A/N: Okay, so this is my second real attempt at a larger, more serious
piece of HP-fanfic. Don't blame me. It's all JK's fault.
So, this is it. No explanation, really. And you're still reading. Good. Read on, and prepare for much Snape.
SPOILERS: beware, this is in a post OotP setting, and if you are one of the three people on this planet, who haven't yet read the book, stop reading here, or go on at your own risk. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Second Chance
Chapter One: The Plan
"Pssst, Harry!"
Someone was whispering something from the bushes, as Harry was making his way back to Privet Drive, via Wisteria Walk. Harry looked round to see who was daft enough to hide in the rhododendrons like that.
It was Mundungus Fletcher.
"Oh, hello, Dung," Harry said, raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing there?"
"I was trying to get your attention," grinned Mundungus. "There's something someone wanted me to give to you."
Harry looked puzzled at this cryptic way of putting it. "Who wants you to give me what?"
"Can't tell," said Mundungus mysteriously. "You'll see." He handed Harry a piece of folded parchment. "Don't read it 'til you're home," warned Mundungus, before he Disapparated with a pop.
Harry was very, very puzzled now.
As soon as he had reached his bedroom in 4, Privet Drive, Harry unfolded the parchment. It turned out to be a letter in a very neat and slightly familiar script. It was very small and narrow, and written in black ink.
'To Harry Potter,
Go to meet me in the same spot Mundungus Fletcher used to give you this note, tomorrow, ten in the morning. Pack your school things, but leave them in your bedroom. Take only the most necessary things with you for a stay away from home that could last up to a week.
Sincerely,
S.S.'
Harry had to read the note at least five times before its message got to him. 'S.S.' though? Would - no, could it be Snape ? Why would Snape want a secret meeting with him? Where would he take Harry? What was all this about?
Harry decided it wouldn't hurt to go, as Mundungus had delivered the message, and therefore it couldn't be anything illegal, now could it?
Not one of the Dursleys paid him particular attention when he left the house the next morning at ten to ten. He walked briskly through the bright sunny morning, whistling quietly.
It took him under five minutes to reach the rhododendrons, and as soon as he had arrived, he heard, "Get over here," hissed from within the heavy and close foliage of the large rhododendron.
Harry wormed into the shrub, crouching slightly, and took a look around as soon as his eyes had gotten used to the relative dark. The first thing he saw was Severus Snape, his Potions Master, standing in an uncomfortable bend-over position, his head tilted up to look at Harry.
"Morning, Potter," said Snape bluntly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to meet teachers in large bushes.
"Morning, Professor," Harry returned the greeting, trying to read from Snape's face what he was up to. He didn't get any wiser there; Snape was as closed as a jar on one of the shelves in his office.
"Before I tell you what in Merlin's name this is about," grunted Snape, "would you get over here? Now?"
"Eh," said Harry, stepping forward. He never got to finish his sentence, because Snape grabbed him quickly by his arm, and did something that made the world revolve around them. Harry closed his eyes as soon as he felt his stomach decided it was time to throw his breakfast out again and waited until he felt firm ground beneath his feet again.
"Hey," he said, after opening his eyes and looking around, "we're in Grimmauld Place!"
"You must be joking," muttered Snape, as number 12 suddenly appeared out of nowhere. "You have a gift for deduction, did you know that, Potter?"
Harry thought it best to ignore Snape's biting sarcasm as they entered the house.
It was strange to enter the place again, after having spent so much time there in Sirius's company. Harry gulped. He wouldn't meet his godfather here, ever again. He fought back the prickling feeling, itching at the corners of his eyes.
Snape led him to the kitchen. As they passed the stairs to the upper floors, Harry heard commotion from up there. He was puzzled. There had never been so many noisy visitors to Grimmauld Place before.
All this bustle was soon explained as they entered the kitchen.
Round the large, oak table sat a great number of people, who were all unfamiliar to Harry, except the man in their very middle.
"Remus!" exclaimed Harry, overjoyed at the sight of him. Remus Lupin looked up quickly, saw Harry and hastened towards him.
"Harry," said Lupin, as he stopped in front of him. "Harry! So good to see you! How are you?"
"I'm okay," said Harry, smiling broadly. "Who are all these people?"
