AN: There's really no excuse for me having left this so long. I'm really
extremely sorry I haven't updated in the last age. All I can say is that
Writer's Block is a bitch ('scuse language). On the plus side, I did get a
squillion reviews out of it! (Okay only 41, but come on! That's (as Ron
would put it) bloody brilliant.
Now, you're all going to hate me, but bear with me a while, while I thank all my reviewers:
Ayame: Thank you so, so much for your help and advice with this chapter, I really do appreciate it.
Mikee: No, a grindylow didn't get the first chapter *snicker* And thanks for the enthusiastic review of my author's note ^_~
Kaat ShadowLover: No, Harry didn't get to see the rest of his parents' wedding, but it's still floating around in there somewhere. I might even get back to it at some stage. And yes, Harry's memories did get left in the pensieve, as is mentioned in the next chapter. I hope this story lives up to your expectations.
Oompa: *huge grin* Really? 800 times? I feel loved!
Minerva-Severus-Dumbledore: Hehe, yes. I hope my sequel isn't a wash-out like a lot of sequels are.
adrina skywalker: Thanks. Sorry I wasn't too quick about getting this next chapter out.
Lee Lee Potter: *L* I'm just glad you liked it so much. And I'm glad I managed to refresh your memory at the beginning there without going on and on for pages about it all. Lessee. Yes, Harry's memory stays in the pensieve. And - I'm not entirely sure whether or not Severus actually saw that memory. He ran out of the room before I could ask him. *mysterious look* All will be explained in the NEXT chapter.
xikum: Ooooo! Fuel for my imagination! Re-reading your review just gave me a great idea! Thank you! When I use it, I'll dedicate the chapter to you. Hmm as for the rest of your review. Draco. I have some ideas for him, but I'm not sure what they mean. I THINK he will be good, but there's no slashiness ahead for my two favourite students. Since the whole memories and pensieve thing is part of the idea you gave me, I won't comment on it at this time, mm-kay? And you do have any ideas for me (yes! Please say yes! Hehe) just email them to me. My email address is in my bio. And as for that story.. I THINK I know which one your talking about. I'll see if I can find it and I'll send you the address.
Madame Padfoot: I think I can say yes to the romance for Sev part. I'm pretty much decided on that. And as for Harry's memories of Sev. there's a good chance of that too, only I don't know what they would be. At the moment, I only have an idea for one other memory, thanks to my friend Ayame.
Vita Brevis: (an aside: I find your nom-de-plume really interesting. Where'd you come up with it?) Hehe. Always glad to oblige my reviewers, even tho it's taken me a while to get this chapter out.
Linds: Fantastic ass, hey? Cool. I like the sound of that.
Mikee (back again): lol, your questions have been answered. In part in this chapter, and the rest in the next one.
Saavik: -_- You know, I never paused to think if a pensieve could spill. But surely not, right? I mean, it is a magical device. But still, interesting thought. *considers stealing it to use in another fic*
Shambling Silk: Try and stop me. ^_~
Asioleh: *grins* Sorry I kept you hanging for so long on the sequel, and then again on the second chapter. I promise that the next chapter won't take nearly so long. As for those romances: There will be a Severus one, but I'm not sure about a Harry one. If there IS a Harry one, it won't be Harry/Draco, I'm afraid.
Rhiannon: You're welcome. *g* I only hope the sequel IS as good as TBC
Kayla Summers: Yes, I know I need to get better at updating. and thank you so much for the compliment.
tima: More, more! I need more compliments! I thrive on compliments! *laughs* Thank you! I do love compliments.
Schulyr: Wow. Thank you. I really do try to make my stories believable and original. And as for that truce between Draco and Harry, that will be expanded on. I really do hate Draco being made out to be the bad guy.
Elektra Joradees Gamblin: Eh. Silly rule about only one review per chapter. It's a good thing I have another chapter already lined up after this one.
Diana Lucille Snape: Um, well Sirius and Remus feature in this chapter, but no Draco yet, sorry. And thank you for hanging around to READ my sequel.
Azaelian: You know, when I first introduced the pensieve, I never intended it to have such a large role in my story, but it's managed to make itself central. And the blood-magic type thing will be explored more thoroughly in this story too.
Tantz: Confetti? For me? Why thank you. As for the plug: any time.
Lokia: lol, I do like making people laugh. Especially when I get to shock the characters doing so. Only, I'm not sure how funny this one will be.
Dark Blood: Why thank you. I WAS a little worried that the firs chapter would go wrong, but not anymore.
Heston: Thank you. I'd hate to think that anything I'd written wasn't original in at least one aspect. That's almost as bad as losing someone's attention. ^_~
ptijade: Well, it's not quite soon, but it is un update.
Aurelius: Erm, sorry about keeping you waiting
Sakura Le: It doesn't matter if you never reviewed the first part. You reviewed this part, and for that I'm eternally grateful.
Gryffie: In a manner of speaking: Yes, Harry's blood type is exactly the reason he survived Voldemort's attack. And yes, the blood-magic type does have a lot to do with this story.
Allin Aspire: lol, the quetzalcoatl are another thing that was meant to be inconsequential to my story, but got away on me. I'm glad you enjoyed the Blood Connection and are enjoying this fic
Katwoman: Oh, don't worry about me stopping writing it. I'd probably be hounded to death if I did.
Dark-One Shadowphyre: Hey. Thank you for reviewing my story. And I really did have to write a sequel to the Blood Connection, so you're in luck ^_~
SilverWolf: You know, I'm not sure how he had that memory pulled from him. And you'd think I would, since it's my plot device *g*
ZetaStar: Why thank you. You've read more than one of my stories? *is flattered*
Delfeus: I'm sorry. I have to disappoint you. No Harry/Draco in this story, no matter how much I'd love to have it in there. I just didn't want both father AND son to be gay. But there's other slash.
