A Knock at the Door

A Knock at the Door by Pearle

Summary: The war is over and Hogwarts is about to start a new school year. A knock at the door of Severus Snape\'s office is about to change his life and the lives of those around him. HG/SS


Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc. of the Harry Potter series are not mine they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.


~~~~~~ A Knock at the Door ~~~~~~

Chapter 6 - Another Knock at His Office Door

Severus Snape sat in his office grading third year potion essays. Theparchment in front of him was covered in red ink. Red words and slashes everywhere. He threw his quill down in disgust. He had read the same
sentence over for the third time and it still did not register in his brain. His daughter would be arriving shortly. What was he doing? He was an ex-death eater, the evil potions master, and the bat of the dungeons, not
exactly a fatherly figure. A sigh escaped his lips. His life was much simpler when he worked as a double agent. Better the evil you know then the evil you don\'t know.

A knock sounded at his office door.

\"Enter.\"

The door opened and Silenus walked hesitantly into the room. \"Good afternoon sir. Is this a bad time?\"

\"Why would you ask that?\"

\"You weren\'t at lunch, so I debated about coming down here. If there is a problem I can leave or if you wish I can stay.\"

Snape studied the girl in front of him. Did this mean she didn\'t want to stay? Was she just being polite when she accepted the offer of a game? He had very little knowledge of teenage girls other than to deduct house points
and catch them snogging in some corner with a hormonal teenage boy.

\"Miss Gr....Silenus,\" he must remember to use her name if he wished to be something more than her evil potions professor. Her face remained impassive, but her eyes betrayed her emotions. \"I have very little experience dealing with teenage girls on a level other than teaching. My experience as a father consists of one week\'s time. In short, what is it you wish to do? Do you wish to stay or go?\" He was attempting to be reasonable and not snarl at the girl, which was truer to his nature.

\"I\'d like to play that game of chess sir.\" She said with a wide smile.

\"Fine, the board is already set up in front of the fire.\" He indicated two dark green wingback chairs with a table between them. The chess set on the table was old and expertly crafted. The figures were hand carved. The
workmanship was one of master quality.

\"Oh, my. This is an amazing set! Where does it come from? May I touch it?\" The words tumbled out of her mouth.

Snape chuckled, \"The set has been in my family for many generations. It was created hundreds of years ago by master craftsmen, passed down from one generation to another. I had thought to leave it to Albus but now...\" He let the sentence trail off.

\"It\'s lovely.\" Silenus had taken her seat but sat very still. She wanted to be on his good side, if he had one.

\"And as for touching the pieces,\" Snape cocked an eyebrow, \"can you do wandless magic? No? Then how did you plan on moving the pieces if you do not touch them

Silenus blushed a bit when she realized he was joking with her. Though not exactly warm and friendly, he was not as unapproachable as when he was teaching.

\"Well then that is settled. Before we begin I believe we should discuss the matter of a bet you mentioned.\" Snape was curious as to what the spoils would be. The girl was too smart to try and wager for a better grade and the fact was she had no need to do so. No, it would be something different, that he was sure of. \"Well?\"

\"Uhm, yes well.\" She attempted to start, more nervous than she realized now that she was here alone with him. She squared her shoulders. Looking him straight in the eyes, eyes that mirrored her own, she said, \"I would like a pass to go into Hogsmeade next Saturday. I know I am not old enough for Hogsmeade weekends yet, but as Head of my House and my legal guardian as well as my father you could grant it this one time.\" She seemed to be holding her breath waiting for him to answer.

Snape tried to fathom a reason for the request. \"Silenus, we do not allow first year students to attend Hogsmeade weekends. What is it that you need?\"

She was sitting looking at her hands in her lap. Quietly she answered, \"My mom\'s birthday is the 19th. I\'d like to get her something.\"

\"I see. And if I win?\" Snape asked.

Merlin. She hadn\'t thought about that. \"Well, you should get to decide, we just have to agree.\"

\"You know I cannot permit you to go alone. I am in need of potion ingredients; I suppose you could accompany me. Where did you wish to shop?\" Snape was trying not to smile and scare the girl.

\"Oh, The Written Word. There are two new books mom mentioned she\'d like to read.\" Silenus had brightened considerably.