Lupin grinned proudly and looked behind him, at the large group still discussing something. "They are, you could say, my 'little project'. They're all werewolves, under the influence of Wolfsbane Potion. Upstairs are the vampires, who need relative dark." He looked at Harry's stunned face for a moment, then added, "They're a bit noisy on the moment, I've noticed. They're in a slightly festive mood, I guess, celebrating a new guest."
"But - why - " Harry stuttered, still amazed at the sheer number of Dark people stuffed into the house.
Lupin smiled. "Voldemort doesn't much like werewolves and vampires, as they're regarded as half-men and half-women," he said. "Dumbledore sees their value, and would like to offer them something good. So far, we've been able to provide them with food, shelter, and, most importantly, respect and certainty."
Harry nodded. It made sense. In a way.
"But that's not what we are here for," sneered Snape behind him, reminding him of the Potions Master's presence. Harry turned around to face him.
"So what ARE we here for?" he asked. He was surprised to see Snape first looking up questioningly at Lupin, who nodded, before he answered Harry's question.
"We are here to do something Dumbledore would normally not approve of," he said, in a low conspiratorial sort of voice. "In fact, he would never approve of it."
"What is it he wouldn't approve of?" asked Harry, immensely curious.
Snape and Lupin leaned in closer, and Snape dropped his voice to a whisper. "Lupin and I are going back in time, as younger versions of ourselves, to go and pick someone up from our first year at Hogwarts."
Harry's head was spinning and he squeezed his eyes closed. "Wait a second," he said slowly, thinking it all over. "You mean to say you're going to change back to kids, then go back in time and pick someone up from there to take them back to this time?" He looked back up at them.
Snape and Lupin nodded simultaneously. It was a strange sight.
"Who? And why?" asked Harry after some time.
"You will see in due time," answered Snape, looking down on Harry again. "Let's just say it is someone who needs to be taught."
Harry was still as puzzled. "How are you going to do it, and when?"
"With a few complex potions Severus is brewing. They should be finished in some two days," answered Lupin.
"Actually," corrected Snape him, "more likely tomorrow."
"Ah," said Lupin.
They were suddenly interrupted by an eruption of noise in the hall.
"What the - " started Snape, turning sharply on his heels to face the door.
The door flew open with a BENG! Lupin raised his eyebrows, incredulous. The explanation soon followed, as the Weasley family plus Hermione and Tonks entered the kitchen.
"What is this?" cried Molly Weasley furiously. "Who are all these people?"
"They are my guests," said Lupin blankly, shocked at her outburst.
"They have no business here," said Mrs Weasley, possibly even angrier now.
"They are my guests," Lupin repeated with emphasis. "This is MY house now."
Everyone went silent at this statement, quietly remembering why and how it had become Lupin's again. Mrs Weasley swallowed, completely subdued. "I'm really sorry, Remus," she whispered, one tear rolling down her cheeks. "I should have thought better."
"It's okay," said Lupin soothingly, forcing a smile. "Perhaps I should have warned you."
After everyone had calmed down, the Weasleys were introduced to Lupin's guests present in the kitchen. They all moved a little closer together, so the additional ten people could sit somewhere in the vicinity of the table.
Snape had meanwhile quietly retreated into a corner, watching the proceedings with a closed and dark expression on his face. Harry knew he must feel like an outsider. He approached Snape cautiously, and stopped when the Potions Master had slowly turned his head into Harry's direction.
"What is it, Potter?" he asked quietly, bitterness in his eyes and voice.
"I thought you must feel kind of left out," Harry said conversationally.
Snape snorted. "And what if I did? Would it be any of your concern?"
"Not really," acknowledged Harry, shrugging.
"Well then," said Snape, a bit quieter, but now with a threatening gleam in his eyes. "Why don't you run off to join your little family, then?"
"I think I will," said Harry, angry and slightly disappointed, though cursing himself for expecting any other reaction from Snape. He turned around and went to sit with Ron and Hermione, not looking at Snape again.
Snape continued to glare at Harry for a moment, then swept out of he kitchen.
Harry was back down in the kitchen again that morning very early. He knew the were people would all be gone, as it had been full moon that night, but he didn't find the kitchen empty.
At the table, his back to him, sat a young boy with shoulder-long black hair, wairing Hogwarts robes. He was fidgeting around with something Harry couldn't see.
