A/N: First of all, I want to say that I think there might actually be other stories somewhat like this—if only I could remember the author or the name or even the major plot! —that I've read that have rubbed off on this story. ….oh! Coexistence, by darkcyan, has Harry ending up in someone's head… of course, since I don't want to ruin the story I won't go on. Just know that I didn't really come up with that, though I've made it different then darkcyan's. I hope. Umm….
Oh! The challenge rules are really simple –that's why I did the challenge, so I don't have to have too many limits—and I flowed with them. They are:
It must be an Alternate Universe or must contain an Alternate Timeline. Severus must be Harry's father. Voldemort must not exist, or Tom Riddle did not turn evil.I've taken some liberties with the last one… you'll have to read to find out what they are! =D *evil cackle*
And the best part about this story is that I actually wrote out the plot (it all managed to fit nicely on the page where I printed out the challenge so I could bring it to school to start writing. Good thing my handwriting is so small.), so I have 46 handwritten pages as I type this up. There's still about a paragraph of plot left, which I can definitely expand on with no question. Except I've had a writers block on this story… but I decided to be nice, and I typed all this up so I could get the first chapter sent to someone to beta, that someone being the lovely Lerafea (formerly silv3r4ng3l)… (this is up to page 17 in my written version).
Disclaimer: "If I owned Harry Potter, I would be doing a mutated combination of the Electric Slide, the Robot, and the Running Man at the top of Mt. Everest while making hundred-dollar-bill airplanes and cackling. Needless to say, I don't and I'm not."
In fact, I don't even own this disclaimer. Don't remember who does, but I remember thinking it was hilarious and wanting to borrow it! –if you know who's it is, let me give credit?—I suppose I own a third of the plot—darkcyan gets the 'in-someone-elses-head' part, and Damon Rhodes gets the 'came-up-with-the-challenge-that-set-off-light-bulb' part, so that leaves me with one measly third—the computer that typed it up, the light bulb that was set up, and the sore fingers that have decided to painstakingly type this up and then FIX ALL THE TYPOS! (or most of them.)
Now go read! Let me finish typing it!
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Soft footsteps echoed off the stone walls of Hogwarts, announcing a presence that roamed in the darkest point of the night. Ebony waves that reached mid-back fell neatly against the 7th year's robes, and was tied loosely to keep it out of his face. Emerald eyes watched the deserted hallways, his left eyelid faintly puffed. The ridge-causing scar ran from the base of the famous lightning bolt scar on his forehead down over his eyelid, over his nose, and ending about two centimeters from his right jaw.
Glasses did not hinder Harry Potter for once, allowing his green eyes to shine, though one's eyes could easily be drawn to the scars that decorated his skin -- remnants of his harsh and trying battle with Voldemort the summer before his 6th year. A sleek grace gave him a near silent step as sinew and muscle rippled slightly, hidden beneath tanned flesh.
He projected a strong sense of confidence, along with an aura of power, someone anyone should fear. Harry froze suddenly, listening to the soft murmurs of Argus Filch to his cat, Mrs. Norris as they continued their patrol. Glancing around the suit of armor on the fourth floor, he carefully pushed open the nearest door and slipped in. A confrontation with Filch was the last thing he wanted.
Closing the door, he did not notice as the walls shimmered slightly. Then without warning, black swarmed in front of his green gaze as darkness overcame them.
Harry slowly opened his eyes as he regained his consciousness. He glanced around the room, taking note of the white and registering it as the Hospital Wing. Suddenly aware of a close presence, his vivid green eyes turned to face the person sitting next to his bed. Harry almost began to scream, but his mouth could not register his brains orders to open. No sound escaped his body at the sight of Severus Snape, who was killed during the last battle, sitting very much alive next to his bed.
His hands reached up to grab his head and bent over, gasping, as Harry opened his mouth to a blood-curdling scream. Severus moved forward, quickly placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, a concerned look on his face.
Startled, Harry finally quit screaming, becoming silent as his mind registered the shock. His hands released his head as his jaw clicked shut, abruptly stopping the sound. Severus still looked concerned, and his voice was soft when he spoke.
"Harry? Are you alright?"
A voice definitely not his own answered the man, higher than what he was used to, and a little more sarcastic.
