(open) Solitary

[albus]

Albus Dumbledore was well aware that most people figured he was off his rocker. He minded it and yet he didn't. He knew more than he let on and he watched and was around more than the others thought he was. The power of being invisible and other such things made it easy in a sense. However today he had his head on his desk. He was tired. He was definitely getting too old for all of this. He'd never show it however. There was no point in doing so. After all he was off his rocker anyways. He chuckled to himself and picked up his head from off his desk. It was about time to take out some memories and dive into a few other ones just to make sure that things were as things should be.

He was rather surprised and yet unsurprised how Lily Evans was doing at the school now and how Severus Snape had changed even in the little bit now that he was paired again with Lily. Then one had to consider the fact that even Dumbledore knew there was something special about Shendeth Potter. He however was shocked to see how well or not well the youngest of the Potter's was doing for herself. No one seemed to know who she was save for her family and he was glad of that. It would work to get her a little more social and out of herself. Then there were the students of Beauxbatons that seemed to have an issue with the way he ran the school and how it looked. He'd talked to their Headmistress and she had said she would tell them to pipe down about it.

However there was another concern he had. A muggle student that was within the walls with Hogwarts. She was a witch no doubt of that. However her parents had been artifically given powers that they never should have head. This caused their daughter who would have been born with magical ability even more or rather a form of ancient magic that had not been seen in a long time. She was an elemental witch. Something only the history books mentioned happened with the very first wizards of all times. It was interesting that with the chemicals given to her parents she showed the signs far sooner then anyone could have predicted and Dumbledore planned on keeping her safe from those that wanted to do her harm while still keeping Neville Longbottom safe. Things were going to be rather interesting and he would have to keep a very close eye on everyone.

He put his head back down on his desk and a portrait to his right said something about taking a nap. Dumbledore waved his arm to make the old headmaster silent.

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[snape]

Severus Snape was on his way to the Headmaster's office because he had something important to discuss with the older man. Albus was his mentor and kind of like his father-figure even if he wouldn't admit. He sought out advice from the other sometimes, but for the most part his role seemed to involve information and today was no exception. He should have gone to see Lily first; however, he was more concerned about what he was going to do with this new development than he was with telling her what she likely already knew. Shendeth was his son. He had just finished the paternity test - finding a strand of the Slytherin's hair had been easy enough - and he trusted what it told him. He had never made a Potion that had failed him before so now seemed an odd time to doubt the results.

Severus had no idea what he was supposed to do...

He needed help and for probably the first time in his life he was actually going to ask for it. He finally reached the gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office, snapped out the password, and then waited for the revolving staircase to take him up to the next level. The slow ride sometimes irritated him, but he spent the time gathering his wits about him so that he would actually make some sense when he opened his mouth so he wasn't opposed to the wait. He paused outside the door as he wondered whether he should knock or just barge in. He decided to go for the more polite route since he hadn't even contacted Albus before randomly showing up here.

Knock knock. "Albus, are you in? It's me, Severus, we need to talk."

[albus]

Dumbledore walked over to his pensive and put his wand to his head. He was needed to take out some old memories. He looked at the memory once again before putting it in a vial and sealing it shut putting the title on it and the year. He put it in a class case and walked back to his desk. A few of the headmaster were chattering at him. "How could you let such awful creatures into the school." he sighed. "Vampires are not horrid creatures they are merely misunderstood and she's the age of a student." He wanted to mention that the girl was also Severus Snape's daughter but choose against it. He also had another pair of Black running around too. He had added to his one Black that was already there. He was more bitter then his father and definitely without a doubt a Slytherin. The second and third Blacks seemed a little calmer but there was still bitterness and hatred in the older one. Then there was the second female of the group. He couldn't put his finger on what exactly was going through her mind. When they all met up he feared for not only his sanity but the safety of Hogwarts itself. On top of that he still has the tasks to think about and the students who had already placed their names in the Goblet. Why had they decided to do this again? Because Albus they need to make friends if we are going to survive another war. He answered himself. He let out a sigh and heard a knock on the door.