Lisa: Yes! Update your story! Now, on to your review. *g* I know what you mean about not having enough time on the internet! I need more! You know, I was actually considering emailing you and asking if you'd mind if I used your idea about the pensieve myself.. But then I decided not too. ^_^ lol, just for you, I'll show the rest of the wedding memory at some point. *blushes* thank you for saying my idea was original. That's the highest praise you could give me! *glomps*
the-ladyship-writers: Hehe, that's the idea. You're not meant to think of any of it until after I've written it. And then you're meant to go: 'Of course! How could I miss that? It was so obvious!' Ah, if only I could write like that. Glad your enjoying it.
serapotter: Great, huh? Glad you think so.
samson: Ooo, do you think you could beg a little? It would really boost my ego. *laughs* So glad you enjoyed the first story and like my snakes. I'm rather fond of them myself. I even have one of my own. Her name is Saami and her feathers are red and gold, much to my Slytherin disgust. Lol
Oompa (again): No! Don't bug me! Anything but that! On the other hand. it WOULD mean more emails. *L* But since you threatened so nicely (and since I happened to have finished the chapter) here's the next instalment:
Just one final thing before I let you get on with reading this long overdue chapter: Thank you to EMMA for beating this chapter for me, and pointing out a weakness in one of the paragraphs. I never would have noticed it otherwise.
Chapter Two: Let sleeping dogs lie
Harry again woke from disturbing dreams the next morning, only this time he remembered what they had been about. Over and over again his mind repeated that scene from the night Voldemort had killed Lily and James, and this time there was no Sakuna telling him to wake up.
Harry groaned and rubbed at his burning eyes. He added dreamless sleep potions to the list of things to ask his father about.
Slowly waking to full awareness of his surroundings, Harry realised someone was calling his name.
"Harry! Harry mate, get up!" Ron ripped Harry's covers from him, "If you don't hurry, you'll be late for breakfast.
Harry sat up groggily and fumbled for his glasses, "What time is it?"
"Late!" replied Ron, "Hurry up, there's waffles this morning."
Stifling another groan, Harry slid out of bed and grabbed his school robes, "Why don't you go on ahead, Ron? I'll meet you and 'Mione down there in fifteen minutes okay?"
Without waiting for Ron's reply, Harry headed for the bathroom to splash copious amounts of cold water on his face in hopes of waking himself up.
* * * * * * *
Ten minutes later, Harry was heading down the last set of stairs into the Entrance Hall, on his way to breakfast, not late at all. He was just in time to see his father entering the Great Hall ahead of him. Suddenly he had the burning need to confirm what he had seen in his pensieve the night before. He skipped the last risers and ran to catch up with his father.
Harry slammed into the hall after Severus, drawing attention from the closest students. Severus was already pacing down the aisle between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables. Not wanting to chase his father right down the hall, Harry called out instead.
"Pater!"
There came the sound of sharply indrawn breaths from both sides, and when Harry turned his head, he met disbelieving eyes from the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, even the Slytherins. Evidently, no one had really believed the fifth year Slytherins when they spread the story - Draco and his cohorts were looking particularly smug at being vindicated.
Harry sighed and looked away just as his father paused in front of him and turned. Severus glared mildly at the staring students as he strode back towards his son. Once within comfortable speaking distance, he turned his glare on Harry.
"I believe I told you not to address me as such in front of other students, Mr Snape-Potter."
Harry flushed, "Sorry, Professor."
Severus nodded curtly, "Now, you wished to speak to me?"
Harry was aware of the many eyes and the listening silence surrounding them and tempered his answer.
"Yes, but........ uh, not here?" he rolled his eyes sideways at the house tables.
Severus followed his gesture and glared coldly at the students until eyes began to drop and there was an industrious resumption of noise. He nodded at his son, and swept past him, out into the Entrance Hall again. Harry caught Ron and Hermione's eyes from the Gryffindor table and shrugged ruefully before following his father.
Standing in the middle of the Entrance Hall, Severus turned to face his son, folding his arms across his chest.
"What is it you wanted, Harry?"
Harry moved to stand in front of his father and shifted his weight a little nervously. At least he was being addressed as a son instead of a student again.
Harry wasn't sure where to start, so in the end he just blurted: "Was Dad's blood-magic type O-theta?"
Severus looked taken-aback at the abrupt question. He paused a moment before answering, "I - yes, it was. But how did you know that?"
Harry shuffled his feet and gazed down at them, "I remembered."
"You *remembered*?" Severus asked, surprised, "How could you remember something like that?"
Harry was a little embarrassed about the fact that he'd fallen asleep using his pensieve and wouldn't met his father's eyes as he answered, "I, um - I was using my pensieve last night and I - kind of - fell asleep........"
Severus shifted his weight closer to his son, "What do you mean you 'kind of' fell asleep?"
Harry flushed slightly and met Severus's eyes, "I feel asleep *in* the pensieve."
Severus drew back, "You feel asleep *in* the pensieve? How did you manage that?"
Harry opened his mouth to answer, but he was interrupted by the clatter of a group of first years running late for breakfast and he snapped his mouth closed.
Severus watched the students out of sight into the Great Hall, then turned back to his son.
"We'll talk about this tonight at dinner. Bring your pensieve with you to my rooms."
Severus only paused long enough to receive Harry's nod of agreement before he gave his son a small smile and swept back into the Great Hall. After a moment, Harry followed him, still puzzling over what he'd seen in the pensieve last night. When he sat down next to Hermione at the table, it took her elbowing him in the side to get his attention. She asked what was wrong, but Harry only shook his head and went back to trying to figure out why those two memories had risen to the surface of his mind, and wondering if they were the only ones that had.
