A Second Chance

Chapter Three: Discoveries, Good and Bad

Samantha breathed in deeply. The fresh air was like a savior. Yes, she was much calmer now that she was walking outside, at least calm enough to talk to this man, no, her father. “Er... Dad? Father? Daddy? What should I call you?” Severus looked up, “Ah, well, you can call me Dad, or Daddy... I don't really like Father... too old fashioned,” he said, cracking a half-smile. But then he remembered, “But of course, if you want to call me Father...” he said, his eyes drifting towards hers. “No, it's OK! I called my- my old father Daddy. That's fine,” she responded.

The two continued on. Severus was showing her Hagrid's Hut, when she suddenly screamed. “Ahhh! What, may I ask, is that?!?” she said, gasping in surprise. Severus whirled around, and to his surprise, burst out laughing. “That? That's only the giant squid that lives in the lake!” he said, chuckling. “Oh, right. Only the giant squid that lives in the lake. Only. It's a normal, every day sighting to people like me. Perfectly normal,” she said, glaring at him. Severus laughed even harder. “I know it's not very funny, of course you wouldn't know, but I must admit, it is,” he responded. “And of course, you've inherited my sarcastic nature. Thank Merlin. You'll need it,” he said.

“Oh, so you're sarcastic? I was wondering where I got it from. My old parents used to tell me all the time how it's not polite to be sarcastic. 'Stop that Rachel! Be polite Rachel! Being sarcastic will get you nowhere, Rachel!' ” she said, doing a pretty good impression of a squeaky-voiced woman. “Oh really? What were these parents like?” Severus said carefully.

Rachel immediately launched into a discussion. “Well, there's my dad, who was a highly successful lawyer. And then there's my mom, the number one source for gossip in town, who also worked on every committee you could think of. And let's not forget my brother, the super track star, every teacher's favorite. But then there's me, plain old me, not a star, a success, or anything,” she said sadly, her beautiful aqua eyes cast downward, blinking back tears. Severus suddenly reached out, on impulse, and gathered his daughter in his arms. As Samantha sobbed onto his shoulder, he knew he everything would be alright. “Shh... don't cry, Samantha, don't cry. You're- well, you're never going back there.

Samantha broke apart at once. “What do you mean I'm never going back? Aren't they worried? Wait! I'm missing to them! They must be worried sick! How will I ever explain to them?” she exclaimed, sounding truly worried. Severus paused; he couldn't quite find the words to explain himself. “Well, Samantha, you see... for your own safety, we had to get you out of their house as quick as possible. But if Voldemort ever found out, they would be unprotected. So we had- we had to cast a spell on them. On your entire town, in fact. This spell is generally viewed as Dark Magic, but we had to, you must understand. It was for their own safety. We had to cast the Blackout Spell- not quite an Unforgivable, but close. We wiped out every trace of your existence from your family and your world. To them, you never existed. To your town, your friends... you now never were. Life most likely changed in your entire town. But please... you must understand it was for your safety,” he said softly, desperately hoping she would accept.

But Samantha was seething. “You WHAT? You made everyone FORGET about me? You made my own parents think they never HAD me? How could you!” she said, her face of a mixture of shock and unsuppressed rage. “You-You,” she started, but took of running. “Samantha!” Severus shouted, chasing after his daughter. But she sure was fast. Those long legs carried her along like the wind. After a flat-out chase, he finally caught up with her. Samantha flopped down on the grass, gasping for air. “Samantha, you must understand why we did it. If not, your other parents would be in grave danger! They could have been killed! At least now they're safe,” he panted. Samantha looked up, her glare not so intense. “Yes, I-I guess I understand. At least they're safe you're right,” she finally said softly, sadly. Severus offered a hand and helped her up. As in effort to cheer her sprits he suddenly exclaimed, “Come. I want to show you something. It's a place no one else knows about, only your mother and myself. It's always been my secret place.”

