Cecelia Snape, Sir

If it wasn't already happening, I would have thought it impossible for my stomach to twist into more knots. I could feel my heart beating faster than was considered healthy and it didn't help that Snape was three strides ahead of me. After having breakfast in my chambers so the other teachers wouldn't quite know about me yet, we were finally on our way to see Ollivander in Dumbledore's office. Would I find my wand? And if I didn't? I looked up to find Snape already in front of the gargoyle, and I raced to reach him.

"Wait! Professor!" He only slid his eyes towards me. I came up beside him and looked up. "Professor Snape…" I studied his features. He didn't look very pleased. But my racing heart brought me back into focus. "What's going to happen if I don't.. You know.." My hands moved impatiently, trying to explain the words I was too afraid to say. He just continued to stay silent of course. "Find my wand?" I finished, whispering. I swear he was about to roll his eyes, but instead just stated,

"It will be up to the headmaster."

"Oh okay." I replied, but he had already stepped closer to the statue.

"Ginger snaps." It began to revolve, and soon we were inside the room where it all began. Within the vast room, my vision was automatically drawn to what seemed to be a large jewelry box settled on Dumbledore's desk. My orbs searched it, realizing it stood at about two and a half feet tall, and about a foot and a half wide. It appeared to open with two doors on the center, but as I inspected closer, I realized the sides were covered with small drawers. I almost felt like Alice in Wonderland- Curiouser and curiouser. I made my way toward the intricate piece of wood, and when I was only a step away, an old voice interrupted me.

"Now now! Don't get too close; It's the wand makers job to find the wand yes?" I jumped hard as a worn looking man stepped directly in front of the box, causing me to step back.

"Oh! Um, sorry." I stared at his wide, pale eyes, unsure of what to say next.

"Quite alright. Muggleborn I'm assuming?" He questioned, but didn't bother waiting for an answer. "Some can be quite a challenge." His eyes seemed to brighten with excitement, and I guess he just couldn't handle the anticipation because he turned back around to the large jewelry box and grabbed small handles on the semi-wide doors of the front. I was aware of Dumbledore standing close by, and knew the proper thing would be to greet him a good morning, but I was extremely eager to find out what the cupboard looked like on the inside and didn't want to miss a single part of Ollivander's procedure. So I watched with wide eyes as he opened it, and found myself utterly confused by the sheer amount of all different sized drawers also inhabiting the inside. Even on the inside of the doors. I frowned and my mouth hung open while I craned my head to the side; trying to prove to myself there was nothing on the other side of the doors. There wasn't. But he pulled one out anyways, about a foot before murmuring, "No no, this isn't it." And shoving the wand back into its slot.

Again I looked to see how the hell it had come out of thin air, but nothing had changed. This time he pulled out a skinny looking drawer out of the middle and gazed in before reaching and grabbing a piece of string which then pulled out two more boxes the same exact size, up and to the side. The older man grasped the stick on the top, and spun around before handing it to me gently. I held it with the fingertips of both my hands, and gawked at the beauty. The wand was a light ash color, fairly simple, except for the spiral part a little ways up for a handle. My eyes flicked around the room, and I could feel my cheeks turning red. The three men were watching me intently, and I had no clue what the hell to do.

"Well?" Asked the wand maker in front of me. "Give it a little swish." I looked down and nodded. Duh. I took hold of it in one hand, just like the sticks I pretended with as a kid, and clenching my eyes shut, flicked it at the nearest bookshelf. I heard the sound of several gasps, only to open my eyes to find nothing had happened. I swished it again, and still nothing. It was plucked from my hand before I could try for a third time, and Ollivander was soon putting it back in its place. So. Maybe I was a muggle after all. I heard the man beside me opening more drawers, trying to find another one. But I didn't want to look anymore. The hope in finding a wand was gone. I jumped slightly as another, darker colored one was thrust in front of my face. Without looking anywhere in particular, I flicked it. Nothing. Another wand, again nothing. My heart sank deeper and deeper. At least Harry had some kind of mini explosions. However, I was distracted when a portrait to my left began to speak loudly to Dumbledore. Of course the gasps had come from them. Weird thing was I knew they were there, but apparently too distracted both this time and the last time to take much notice of them. But the old man wearing a fuchsia robe was hard to miss.

