Black Rose: And more even! I love what Sev does to the Dursleys. I am evil.
Orenji Yosei: Nice change (though I don't understand the "orange fairy" thing). Don't worry, those riddles aren't meant to be a piece of cake. Most people got it wrong. What counts is that you tried. Oh don't worry, Sev's a smart one, he is.
Saavik: Oh, you see every minute.
Esperanza: I hadn't seen Annie in forever, still haven't. It just came to me. That darn song is contagious by the way.
Lady Lightning: The next one is next chapter. Must torture Dursleys first.
BJ Jones: Thank you very much! Welcome to the story. That is actually one of the more sane items listed.
Liliana-Suger: That's ok, as long as you enjoy the story. Reviews don't really matter (though I love hearing from y'all). A dreamcatcher is probably a good idea. I may use that anyway. *wheels begin to work* Do you mind if I use it? Probably not, since you listed it, but I like to check anyway.
Kateri: Much Dursley pain. And it's not brief, no. It's long-lasting Dursley pain. LOL, and Hermione is not going to be a happy camper.
Mandidoll: ERROL?!? No, can't be…that's just strange. My friend HAS one of those. Named it Quackor the Foul. Quite some humorous stuff there.
Moon kitty: Don't worry about it. Ah, Ankha the wonderful. Gotta love GSFI.
Mikee: I like bonding moments, but I also like Dursley pain, which this chapter has! Oh, and don't worry, Draco will get his. But it's a little too suspicious if Sev injures Draco. But he can have, erm, how should I say this? A little accident in potions?
Phoenix Flight: Hehe, not my answer, the answer to the riddle. There were a few of these I couldn't figure out. I had to look up the answer on line. Scary really.
Chaser: Thanks!
Sparrow: We will see soon!
Floramorada: Well, you were 525, but alas, no item. But, this chapter goes to you, it just won't have an item.
Lee Lee Potter: Actually, you were 526, but who's counting…besides me…never mind. The object for last chapter was a feather duster, which I got in by my self-cleaning room (I need one of those). And Harry is a little upset, but we all know he's a great actor. Just not with Sev, who has that fatherly intuition.
Furies: The end of this is just for you. I thought about it and realized it's time. And no, I'm not making them up. That's craziness.
Pink-Crane: I don't care how long the reviews are, just that you reviewed. It means I'm doing my job to entertain. I don't even care all that much about how many or how long. I just hope that everyone, including myself, is having fun and enjoying the story. I love hearing from y'all all the same. Thanks for reading.
Pixyfairy120: Wow, I get Frankenstein-ish after 11 pm. It's not pretty.
PC & LR: Ah, some of my favorite reviewers. Well, PC anyway. My muse (my grammatically/politically correct Gryffindor muse) likes LR, so we've got both covered. And there aren't any wizards in Hollywood (the special effects would be much better), so I have to watch Muggle movies. Besides, have you ever seen "Python?" That's a great movie. And, of course, anything with Alan Rickman in it is a must see.
Takari4ever7: I put some H/Hr in here for you. It's miniscule, but it's there.
Pyro Bear: Not so much, no.
Alecatq: Well, Texas is a great state. We're the only state that encompasses two time zones, seven climate areas, 5 major languages (redneck is an official language in Texas), and over half the population carrying illegal firearms. NEVER piss off a Texan while driving. You know the saying "Keep honking, I'm reloading?" That's not a joke in Texas. And the weather changes faster than my sister at a costume party. I swear…I was in basic one day, marching with sweat dripping down my back and everyone nearly passing out from the heat. The next day, we're in winter weights, field jackets, and gloves. It's crazy. But I love that state.
Lei Dumbledore: Thanks.
Tantz: They will pay dearly. UPDATE FULL CIRCLE.
Charma1219: I just sit and write and they come. My muse may be a Gryffindor, but he's darn fast with the inspirations.
Dragona: Ah, I see you've reached Ch 20. Well, by now, you've seen that they do, indeed, make up. Thanks for joining us.
And now, on with the fic!
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Number 4 Privet Drive was more normal than it had been the last fourteen years. Aside from the many condolence gifts and the new furnishings (a result of the settlement from the park), everything was perfect.
A few streets down, at Magnolia Crescent, the Floo of one Arabella Figg fired up and out slunk a figure in black sweeping robes and a scowl.
"Good afternoon, Severus! Such a surprise to see you here! I thought you had classes! To what do I owe the honor?" Figg, once an old woman, now a young witch in her thirties, came out of the kitchen with her dinner in hand.
"I have not the time to discuss my business, but must insist that it is my own and a private matter. Please tell no one I've been here." He swept out of the room without her reply and out the door. Figg shook her head and smiled.
"That man gets stranger by the year," she told one of her many cats. It mewed in response and jumped up on the dining room table, ready for his dinner. Snape stalked through the neighborhood before finally coming upon Privet Drive. He stopped and pulled the pendant from his neck, securing it in an inner pocket. He pulled his wand from its sheath and continued his prowl.