* * * * * * *
Harry was distracted all day. He simply couldn't concentrate on anything for more than a moment. In Herbology, as the rest of the class was weeding the herb patch, Harry was de-herbing the weed patch. In DADA, when Professor Lupin asked him how he'd dealt with the Grindylow in the second task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, he told the class that he'd used the *Accio* charm. In Transfiguration, Harry managed to turn the chair he was meant to be changing into a broomstick into a cot. He had turned pale at the sight of it and didn't respond when McGonagall told him to turn it back. He lost Gryffindor ten points.
When finally classes ended for the day and Ron and Hermione tried to ask him what was wrong with him, he wouldn't answer. He challenged Ron to a chess game instead. Which he lost within ten minutes because his mind kept wandering upstairs to his pensieve.
Finally, at a quarter to seven, as his housemates were starting to head down to the Great Hall for dinner, Harry retrieved his pensieve from his room and headed towards the dungeons and his father's rooms.
He caught up to Professor Lupin and Snuffles in the dungeon corridor. Remus had one hand clenched in the scruff of Snuffles' neck and the great black dog appeared to be dragging his feet.
"Hello Professor. Hey Snuffles," Harry said as he approached the slow- moving pair. He eyed his godfather's animagus form before turning to the other man, "What's wrong with Snuffles, Professor?"
"Padfoot's not too happy about spending the evening with your father," if that smile had been on his father, Harry would have called it a smirk, but he'd never seen Remus smirk before.
Snuffles growled and fought against the restraining grip on his scruff. He was no match for Remus's werewolf strength, however, and only earned himself the full brunt of Remus's smirk, "He doesn't really have a choice in the matter, though. Dumbledore thought it would be a good idea."
Snuffles rolled his eyes and Harry had to agree. The last time his father and godfather had been in the same room together, they'd gotten into a yelling match that had ended with Harry storming out, angry with them both. Well, maybe with Remus there this evening, it would go differently.
Harry shifted the weight of the pensieve in his arms, freeing one of his hands. He rested his freed hand on Snuffles' shoulders, causing the dog to look up at him, "Thank you for coming, Sirius. It means a lot to me."
Snuffles huffed, then whined. He stopped resisting Remus's hand on his scruff and instead trotted a few paces down the hall before turning to look back over his shoulder with a particularly resigned expression on his face.
Remus laughed and looked at Harry, "Your father would be proud of your manipulation, Harry."
Harry widened his eyes innocently, "I don't know what you're talking about, Professor!"
Remus slanted him an amused look, "Of course you don't." He started down the hall after his animagus friend, "And it's Remus when we're not in class."
As the three reached the entrance to his father's rooms, Harry turned to address the tree in the landscape. "Requiem," he hissed in parseltongue, and the picture swung outwards, revealing a closed door. Before he had a chance to knock, the door opened inwards, revealing Severus standing on the other side. Harry readjusted the pensieve and smiled up at his father.
"Harry. Remus," Severus acknowledged the pair standing directly on his threshold before moving his eyes past them. His lip curled, "Black."
Harry glanced back over his shoulder to see that his godfather had resumed his human form. Harry sighed. Sirius was Not Pleased to be here, capitals and all. He turned away again.
"Hello Pater," Harry said and ducked past him into the room beyond.
"Good evening, Severus," Remus nodded to his fellow professor as he followed Harry into the room.
Both Harry and Remus turned back in time to see the brief stand-off in the doorway as Severus refused to move completely out of the way to allow Sirius to enter. Apparently, he wasn't going to move until the other man responded to his greeting. Just as obviously, Sirius was going to be stubborn about it. Until Harry caught his eye over his father's shoulder. Sirius relented.
"Snape," he acknowledged curtly.
Severus stepped back and allowed Sirius to enter his rooms. When he turned back from closing the door, there was a smirk on his face. Harry frowned and set his pensieve down on the little table between the wingback chairs in front of the hearth.
There was a table in the middle of the room that hadn't been there before, and it blocked all view of the mahogany desk at the other end of the room. The table had been set for four, and an assortment of dishes was already arranged amongst the cutlery and crockery. Harry had to hide a smirk when he saw a dish of chocolate truffles sitting rather close to one plate; he couldn't help recalling his birthday lunch, when Remus had first informed him that truffles were his father's favourite treat.
Suppressing the smirk, Harry turned to face the three older men in the room. All desire to smile died. Severus's lip was still curled as he eyed Sirius obliquely. There was a dark glint in his eyes, and Harry was reminded of the argument between these two men in Dumbledore's office not more than four days ago.
Remus was standing between his two friends, but behind either of them; he wasn't in their direct line of sight. Which probably explained why he wasn't guarding his expression. He didn't realise that Harry was watching and could see the troubled look in his eyes when he looked at Sirius that faded to wistfulness as his eyes travelled to Severus. Harry blinked, and by the time his eyes opened again, Remus had noticed his attention and had shuttered his expression.
Sirius, though, was the worst. He stood stiffly just inside the door, gazing appraisingly about the room. Harry saw when his eye caught on the photo of James, Lily and an infant Harry that stood on the mantelpiece. His eyes flashed, and for a moment, Harry read the lingering traces of betrayal there. Sirius looked away from the picture and his gaze landed on Severus. His brows lowered and his jaw set. Harry noticed that Sirius refused to even look at Remus now that he was confronted with all this proof of the true form of James's family. He still blamed Remus for not telling him and it was plain to see how much that hurt the werewolf.
