Rating:
G
House:
Schnoogle
Characters:
Severus Snape
Genres:
Angst Character Sketch
Era:
1981-1991
Spoilers:
Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Order of the Phoenix Half-Blood Prince
Stats:
Published: 02/11/2006
Updated: 02/11/2006
Words: 3,666
Chapters: 1
Hits: 915

By Prophecy Bound

Lady Pensieve

Story Summary:
Here is the reason why Severus Snape is so completely trusted by Dumbledore. To find out the truth, we must go back to that night in Godric's Hollow.

Chapter 01 - By Prophecy Bound

Chapter Summary:
Snape has never had a great life. Is this because of his 'choices'? A story (written before HBP) as to why Dumbledore trusts Snape with Harry's life.
Posted:
02/11/2006
Hits:
915


The Prophecy Bound

By [email protected]

Severus Snape caught his reflection in the cottage window before him. Like everything else in his life, thus far, things were definitely not as he wished them to be. The face that stared back at him was care worn and somber. Old before my time. It was as if laughter had never touched it, and indeed, it never had.

He was trapped... trapped in a life he could hardly have imagined. Sadly he found himself in this position due to his own misguided youth. His years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry were suppose to make up for the eleven years of abuse he'd suffered through his father's hands. Only his mother had meant anything in his life, and she was destroyed by a manipulative, controlling freak of a man who denigrated her at every opportunity. It destroyed her.

School was supposed to mean freedom; freedom from his father's constant tortures; freedom from watching his mother get hurt trying to protect him; and the freedom to take care of herself for a change. Snape felt he was the root of their troubles. With him at school, perhaps his parents would finally come to some moment of calm. It never happened.

In his second year at Hogwarts, Snape's mother died under dubious circumstances, and his heart closed. Nothing could or would re-awaken it. Life at Hogwarts did not change anything for Severus. It only succeeded in teaching him the lessons drilled into his head by his father. People were out for themselves. Unless there was something in it for them, no one extended themselves to help others. Classmates' cruelty came quickly unless they needed help with their potions homework. His peers were oafs and imbeciles with the same egotistical mannerisms of the man who had so betrayed him in his youth.

Then there was that one, that accursed, smart mouthed, arrogant show off, James Potter, a boy with little regard for anyone or anything but himself. His wants, his needs always had to be met. He had friends too; friends always there at his beck and call; friends who nearly cost Snape his very life! Snape had none of these. His fellow students ridiculed him consistently, from his lack of social graces to his clothing and unnaturally greasy hair.

There was only one place where none could mock him. Snape excelled academically. Naturally this required solitude and study. Having his mother's schoolbooks, with copious notes, helped. Without her being there, her words comforted him and helped him to avoid so many pitfalls that others made. No one could fault him in his class work. Over time he added his own notes to those of his mother until, at long last, he received the respect due his labor. His incredibly perceptive abilities with potions earned the respect of the school staff, yet none of those teachers ever came to his aid when the Potter boy used him for his amusement.

Was there one bright moment at Hogwarts? Not really. A glimmer of hope came his way in the form of a long-haired red head named Lily Evans. Not that Snape would ever allow himself to become enamored of anyone. Never. Somehow, though, Lily Evans reminded him of what his mother must have been like before her life had been ended by a loveless marriage. That would never happen to him. He would never allow anyone to have that kind of power over him.

How stupid, how young, how gullible he had been. Still seeking that which would forever elude him, Snape sought power in the one place where he knew his skills would not fail him. Yes, power is what he sought; the power to keep people at arms length. He may not have friends, but he would be looked up to, even feared. The Dark Arts would be his salvation. How ironic that each path he chose brought him back to the pattern of his birth.

Joining Voldemort should have given him everything he needed to make life livable. Livable, he laughed inwardly. Unfortunately the very talents that had earned respect at Hogwarts now tied him to the Dark Lord, making him one of the few possibly trusted by the wizard. Little did the Dark Lord know exactly how many talents Snape truly had, if he did, Snape would already be dead. He was far better at Occlumens than Voldemort at Legilimens.

Still Snape found himself once again tied to a man who could torture him at will. Never had he found that place of contentment he so desperately sought, but it took that one-day at Hogsmeade to make him understand the importance of getting away from Voldemort.

Snape was to spy on Dumbledore. Finding him at Hog's Head interviewing a dithering idiot for a teaching position, Snape hid himself as best he could, appearing disinterested in everything except his drink. It was apparent the headmaster also found the woman of no use. She was worthless and Dumbledore knew it.