"Dumbledore! It's that blasted Malfoy again! I don't know if he heard about the child or is just dropping by, but he's coming through the corridors this instant!" My eyes widened and I looked to the current headmaster, watching his grave face. Without a word, Snape left and I knew he had gone to try and delay the coming man.

"Mr. Ollivander, is there any way you could speed the process up?" I hadn't given the man a glance since he had handed me the first failed wand, and did so now only to find his face lit up in glee.

"Of course sir." Even faster than before, he began opening drawers and thrusting wands at me almost without looking. Each one had the same effect. Or did I just see a spark? As the process continued, I began to look at the cupboard more intently than before- in particular, the drawers. Some were wide and some were extremely thin, and some looked worn while others looked to have just been put in. And as I was trying my eighth or ninth wand, I spotted a particular drawer I just couldn't stop looking at. It hid almost inconspicuously on the side, and was vertically thin, but about two or two and a half inches wide. I could almost hear footsteps of the two Deatheaters coming, and while I knew it was probably wrong to do so, I reached out and opened the drawer, grabbing hold of the wand I knew would be in there. Gorgeous is the only word to describe it. From what I could tell, it had hardly any carvings or embellishes, and some might call it simple. But the wood itself was twisted as though it had grown around another, much thinner stick. It was straighter near the handle, and somehow was just the right size. And so warm. Completely different from all the others I had tried. It felt right. The air around me was calmer; blocking out the noise of the portraits shouting and somewhere, the sound of stone on stone. Instead of just flicking like all the ones I did before, I could think of a single spell I had practiced on for weeks after watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I aimed at the bookshelf, swish and flick, and whispered a quiet chant. And a tome floated gently towards me. When it reached me, I plucked it out of the air, and didn't even try and control the splitting grin on my face. I met the eyes of the current Headmaster, and he smiled gently, congratulations in his eyes.

"A student? Why Headmaster, I wasn't aware they were allowed here during summer holidays." I turned to the smooth voice, and stood still, paralyzed by the icy, suspicious stare Lucius Malfoy was giving me. Snape may be a Deatheater, but also a double agent and I don't recall any mention of him killing or torturing in the books. Maybe I was wrong. But Lucius Malfoy was a full Deatheater. One who tried his best at becoming Voldemort's right hand man. In the movies he was handsome, but here, I felt a small gnawing of fear in the pit of my stomach. He creeped me the hell out.

"Forgive me Lucius, I was just about to write and inform you of Cecelia's situation. It seems you have come at the perfect time as always." I felt my eyebrow twitch at Dumbledore's words.

"Indeed." The blonde haired man strode forward, oozing with confidence, but kept his eyes on mine for a few seconds before turning them to Dumbledore. "And what did you say her name was?"

"Cecelia Snape, sir, nice to meet you." Almost unconsciously, I had stepped forward and offered my hand. All I could think was to pretend to show him respect. I was, after all, the niece of Severus Snape, his fellow Deatheater. His eyebrows flew up with surprise before turning to the brooding man behind him.

"Well well Severus, I was unaware you had a daughter."

"Niece." My voice was covered by Snape's, each of us saying the same word.

"And neither was I, until last evening." He continued. Malfoy turned back to me, amusement instead of suspiciousness in his eyes now. He looked back at Snape again and back towards me.

"Ah. I do believe I see the family resemblance now." I blinked and almost reached up to touch my small nose. So everyone with dark hair now looks like Snape? Cause that makes sense. I always believed people saw what they wanted to see. He reached forward, and only then did I realize my hand was still hanging in space. He took it in his, and gave a squeeze. Not gentle, but not excruciating. From the look he was giving me, it felt like he thought we were in on some kind of secret now. He grinned and I grinned back, the nausea becoming worse by the second.

"A pleasure indeed Ms. Snape. I assume you are starting at Hogwarts this year?"

"Yes sir. It's an honor to attend to attend the most distinguished wizarding school there is."

"What an odd accent! Are you from America?" It was strange to see him act like this. Of course he was rude to Harry and his bunch, but I knew he also didn't even treat his own son like this. But before I could answer, Dumbledore interrupted.