Severus led Samantha through some trees in a courtyard, and finally, to a meadow. A huge tree stood in the center. He tapped his wand and a ladder appeared, which the two climbed up, him giving Samantha a hand. Once settled, she took in the amazing beauty of the place. “Wow... this is gorgeous. It's so, so peaceful and quiet,” she said, her eyes marveling the tree. For the two were sitting in the top of a short tree, in something that resembled a tree house, but opened up to the heavens. Surrounding it were beautiful trees, with spring's flowers in full bloom. All of Hogwarts could be seen below them.

“I discovered this in my first year. I'm not sure who built it, but ever since then, I've come up here to think. It's really quite calming, actually,” he said, sighing in relief. Samantha merely nodded, still looking around wide-eyed. Once she was able to speak again, she asked, “So, how was the Voldemort guy defeated? Or is he still here now?” Severus looked uncomfortable, but explained. “Two days after your mother was killed, on October 31, 1981, he showed up at a family's house, the Potters. To make a very, very long story short, he killed James and Lily Potter and turned on their son, Harry. Somehow, with his mother's protection, Harry was able to block Voldemort's killing curse, which had killed countless numbers of people, and repel it back to him. Voldemort was supposedly gone, defeated, and our world was at peace again after many years of chaos. But, a few weeks ago, Voldemort rose to power again, with the help of one of his servants, and Harry Potter's blood. Harry was captured and dueled with Voldemort, but managed to escape. Don't you see? It was important that we got you right away,” he said with an unreadable expression.

“Oh my god... he's back? But doesn't that mean we're both in danger?” she said, frightened. “Yes. Pretty much everyone is in danger now...” he said drifting off. “Well, look at the time! I think we should be heading back up to the castle,” he exclaimed, jumping up. And so, the two hopped out of the tree house and walked back up. Once inside, they bumped into Dumbledore. “Severus, Samantha! It's getting late; you might as well head back up to your rooms. Severus, Samantha can stay in your quarters at the start of term. Samantha dear, you best be going to bed, you have busy days ahead of you,” he said, eyes twinkling, as usual. (A/N- As you can see, I love Dumbledore's eyes. They rule! Sorry, on with the story) Severus nodded, and led Samantha down to his rooms in the dungeon.

“As you can see, my rooms are quite spacious. The dungeons are big enough for that,” he explained. Samantha only nodded in reply, her eyelids dropping. It had been a long and shocking day. She plopped down on the couch, yawning, and quickly fell asleep. Severus watched, amused, but picked her up gently and brought her into her room. He tucked her into the covers, and kissed the top of her head. “Good night Samantha. I love you so much, you can't even imagine. I've waited 15 long and hard years waiting for this moment. I tried not to give up hope, because I knew you just had to be out there, somewhere. To the students and everyone else, I was bitter; because they all had families and I had no one. But I will try to change, at least for your sake. I love you,” he said softly, walking out and closing the door lightly. And in the dark, silence, a voice muttered, “I love you too, Daddy.”

Chapter Four: And the Training Begins!

Samantha woke up to someone gently shaking her and whispering her name. “Samantha... Samantha... SAMANTHA SNAPE, WAKE UP!” Severus shouted the last part, and she immediately jolted up. “Wh-what? What happened?” she exclaimed, looking around. Her eyes fell on her father. “Oh,” she sighed in relief, “it's only you.”

Severus was just about losing his temper. “Yes, well, only me says you are to get up right now, on the double. We're going to have breakfast. Come on, let's move!” he said irritably. No one insults Severus Snape and gets away with it.

Samantha only smirked. “No, I was so comfortable. I think I'll go back to sleep,” she said, rolling over and pulling the pillow over her head. Severus looked shocked for a full minute, but finally snapped out of it. “I'm not kidding. Let's go!” he exclaimed, and swatted at the bottom sticking in the air. Samantha yelped and cried out, “Hey!” but Severus had already walked out the door.

