The Unknown Hero

Hey guys!

Finally got this one finished. I apologize in advance for any spelling errors.

Just a heads up, I've made some changes to Chapter 9. For one, I've decided to undo Severus's parents being alive and instead make them dead. So that section has been deleted and replaced with a new section that introduces something I was waiting to do later. And the dialogue between Dumbledore, Moody, Crouch and Minchum was changed too.

So I recommend re-reading Chapter 9.

Also, SPOILER WARNING!

This chapter will contain a viewing of a certain movie that two characters will watch. Some dialogue and description of scenes will be used. The moment you read the name of the movie title and you haven't seen it yet but want to, stop reading and come back once you've seen the film. Or you could skip ahead to the "SPOILERS OVER" sigh to avoid being... well, spoiled.

Enjoy Chapter 10!

Chapter Ten:

Reading Chapter Three

Regulus sat among the rest of his classmates in the Great Hall as everyone ate their food and prepared for another read from the book. He had noticed that Lily Evans wasn't in attendance, although the Head Boy didn't seem to be all too worried about it. Which meant he probably already knew why and where she would be.

The previous night had been the scariest in his entire life when he was approached by Dumbledore and three among the most powerful people in the Ministry of Magic. One of which happened to be THE most powerful. So, he was in no position to refuse their request to speak with him in Dumbledore's office.

The talk they had made him struggle to keep his mind safe, though his training did come in handy to fend off Dumbledore's attempts into his mind. There were secrets not his to share, but there were those that he was willing to share that was already exposed by Jessica's act of betrayal to his best friend. He could only hope that Severus would forgive him. Because now the truth was officially out, thanks to him. And there would be repercussions of all sorts once Dumbledore was satisfied to share them with the Wizarding World. He was just along for the ride, as he always was.

The moment Dumbledore approached the Great Hall and sat down in his comfy chair, the entire population silenced in a second, eager to begin the next chapter.

"Chapter Three: The Assignment

Many of the students couldn't contain their excitement.

Severus awoke the next morning at the exact time as he always did, silently moving like a spider to the bathroom to shower, dress and gather his schoolbooks to begin the day.

"Just please, don't elaborate more!" said Sirius, earning some laughter from those at his table and at Hufflepuff.

He sneered at his roommates as they slept, knowing they wouldn't be awake until much later. He wouldn't be surprised if they slept past noon.

Some rolled their eyes at this.

For the next few hours he spent his time at the library, completing half of his homework and studies before the clock struck 11:30, signaling him to gather up his things and put them away back in his dorm before making his way to the DADA classroom. On his way there, he saw a group of girls in the distance from the windows, recognizing the sight of red hair as he did. Feeling his chest tighten, he forced himself to look away and focus on anything but her.

"Jeez! This is a soap opera!"

"Just get over her, dude!"

Sirius smiled as he nudged James, whispering something into his ear.

He arrived just as the bells sounded, finding Professor Ironwood at his desk.

Ironwood didn't look up as he stood over a series of papers, his finger tracing over them, "I see punctuality holds a great deal of respect with you."

"Isn't that the truth!" someone said.

Severus sneered, keeping his annoyance under control. His attention turned towards the papers on his desk, quickly becoming interested as he realized that they were maps, resembling the kind his father used to bring home from his job. But his attention was broken when Ironwood waved his wand over them and they began stacking on top of each other and flying into a drawer.

"What were they?" a second-year girl asked.

"And of what?" someone else added.

"Let's get going," Ironwood led the way as Severus followed, glancing back at the drawer.

"I hope we find out what's in that drawer."

"Tell me, Mr. Snape, how familiar are you with muggle media?"

Many students exchanged confused looks.

Severus kept his eyes ahead of him and formed a fist with his hand, "Little, sir."

"Same," said a third-year boy.

Ironwood chuckled, "It's easy to overlook or ignore the muggles way of life, but much can be learned from them. Especially in their fondness for 'entertainment'."

"Sounds interesting."

They had made their way to the Courtyard and begun crossing the Viaduct.

"There are a lot of differences between muggles and wizards, but can you tell me one of the similarities we share?"