"Indeed. Her mother died young, and she moved with her father to America. He, however, passed away last week. Severus is her only living relative." Up close, I could see Malfoy was annoyed, and turned slightly to Dumbledore before returning to me.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Are both your parents wizards?" I nodded and tried to look upset at the loss of my father. I guess it worked because he patted me on the shoulder, but looked even more gleeful before realizing there was another person in the room who hadn't spoken yet.

"What are you doing here?" And there was the rude man I knew. I stepped in front of Ollivander, trying to shield him with my body.

"I broke my wand. When I found out my father had passed on… I was very upset. When I dropped it, it proceeded to roll into the street and was run over. Very stupid of me, I know." He tsked, false sympathy for my 'father's' death now gone.

"I asked Mr. Ollivander to deliver her order since neither Severus nor I have had time to show her around Diagon Alley quite yet." Nice one Dumbledore.

"I see. Well. I do have some things that are in need of discussion Headmaster," He slid a glance towards me. Also not one to be subtle apparently.

"Of course. Severus, if you would. I will cover Mr. Ollivander's payment." I turned to Snape. He had been oddly quiet the whole time. But he turned swiftly, heading toward the exit.

"Come Cecelia." I tilted my head at Malfoy.

"Nice meeting you sir."

"It's been a pleasure. I think you and my son should meet some time. I feel you would get along very well." Oh Lord. Bile rose, but I had to get out of there before I let burst with laughter.

"I'm sure. Goodbye Mr. Malfoy." But he had already started walking to Dumbledore. I tried my best not to run out like a mad man. Severus was waiting for me outside, and I followed him quietly, not bothering to try and keep up with his long legs. When we reached the dungeons, I couldn't hold it, and nearly split my gut laughing. It bounced off the cold stone walls, echoing and filling the corridor, and for a minute it felt like the walls were laughing with me. By now, I was bent over, one hand holding my aching stomach and the other on the wall. My face was hurting, but I looked up at Snape. His face. It just made me laugh harder. He looked as if he were seriously considering taking me to the loony bin.

"He said- He said-" I tried to talk through it all, my voice high pitched and breathy, interrupted by more peals of my laughter. "He said- Me and Draco!" I laughed even harder, sliding entirely to the floor. Already there were tears running down my face. I stopped my noise, just closing my eyes and shoving my fists into them. But the tears wouldn't stop. We were still for a little bit, him still standing and me, knees pulled up and my back against the wall.

"How can you stand him?" I gazed up at him; watched him stiffen and his face become a mask.

"He was once my friend." I scowled, waving my right hand while my left held up my head.

"I'm your friend. You don't need him." He scowled right back.

"You are nothing but an insolent child." I felt a stab, but ignored him. All I could think about were those cold eyes staring at me like a piece of meat to sell.

"I'm scared of him." Wow. I really hadn't meant for it to sound so feeble.

"You've only just proved my point." He stalked off to a door just a little ways down the corridor, waved his wand, and slammed his door shut once inside. I sighed and let my head fall back. I realized in my left hand, I was holding my new wand in a death grip. I would have to ask Dumbledore what it was when I got a chance. I was a witch. A real life witch. I could stay at Hogwarts. I wondered what year Harry and the gang were in. Actually.. Dumbledore did mention me living with Sirius as an alternative.. And Lucius had just stated it was the summer. Damn I would make a fine detective. Suddenly, I could hear footsteps rapidly approaching and struggled to my feet. Dumbledore didn't walk that fast. Luckily, my quarters were just across from Snape's. I ran the few paces to my door and quickly went in, closing the door as quietly as I could. Who the hell came down here besides Snape? I mean, I guess Lucius could come down here to see him, but the thought made goose bumps rise. I put my ear to the door, trying to listen and tell if the footsteps had stopped yet. But it was no use. I couldn't hear shit. I suppose an extendable ear would be of great use at the moment. However, I would have to go about it the old muggle fashioned way. I searched the room, looking for the glass from my breakfast earlier, but the tray was no where to be found. Of course the house elves had taken it already. I grinned. Thankfully though, they were kind enough to bring a pitcher of what I'm sure was pumpkin juice (horrid stuff) and a single glass. I had never actually done the put-a-cup-to-a-door-and-hear-what's-on-the-other-side trick, but it was worth the try. I grabbed the glass and flew back over to the door, careful not to make a sound. I set it against the door and put my ear to the other end. Was that knocking? And it sounded like Snape's door opening.