Harry wished briefly that Sakuna was with him, but his quetzalcoatl familiar had informed him earlier that, via the medium of Sasu, Severus had decreed that Sakuna should be left behind. Looking around, Harry noticed that Sasu wasn't in evidence either. Harry supposed that she had been banished to his father's bedroom for the evening. Harry wasn't really surprised that the twin quetzalcoatl had been banned, considering the shambles they had made of his Potions class the morning before, but it would have been nice to have the support of his familiar. It didn't take a genius to know that this evening wouldn't be a simple convivial meal between friends and family.
Sighing, Harry moved to the table and took the chair at its foot. Remus followed his lead and took the seat adjacent to Harry's on the far side of the table. They both turned to watch Sirius and Severus eye each other up in a hostile manner. Finally, Severus looked away, and Sirius smiled triumphantly. Severus took his place at the head of the table and looked back at his adversary.
"Well, Black?" he snarked, "Do you plan on joining us or would you prefer-"
Whatever insult he was about to deliver was cut off when Remus placed a cautionary hand over his own. Harry didn't notice the gesture; he was watching his godfather. The smile had slipped from Sirius's features. It was replaced by a faint frown as Sirius took the last remaining seat, shifting it not-so-subtly closer to Harry's. Harry smiled briefly at him and turned in time to see his father looking at Remus, a faintly surprised expression on his face. Remus retracted his hand quickly and dropped it in his lap.
"Thank you for inviting us to dinner, Severus. I know that school has been back only a little over a week, but it's still nice to be able to sit down to a nice *quiet* meal on occasion. And I know Sirius has to be glad to have the chance to partake of a civilised meal in company..."
"So what are we having for dinner, Pater?" Harry said quickly, reaching for the nearest covered dish. His father had been about to use Remus's comments to insult his godfather, so he had jumped in before Severus could speak.
Severus's mouth shut with an audible click as he watched his son spoon rice onto his plate without even waiting for an answer, babbling all the while, "Oh rice, that's always a good accompaniment. And red wine casserole? No, that's not casserole, is it?" Harry set down the unidentified dish, and picked up a small bowl, knowing that his father was getting annoyed with him, "Yoghurt? With rice?" he set the bowl aside and lifted the lid off a ceramic pot, "What on earth is this?" He scooped some of the khaki-green, lumpy dish up and let it fall back into the pot, "Ugh. What ever it is, it doesn't look very appetising..."
He had pushed the pot away and was reaching for the plate of strange pancake-like breads when his father snapped, "Harry James Severus!"
Harry drew his hands back into his lap and looked up at the man at the other end of the table. Oops. Maybe he'd gone just a little too far in trying to divert attention. The Potions Master was looking distinctly displeased with his son's display. From the corner of his eye, Harry could see Remus covering a smile with his hand; the werewolf had caught on to what Harry had been trying to do.
"What do you think you are doing, Mr Snape-Potter?" Oh, see? Now, that wasn't good. His father was calling him by his last name. On Harry's other side, Sirius bristled at Severus's tone.
"Um? I was hungry?" Harry hazarded an explanation.
Severus's eyes bugged slightly, "Hungry? Hunger doesn't excuse acting like that, young man," - now Remus's smile had more to do with Severus's fatherly reaction than with Harry's actions - "I won't have any son of mine acting like an unmannered boor."
Sirius's chair toppled backwards as he shot up. Harry paled slightly and Remus lost all desire to laugh.
"How dare you talk to Harry like that, you Slytherin bastard!" Sirius snarled.
Severus stood slowly, drawing himself to his full height before he coldly replied, "I am Harry's father and I will talk to him in any manner I choose."
"Not while I'm around, you won't," Sirius had his hands clenched at his sides.
Severus looked down his nose at the other man, then deliberately sat back down, "Feel free to leave, then. I won't stop you."
"Demonic bastard. How you managed to trick James into..." Sirius caught himself and took a deep breath, "You have no idea how to treat Harry. You don't deser-"
"Sirius!" Remus brought both hands down on either side of his plate, making his dinner setting jump. Unfortunately, he didn't manage to shock sense into his friend, only draw attention to himself.
"And you're not a lot better, Remus. You knew even back in school what was going on and you never told me! How could you Remus? I was your best friend. Didn't that mean anything to you?"
"Of course it meant... it means something to me, Sirius, but James and Severus -"
"*Snape*," the derision was heavy in Sirius's tone and his eyes turned sad, "When did he come to mean more to you than I did? You don't."
"Sirius." Harry pleaded.
His godfather stopped and looked down at him, his jaw working harshly. His eyes softened slightly when they took in the plea in Harry's eyes and he nodded minutely, before stepping back from the table.
Severus had been uncharacteristically quiet through the entire exchange and when Sirius looked at him before turning away, he barely even curled his lip. Sirius said nothing more as he left the room.
"Sirius!" Remus jumped to his feet, "I'm sorry Severus, but I have to go after him..." Remus's hazel eyes begged for forgiveness.
Severus nodded briefly and Remus's strained lips twisted in a parody of a smile.
"Severus. Harry," Remus disappeared out the door after his hurt, angry friend, leaving Harry and Severus alone at the table, all the food untouched.
Severus watched the door for a long moment, a strange expression in his eyes. When he turned back to the sole remaining person at his table, he raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry Pater. I just didn't want you and Sirius to get into another fight." Who would have thought that an eyebrow would be such an effective tool in interrogation?
Severus continued to stare at his son for a long moment before the brow lowered and he sighed, "It would have ended this way sooner or later, Harry. Although, we might have been able to actually eat before it happened if you hadn't tried so hard to prevent it." * * * * * * * TBC
AN: does anyone remember what colour Remus's eyes actually are?
AN2: If this chapter seems a little incomplete, that's because it is in a fashion. I have the next chapter all but finished (as in there's about two more paragraphs to be written) and it runs straight on from the end of this one. I'll have it up in another two days, okay?