Some of the older Slytherins frowned and glared at the book.

Severus' face began to turn slightly red as he breathed through his nose, "No, sir."

"Stories."

"Wait, what?"

His anger was almost forgotten by that response.

"Throughout time, legends have always held a strong influence over all societies. From Greek Mythology to Shakespeare, from romantic poems to books. Even cave drawings could tell stories without words.

"I guess that makes sense."

"But the greatest of all would have to be muggles' recent, though not all that old, discovery of filming.

"Oh, I love movies!"

"Muggleborns!" someone whispered.

"The ability to capture a moment, a real moment, no matter how manipulated, and make it part of a larger story. All told through a recording camera, no different from our own, but with greater capabilities. That is what I wish to show you."

Severus sneered, "Sir, what does this have to do with Defense?"

"That's a good question."

"That is up to you to find out."

"Can you tell me what 'movie' we are going to watch?" he snapped.

Some rolled their eyes again.

"He's so rude," said a fourth-year girl.

Sirius and Potter smiled at each other.

Ironwood grinned and chuckled, "So impatient. Be thankful we are no longer on Hogwarts grounds, or I would be forced to take away points."

Severus realized they had walked past the Front Gate, flinching as the professor offered his hand to him when he turned around. Closing his eyes, he accepted his hand and felt the professor Appariting them from where they were standing. Feeling the wind brush against his face, he opened his eyes and recognized the stench of whatever alleyway they were standing in.

"This way," Ironwood commanded.

"Where are they?" a first-year Hufflepuff boy asked.

Following him out of the alleyway, they walked a few blocks of the city of London-

"Oh!"

"-until they reached a luxurious building. Entering a revolving door, they approached the front desk of the large, almost empty front entrance, finding a young woman on the other side.

"Name and reason for your visit," said the woman, never once looking up.

"Jessica already knows we're stopping by," said Ironwood, ignoring her question.

The woman's head shot up; eyes wide.

"Oh! I'm so sorry! Please, go right ahead."

"He seems to be popular."

He nodded, earning a blush from the woman as Severus sneered.

They approached an elevator and waited for one to come down to them.

"Interesting!"

Severus looked down, feeling the urge to ask questions about who Jessica was and how the two knew each other, but he kept quiet out of intimidation.

Ironwood looked at him and grinned, "Jessica is an old friend of mine. Someone I work with. I think you would like her."

"We would love to meet her," someone cried out, earning a laugh and nod of approval from everyone.

Before Severus could respond, a small ping noise announced the elevator's arrival as the doors opened. Stepping on in, Ironwood took out a card and slid it into a small area next to some buttons and a secret hidden button lit up. The moment he pressed it the elevator started to go up.

Many were becoming more interested in the world of muggles.

Severus watched as he put the card back into the pocket of his muggle jeans, very intrigued by the advanced technology he had witnessed.

The elevator stopped and the doors opened, revealing a luxurious living room before them. The two stepped off as the doors closed before them, Ironwood flipping the light switch to brighten the room.

While the professor made himself at home, Severus felt out of place and began to heat up from the inside, feeling his face heat up. Remembering to keep himself calm and respectful in the presence of his teacher, he followed close behind and watched as he turned on the device below the tv. Severus thought it was a VCR until he realized it was too small. Even the television itself was too thin from the one his father used at home.

"What's a VRC?" someone asked.

Opening a drawer, the professor searched for something out of sight, using his index finger to trace over whatever was in there, stopping near the mid-section as he reached inside and pulled something out. Though unable to see, Severus could make out that it was a black case with a small picture being held against it by clear plastic. Opening the case, the professor took something out and inserted it into the device by a small crack, disappearing like a VHS tape would. But it didn't even resemble that of a VHS, it was thinner and circular.

"What kind of a tape is that?" a fifth-year Ravenclaw girl cried out.

Ironwood turned on the tv and turned around, "Would you like anything to eat or drink? This is rather going to be a long movie."

Though he felt the urge to deny him, he decided to go with, "Water."

Ironwood nodded and walked out of the living room, "Make yourself comfortable on the couch."