"Just hearing voices again. This one only screamed at me though." Severus frowned slightly, but handed over a light blue potion.
"Dreamless Sleep potion," he offered, watching the raven-haired boy carefully.
Harry watched, still trapped in shock, as his hand reached out and took the bottle, and pressed it to his lips, drinking it quickly. Minutes later, Harry slipped out of shock and into sleep as his body fell back to the bed.
Almost immediately, a familiar scene faded into view. A tall, heavy form knocked a thinner one out of the path of a blinding green light. The dream-boy hit the ground, looking in horror at the frozen body of the man, who still had a look of determination on his face, half hidden by greasy strands of hair. The boy's grip tightened on his wand and he turned blazing green eyes onto the cloaked, laughing man who had cast the Killing Curse. A curious lightning bolt shaped scar glowed faintly on the boy's forehead as he stalked forwards, words falling like poison from his lips, voice chilling.
"This is for Severus! Goodbye Voldemort! Accika SSSolearn!" Neither the man nor the boy seemed to notice that the Destroy Soul curse was cast in Parseltongue, for they cried out in pain. The man fell to the ground a few seconds later, the lifeless face of Voldemort still looking shocked.
The boy clutched his face, the faint hint of the new scar visible through his fingers.
The dream was abruptly ended as the waking body sat up with a gasp, jerking Harry out of his sleep. The same voice from before muttered something about lousy potions as the body sleepily made his way towards a large cabinet, passing a mirror on the way. The body backtracked immediately, staring into the mirror. Harry stared as well, through eyes he could no longer control. The substantial body that seemed to be the one moving around was slightly shorter then he was used to, with the same green eyes, but shorter hair and different features. The black hair, with what seemed to be reddish auburn highlights, was cut to brush the broad shoulders. An aristocratic nose made the cheekbones and angles of the confused face sharper, with the mouth twisted into a mixture of a sneer and an open, surprised look.
Almost like a failing illusion, another body seemed to be on and around the substantial one. The mid-back length hair fell into a loose ponytail as his green eyes stared into the eyes of the other. A harsh scar cut across his face, contrasting with the unmarked flesh of the other. Harry Potter raised his hand to rub at the lightning bolt scar, and stared even more when his ghostly hand in the mirror rose. Annoyance filled his voice.
~ What the bloody blazes is going on here?!?! ~ Almost as he expected, no sound echoed in the Hospital Wing. The answer that came from the shorter boy, however, was said softly in a harsh whisper so as not to wake Severus Snape, still asleep in the chair by the bed.
"I have no idea! Who are you, and what are you doing in my head?" The ghostly Harry Potter's head jerked up in confusion.
~ You can hear me? Who are you? ~ He demanded.
"Of course I heard you. I heard you screaming earlier. Now, who are you? I did ask first." The shorter boy retorted, a scowl etched on his lips. The ghostly Harry looked faintly uncomfortable, and said the first name that came to mind.
~ Alex. ~
"Harry Snape." He frowned as Alex began to cough, though the other boy recovered quickly.
(A/N: Just to keep the confusion down to a minimum, Harry POTTER will be known as Alex from here on, and Harry SNAPE will be known as Harry. =D)
~ Erm… Hello Harry. I'm not sure how I got here. I was just avoiding my school's caretaker, when I fainted. I woke up, and found that I'm unable to move or speak, so I did the most natural thing anyone would have done. I screamed. ~ There was a slight pause as Alex frowned. ~ I'd be in your debt if you didn't tell anyone of me. I really don't want to be cast away before I can figure out what happened… ~
Harry examined the other form in the mirror, this 'Alex'. He shrugged.
"Fine then. I won't tell anyone of you until you want me to, alright?"
Alex simply nodded and grinned.
~ Thanks Harry. Oh—you might be able to talk to me without saying anything out loud. You seem to think pretty loudly—I've been picking up your thoughts. If you can do it without saying anything out loud, no one will think you're nuts for talking to yourself. ~
Harry nodded and carefully formed a thought, sending it to Alex.
# Alex? #
The taller boy immediately started grinning in the mirror, the scar making it look a little frightening.