Quiet as a mouse, he entered the house, casting silencing charms and impenetrable wards around it. He didn't want the neighbors accidentally witnessing anything. Muttering an incantation, a soft green light surrounded the inside of the walls, shielding the area from giving off magic signals temporarily. He didn't want the Department of Underage Wizarding to get wind of anything amiss at Privet Drive.
At that moment, Petunia Dursley exited the kitchen and saw him. She tried to scream, but Severus flicked his wand and she was silent. He levitated her and floated her to the living room, where the other two were sitting yelling at the boxing match on the television. Dudley turned to yell for his mother when he saw the most menacing looking man he'd ever seen in his life.
"Dad! Dad! Look!" He began waving wildly at the man in black, and as Vernon turned around, his shout was caught in his throat at the sight of his wife floating behind one of those freaks.
"Mummy! Dad, help her! Let her go!" Dudley didn't know whom to yell at, and began panicking, backing up into the corner. Vernon finally found his voice and took an intimidating (he thought) step forward.
"Let my wife out of that witchcraft this instant and get out of my house!"
"Oh, I will let her out in due course, but now it is time for me to repay you for what you've done for, or should I say to, my son." Snape snarled at the large man, and Vernon faltered.
"Your son? I don't know your son, freak!"
"Oh, I think you do. You see, you shoved him in that very cupboard for most of his life, and have treated him as a slave. You've beaten, starved, and neglected your own nephew, and I am here to visit it back on you tenfold." Petunia dropped to the ground, and immediately scrambled to get near Vernon, who reached out to pull her behind him. Snape froze both of them in place, so they could watch as Snape dealt with the pig of a boy.
"First of all, I will make you feel his starvation, his hunger," and with a wave of a wand, Dudley clutched at his stomach, looking longingly at the food. He closed in on it, but was promptly thrown away. "How does it feel to be withering away in hunger, yet unable to eat?" Once more, Dudley reached for his snack, but this time, he was launched into the now-open cupboard. Snape slammed the door on him and locked it, silencing the boy's pounding with a charm. He whirled and sneered at Petunia.
"You, Lily's own flesh and blood. To think that I was related to you through her makes me sick. Now, all three of you are very lucky that I promised Harry that I would not hurt you too badly, but what you have done is inexcusable; and I will not permit you to get away unharmed."
"I don't know who you think you are to just barge in here and—"
"I believe I explained myself earlier. I am Harry's father."
"His father is dead, along with my witch of a sister." Snape snorted in irony, realizing that Petunia didn't know it wasn't really an insult in the wizarding world.
"Wrong. James Potter died with Lily, but Harry is, in fact, my son. And I assure you, when I'm through, you're going to wish that Black had found out first."
"Black, as in that freak's godfather?" Vernon asked, trying not to show his fear, but failing.
"Oh yes, but you can be rest assured that I am much worse. I know more curses than Black can ever dream of." Ah, there's the fear I'm so akin to seeing. Petunia let out a small squeak and tried to jump behind her husband. But the freezing charm was still active, and all she managed to do was a face plant on the carpet. Out of instinct, Vernon moved to pick her up, but he, too, fell on the ground. Snape moved to loom over them and stared down at them.
"I am due back at Hogwarts for a tutoring session and dinner. So let's make this brief. Accio!" The door to the cupboard flew open and Dudley floated out and landed on the floor next to his parents. Snape lifted the prior curse, satisfied with the pain etched on the boy's chubby face.
"You will not have to worry about ever seeing the boy again. You had better pray to whatever god that I do not tell Black after this, as he will not care that you've already been punished. That is, if, there's anything left after I'm through." Snape smirked cruelly at the fear on their faces, and raised his wand.
"Vereor anima ratum!" Red sparkles of energy began to swirl around the trio as they sat helpless on the floor. The sparks began to combine, and soon, they collected and shot towards the Muggles' eyes. When all three sets were red and glazed, Snape smirked at the expressions. He watched in morbid fascination as the sparks jumped out and took the form of what each feared the most. The screams issued from their mouths were the most satisfying he'd ever heard in his life. The red images of energy grew closer to their captives, and soon the terrified screams morphed into pain-filled gurgles.
The potions master watched as the souls of each Muggle were ripped from their body and projected to the astral plane. He waited, and sure enough, minutes later, the souls returned, less full and lively than when they had left. The red energy spirits vanished into each Dursley, followed by each soul. Snape left before they regained their senses, uncasting all the charms he'd placed.
When he knocked on Arabella's door, she answered in haste, and he didn't even bother to wait to be invited in. He moved to the fireplace, grabbed Floo powder, and vanished with a word.
"Bye, Severus," she said to no one. She shook her head and returned to her meal, smiling at her cats knowingly.
