Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

When Harry woke up he was confused for a second as to why he was not in his dorm. Then last night's events rushed through his mind. Lockhart's detention, the odd voice, the strange message, Filch…Harry moved his shoulder and it felt fine. He got up and got dressed, heading out to find his dad. He was hoping to get some questions answered.

"Dad?" Harry poked his head into the study where Severus was at his desk marking papers.

"Good morning Harry. How is your arm?" Severus asked, putting his quill down.

"It feels fine." Harry said, taking a seat in front of his dad's desk. "Dad, what happened last night? What was that message and what happened to Mrs. Norris?"

Severus hesitated as how much to tell his son. "Mrs. Norris was petrified. Petrification is a form of paralyses and the victim feels much like stone. They are not dead however and can be revived with a special draught which Professor Sprout and I will work on."

Harry nodded slowly. "Okay, but what about the chamber? What is it?"

"A myth and more than likely a cruel joke." Severus said, not wanting to get into the monster that supposedly lived somewhere in the school. Harry didn't need to worry about that especially as the school had been checked more than once. "However, someone is clearly up to no good and wants to start mayhem in the school so you must be on guard. Students will not be allowed alone in the halls you will be escorted by teachers and prefects. I expect you to obey this understand?"

"Yes sir." Harry said with a nod though he still wanted to know more about the chamber. "But what is the chamber exactly? And what is the heir of-"

"Harry." Severus said firmly. "I have told you all you need to know for now. This is not something for you and your friends to investigate; it is for the teachers to look into. All you need to do is go to class and obey the rules. Am I clear?"

"Yes Dad." Harry sighed. He was itching to know more though. Something was clearly going on, more than what his dad was telling him.

"Last night you mentioned hearing a voice." Severus said suddenly. "Did you recognize it?"

"No. I'm not even sure if it was a voice. It was weird. Lockhart said he didn't hear anything." Harry said his mind mulling it over. Maybe Lockhart was lying? What if he was behind what happened? He was late when Dumbledore summoned the Professors, but then again he had defended Harry against Filch's allegations.

Severus drummed his fingers against his desk for a moment. "That is odd. If you hear it again I want you to tell me." He cast a tempus. "It is time for us to go to breakfast. Remember after your classes to start on your essay after you finish your homework."

Harry made a face though he knew the punishment was deserved. He followed his dad to the great hall eager to tell his friends what had happened.

HPHPHPHP

"So that is why Professor McGonagall lectured us about safety and not being alone." Hermione said thoughtfully over breakfast. "I wonder if there would be any information in the library about the chamber." Her eyes lit up at the thought of doing research.

"Yeah, you should check that out. Too bad we are grounded huh Harry?" Ron snickered as he put a pile of hash browns on his plate.

Hermione rolled her eyes and took out a notebook to write down what Harry had told them. "I don't mind researching alone. Besides Ron, you would probably just fall asleep in the library snoring and get us yelled at like last year."

Harry laughed as he took a big gulp of pumpkin juice. He noticed that most of the Gryffindor's were still staring and whispering, some even had scooted down away from him as far as they could. Harry frowned. What was it to them that he was a Snape instead of a Potter? He was still just Harry! He glared at those staring and they quickly looked away. He noticed Percy smirking slightly and he simply rolled his eyes at him. Thankfully he still had the support of the twins, Neville and Ginny. Harry looked at her in concern, she looked tired and sad.

"Hey Ron, is Ginny okay?" Harry asked.

"I think so, why?" Ron asked with a glance in Ginny's direction. He frowned slightly.

"She looks upset." Hermione said as she took in Ginny's appearance. "And exhausted."

"Maybe she is homesick." Harry suggested.

"Oh, maybe." Ron nodded.

"You should talk to her." Hermione advised, taking a bite of fruit.

Ron looked at her in surprise. "Me? Why me?"

"You're her brother." Hermione said.

"So are George and Fred and Percy." Ron shrugged. "I don't know what to say to her."

Hermione huffed. "A little compassion Ronald. Never mind. I'll talk to her later in our common room."

Ron looked relieved. "Thanks Hermione."

Harry turned his attention back to what had happened last night. "I was thinking maybe Lockhart has something to do with it."

"Why in the world would you think that?" Hermione asked impatiently. "He doesn't seem the type to hurt anyone, or any animal."

"Yeah? Quirrell didn't seem the type either." Harry shot back and Hermione nodded slowly, looking resigned to the idea. "He claimed not to have heard what I did plus he was late when Dumbledore summoned the professors."

Ron nodded eagerly. "Yeah maybe his celebrity status is a front and he really is some evil mastermind!"

"Harry, you said he stuck up for you when Filch accused you of hurting Mrs. Norris." Hermione pointed out triumphantly.

