Life Takes A Turn

Chapter 25

Decisions Needing To Be Made

Severus sat at the head table, listening to all the teachers prattling on about stupid things. He wanted to be down in his rooms away from it all, however to avoid arousing suspicion he had to come. Harry had been unable to sleep after his vision, one of the Daily Prophet families had paid dearly, and unfortunately Hermione and the others hadn't gotten to them in time. So Severus hadn't gotten much sleep either, Harry's distress had bled through to him and didn't leave the entire night. In fact Harry still felt distressed, he did too but he hadn't seen what Harry had. He only wished he could stop them or make Harry forget about them but he couldn't. They were going to have to kill Voldemort soon before he did Harry any permanent damage. As mature as Harry was, it was not easy to forget he was only seventeen years old. A sigh left his lips as he tried to hide his irritation at the fact Hooch was going on about the latest talent in her Quidditch class. There was a war going on and that that was what she chose to speak about. And people might wonder why he wanted to kill half of them? All they would have to do is sit and listen to her for half an hour.

Harry wasn't the only thing on his mind; his contract was up at the end of the week. He had a chance to leave Hogwarts for good, stop spying and actually do more for the war than find out what Voldemort was up to. It didn't matter what information he brought them back, they never stopped the attacks outright. His 'spying duties' were more important of course, which to Severus was a lot of bullshit. He had been thinking about this ever since Dumbledore had left Harry to fend for himself. He didn't owe Dumbledore anything anymore, not since he had turned Harry. Turning Harry had repaid all his life debts he had owed Dumbledore and James Potter. He was finally free, magical debts were different from Muggle debts because Muggle debts didn't have to be repaid. If you didn't repay magical debts your magic went haywire, unbalanced it, and made it weak and fragmented and ultimately dangerous. Then there was the fact you would be sentenced to Azkaban, and left for dead.

There was only one thing stopping him from deciding to leave - Harry. He was going to have to speak to him and soon figure something out.

Albus Dumbledore sat at the head table, watching everything around him observing it and analyzing it like a chess board. One of his main pieces had yet to arrive; Harry it seemed wasn't coming to breakfast this morning. He also noticed quite a few six and seventh year students were missing also. Including Harry's five best friends, Ginevra, Hermione, Ron, Luna and Neville. Contrary to popular belief he didn't know where everyone was, the wards on Hogwarts weren't that good. Too many people inhabited Hogwarts for to be able to tell who was where and when right now.

He was very deeply conflicted on how to make his relationship with Harry better, after he had so foolishly believed Harry to have more in common with Tom Riddle. He had feared this since second year, seeing Harry's relatives and Harry's unconscious form he had believed it unfortunately. He hadn't looked too closely into it, now he had to find a way to repair the rift before it got any bigger. Harry was already deeply upset with him, perhaps he could take Harry to see his parent's graves, he surely would be grateful to be allowed such a thing. Maybe then Harry would open up to him once more see him as a mentor again or so he hoped anyway. Then he would convince Harry to go into Auror training and private training with him. Harry needed to defeat Voldemort, with him, the great, powerful and wise Albus Dumbledore he would succeed. Harry wouldn't survive without him; Harry needed his guidance, power and influences to win this.

Only Albus Dumbledore could call unadulterated hatred a rift.

Nobody, not even the first years jumped when the morning owls began delivering the post. The papers were absent today, or rather the Daily Prophet anyway as the place had been raised to the ground and its writers were currently in Grimmauld Place (and one family dead) whom they hadn't managed to get to in time.

"Hey, everything alright?" asked Harry opening the door to Severus' quarters and letting his five friends in. All who looked tired but utterly satisfied, Harry knew they had succeeding in saving everyone else.

"We were late, the last home we went to had the Dark Mark hovering over it," said Ginny looking sadly at everyone.

"You saved most of them, that's all that matters if you had left it they would be dead thanks to Dumbledore." scowled Harry angrily.

"True," said Ginny cheering up remarkably.

"How did you get away without them seeing you?" asked Harry curiously.

"Turned into our animagus forms and ran," admitted Luna.

"So you don't need the potion anymore? That's great!" grinned Harry happily.