He should have known. Hermione may have grown into adulthood but she still had her head buried in a book. \"Very well, if you win, you may accompany me next Saturday to Hogsmeade. If I win, my private stores require
reorganization. You will organize and inventory my private potion ingredients. Is this acceptable?\" Snape watched the girl in front of him. She broke out in a bright smile. Heads I win, tails you lose.

Silenus held out her hand, \"Deal, best two out of three? Five minute clock timers?\" She was all business now.

Snape chuckled as he shook his daughter\'s hand. Snape conjured up a five-minute timer and magically set it. He waved his hand and a small table appeared to his left with tea, pumpkin juice, and biscuits. \"I believe ladies go first.\" His said with a small courtly bow. He poured himself tea and sat back to enjoy the afternoon.

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Almost three hours had passed and neither occupant had noticed the time. At first the silence was a bit deafening but as the afternoon wore on they discussed classes and the differences between America and England, in between debating chess rules. Snape was getting used to his daughter\'s accent, although it still sounded odd to his ear.

\"Really sir, some of the American writers that are Muggle are excellent.\" She had just moved her queen to protect her king. The poor woman was cowering on a black square knowing the end was near. She had proved to be a fair chess player. She possessed a highly analytical mind that she used to its fullest. The score stood one to one, though it was obvious he would win the last game and the match.

\"And what writers would that be?\" Snape was looking at the board as he spoke.

\"Well, Stephen King for one. He writes some wonderful books on horror. Very well constructed and extremely imaginative.\"

Snape snorted, \"Stephen King, is no more Muggle than you or I. And I believe, that is check and mate.\" The white king was laying on his back, dramatically thrashing his arms in the throes oing.ing.

Silenus had not noticed the chess piece yet. \"He\'s a wizard? Well, now his writing makes even more sense!\"

She looked down and realized it was checkmate. Her smile faltered. He\'d won the bet. Well she enjoyed the afternoon any way. Wasn\'t getting to know him a little better the whole idea anyway? She\'d have to think of something else to get her mom.

Snape was sitting back watching the girl. \"Your mother lets you read those types of book?\"

\"Yes. Mom has always encouraged me to read. Well professor, it looks like you have won. When would you like me to start checking the storeroom?\" Her manner had become some what reserved, most likely caused by disappointment.

\"I believe after classes on Friday will be acceptable. You will need to compile a list of ingredients that should be replaced. We will fill the list on Saturday in Hogsmeade.\" He was resetting the chessboard. Watching the
girl out of the corner of his eye.

His words sunk in to Silenus\' brain. We, he said we? \"Sir, I lost the wager, you don\'t have to take me into Hogsmeade any more.\"

\"Nonsense, how do you suppose I would have my potions list filled? As it so happens I have need of a book I ordered at The Written Word also. So you see, you will be fulfilling your part of the wager, nothing more. Now
supper will be soon in the Great Hall. I imagine your housemates have thought up all manner of horrors that may have befallen you by now. You may return to your common room.\"

She was going to work in his private lab and she could still go to Hogsmeade! \"Can we play again sometime?\"

\"Yes, I believe that can be arranged.\"

The girl stood up to leave. Snape was still sitting in the chair in front of the fire. \"Thank you Professor.\" And not sure what possessed her; she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. She was out the door in a flash.

Severus Snape sat stunned, rooted to the spot. Damn it! What was happening to him? His hand touched his cheek where she had kissed it. He sat there for a very long time finding it difficult to breath. His daughter had kissed him. HIS Daughter.


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Sunday was a typical fall day, windy and damp. Severus had spent the day catching up on paper work. He still had a few hours of free time before evening patrol. He thought he would do some research in his lab. Hermione
was already in residence when he entered the lab. He supposed he could endure the woman for a short time. He was organizing his notes when she spoke up, \"I understand you and Silenus enjoyed your afternoon together.\"

\"Yes, it was...agreeable.\"

\"Will you play again?\"

\"Yes, I believe so.\"

\"Am I annoying you?\" She asked with a smile in her voice.

\"Yes.\"

\"Would you like me to be quiet?\"

\"Yes.\" Was the terse reply.

\"Can I help in any way?\"

\"You can help, Madam, by maintaining your silence.\" He hissed.