Hesitant to do so, he slowly sat down on the comfortable cushion of the couch, feeling his muscles relax as he allowed himself to lay against the back of it. He almost lost himself to the nice feeling until Ironwood reappeared with a tray of nachos, popcorn, two bottled Cokes, and a bottle of water, making him lean straight up as he felt his heart race.

"Man, what's his problem?"

"It's Snivellus, what wasn't his problem?" Sirius cried out.

Some laughed, while others frowned.

Ironwood set the tray down on a glass table and turned off the lights before sitting down and handing him his water.

Severus accepted it, "Mind telling me what movie we are watching?"

"Please do tell!"

"The suspense is killing us!"

"What's a movie?"

Ironwood ate some nachos as he grabbed the remote control from the table, pressing a button. Suddenly, the television lit up and sound came to life that made Severus flinch, and a menu appeared on the screen. Along with the title of the film…

'The Godfather'

Again, I'm giving you the chance to skip this.

Just go forward ahead until you see the "SPOILERS OVER" sign

"I love that movie!"

"Me too!"

"What's it about?"

"How will we get to watch it?"

Severus frowned; he couldn't recall his father's television ever working this way. Then again, muggles were always making fast advancement in their everyday necessaries. He just never cared to keep up.

The movie on the other hand, he remembered having been released in London during the summer before his 2nd year at Hogwarts. A movie his father and so many other people loved. Even the rest of the world had declared it to be a masterpiece. If memory served him right, a second film had been made not long after, which had received the same praise. If not more so.

"How come we've never heard of it?"

"Because we don't have tvs!"

"I take it you haven't seen this before."

It was more of a statement than it was a question.

Severus shook his head, "No, sir."

"You look upset. Why?"

"Because it's Snivellus!" Sirius declared.

He swallowed, not daring to look up.

"Severus," Ironwood's voice hardened, yet felt so inviting. "Look at me."

Fighting against his urge to resist, he slowly lifted his head and looked into the professor's eyes. As he did, he saw something within, something he had never seen before. But he couldn't quite name what it was. It wasn't pity or disgust. He would have known if it was.

Many eyes lowered in sadness.

"If you don't want to watch, we can head back to Hogwarts right now. Just say the word."

A long breath of relief escaped him, his heart racing with excitement to finally put an end to the uncomfortable atmosphere. He wanted to be back at the library, in his bed, under the tree by the lake, sitting at the Slytherin table; anywhere but there. He just wanted to run and escape.

But a part of him berated his cowardness. To give up on the task of receiving the extra credit he had agreed to work for. A part of him that slowly began to outweigh his eagerness to leave. An ambition to see this through.

Shaking his head, Severus turned to the tv, "No, just start the movie and get it over with."

Ironwood stared at him for moment before nodded and pressing 'play' on the remote.

Again, Severus was curious as to nature of how the muggle device worked, quickly gathering that while it worked similarly to a VCR, it was still very much different.

The menu disappeared and the movie began with a dark screen, with music being played as the titles appeared, naming the company and movie before a voice spoke and the face of a man appeared, speaking directly to a hidden figure.

"How are we supposed to see what he's seeing?"

"What's going on?

"Man, this sucks!"

"Attention!" Dumbledore declared. "The book sadly only seems to capture moments of Mr. Snape watching this muggle movie. It's something we've got to accept about this book."

Though frustrated by such a fact, the students quieted down and allowed him to continue.

Drinking his water, Severus remained straighten where he sat, his eyes on the movie to witness every moment.

"If by chance an honest man like yourself should make enemies, then they would become my enemies. And then they would fear you."

Severus smiled on the inside, admiring the declaration of Vito, a man he immediately had respect for and wished to become, though he would never admit such a thing out loud about a muggle. Especially to his dormmates.

Some rolled their eyes, while some of the older Slytherins glared at the book.

"A man who can't spend time with his family can never be a real man."

"That's… rather a good line."

"Better writing than the books we read."

Every scene made him respect Vito more. He was the kind of father he wished he was born to in the Wizarding World. A real example that surpassed his own father in so many ways.

"Which isn't much of a bar to reach."

Some laughed.

"I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse."