It was when the woman's head jerked backwards and she croaked out an unnerving verse that Snape got caught and was tossed out of the pub. Would this be worth something to the Dark Lord? Not that Snape had a choice. Even though he had failed to hear the woman complete what seemed to be a prophecy, there had been too many ears in the pub; too many that could inform Voldemort of his presence. Keeping things from the Dark Lord was only advisable if you were the only one that had the information. He was not about to be tortured over some stupid prophecy. Did anyone actually believe in those things?

Oh, Snape would have preferred to run the opposite way, but it wasn't time yet. He needed something that would cleanse him of all wrongdoing, something that would buy his acceptance back into the arms of academia and safety. At least there he wouldn't have to watch every thought, every memory. If Snape weren't as skilled, weren't as talented as he was - he knew he'd only made it this far because of his own indomitable will and talent. The Dark Lord needed him...and Severus knew that his life depended on that need.

It was after the torture of the Longbottoms that Snape finally sought out Dumbledore, pleading with him to help him get away from Voldemort. The strain had become too much. The Dark Lord had become obsessed with what the prophecy had to say. Soon it wouldn't matter who you were, or how close the Dark Lord wished to keep you - if he thought you knew more than he, you'd be dead. Severus Snape was a survivor, and he was not about to give up.

Going to Dumbledore - what a laugh! Ah, Dumbledore cares for everyone...Dumbledore is loved by all. Dumbledore!!!!! Snape was astounded at his own gullibility at this stage of life. Dumbledore would help him, of course, but... Ah, the big BUT! Snape was penitent. He explained how young he had been, how stupid, how naïve. He practically dug a hole in the headmaster's carpet, head bowed in shame for his part in so many past events, trying to show the old wizard how drastically his point of view had changed.

Did it matter? In the end, Snape couldn't get away from Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Dumbledore needed him for much more important matters. He needed a double agent, someone who Voldemort might leak information to that would be helpful to the order.

So a plan was hatched. Snape suggest to Voldemort that he could watch the cagey old headmaster much better if he were a teacher at Hogwarts. He could earn Dumbledore's trust and perhaps even become a part of the Order. Of course, it would be a great sacrifice on his part to be away from the Dark Lord for such long periods of time, but....

Within moments of hearing the idea, Voldemort made it his own. Perfect, thought Snape, as he began the strategic planning required of this particular trap in which he found himself. I should have just joined the circus and performed on a tightrope every evening for garish audiences who sit and watch, applauding whether I perform or fall to my death. It is no concern of theirs which fate is to be mine. Life became more difficult than ever before.

Snape turned away from his reflection. There was no time to think about the past. Here and now he needed to keep his wits about him. Why did the Dark Lord need my presence on this venture tonight? That witless wonder Pettigrew is the one who supplied the address for them. Who is so important that Voldemort took it upon himself to dispose of?

Snape paused to place the Death Mark above the house, only the Dark Lord scowled at him. So this is to be a surprise visit. I wonder why he needed me to be with him? Not that Snape cared, one way or the other. Probably one more test of my loyalty. He grew tired of them, but kept his face blank.

He'd learned from the best. Let one ripple of feeling bubble up to the surface of your conscious mind, and it was no longer yours. The Dark Lord owned it, used it, and twisted it into forms you never wish to see again. Looking at the cottage once again as they came to the doorway, Snape mused: The present owners must believe themselves to be safe. Perhaps the Fidelius Charm? How stupid to believe you could outwit the Dark Lord. What he wants, he gets, and never through his own pain, but always through his enjoyment of others.

Voldemort opened the front door, stepping into the building. Snape followed, wand at the ready. The members of the Order were careless, but not stupid, and some were quite talented. The voices of a man and women came from upstairs, some laughter, then footsteps. Snape watched as a dark-haired man appeared at the top of the staircase. Before he could see clearly who it was, Voldemort's wand spewed bright green; blasting the man square in the chest, but not before a warning scream had been issued. The body crumpled, somersaulting to the bottom of the landing. Continuing up the stairs, Voldemort stepped on the body. Snape only shook his head.

Stupid lout. Laughter at a time when an enemy could be at your door. How foolish. Snape looked down at the corpse, turning it over with the tip of his boot. A thrill of loathing and hatred seeped through every pore. James Potter! How Snape had pictured this moment in his head. How he...

These thoughts may have continued, but a sneering laugh from above jolted him from his reverie, dotted with screams of terror. Realization hit him. Lily! Uncalled for and unwanted, emotion coursed through his body so quickly it couldn't be contained. In that instant Snape understood why his presence had been required, knew that the Dark Lord had breeched his carefully orchestrated cover. He knew this woman meant something to Snape. She could be used against him.

