The Mercy of Severus Snape
Author's Note: There may be references to corporal punishment in this chapter.
Chapter Two
After Harry left, Snape sat down on the settee and pinched the bridge of his nose. There was quite a lot to think about. What had started off as an indirect way to make the Potter brat miserable was quickly turning into a more personal matter. The first night Harry came to his quarters, the very sight of Potter had made him want to violently scream and throw him out of the room, but he had, miraculously, done no harm to the boy. Instead, he had given the boy a deal.
He didn't mean to give the damned boy a deal. But somehow, somehow, he felt sorry for the Potter boy. Snape knew, through brief glimpses of Potter's feelings and memories during Occlumency lessons, that Potter did not lead the perfect life that he had assumed Potter lived. He knew now that he wasn't like his father, but more like his mother. Lily Potter. He had, in a way, loved her when he was a student at Hogwarts, but he had turned bitter and turned away from the only person he cared about.
Seeing the celebrated brat for the first time six years ago brought back painful memories of both James and Lily Potter, and Severus made a decision to hold a grudge against the son, for the sins of his father. But every time Potter presented himself in a dangerous situation, he found himself helping him. Why, Severus did not really know, but he had a feeling it was because of Lily. His feelings for her were gone, but not forgotten. Every look into the wretched boy's eyes was another reminder of Lily, but if he could ignore his green orbs and focus on his appearance, he could easily hate him for his father.
After the first meeting with Potter that Monday night, Severus went up to the Headmaster's office for a long, overdue conversation.
"Ah, Severus my boy, It has been a while. Would you care for some tea?" Dumbledore asked kindly. Severus scoffed. Dumbledore made every meeting seem like it was the first in many years.
"No Albus, I'm here to talk to you about the Potter brat." Severus said. Dumbledore put his fingers together into a steeple and sat back on his lush chair.
"Has anything happened?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling knowingly. Severus suppressed the urge to growl.
"Yes, in fact, something has happened. The Potter boy had the nerve to come to me and ask to resume Occlumency lessons."
Dumbledore did not look troubled, only curious.
"I fail to see the problem here," Dumbledore said, amused. Severus narrowed his eyes.
"You know very well what the troublesome boy did in my office last year!" Severus yelled.
"Yes, you carried on for quite awhile about that particular ordeal. Has he expressed remorse for what he has done?" Dumbledore asked.
"The boy apologized, yes, but I'm sure he's only saying it because he wants Occlumency lessons again."
"Ah, and what did you say to him?"
Severus smirked darkly.
"Of course I used his guilt to my advantage. I told him that if he could behave, then I might consider going through Occlumency lessons."
Dumbledore frowned.
"You are playing on his guilty conscience for Sirius, I assume?" Dumbledore wondered. Severus dismissed it with a wave of his hand.
"He admits to feeling guilty about his mutt of a Godfather and misleading his friends on an adventure."
Dumbledore looked at Severus seriously. Sometimes Severus had a hard time with understanding human emotions.
"Severus, I don't think you fully understand Harry's feelings right now. He is highly sensitive to anything regarding his Godfather, and Voldemort. I think... I think, Severus that is why he came to you for Occlumency lessons. He wants to mend things, by resuming lessons. Though, if you want the complete truth, you should talk to Harry."
"Me? Talk to the boy? Ha, I'd like to see that. He's much too disrespectful." Severus scoffed.
Dumbledore's face suddenly lit up.
"Severus! This is an excellent opportunity that Harry has presented us with." Dumbledore exclaimed.
"Clearly, you have the ability to teach Harry Occlumency, and from what you have told me, it seems that Harry is willing enough to listen to you. You are a highly skilled Wizard, Severus, and you know as well as I do that Harry needs as much help as he can get if he is going to face Voldemort."
"That is not my business or concern." Severus said firmly.
"Why, of course it is, my boy! If Harry doesn't develop his powers and skills, then he will be unable to face Voldemort, and Voldemort will run rampant through the Wizarding community and destroy everything and everyone standing in his way of absolute power."