"Okay, I seriously need to watch this movie."

Not even thirty minutes in and Severus was enjoying himself with the character of Vito. A part of him wished he had seen this movie a long time ago.

Severus smiled as the disrespectful Hollywood producer awoke to discover the head of his prized horse in his bed. He immediately loved the power of the Corleone family, a desire burning deep inside to one day rise to that greatness.

Many were disturbed by this.

Sirius smiled, loving how the book was painting his enemy as the Death Eater git that he was.

"Never tell anybody outside of the family what you're thinking again."

As Severus nodded in agreement with Vito's statement, a thought occurred him that quickly turned into a realization.

"What did he realize?"

"I don't know."

A part of Severus felt uncomfortable and disturbed as he watched the man known as Luca being stabbed and strangled from behind. The way his eyes widened in fear and face turned red from the lack of oxygen, plus his muffled voice that tried to scream, gave him his first terrifying look at what death was like.

"Jeez! This is graphic!"

"How terrible!"

"I'm totally watching this movie!"

Severus felt his heart stop the moment Vito started running, hoping he would make it to his car before the assassins got to him, nearly jumping up from the couch when they opened fire on the Don. He struggled not to shout insults at the younger son of the man who was cowardly hiding behind the car.

"How did that happen?"

"It's jumping moments from the movie. I've seen it."

"Well, lucky you."

"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

Severus rolled his eyes and sneered.

Some laughed at the comedic moment.

"It's not personal, Sonny. It's strictly business."

Deep down, Severus understood how much of a lie that was. No matter how convincing Michael was, he knew the desire of retaliation more than anyone. Any humiliation Potter and Black caused him to always created a desire to see it repaid twice over. The only difference between him and Michael was how in control they were about it.

"Ain't that the truth!" Sirius cried out.

"You know, Mike… we was all proud of you. Being a hero and all. Your father too."

Envy filled Severus as he looked away, bushing. Something that Ironwood took notice of.

Others understood too, their eyes filled with sadness.

Witnessing the murder of the Sollozzo and McCluskey by Michael's hand was another experience, though different from the last. He felt proud and satisfied that the man who was responsible for two assassination attempts on Vito was dead, including the man who had helped him.

Many were once again second-guessing themselves about Severus and his inner thoughts.

"In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns."

Severus' heart sank as he was reminded of 'her', another reminder of what he had lost and the pain that came with it. He agreed with the statement but disagreed with the first part of it. The danger reached far beyond the lands of Sicily.

"Seriously, how is this guy not over her yet?"

"Evans is rather beautiful."

"But this is just depressing!"

Severus glared at the screen as he watched Carlo yelled and beat his wife on and off-screen, his face turning red as the woman's screaming echoed in his ears, his hands forming into fists.

Many flinched at the description, remembering the first chapter.

Sadness filled Severus as he watched Tom tell Vito about the death of his son, the pain he saw in the man's eyes, which added to his respect for the old Don as he comforted the man he had taken in and been a father to. He hated himself for it, knowing that he was feeling such emotion towards a character that didn't exist and was a muggle.

Once again, there were looks of worry and disbelief about Severus as they heard the words from the Headmaster.

Sirius continued to smile, loving how the book was doing his dirty work without even trying.

"Look how they massacred my boy."

The sadness grew. Not for the man who was dead but rather for the father. Witnessing the aftermath of death's handy work on the living, someone who had great power yet was powerless to save the ones he loves. A father who wishes to protect his sons.

"This movie sounds depressing."

Some nodded.

The meeting between the Five Families left Severus conflicted, he wished Vito would get his vengeance against the people who had hurt him. But he also respected the Don's reasonings for calling and establishing peace, knowing that it was a call that needed to be made. It was a bittersweet pill for him to swallow.

"Sounds like something he would think," said Mary McDonald.

The reunion between Michael and Kay annoyed Severus, naming all the reasons why they shouldn't be together in his head. The biggest being that Kay couldn't and never could, understand Michael or the life he's been dealt with. Even her naïve viewpoint infuriated him.

"Gee, sounds familiar."

"…don't ever take sides against the family again. Ever."