~ I got that. What do you say we go back to the bed before Severus wakes? ~
Agreeing with a soft chuckle, Harry returned to the bed, losing sight of Alex as soon as he was out of view of the mirror. He could still feel the other's presence in the back of his mind, even as Alex yawned and settled down to sleep. Darkness overtook Harry as he fell asleep, his last thought a reminder to himself to stay away from mirrors when he could help it.
~~~
The next day, after a few reassuring words to Madam Pomphrey, Harry walked down the halls of Hogwarts. He had left Severus sleeping in the chair, unwilling to speak to him just yet, afraid he'd spill something about Alex.
Speaking of which, the spirit—for that's how he'd come to think of Alex—was stirring.
# Morning Alex, # he greeted him and received a tired grunt was his reply. Harry chuckled slightly as Alex peered through the other's eyes.
~ Where're we going ~ He asked, as Harry continued walking, his feet taking one step after the next automatically.
# Slytherin common room. #
There was a flash of surprise that traveled to Harry, though it quickly disappeared.
~ Common room? ~ Alex asked, with a tone Harry couldn't quite place.
# Hogwarts has 4 houses, and each house has a common room that leads to the dormitories, # Harry nodded, smiling silently.
There was a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Alex spoke again.
~ So, tell me about your family? ~
# My dad's Severus Snape, the one you saw in the Hospital Wing. My mom's Lily Snape—she works in the Ministry as an Auror. # Harry couldn't see Alex, but he could feel him blink. He could feel Alex preparing to ask another question, and slipped one of his own in instead.
# What, are you from another world or something? Everyone knows of the Snapes. # There was a pause before Alex changed the subject towards the classes.
With a shrug, Harry answered the new questions, faint curiosity hovering in his mind.
A few Slytherins looked up as the wall slid open and Harry entered. Most turned away again, back to whatever they were doing, but two came over with wide grins on their faces.
One was a tall, platinum blond with grey-blue eyes, his hair falling loosely above his face with the familiar Malfoy smirk hovering on his face. The other boy was a little shorter, with spiked dark brown hair and dark blue eyes that were highly amused as they studied Harry. Draco was the one who spoke.
"Pansy's looking for you Harry." The other boy spoke up, grinning mischievously.
"We sent her off to the Great hall to find you," Draco added, his lips upturned in a smirk.
Harry groaned and tried to ignore the hysterical laughter of Alex in the back of his head.
"Blaise, how could you? I can't go in there to eat now," Harry whined as Draco laughed and slung an arm around Harry's shoulder.
"That's ok—we have Defense now anyway." Harry grinned.
"Then what are we waiting here for?" Laughing, the three headed off to the DADA classroom. Something, or rather someone in the corner of Harry's mind frowned, however. Alex had stopped laughing as soon as Defense was mentioned, a sudden wave of serious and sorrow nearly swamping Harry. He shook it off, heading for the classroom with his two friends.
The entered the classroom as Harry 'spoke' to Alex, looking around for Alex's sake.
# Our teacher's a werewolf named Remus Lupin—but don't worry, he's a great teacher and my dad makes a Wolfsbane potion for him. # Alex's voice seemed cheerful when he responded.
~ That's all right. Defense was my best subject. Do you know what we're learning now? ~ Harry took his seat before he could answer Alex, and Remus Lupin spoke up to begin the lesson.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts, 7th years. As you'll all remember, I'm Remus Lupin. This year we're going to go straight into the Patronus. You should have at least looked at the chapter; can anyone tell me the incantation?" He looked around at the 7th year Slytherins for a volunteer. There was a moment in which no one raised his or her hand before Harry's hand rose, repeating what Alex told him when Remus called on him.
"Expecto Patronum." Remus nodded, faint surprise glittering in amber eyes.
"Correct. Anyone know what the Patronus is effective against?" There was another pause before Harry raised his hand. Remus again nodded to the boy who was the only one who offered his help.
"Dementors and Lethifolds." Remus smiled.
"Very good. 5 points to Slytherin. Now, can anyone tell me why just casting the charm won't work?" This time, all eyes turned to Harry, who paused a minute before answering.
"You must think of a truly happy thought you have when casting it," he recited faithfully as Alex grinned slightly in his mind.
Remus smiled faintly, flashing a set of pearly-white teeth.