Hermione smiled and went back to her work. They worked in companionable silence for the better part of two hours. Snape stretched and looked over at the other workbench. Hermione was chewing her lip. Snape knew from previous experience that meant some element of the potion had failed to respond properly and she was attempting to find out why. She would loose herself in her work. Hogwarts could have tumbled around her head and she would not have noticed. She still had circles under her eyes. It was four more weeks until the hearing. The Ministry could move extremely slow.

He conjured up tea, biscuits, and some dark chocolate. He thought she could use it.

\"Miss Granger.\" No response.

\"Miss Granger.\" A little louder. No response.

\"Hermione.\"

\"Huh, what?\" Her head snapped up at the tone of voice.

Snape chuckled. \"You have been working for quite some time. Stop for a moment and have some chocolate.\"

\"You\'re being nice?\" She asked, a bit suspicious.

\"No, I would prefer if you did not faint in my lab. I am sure Poppy is other wise occupied at the moment.\"

\"Don\'t tell me you\'re worried?\" came the snide reply.

\"No, I am not. But I should like to remain on speaking terms with Silenus. If she thought I poisoned you she may resent it. Then again, she is a Slytherin, maybe she wouldn\'t.\"

\"I was wondering how long it would take for you to rub that in.\" Snape shot her a look that tried for \'who me\' but was really more of malicious glee.

\"May I ask you a question?\" His tone was guarded.

Hermione had moved to pour herself some tea. She took a large chunk of chocolate. \"You want to know what I\'m working on?\"

\"Perhaps. No, I was wondering how you arrived at Silenus\'s name.\"

\"Oh.\" Well, she was sure he\'d think her a complete fool when she told him. \"Um well, when I left here,\" she started.

Snape had stiffened at the memory of returning and finding her gone. Nowhere to be found.

She noticed his response and hurried on. \"I was placed in a Muggle safe house for six months. I spent my time studying journals and Medwitch texts. I was seeing a Muggle baby doctor until I moved to Witchfield. They have a device called an ultrasound. It is supposed to show a type of invetro picture of the baby. Sometimes they can tell you the sex of the child as well.\"

\"You saw a Muggle doctor?\" Snape was angry, though he could not have said why.

\"It was perfectly safe Severus, as was the test. Anyway, they told me I was having a boy. I thought about names and thought I would try and name the child using your family tradition. I came upon Silenus and liked the name. I would rub my tummy and sing to him. I started talking to the baby. I would get a kick and say, \'Silenus, stop that. You will eat when I am ready.\' I told the baby good night every night. I know it sounds silly, but it was a difficult time for me. I moved to the Witchfield Academy five months later. I had spent five months thinking of the baby as Silenus. When I found out it was really a girl I was floored. She had become Silenus to me. It would have felt like I had lost the baby if I changed the name at that point. The Medwitch there, Madeline, had named her daughter Morgan. She said it was done all the time. The use of non-traditional and masculine names for girls is more popular in America than here. So I left it. Mostly people remark what an odd name it is, they say it\'s lovely and don\'t say anything more.\" She shrugged her shoulders and fell silent. An awkward tension had settled between them.

\"I see.\" Severus whole countenance was of one of indifference.

\"Severus, I\'m sorry, I told you that. I know if I had stayed here things might have been different. There was nothing else I could do!\" Hermione\'s voice has risen shrilly.

\"I have learned Madam, there is always something else you can do.\" His voice was low and angry. \"I looked for you. I couldn\'t understand where you went. Or what had happened to you. I feared for the worst. And you waltz back in here twelve years later with a daughter I have never met and expect everything to be all right.\" Snape\'s voice held a dangerous undertone. His eyes gleamed with anger.

\"I said I was sorry, what more do you want, blood?\" Hermione was yelling now.

Severus\'s voice was ice as he snarled. \"Blood will not do. I want those twelve years with my daughter back.\" Snape turned and stormed out of the room.

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He locked and warded the door between his lab and his private qurs. rs. He was pouring himself a fire whisky. \'This is becoming a habit.\' He thought. He was mad. An \'I\'m sorry\' would not be enough. He was not sure anything would ever be enough.