Severus disagreed, telling himself that family and friendship would eventually end up on the wrong side of each other. That everyone needed to fend for themselves, that they would always use each other for personal gain of some kind.

Many shook their heads.

"I've spent my whole life trying not to be careless. Women and children, they get to be careless, but not men."

Severus was nodding in agreement from his own experience.

Hearing that took on a whole new meaning and experience for the students, including the grown-ups.

"I worked my whole life, I don't apologize, to take care of my family. And I refused to be a fool dancing on a string held by those big spots. I don't apologize, that's my life."

Once again, Severus agreed with Vito, though not entirely the same way. Like him, he felt as if he had worked a lifetime of getting to where he was with Malfoy and his future with the Death Eater campaign. Not for family or for his friends, for himself. He didn't want to be a fool for Potter, Black or Dumbledore, or even the Dark Lord, he wanted to be a Big Spot. Someone with the power to keep himself from ever being bullied or hurt ever again. And he was not going to apologize for it.

Once again, they were all seeing a new light to Severus and were beginning to understand him more.

"Life is so beautiful."

Unaware, Severus felt his heart sink as Vito died in his garden, his last words echoing in his ears as the Don's grandson approached him. He felt as if he was watching the death of a friend, of someone who had fulfilled his dream. And in his sadness, he made a vow to someday become like him.

The moment shocked a lot of people, surprised by the fact that Severus felt this way. That was hardly ever seen, except for when it came to Lily.

Seeing the revenge Michael extract on the Five Families without even being there made him smile, finding the satisfaction that while Vito didn't get to live to see his vengeance carried out it made up for the retaliation he so desperately wanted to see.

Severus' heart leaped with joy at seeing Carlo being strangled in the car, enjoying the moment as the wife-beater was killed in a painful matter.

The closing scene left Severus with a smile on his face as he watched the new Don Corleone assume full control of a far more powerful empire than even Vito once controlled. He felt proud for the Corleone family and that they had overcome the odds in the end. But there was also something else he felt but couldn't quite make out. A feeling he ignored as the credits rolled.

SPOILERS OVER

You can start reading here.

Dumbledore paused as he looked up to the students sitting at their respected House tables, noticing how everyone was processing the information they had just heard. Even he was conflicted as to how to feel about Severus. His inner thoughts were disturbing, especially in his need for revenge.

Clearing his throat, he resumed.

Pausing the movie, Ironwood looked at the clock and rubbed his eyes.

"It's amazing how a good film such as this can make time fly," he turned to Severus. "Any thoughts?"

Severus kept his face neutral, "It was… entertaining."

Ironwood raised an eyebrow, "If you're looking to get this extra credit, you're going to need more than just 'entertaining'. Anything off the top of your head that can think of?"

Severus thought about it, "The movie was about the Corleone family and the struggle to maintain their power against powerful foes." He paused, trying to think of anything else. "It was also about Vito's search for a true heir to his power."

"That's a not bad way to describe."

"Only because you've seen it."

Ironwood smiled and nodded, "Very good. Can you tell me who was the best one?"

He nodded, "Michael."

"Why?"

"Because Sonny was too hot-tempered and emotional. He had leadership skills, strength and was loyal, but his anger always got the better of him. It was what led to his death.

"Fredo was too cowardly and weak. He knew how to be a businessman, but he could never handle the pressure like Sonny or Michael.

"Connie was too innocent and spoiled, not to mention she was a woman during that time period. So, she was out of question.

"Michael was the logical choice. He demonstrated strength, control, and intelligence. He's the combination of the best parts of Fredo and Sonny. He may let his emotions get the better of him but not in the same way that Sonny did. He's the only one who can assume control of Vito's empire."

Ironwood smiled and nodded, "Very well said, Mr. Snape. However, this is merely half of the assignment."

"Wait, what?"

"There's more?"

He left the room and came back with a book, handing it over to him.

Severus took it and read the title, "The Godfather - By: Mario Puzo".

"There's a book?"

"Where can I get one?"

"I want you to read through it and write an essay about both it and the movie. I'm not expecting anything specific from you, only what you've learned and gained. I want to see the essay finished by or before Halloween."

