snape's daughter → malfoy

Chapter Two: Hogwarts.

I DID as I was told by the older professor. The next few moments passed within the blink of an eye. One moment I was in the park, the next I was stood next to the entrance of an old, bricked castle. The castle was quite simply magical. The castle stood overlooking hills and lakes, casting an eerie shadow onto the walls and grounds of the castle. It was breathtaking.

"Follow me, and stay close. The castle is an interesting place at night. Some might say it's fearfully frightening. I disagree." He chuckled slightly, peering over his glasses. We walked through the stone cold corridors, lined with hundreds of paintings, lit candles and the squeaking of mice. Maybe it was a trick if the light, but I'm sure one of them moved, it's eyes following our movements down the corridor. As we reached the end, a golden statue blocked our path. "Ah, here we are." I was confused. He mumbled some words that I couldn't understand and the golden figure started to move. The sound of stones grinding against each other echoed the hallway.

The statue was now replaces with a set of stairs. I couldn't believe my eyes. "Wow." I choked. Was I really seeing this? Was this one big dream? My overreactive imagination? It was something I've not experienced before. I followed the old man up the stairs, reaching an office. His office. Inside stood two other people. A woman, wearing her pyjamas. Her grey hair has been neatly plaited, falling gracefully down her back. The other person, however, was a man who was different from the rest. He didn't possess the friendly features they did. In fact, he looked like his sleep has been disturbed. His hair was a charcoal black, almost the same shade as my own. His skin pale, his face hollow.

"Minerva, Severus. I'm glad you're here." He walked around to his desk, taking a seat. I retreated behind the two older people stood before him. "As you know, I have just brought back a child from a family. This child, Daisy," he paused looking over me, "is now in our care. Minerva, I know your skills of looking after a child outweigh mine, so I'd like it if you could keep a watch out for her over the next couple of months, help her in any way possible." He paused. Minerva nodded.

"Certainly, Albus. I'll try my very best." She looked at me and smiled softly, her eyes showing sympathy as she noticed my state.

"Excuse me, Albus, but why am I here?" Severus asked, folding his arms. Everyone turned to look at him.

"Ah, Severus. I would like you to look after Daisy. She will be staying in your quarters for the time being, until she starts school in September." Dumbledore stated. His face fell.

"Albus, with all due respect, I have no time to look after a child." He looked at me briefly. I looked back. Something in his face fell, like he had thought of something in that moment. "Okay." His mind changed, sending a look to the man.

"Thank you Severus. I am terribly sorry for keeping you both awake." The duo nodded, turning around from where they had been standing. "And Daisy?" My head snapped up. "Welcome home. Stay safe and always listen to whoever is looking after you." He smiled. I returned the smile and nodded.

The man, Severus, approached me slightly too fast for my liking and I flinched back. He looked somewhat sad, but he muttered an apology. "Follow me down to my quarters, I'm assuming Dumbledore has already prepared where you'll be sleeping." He looked back at the older wizard. I didn't see what he did, but the man placed his hand on my shoulder, guiding me out of the room.

We walked down several different staircases, until we reached a room hidden away in the corner of a corridor. He opened the door with a stick. His wand.  And let me enter the room first. "It's beautiful here." I looked around the room, amazed. Lots of books, lining every wall possible. The black and green leather contrasted well together, a tiny amount of moonlight entering from the small window above one of the book shelves.

"These are my quarters. You are welcome to read any of these books, although their content may not make much sense to you at the current time." He moved to another door and I followed. "In here is the kitchen. I don't tend to cook in there too often, since there are daily meals prepared for all staff and pupils." He moved again, pointing to a small hallway. "Through there is my bedroom, if you ever need anything. And there," he pointed to another door, "Is your bedroom. There is also a bathroom in there." I nodded, going to open the door he had pointed to as my bedroom. I opened the black door, revealing a small, yet cozy room. There was a twin bed, draped in black, silky sheets. A bookshelf with a few books at the end of the bed. Above that was a window, the green silk curtains drawn to block out the light. There was a wardrobe in one corner of the room, next to a door which lead to the bathroom, and a small black desk. Besides the bed was a small drawer, a little lamp turned on to light up the room. It was perfect.

"Feels like home." I muttered to myself, smiling slightly. The man looked somewhat relieved, but also worried as he really took a look at my current condition under the lighting.

"I'll be off to bed now, do try and get some sleep. There's a lot of explanations to be given tomorrow and I'm sure you have many questions." I nodded. I did have many questions, some I'm not sure anyone would be able to answer right now. "Goodnight Daisy." I mumbled a goodnight, walking into the bedroom I could now call my own. I couldn't help but have a look around. The books were some of my favourite classics, including: a Christmas Carol, Moby Dick, and many other classics I had grown to love. The wardrobe was full of clothes. Just for me. Including fresh pyjamas and slippers. At this moment, I felt grateful. I felt relieved. The past was behind me for now.

I got into my bed, not changing the clothes I was wearing. I had taken off the cardigan, hanging this at the end of my bed. The bed itself felt like a dream. The mattress felt like a cloud, the sheets feeling soft against my delicate skin. Happiness.

I shut my eyes. For now, I felt safe. I felt safe in my own company. I felt good. I felt safe, and I felt loved. That was important. Maybe it was time to finally forget. Maybe this would be a Christmas miracle.