The others just nodded in satisfaction.

"The D.A spoke to me last night…they want to do more even the younger ones." said Neville.

"More?" asked Harry warily.

"They want to fight…properly." explained Neville.

"Yeah, some of the sixth years think that too," said Ginny nodding along with Neville.

"What can we do? There's nothing more we can while under Hogwarts' roof!" cried Harry in exasperation.

"Maybe its time we left…before open war is upon us," sighed Neville.

"Open war is upon us, nothing has changed why are they suddenly so desperate now?" asked Harry shaking his head not understanding it.

"We saved seven families last night; I think they realized they can be doing more to help than attending classes." Hermione chimed in patiently.

"They need to attend classes…finish school or they would ruin the rest of their lives." said Harry.

"They don't need to be in Hogwarts Harry, the Ministry does the tests how do you think people survive when they leave Hogwarts at sixteen?" asked Neville hesitantly.

"The Ministry does the OWL's and NEWT's?" asked Harry taken aback.

"Didn't you know?" asked Ron feeling silly, he forgot all the time just how little Harry knew. He suddenly flashed back to Harry's confusion at everyone's fear when the Dark Mark was displayed above the sky. To this day he found it ironic that his best friend, the defeater (even if only temporary) of Voldemort was accused of firing his mark into the sky.

"Er, no of course not!" grumbled Harry hating how little he knew about his rightful world.

"Well it's possible, even I'm thinking of just taking my NEWT's and leaving Hogwarts." said Hermione.

"You?" gaped Harry wide eyed, shock written across his face.

"Yes Harry, I've learned that there's more to education and books…friendship, love and bravery." said Hermione a small teasing smile on her face.

Harry smiled right back in turn, Ron had been unconscious when she had said it, and it had only been them two. Back in first year, of course she had meant it but even then she had put books and teachers above her friends. Especially Dumbledore, fifth year was a fine example of that. She had learned the hard way just because they were authority figures it didn't mean they were to be trusted. It certainly didn't mean they knew better, this year had been a bloody fine example of that. So yes, she would follow Harry to the end of the earth and back whether he asked for it or not. She would do anything for him, even die but she didn't have to worry about that as Harry was practically immortal.

Their seventh year was all but over anyway, and she already knew everything they were going to teach for the rest of the year.

"Your mum would kill you," said Harry when he noticed Ginny and Ron were nodding grimly at Hermione's side as if they knew what she was thinking about.

"Mate…if we are to survive we gotta do what we gotta do," said Ron, at least he had gone nearly all the way. Fred and George had left and never even taken their NEWT's he planned on it. He knew he wouldn't get anywhere near as good marks as Hermione and Harry but he didn't care he would still take them.

"We couldn't possibly let the others leave too, they would be in danger," said Harry forgetting his own experiences inside Hogwarts walls.

"Not any more than they would be here, it wont be long before Voldemort tries to over run the Ministry and comes after Hogwarts." said Luna grimly.

"Have you seen something?" asked Harry warily.

"All I can suggest Harry is that you go with the flow, they want to come, want to make a difference. Let them, they have more chance of survival when they know you are by their side." said Luna passionately.

"You give them hope, they will follow you into battle, even to death." said Neville standing beside her. By they, he meant him as well, and no doubt everyone that stood around him.

Harry closed his eyes and sighed, he didn't want to lead anyone, never mind students people older and younger than him. He trusted Luna though; if what she said was true then better to take them with him than them stay and loose hope then die needlessly. Unfortunately he couldn't just leave, he had a life here with someone, who he was beginning to love or rather already did.

"We shall see, I need to speak to Severus about it first." admitted Harry.

"Well of course, it's a decision you have to make together." said Ginny nodding in understanding.

"Well we best get to breakfast, are you coming Harry?" asked Hermione standing up.

"Yeah, I'm quite hungry actually," said Harry.

"For blood?" queried Luna.

"No, don't worry we have a good supply on hand, thanks to you all." said Harry dryly.

Ginny and Luna just giggled as they all left the Dungeons and made their way to the Great Hall.