"That feels a little short?"

"I bet he'll be able to do it."

Sirius glared at the girl who said that.

Though feeling a little stressed and annoyed by the sudden addition to the deal, Severus nodded as he read the back cover of the paperback. A part of him was excited to read it and get to experience more of Vito. He even wondered how faithful the movie was to it.

"Aren't all movies made by muggles faithful to their books?"

A fourth-year Gryffindor girl tried to smile, "Um… sure…"

"Thank you, sir."

There was ding as the elevator doors opened and a woman appeared, wearing a red dress and carrying a couple of bags. Both Ironwood and Severus turned to her, surprised by her entrance.

"Who is this?"

Severus went for his wand, but Ironwood placed his hand on his shoulder before getting up.

"Oh, Derek!" the woman smiled. "I figured I would find you here."

"And I thought you would be gone until tomorrow."

The woman shrugged, "The visit went faster than I thought."

She looked at Severus, who blushed and turned away, "And who is this?"

"The real question is, who are you, lady?"

Ironwood turned to the Slytherin, "This is one of my students, Severus Snape."

The woman approached him and set down her things before offering her hand, "Jessica Davis."

"Ooooh! So that's Jessica."

Severus swallowed as he awkwardly accepted her handshake, nodding.

She looked at the movie case on the tv stand and the book next to him, smiling, "When are you going to watch Part 2? I would love to join. Maybe next time I can be the one to 'guide' Mr. Snape here through it."

Severus blushed, his face red as cherry as he struggled not to lash out her. He could feel her gaze on him and the smile that came with it.

"Looks like Severus is well on his way with finding someone else to replace Evans."

James glared at the boy, 'How dare he disrespect Lily!'

"Jessica!" Ironwood's voice caught her attention, making her look into his serious eyes. "A word!"

She smiled at Severus again and winked before following the Defense teacher to another room, leaving Severus alone to his thoughts.

"Geez! This woman is such a tease!"

He felt so embarrassed and so humiliated that he considered running out of the room and back to Hogwarts. But he remembered that he couldn't perform Apparition yet, nor could he leave without his teacher.

Instead, he stood there and stared into the corner of the living room, trying to get himself under control. Muffled voices caught his attention from the small hallway, daring him to move closer to hear. And soon he was next to the door of the room Jessica and his teacher were occupying.

"Because that's smart!"

"-Ilvermorny and Salem. Laura and Arya cleared Beauxbatons and Durmstrang."

"Which means that it has to be somewhere in Hogwarts."

"What's here?"

"If it's there."

Severus frowned, 'What were they talking about?'

"Good question!"

He heard Ironwood sigh, "Send Laura and Arya to help Ed and Alphones. If Kronan is indeed on Fate D-1, then we'll need to strike as soon they confirm his whereabouts."

"What?"

"I have no idea what is going on!"

"Who is Kronan?"

'Who was Kronan?'

"Exactly!"

"There's more," Jessica drew a breath. "Arya thinks that she might have found another possible location."

"Where?"

"Thrones G-2."

"What is up with all of these code names?"

"What are code names?"

'What kind of a name was that?'

There was pause, almost making Severus think they were aware of his ease-dropping.

"She's certain?"

"Not entirely, but it's worth a look."

Ironwood remained silent, clearly contemplating, "Is she willing to go back?"

"Is she from there?"

"It's not really her home, but I think she can manage. It's been years, you know that."

"How does that work?"

"Some things linger. You, me and Snape understand that better than anyone."

His face began to heat up.

"You do realize he's not that Snape yet, right?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"And since what happened to keeping a low-profile?"

Another pause.

"Bit of a simple task to help keep my cover. If bad turns to worse, it'll just be another failure."

"Or another dead-end."

"Better than not knowing for sure."

"I was meaning the boy."

His blood began to boil.

"Funny, I was meaning both."

Jessica laughed, "I'll give Arya and Laura their new assignment. Also, Trinity wanted me to give you this."

"Wait, isn't that the girl who hanged out with Severus last year?"

'Who was Trinity?'

Severus heard paper being exchanged.

