Arianna Dumbledore is unsure. (sweetflower) wrote in fourteenshades, |
Arianna appreciated that Mister Snape was not overly emotional or open with them. She was unused to such things, even from her family. Her mother and Aberforth had always showed their feelings and fondness towards her in small touches. She knew now that they did not wish to frighten her, but she still preferred the subtler forms of comfort. Hugs really were not for her as they made her feel trapped. Though, she might be more willing to try them now.
Mister Snape's reaction to her question was not one she expected. She was surprised by his shock, and she almost winced at the firmness of his grip on her hand. When they were seated, she turned wide, expectant eyes on her friend, for that is what she considered him. She searched his face, unsure of how to ease his disease. She felt secure on the bench, and the warmth of his hands holding hers brought her comfort and clarity. She felt calm, and her mind was clear.
"I only assumed you would have an answer, sir," she said softly, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. "Your reaction to my question has confirmed it." She smiled softly, though her eyes brimmed with tears again. "I thought you, of all people, would know because you knew Albus and Aberforth, but you had never met me." She lifted her small shoulders in a shrug. "So many were surprised to learn that there was a third Dumbledore child, sir. If I had allowed myself to dwell on those thoughts when I first arrived, I know I would have reached my conclusion sooner."
Breaking their eye contact, Arianna looked down at their hands. She squeezed his gently, fondly, and realised as she did that she looked to this man as a daughter would to a father. It was not Aberforth but Percival of whom Mister Severus Snape reminded her. Her father was a stern man, quiet and sometimes aloof, but there were things and people for whom he lit up, and she saw that in this man. "I wish to know," she said quietly as a tear slid down her cheek at her thoughts. She lifted her head and held his gaze again. "I wish to know," she repeated with a stronger voice, "because things have changed drastically within and around me. My dreams are clear, my waking mind is clear, and I have not felt thus since I was much younger." She licked her lips and squeezed his hands again, this time for a little more support. "I wish to know because I wish to grow and move beyond my fear and uncertainty." She looked at him stubbornly. "Please? I would not hear this from anyone else, for I do not trust anyone half as well as I trust you."