"Severus, did you find anything out?" asked Dumbledore as he placed his letters in his robes. He did not open them where others could read them; he opened them in private in his office. He was dying to know what Harry was doing associating himself with a future Death Eater like Draco Malfoy. It wouldn't look good at all, the Order members would be furious. He needed Harry's good name (now that it was cleared of course) to gain more Order members. As much good his name did, it was Harry Potter they wanted especially during the war with Voldemort.

"Excuse me?" asked Severus distractedly only having caught the last two words from Dumbledore's mouth. It was a good thing he was so good at Occlumency really, or Dumbledore would have been trying to figure out ways to keep Severus in Hogwarts and teaching. Which would in the end mean it would keep Severus spying for him but as it was he had no idea of the thoughts running through his dark haired spy.

"Did Draco Malfoy divulge anything?" whispered Dumbledore a tad bit impatience.

"Nothing, I'd imagine it's some sort of truce," said Severus quietly.

"A truce?" asked Dumbledore his blue eyes wary.

"I cannot say for sure, I think they have agreed to leave off one another, they have much more to worry about now there's a war going on outside. I think perhaps both boys realize this and have come to an understanding." said Severus immensely enjoying the wariness in Dumbledore's no longer twinkling eyes.

"What of Draco Malfoy? Where does he stand in this war?" asked Dumbledore.

"He's not following his fathers' footsteps nor is he following mine." said Severus abruptly. Draco would never become a Death Eater; he knew this which was why he had urged Draco to speak to Harry. He hadn't really thought Draco would seek out Harry, but obviously the fear for his mother had overrode everything else. Yes he had known about Narcissa, unfortunately there was nothing that could be done until she wanted away. Something he knew she wouldn't do until Draco was off age; she loved her son too damn much too even consider it. Now it was Draco's turn to look after his mother, and Draco was also not following his footsteps in asking Dumbledore for help or going to join the Order. Draco had already made his allegiance clear; he had joined Harry and his D.A.

"What does he plan to do after finishing school?" frowned Dumbledore clearly confused. There were only two sides of the war, and to him if you weren't with Dumbledore you were a Death Eater or a coward. Not that he could say that out loud, oh no that would be a stupid thing to do.

"Undecided Headmaster," said Severus Smoothly.

"Hmmm" said Dumbledore almost huffing.

"Excuse me Headmaster, I must get my classroom set up for the students," sneered Severus his lip curling at the thought of having to teach children who cared not for the subtle arts of potions making. Contrary to popular belief it wasn't children he hated, just teaching them when they didn't care for Potions. He found it highly insulting that they didn't pay attention, messed up and thought they could do whatever they liked.

"Of course Severus, do try and not send any children to Poppy requiring Calming Potions." said Dumbledore sounding greatly amused. It was times like that where Severus realized the old fool wasn't fit to be a Headmaster. He put them in danger time and time again, leaving it to him to watch over them, Quirrell was just one instance.

"I'm going to go and talk to Severus," whispered Harry quietly enough for only his closest friends to hear him. They nodded grimly and got up together, it would look less suspicious if all of them left rather than just Harry right after Severus left the hall. Dumbledore wasn't a fool and would begin to suspect something immediately. It was a good job they had managed to eat quite a bit or Ron despite being seventeen would have moaned at the fact he hadn't finished.

"I'll see you all in Gryffindor Common Room later," said Harry parting ways right after the doors of the Great Hall closed. Nobody else was around, they were still eating breakfast. Nobody usually moved until the warning bell went, for them to get to classes just before the teachers arrived.

"Alright," agreed the others making their way to the red and gold filled common room which was quiet empty the fire blazed as soon as they entered.

Harry quickly and efficiently used his shadow power to appear where he wanted. There was no point in walking to Severus' quarters when he could very well practically apparate was there? It would just waste time. He needed to talk to Severus he wanted his advice on what to do. That was the best thing about not being alone anymore, having someone to talk to properly, to confide in. someone he knew who wouldn't lie to him, someone who actually cared about him. Sure he had his friends but it was different, they were his friends.

"Harry, how are you feeling?" asked Severus although he could already hazard a guess as he seemed definitely more determined and slightly unsure about something.

"Better but I have to talk to you," sighed Harry sitting down.