"He did but it could be a way to look like the good guy or something." Harry argued. After last year, he didn't want to take chances in believing a professor to be harmless like he had with Quirrell.

"I highly doubt it is Professor Lockhart, I'm sure Professor Dumbledore would have checked him out thoroughly to make sure he wasn't in league with you-know-who." Hermione pointed out.

Harry hunched his shoulders. That was true. Even though Lockhart wasn't a competent teacher, he was sure Dumbledore, and his dad as well, would have made sure he wasn't on Voldemort's side.

"You're probably right. Will you let me know if you find anything in the library?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded happily. "I will. I'll start with Hogwarts, a History. Something should be in there about it."

Harry had thought it was just the three of them who knew about the message written on the wall but as he finished his breakfast he heard murmurings of Mrs. Norris and the heir of Slytherin. He looked at his friends in confusion. "How did everyone find out?"

"No idea. Hey Neville!" Ron called and Neville scooted towards them. "People are talking about the message written on a wall. Know anything about it?"

"Two seventh year Ravenclaw's saw it as Filch was cleaning the wall. Everyone is speculating what it could mean." Neville told them.

"This could be a good thing. Maybe some of the students have heard about the chamber before." Hermione suggested.

Neville leaned in closer. "Apparently, the chamber exists and has been opened before. And-and a student died." He half whispered.

Harry exchanged shocked looks with Ron and Hermione. Why hadn't his dad told him this? "When did this happen?" He asked.

Neville shrugged. "I think someone said it was like fifty years ago."

Hermione copied the information down into her notebook. "If it's true then there has to be something in the history books about it. I'm going to go to the library now before class. See you two later!" She hopped up and hurried out of the great hall.

Ron continued stuffing his face with bacon while Harry sat back in his seat. He really wished he wasn't grounded so he could go to the library with Hermione and help research. His dad had said it was probably just someone who wanted to cause trouble in the school that had written that message and petrified Mrs. Norris but what if he was wrong? What if something bigger was happening? After all, Dobby had warned him that bad things were going to happen at Hogwarts. I should remind my dad about that, Harry thought.

HPHPHPHP

The week passed with no more strange occurrences and Harry and Ron's grounding was finally over. Harry had reminded his dad about the warning from Dobby and his dad had said he and Dumbledore were keeping that in mind and keeping their eyes and ears open. When Harry had tried to get more information on the student that had died, his dad had told him that it was not for him to worry about it and to let the adults do the worrying. Harry had sighed but let the matter drop. Today Harry was able to practice Quidditch with his team and his friends came with him to watch.

"We missed you at the first practice Harry. Try not to get into any more trouble." Oliver Wood grinned clearly happy to have his star seeker back. He was one of the Gryffindor's that wasn't treating Harry any differently.

"I'll do my best." Harry quipped. He narrowed his eyes when he saw the Slytherin Quidditch team coming towards them.

"What are you guys doing here? We have this field booked for our practice." Oliver stated, glaring at Marcus Flint.

Marcus Flint sneered back. "We are just waiting for our turn. We have a new seeker to train. Why? Does it make you nervous practicing in front of us? I would hope we aren't that intimidating." He smirked.

"Hardly." Oliver scoffed. "Of course, after losing so much last year I can see why you would want to try and get some pointers from us." The Gryffindor's laughed behind him, causing the Slytherin's to glare at them.

"So who is your new seeker?" Oliver asked with some interest.

"That would be me." Draco Malfoy said smugly, stepping up. He gestured to the new brooms his team each held. "And the brooms are a gift from my father. This year, victory will be ours!"

Harry rolled his eyes and coughed back a laugh.

"Well, well if it isn't Potter. Oh wait. It's Snape now isn't it?" Draco Malfoy sneered at Harry.

"You have a problem with that Malfoy?" Harry asked, aware that everyone had their eyes on them.

"No problem at all. Except that Snape is a filthy traitor!" Draco spat hatefully.

"Don't you dare talk about my dad like that!" Harry held out his wand, pointing it straight at Malfoy.

"Harry!" Hermione hissed.

"This year he is your dad but last year he hated you!" Draco taunted. "It was obvious to everyone that he couldn't stand you!"

"Harry, put your wand away." Hermione said, looking over Harry's shoulder.

"Yes, listen to the little mudblood would you?" Draco laughed.

"How dare you!" Ron yelled, taking a step towards Draco.

"Well, she is." Draco shrugged though his silver eyes gleamed. "And with rumors that the Chamber of Secrets is open, she will probably be the next attacked! The Heir of Slytherin supposedly hates mudbloods and wants to get rid of them."

