44

Chapter 44

Let Her Go

With Umbridge in charge, she was free to use whatever punishment she fancied. It was horrible. Thanks to Lily, the truth potion wasn't working on anyone anymore. It was very amusing to watch Umbridge. She'd told me everything she saw. With her dad and James Potter. I felt terrible and there was really nothing I could say to make it better.

Lily's POV

I went down to my dad's office the next morning. I knocked on the door softly and he opened it. I walked inside and he looked at me.

"I know why you're here."

I walked inside and he turned away.

"I want to know everything." I said.

He sighed and nodded.

"It would be easier to show you."

I arched a brow and he took my hand. He led me to the peinsieve.

"Don't let go of my hand." He said.

I nodded and he showed me. He showed me all his memories. I saw everything that James and his friends did to him. I saw how much he loved my mother, how much he loved me. But he also showed me how James had saved his life. When we were back in his office, I hugged him.

"I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for, Lillian. Look at me."

I looked up.

"You're my daughter, a Snape. Nothing your father did is your fault. Don't ever think it is. Do you understand me?"

"Yes."

He nodded and put his arms around me.

"I love you daddy."

"I love you too. Always."

I smiled and closed my eyes.

Harry's POV

Lily hadn't really spoken to me since that night. I'd been trying to stay away from Snape and she'd been staying close to him. Cho said I should give her space.

"You didn't see it, Cho. You didn't see what he did."

She put her hands on my shoulders.

"No one likes Professor Snape, but even I've seen that she's the only thing that matters to him. I don't think he could live without her. He maybe not be her biological father but… she is his daughter. Even knowing that your dad tormented him while they were in school. I think that in order for you to even remotely get along with Snape, you need to remember how much he loves Lily."

She was right of course. But then…

"He takes it out on me."

"What?"

I looked at her.

"I look like my dad. He bullies me, he's getting back at my father by bullying me."

"Harry…"

"No. It's true! He always says how alike my father and I are. I'm pretty sure he doesn't mean it as a compliment."

She sighed and I shook my head.

Lily's POV

I was walking across the courtyard when I heard that horrid voice.

"As I told you once, Mr. Potter. Naughty children deserve to be punished."

I came up behind Umbridge and waited. When she turned, her little smile fell from her face.

"Miss Snape, you should be in your dormitory."

"Yes, I should be… but I'm not. Now leave my brother alone." I growled.

"Are you threatening me, Miss Snape?"

"Am I?"

I walked around her and knelt down in front of the boy.

"Don't you have someone else to torment, professor?" I asked.

I didn't look at her but I heard her walk away. I smiled at the boy and fixed his hand the way I'd fixed Harry's.

"You'll be alright." I said.

I looked at Harry.

"Enough is enough. Something has to be done about that woman."

I stood up and he sighed.

"You know George, I've always felt our futures lay outside the world of academic achievement." Said Fred.

"Fred, I've been thinking exactly the same thing."

I smiled a little.

"Good luck boys."

They both winked and I walked off. We would be taking our O. tomorrow, and I had a little unfinished business to take care of.

Draco's POV

It was deathly silent in the great hall. Umbridge stood up front, wearing a bright pink dress. After nearly an hour, there was some loud banging coming from outside. Umbridge walked down and opened the doors. A firecracker flew into the hall and popped, the Weasley twins came in on brooms only seconds later. All our tests flew up in the air and I smiled. Lily found me and threw her arms around me. Firecrackers were going off everywhere. Then it came. They let off a dragon like firework that chased Umbridge out of the hall. It exploded around her, causing all her proclamations to fall to the ground. Everyone cheered and we all followed the twins outside. Their last set of fireworks spelled a large 'W' in the sky. Lily kissed me and then continued to clap. I was smiling until I saw her brother fall to the ground.

"Lily? What's wrong with him?"

She stopped cheering and ran to Potter.

Lily's POV

Harry looked at me but he wasn't focused on me.

"Harry!?"

"Sirius!"

My eyes widened and he stood up. He grabbed my wrist and ran back into the castle, Ron and Hermione soon joined us. We went straight to Umbridge's office.

"You can't come with me." Harry said.

"You think I'm letting you go alone?"

"We're in this together!"

"That you are!"

I immediately got in front of my brother and narrowed my eyes.

"Miss Snape. Your father will be most disappointed."

Shows what you know!

"Gather the rest of his little group."

She forced me away and then put my brother in a chair. Neville, Luna and Ginny wwre dragged in.

"You were going to Dumbledore, weren't you?"

"No."

She slapped Harry.

"Liar!"

Draco held me back.

"Lily stop." He begged.

I knew Harry wasn't going to tell her anything.

"You called Headmistress."

My dad appeared in the doorway. His eyes widened when he saw me.

"Is there a reason my child is being restrained here?"

"Yes she-"

"It was rhetorical, Dolores."

"The time has come for answers. Have you brought the veriteserum?"

"I'm afraid that the remainder of my supply was destroyed last night. And I've heard that a sort of antidote has been floating around these days. Unless you wish to poison him, I assure you I would have the greatest sympathy if you did. I cannot help you. Lillian, you're coming with me."

Draco let me go and dad grabbed my arm.

"He's got Padfoot!"

I looked at Harry.

"He's got Padfoot at the place where it's hidden."

Dad was frozen where he stood. Umbridge looked completely confused.

"What is Padfoot? What is he talking about Snape?"

Dad slowly turned.

"No idea."

I held back my smile and dad took me away. I heard Umbridge say something about the crusiatus curse and I turned.

"NO!"

Dad wrapped his arms around me and refused to let go.

"DON'T TOUCH MY BROTHER!" I screamed.

"Lily stop that!"

He dragged me out of the room.

"Let me go dad!"

"Tell her Harry!" Hermione screamed.

I stopped struggling. After a few minutes Umbridge came out with Harry and Hermione. Harry looked at me as he passed. I fell back against my father and sighed. He took me out into the hall and the second he let me go, I tried to run.

"Where do you think you're going young lady?"

I looked him straight in the eye.

"To help my brother."

"Absolutely not! Let the Order save Black."

I shook my head.

"No. It'll be too late. Daddy, you have to let me go."

"No!"

"Yes! I'm not a little girl anymore. They need me. You've said it yourself, I know things they don't. I'm coming back, but you have to let me go now."

He stared at me and I didn't look away.

Snape's POV (Important Reason)

I looked at my precious daughter. She was right, she wasn't a little girl anymore. And she did know things no one else did. Things I taught her.

"I can't lose you. You're all I have."

She smiled.

"You won't lose me. But if I don't go, I could lose my brother."

I sighed. She was just like her mother. Always putting others before herself. I hugged her tightly and closed my eyes.

"Go." I said quietly.

"I love you daddy." She said.

She ran off and I watched her disappear.

"Please be careful."

I had to inform the Order right away.