"If you are suggesting that I help Harry develop his skills, then you must be going senile, Old Man."
Dumbledore just smiled.
"Harry is a far better person than you think he is. Harry has not lived a normal life, but he has grown stronger from it, and more compassionate. If you get to know him, I think you will enjoy his company."
"I highly doubt that."
"Why don't you give it a try? In fact, I have an excellent idea. Harry has never had a real teacher, a mentor so to speak, so you can try to fill that role, Severus."
Severus scowled.
"Impossible. I will not embarrass myself by choosing such an incompetent fool as my apprentice and pupil."
"He just needs some guidance. Be firm, not forceful, and he may respond to you."
"Nothing can change the Potter boy's ways. He has been breaking rules for too long to even know the difference between right and wrong."
"Like I said, Severus, a firm hand."
Severus raised his eyebrow.
"A firm hand? Are you actually giving me permission to discipline the idiotic boy?"
Dumbledore paused to think.
"It's up to you, Severus. I'm not sure if that is the answer, but if you think disciplining the boy will help, then do so. But be careful, Severus, you could easily send him over the edge." Dumledore said slowly.
"This apprenticeship you speak of - are you considering the magical bond sort, or a purely casual relationship, Albus?" Severus asked.
"I believe that the magical bond will be the best. But you know the rules and the idea behind the ceremony - so be sure to develop a strong relationship. You know the consequences on magical cores if the magic doesn't recognize the proper roles."
"Of course I know, Albus. I am not a fool. But you realize that I will not be soft with him as you would? I will teach him, train him, of both the Dark and Light Magic. Do you protest?" Severus asked.
"I wish Harry didn't have to expose himself to Dark Magic, but it is necessary. Harry must become familiar with the enemy's magic and techniques."
"My point, Albus." Severus said triumphantly.
"Excellent. Well, this has certainly been an interesting conversation. Severus, I know you doubt your abilities as a Master and a guardian of sorts, but you're kind at heart. That's why I took you in years ago." Dumbledore said in a soothing voice.
Severus swallowed hard.
"I must be going now. Thank you, Albus." Severus said, and left the Headmaster's Office. Dumbledore sat alone at his desk, thinking quietly.
"I hope I have made the right decision." He said to no one.
An entire week had gone by since the first time Harry was punished by Severus Snape. He had faithfully shown up for every meeting on time, and gave Snape no reason whatsoever to punish him. He was a model student. He arrived at Snape's quarters everyday with his books and did work. Some days he would go over Potions in the classroom further up the dungeons, and some days he was forced to sit and study for his other classes. Hermione and Ron caught on and realized Harry was missing for an hour every evening, and asked him what he was doing. All he told them was that he had Occlumency lessons, which was half the truth and half a lie.
Surprisingly, Snape made an effort to be civil. He still sneered, smirked, and acted snarky, but he never intentionally insulted Harry or made him more miserable than necessary. In fact, sometimes he helped Harry with his work, since Harry was determined to hold his end of the bargain which meant he had to improve his grades.
As a result, Potions class also went better. Harry tried to pay attention in class, though Ron frequently tried to sidetrack him with doodling and side conversations, and went over the Potions they were to brew very carefully. He still had blowups and accidents, but Harry never complained or raised his voice when Snape took points, which meant Snape had no reason to call him out for being disrespectful.
It all went downhill when Harry, Ron, and Hermione bumped into Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. Harry and his friends were coming out of the Charms classroom, and were too busy talking to realize that Malfoy and his friends were going into the Charms classroom. Malfoy ended up slamming his shoulder into Harry and sending him crashing to the floor. Harry was already in a foul mood to begin with - and Malfoy wasn't helping.
"Watch it, Potter. Four eyes not enough for you?" Draco sneered, looking disdainfully down at Potter.
"Shut your mouth, Ferret." Harry spat, and pushed himself up to a standing position. Ron whipped his wand out from his robes, feeling a confrontation coming, and stood next to Harry defensively.
