Dear Readers,

This is probably the most important chapter thus far.

Hope you enjoy!

Harry jumped to his feet, wand out. Draco had gotten up too, giving his Godfather a small smile.

'You! What are you doing here?'

'Harry, it's okay. I am sure Severus is here to help.'

Snape simply stared at the wand pointed at him. 'Are you going to attack me Harry?' His voice was rather calm, almost sounding amused.

Harry cringed slightly. He was not used to Snape calling him by his first name; Harry felt as if it was too personal.

'Is he alive?' Harry asked simply.

Snape's suspicions were not wrong. Harry Potter was inside Lord Voldemort's mind this morning. 'Yes, he is alive and well as always. I healed him.'

Draco beamed at his godfather. 'See, I told you we can trust him.'

'So we are just supposed to believe your word then?' Harry asked gruffly.

Snape rolled his eyes. 'Think about it Potter.' Snape's tone made it sound like they were back in the Potion dungeons at Hogwarts. 'Do you think I would come here for a pleasant conversation after betraying or even killing Dumbledore?'

Harry had to admit that Snape had a point here. He lowered his wand. 'So you really came here just to have a pleasant conversation with us?'

Snape almost smiled again. 'No.'

'So it's unpleasant then?'

'It's informative. I certainly hope it will come in useful in the future.'

Harry wondered how Snape had gotten in here, passing Draco's wards. 'How did you get here? Are we vulnerable to attack?'

'No one but me can cross these wards Potter. We are quite safe. May I come in?'

It was only then that Harry realized that Snape has still not crossed the threshold.

Harry hesitated once more. Can he really trust Snape? 'How do we know you are not some Polyjuiced imposter?'

At this Snape actually laughed. 'If I was, you would be dead by now. Besides, we can wait another hour or so that should confirm you my true identity.'

Draco appeared to have ignored Harry's last question. He basically ran to his Godfather, hugging him. 'Severus, I am so happy you are here.' Snape returned the embrace, although very awkwardly.

'You have to come inside, are you hungry?' Draco asked, pulling Severus inside the tent.

Harry watched Draco's joy at Snape's arrival. He decided to watch out for Snape, although he had to admit that it would be stupid for an imposter to not kill them right away.

'I am not hungry, Draco. Although tea would be nice. Just black is fine.' Snape was now looking around the magnificent tent. He was sure that it looked nothing like this when Weasley and Granger were here. 'I see that I have taught you well, Draco. Your transfiguration is indeed impressive.' Snape looked into the bedroom, wondering if the two teenagers did what he thought they would be doing. This thought made the Potions Master slightly pink in the face, he really needed tea now.

Draco nodded his head at the compliment. 'Alright, let's all talk in the kitchen then.'

When everyone was seated at the kitchen table, Draco waved his wand and summoned black tea (with a teapot and cups) and a large plate with cookies, biscuits, fruit and cheese. Snape took his cup, with tea appearing in it instantly; the Potions Master seated himself comfortably, his facial expression indicating that it was a common
occurrence for him to sit with Harry Potter at the same table.

Harry was not as comfortable; he never had tea with the greasy haired man sitting so close to him. Fidgeting, Harry took a large bite of the cookie, not even noticing the chocolate that smeared all over his mouth.

Draco snickered at this and Snape pretended to ignore Harry's childlike eating.

'Will you be staying with us from now on?' Draco asked, initiating what promised to be a long conversation.

'I would like to make my presence here a frequent occurrence. However, I am sure you will understand me leaving - the Dark Lord still needs me, much like Dumbledore.' Snape answered, his brow furrowed slightly when he thought about his report to the Dark Lord the next day. 'I think I will stay here tonight though.'

'Where will you sleep?' Harry asked, his tone confused. He did not want to think about living with Snape. The man was clearly powerful, but he knew nothing about Hocruxes and telling him would make everything risky. Harry feared what Voldemort would do if he finds out that his Hocruxes are being hunted.

Snape looked into Harry's eyes, smirking slightly. 'Potter I am astounded at your lack of Occlumency. Surely you should close your mind if you do not trust me completely?' The question was largely rhetorical. 'Rest assured that I know about the Hocruxes.'

Harry dropped the biscuit in his hand, his eyes wide and fearful. 'You know about them, how? Voldemort will know, I am doomed, he will move them...'

Snape put up his hand to silence Harry. 'I will explain everything. But first I would like to clarify my actions earlier today.'

Harry could only hope that Snape's explanations would make him trust the man more.

'I hope Draco told you Potter, but Dumbledore planned today's assault on Bellatrix. We knew that Bella would call her Master. I was to appear and help the Dark Lord fight Dumbledore. This way the Dark Lord would think that I betrayed Dumbledore, trusting in me more. I did not meant to injure Dumbledore, but the man was unable to block my curse. I apparated directly to Hogwarts and healed him. I have then left him.'

'How can you apparate directly to Hogwarts?' Draco asked curiously.

'I will explain that very shortly Draco. It concerns you too.' Snape sincerely hoped that he could tell his side of the story without being interrupted.

'As I said, I left Dumbledore and the school for good. I do not plan on returning unless I absolutely have to.' Snape sipped his tea. 'I have several reasons for leaving Hogwarts, with the primary on being the need to locate the Dark Lord's Hocruxes.' Another pause from Snape, who seemed deep in thought. 'You can count on my help with searching for them. Unfortunately I have found out about them too late and did not have time to think about their locations. Rest assured that we will be moving closer to London - I doubt the Dark Lord will hide anything in the middle of nowhere.'