"Another 5 points to Slytherin. Congratulations on your excellent answers Mr. Snape." Harry grinned slightly, listening attentively as Remus explained how to properly cast the spell. There was a suddenly bending of Harry's left pinky finger, and a wave of satisfaction struck the boy.
~Hey Harry. I think it's possible that I could perform spells or move. But I think it only works well when you let me do it, or when you're unconscious or something. I bet I could do something. ~
Harry grinned slightly at this, as Lupin's speech began to wind down.
# Maybe you can perform the Patronus? I think Professor Lupin thinks I've had first-hand experience. # Alex's response almost seemed forced-cheerful.
~That's good—the answers should seem like that. I've had first hand experience. As long as you give me control, I think I could cast it. ~ Harry moved to stand near the front of the room with the other students as Remus shifted the desks and seats to the walls with a wave of his wand. He looked over at Harry, who simply returned the look.
"Can you cast the Patronus?"
Harry nodded and inhaled deeply as the rest of the students eagerly watched the area in the middle of the room. No one noticed when Alex's ghost-like form hovered over Harry for a moment as the spell was cast—no one, that is, except an observant werewolf.
Silver erupted from 'Harry's' wand as the silvery-white thestral raced around the room, wings raised only slightly above its back. It slowed to a stop in the middle of the room, cast a slow glance around, and bowed its head to Harry before disappearing. Remus caught a flicker of pearly-white as the ghostly form disappeared, leaving the Harry he had seen for seven years and longer, though he had a confused, thoughtful look on his face.
Remus called an end to the class, allowing them to leave for Charms. Harry left quickly, eager to talk to Alex as they headed for the next class.
Once he was seated in a chair, with a confused Draco and Blaise at his sides, he tuned everything else out and started to question Alex.
# Isn't a Patronus something you see as protection? How did you get a thestral? They're really rare. #Alex gave a dry chuckle, his voice sounding slightly monotonous.
~Yes, I do see threstrals as protection. There was a battle last year in my homeland, and the thestrals protected me. Some of that protection carried over here, actually. ~ When Harry pressed further and asked of the protection, Alex seemed to shake his head.
~Teacher's here. I think he's ready to start the lesson. ~ Harry sighed softly in acceptance and turned his attention to Professor Flitwick.
The next morning, Harry, Draco and Blaise went to the Great Hall for breakfast, talking and laughing together.
Alex looked around once they entered the Hall, looking through Harry's green gaze at the other students and tables. He heard a familiar voice scolding someone and turned to look. The eyes fell upon a bushy haired witch dressed in Ravenclaw robes, cinnamon eyes angry. The red head boy she was yelling at simply shrugged, uncaring, as she accused him of stealing and copying her homework. Severus Snape bore down on them from the Head Table, effectively silencing Hermione Granger's tirade.
"Miss Granger. That is enough. You will not lose points for your missing homework." The young Ravenclaw nodded, tightlipped, and returned to her seat, where he friends comforted her. Severus then turned his glare to Ron Weasley, who looked at him with a snobbish air around him. Severus sneered.
"Mister Weasley. For stealing Miss Granger's homework, you shall have a detention with me this Thursday, and 50 points from Gryffindor. Now, return to your seat." Ron, with an attitude much like the Draco Malfoy that Alex was used to, took his seat at the Gryffindor table. As Severus was making his way back to the Head Table, there was an explosion behind him. Purple smoke billowed out from one seat at the Gryffindor table. All eyes turned to see Ron Weasley flushing a tomato red, which clashed horribly with his now neon-purple hair. Everyone burst out laughing, two red-headed twins at the Head table the most.
Severus glanced behind him and moved on without saying anything, though a thin smile hovered on his face for a minute. Alex questioned Harry, still chuckling.
~ What just happened? ~ Harry smirked slightly as he answered.
# That was Ron Weasley, a real git. He was just pranked by his brothers, the twins seated at the Head table. Fred and George. They're our Flying Instructors. Serves him right. Hermione Granger, the Ravenclaw who was yelling at him, is smart, even for her house. #
Alex chuckled softly, shaking his head and retreated to the corner of his mind, leaving Harry to continue on his everyday life. Harry glanced at his reflection in the empty plate before him and frowned. He could still Alex, a little fainter because the plate wasn't completely mirror like, but still there. He shook his head and dropped some toast on his plate.