"Oh look, the little Weasel is coming to your rescue." Draco spat, and drew his wand, Harry following.
"I said, shut your mouth Ferret!" Harry hissed, dangerously close to hexing him square in the face.
Draco cocked his head to the side and gave him an amused look.
"Or else what? You're going to send your little Mudblood whore on me?" He asked mockingly. In a flash, Harry pounced on Draco, his wand forgotten. He threw a vicious punch to Draco's face and screamed.
"FUCKING BASTARD!"
Harry was about to deliver a good kick to Draco when he felt someone pulling him from behind.
"What is the meaning of this? There is no fighting in the hallways." Someone said. Harry ignored him and tried to reach forward and hit Malfoy again, who was now staggering backwards while holding a bloody nose.
"POTTER! CONTROL YOURSELF!" The voice yelled again. Incensed, Harry elbowed the stranger, hoping to make him lax the hold on him. He briefly heard a grunt before being thrown backwards by a spell. Harry groaned as he felt the back of his head slam against the stone walls. He looked up at the towering figure and realized who the stranger was - the Head Boy.
The worst part about Marc Richmond, Head Boy, was that he was a Slytherin. Incredibly cunning, good looking, and well-liked, he was a great Head Boy who surprisingly watched out for all Houses equally. He didn't show the Slytherins more favor than any other house, which was exactly the reason why he was Head Boy.
"Crabbe, Goyle, take Malfoy to the Hospital Wing." He heard the Head Boy snap. Harry pushed himself against the wall and staggered to his feet, feeling disoriented.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor for having a fist fight in the hallway." He barked. "Furthermore, ten points from Gryffindor for hitting a Head Boy."
Harry looked up sharply at the brown-haired boy and narrowed his eyes.
"Thirty points from Gryffindor?!" He said, disbelievingly. The Head Boy raised his eyebrow.
"You don't think that's fair? You're actually lucky I didn't give you detention." He said. Harry shook his head.
"Malfoy started it. He pushed me to the floor." Harry growled, looking angry. Richmond just rolled his eyes.
"But you're the one that pounced on Malfoy, Potter. If you want to take this up with your Head of House or Professor Dumbledore, go ahead." He said sharply.
"Fuck you, Richmond" He snarled, turned his back on the Head Boy and left the hallway.
During dinner that night, Harry tried to ignore the intense gaze of Snape, who looked particularly surly. In the back of his mind, Harry knew there was a reason for it, but he brushed it aside. After dinner, he took his books and arrived at Snape's quarters, on time.
Harry rasped his knuckle on the wooden door and waited for permission to enter.
"Enter." He heard Snape say.
Harry slipped quietly into the room and sat on the wooden chair that faced the Potions Master. That was his usual entrance nowadays. There was a long, awkward silence as Snape stared at Harry and Harry stared at his lap.
"I received very interesting news from one of my own today." Snape began. Harry didn't look up, but dreaded where the direction of the conversation was going.
"Apparently, Mr. Richmond had to take thirty points from Gryffindor this afternoon for misconduct." Snape continued.
"Is there anything you wish to tell me?" Snape asked in a low voice. Harry clenched his fists in his lap, but shook his head.
"No, sir." He said. There was another long silence. Snape stood and stared down at Harry.
"I see." He finally spoke. Harry looked up questioningly.
"You may leave." Snape said firmly. Shock registered on Harry's face as he straightened his back.
"E-excuse me?" He asked. Snape crossed his arms.
"You heard me." He said coolly.
"Why?" He asked. Snape gave him a long stare.
"I thought it was obvious, Potter, but apparently you are more thick-headed than I believed. You have just lied to me, so I have no desire to be your mentor anymore. Our rules were clear, and you just broke them. Leave my quarters immediately."
Harry's face went white.
"S-sir, I wasn't- I didn't mean to- "
"Did you not just openly lie to my face?" Snape asked coldly. Harry swiped his sweaty palms on the wide of his thighs and averted his eyes.