They managed to avoid each other the rest of the week, not looking down the table in the Great Hall at meals. Snape reverted to his old behavior. Leaving as quickly as possible. It was a big castle. They managed to stay
away from one another.

Friday night Silenus showed up after dinner as planned to inventory his storeroom. They spent an easy evening inventorying his supplies. He answered her questions about ingredients and their uses. Silenus knew something was wrong between her parents, she just didn\'t know what. Her mother refused her offer of assistance in making potions, saying she had too much to do to go to the dungeons and stand in front of a smoking cauldron. And the Professor seemed more, closed off than before. She hoped things would change soon. They agreed to meet in his office on Saturday morning at 10:30am. They would leave for Hogsmeade from there.

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They walked down the sloping path outside the castle. Older students could be seen ahead of them, heading into Hogsmeade. \"You are most quiet.\" It was a statement of fact. \"What is it you wish to ask me?\" Snape raised an
eyebrow questioningly.

\"What makes you think I want to ask something?\" She was wearing Muggle blue jeans with a jumper over her shirt. Her hands were shoved in the pockets as they walked along. The girl was tall for her age with long legs. She moved with an easy grace and was able to keep pace with Snape.

\"What is it?\" He thought he knew, she was in Slytherin after all. War hero or not, his Death eater days would always haunt him. The students talked. Not so much as before, but they still talked.

She took a deep breath. \"What was your childhood like? Do you have any brothers or sisters? I don\'t really know anything about you. Mom only talks about school and a little of the War. I can\'t ask Uncle Harry, he never talks about any of it. And Uncle Albus just offers me lemon drops.\"

The last comment forced a deep laugh from the Potions Master. The Headmaster stayed in character no matter whom he was with. It didn\'t surprise him that Potter wanted to move on. He\'d spent his whole life in the spot light, and not by his own choosing. What did he want to tell the girl?

\"I\'m sorry sir. I didn\'t mean to pry.\" Came the soft remark.

Oh bloody hell. How did he explain being a Death eater? He had made some terrible decisions in his life. Decisions that would haunt him for the rest of his days. It was time to correct some of that. \"Silenus, that is a
difficult question to answer. I am not sure where to begin or what to tell you. I have no justification for some of my actions. Will you tell me what you have heard?\"

She shrugged, her hands burrowing deeper into the pockets, \" Not much. You won an Order of Merlin first class I know. You were a war hero. They said you worked as a spy. Somebody mentioned Death something.\"

Snape sighed. He had known she would ask about his past at some point. How much did he want to tell her? He came to one of the hardest decisions he thought he\'d ever had to face. He was a private man but if he intended to
know this girl he would have to risk a part of himself. \"The beginning is usually a good place to start. I will tell you a bit of my childhood and you will tell me about yours. Deal?\"

Silenus smiled up at her father. \"Deal.\"

\"I have no siblings. My parents were older when I was born. I do not think they were happy together.\" And Snape told her a very edited version of his growing up in a cold, abusive home and his time at Hogwarts as a student. He talked of an interest in potions and the dark arts only touching on his death eater days. They had reached the edge of Hogsmeade. A small shop stood opposite the Three Broomsticks. All manner of odd items hung in its windows.

Snape gestured to the shop. \"I normally go to Slug & Jiggers Apothecary in Diagon Alley before the term starts. But the wizard here carries some rather...unique ingredients.\" The sign over the door was hung askew and read
Libations. The sign was heavily weathered and faded from years of service. The image of a cauldron was on the sign. The smoke rising from the cauldron magically moved back and forth across the letters of the store name.

The smell was the first thing Silenus noticed as she walked through the door. It smelled like the storeroom in the dungeons. The potions lab at Witchfield was only half the size of the one at Hogwarts. Snape handed his
list to the wizard behind the counter and turned to Silenus. \"You need dragon\'s hide gloves to handle some of the supplies here. Do not touch any of the ingredients. Some may touch back.\" She laughed as Snape turned back to the clerk to discuss some of the items on the list. She wandered around looking at the strange objects while waiting for the Professor.