"Shut your mouth Malfoy!" Harry warned. Draco turned his attention back to Harry and grinned cruelly.

"Professor Snape probably still hates you." Draco goaded. "Maybe he is just waiting for the right moment to be rid of you!"

"That will be enough Mr. Malfoy!" Professor McGonagall had walked over when she saw the crowd forming. "How dare you say such things? And to use that fowl word! Professor Snape will be hearing about this. Thirty points from Slytherin!"

Draco gaped at her. "Thirty points? That's not fair!"

"I think it is more than fair." Professor McGonagall said sternly. "Detention as well. As for you Mr. Snape, even though you were being provoked you shouldn't have taken your wand out like that. You are lucky that you did not hex him. Next time walk away and get an adult. Five points from Gryffindor."

The Gryffindor's began complaining that that wasn't fair but McGonagall ignored them as she marched Draco up to the castle.

"I can't believe she took points from you just for pointing your wand at the prat!" Ron said angrily.

"Dueling or hexing students is forbidden and pulling your wand on someone shows intent." Hermione reasoned. "At least it wasn't thirty, like Malfoy."

Harry shrugged. He didn't really care about the points, he could only think of what Draco had been saying. He hated being reminded of how his dad had treated him before. It seemed like a different lifetime as he knew his dad loved him and could never hate him. He also was concerned that Draco had said Hermione could be a target.

"I can't believe Malfoy is a seeker." Ron complained as the trio made their way back to the castle.

"I can't believe he bought his way onto the team so easily." Hermione said, clearly upset.

"What was that word he called you?" Harry asked.

"It's a foul name. It means dirty blood for someone who is muggle born." Ron said, glancing at Hermione. "You should have hexed him good Harry. Or I should have."

"That would have just made things worse." Hermione said, though she was touched at his concern.

"Harry."

Harry turned and saw his dad standing by the stairs, a serious expression on his face. He motioned for Harry to follow him. He looked over at Hermione. "Ms. Granger I apologize for the word that was used on you today. I hope you do not let it upset you too much, as being a pureblood or muggle born has nothing to do with how clever and powerful a witch you will undoubtedly one day be."

Hermione's eyes widened at the compliment. "Thank you sir." She whispered.

Ron stared after Harry and his dad as they walked away. "Can you believe Snape said something so nice to you?"

Hermione shook her head. "Wonders never cease."

HPHPHPHP

"Professor McGonagall told me what happened. Are you all right?" Severus asked in concern after they had entered their quarters.

Harry dropped onto the couch. "Yeah. Malfoy was just being a bloody git as usual."

"Language." Severus said though there was no anger in his voice. He was furious at the Malfoy brat for saying such things to Harry as well as that dreadful word to Ms. Granger. That word had almost cost him Lily in his fifth year.

"I lost Gryffindor five points." Harry mumbled. "I didn't even hex him."

"Were you going to?" Severus asked.

Harry hesitated. The truth was…"Probably." He admitted. "Or I might have slugged him."

"And you would have been in trouble if you had." Severus said. "However, pulling your wand on him for whatever reason will get you in trouble as Hogwarts has strict rules about dueling each other."

"So I get in trouble for defending myself?" Harry sputtered.

"You didn't really get in trouble, the five points was just a warning to you and the other students. If Draco had started to hex you or hit you, then defending yourself would have been justified." Severus said, remembering what it was like to be bullied. He knew it didn't seem fair. He had lectured Draco quite soundly and had assigned him a thousand lines as well as an additional detention scrubbing floors. He had also warned the spoiled boy that if he ever acted like that again he would take him off the Quidditch team.

Harry sulked. "Whatever. He also said that Hermione could be attacked next by the heir of Slytherin. That the heir wants to get rid of muggle borns. Is that true?"

Severus sighed. He wished those Ravenclaws hadn't seen what they did as speculations were now running rapid throughout the school. "Yes." Severus admitted. "The story goes that Salazar Slytherin only wanted purebloods in Hogwarts and kept some sort of monster in a secret chamber that would target those who were not. But it is just a story, no chamber or monster has ever been found."

"Oh." Harry said.

"Harry, what Draco said…you do not believe it do you?" Severus asked softly. It hurt to know that how he had treated Harry in the past could still be used to hurt his son.

Harry shook his head, understanding what his dad meant. "No, I don't. But hearing him say made me mad."

"Yes, I am not too happy myself." Severus agreed. "You do know I regret the past school year right?"

Harry looked at him in surprise. "Of course I do." He gave his dad a rueful smile. "I just don't like being reminded of it."

Severus sighed. "Me either." He put his arm around his son and Harry leaned into his side. They sat there on the sofa for awhile, each of them thinking about how far they had come since finding out they were father and son.

TBC: