened his mouth to argue but shut it and decided at this point the truth was better than anything. "Yes, it's the truth. I made an Unbreakable vow with Narcissa, Draco's mother, while you were trapped on the Medieval Islands. I was drunk at this point and was incredibly helpless, there wasn't much I could do."

"So why did you make it?" Lucy narrowed her eyes, she needed confirmation.

Snape protected his cup and rested it on one knee, hoping his shaking hands wouldn't deceive it and cause the liquid to spill everywhere. "If my memory isn't trying to fool me it was to protect him."

"From what?" Lucy pressed on.

"That...I cannot answer."

"Why?"

"I was drunk, Lucy!" Snape threw his free hand in the air in frustration. But he reigned in his temper and looked at her with a sad smile. "I'm sorry...it's just that I can't back out of it now and I'm annoyed that I agreed to it in the first place. Like many things; I'm annoyed I agreed to them."

"Like being a Death Eater?" Lucy's tone was softer now.

"Yes, like that."

"Well there isn't much we can do but try out best," Lucy shrugged and set down her half empty cup of tea. "Anyway, what was all that encouragement about earlier in the Room of Requirement?"

"I was incredibly proud of you," Snape bowed his head for a moment. "Mr. Jarvin isn't exactly weak and you took him down without any trouble for which I am very proud of you. You didn't hesitate once and I just know you're getting stronger by the day and when the time comes you'll be able to defeat Lord Zuc."

Lucy was flattered by Snape's speech but was a little wary. "You're talking to me as if I shall be independent, not that it's a bad thing...I'm just curious."

Snape copied Lucy and set down his cup of tea and then looked at her. "Lucy..." his voice trailed off.

Lucy sat on the edge of her seat waiting eagerly for Snape to go on. The sound of thunder interrupted their thoughts as rain began hammering against the window as if trying to enter the room and drench all of Snape's precious belongings.

They both turned towards the window as if expecting something to come inside and disrupt their meeting. Lucy stood up and was about to walk towards the window to admire the rain outside when Snape strode towards her and wrapped her in an embrace.

"Dad? What's wrong? What are you doing?" Lucy protested, almost fighting off his embrace.

"You have to promise me something," he whispered in short sharp breaths, Lucy felt his heart hammering against his chest. The vision of Lucy wandering through the Hogwarts hallways chasing after Matt yelling his name had hold of his attention and was gripping it tight.

"W-What is it?" Lucy tried to say as Snape held her closer, her head against his shoulder.

"You'll love me no matter what, won't you?" He whispered, he wasn't certain of the reply he was going to get but he just hoped it was going to be good. He needed reassurance. He desperately needed reassurance.

"Of course, have I not always?" Lucy answered truthfully. "Even when we've had our fights I've always loved you, how could I not? You're my father."

Snape finally pulled away and looked at her eyes. He couldn't help but see Lily. "Yes..."

"Anything else you want to ask while we're here?" Lucy raised an eyebrow.

"Not a question, a request; stay safe. Always." He nodded just as the window was thrown open by the wind and the candles blew out and the darkness threatened to swallow them.

"Even when the darkness threatens to take you," he added before taking out his wand and illuminating the small space around them.

"Of course," she nodded, unsure why Snape was telling her all this. "I love you dad but I really think I should be getting some sleep."

Lucy heard Angus meowing at her feet and so she scooped him up blindly and held him in her arms. "It's been a long year."

"Agreed," Snape nodded. "I love you too, Goodnight, Lucy."

The words seemed to embrace Lucy and she was momentarily taken aback as she was slowly covered up by the blanket of care that Snape so desperately tried to weave together for her even when it fell apart.

He kissed her on the cheek before whispering. "Nox." The light on his wand disappeared and Lucy made her way to the room in the pale moonlight guiding her to her room.

Snape waited until he heard her door close before looking around the room. He nodded to himself before heading towards the door to his quarters and swiftly shutting it behind him.