Severus landed in his study and opened the door, striding proudly out into his chambers. He replaced the pendant around his neck and tucked it under his robes as he made his way to the Great Hall for dinner.
He entered quietly through the side door and took his place at the Staff Table, noting that everyone was busy eating and talking to pay him any mind. Of course, there was always an exception.
~I was wondering where you'd gotten off to.~
~Business. Are you planning on bringing Mr. Zabini and Mr. Weasley?~
~I can? Sure! What business?~
~Of a rather personal nature. I will tell you in private, when we're alone.~ Harry seemed to accept this as he didn't respond. Snape risked a glance at him; he was chatting merrily away with his friends, sometimes throwing a forlorn glance at the empty place beside him.
He turned his attention to the Hufflepuff table, searching for a blonde-haired boy. He found Draco Malfoy, scowling at anyone who came near. Snape caught his eye and raised an eyebrow at him. Draco scowled deeper, showing his obvious dislike at having been forced to live with Hufflepuffs. Snape smirked at the boy's misfortune, to which Draco sneered. Snape's smirk turned to a questioning scowl in an instant, and Draco looked away, knowing he had lost that battle.
Soon, dinner was finished and Snape made his way down to his chambers. Surprisingly, the three boys had somehow managed to beat him there. Of course, this is Black's godson. He probably knows more secret passages than Filch.
"How did you…never mind. Are you ready to begin training?" They nodded vigorously and followed Snape to the make shift class room. "Now, the first thing we must do is research the beginning phases. The first few months is all mental preparation to change your body into something else entirely. Let's get started." He summoned several books from the shelves and began to lecture on mental exercises and the precision of the study. Each boy took notes on the pertinent parts, and listened whole-heartedly. Though they had done nothing physical, Harry was exhausted at the end.
"Now, as this is not a real class, I will not assign homework. However, I would like for you to continue studying what we've gone over in your spare time. I will not get into anything intricate until Miss Weasley and Miss Granger are present, as I'm sure they will want to learn as well. Next time, we will do an inner meditation to discover which animals each of you may turn into. There will be a list of possibilities, probably four or five choices. You will then choose what you intend to focus on becoming." Ron raised his hand. "Yes, Mr. Weasley."
"Sir, how is it you know so much about animagi? Wouldn't Professor McGonagall be a better instructor?" In answer, Snape transformed and pounced on the boy, who cried out and fell back. Snape morphed back and smirked.
"Does that answer your question, Mr. Weasley?" Ron only nodded, and Harry and Blaise laughed. They snuck out of Snape's chambers and parted ways. Harry and Blaise to Gryffindor Tower, and Ron to Ravenclaw. The former two sat in the common room, going over homework and animagus notes.
"Harry, do you think that you'll get another riddle tomorrow? I mean, that was the answer to the riddle."
"I hope so, Blaise. I hope so. The sooner this is all over with, the better. I miss Herms…a lot. It's like a part of me is gone as well." Harry looked down and fingered the silver ring on his right hand.
"I think I feel the same way. I miss Keep." Harry smiled.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have a new nickname. Speaking of, I wonder who our reserve Keeper is." He looked around and spotted Fred and George working on NEWTS in the corner.
"Hey guys," he said, walking over.
"Heya Harry. How are you?" Fred clapped him on the back.
"Fine, fine. Hey, with, um, Ginny gone, who's gonna play Keeper Friday?" The twins' faces fell for an instant, but they smiled quickly and winked.
"That's a secret, Harry. Can't let our secret weapon out." Harry smirked.
"You two have no idea, do you?"
"Not clue one," George laughed. Harry and Blaise rolled their eyes and collected their bags. Once in their dorms, each boy collapsed on his bed, tired from the days work.
"That was exhausting, Harry. Is that every night?"
"I think I'm going to ask it to be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I don't think I can handle every day."
"Alright by me. Good night, Harry." Blaise rolled over and pulled the curtains around his bed. Harry did the same and laid back, hands behind his head.
~Good night, Harry~
~Good night~ Harry smiled and closed his eyes. Only when he knew Snape was not listening did he add…Dad.
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Ok, how many points do I get for that one? I got in Dursley torture, animagus studies, a little H/Hr angst, Quidditch got a mention, and a father/son (mostly son) moment. The second riddle of the third part is next chapter. Get those thinking caps ready.
About that spell Severus cast, it's of my own creation. Basically, it's the spell version of crossing a boggart with a Dementor. I know, not pretty. But it's not designed to be. The Dursleys will be haunted the rest of their lives by fear. It's beautiful if I do say so myself…and I do!
NOTICE: In your review, name one object (anything you like) and the 550th reviewer will have the next chapter (after the review) dedicated to them personally, and I will include the item somehow (promise it won't be hokey…unless it's something totally off the wall). If it ever gets that high, I will also do that with 575th reviewer, 600th, etc…so review away people!