A Potter Secret

O.W.L.'s and Knowledge

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Isabella and Severus leave the bank that day with a few heirlooms and a book so she and Ragnok can communicate. This book is special and allows them to talk without being face to face. Isabella decorated her room with some picture and tapestries that her parents left her and Severus helps, trying to help her feel close to those who she didn't get the chance to know. She starts keeping a letter addressed to her and another addressed to her brother in the nightstand.

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In Dumbledore's office, Severus sits across the desk from Albus as Amelia floos in. Isabella is on Severus' lap in her kitten form. "Professor Dumbledore, what's the emergency?"

"Before we get into anything, we must ask that you take an unbreakable vow that nothing said here will be revealed to anyone," Dumbledore states.

Amelia hesitates. "Albus, I can't take a vow without knowing what's going on. I won't risk lives to keep secrets."

Dumbledore nods and looks her in the eyes. "Then how about you promise to take a vow after we tell you or be obliviated. I swear to you this matter is vital."

Amelia nods. "Alright, I agree to your terms now tell me what's going on." Severus sets the kitten on the ground and she transforms. Amelia smiles at the little girl. "Hello there. Severus, I didn't know you have a daughter!"

Severus smirks. "I don't, Amelia. This is my goddaughter. I have raised her since she was a month old. She has been kept secret from the wizarding world for her own protection."

"Who are your parents, Sweetie," Amelia asks.

Isabella looks at Severus who nods. "I'm Isabella Potter. My parents were Lily and James Potter. I'm almost six years old!"

Amelia sits back, suspicious. "Headmaster, she can't be Lily and James' child. She's too young."

"She was effected by the dark magic that happened in the house that night," Dumbledore starts. "Severus made the decision to place her in stasis to help her heal. She almost didn't wake up. She was a month old at the time of the attack at Godric's Hollow."

Amelia nods, looking Isabella over. "Alright, what was the emergency?"

"Isabella is a young prodigy," Dumbledore smiles. "She has studied and passed all exams through fourth year and she is ready for her O.W.L.'s. Unfortunately, because she is young and hidden from the ministry, she can't take them like a normal student. We were hoping you would administer and grade her exams."

Amelia thinks it over. "Are you sure she's ready? She's so young." Dumbledore and Severus nods. "You only wish to keep her a secret for her protection? That's it?"

Severus nods. "There are many things about her that show she is a magical prodigy. That, along with who her family is, would put her in danger."

"Then I shall take the vow," Amelia assures. "We can take the exams starting tomorrow and finish them the next day. I will warn you, Isabella, you will be taking the full exam. If you ask for special treatment and taking the exam this early, it will be at the level of a normal exam."

Isabella nods. "Thank you, Madam Bones. I really appreciate all that you're doing for me."

Amelia kneels down before her and smiles. "I'm not just doing it for you, Isabella. I knew your parents, we went to school together. Your mother was always so kind to me and your father always believed in me. If you think you can do this and the professors believe you can do this then I am more than willing to give you the chance to shine."

Isabella smiles and hugs her. "Thank you."

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Severus waits outside the great hall as Isabella takes her final exam. Amelia and Isabella had been in there for hours yesterday to take most of the tests and Isabella came out exhausted. Severus found her asleep in the hallways heading towards his rooms last night. Isabella woke up energized this morning but Severus had seen students falling asleep standing after a week of only one exam a day. Isabella's taking them all in less than two days. He's already set up for Cedric to come by for a few hours tomorrow.

As the final seconds tick by, Severus hears Amelia end the exam. After a moment, Amelia leads Isabella out of the Great Hall, carrying a bag of the exams. Isabella goes straight to the bench and sits down. Amelia smiles at Isabella before turning to Severus. "She did amazing during the test. I did give her a little bit of special treatment by letting her talk aloud or walk around. Don't worry, there will be no suspicion of any wrongdoing on her part; everything required was by the book. I'm amazed that someone so young had the patience to study for these, much less sit still for as long as she did. I've started grading the exams and have yet to see an incorrect question. I'll have the results in a few days but I don't think you should let her study until she's had a break. She really is an amazing child, Severus. Don't let her lose herself by trying to be perfect. Let her be a child while she can."

Severus nods and picks Isabella up as Amelia leaves. She instantly curls up in his arms, seeking out his comfort. There are slight bags under her eyes from the stress and pressure of the exams. "Come on, Isabella. Let's get you to bed."

She nods slowly as her eyes fall shut as Severus carries her to her room and tucks her in. "Love you, Papa," Isabella whispers.

Severus smiles and kisses her forehead. "I love you too, Sweetie."

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Isabella runs through the halls the next day with Cedric. In two weeks, he'll be here for school. This is the last day they get to play together before school. They grab their brooms, flying through the halls on the way to the pitch.

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As they finish up their game, Isabella is falling asleep on her broom. Cedric smiles as her broom flies her lower until she's barely hovering above the ground. Cedric lands beside her, and starts leading the broom back to the school. It's not long before they get back to Severus' room. "Professor Snape?" Cedric calls, knocking on the door.

The door swings open almost immediately. "Mr. Diggory, you're back earlier than I expected." He glances back and sees Isabella. "Already asleep?"

Cedric nods. "She fell asleep during our game. Normally she's so energetic. Is she sick?"

Severus shakes his head. "She's fine, Cedric. The past two days have been hard on her; she took all her O.W.L.'s and it took a lot out of her."

Cedric smiles down at her, surprised and feeling oddly proud. "Any idea how she did? I-If you don't mind me asking?"

Severus smiles and shows him the letter from his pocket. "She has passed all of her O.W.L.'s perfectly. The one grading her exams said that she started getting no questions wrong and by the end, when she was exhausted, only got a couple questions wrong and that those questions were the easiest ones on the exam."

"You must be very proud, Professor. Isabella really is amazing," Cedric notes as Severus picks her up. "Can you tell her I'll see her at the start of the year?" Severus nods and watches as Cedric leaves before turning his attention to Isabella.