See that little button down the bottom left there?
Press! Press like the wind, readers!
Now, you're all going to hate me, but bear with me a while, while I thank all my reviewers:
Ayame: Thank you so, so much for your help and advice with this chapter, I really do appreciate it.
Mikee: No, a grindylow didn't get the first chapter *snicker* And thanks for the enthusiastic review of my author's note ^_~
Kaat ShadowLover: No, Harry didn't get to see the rest of his parents' wedding, but it's still floating around in there somewhere. I might even get back to it at some stage. And yes, Harry's memories did get left in the pensieve, as is mentioned in the next chapter. I hope this story lives up to your expectations.
Oompa: *huge grin* Really? 800 times? I feel loved!
Minerva-Severus-Dumbledore: Hehe, yes. I hope my sequel isn't a wash-out like a lot of sequels are.
adrina skywalker: Thanks. Sorry I wasn't too quick about getting this next chapter out.
Lee Lee Potter: *L* I'm just glad you liked it so much. And I'm glad I managed to refresh your memory at the beginning there without going on and on for pages about it all. Lessee. Yes, Harry's memory stays in the pensieve. And - I'm not entirely sure whether or not Severus actually saw that memory. He ran out of the room before I could ask him. *mysterious look* All will be explained in the NEXT chapter.
xikum: Ooooo! Fuel for my imagination! Re-reading your review just gave me a great idea! Thank you! When I use it, I'll dedicate the chapter to you. Hmm as for the rest of your review. Draco. I have some ideas for him, but I'm not sure what they mean. I THINK he will be good, but there's no slashiness ahead for my two favourite students. Since the whole memories and pensieve thing is part of the idea you gave me, I won't comment on it at this time, mm-kay? And you do have any ideas for me (yes! Please say yes! Hehe) just email them to me. My email address is in my bio. And as for that story.. I THINK I know which one your talking about. I'll see if I can find it and I'll send you the address.
Madame Padfoot: I think I can say yes to the romance for Sev part. I'm pretty much decided on that. And as for Harry's memories of Sev. there's a good chance of that too, only I don't know what they would be. At the moment, I only have an idea for one other memory, thanks to my friend Ayame.
Vita Brevis: (an aside: I find your nom-de-plume really interesting. Where'd you come up with it?) Hehe. Always glad to oblige my reviewers, even tho it's taken me a while to get this chapter out.
Linds: Fantastic ass, hey? Cool. I like the sound of that.
Mikee (back again): lol, your questions have been answered. In part in this chapter, and the rest in the next one.
Saavik: -_- You know, I never paused to think if a pensieve could spill. But surely not, right? I mean, it is a magical device. But still, interesting thought. *considers stealing it to use in another fic*
Shambling Silk: Try and stop me. ^_~
Asioleh: *grins* Sorry I kept you hanging for so long on the sequel, and then again on the second chapter. I promise that the next chapter won't take nearly so long. As for those romances: There will be a Severus one, but I'm not sure about a Harry one. If there IS a Harry one, it won't be Harry/Draco, I'm afraid.
Rhiannon: You're welcome. *g* I only hope the sequel IS as good as TBC
Kayla Summers: Yes, I know I need to get better at updating. and thank you so much for the compliment.
tima: More, more! I need more compliments! I thrive on compliments! *laughs* Thank you! I do love compliments.
Schulyr: Wow. Thank you. I really do try to make my stories believable and original. And as for that truce between Draco and Harry, that will be expanded on. I really do hate Draco being made out to be the bad guy.
Elektra Joradees Gamblin: Eh. Silly rule about only one review per chapter. It's a good thing I have another chapter already lined up after this one.
Diana Lucille Snape: Um, well Sirius and Remus feature in this chapter, but no Draco yet, sorry. And thank you for hanging around to READ my sequel.
Azaelian: You know, when I first introduced the pensieve, I never intended it to have such a large role in my story, but it's managed to make itself central. And the blood-magic type thing will be explored more thoroughly in this story too.
Tantz: Confetti? For me? Why thank you. As for the plug: any time.
Lokia: lol, I do like making people laugh. Especially when I get to shock the characters doing so. Only, I'm not sure how funny this one will be.
Dark Blood: Why thank you. I WAS a little worried that the firs chapter would go wrong, but not anymore.
Heston: Thank you. I'd hate to think that anything I'd written wasn't original in at least one aspect. That's almost as bad as losing someone's attention. ^_~
ptijade: Well, it's not quite soon, but it is un update.
Aurelius: Erm, sorry about keeping you waiting
Sakura Le: It doesn't matter if you never reviewed the first part. You reviewed this part, and for that I'm eternally grateful.
Gryffie: In a manner of speaking: Yes, Harry's blood type is exactly the reason he survived Voldemort's attack. And yes, the blood-magic type does have a lot to do with this story.
Allin Aspire: lol, the quetzalcoatl are another thing that was meant to be inconsequential to my story, but got away on me. I'm glad you enjoyed the Blood Connection and are enjoying this fic
Katwoman: Oh, don't worry about me stopping writing it. I'd probably be hounded to death if I did.
Dark-One Shadowphyre: Hey. Thank you for reviewing my story. And I really did have to write a sequel to the Blood Connection, so you're in luck ^_~
SilverWolf: You know, I'm not sure how he had that memory pulled from him. And you'd think I would, since it's my plot device *g*
ZetaStar: Why thank you. You've read more than one of my stories? *is flattered*
Delfeus: I'm sorry. I have to disappoint you. No Harry/Draco in this story, no matter how much I'd love to have it in there. I just didn't want both father AND son to be gay. But there's other slash.