"Er, hi," tried Harry. The boy - evidently some years younger than he was - spun around in his chair, his eyes large, his wand pointing directly at Harry's heart.
"There's no use for that," Harry said quickly, and the boy lowered his wand, frowning at Harry.
"What are you doing down here this early, Potter?" the boy asked. Harry blinked. Could it be -
"Professor Snape?" Harry managed to say, gaping at the boy, who sneered back at him.
"What had you expected?" he said. "His granny?"
"N-no," mumbled Harry, uncertain of what he'd expected.
Professor Boy Snape briskly got to his feet and walked around his chair, looking at a small bottle of potion. Harry noticed the child version of Snape only reached to his shoulder. He couldn't have been older than eleven.
"The Time Track Potion is finished," said the boy Snape, not looking up at Harry, who still had his mouth open in awe. "There appears to be not enough for me AND Lupin to go back and forth in time, returning with - ah, someone else." Snape had cautiously steered clear off the identity of the person who he was supposed to be picking up in history.
"You're going alone?" Harry said, feeling utterly stupid at having done so only seconds later. Bad Harry, he thought. You shouldn't be asking the obvious.
Snape raised an eyebrow. "No," he said, rolling his eyes, and Harry's jaw dropped again. "I will be escorted by my Aunt Clara, alright?" Harry closed his mouth again. Boy Snape was exactly as sarcastic as Professor Snape.
"Expect me back in about two to five hours," Snape said, now turning earnest. "Don't tell Arthur and Molly Weasley," he added. "They would not approve of it, either."
He popped the cork of the little bottle, and raised it to his mouth with slightly shacking hands. He took a gulp, popped the cork back on, and turned to Harry, his eyes slightly large with something Harry thought could be fear.
Slowly, Snape started to fade, from his feet upwards. The last thing to disappear were his wide eyes, still looking directly into Harry's. Then, with a small pop, he was gone entirely.
It took Harry some time to get back to his senses before the rest got downstairs.
A/N: Okay! That's the very first chapter! I hoped you liked it! Reviews are very welcome!
Next chapter: Snape will be returning with his protégé, Dumbledore won't like it, Snape will take rash decisions (which he had so obviously made on beforehand) and everyone is shocked. Find out more in our next episode!
So, this is it. No explanation, really. And you're still reading. Good. Read on, and prepare for much Snape.
SPOILERS: beware, this is in a post OotP setting, and if you are one of the three people on this planet, who haven't yet read the book, stop reading here, or go on at your own risk. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Second Chance
Chapter One: The Plan
"Pssst, Harry!"
Someone was whispering something from the bushes, as Harry was making his way back to Privet Drive, via Wisteria Walk. Harry looked round to see who was daft enough to hide in the rhododendrons like that.
It was Mundungus Fletcher.
"Oh, hello, Dung," Harry said, raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing there?"
"I was trying to get your attention," grinned Mundungus. "There's something someone wanted me to give to you."
Harry looked puzzled at this cryptic way of putting it. "Who wants you to give me what?"
"Can't tell," said Mundungus mysteriously. "You'll see." He handed Harry a piece of folded parchment. "Don't read it 'til you're home," warned Mundungus, before he Disapparated with a pop.
Harry was very, very puzzled now.
As soon as he had reached his bedroom in 4, Privet Drive, Harry unfolded the parchment. It turned out to be a letter in a very neat and slightly familiar script. It was very small and narrow, and written in black ink.
'To Harry Potter,
Go to meet me in the same spot Mundungus Fletcher used to give you this note, tomorrow, ten in the morning. Pack your school things, but leave them in your bedroom. Take only the most necessary things with you for a stay away from home that could last up to a week.
Sincerely,
S.S.'
Harry had to read the note at least five times before its message got to him. 'S.S.' though? Would - no, could it be Snape ? Why would Snape want a secret meeting with him? Where would he take Harry? What was all this about?
Harry decided it wouldn't hurt to go, as Mundungus had delivered the message, and therefore it couldn't be anything illegal, now could it?
Not one of the Dursleys paid him particular attention when he left the house the next morning at ten to ten. He walked briskly through the bright sunny morning, whistling quietly.
It took him under five minutes to reach the rhododendrons, and as soon as he had arrived, he heard, "Get over here," hissed from within the heavy and close foliage of the large rhododendron.