It took him a second to get up and moved towards the door though. Actually he almost didn't do it at first. He opened the door and smiled a rather weary smile at Severus. "What might I do for you Severus my child." He could tell that Severus was a bit worried about something and confused it seemed. There was also the fact that Severus would usually inform him before coming up to the Headmasters tower. Something definitely had to be up. His comment about saying my child was because Severus felt very much like how own child. A father figure he did try to be for his students but mostly he wanted to be someone they could turn to for anything that was bothering them. He closed the door behind Severus and gracefully moved back to his desk. Fawkes flew up to his perch and Albus smiled at the phoenix before it burst into flames. "About time." He sat himself down and looked at Severus.

[snape]

As soon as Dumbledore had opened the door, Severus moved inside of the office. He went over to one of the chairs in front of the desk and sat down. He watched Fawkes fly up to his perch and burst into flames before he turned his attention back to the old Headmaster. He wasn't sure what to say at first so he was silent for a long moment. With matters such as these it was best to wait until he felt comfortable enough to begin speaking. Dumbledore knew that much. To be honest though Albus knew more about him than most people did. He had revealed a lot about himself shortly after he had heard the Prophecy and had realized what it meant for him -- that it was a way in which to redeem himself. He had been glad that the Dark Lord had decided to target the Longbottoms (as sad as it was to admit) instead of the Potters.

Snape surely would have lost himself if Lily had died like Alice had...

He leaned back in the chair as he tried to relax somewhat. He propped his elbow up on the arm rest and placed his hand on his chin, resting his head in the little crook he had created. "There's something you should know..." Severus began and instead of just coming out and saying what needed to be said, he went the long way. "Lily recently told me that she and I -ahem- had an 'encounter' in our past that resulted in her becoming pregnant with the Potter twins. I know the chances of this happening is extremely rare, but there are a lot of similarities between Shendeth and myself. I brewed a paternity test potion and the results are pretty clear... Shendeth is my son."

He lapsed into silence again, except this time it was only a brief one. "What should I do? If anyone finds out about it besides us then a lot can happen and you know as well as I that it's only a matter of time before the Dark Lord comes back. Lily and Shendeth are in danger because of my position. Even the rest of the Potters maybe." He frowned. "Not to mention the fact that the whole situation is 'impure' in and of itself."

[albus]

Albus marked the way that Severus entered his office and sat down before he had sat himself. It was going to be one of those questions. Albus could read the younger very well. He had been with him for years now. The proud father at moments and the disappointed one that allowed his child to make mistakes because that was the best parenting really. Albus knew more about Severus then he would even let on. He also knew that in the silence they were sharing Severus was trying to figure out what he was going to say and getting comfortable. He had done the same thing from the time he was a small first year up until now. Albus knew to wait and not push the subject. He was a very caring man even when people didn't think him so though not many people said anything to his face. Everyone seemed to know not to make him angry so that made life a bit easier. The other headmasters were either sleeping now or taking a walk. Many of them knew that with Severus in the room they would have to be quiet if they wanted to stay at all.

There was another side to this relationship as well. Albus trusted Severus with his life. He was getting far to old for all this mess. However he would see it through until it killed him. That was his lot in life he would help his students even in death really. Albus was a man of his word and though people said he trusted Severus to easily none knew Severus better then he did. He waited patiently for words to come out of Severus. There was a serious matter they were going to be talking about or Severus would not have kept this silence up. He looked around at things in the room. He was going to have to go on rearranging spree sooner or later to make things even more organized. However the first thing he was doing after this chat was retiring into his chambers to sleep. He's been thinking himself tired earlier so he would sleep so things became clear and his mind was not in such a fog. Albus through tired eyes observed every movement Severus made and when Severus began to speak he listened intently.

So they had finally realized what he had known for a long time now. He needed no spells to see the resemblance in Shendeth and Severus. The boy was no carbon copy of his father as there was Lily in him too but personality was much like Severus and looks were a close fit. It was rare for two different sperm to fertilize two different eggs but as this was the wizarding world stranger things has happened. He was not sure on how to approach his fears or the fact of Severus's finding out about his son. However now would probably be the time to tell him that his daughters were here as well. Albus knew full well what Voldemort had made some of his followers do and as Severus was close to him things had not been pretty to say the least. Well it was time that everything became clear to the younger man. He nodded his head and tried not to give an I thought or told you so answer.