"POTTER!" Snape yelled. Harry jumped and quickly looked at Snape.
"You have a choice. You will tell me everything, and be punished for your atrocious conduct, or you can leave." He said.
Harry nervously licked his lips.
"I-I'll tell you, sir." He said. Snape calmly sat down and leaned back on his chair, waiting for Harry to begin.
Harry looked like he was struggling for the right words.
"I was coming out of Charms with Hermione and Ron when Malfoy bumped into me. He insulted Ron, and called Hermione a Mudblood whore. I-I got really angry so I... punched him." Harry explained.
"Is that the entire story?" Snape inquired. Harry shook his head.
"No, sir. I felt someone grabbing me from behind, but I wasn't thinking and I hit him. I honestly didn't know it was the Head Boy."
"Anything else?"
"Umm... I may have... uttered a few curse words at Richmond." Harry admitted.
"Because he rightfully took away house points?"
"Yes, no, well he didn't take away any points from Slytherin and he called Hermione a you know what!" Harry yelled.
"Watch your tone, boy." Snape growled. Harry sulked and crossed his arms.
"I don't understand why I have to show any respect to Richmond anyway. He's only a year older than me! He's my schoolmate, not some bloody Professor." Harry grumbled.
"Watch your language. Nonetheless, he has earned the title of Head Boy, which is highly respectable. He has everything you lack – a sense of equality among the houses, control, and discipline. You will mind yourself around him. You may judge him for his House, but he is always fair."
"I don't exactly call letting Malfoy off as fair, sir."
"Don't talk about things you don't know about, Potter. Mr. Richmond took ten points after Malfoy was dismissed from the Hospital Wing."
Harry blinked slowly.
"Oh. I didn't know."
"Obviously. Mr. Potter, you should know by now not to fight. Fighting goes directly against school policy. Why, Mr. Potter, is it a bad idea to fight, especially for you?"
"I... don't know, sir."
"Because, Potter, you are the savior of the Wizarding World. As much as you may want to deny it, you will become an important public figurehead in our society. You will most likely become politically active. It is important that you maintain good relationships with everyone, even the Slytherins, because you are responsible for reuniting the people of the Wizarding World."
Harry looked troubled for a moment.
"What if I don't want to be important?" He asked quietly.
"I know it's a big responsibility, but until the Dark Lord is defeated and order is restored, you probably won't be able to live a peaceful life. And that's the cold truth, I refuse to fluff it for you. However, after you've done your duty, I see no reason why you can't pursue… other interests." Snape said, without malice. Harry didn't say anything.
"Slytherins are not as bad as you think. Most of them are misunderstood, which is why they stick to their own. Many of them are influenced by their parents, and must maintain their iron appearances as cold Purebloods."
Harry looked a bit surprised.
"But Malfoy is just pure evil. It's obvious he supports the Dark Lord." Harry sneered. Severus frowned.
"Malfoy is going through a lot with his parents, and the Dark Lord. As he nears his last years at Hogwarts, the Dark Lord grows more interested in him and what he can offer to him."
Harry scoffed.
"I'm sure he'd jump at the chance to join the Dark Lord." He said.
"Don't be so sure of yourself." Snape said simply, unwilling to go any further into his Godson's business.
"So you understand why fighting is unacceptable? You must try harder to reduce your rivalry with Malfoy and the other Slytherins. It creates unnecessary tension, when everyone should be joining together in these dark times."
"Yes, sir." said Harry. Snape nodded.
"So your offenses for today are getting into a brawl with a Slytherin, disrespecting, hitting and challenging a Head Boy and deliberately lying and hiding information from me. Are we agreed?" Snape asked.
Harry looked hesitant, but he agreed anyway.
"Yes, sir." He gulped, looking quite nervous. Snape smirked when he realized Potter must be apprehensive about the impending punishment.
"Good. As for your punishment... stand up and put your hands out in front of you." Snape ordered, his face expressionless. Harry worriedly bit the side of his lip, and nervously swiped his palms on his thighs again.