Harry wormed into the shrub, crouching slightly, and took a look around as soon as his eyes had gotten used to the relative dark. The first thing he saw was Severus Snape, his Potions Master, standing in an uncomfortable bend-over position, his head tilted up to look at Harry.
"Morning, Potter," said Snape bluntly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to meet teachers in large bushes.
"Morning, Professor," Harry returned the greeting, trying to read from Snape's face what he was up to. He didn't get any wiser there; Snape was as closed as a jar on one of the shelves in his office.
"Before I tell you what in Merlin's name this is about," grunted Snape, "would you get over here? Now?"
"Eh," said Harry, stepping forward. He never got to finish his sentence, because Snape grabbed him quickly by his arm, and did something that made the world revolve around them. Harry closed his eyes as soon as he felt his stomach decided it was time to throw his breakfast out again and waited until he felt firm ground beneath his feet again.
"Hey," he said, after opening his eyes and looking around, "we're in Grimmauld Place!"
"You must be joking," muttered Snape, as number 12 suddenly appeared out of nowhere. "You have a gift for deduction, did you know that, Potter?"
Harry thought it best to ignore Snape's biting sarcasm as they entered the house.
It was strange to enter the place again, after having spent so much time there in Sirius's company. Harry gulped. He wouldn't meet his godfather here, ever again. He fought back the prickling feeling, itching at the corners of his eyes.
Snape led him to the kitchen. As they passed the stairs to the upper floors, Harry heard commotion from up there. He was puzzled. There had never been so many noisy visitors to Grimmauld Place before.
All this bustle was soon explained as they entered the kitchen.
Round the large, oak table sat a great number of people, who were all unfamiliar to Harry, except the man in their very middle.
"Remus!" exclaimed Harry, overjoyed at the sight of him. Remus Lupin looked up quickly, saw Harry and hastened towards him.
"Harry," said Lupin, as he stopped in front of him. "Harry! So good to see you! How are you?"
"I'm okay," said Harry, smiling broadly. "Who are all these people?"
Lupin grinned proudly and looked behind him, at the large group still discussing something. "They are, you could say, my 'little project'. They're all werewolves, under the influence of Wolfsbane Potion. Upstairs are the vampires, who need relative dark." He looked at Harry's stunned face for a moment, then added, "They're a bit noisy on the moment, I've noticed. They're in a slightly festive mood, I guess, celebrating a new guest."
"But - why - " Harry stuttered, still amazed at the sheer number of Dark people stuffed into the house.
Lupin smiled. "Voldemort doesn't much like werewolves and vampires, as they're regarded as half-men and half-women," he said. "Dumbledore sees their value, and would like to offer them something good. So far, we've been able to provide them with food, shelter, and, most importantly, respect and certainty."
Harry nodded. It made sense. In a way.
"But that's not what we are here for," sneered Snape behind him, reminding him of the Potions Master's presence. Harry turned around to face him.
"So what ARE we here for?" he asked. He was surprised to see Snape first looking up questioningly at Lupin, who nodded, before he answered Harry's question.
"We are here to do something Dumbledore would normally not approve of," he said, in a low conspiratorial sort of voice. "In fact, he would never approve of it."
"What is it he wouldn't approve of?" asked Harry, immensely curious.
Snape and Lupin leaned in closer, and Snape dropped his voice to a whisper. "Lupin and I are going back in time, as younger versions of ourselves, to go and pick someone up from our first year at Hogwarts."
Harry's head was spinning and he squeezed his eyes closed. "Wait a second," he said slowly, thinking it all over. "You mean to say you're going to change back to kids, then go back in time and pick someone up from there to take them back to this time?" He looked back up at them.
Snape and Lupin nodded simultaneously. It was a strange sight.
"Who? And why?" asked Harry after some time.
"You will see in due time," answered Snape, looking down on Harry again. "Let's just say it is someone who needs to be taught."
Harry was still as puzzled. "How are you going to do it, and when?"
"With a few complex potions Severus is brewing. They should be finished in some two days," answered Lupin.
"Actually," corrected Snape him, "more likely tomorrow."
"Ah," said Lupin.
They were suddenly interrupted by an eruption of noise in the hall.
"What the - " started Snape, turning sharply on his heels to face the door.