'How did you find out about them?' It was Harry's turn to blurt out a question.

'As I said, I will explain everything very shortly. I ask you to not interrupt me. You will have a chance to ask any questions after I am done.' Severus paused, wondering if he should start with Harry related business or Draco related business. He thought the latter would be easier. 'As I said, we are safe from attack inside this tent. I have taught you well Draco, but I have to confess to some of my actions that are related to teaching you. The reason these wards you have set up yesterday are indestructible is because they carry a hint of unique magic from me.'

'You told me that they are just enhanced...'

'I told you that to protect you from doing anything rash, Draco. I realize my mistake; I do not want to be secretive like Dumbledore. I have been extensively researching Blood Magic and Blood Potions. I always thought that if I find a way to protect myself and people I care about using Blood Magic, I would make them safer. I discovered this past Fall that I was correct. The Blood Magic is the reason I can apparate soundlessly, into places that are supposedly inapparatable. Of course I began experimenting on myself first. I still do not know the true extent of my acquired power, but I do know that I have shared my power with you, Draco.' Snape rushed to continue, knowing Draco would start asking questions. 'You do not recall, but I have added some of my own blood to the wine you liked, Draco.'

Draco sat stunned at this new revelation.

'I will simplify the nature behind this Blood Magic - it is very complex and in ways that I do not understand still. I experimented by performing Blood Rituals. The magic behind the Rituals is very similar to Hocrux magic - you are required to kill, and kill with desire. The main difference is the result. The Dark Lord scattered his soul by separating it more and more. I on the other hand, increased the souls I possess.'

Silence followed these words. 'I have not killed humans. I only killed two creatures to enhance my own magical abilities. I have killed a house-elf, performing a Blood Ritual and transferring the magic behind the house-elf magic. As you know, house-elfs can apparate inside places like Hogwarts. I also modified the magic I absorbed, through very complex Potions, but I am now able to apparate everywhere. I have also killed a Goblin - many people are not aware of Goblin magic, but they are resilient creatures, with an excellent sense of smell. Goblins are also very efficient in their magic - they utilize wandless magic. With Goblin blood inside of me, I can perform spells that carry a unique magical signature behind them, enabling me to cross any magical shield or barrier. The last useful feature of Goblin blood that I discovered last month was my ability to place untraceable tracking charms on anyone. When a wizard signs a magical contract, a bank loan perhaps, they are subjected to Goblin magic; should a wizard be unable to repay the loan, the Goblins will know exactly where to find the wizard and hold him accountable.'

Snape's throat was slightly dry from all of his talking. He sipped more tea and continued. 'You Draco can perform all of these things too. You have a little bit of my blood and soul, house-elf blood and soul, and Goblin blood and soul. This is how I found you today - I made a Blood potion, tracking my own blood. Since you have some of my blood, I was able to locate you.'

'But this makes you powerful - you can stand up to the Dark Lord, you can try killing him.' Draco said excitedly.

'Draco, I may have powers the Dark Lord is unaware of, but he is still the Dark Lord. He carries more magical power and knows wizard spells that I can only dream of. If I were to duel with him, I would certainly lose but most likely escape successfully.'

'But he is not that strong. Dumbledore almost beat him today.' Harry said.

'The Dark Lord had not been expecting to face Dumbledore. Dumbledore was much better prepared, he thought of all the spells he would use. If the Dark Lord had more time to prepare, Dumbledore may have been dead by now. The Dark Lord does not like to rush; he plans, skims and plots before striking.'

Draco tried to process everything he has learned so far. Snape seemed to have notice his Godson's confusion. 'Do not worry Draco; I will help you to train more. You will soon be able to do things I can do.'

Snape turned to Harry, ready to explain about his knowledge of Hocruxes.

'Harry, I confess to using my new powers to track you down. Dumbledore told me your location when you and he met last month. I apparated inside your tent and placed a tracking charm. For several weeks, I apparated inside this tent and eavesdropped on all the conversations you had with Ms. Granger, I have left you to go to Hogwarts and research the Hocruxes three days ago. I learned what they were and confronted Dumbledore about them. Albus did not want me to meddle, but I will not sit with my arms folded.'

This revelation made Harry angry, but he had to admit that he trusted Snape now. If Snape was working for Voldemort, he would not hesitate to report back with his findings.

Harry nodded at Snape. 'Do you know where Ron and Hermione are?'

'I have not placed a tracking charm on either of them. Their whereabouts are a mystery to me. I am inclined to think that they will not be joining us. Their knowledge worries me - if they are captured, then the Dark Lord may become aware that his soul is not safe.'

Snape looked at the clock. 'It is getting late, and I assume you need time to process what you have learned today. Draco, I will resume your training tomorrow. Harry, if you like, I can teach you some things to.'

Harry merely nodded again. Then a thought invaded his mind, a curious thought - what if Snape performs this Blood Ritual on him. Wouldn't it help to have powers Voldemort doesn't know about?

Severus had gotten up. 'I will make my own room here. Although I can conjure my own tent if you prefer more privacy.'

Draco and Harry realized that they can't do what they thought they would tonight. 'No Severus, you should stay here. It's easier anyway.' Draco said, sounding only slightly disappointed.

'Very well. Good evening to you.' Severus turned around and left the kitchen.

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