"I want to congratulate you on finding out that he was your son with out help Severus. I am also glad that Lily finally told you what happened between. It is not that I know the whole story there and that you may both keep to yourselves but I noticed the similarities between you and Shendeth the year he started here. As you know I do let you find things out on your own." He stood up from his chair and slowly walked around to put and hand on Severus's shoulder. "I also have a confession to make. Your daughters...are here and they seem to need a lot of work on what it means to be people." He was sure that Severus would figure out what he meant about that later. Thing were just going to get more complicated when the dark lord rose again. No one was going to be safe and how much longer he could keep things under wraps was going to be beyond him.

Albus knew however that like their parents before them, the students would fight to protect friends and family no matter what side they were on when the time came for them to take sides. "Severus no one will be safe this go around. Do not regret what is done because it is already done." A sad look came upon his face as he walked back to sit down. The rise of the Dark Lord was near at hand he was sure and he was doing all he could to protect the walls of Hogwarts. "When the time comes Severus you will know what to do as will I. I can only make the prediction that things will only get worse before they get better." He laid his head upon his desk. Severus and Mcgonagell where probably the only ones to ever seem him the sad and tired state. "I believe I am getting to old for this." He gave a soft chuckle. "Is there something Severus that I could to to qualm your fears my child."He would do most anything to make Severus happy even for a moment.

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[snape]

"Hm..." Was all he said as he nodded his head again.

It didn't really surprise him that Dumbledore had already known about the link between himself and Shendeth. The old man didn't miss much. He raised an eyebrow as the other suddenly stood up and walked around the desk. A slight smirk graced his features when he felt a hand on his shoulder, which he accepted well enough.

"I understand."

His daughters... At least they would be safe (or as safe as they could be at any rate) since they had been planned. Snape frowned somewhat at Dumbledore's next words. He wasn't accustomed to the old man sounding so tired and sad. Of course he had seen it a couple of times on the other's face because the two of them trusted each other enough to lower some of the barriers, but to actually know that no one would be safe this time... Well, it wasn't exactly the type of news he had been hoping for.

"I don't think there's anything you can say that will make me feel better, Albus." He sighed for a moment. "I just wish I didn't have to do this anymore. If my position doesn't get me killed then something else will." He had always known he wouldn't survive the war though. Strangely Severus had been all right with that prospect at the beginning, but now he wasn't so sure. He was a father and he still had a lot to do... "I mean if things will be worse than they were the first time around then the chances of me surviving this are pretty slim."

[albus]

Albus Dumbledore was known as the only man Voldemort feared. In all honestly it was because Albus could see through him that made Tom Riddle fear him so. There was way more to the dark lord than met the eyes. He also could not deny the fact that some of his students could see the good in that man as well. Tom had been dealt a rotten hand and because no one noticed it soon enough he had grown into something that could not in a sense be helped. He would forever be bitter and not understand the idea of Love. What saved Neville from his curse was something that he had no idea he could fill. No one had ever truly shown the young Voldemort love so how were the to expect him to turn out for the good. No matter how hard anyone tried some people where just too far gone to begin with. However, there was a way to destroy Tom Riddle once and for all but Albus was sure he would not see that day. He'd be one of the first people gotten rid of as the inevitable second Wizarding War came to pass.
He was not sure if there was anything that could be done to stop his rise. In all honesty he knew that it was about time for it whether he liked it or not. It was time to throw his children out into the real world again and see how well the fared with so little guidance. Albus was glad that Severus understood about his daughters. He knew full well that his words about no one being safe this go around was going to hit the younger man hard and was not something the other wanted to hear. However, it had been said and there was no taking it back. Albus didn't want to take it back either. Being up front about things made it easier for everyone to grasp the reality of the situation. He knew that Severus would do that well enough.
He nodded his head as Severus said there was nothing that could make him feel better. Albus knew the feeling all to well. Mcgonagall had tried to cheer him up the other day and that had failed to say the least. However, she had gone out to get him lemon drops and the lightened the general mood of upset he had been feeling. Life was about to get complicated for everyone. The Triwizard Tournament was going to be a much interest to the Wizarding World and he would need to keep extra security around the castle. He had already called in one such aid that would need to talk to Severus at some point. "There will be extra security once the Tournament trails start. There is a man I want you to meet when he does arrive. His name is Eric Asada you will find his power rather helpful to you." That was all he could say for now on the subject and Severus would get the notion that Eric himself would tell Severus the rest if he needed to be told anything more.
Albus gave a sad look to Severus as he mentioned not wanting to do "this" anymore. "We all must make sacrifices to save those we love and that which we cherish Severus. You will know when the time is right to reveal where your loyalties truly lie." Albus knew full well that Severus had children to look after. He also knew that Severus feared he would not make it through the war without him out right saying it. Albus feared the same for himself and for Severus. He was afraid of being killed off to early in the game. However, he would have to accept fate where in landed whether he wanted to or not. He would do what he could to protect the students and his staff members. There were ancient magics that could be invoked on one's death and those he knew very well. Protection would be there for all who chose to take it.
Albus sighed, "LIfe is just about to get more complicated." Survival at the moment was slim for everyone and peace was hanging delicately in the balance. "We only have the time we are given and in that time we are charged to live our lives. Whether they be for good or bad. We need to make sure that we do as we need too before the curtain closes on this act and brings us to the grand act." Most people would be put off by what he was saying but those that knew him way knew that there was underlying wisdom in those words.

