I didn't even think it was going to be very good when I started writing, so...thanks.

Thanks for reading.

<3 Dee

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AN: So, I felt the need to pamper myself after two super long days at school, and I thought that maybe I'd pamper you guys as well and post. I have to admit, that this is probably my favorite chapter thus far, and I feel like I chopped the end of the chapter off just so it wouldn't be suppppper long, I mean, it is three and a half pages already, so I feel like I just cut if off....enough rambling.

Chapter 6

Albus had been pacing the last few days around his office. He felt something wasn’t right with Severus when he had last talked to him. He seemed distant, like he was thinking. As well as Albus could read Severus he had seemed to block the old man out quite well. It bothered Albus, not being able to get down to the bottom of Severus’ problems. He knew though that in due time, his teacher would come to him.

Albus hadn’t been able to sleep that morning, and roamed around his office by a single candle he had lit. It was only when a small owl he hadn’t seen in several years flew in his small window he left open for the owls that Albus sensed what Severus had been worried about over the last few days.

A few minutes later a trunk appeared in his office. It looked quite familiar, with the Hogwarts crest on it and the initials ‘ABE’ were inscribed on the ends of the trunk. He knew exactly which students of his this trunk belonged too, and he feared the worst of what his mind had concluded to.

Pacing his office for a few more hours, Albus had finally decided he would go in search of Severus to have a chat with him. Descending the stairs from his office he stopped before he let the wall open itself to let him out into the corridor. He could hear words being exchanged one by a slightly familiar voice, and the other of Severus himself.

Hearing the sobs of the girl Albus continued down the steps, finally appearing in the corridor. “Severus.” He said lightly with a nod of his head. He searched the man’s face for answers, but he wasn’t having much luck.

Severus refused to look at Albus, he had a feeling he had heard nearly every word that had just gone down between himself and Addison. He felt a bit ashamed of himself, and he knew that though Albus wasn’t one for lectures, he’d be hearing about it soon.

“Miss Eastwood.” Albus said softly closing the space between himself and the crying girl. He placed a hand on her shoulder giving it a comforting squeeze. “Let’s go up to my office and have a chat.” He whispered in her ear as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and steered her towards the stairs.

Albus turned his head back to Severus and raised his eyebrows at him, a cue for him to follow after them, but not too closely. Turning back to Addison, who now was beginning to relax a little and was beginning to stop crying. The old man guided Addison up the stairs to his office.

“Go ahead and take a seat Addison.” He told her when they approached his desk at last. He moved around to the other side of his desk and took a seat in his chair as he eyed Severus as he stood off to the side of his desk as if he were afraid to come near Addison.

“Severus,” Albus started, “Come take a seat.” He told him motioning towards the other chair beside Addison. He really hoped that Severus wouldn’t make this more difficult than it already was.

Severus hesitated for a second before he finally took a seat. He reached into his robes and pulled out the box he had taken from Addison earlier that morning and placed it on the large desk as if he had read Albus’ mind.

Albus gave a sigh as he looked between the two. One was extremely hurt, and the other was slightly confused. “Let’s get this settled now.” He said as he leaned forward settling his elbows on his desk. He let the silence surround them again; hoping that one of them would speak first.

“Papa is dead.” Addison finally said evenly, refusing to look at either of the men. It was the first time she had said it out loud. It felt horrible to say, but she had to face it, he was gone. She bit her tongue hard, she didn’t want to break down again, not in front of Snape at least, he had already seen her cry twice already and that was far too many times.

“I was afraid of that.” Albus said to himself quietly. “And what is this?” He asked Addison pointing towards the box that Severus had placed on his desk. He wondered why Severus had it, but now wasn’t the time to question it.

“Papa told me that, all I needed was in that box.” She told the Headmaster. “But I hadn’t got the chance to look through it all.” She added on with a touch of annoyance as she looked at Snape finally.

Albus was sensing that when Addison had arrived at Hogwarts that she and Severus had exchanged some words that probably weren’t very polite. “Would you like to do so now?” He asked her picking the box up and holding it out to her.

She nodded her head and took the box placing it in her lap. She opened it carefully and pulled out the crumpled up piece of parchment that she had shoved into Snape’s chest earlier that morning.

“Dear Addison.” She started, Snape already knew, but she wasn’t sure if Dumbledore knew, and she thought the moment was as good as it was going to get to read it to him. Addison kind of wanted to see Snape squirm in his chair.

“I wish I had been able to explain this before you got the chance to go through this box, but you and I both know, that not everything can be explained in life." She paused, thinking about the long talks she had with Marcus over the years, and not once did the contents of this letter appear in them.

“First off, I wish you the best in your life without me. I know you’ll handle just fine without your Papa. You’re a strong, intelligent and beautiful young woman. But rest assured that you’ll be in the good hands of Severus Snape.” Addison paused once again, giving a quick look at Snape whom was staring at a small stack of books on Dumbledore’s desk.

“Don’t roll your eyes Addie. I know you’re questioning my sanity at the moment you’re reading this, but believe me, there is no other person I would trust with your life. Details aren’t important to how I came to this conclusion. But I do hope that one day; questions will be answered to your liking.” Addison paused again, considering whether or not to continue reading the note. She gave a small sigh, and continued.

“I hope that you get to see the side of Severus that I got to know from all those years ago. And even if you don’t, I hope you appreciate him enough to realize that this is the best thing that I could do for you now that I am gone. I will forever keep you in my heart, and love you. Never forget that Addison.” Addison gave another sigh, “Signed Marcus E. Eastwood.” She finished as she put the parchment back into the box.

Albus sat there, letting his brain think away. Marcus had, in his opinion, been a great man. He was quite the character but had a good heart and a good meaning to everything. “No need to go any farther for now.” Albus finally spoke after a few minutes of silence. “This is personal, and there’s no need to share it with us.” He told her with a warm smile.

“Severus, speak, please.” He begged Severus. He watched the man bring his eyes up to finally meet his. Albus gave him an expectantly look.
Severus cleared his throat and thought carefully of what to say. “I’ve got things to attend to.” Severus stated bluntly.

Albus gave a heavy sigh. “First things first. Addison needs a proper place to stay for the holiday. I don’t want her up in the Gryffindor tower by herself; I don’t want her to get lonely up there.” He told Severus, hinting towards him that this would be his responsibility to take care of.

Addison knitted her eyebrows together. “Hold on, sir.” Addison said roughly putting a hand up to stop him. “So that’s it, Snape is my…” She trailed; she didn't know what he was. She refused to call him a father.

“Severus is now your guardian.” Albus finished for her, wondering how she would react to being told such a thing. He watched Severus as he moved his gaze once again to books on his desk.

Addison let out a growl of frustration as she rolled her eyes. “I do question Papa now that I know this information, but I can’t change what he’s already set in place.” Addison said as she closed the box.

“Good, now we have this cleared up, you’re trunk is right there.” Albus smiled pointing to Addison’s trunk near the sitting area of his office. “Go change out of your pajamas and meet me in the kitchen while Severus sorts out your place to stay for the holiday.” Albus told her with a twinkle in his eyes.