Iuga Sortis (Bound By Destiny)

Fourteen

To my Little One, Nia,

First of all--you're a woman now! Oh dear goodness, I wish I was there to tease you and cry over the fact that my baby girl isn't such a baby anymore. I wish I was there to see how beautiful you are becoming--like your grandma and your great-great-grandma. I wish I was there to hold you and explain things to you, because after you read this letter, no doubt you'll more than likely feel hurt, even hatred toward me. It's nothing less than I deserve, but I couldn't tell you earlier. How could I? How could I tell you you're not who you thought you were, that you are entirely more important than you could ever believe yourself to be?

As it is, I cannot give you all of the information now--you are too weak and too young to have that burden upon your shoulders. It's bad enough Lily's child will have such a monster after him from his birth until one or the other is destroyed (Lily Evans was my best friend after your daddy; she was two years older than I; her son is my godson. I hope you get a chance to meet him.), but you--my Little One--you will not have to worry. Your daddy and all those who love and care for you have seen to it you are protected and that he has no knowledge of your existence. I know this is very vague, but at least now you know just exactly what I mean by "special."

I know you are at Hogwarts now (say hello to the Bloody Baron and to Nearly Headless Nick for me; they'll know who you mean), and things are probably a bit overwhelming. Ha! Imagine going to that school without a clue of what it meant to be a witch! Mama said, "You're going to boarding school and that's final!" Your grandpa hardly said anything against it because he was always off fighting some war or resolving some conflict. Luckily Uncle Danny and Aunt Felicia never moved back to the States after World War II so I had a place to stay during holiday. Mama couldn't afford to let me come home during the time I was there--but that's neither here nor there. I remember I had to go get fitted for a wand and that Ollivanders' guy scared me so! And then the Sorting! I was shaking so badly McGonagall had to hold my arms to get me to stop! (Tell her I said hello, too!) When the hat screamed Gryffindor, I was so relieved, because that was Great-Grandpa Albus's House and I knew I was in good hands (not that Slytherin's all that bad, mind you. I know you'll be Sorted there--your daddy thinks otherwise. Gloat for me when you get there, will you?)

Oh goodness gracious, I've gotten off subject. I'm just rambling and rambling, because I wish to goodness I was there with you instead of in this letter. But to the important things. There is something you need to know, and you need to know it now because without this knowledge you will not be able to fulfill your destiny. I'm sorry, honey, but Severus Snape is not your biological father. He's legally your father, for he adopted you, but you are not blood related. Oh how I wish he were. He's the most beautiful person I know, after you of course--you're my heart. But Severus was my soul. I remember when I first met him. Lily was being maliciously teased by this stupid boy named Nott (never learned his first name; didn't care to know it, either), and Severus said in that silky voice, 'I'd shut up, because the Little One looks like she's ready to hex you.' He said it so cool, so calm, just leaning against the wall with his ankles crossed, like he was eighteen instead of thirteen years old. And I was mad, too, but when I heard him speak . . . oh chile, it was something! He looked at me with an amused expression on his face; a smirk (oh I love his smirk), and I fell in love. I did. I fell in love with your father the first time I saw him. Something clicked for me--for us (he told me he fell in love with me too. You wouldn't know it to look at him, but Severus has such a romantic side to him.)

I'm rambling again, aren't I? You'll humor your mama, won't you? Anyway, yes, your father is not your 'father,' but he is your father--never mind. Your real father is Caleb Johnson--yes, that Caleb Johnson. Cousin Caleb. Angelina's daddy. My cousin's husband. Your father by blood. I know you're in such a state of shock right now--probably even disbelief. You're numb; I know you are. That's to be expected, but please don't do like I think you're going to do and shut people out. Nia, this is not the time to do this. You can't shut them out forever, least of all Caleb. Caleb's a stubborn one--often I thought he should've been a Gryffindor instead of a Ravenclaw, but Lord knows he's as smart as they come. You're smart too, NiNi, very smart--you get that from Caleb. But, Nia, remember this: Caleb may be your biological father, but Severus is your daddy. He was there from the moment you came out kickin' and screamin' (I think we all would've if we knew what this world was like. See, I told you you were smart!), and he'll continue to be there until death comes. He loves you so much, and Caleb does too. You wonder why Caleb was always holding you and playing with you when they came to visit? It was hard for him to give you up, but it had to be done--for your safety, for everyone's safety. There I go being vague again, but soon you'll realize just what's going on.

In the meantime, I sure hope you like history, because you'll need to study it for a while! The history and mythology of Ancient Egyptand Nubia are of the utmost importance to learn--especially about magic. Pay particular close attention to Set, Isis, Osiris, Nephthys, and Apedemak for they were the major gods and goddesses of that time. The more you learn of them the better equipped you will be. (Your great-great grandma was actually a priestess in the Temple of Isisin Aswan; ask Great-Grandpa Albus more about that.)

As I told you when you told me about your dream, you are destined for great things, Nia. That's why I named you that--Nia is "purpose" in Swahili, and you will serve a great purpose. Pretty soon you'll be getting extra lessons in Transfiguration with McGonagall and Care for Magical Creatures with Hagrid. (He should still be there, despite the many changes I'm sure Hogwarts has been going through up to then.) Next year, you should have Divination on your syllabus, as well as Ancient Runes; those classes will help you as you learn more about the task before you.

There, my NiNi, my Little One, I know this is so much to take in, and I wouldn't blame you if you cursed my name and everyone's name who was involved with this. But, I beg of you, please don't. I'd rather you say nothing than to say something you may regret, baby. I love you. Oh dear goodness, I loved you before you even existed. I dreamed of you, holding you. You were perfect, and no matter who your father is or how you were conceived, you were born into love, because of love, and for love. Never doubt that, Nia. You'll find such happiness; you'll find a love to rival that of your great-great grandparents, Romeo and Juliet, Aida and Radames (Aida was the sister of one of great-great grandmother's ancestors, they even wrote an opera about it)--it'll be there for you. It'll be there in your family, in your friends, in your future lover . . .and in me. I may not be there physically, but I am there. Whenever you call, I'll be there; just trust in that. Mama loves you now. Peace be with you.

Forever your loving Mama,

Malika Javier Roberts Snape