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[snape]

Severus pursed his lips for a moment when the older man mentioned the Triwizard Tournament; he had almost forgotten about it because he had been focusing on too much at one time, but the little reminder only made him feel worse. He knew the tournament was probably a bad idea and yet he said nothing about it. He filed the name away for future reference and just sat there in silence, sensing that now was not the time to question the issue of security. He probably wouldn't get a reply anyway. Snape was a little out of the loop compared to most people due to his position -- they couldn't afford Voldemort discovering any of their vital secrets...

Sometimes the thought that Albus didn't trust him caused him to feel a little miffed. Were his Occlumency shields not satisfactory enough? Was he not capable of blocking his mind for an extended period of time? He was a natural at hiding away; always had been. He frowned at the next words.

"Have I not sacrificed enough already or shall I give you more? My life perhaps?" He gave a deep sigh. "I'm sorry, Albus..."

Severus couldn't say that he had not meant his words because they were true; however, he had long ago learned to live with his lot in life. There was no point in protesting it now just because he had even more worries to consider. He knew the chances of his loyalties being exposed were pretty slim unless the Dark Lord was defeated by some miracle. The possibility of him being killed first was greater. He shook his head slightly when the Headmaster told him that life was going to get more complicated. Wasn't it bad enough? It was pretty much a miracle that so many of them had survived the first go around; they would be hard pressed to last through a second. He was put off by the wisdom that was Dumbledore and the words only made him feel worse. For some reason he had pictured this meeting going better in his head...

"You're doing a pretty piss-poor job of reassuring me, Albus." Snape snapped. "I've had to deal with a hellish life ever since I was born. Do I not deserve a break or must I keep pretending? I'm tired of the game I'm playing, Albus. So very tired of it all."

[albus]

Albus was sure that what he ws telling the other was only further angering him. Albus would do anything to get them all to just lay their heads down and call it a day. In his case call it a life time. He'd seen his share of bad and of good and it was about time to exit this world. How that happened he was only slightly sure. He should have known what Tom would be when he picked him up that day but alas he had not known until later in the boys years at hogwarts. Albus wished he had not needed to act upon the prophecy that Sybil had made many years ago. However because Severus had been there he had to get those things set in motion. Had none of it happened then one would not have to go through all that the man before him and gone through. Albus just wanted to see his sister again. He tried to apologize to his brother once but that had not gone well. And well he'd die and wait for his brother to do so as well and possibly they could mend everything.

Oh who was he actually kidding. Death was but another adventure and even he didn't know where it would lead him. Albus trusted Severus with his life really. He just had issues when things were of dyer importance not to show it much. Albus wasn't even sure how to show that he trusted the younger with his life. His Occlumency was plenty enough for himself but it was the others in Snape's life that he as worried about really. His son and his daughter. That's what he was worried about. If Voldemort caught up to them then things would not be well. He was suprised that Iolani had not gone to the dark side with the person who had raised her being who he was. However, somehow the other had turned a bit though he was back with the dark lord Albus was sure of that and Iolani well she wasn't one to really care much. Of what Albus knew of the child at hand. Shendeth was a different story.

Severus's son was in a very interesting position. Shendeth had his mother, brother, and little sister that could be used against him. He shook his head as Severus spoke. A small sigh came out of his mouth. He knew the other was angry with him. "No need to be sorry Severus. I do ask a lot of you. But I trust you most of all Severus. I trust you with my life though I suppose you don't alway see that. We both know its complicated and I do wish you did not have to sacrifice so much." Fate has taken its toll on the headmaster and Albus knew it had taken its toll on Severus as well. However, they still had a fight on their hands and Albus was sure that he'd make the sacrifice of his life. It was one way to get to the end. Rather a happily ever after for the others.