Lisa: Yes! Update your story! Now, on to your review. *g* I know what you mean about not having enough time on the internet! I need more! You know, I was actually considering emailing you and asking if you'd mind if I used your idea about the pensieve myself.. But then I decided not too. ^_^ lol, just for you, I'll show the rest of the wedding memory at some point. *blushes* thank you for saying my idea was original. That's the highest praise you could give me! *glomps*
the-ladyship-writers: Hehe, that's the idea. You're not meant to think of any of it until after I've written it. And then you're meant to go: 'Of course! How could I miss that? It was so obvious!' Ah, if only I could write like that. Glad your enjoying it.
serapotter: Great, huh? Glad you think so.
samson: Ooo, do you think you could beg a little? It would really boost my ego. *laughs* So glad you enjoyed the first story and like my snakes. I'm rather fond of them myself. I even have one of my own. Her name is Saami and her feathers are red and gold, much to my Slytherin disgust. Lol
Oompa (again): No! Don't bug me! Anything but that! On the other hand. it WOULD mean more emails. *L* But since you threatened so nicely (and since I happened to have finished the chapter) here's the next instalment:
Just one final thing before I let you get on with reading this long overdue chapter: Thank you to EMMA for beating this chapter for me, and pointing out a weakness in one of the paragraphs. I never would have noticed it otherwise.
Chapter Two: Let sleeping dogs lie
Harry again woke from disturbing dreams the next morning, only this time he remembered what they had been about. Over and over again his mind repeated that scene from the night Voldemort had killed Lily and James, and this time there was no Sakuna telling him to wake up.
Harry groaned and rubbed at his burning eyes. He added dreamless sleep potions to the list of things to ask his father about.
Slowly waking to full awareness of his surroundings, Harry realised someone was calling his name.
"Harry! Harry mate, get up!" Ron ripped Harry's covers from him, "If you don't hurry, you'll be late for breakfast.
Harry sat up groggily and fumbled for his glasses, "What time is it?"
"Late!" replied Ron, "Hurry up, there's waffles this morning."
Stifling another groan, Harry slid out of bed and grabbed his school robes, "Why don't you go on ahead, Ron? I'll meet you and 'Mione down there in fifteen minutes okay?"
Without waiting for Ron's reply, Harry headed for the bathroom to splash copious amounts of cold water on his face in hopes of waking himself up.
* * * * * * *
Ten minutes later, Harry was heading down the last set of stairs into the Entrance Hall, on his way to breakfast, not late at all. He was just in time to see his father entering the Great Hall ahead of him. Suddenly he had the burning need to confirm what he had seen in his pensieve the night before. He skipped the last risers and ran to catch up with his father.
Harry slammed into the hall after Severus, drawing attention from the closest students. Severus was already pacing down the aisle between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables. Not wanting to chase his father right down the hall, Harry called out instead.
"Pater!"
There came the sound of sharply indrawn breaths from both sides, and when Harry turned his head, he met disbelieving eyes from the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, even the Slytherins. Evidently, no one had really believed the fifth year Slytherins when they spread the story - Draco and his cohorts were looking particularly smug at being vindicated.
Harry sighed and looked away just as his father paused in front of him and turned. Severus glared mildly at the staring students as he strode back towards his son. Once within comfortable speaking distance, he turned his glare on Harry.
"I believe I told you not to address me as such in front of other students, Mr Snape-Potter."
Harry flushed, "Sorry, Professor."
Severus nodded curtly, "Now, you wished to speak to me?"
Harry was aware of the many eyes and the listening silence surrounding them and tempered his answer.
"Yes, but........ uh, not here?" he rolled his eyes sideways at the house tables.
Severus followed his gesture and glared coldly at the students until eyes began to drop and there was an industrious resumption of noise. He nodded at his son, and swept past him, out into the Entrance Hall again. Harry caught Ron and Hermione's eyes from the Gryffindor table and shrugged ruefully before following his father.
Standing in the middle of the Entrance Hall, Severus turned to face his son, folding his arms across his chest.
"What is it you wanted, Harry?"
Harry moved to stand in front of his father and shifted his weight a little nervously. At least he was being addressed as a son instead of a student again.
Harry wasn't sure where to start, so in the end he just blurted: "Was Dad's blood-magic type O-theta?"
Severus looked taken-aback at the abrupt question. He paused a moment before answering, "I - yes, it was. But how did you know that?"
Harry shuffled his feet and gazed down at them, "I remembered."
"You *remembered*?" Severus asked, surprised, "How could you remember something like that?"
Harry was a little embarrassed about the fact that he'd fallen asleep using his pensieve and wouldn't met his father's eyes as he answered, "I, um - I was using my pensieve last night and I - kind of - fell asleep........"
Severus shifted his weight closer to his son, "What do you mean you 'kind of' fell asleep?"
Harry flushed slightly and met Severus's eyes, "I feel asleep *in* the pensieve."
Severus drew back, "You feel asleep *in* the pensieve? How did you manage that?"
Harry opened his mouth to answer, but he was interrupted by the clatter of a group of first years running late for breakfast and he snapped his mouth closed.
Severus watched the students out of sight into the Great Hall, then turned back to his son.
"We'll talk about this tonight at dinner. Bring your pensieve with you to my rooms."
Severus only paused long enough to receive Harry's nod of agreement before he gave his son a small smile and swept back into the Great Hall. After a moment, Harry followed him, still puzzling over what he'd seen in the pensieve last night. When he sat down next to Hermione at the table, it took her elbowing him in the side to get his attention. She asked what was wrong, but Harry only shook his head and went back to trying to figure out why those two memories had risen to the surface of his mind, and wondering if they were the only ones that had.