Sighing again, Samantha managed to get up and get dressed. She went outside and found her father waiting impatiently and tapping his foot. He gave a look that clearly said “Well?” but Samantha brushed it off. “As you can see, I am very impatient. You don't want to cross me, especially in the morning,” he said. “Oh yes, Father dearest, I bow down to you. Nobody insults the great Severus Snape, nobody!” Samantha replied, smirking. “You really are a stubborn little thing, aren't you? Just like your mother...” he said quietly, trailing off. He started to walk out and Samantha took the cue and walked after him.

“What was she like my mother, I mean. Was she as oh-so-charming as you?” she said carefully. “Ha ha. Your mother might not have been so sarcastic, but she was definitely stubborn as a mule. Nobody messed with her and got away with it. Sirius Black, an old... classmate of mine once tried to get her to go out with him, and oh my... you should have seen the results. No girls went out with him for a month after that. Alyssa could be kind and gentle though, at least when she wanted to. With my sarcastic comments and her stubbornness, we sure made the perfect couple,” he replied sadly.

“You miss her, don't you?” said Samantha. “Oh, yes. Oh how I miss her. You have no idea. It's... it's unimaginable. I've become so bitter so angry at the world. I have no one now, except for Albus. I hate everyone, because I envy them. They will have a chance to be with the one they love, but my love is gone forever...” he said. Both reached an agreed silence and continued walking, lost in their own thoughts. As they reached the Great Hall, Albus greeted them.

“Ah, Severus, Samantha. Great to see you two up. You've probably noticed that Severus isn't a morning person, am I correct, Samantha?” he said, twinkling gaze lingering on the fifteen year old. “Oh not at all. My father is absolutely charming in the morning. Quite excited and happy to start the day, she replied, smirking yet again. “Is that so?” said Albus, highly amused. “I see you two have a lot in common,” he exclaimed brightly. “Too true,” muttered Severus, turning towards his food. Albus chuckled and began to eat as well. He chatted with Samantha, explaining her day.

“We've decided to start you off with charms. Severus and I will start to teach you the basic ones, then move on to more difficult ones. Remember, you have four years of schooling to learn,” he said. Samantha nodded, and continued to eat. After awhile, the three were done. “Well!” exclaimed Albus brightly while getting up, “I must be off. I'll meet you two my office in a half hour, I have some things to attend to. See you in a bit!”. And with that, he was off.

“Um, Daddy? I, well...I'm a little confused,” Samantha said after a moment. “Confused? What about?” her father replied. “Er... I'm going to live with you from now on right? In this world? But I know nothing about it! Did Dumbledore say I have four years of schooling to learn? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?” she said worriedly, her voice getting higher and higher. “Sammi- I mean is it OK to call you that? Don't worry. You have to calm down. Yes, I guess you'll be living with me from now on. Not that I'm the best roommate, or father for that matter, but... just don't worry. Everything will be alright,” he replied soothingly, and to Samantha's surprise, pulled her into a hug. “Shhh... everything will be alright,” he soothed, stroking her hair. “I just remembered! We must change your appearance back to its original state. Would you like it done now?” Samantha drew back and replied quietly, “All right then.” So the two trekked up to Dumbledore's office.

“Excellent, excellent! Before we begin, Samantha dear, you shouldn't worry about your place in this world or anything for that matter. You will learn soon enough,” he said kindly. Samantha was shocked, how did he know? But Severus knew better. “I'll never guess how you seem to know everything that goes on in this castle, Albus,” he replied, with a grin. “Oh, I have my ways,” said Albus, with a mischievous glint in his twinkle. While they conversed Samantha wondered whether to say what was on her mind. “Professor, I think I want the illusion charms removed, if you don't mind,” she said, looking up into her headmaster's eyes.