Taking the stairs two at a time, Snape listened to the mother's cries to spare her son. In the seconds it took to get to the bedroom, Snape knew Lily would try the Dark Lord's patience. She would never step aside; never allow her son to be taken while she had a breath of life in her body. As Severus Snape entered the room, Voldemort raised his wand at the flaming beauty before him.

"Avada Kadavra," echoed twice throughout the house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Severus Snape awoke to a scene of destruction. The house had imploded. How? No, it doesn't matter. There's no time! Where's Voldemort? Lily? In moments Snape found the Dark Lord's robe and wand, yet the wizard was no where to be seen. Then a glint of gold caught his attention. Snape stopped dead. More than anything he wanted to move forward, to grab the hand he saw protruding from the debris and whisk the woman away safe and sound. Not possible.

He knew there was no time. More than anyone else in the world, Snape understood all the intricacies of everything that happened tonight. There was no time to grovel in the muck. No time to allow his emotions to take the lead. Yet...falling to the ground, Snape bent down to hold Lily's hand. All the fantasies he'd never allowed himself to realize now poured through his mind.

His mother had once told him with a smile: A hand for each hand, darling. Someday you'll find the one that fits yours. This hand fit his perfectly, this lifeless hand. He dared not uncover her body, dared not look into those brilliant green eyes to see them dulled.

No time! Move forward. Report to Dumbledore, then find the Dark Lord and report to him - if he still exists. Pulling everything deep inside, Snape stood straight, then Apparated to Hogsmeade. There the right fireplace took him to the headmaster's office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dumbledore turned quickly, surprised by the suddenness of this visit. "Severus?"

"The Potters are dead, killed by Voldemort," Snape said coldly.

Snape watched Dumbledore weaken, reaching out to his desk, leaning on it for support. "Are you sure...all...even the baby?"

"I didn't see the baby, only this." Snape threw the dust covered robe and wand onto the headmaster's desk. "He may be dead. I think I may have killed him." Realizing what he'd just said, Snape crumpled into a chair by the headmaster's desk.

It was as if Professor Dumbledore hadn't heard. The old man looked to Fawkes, and without a word, the golden flamed bird disappeared. "You didn't see Harry, then?"

"No, just James and...." Severus steeled himself. Can't let emotion overtake me. Dumbledore's eyes beckon him to unburden himself. It wouldn't happen.

Without thought, he bowed head to hand, "Lily is gone. My fault. I should have been able to stop him." His black eyes met Dumbledore's. "I, uh, I remember Lily fondly. She was one person who...treated me with civility. When I heard her scream...." Snape realized he hadn't taken a breath. He paused, breathing deeply. "Voldemort knew. He intended to use her, I assume. He even gave her a chance to back away from the boy, but...."

Dumbledore shook his head, placing a comforting hand on Snape's shoulder. "It was a losing battle, Severus. Voldemort doesn't know the meaning of patience. Lily wasn't about to give up her son to save her own life."

"She died protecting that...her baby!" Snape stopped, rethinking what he was about to say, trying to keep his voice low and calm. He'd nearly said that spawn of Potter! "Lily was the only decent...." He turned away from the headmaster. "The house was blown to pieces!" Dumbledore's eyebrows rose.

Anger suddenly filled Snape's limbs, pushing him up to pace. "Damn that Potter! Damn Sirius Black! I thought he would DIE, rather than give up his friends. I would never have let this happen to Lily, ever!" Lost in his reverie, Snape didn't notice the ever so slight change in Dumbledore's face. He'd shown too much. Why couldn't he control himself?

"Severus - you said the house blew up?"

"Yes. I don't know. I woke to find everything in ruins. I searched for as long as I dared. You had to have this information before anyone else, so I left as soon...as soon as I felt I had enough information to bring." He sat down again, having lost the strength to stand.

"Do you have any idea what might have caused this?"

"No... none at all," Snape spat.

A light seemed to dawn behind half-moon glasses. "Exactly what happened when you saw Voldemort about to kill Lily?"

Snape's eyes flashed at the headmaster's. "I used the Unforgivable Curse on him."

Dumbledore's face seemed to soften. "You tried to kill Voldemort before he could kill her? And..."

"And woke up to my utter failure! She was gone!"

Dumbledore continued to press for more information. "But Voldemort was no where to be seen, or Harry..."

"No, I already told you that!" His emotions began to shift. What if the Dark Lord survived? What if he knows I tried to kill him? Too much happening; too much to think about.

Big, bounding knocks interrupted Snape. Rubeus Hagrid, the groundskeeper, entered the office. "Ya called me, Professor Dumbledore?" Fawkes reappeared on his pedestal. Snape turned away, not sure he could keep himself under control. This was no time for their bumbling groundskeeper to interrupt. Obviously Dumbledore thought better.