* * * * * * *
Harry was distracted all day. He simply couldn't concentrate on anything for more than a moment. In Herbology, as the rest of the class was weeding the herb patch, Harry was de-herbing the weed patch. In DADA, when Professor Lupin asked him how he'd dealt with the Grindylow in the second task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, he told the class that he'd used the *Accio* charm. In Transfiguration, Harry managed to turn the chair he was meant to be changing into a broomstick into a cot. He had turned pale at the sight of it and didn't respond when McGonagall told him to turn it back. He lost Gryffindor ten points.
When finally classes ended for the day and Ron and Hermione tried to ask him what was wrong with him, he wouldn't answer. He challenged Ron to a chess game instead. Which he lost within ten minutes because his mind kept wandering upstairs to his pensieve.
Finally, at a quarter to seven, as his housemates were starting to head down to the Great Hall for dinner, Harry retrieved his pensieve from his room and headed towards the dungeons and his father's rooms.
He caught up to Professor Lupin and Snuffles in the dungeon corridor. Remus had one hand clenched in the scruff of Snuffles' neck and the great black dog appeared to be dragging his feet.
"Hello Professor. Hey Snuffles," Harry said as he approached the slow- moving pair. He eyed his godfather's animagus form before turning to the other man, "What's wrong with Snuffles, Professor?"
"Padfoot's not too happy about spending the evening with your father," if that smile had been on his father, Harry would have called it a smirk, but he'd never seen Remus smirk before.
Snuffles growled and fought against the restraining grip on his scruff. He was no match for Remus's werewolf strength, however, and only earned himself the full brunt of Remus's smirk, "He doesn't really have a choice in the matter, though. Dumbledore thought it would be a good idea."
Snuffles rolled his eyes and Harry had to agree. The last time his father and godfather had been in the same room together, they'd gotten into a yelling match that had ended with Harry storming out, angry with them both. Well, maybe with Remus there this evening, it would go differently.
Harry shifted the weight of the pensieve in his arms, freeing one of his hands. He rested his freed hand on Snuffles' shoulders, causing the dog to look up at him, "Thank you for coming, Sirius. It means a lot to me."
Snuffles huffed, then whined. He stopped resisting Remus's hand on his scruff and instead trotted a few paces down the hall before turning to look back over his shoulder with a particularly resigned expression on his face.
Remus laughed and looked at Harry, "Your father would be proud of your manipulation, Harry."
Harry widened his eyes innocently, "I don't know what you're talking about, Professor!"
Remus slanted him an amused look, "Of course you don't." He started down the hall after his animagus friend, "And it's Remus when we're not in class."
As the three reached the entrance to his father's rooms, Harry turned to address the tree in the landscape. "Requiem," he hissed in parseltongue, and the picture swung outwards, revealing a closed door. Before he had a chance to knock, the door opened inwards, revealing Severus standing on the other side. Harry readjusted the pensieve and smiled up at his father.
"Harry. Remus," Severus acknowledged the pair standing directly on his threshold before moving his eyes past them. His lip curled, "Black."
Harry glanced back over his shoulder to see that his godfather had resumed his human form. Harry sighed. Sirius was Not Pleased to be here, capitals and all. He turned away again.
"Hello Pater," Harry said and ducked past him into the room beyond.
"Good evening, Severus," Remus nodded to his fellow professor as he followed Harry into the room.
Both Harry and Remus turned back in time to see the brief stand-off in the doorway as Severus refused to move completely out of the way to allow Sirius to enter. Apparently, he wasn't going to move until the other man responded to his greeting. Just as obviously, Sirius was going to be stubborn about it. Until Harry caught his eye over his father's shoulder. Sirius relented.
"Snape," he acknowledged curtly.
Severus stepped back and allowed Sirius to enter his rooms. When he turned back from closing the door, there was a smirk on his face. Harry frowned and set his pensieve down on the little table between the wingback chairs in front of the hearth.
There was a table in the middle of the room that hadn't been there before, and it blocked all view of the mahogany desk at the other end of the room. The table had been set for four, and an assortment of dishes was already arranged amongst the cutlery and crockery. Harry had to hide a smirk when he saw a dish of chocolate truffles sitting rather close to one plate; he couldn't help recalling his birthday lunch, when Remus had first informed him that truffles were his father's favourite treat.
Suppressing the smirk, Harry turned to face the three older men in the room. All desire to smile died. Severus's lip was still curled as he eyed Sirius obliquely. There was a dark glint in his eyes, and Harry was reminded of the argument between these two men in Dumbledore's office not more than four days ago.
Remus was standing between his two friends, but behind either of them; he wasn't in their direct line of sight. Which probably explained why he wasn't guarding his expression. He didn't realise that Harry was watching and could see the troubled look in his eyes when he looked at Sirius that faded to wistfulness as his eyes travelled to Severus. Harry blinked, and by the time his eyes opened again, Remus had noticed his attention and had shuttered his expression.
Sirius, though, was the worst. He stood stiffly just inside the door, gazing appraisingly about the room. Harry saw when his eye caught on the photo of James, Lily and an infant Harry that stood on the mantelpiece. His eyes flashed, and for a moment, Harry read the lingering traces of betrayal there. Sirius looked away from the picture and his gaze landed on Severus. His brows lowered and his jaw set. Harry noticed that Sirius refused to even look at Remus now that he was confronted with all this proof of the true form of James's family. He still blamed Remus for not telling him and it was plain to see how much that hurt the werewolf.
Harry wished briefly that Sakuna was with him, but his quetzalcoatl familiar had informed him earlier that, via the medium of Sasu, Severus had decreed that Sakuna should be left behind. Looking around, Harry noticed that Sasu wasn't in evidence either. Harry supposed that she had been banished to his father's bedroom for the evening. Harry wasn't really surprised that the twin quetzalcoatl had been banned, considering the shambles they had made of his Potions class the morning before, but it would have been nice to have the support of his familiar. It didn't take a genius to know that this evening wouldn't be a simple convivial meal between friends and family.