“Well! You do want them removed. I suppose we can... I'll just get Minerva,” he replied, smiling down on her. Then Dumbledore stood up and threw a bit of powder from a jar in to the fireplace. Almost instantly, Minerva McGonagall stepped out of the grate. “You called, Albus?” she said, brushing off her robes. “Yes, Minerva. We believe it's time to remove Samantha's illusion charms,” he explained. “Oh yes, we should as soon as possible. Are you two ready?” Minerva answered, looking at her two colleagues. When both nodded, the three began the charm.

“Alto Aprance...Alto Aprance,” the three chanted, waving their wands the girl. Samantha was shocked- a gold light started to surround her, it grew brighter and brighter until the three suddenly gasped in surprise and drew back. Samantha felt like a balloon ready to explode, her legs were lengthening; her hands become smaller and more delicate. She felt her face began to change too, and her arms when suddenly- it stopped. The gold light vanished, and Samantha could make out the faces of the three professors.

“What? What's wrong? It worked, right?” she exclaimed worriedly. “I think it's best, dear, to look in the mirror,” Dumbledore said softly, pointing her towards the full-length mirror behind her. Samantha nodded in response and swung around. And the image she saw made her gasp in complete and utter shock.

For the image staring back at her was not the Rachel Green she knew. The image was a stranger- a complete stranger. This person was tall and thin. She had dark, dark brown, almost black, curly hair that gently cascaded down past her shoulders. Her cheekbones seemed more defined, and she was a tad bit paler. The think that surprised her most was her eyes. Her eyes, which she had known for her whole life and hadn't seemed to have changed, now stood out on her face like a neon sign. When looking at her face, there was no way you could notice the clear, aqua eyes. Samantha stood there for what seemed like an hour, but then slowly turned back to the three.

“I- I think I like it,” she said softly, supplying a half grin. “Sure it's different... but hey, at least I didn't get your nose!” she said, and turned to smile at Severus. He at first looked shocked, but then cried out, “Hey! It's not that bad.” Samantha rolled her eyes. “Trust me Daddy, it's bad. But my appearance- I don't totally look like you. Is it- Do I look like my mother?” she asked. Severus got a haunted, faraway look in his eyes. “Yes- you look very much like Alyssa,” he said sadly. His eyes connected with Samantha, and they seemed to communicate that they should get on another topic.

“So! When can I start training?” Samantha asked brightly. “Oh, I almost forgot! Here is your wand. You needn't go to Ollivander's, this was your mother's and was used by famous Sorceress's of the time,” said Dumbledore, handing her a sleek, shiny wand. “Of course, you will find that you are also able to do wand less magic, but it is best to start you off with this,” he explained.

Samantha took the wand, and immediately felt a warmth spread through her fingers. She brought it up and silver and gold sparks shot out. She sat there, looking at the wand. “Wow,” was all she managed to speak. Severus looked at her proudly, but started to go into cranky-old-professor mode.

“We will start you off with a simple charm, a charm for levitation. Just repeat after me- Wingardium Leviosa. Remember to swish and flick,” he said sternly. “OK, OK. Win-Wingardium Leviosa!” Samantha exclaimed, and the figurine she was pointing at simultaneously began to rise. Minerva exclaimed, “Splendid job! You are a fine worker, Miss Snape!”

And so she was. For the rest of the day, Samantha went through charm after charm. She heard it once, and was able to perform it after a little guidance. Albus was certainly right- a Sorceress truly is a fast learner and a talented witch. After what seemed like centuries, but really was just a long day, Samantha was practically on fourth year level. A few hours after dinner, though, Albus put a halt to the lessons.

“I think that is it for the day. No arguing, any of you, we must stop. As I am your headmaster,” he said gently but firmly, “I must insist you go up to bed, Samantha. Even you two are yawning between each curse,” he added to Severus and Minerva. “
Whatever you say, Professor,” said Severus, smiling. He motioned for Samantha, and the two set off to their rooms.

Upon their arrival, Samantha, claiming she was tired, went off to her bed. Severus did the same as well. But they both stayed up much later, left to their own confused thoughts. With high hopes and anxious feelings, they both eventually drifted off.