Three days later was the first Potions class Harry had with Alex in his head. Harry walked in with Draco and Blaise, both of who seemed worried of their friend who kept 'dozing off' every so often. They took their seats and Harry prepared for the first instruction or question from Alex.
Nothing.
He waited a moment more before speaking to the spirit.
# Alex? You there? # The spirit's voice seemed to be coming from further away then usual.
~ I'm here. I'm just no good at Potions, so I won't say anything. ~ Harry stifled a chuckle.
# All right. It's a good thing I'm good in this class, isn't it? #
Severus walked over then, serving as a reminding to start the potions. The Gryffindor-Slytherin class worked silently until Severus' harsh voice rang out.
"Mr. Weasley! You have been told time after time you must pay attention to your potion as it is simmering—and yet you still believe you can get away with doing nothing! This behavior will be stopped. You will go to Dumbledore's office tomorrow at 6 o'clock and we will find a fitting punishment. Now, clean that cauldron and put it away. I don't want to see you touch it again today."
Ron scowled faintly, but lifted the cauldron and levitated it to the sink. Severus continued on his way, stopping by Neville Longbottom. He looked in the cauldron and nodded to the Gryffindor.
"Don't leave it on the fire too long Mr. Longbottom." He moved on, leaving Neville to calmly complete his potion.
'Well that was weird,' Alex thought, making sure that Harry hadn't heard as he quietly shook his head.
~~~Two months later.~~~
Severus Snape looked up as Remus Lupin stepped into his office. The werewolf seemed preoccupied by something even as he approached his desk. Severus raised an eyebrow.
"Remus? Is something wrong? The full moon isn't until two weeks from now."
"What?" Remus asked, startled as he looked up. "Oh, it's not the potion. Severus—have you taught Harry any extra spells in DADA? He's known just about all the questions I asked."
"I haven't taught anything more to Harry that what you teach," Severus replied, frowning thoughtfully. His expression was quickly mirrored by the werewolf.
"I think there's something wrong. He's been avoiding mirrors every time someone's near him. I don't like it." Severus frowned and pulled out his wand, tapping a stone that sat on his desk. He murmured something to Remus, and they sat down to wait for Harry.
Harry felt the familiar nudge in his mind, Alex 'coming forward' to look at something. His green gaze was directed down towards the stone at his wrist. It was glowing a silver color, which meant 'Office'. Harry quickly excused himself from his friends, and headed down to the potions office. Alex released a wave of nervousness, followed by a plea.
~Don't tell them of me, please! I think they're going to question you—it's a feeling I have… ~ He finished lamely, but Harry simply nodded as he continued walking.
# I don't plan to Alex, # he assured him. They reached the office and the two fell silent as Harry opened the door and stepped in. He looked at the serious expressions on the two men's faces and blinked.
"Whatever it is, I didn't do it," Harry stated, bringing his hands up defensively. Remus cracked a smile, but he still looked serious as Severus looked at his son.
"Is there something you'd like to tell us Harry?" The boy shook his head, blinking in confusion.
"No." Severus forced down a scowl and gave his proof.
"Remus tells me you know spells and curses that you shouldn't already know. You're also avoiding mirrors, and I've noticed you ignoring everything for minutes at a time. Are you sure there's nothing you want to say?" At Harry's shake of the head, Remus began to question on some of the spells that Harry knew. As the werewolf spoke, Severus discreetly summoned a full-length mirror that appeared behind the 7th year.
Onyx eyes widened slightly as Alex appeared in the reflection. The ghostly form turned and looked at the glass. Emerald eyes widened and a scowl covered his face. He raised a transparent wand, and the glass shattered.
Harry jumped up at the sound, turned, and caught sight of the mirror frame. He blanched. Before anything could be said, Remus fired a Dark curse at Harry. Almost instantly, there was a flicker on Harry and the scarred form covered him, deftly blocking the oncoming curse. The two fell into a duel.
Once Remus lowered his wand, the ghostly form flickered and disappeared, leaving Harry to lower his wand. There was silence in the dungeon office as Remus and Severus stared at Harry. The boy sighed after a moment and seemed to nod to someone.