A moment later, Ironwood's voice was laced with anger, "SHE DID WHAT?!"

"What did she do?"

"And Axel has decided to join her," Jessica was trying to contain her laughter.

"Hey, I remember him! Mr. Party Guy! Only good Slytherin there was."

Sirius sneered.

'Who was Axel? And what did they do?'

"You could have started with that!"

"And not build up the suspense?" she laughed. "Not a chance!"

Some snickered.

"You're a real b-, you know that?!"

Dumbledore had skipped the cuss word, but many understood which one it was.

Severus heard footsteps coming his way as he quickly retreated to the living room, just before the door swung open. He sat down, turning to Ironwood as he entered, his face red.

"Let's go!"

His voice sent chills down his spine as he grabbed the book and followed, staring at the ground as they took the elevator down and walked back to the alleyway from the building, Appariting back to the outskirts of Hogwarts.

"He is not happy."

"You think?!"

For whatever reason, Severus kept close to the professor as they fast-walked back to the castle, almost compelled to do so. It didn't occur to him that the professor had most likely forgotten about him as they neared the Headmaster's office. He felt the need to go back to his dorm room, even as he followed the man up the stone stairs, but he feared the consequences if he did without being excused.

'Wait, why am I so scared of him?'

"Because all of us were!"

"Yeah!"

They entered the large office of Albus Dumbledore, who was sitting at his desk with two young teens in front of him.

"Ah, Professor Ironwood!" if he was surprised by their arrival, he didn't show it. "What brings you here?"

The two teens turned around, smiling at the professor who glared back at them.

"That glare was terrifying."

He then took notice of Severus as well. "And with Mr. Snape in tow."

Ironwood's eyes widened a bit as he remembered who was with him, "Apologizes, Mr. Snape. You may go."

His eyes never left the two teens in their seats.

"Actually, Mr. Snape can be of use," Dumbledore announced. "We've gained two new students, despite their late start."

He stood up.

"Professor Ironwood, meet Trinity Nicole of Ravenclaw and Axel Reed of Slytherin."

"Actually, sir," the girl known as Trinity spoke. "We're already acquainted with Professor Ironwood. We're the reason he is here."

"Oh?" surprise and intrigue were in the Headmaster's voice. "And how so?"

"Yeah, we want to know."

"It won't tell us."

"How do you know?"

The girl smiled as she looked back at the angry Defense teacher, "It's a long story. Good to see you again, Professor Ironwood. I hope our… sudden appearance wasn't too much of a surprise for you."

"Seriously?!"

"Told you!"

Ironwood's hands formed into fists, "Yes, it did have that impact on me."

The smaller students sunk into their seats, while others flinched.

The boy known as Axel coughed, "How about we catch up later in your office? We've got lots to talk about."

"Oh, you bet we do!"

"Seriously, he was scary when he was angry."

Feeling the uncomfortableness in the room, Dumbledore smiled and clapped his hands together, "Splendid! How about Mr. Snape take Mr. Reed to show him around Slytherin and Professor Ironwood escort Miss Nicole to Ravenclaw?"

"Wow, I've never seen the Headmaster look uncomfortable before."

"You do realize that we can't see him be uncomfortable, right?"

"Shut up!"

A moment of awkward silence passed before Ironwood nodded, "Agreed! Come along, Miss Nicole."

The girl nodded the professor from behind, glancing a small smile at Severus before disappearing down the stone steps.

"Is every girl interested in Severus, all of sudden?"

"Looks like it!"

"Most likely just to tease him before dumping him for someone hotter," said Sirius. "Like me!"

Many rolled their eyes.

Severus felt himself blush and turn away as Axel approached, not wanting him to see.

"This way!" he said a little too harshly.

The two exited the Headmaster's office and climbed down the stone steps before heading in the direction of the dungeons for the Slytherin Common Room. The entire time they walked in silence, much to Severus' pleasure. He made sure to stay in front of him.

"So… Severus Snape, right?"

Severus sneered, "Yeah? What is it to you?"

"So rude!"

"Well, this is Severus."

Sirius smiled.

Axel raised an eyebrow, "Hey, no need to get all grumpy. I'm just trying to have a conversation. I'm new here after all."