"Severus is everything alright down here?" Well it sounded extremely muffled, but it was a woman's voice. I wished I could tell who it was, but it was hard enough to hear, much less make out who it was.

"Of course Minerva. Why wouldn't it be?" McGonagall! What was she doing down here?

"I was passing by and heard laughter. We don't have a new ghost I'm unaware of do we?" Oh. Oh. I could just imagine Snape's piercing glare at my door. I sucked my lips in again, trying not to do the very thing she had come down here to investigate. Just the way she phrased it—not 'girl's laughter', but just 'laughter'. I couldn't even imagine Snape laughing. I mean, of course I saw the picture/clip of Alan Rickman laughing at Ian McKellan, but there was no sound. I of course laughed my ass off and just thinking about it made tears spring to my eyes once again. I had trouble controlling laughter.

"Not to my knowledge. I'm sure it was just Peeves up to his tricks again."

"Yes, that would explain it. But you will tell me if you see or hear anything unusual yes?"

"Of course."

"Well then. I shall leave you be Severus." The door closed again. Well. Close call didn't even explain it. I lowered my arm, stretching the slightly sore muscles. Luckily my urge to let loose another set of peals was gone. Turning to place the glass where it belonged, I began to study my surroundings. After the interrogation last night, Snape had just brought me down here, told me this was where I would be staying, and left. On the way down, I had realized just how sleepy I was, and went straight to the bed and fell asleep. This morning had been rushed of course, and I was woken up by loud knocking from Snape. I only had time to scarf down my breakfast, comb my fingers through my hair, and straighten the same clothes I had been wearing. I really needed a shower and change of clothes. Forgetting the fact for a moment, I realized I finally had time to explore my surroundings. It was, no doubt, gorgeous. I didn't have just a bedroom; I had a set of living quarters, almost like a suite. At the moment, I was standing in what one might call a living room, with a small couch and coffee table along with a bookshelf. The color scheme, of course, was green and silver, but I didn't mind a bit. There weren't any portraits I could see, but there were a few tapestries- one with the Slytherin crest and the other with the Hogwarts crest. Across from the door I had been previously listening to was a fireplace, with two large chairs in front of it. To my left was a door, which I knew led to my bedroom. I set the glass back down on the tray, and walked toward the open door. I bet the common rooms didn't have this. Inside was a huge four poster bed, which took up most of the room. The room itself was modest, and other than the four poster, only had space for a small nightstand and of course the customary trunk. I took a few steps and flopped down. Yeah, I could see how I immediately fell asleep last night. The covers were of course done now, and I assume it was from the same house elf who brought me the pitcher of pumpkin juice.

I was really here. I was at fucking Hogwarts. I stopped breathing. How many times had I wished to come here? To actually get away, and live a life worth living? Would it be okay to get close to people? I mean, not the ones who die obviously. That would just be sad. And I really didn't want to change anything. I knew everything that would happen here. Besides, wouldn't Dumbledore just send me back home once he found a way? I honestly hoped he wouldn't. I shook my head. I really needed to get my priorities straight. I sat up and gazed around the room. It felt kind of… Off. Not off really, but not mine. Like a hotel room. Which I guess made sense, seeing as how I didn't really belong here.

Hellooooo beautiful readers! Feel free to stone me! *dodges multiple rocks* I really hope to never take this long updating again, and I hope this UBER long chapter makes up for it. I mean, over 3500 words is a lot to me. May not be to you but… I honestly had this typed for a while, but I wasn't sure why I was waiting to post it. Then I read back over it and realized why. I wasn't done -.- I hope it isn't too fast paced or too slow paced, or just bad writing xD I feel like I may be getting better as time goes on..? Maybe..? Anyways, I would like to subtly drop the hint that I don't have a beta. Just subtly though. My best good friend reads them when she can, but she can't always, which I understand. So, if you're interested, please PM me:D Speaking of PM, I will actually thank previous reviewers after I upload this. Even though it's been a while ;.; And with that, I bid adieu! Reviews make me happy!

~Vivi