Moments later, the boy who had dueled Remus was sitting there on the edge of the desk, surrounding Harry's body. The green eyes, so like Harry's, glazed over for a minute before looking at Remus and Severus. The voice still seemed a little like Harry's, but it had a foreign tint in it.
"I told Harry that he'd want to listen to this. I've been Alex for the last few months, ever since that day Harry was in the Hospital Wing. However, Alex isn't my real name. I don't think I can tell you my real name yet—for all I know, he might be evil or something. I have a theory, however, that this is an Alternate Universe formed by a choice in my world, or vise versa. For example, in my world, Harry Snape doesn't exist. Lily Evans married another man, not a Snape. There's a half-blood as a rising Dark lord who was just recently killed. The Slytherin house is basically seen as evil, except for a few people who see past the prejudice. There are probably several other differences I just haven't figured out yet, or just can't tell you. So… now that you know what I am and how I'm here, you can do what you want with me." He spread his hands slightly and waited for them to decide what to do. His eyes glazed over as he held a conversation with Harry. Severus turned to Remus.
"I don't know Remus, he seems rather suspicious to me. After all, he's been here for two months and hasn't told us." Remus shrugged.
"Ah, but you must realize, he didn't do anything harmful or suspicious during that time either. Also, you saw all the curses and counter curses used in that duel. His power level is high; if he wanted to harm something, he could've done so before. Besides, Harry likes him. I say we should accept him."
Severus glanced over at the ghostly Alex and sighed in resignation.
"Alright. Alex?" The boy turned to look at him.
"If you'll promise not to come out unless needed or if Harry relinquishes control, I don't mind you inhabiting my son's body. I would, however, like to see if we can find a way of getting you your own body." Alex bowed slightly in acceptance and his form flickered out, leaving Harry to grin at his father and godfather before heading back to the common room.
Harry was eating breakfast the next morning when he had to drop his fork and grab his head, wincing, as Alex began to scream profound curses at the tall man who had just entered the Hall.
"You ok Harry?" Blaise asked, leaning over with a concerned expression on his face. The other boy replied through clenched teeth.
"Just a bad headache. It'll pass." Blaise returned to his meal slowly, sending concerned glances Harry's way every now and then. Harry managed to break into Alex's tirade.
~ --you bloody -- ~ Alex ranted, sounding furious.
# Alex! Calm down! It's ok! # Harry interrupted, trying to sooth the spirit. Alex responded angrily, though he seemed a little calmer.
~How can you let him in here?!?~ He demanded, but only received a faint wave of confusion from Harry in response.
# That's Tom Riddle, the Minister of Magic. He's Dumbledore's great-grandson or something like that. # There was silence from Harry, along with an abrupt lack of anger. Confused, Harry looked on the reflective metal of his goblet and grinned—the other boy had fainted. With a shrug, he returned to eating his breakfast and trying to convince Draco and Blaise he was fine.
Harry went to Severus again that night to talk. All of a sudden, his father changed the subject.
"I think you should tell Professor Dumbledore about Alex." Alex jerked awake from his light doze and spoke to Harry.
~ No! I knew him well in my own time and world; I don't want him to see me like this and be suspicious of me. ~ Alex pleaded.
Harry relayed the words to Severus, who frowned slightly, but didn't press it. Alex came out at Harry's permission, looking at Severus.
"Who's Sirius Black?" The older man grinned slightly.
"Black's a well known author of DADA books. Seems to really like his job." Alex blinked.
"Really?
In my world he was an innocent fugitive. He was framed for murder and finally
cleared, after his death." Severus shrugged slightly. Alex glanced towards the
desk and the bubbling potion and grimaced faintly.
"I'll let you finish your potion now…" With a faint shudder, he turned back to Harry, who grinned and ran off for a game of chess with Draco.
~~~
Harry flipped through a large volume, scanning the pages for anything that might help with their situation. Alex watched carefully to see if there was anything Harry missed. The book was soon pushed away to join the growing pile of books as another was pulled over and opened. Harry yawned. They had been looking in the library for several days, but to no avail.
~ Wait! ~ Alex exclaimed suddenly. Harry instantly stopped turning the pages as the other boy fell silent in thought for a minute.
~ Turn back a few pages please. It was something on how to give a spirit a body; it just might work. ~ Alex ordered and Harry obediently flipped the pages back, skimmed over the page, and grinned.