As they left Libations, Snape crossed the road to the Three Broomsticks. \"It is lunch time. I would assume you would like a sandwich and some pumpkin juice?\"

\"Yes, thank you, I am thirsty. Are some of the ingredients in that store used for the Dark Arts?\"

\"Anything can be used for the Dark Arts. One of the main forces between dark and light is the intent of the wizards using the ingredients. Some of the ingredients in the store are not commonly used in light side magic.\" Snape was pleased the morning was going well. He opened the door to the Three Broomsticks and let Silenus precede him into the pub.

Madame Rosmerta looked up from behind the bar as the bell over the door rang. \"Good afternoon Professor.\" She called out.

Snape and Silenus sat at small table to the side. Rosmerta looked at the girl sitting with Snape. She had a pretty good idea this was the daughter mentioned in the Daily Prophet. The girl resembled Snape.

\"What can I get you two?\" She asked.

\"We\'d like two roast beef sandwiches, a pumpkin juice, and a coffee, black. Madame.\" Silenus sat quietly looking around.

\"My mom used to tell me about this place.\"

\"Did she now?\"

Rosmerta fetched the pumpkin juice and coffee. \"And who would this fine young lady be?\"

Silenus blushed a bit. The old witch thought Snape. \"Madame may I introduce my daughter, Silenus. Silenus, this is Madame Rosmerta, owner of this establishment.\"

Rosmerta took a step back and looked from Snape to Silenus before replying. \"My, my. Your daughter. She does look like you Professor, but I see a lot of her mum in her.\" Snape\'s expression was neutral. He knew the newspaper articles would draw attention to them.

\"It\'s nice to meet you. My mom told me a lot about this place.\" Silenus was smiling.

\"Your mum used to come in here when she was a student. How do you like Hogwarts? You were raised in America weren\'t you?\"

Snape looked at the woman. \"Madame, our sandwiches?\"

\"Take care Professor, they\'re coming. And what brings you into Hogsmeade today?\" Rosmerta noticed the parcel on the chair next to Snape.

\"Next week is my mom\'s birthday. The Professor is taking me to the Written Word so that I can pick up a present for her.\" Silenus said drinking her pumpkin juice.

The Professor. Not dad or father. Interesting. \"I\'ll see to those sandwiches.\"

The rest of lunch passed in relative quiet. Silenus told Snape about Witchfield Academy and her friends back home. Snape let her talk. Willing to listen to whatever she had to say.

Rosmerta approached the table as they were leaving. \"It was nice to meet you Silenus. Tell your mum Rosmerta said hi and welcome back.\" Snape glared at the woman.

\"Thank you. I\'ll tell her. It was nice to meet you too.\" Snape settled the bill and the two left.

\"It was nice seeing you again Professor.\"

Snape bowed formally to witch before leaving \" Madame.\"

They turned up the path outside the Three Broomstick in the direction of the Written Word. It was a small store overflowing with books. Silenus found the two books she wanted to buy as birthday presents for her mother. She placed the books on the counter and pulled out a few galleons from her pocket to pay.

\"That will not be necessary.\" Snape said, indicating the galleons on the counter. He turned to the clerk, \"You may place these on my account.\"

\"Thank you, but I have money sir.\"

Snape looked at Silenus, his eyes held an odd gleam. \"Is it not normally the responsibility of the parent to give their child an allowance for incidentals?\"

What was he getting at? \"Yes, I believe so sir.\" Came the hesitant reply.

\"Fine, then it is settled. While I will not recompense you for the past 11 years, I believe we may institute this particular activity now. Are there any books you wish to buy for yourself perhaps?\" There was that raised
eyebrow again.

\"Really, I can pay for the books.\"

\"While that may be true, I still wish to pay for them. And for yourself? Something on potions? Charms?\" He asked.

\"Well, thank you very much. There is one book I am interested in.\" Snape waited while Silenus went to retrieve the book she wanted.

He burst out laughing when he saw the title. She was holding Hogwarts: A History, the unabridged version. \"This is the book you wish to buy?\" He couldn\'t help the smile that touched his lips.

\"I know my mom has an older copy, but I thought I would like one for myself.\"

\"Very well.\" Snape turned back to the clerk. \"Please place these books on my account.\" The clerk tallied up the books and the two left the store with their purchases.