"Yes Hagrid, I think I'm going to need your help with this matter. Things look dark indeed. I need you to go to Godric's Hollow and pick up baby Harry."

"What about James and Lily - they won look kind ter my takin' their little on'."

"Hagrid," Dumbledore hesitated, knowing how difficult this information would be for the half-giant before him. "Hagrid, James and Lily are no longer with us, and now it's up to you to save little Harry. Can you do that?" Hagrid blanched. It seemed as if he would keel over, then he stood taller, taking a deep breath.

"I'll do whater' is necessary, Professor."

"There's nothing to do! No one's left alive, I tell you!" Snape pushed these words through clenched teeth. Dumbledore turned to Snape.

"Severus - you need to trust me. Cool heads are needed this night. It is my opinion that both Harry and Voldemort have survived. Our focus must be on Harry Potter. Agreed?"

"Agreed," said Snape. Hagrid merely nodded his bearded head. Survival instincts crept into Snape's mind as he tried to grasp everything that was happening. I'm alone. If Voldemort is dead, Dumbledore no longer needs me. If he isn't dead, even Dumbledore won't be able to protect me. He needed some security, something to keep him out of Azkaban, away from Voldemort, and firmly in the headmaster's good graces. He also needed some penance, some way to make up for his own part in this affair. He spoke slowly, calmly.

"If the boy has survived, I will take him. I'm the cause of his mother's death. It is my responsibility to care for the boy." Snape smiled inwardly. Evidently Dumbledore had not counted on this turn of events. Though no one else would have noticed the slight changes in Dumbledore's face, Snape did.

"That is very kind of you Severus, but I can't...."

Snape realized he was about to be dismissed. That couldn't happen. "Who will take the boy? Who will raise him with more power than I can give him? If Voldemort is alive, as you say, then the boy will need a teacher, someone to protect him - who better than I?"

"You are quite right, Severus, you would be very good in some ways for the boy, but he is not to be raised in the wizarding world." Snape tried to interrupt, but Dumbledore raised a hand. "No. It is settled. I would grant your wish if I could, but the possibility of Harry being the sole survivor of his family has already been discussed. James and Lily made... arrangements for Harry. I cannot, nor will I go against their last wishes." The elder came over to place a hand on Snape's shoulder. Did Snape catch a slight twinkle in the old man's eyes?

"I sense you still wish to help the boy?"

Snape nodded. "Of course, anything. I need to know that there is something I could do...something that would help Lily forgive me for failing her." A part of his brain told him that Hagrid was still in the room, but he ignored it. This was too important, and there was little time.

"Lily protected Harry with her life. Severus - are you willing to do the same?"

"Gladly!" How proud Snape was that he hadn't hesitated, that he'd spoken with such conviction. Taking in the Potter boy would definitely secure him a place at Hogwarts, and keep him out of Azkaban and calm the part of him that wanted its inch of flesh.

A slight smile formed on Dumbledore's lips. "Then, if you truly wish to be responsible for Harry's protection, there is one way...."

"Of course, Albus, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to protect the boy.!"

"Are you willing to take the Unbreakable Vow?"

Snape's eyes widened slightly. This is not what he expected to hear. "The Unbreakable Vow?"

"Yes. It's the only way left open to you. If you truly wish to protect Lily's son, this is the best way to do it." Dumbledore waited patiently for a response.

Snape kept running different scenarios in his head, trying to figure out exactly what he should do. He'd been outmaneuvered. If he raised the boy, he'd have some control, some leverage, but to take the Vow meant he'd be responsible without actually being responsible. How had this happened? He had to answer quickly; had to let Dumbledore know his heart was in the right place, but....

Dumbledore interrupted his thoughts. "You did say you were willing to raise him as your own, correct?" Snape nodded cautiously. "Hagrid, if Professor Snape agrees to take the Vow, would you be so kind as to act as our Bonder?"

"Why, um, er, Professor Dumbledore, sir! I...ah..."

"I'll take that as a yes. Thank you Hagrid." He moved to Severus Snape. "It is important this be carried out immediately. Hagrid must get to the Potter's house before the Muggles begin to...interfere. Severus? It's time to decide."

And so, before Hagrid left to pick up baby Harry, the Unbreakable Vow was made. Severus Snape was now tied to Harry Potter, bound to protect the life of his enemy's son with his own until the Dark Lord was dead. How do I get myself into these situations! Snape's frustrations knew no bounds.

~~~~~~~~ Finis ~~~~~~~~


It's with utmost respect for Dumbldore, and with abject sorrow for a greasy haired boy, that I wrote this story. As for the man he grew up to be...we will discover that in the next book! Write me at [email protected] if you care to comment. Thanks for taking the time to read my one shot.