Albus did nothing as he was snapped at. He knew he was doing a poor job at trying to reassure but the time has passed for even slight reassurance really. Albus hung his head as Severus continued. Everyone was at their wits end and he knew it. He was sure Severus has expected this to go better then it was going. Albus had hoped for something better as well but pressing matters were always on his mind. "Oh Severus, I should probably come out with something else you should know. Your daughter Iolani is a vampire." He wasn't sure how to explain that and was sure that Iolani would confide in her father once she decided to appear at her father's side. He already knew the girl would latch to her father in the first place. He was sure that would only make Severus question more but well he needed to know it all before things went crazy.

"I know you are tired Severus and If I could give you a break I would. You deserve one. I am sorry." Albus let his head rest on his desk for a minute before he brought it back up. "So sorry for it all."

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[snape]

At the news that his daughter was a Vampire, Snape actually paled somewhat. "I barely find out Shendeth is my son and now you're telling me Iolani is a Vampire? How much do you think I can take, hm??"

Despite his intense desire to begin to pace around the room, the younger man stayed in his seat. His muscles tightened somewhat. His whole body kind of stiffened up as he thought about the implications. He couldn't help but to wonder where he had gone wrong; how it had come to this. He shook his head slowly and closed his eyes for a moment. He really wasn't in the mood to question Albus about how his daughter had become a Vampire -- he was sure he would find out later and he didn't want to think about it right now so he pushed it away. He gave a slow shaky sigh. Iolani being a Vampire brought something else to mind and he pursed his lips for a moment as he stared at the old man before him. It was his duty as a Professor to report any abuse or the like that he had seen, but he couldn't violate Amy's trust like that.

He felt off-kilter.

Severus took another deep but shaky breath as he tried to steady himself. He had really been hoping that Albus could reassure him or provide him with something to hold onto, but there was nothing for him here. Perhaps there was no reassurance or hope left though. He had no idea what else to say or do now. He was lost. Helplessly lost and struggling so desperately to regain his footing and Albus didn't even notice. Didn't even care. When the old Headmaster finally apologized though, his reaction was one of scorn.

"Oh please." He said with a sneer as he rolled his eyes. "Don't give me that bullshit." Snape's gaze flashed with something dark and forbidden. "I know you're using me. You always have and you always will. Just like everybody else in my fucked up life."

[eric]

Albus felt that it was his duty at this time to tell Severus just that. If he did not he would soon find out anyways and it was better he was told and everything was on his plate at once. It wasn't like Albus was happy about it either. As a matter of fact all Albus wanted to do was let Severus be to raise his children and to mend relationships without the threat of Voldemort. He also wanted to lay down and not wake up again but that was besides the point at the moment. He was being a typical father figure and giving his son everything that he could right on the onset of a big problem that was going to come at a later date. He knew Severus would hate him for it. "I'm sure you can take what I give you Severus. I am sorry but if I did not tell you now someone else would." One of the old headmasters made a scowl at Dumbledore and Severus. "Don't start with that again." He knew what the old one was going to say at the mention of Iolani in the first place.

Albus looked at Severus for a moment. He was truly sorry about everything but alas it was like everyone else. He was bullshitting them somehow even when sincerity was there. He supposed her deserved it. He got up and left his desk and turned to look at Severus. "Do with my apologies as you must. I'm not bullshitting you. We are all being used Severus and we all always have." He walked off towards his room. "Show yourself out when you fell like it. There is no hope I can give you for I lost hope of my own." He was being honest here and well he was going to have to figure something out. Using people was something that everyone did. Even when they asked for the help of another. Some got used more than others and Severus fell into that catagory. He had done nothing wrong where his daughter was concerned nor where his son was for that matter. He deserved what Albus could not give him and it saddened the old man.

One of the portraits looked at Severus. "You shouldn't be so rude boy." The portraits watched him for a moment before they fell asleep.

(ooc: Sorry for the shortness but Albus is done with being yelled at even though he knew it was coming lol. They'll have a whole kiss and make up thing later lol. Oh and let's pretend that this was Albus who posted i'm too lazy to sign off and on. Plus i have to make a post with Eric anyways....)