Sighing, Harry moved to the table and took the chair at its foot. Remus followed his lead and took the seat adjacent to Harry's on the far side of the table. They both turned to watch Sirius and Severus eye each other up in a hostile manner. Finally, Severus looked away, and Sirius smiled triumphantly. Severus took his place at the head of the table and looked back at his adversary.
"Well, Black?" he snarked, "Do you plan on joining us or would you prefer-"
Whatever insult he was about to deliver was cut off when Remus placed a cautionary hand over his own. Harry didn't notice the gesture; he was watching his godfather. The smile had slipped from Sirius's features. It was replaced by a faint frown as Sirius took the last remaining seat, shifting it not-so-subtly closer to Harry's. Harry smiled briefly at him and turned in time to see his father looking at Remus, a faintly surprised expression on his face. Remus retracted his hand quickly and dropped it in his lap.
"Thank you for inviting us to dinner, Severus. I know that school has been back only a little over a week, but it's still nice to be able to sit down to a nice *quiet* meal on occasion. And I know Sirius has to be glad to have the chance to partake of a civilised meal in company..."
"So what are we having for dinner, Pater?" Harry said quickly, reaching for the nearest covered dish. His father had been about to use Remus's comments to insult his godfather, so he had jumped in before Severus could speak.
Severus's mouth shut with an audible click as he watched his son spoon rice onto his plate without even waiting for an answer, babbling all the while, "Oh rice, that's always a good accompaniment. And red wine casserole? No, that's not casserole, is it?" Harry set down the unidentified dish, and picked up a small bowl, knowing that his father was getting annoyed with him, "Yoghurt? With rice?" he set the bowl aside and lifted the lid off a ceramic pot, "What on earth is this?" He scooped some of the khaki-green, lumpy dish up and let it fall back into the pot, "Ugh. What ever it is, it doesn't look very appetising..."
He had pushed the pot away and was reaching for the plate of strange pancake-like breads when his father snapped, "Harry James Severus!"
Harry drew his hands back into his lap and looked up at the man at the other end of the table. Oops. Maybe he'd gone just a little too far in trying to divert attention. The Potions Master was looking distinctly displeased with his son's display. From the corner of his eye, Harry could see Remus covering a smile with his hand; the werewolf had caught on to what Harry had been trying to do.
"What do you think you are doing, Mr Snape-Potter?" Oh, see? Now, that wasn't good. His father was calling him by his last name. On Harry's other side, Sirius bristled at Severus's tone.
"Um? I was hungry?" Harry hazarded an explanation.
Severus's eyes bugged slightly, "Hungry? Hunger doesn't excuse acting like that, young man," - now Remus's smile had more to do with Severus's fatherly reaction than with Harry's actions - "I won't have any son of mine acting like an unmannered boor."
Sirius's chair toppled backwards as he shot up. Harry paled slightly and Remus lost all desire to laugh.
"How dare you talk to Harry like that, you Slytherin bastard!" Sirius snarled.
Severus stood slowly, drawing himself to his full height before he coldly replied, "I am Harry's father and I will talk to him in any manner I choose."
"Not while I'm around, you won't," Sirius had his hands clenched at his sides.
Severus looked down his nose at the other man, then deliberately sat back down, "Feel free to leave, then. I won't stop you."
"Demonic bastard. How you managed to trick James into..." Sirius caught himself and took a deep breath, "You have no idea how to treat Harry. You don't deser-"
"Sirius!" Remus brought both hands down on either side of his plate, making his dinner setting jump. Unfortunately, he didn't manage to shock sense into his friend, only draw attention to himself.
"And you're not a lot better, Remus. You knew even back in school what was going on and you never told me! How could you Remus? I was your best friend. Didn't that mean anything to you?"
"Of course it meant... it means something to me, Sirius, but James and Severus -"
"*Snape*," the derision was heavy in Sirius's tone and his eyes turned sad, "When did he come to mean more to you than I did? You don't."
"Sirius." Harry pleaded.
His godfather stopped and looked down at him, his jaw working harshly. His eyes softened slightly when they took in the plea in Harry's eyes and he nodded minutely, before stepping back from the table.
Severus had been uncharacteristically quiet through the entire exchange and when Sirius looked at him before turning away, he barely even curled his lip. Sirius said nothing more as he left the room.
"Sirius!" Remus jumped to his feet, "I'm sorry Severus, but I have to go after him..." Remus's hazel eyes begged for forgiveness.
Severus nodded briefly and Remus's strained lips twisted in a parody of a smile.
"Severus. Harry," Remus disappeared out the door after his hurt, angry friend, leaving Harry and Severus alone at the table, all the food untouched.
Severus watched the door for a long moment, a strange expression in his eyes. When he turned back to the sole remaining person at his table, he raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry Pater. I just didn't want you and Sirius to get into another fight." Who would have thought that an eyebrow would be such an effective tool in interrogation?
Severus continued to stare at his son for a long moment before the brow lowered and he sighed, "It would have ended this way sooner or later, Harry. Although, we might have been able to actually eat before it happened if you hadn't tried so hard to prevent it." * * * * * * * TBC
AN: does anyone remember what colour Remus's eyes actually are?
AN2: If this chapter seems a little incomplete, that's because it is in a fashion. I have the next chapter all but finished (as in there's about two more paragraphs to be written) and it runs straight on from the end of this one. I'll have it up in another two days, okay?
See that little button down the bottom left there?
Press! Press like the wind, readers!