"Now, Potter!" Snape barked, and Harry jumped up from his wooden chair. He put his hands out, palms upward, and forced himself to breathe regularly.
Snape felt Harry's eyes warily following him as he went around to the other side of the desk and opened the desk drawer to take out a thick wooden ruler. As soon as Harry saw the offensive tool, he put his arms down and pushed his hands behind his back for safety. Snape glowered at him dangerously.
"Mr. Potter..." He began, but was interrupted by Harry's violent shake of the head.
"You're not smacking me with t-that thing." Harry said, and took a step backward. Snape watched curiously as his eyes glazed over with mistrust. Snape took a step forward, and frowned when Harry backed himself up against the wall, putting as much distance as he could between the two.
"Mr. Potter, stop acting like a kicked puppy and come here before I do something rash." Snape ordered with as much authority as he could. Snape couldn't comprehend why Harry was acting like this. It's not like he was going to flip him over a desk and thrash him; Snape only intended on giving him a few smacks on the palm for a little reinforcement. But Harry still looked like he was going to run out of the dungeons. Snape sighed, he knew what he had to do with this situation.
Snape crossed his arms and started to count.
"If you're not here in three seconds..." Snape left it as an open ended threat.
"One." Harry's eyes quickly darted between Snape's face and the ruler.
"Two." Harry took a hesitant step forward.
"Thr-" Harry quickly stumbled in front of Snape, eyes full of dread. Snape cleared his throat.
"Hands out, Potter." He said firmly. Harry made a last ditch effort to convince the Potions Master not to do it.
"Professor, please," He softly begged, but at the same time he outstretched his arms and opened his hands to reveal his palms, dark crescent shaped nail marks visible on his smooth skin.
Snape raised the ruler high, and brought it down. Harry closed his eyes and flinched, but Snape stopped before the ruler could actually touch Harry.
"Perhaps... it is too soon for this." Snape said quietly. Harry slowly blinked his eyes open and let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging with obvious relief.
"Sir?" Harry asked questioningly. Snape hid the thick ruler away from view and faced Harry again.
"I could tell by the way you looked at me, that you did not trust me. I have no intention of hitting you, Potter, when you don't trust me to punish you. A punishment is about teaching and reinforcing a lesson, not about a show of control or sick enjoyment of someone else's pain." Snape chose his words carefully. Harry contemplated the Professor's words.
"Furthermore, I think punishing you this way while you are obviously distressed would have destroyed the little progress we have made. We need to develop a relationship on a foundation of trust and security, Potter. Do you understand?"
"I-I think so, sir." Harry said quietly.
"Besides, I think your fear was punishment enough. But do not take this the wrong way, Potter. I won't be so soft next time, and you will remember that." said Snape.
"Yes, sir. Thank you sir, for being considerate. It's just - I've never been punished like that before. The Dursleys just locked me in my cupboard or room. I guess I was just nervous. I didn't mean to avoid or dodge my punishment, really." Harry seemed eager to make Snape believe him. Snape just nodded.
"I understand. Now, there is one last thing I wish you would do. I'm not going to force you to do this, but I would appreciate it if you apologized to the Head Boy tomorrow. He was just doing his duty – he didn't deserve what you did to him today."
Harry nodded miserably, not sure if he should do it or not. On one hand, Snape was asking him nicely, and it would make Harry feel guilty if he didn't apologize. Coupled with the fact that Harry knew Richmond was just doing his job, Harry knew he had to.
Harry squared his shoulders.
"Don't worry, Professor. I'll apologize to him tomorrow morning during breakfast." Harry said, resolute.
Snape nodded in satisfaction.
"A worthy choice. Now, I want to disc-"
"Wait, sir." Harry interrupted. Snape stopped and looked down at Potter.
"Yes?" He asked, expecting an answer.
"I want to apologize to you, too. You told me last week not to break school rules, and I did anyway. Clearly, Malfoy antagonized me, but I shouldn't have fought back. And then, I tried to lie and hide the fight from you, which is another big rule. I'm sorry, sir." Harry said.