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They walked down the path and headed back to Hogwarts. \"Thank you Professor.\"

\"You are welcome, consider it a belated birthday present.\"

Her eyes flashed mischievous, \" Which birthday would that be?\"

Snape looked at the girl with a frown, \"Why do you ask?\"

She dug her hands into her pockets as they walked, \"I just want to cross the right birthday off my list. I wouldn\'t want to be mistaken.\"

Snape laughed at her attempted air of innocence, \"As I previously mentioned, I do not believe I will compensate you for all of the past 11 years. We will have to see won\'t we?\"

They were approaching the castle. Severus noticed his daughter\'s hesitation. \"What is it now?\"

\"So you read minds or something?\"

\"Yes, I do. And the question would be?\"

\"Mom\'s birthday is Thursday. Will you come and have cake and coffee after dinner?\" She was aware things were not right between them.

The Potion Master sighed. \"Silenus, your mother and I...it is….complicated. I know she had to keep you safe, but that does not explain the last few years. We both want what is best for you. It is just difficult to explain. I would think she might like to have you all to herself for the evening. I believe it would be better if I were not in attendance.\" There. That sounded right. He wasn\'t sure what he felt or wanted.

A flash of anger crossed her eyes, \"I didn\'t ask you to explain anything. I asked you for cake. Uncle Albus, Professor McGonagall, and Uncle Harry will be there too!\" She thought he could be way too self-serving sometimes. She supposed he could deduct house points for her tone. Or hex her if he was really angry.
She didn\'t think he would do either.

\"Indeed. We shall see then.\" Snape held himself stiffly, his tone stern. Circe, Hermione. He was at opposing ends with that woman. It was true her presence could be most interesting at times, her mind was sharp and she was the only person in the history of Hogwarts to tie his Newt scores. They had had some lively discussion on all manner of things. Not to mention other feelings. But he found it difficult to over come the anger and resentment he felt at hiding Silenus from him. He cared about the girl. She reminded him of a happier version of his younger self, a version that would have never taken the Dark Mark to begin with, no matter what. She had quiet confidence and a value of her own self worth. He may think Miss Brownynn a bit devious, but she was proving to be a good friend to his daughter. Something else he never had, friends.

The Headmaster was standing in the doorway when they returned. He beamed at them. \"Good afternoon, Severus. Silenus. How did you find Hogsmeade? Pleasant I hope?\"

\"Yes, very much so, Headmaster.\" She turned to Snape still a bit annoyed, \"Thank you for lunch sir.\" She turned and left before he could reply.

Albus stood smiling, \"Trouble, Severus?\"

Bloody hell, did he really know everything? \"All is fine Headmaster.\" He replied stiffly.

\"She\'s young Severus. As was Hermione when she left here. Give her time.\" Albus\'s tone was serious.

Which one was he talking about, Hermione or Silenus? \"If that is all, I have matters to attend to?\"

\"Yes of course. I will look forward to seeing you at Miss Granger\'s for cake on Thursday.\"

Snape took off for the dungeons with a snap of his robes as if the hounds of hell were after him.

TBC


A/N: Coming up -Hermione\'s birthday, Lupin visits, Halloween, a new interest, and poor Severus trying to deal with it all. I\'d like to clarify a few points if I may:

Severus and Hermione have a difficult relationship and a lot of anger to overcome on both sides if they are ever to get along. Severus is just learning how to get a long with his daughter. That too will take time. Perhaps an unexpected shove in the right direction or if...no you will have to wait and see.

Thank you for the correction of solicitor and not barrister. It will be corrected when I repost the beta’ed chapters in the future. Placing tongue firmly in cheek, may I say that English is not my native language? American is (I am born and raised in Chicago, IL).

Questions about \'that clock\'. The clock sort of created itself. I love the clock in the HP books that point to school, work, home, etc. Since the mirrors offer advice, I thought the clocks should too.

And Minerva, she has several people she needs to deal with. Albus for keeping a secret from her for so long and knowing that Hermione was alive. And had a child. And that Snape was the father. Snape being the father of
her favorite Gryffindors\' daughter. I think there is more, but this should suffice for now.

And Ron? Did he just fall off the edge of the world? We will hear from him in the future. And his wife (any guesses?).

Thank you to all who have reviewed. As always thoughts, comments, reviews, whatever are always welcome. A thank you to Casandra, my beta.

Regards, Pearle