Disclaimer: I own nothing; make nothing – usual
The plot thickens…
Draco was more confused and upset than ever at Snape's appearance. He was standing over him with austere pity, really seeming as though ready to comfort, to console, and to somehow make it come all right. As usual, where others might have seen Snape the overgrown bat of a potions professor, he saw Severus the human, a tower of strength to the lucky few of his acquaintance. But what could he say to him now? The man was still the Dark Lord's most faithful servant, second only to Bellatrix in rank; he just didn't understand it was all wrong. He didn't see it hurt the ones you cared about. What could he have to do with the servant of his father's murderer? But he loved him still. Oh, it was agonising.
"Draco?"
"I'm… coming, Severus." I just hope I really want to.
"Listen, Draco, we have to talk when we get back to the house. Are you ready for it, or do you want to wait a few days?"
The pain of his father's death still pierced him like an actual physical blow each breath he took. Was he ready to talk? Yes. I have to. I have to tip him off that I'm not for Him anymore. He's not Bellatrix – he won't kill me for it. Yes. "Yes, Severus."
He grabbed his arm and they apparated.
Harry was wandering around aimlessly, having no idea where Snape was, having nothing to do. He thought he'd make a ramble of the house. He was still preoccupied by what he'd seen in Voldemort's mind. Was Malfoy's dad really dead? It might have been a false image, he'd had that before – and he'd run off to deal with an imaginary crisis that became real and resulted in Sirius's death. It was all my fault. But Snape seemed to think it was real; it was as though he'd been expecting it…
BANG.
"Ouch!" shrieked Harry, colliding with a rather sulky-looking wall. "Was that your fault or mine?" He enquired angrily of the wall, rubbing his head.
"Mine", came a chuckled reply.
"Oh classic, of course Snape keeps a poltergeist that bashes walls around. What better ornament for a house?"
"Excuse me? I'm a wall!"
"The hell you are, idiot." Harry couldn't understand what was making him talk to the wall – literally! – but he continued. "Believe that, you'll believe anything. I've learnt how to recognise poltergeists. Come OUT!"
The creature that peeped out from behind the corner was as different from Peeves as was possible. He was long and lean, not fat; he dressed in robes and ermine, not like a court jester. A crown bobbed on his head. But those wicked little eyes were exactly the same. Oh great, what am I to do with this nutcase? Even Peeves didn't go bashing around with the walls. Now what was that mischief-stopper Lupin showed us? He slowly pulled power out of himself with great difficulty, the way he did it to read Snape's mind. When he was holding his magic in his hand, he pointed a finger at the poltergeist. Not losing an ounce of his concentration, he shouted "Waddiwasi!"
He grinned as the wall he was messing with rapped him smartly on the head and pushed him out of sight. But this was getting creepy. Why was he suddenly able, albeit with difficulty, to control his magic so effectively? He would have to contact Dumbledore someday; it couldn't be normal.
He continued his tour. He discovered another bathroom, but backed out quickly, remembering his treatment at the hands of the last one. He had found Snape's study, and was just opening the next door when he heard the murmur of voices from the other end of the house. Wonderingly, he followed the sound, and stopped just outside the front room with the battered armchairs…
"Draco?"
"I just can't believe he's… gone… I mean, I was one minute preparing to come here for a great summer and now it's over his body…" Draco's pain finally overwhelmed him, and finally, the blessed tears came, washing him cleaner of his grief. It felt a bit better, if only it weren't for that bit of him which said he was being a child. But he ignored it, and sobbed unrestrainedly like a baby. It was immensely comforting, too, that Snape made no remark, just placed a hand on his shoulder that seemed to say, softly, "I'm here if you need me."
Finally, after a long time, Draco regained control of himself. "Listen, Severus. I – I can't really explain but – but – it's not really like we think it is… it's wrong, all wrong, you have to see…" he burst into tears afresh.
"Snape watched silently, a hand on his shoulder still, wondering how exactly to show he echoed the sentiment. The boy had learnt what he did at Lily's death and Alice's derangement. "I know. It happened to me."
Harry watched astounded. Snape's human. I would never have guessed it. What's Draco doing here? And his dad is dead. His thoughts were a whirl of feelings. Dizzily, he stumbled back to his room. What he had just seen replayed itself over and over in his mind. He fell on his bed, still in a state of dazed shock.
His father's dead.
I don't care. I hate him.
He's lost his father!
I still don't care. He just loves the Dark Arts. He's evil. The world is better off without his dad, anyway.
He still lost a parent! Look at what happened to you when you lost Sirius!
Sirius was worth keeping.
Everyone's worth keeping to someone! Look – you're in the same boat now. Didn't his dad die to save him?
Now he's as safe as I am…
Harry shoved his fingers in his ears, but it did nothing to shut out the voices in his head.
If he can have real grief, he's not evil. Evil people have no real emotions. Look at Voldemort.
I really don't give a damn for his emotions. He's done his best to torment the life out of me since we first met.
He didn't understand! Maybe he was just jealous of the attention and didn't know what it felt like!
I don't for a second believe that.
BANG.
"Not again!" Harry groaned as Clive popped into sight holding what appeared to be a large wad of well-chewed paper and began to plug it into the doorframe.
"O yes," chuckled the poltergeist evilly. "last meeting was a bit too brief –"
"Waddiwasi!" came a shout from the doorway, the pulpy mess in the frame plugging itself into Clive's mouth.
Harry turned so fast he got a crick in the neck.
"Don't I even get my room to myself?" he shot angrily at Snape.
The man seemed at a loss for words. Most out of character. And where was that sneer? He must have forgotten to paste it back on after comforting Draco, that was it. "Harry."
"Huh? Sorry, I beg your pardon, Sir?"
"Listen, Harry. Fro reasons I will explain later, we are both stuck in this house for the summer, Draco as well. If we are to leave without murdering each other" he chuckled grimly "then I think we'll all have to leave the past behind us. What do you say, Harry. Are you willing to start afresh?"