"Indeed, then speak what's on your mind?" asked Severus staring at his life mate in concern.

"My friends came to me this morning, they want to leave Hogwarts…do more for the war. You know what Dumbledore would do if he even suspected the D.A to be doing half of what they suspected." said Harry.

Severus simply nodded in understanding "I can see why they would think that, I am guessing saving those journalists and their families have made them realize just what they could be saving instead of idly sitting around?" figured Severus. He knew how they felt, he had been doing it for along time, but no more if Harry was thinking about leaving he was going to encourage it. He too wanted to leave Hogwarts, finish this war and perhaps if he was lucky enough to survive and Harry also they would find something that makes them both happy. Just because he was a vampire didn't mean he was immortal, he could still die Harry also.

"Yes, but Grimmauld Place is almost full of people, Hermione converted all the rooms into apartments. Using magic to expand space, but it cannot be done indefinitely." said Harry.

"Then it's a simple matter of finding a property big enough to house you and everyone that want's to come." said Severus smoothly.

"What about you?" asked Harry his heart pounding in its ribcage. He wanted Severus to come with him; he was scared in case Severus didn't want to. That Severus wouldn't even consider wanting to come, what if Severus didn't feel as much as he felt for the older man.

"I too had wanted to speak to you, my contract with Hogwarts is up, and I no longer have to stay. I am within my rights to leave should I wish it, I'm stopping spying, and leaving perhaps now I can train your students with you. Help with this war instead of bringing back information Dumbledore doesn't use." said Severus; he does use it just not the way he would wish. The lives that could have been saved if Dumbledore had used the information was immense.

Harry blinked in blank astonishment he wasn't going to even have to ask? Severus actually wanted to come with him? And a bunch of other students? Even though he couldn't stand them. He wasn't sure what to think of that anyway, apart from shock of course.

"I'd like that," Harry managed to mutter after five minutes of silence.

Severus just sat there smirking mock sardonically at him.

Albus was finally able to leave the Great Hall when all students were gone, as were all the teachers. Staring at the empty hall, humming a tune to himself, popping a lemon drop into his mouth. Ideas of how to get Harry back in his graces still turning around his head, the most prominent one was definitely going to see his parents. Perhaps he could show Harry around Potter Manor also, it's where he had stayed for the first year of his life before he went into hiding at Godric's Hollow. Hiding normally then with the Fidelus when it became apparent someone close was betraying them.

Sitting down in his office he got himself comfortable, hopefully nobody would bother him for a few hours. He opened his mail reading everything he got, until he reached a certain one.

Gringotts, about the Potter accounts seeing the coat of arms on the back along with the Gringotts seal itself. Curious indeed he opened it only to freeze in shock, his entire body immobile for what seemed like an eternity.

He used a word that had all the Headmasters of Hogwarts gaping in shock.

Albus Dumbledore had never lost his cool before.

"FUCKING HELL!"

The lemon drop he had so cheerfully sucking on fell into his beard but Albus Dumbledore didn't even notice too shocked by the letter to think rationally.

He had to get Potter up to see him now! This had gone on long enough.

He didn't even stop to consider that it was he who had started it, first by stealing, then by leaving Harry to fend for himself. He had no one but himself to blame, but a man like that would never stop to consider that, he believed that he was blameless. Even if the evidence was staring him in the face he would still deny it.

Will Harry take them all to a Black Manor or Potter Manor? Will They Have Portraits? Will He learn more about his family than Harry thought possible? will they approve of his choice? - Severus Snape. Or will there have been a feud with them for centuries? yes severus is a pureblood in this story...i think as it was started well before the release of the Half blood Prince...i think lol my god i really need to finish some of these older stories! hence why i'm updating it. There's so many of them! my Newer ones are more exciting and have more reviews hence why i like updating those! will Harry leave after speaking to Dumbledore taking the others with him in full view of DUmbledore who can do nothing? Hogwarts going against him as he orders the doors to be locked? allowing Harry and the others to walk free? or will he sneak out and take the others leaving dumbledore wondering what on earth happened to the students of his school? will severus leave without explaination or confont Dumbledore or leave a letter? R&R PLEASE!