# I think it should. You seem to have most of the symptoms of the spirits this spell was made for. Should we try it? # Alex's voice was determined.
~As soon as we can. ~ With a small smile, Harry began to read the directions.
Harry lifted the cauldron off the fire and placed the final touches on the small table that sat next to his bed, sprinkling the Unicorn water over it. He spoke to Alex as the potion cooled.
# So why the Unicorn water again? # Alex's voice came back, somewhat cranky.
~ It acts as the Muggles' Holy water, keeping other spirits from taking the body meant for me. I think the potion's ready. Are you? ~ He asked, preventing Harry from asking another torrent of questions. In response, Harry grinned slightly and bottled the potion, putting some in a goblet and raising it to his lips.
# Yeah. Are you? #
~ Go ~ He tilted his head back and swallowed the silvery blue potion. It flowed down his throat. There was a sudden burning feeling that spread all over his body, from the tips of his toes to the top of his skull. Alex's frantic voice broke through his thoughts, sounding pained.
~ The spell! Cast the spell! ~ Harry grabbed his wand with numbing fingers, gasping out the incantation. There was a sharp flash of pain, and a blinding light that flared in front of Harry's eyes, frightening him.
As it cleared, he felt a peculiar emptiness in his head. His forehead creased slightly in a frown until his vision cleared, and he glanced over at the presence he felt in the room. He blinked. The body he had grown used to seeing as a ghost form over his own stood a few steps away from him.
The taller boy looked down at his hands, running calloused pads over thin, raised scars, and lifted his emerald gaze to meet Harry's. Now that the green gaze wasn't only half there, he could spot soft flecks of gold and cold flecks of onyx deep in the green. The voice that spoke was low and hoarse, faintly husky, and incredulous, with a cautious undertone that seemed to be a reflex.
"This is my own body Harry… I was expecting a different one…" He rasped as Harry smiled, though his eyes flickered along the jagged scar that ran across Alex's face.
"Maybe we should go see Dad and Remus," he offered.
Alex nodded, following Harry as he led the way out the door down towards the Potions Master's office. He reached down towards his right leg and grinned slightly as he stood back up, quickly catching up to Harry with only a few long strides.
----
Severus and Remus looked up from their discussion when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Severus called out. The door swung open and admitted two 17 year olds. They automatically placed Harry, but the boy behind him drew their attention. He walked with a quiet, sleek grace, though is posture was guarded. His clothes were black, with a loose cloak draped over a glossy silk shirt and plain black pants. Remus met the green eyes, and nearly recoiled at the intensity of his gaze. Pain, haunted days, joy, sorrow, happiness—all this was hidden behind a cold, determined stare, with maturity and age like a cloak around him. Severus, however, seemed not to notice this.
"Alex?"
Remus watched the intense gaze light, flickering to the Potions Master. The old, dark aura was covered with a happy, carefree air. The werewolf was not fooled, but said nothing.
"Yeah? That's me." His glance flickered to Remus before returning to Severus. The tall man smiled slightly.
"Can I assume you'd like to finish your schooling? From what you told us, you weren't done yet." A slight grin tugged at Alex's face, after a glance to Harry standing at the side.
"It would be appreciated sir," he responded, reaching up to brush away an ebony strand.
"You'll need a last name and a history, as well as a reason for transferring," Remus said, still studying the boy intently. Three pairs of eyes turned to look at Severus and the man scowled.
"Why do I have to think of everything? All right then. You can be my friend's son, home schooled. Last name…" Alex broke in with an idea.
"Of Lethyl." The others shared glances, and Harry nodded with a thoughtful frown.
"I like it. We should probably go tell Dumbledore so we can get Alex's stuff. We'll have to find a wand--" he was cut off as a silvery thestral raced around the room for a moment. Alex grinned and slipped his wand back into the small, black leather holster on his right leg. Remus chuckled.
"I guess we can take the wand off the list. Let's go tell Albus." The four were silent as they made their way to a familiar gargoyle. Alex watched in faint amusement as Severus sighed theatrically and said the password (Orange TicTacs) causing the gargoyle to jump away. They spent the next couple of seconds on the moving stairs before they reached the top.