Harry seemed to be struggling with himself.
"It's going to be hard to break old habits, b-but… I'm going to try and be civil with the Slytherins, especially Malfoy. You're right, about the uniting thing. I don't think the Four Founders had rivalry in mind when they made houses. It's about time we do something about it."
Snape looked impressed.
"Thank you for apologizing. And I'll take your word for it, when you say you'll try to stop fighting with Malfoy." Snape said.
"But, to be honest, I think you'll have to be very patient with me." Harry admitted with a big sigh.
"I'll try to keep in mind you are simply trying your best." The Potions Master said.
Harry shot him a relieved smile.
"Now, what I wanted to say was that I believe it's time we resume your Occlumency soon. I was planning a small refresher course today, but after today's incidence, I'm afraid I'll have to push it back for a few days."
Snape tried to ignore Harry's disappointed face.
"But in the meantime, practice clearing your mind at night, or whenever you get a moment to yourself. Maybe it'll help you control yourself around Malfoy." Snape said.
"Yes, sir. I've already been practicing, since the summer actually." Harry added sheepishly.
"That's very good, Mr. Potter. Now, can you keep yourself out of trouble for a few days?" Snape asked, suddenly very tired.
"Oh, yes sir. I'll be on my best behavior." Harry replied, with a playful smirk.
"Good." Snape grunted, and dismissed Potter with a wave of his hand.
Harry had a small knot growing in the pit of his stomach. He was extremely nervous about apologizing to the Head Boy. Why? Number one, Richmond would be sitting in the Slytherin table, and number two, Snape would be watching his every move.
Ron stopped Harry before they went into the Great Hall.
"You okay, mate? You look really nervous." He said, concerned. Harry gave him a weak smile.
"Uh, well... you're not gonna like it, but I'm apologizing to Richmond as soon as I get in there." Harry said. Ron lurched back, as if he was slapped in the face.
"You're going to what?! WHY?!" He yelled, forcing Hermione to shush him.
"I'll tell you later," Harry mumbled, and entered the Great Hall before his friends could interrogate him. As soon as he got in, his eyes sought out the Professor, who was sitting between Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid. He raised his glass and tipped his head in encouragement. Harry nodded his head back and forced himself to walk towards the Slytherin table. The Slytherin table was on the other side of the room, opposite from the Gryffindor table, so it was always obvious when someone else was approaching another House's table.
Harry swallowed as he felt the wary eyes of Slytherin watching him as he descended into the Snake's pit. He spotted the brown mop of hair that belonged to Richmond, and stood behind him. The Head Boy was enthusiastically talking to his friend, who noticed Harry's presence. He nudged Richmond on the side and tilted his head towards Harry.
Harry's cheeks burned. The Head Boy turned around, and his enthusiastic face was swiped clean as he spotted who the person was.
"Yes?" He prompted. Harry cleared his throat.
"Good morning, Richmond." He started. The Head Boy looked suspicious, but nodded anyway.
"Good morning, Potter." He replied. Harry forced himself to continue, before anyone else caught on to the conversation.
"I just wanted to apologize for... what happened yesterday. I didn't mean to hit you, and I know it was really rude of me to speak to you like that. I know you're Head Boy and everything, so... I'm sorry. Please accept my apologies." Harry said. He tried to be as quick and quiet as possible, but still, the other Slytherins sitting around Richmond snickered.
Richmond looked very surprised, but pleased.
"I accept. You've got guts, Potter, coming to our table like this." He said, all tension gone from his face. Harry just shrugged.
"It was something I had to do." He said. Richmond nodded understandingly. He put his hand out, offering a handshake. Harry hesitated, as he had never shaken a Slytherin's hand before, but he put his hand out and firmly shook it anyway.
"See you around, Potter." He said, and turned back to his friends. Harry quickly turned as well, and made his way to the Gryffindor's table.
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Thank you to those who reviewed! It was very encouraging. (: Hope this was a quick enough update for you all.