The door flew open with a BENG! Lupin raised his eyebrows, incredulous. The explanation soon followed, as the Weasley family plus Hermione and Tonks entered the kitchen.
"What is this?" cried Molly Weasley furiously. "Who are all these people?"
"They are my guests," said Lupin blankly, shocked at her outburst.
"They have no business here," said Mrs Weasley, possibly even angrier now.
"They are my guests," Lupin repeated with emphasis. "This is MY house now."
Everyone went silent at this statement, quietly remembering why and how it had become Lupin's again. Mrs Weasley swallowed, completely subdued. "I'm really sorry, Remus," she whispered, one tear rolling down her cheeks. "I should have thought better."
"It's okay," said Lupin soothingly, forcing a smile. "Perhaps I should have warned you."
After everyone had calmed down, the Weasleys were introduced to Lupin's guests present in the kitchen. They all moved a little closer together, so the additional ten people could sit somewhere in the vicinity of the table.
Snape had meanwhile quietly retreated into a corner, watching the proceedings with a closed and dark expression on his face. Harry knew he must feel like an outsider. He approached Snape cautiously, and stopped when the Potions Master had slowly turned his head into Harry's direction.
"What is it, Potter?" he asked quietly, bitterness in his eyes and voice.
"I thought you must feel kind of left out," Harry said conversationally.
Snape snorted. "And what if I did? Would it be any of your concern?"
"Not really," acknowledged Harry, shrugging.
"Well then," said Snape, a bit quieter, but now with a threatening gleam in his eyes. "Why don't you run off to join your little family, then?"
"I think I will," said Harry, angry and slightly disappointed, though cursing himself for expecting any other reaction from Snape. He turned around and went to sit with Ron and Hermione, not looking at Snape again.
Snape continued to glare at Harry for a moment, then swept out of he kitchen.
Harry was back down in the kitchen again that morning very early. He knew the were people would all be gone, as it had been full moon that night, but he didn't find the kitchen empty.
At the table, his back to him, sat a young boy with shoulder-long black hair, wairing Hogwarts robes. He was fidgeting around with something Harry couldn't see.
"Er, hi," tried Harry. The boy - evidently some years younger than he was - spun around in his chair, his eyes large, his wand pointing directly at Harry's heart.
"There's no use for that," Harry said quickly, and the boy lowered his wand, frowning at Harry.
"What are you doing down here this early, Potter?" the boy asked. Harry blinked. Could it be -
"Professor Snape?" Harry managed to say, gaping at the boy, who sneered back at him.
"What had you expected?" he said. "His granny?"
"N-no," mumbled Harry, uncertain of what he'd expected.
Professor Boy Snape briskly got to his feet and walked around his chair, looking at a small bottle of potion. Harry noticed the child version of Snape only reached to his shoulder. He couldn't have been older than eleven.
"The Time Track Potion is finished," said the boy Snape, not looking up at Harry, who still had his mouth open in awe. "There appears to be not enough for me AND Lupin to go back and forth in time, returning with - ah, someone else." Snape had cautiously steered clear off the identity of the person who he was supposed to be picking up in history.
"You're going alone?" Harry said, feeling utterly stupid at having done so only seconds later. Bad Harry, he thought. You shouldn't be asking the obvious.
Snape raised an eyebrow. "No," he said, rolling his eyes, and Harry's jaw dropped again. "I will be escorted by my Aunt Clara, alright?" Harry closed his mouth again. Boy Snape was exactly as sarcastic as Professor Snape.
"Expect me back in about two to five hours," Snape said, now turning earnest. "Don't tell Arthur and Molly Weasley," he added. "They would not approve of it, either."
He popped the cork of the little bottle, and raised it to his mouth with slightly shacking hands. He took a gulp, popped the cork back on, and turned to Harry, his eyes slightly large with something Harry thought could be fear.
Slowly, Snape started to fade, from his feet upwards. The last thing to disappear were his wide eyes, still looking directly into Harry's. Then, with a small pop, he was gone entirely.
It took Harry some time to get back to his senses before the rest got downstairs.
A/N: Okay! That's the very first chapter! I hoped you liked it! Reviews are very welcome!
Next chapter: Snape will be returning with his protégé, Dumbledore won't like it, Snape will take rash decisions (which he had so obviously made on beforehand) and everyone is shocked. Find out more in our next episode!