Albus Dumbledore sent a 'Come In' through the door, which swung open, admitting them into the lushly decorated room. The aging headmaster looked with faint surprise at the four that entered, his gaze focused mainly on Alex. The boy returned the gaze without flinching, before Severus cleared his throat and began the introductions.
"Alex, this is Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts' Headmaster. Albus, this is Alex Lethyl, the son of one of my close friends. He's been home schooled, but his dad decided it was time for him to go to a school. We know it's rather late in the year, and that NEWTS are coming up, but Alex can handle it. I'd appreciate it if you agreed to sort him tonight, Albus." The Headmaster looked at Alex again, twinkling blue locking with determined green. The old man smiled and nodded.
"Very well Severus. Alex, please come to dinner tonight. We will sort you then." A slight smile crossed the boy's face as he nodded to Dumbledore.
"Thank you sir." With a glance to Remus, he left the room with Harry. Albus looked at Remus with a raised eyebrow. The werewolf returned the solemn gaze before finally speaking.
"He's not dark, if that's what you're wondering." Severus looked at his friend in faint surprise, but Dumbledore simply the other shrugged. Severus stood and nodded to Dumbledore.
"See you tonight Headmaster." He left the familiar office. Several minutes later, Remus left to follow his foreboding friend down to the dungeons.
Dinner that night was a calm affair at first, unless you noticed Severus Snape's empty seat, or Harry Snape constantly checking his watch the time. Finally, Albus stood, slowly gaining the Hall's attention. He looked out at the crowd of students and smiled, ignoring (though with amusement) the whispers when the Sorting Hat and the stool was brought out.
"Hogwarts students, I'm sure that you would all be interested to be informed that Professor Snape's friend's son is joining our school today. He was home schooled before this, but I'm sure you will all help him relax. May I present Alexander Lethyl, our newest 7th year." The large Hall doors swung open, allowing two people to enter. Eyes flickered over the familiar face of their Potions Professor to their new student. His intense gaze scanned the room quickly, drinking in faces. There were a few muffled gasps at the sight of his scars, and whispering conversations broke out.
Ignoring it with an ease born out of years of practice, Alex placed the Sorting Hat on his head as he sat on the stool. He smiled as the familiar voice spoke in his head.
^ Dimension traveler? My, my Harry Potter, a knack for getting into trouble, eh? ^ With a chuckle, Alex answered.
~ Accidental, I swear. And I don't try to find trouble—it finds me. ~ A few students began to shift restlessly, and the Hat sighed.
^ Impatient children…^ The hat grumbled ^Let's take a look in you, hmm? ^ There was a moment of silence that followed.
^ Not Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw for you, and now I must agree with the other me—the house for you is… SLYTHERIN! ^ The Slytherin table broke into cheers as Alex removed the Hat with a whispered promise of future talk, and headed for the seat next to Harry. The Snape heir grinned at his friend.
"I knew you were a Slytherin!" Alex chuckled, though his eyes flicked to the Gryffindor table for a moment. With a faint shake of his head, he turned back to Harry, only to find the other boy had followed his glance. He blinked in surprise at Alex as he joined several pieces of the puzzle together.
"You were a Gryffindor?" Alex shrugged lightly, but explained his history.
"I'd just recently found out I was a wizard. While at Hogwarts, before we were sorted, a real snob insulted the friend I'd just made on the train. He was sorted before me and got into Slytherin. The Hat said I'd be great if I went into Slytherin, but I didn't want to be with the snob. I said no, and it put me in Gryffindor." A grin crossed his face at Harry's dumbstruck expression, and he calmly ate his dinner, pausing only long enough to remind the other boy that he should eat as well.
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So what did you think? The authors note here is a new page, and the authors note at the beginning was about one page, so that makes this first chapter 13 pages long. PLEASE let me know what you thought, even if you hated it!
I've got about another 14 stories going at the same time, so don't expect that many updates. I have all these ideas that I start, and then I never finish… that's why a lot of my stories are one shots. And I have no idea where Vampiric Pasts is going, so please, don't ask. Not a clue. For now, it's just… happening. *shrugs* Anyway, I'll save this and send it to a beta… and then post it when I get it back… and yeah. I'm tired.
Lerafea—thanks for beta-ing it!
~mednar