"Then bug someone else with your small talk!"

"Is there an off-button to his meanness?"

"Like who? None of the others are as interesting as you?"

Severus stopped and turned to look at the boy, "And how do you know that? We've just met, and you've never met anyone else in our House yet."

"That's a good question."

"Let's just say that I can read people like an open book."

Severus scoffed, "Really? Well, then, try me."

"Seriously?!" Axel raised an eyebrow. "You're way too easy."

"He's not wront."

"Then you shouldn't have any trouble!" he sneered.

"Alright then," Axel smiled. "You were born in poverty, which explains your torn-up clothes that can barely fit you. You barely eat, which explains your thin body."

'How did he-'

"You're anti-social, which is why you constantly snap at people and hate talking to me. You're abused, which explains why you prefer to wear a lot of clothing. And you have the look of someone who's heart has been broken. Let me guess… a girl?"

"Damn!" someone said, dumbfounded. "That was rather… spot on…"

His eyes widened and his heart began to race, "Alright, you've made your point! Now shut up!"

He turned around and began walking away.

"It was a girl, wasn't it!"

Axel began to follow.

"F- you!" he sneered, almost running by that point.

Once again, Dumbledore left out the word. In fact, he never mentioned those two words at all.

The boy laughed behind him, "But seriously, tough luck. Been there. Best thing you can do is move on."

"I said, 'shut up'!"

"You should listen Snape."

"And you've got two candidates interested already."

"Hey, is that 'The Godfather'?! I love that movie! Never read the book though."

"Ugh!"

Severus nearly cheered with joy the moment he entered the Common Room, which thankfully wasn't filled with a lot of people.

"Welcome to the Slytherin Common Room, the House of Ambition and Cunning, Bane of Gryffindor!"

"Well, he's not entirely wrong."

"Are you in sixth or seventh in this year?"

"Seventh," said Axel as he looked around in disappointment. "Man, you guys really need to redecorate."

"Ain't that the truth!"

"He actually did," said a seventh year Slytherin boy.

"Wait, really?"

"Seventh year dorm rooms are over there," he pointed in the direction of a seventh year walking out of a hallway. "Any questions?"

"Not really."

"Good! Have a nice day and welcome to hell!"

"Does he have to be so negative and mean?"

Severus turned and walked away.

"Glad to meet you, Severus! See you tomorrow!"

"Man, I miss Axel. He was a lot of fun."

"Not on your life!" he whispered as he entered his dorm room and threw himself onto his bed, screaming into his pillow to vent his anger.

After a while of laying there, he flipped onto his back and looked at the book in hands, sitting up against the cold wall as he opened the book to the first page and began to read.

Behind every great fortune there is a crime.

- Balzac

The quote at the end sunk in for everyone as Dumbledore sat the book down and got up.

"That will be all for tonight. We will begin chapter four tomorrow after dinner. For now, goodnight."

It took a while for everyone to gather themselves and begin heading back to their respected Houses, almost quiet as they did.

Once everyone had left the Great Hall, Dumbledore walked up to his office and sat down in his chair, rubbing his beard as his held the book in one hand. He was so curious about the book that held so much about Severus Snape. His greatest secrets waiting to be unleashed upon the Wizarding World.

And a part of him knew that he would soon have to tell everyone. It was just a matter of when and how. Especially when he would return for the first challenge.

So, what did you guys think?

I really wanted to use 'The Godfather' as a way of injecting something new into Severus' story-arc. I think a lot of you can see where I'm going with this. Or where you might think I'm going with it. Lol!

And yes, I am aware that one little scene that happens in the book of 'The Godfather' doesn't happen in the movie. For those who know what I'm talking about you should know what scene I mean. I only added it in because I feel that it should have been in the movie, so consider it part of a small change in an alternate timeline where it did make it in there.

Figured it was time to introduce the new characters I've been waiting to introduce for a while. Hope you liked them in the little screen-time they had. There are plans in store for them.

Please leave some reviews in the review section below and if you have any questions you wish to personally ask me, just PM me and I'll respond.

Until next time, I'll see you guys in Chapter 11!