Saving Grace

Chapter Three

          Severus Snape billowed through the halls of Hogwarts seeking out the Headmaster.  The whole time he was formulating excuses/lies to tell Dumbledore.  Still, he couldn't help but want to tell the old man the truth.  He had never been really able to lie to the man, but it was always worth a try.  He was thinking so much that he forgot to watch where he was going and ran headlong into the Headmaster.  "Slow down, Severus!  Take your time!  Watch out for innocent walls and people!"

          "S…Sorry, Albus, I was, ummm…, just, uhhh, looking for you."  Snape was becoming quite flustered. 

          "Well, you found me!  What is it?  We do still need to work on finding Harry, you know that."

          "Well, you see…that's just it.  You know how family problems are…and…well…I…umm….That is…."  Snape trailed off, not knowing what to say next.

          "I see!  You want to break the news to your sister!" said Albus, quite delighted.  "Go right ahead!  It saves me parchment, an owl, and time!"

          "And…can I bring Mr. Malfoy also…We won't be gone long, but, he's having House trouble, and his extra studies…"

          "Yes, Yes, of course, Severus!  Now, take your time and enjoy yourselves!  Relax a bit with your family, you need the vacation!"

          "Thank you," said Severus breathing out in relief.  It hadn't been a complete lie…Snape turned on his heel, billowing back down towards the dungeons, thoughts and doubts about what he was about to tell Harry and Draco swimming through his head.

Harry had been 'missing' for three days now, and during that time had bee recovering well.  Draco now spent all his spare time down in Snape's rooms, supposedly getting 'extra studies'.  Severus had requested that they not be disturbed.  In actuality Harry was physically fine.  He had healed quite well, leaving behind only a few bruises and a scar or two.  Severus was a bit suspicious that Harry had powers in healing himself that had sped up the process.  Draco, though, was keeping Harry caught up in his studies.  Harry just didn't want to face anyone yet.  Severus wasn't at all surprised, and was willing to provide refuge for the boy as long as he was wanted it.  He was just wondering how much longer he'd want the refuge when he told Harry the truth. 

The truth had been a hard thing for Severus to live with, but Harry had every right to know.  Inside his rooms he found the two boys in the middle of destroying his sitting room.  Feathers were everywhere and pillows were flying every which way.  Severus was immediately pinned in the head with one.  "Alright, you two!  Cut it out!!  I need to talk to you!!"  The feathers settled on the ground as the boys dropped the pillows and ran to the couch.

Severus sat down across from them.  "Harry, this has to do with you and what the three of us are going to do.  Harry, you have to hear me through, alright?"  Harry nodded.  "Harry, I'm your uncle.  I was in the same year as your father, and Lily was a year below us.  When we were little, our parents decided to divorce.  I went to my father, and my sisters went to our mother.  It turned out that Petunia was like our mother, completely non-magical.  I was on trial when Lily was killed, and could not claim custody of you.  I was jealous that Petunia got you, and since she was insanely jealous of Lily and I, I had figured that she had told you all sorts of lies about me…I naturally assumed you hated me…and, that's why I acted towards you the way I did.  Not to mention, you look like lily, and it brought back memories.  Will you forgive me?"

"Of…of course…and, will you forgive me…for…all that I've done…"

"AWW!!!! BIG GROUP HUG!!!!!"
          "Shut up, Draco!!!" yelled Severus and Harry simultaneously.

"Well, you're definitely related!"

"WE SAID SHUT UP!!!!!!!"

"What did I say!?" asked Draco, apparently offended. 

Harry and Severus just ignored him.  "So, now the three of us have to get revenge…so, how about….

Five minutes later the three were standing outside Number 4.  Draco and Harry were standing behind Snape, smiling to each other.  They were all wearing Muggle clothes to 'blend in'.  Severus rang the doorbell, and Petunia bustled to answer the door.  "Hello…...S…S….ssss…..se…….s…….sssssss….."

          "Hello, dear sister, do you mind if I come in?"

I've got to go do my wonderful math homework!

Just a couple notes:

1. I will most definitely not update tomorrow

2. I'm sorry the chapter is so short

3. If you guys want to write an alternative, in case you don't like it, or just want to, you all have my full permission!

I've got to go!