WARNING: All Sirius lovers should turn away now. It's going to be anything but pleasant. This fic requires that he be, er, difficult to say the least. An impossible git to say it in other words, and there really is no 'most,' no limit to the nastiness that could ensue. Hopefully, all will be well in the end.
NOW FOR REVIEWS:
Voydag: I think I'll take what's behind door number 1! And yes, Severus and Harry should practice dueling shouldn't they?
Lee Lee Potter: I hate when that happens. I've always loved the idea that Severus was a Quidditch player. He seems to enjoy it. *Rickman's Girl mentally stops herself before she rants on about Sev's look at Harry's first game* breathe…ok…good. Whew, sorry about that. Oh, and Remus overreacted just a might didn't he *smiles deviously*
Kateri: Well then, we're just two of a kind aren't we? And if I'm a pureblood Slytherin, then you are. A good sorting quiz is at http://vh.7dragons.net/sortinghat.html enjoy!
Alecatq: You'll see in this chapter!
SarahSnape: Hi! Thanks, here's a new chapter!
Tantz: Sadly, though he does know, me thinks he's not too happy.
Saavik: Yeah, it'd be hell for Remus to bottle everything up. Everyone's gotta explode now and again.
Lisa: Thank you for your review. It has set me to thinking (not always a good thing, but it is in this case). The next chapter is the talk I told you about in my review. As such, it will be dedicated to you. I have read "Not Myself" and it's even on my favorites. I love that story. Lord Hex rules all!
Elektra Joradees Gamblin: That's a mouthful! Here's an update!
FireSenshi: Welcome back again! Next chapter up!
And, as promised, this chapter is dedicated to Lei Dumbledore, one of my most loyal fans.
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Dear Padfoot,
I've arrived at Hogwarts safely, no need to worry. Harry has been retrieved from his relatives, as per your request. Guess who was sent? Snape! And there's something going on here, but I can't pinpoint it exactly. They seem to be…getting along. Now, don't go flying off the handle, I'm keeping a keen eye out on both of them. I'll keep you updated.
How are the errands going? Not too busy hopefully, you need rest as well. Any news on the gang? Stay safe and be careful.
Your friend,
Moony
He read the letter twice before his head cleared. Snape and Harry, getting along?!? That could really only mean one thing. He had to get to Dumbledore, now! Sirius Black disguised himself and held out his wand hand. Immediately, a popping sound was heard and the Knight Bus appeared.
"Hogwarts, and fast," was all he said. The conductor nodded and closed the door after the man paid. Quietly, Sirius brooded over the implications of the letter. If they were getting along, as Moony said, then either the Headmaster has cast a charm on them, or the thing he dreaded most in life had come to light. For two years now, ever since getting his first glimpse at his godson and nephew, he had fought tooth and nail against either of them discover the truth. Snape didn't deserve a son as good and brave as Harry, and Harry deserved more than the bastard. He grumbled something unintelligible under his breath, but the other two on the bus didn't dare question about it.
After a few hours, and more joined them, they finally arrived at Hogwarts. He stepped down off the bus and waited until it was gone before he transformed. He stormed through the doors and bounded straight for the Headmaster's office. It was late in the evening, so the others were in their chambers. He shifted back to human form and pounded on the gargoyle, who didn't seem too pleased with him. The Headmaster answered swiftly, fairly unsurprised at seeing the ex-convict at his door.
"Ah, Sirius, come up to my office." Without another word, he turned, knowing the man was following him. Once inside the confines of the office, Sirius exploded.
"What happened?!? How can you let them near each other? Nothing, I repeat, nothing gives you the right to interfere with those two! He's my nephew and godson, and I will decide what's best for him!" His rant over, he merely stood, glaring at the old wizard. Dumbledore didn't appear to appreciate being yelled at, and the twinkle that was normally present was replaced with a fiery anger.
"First of all, Mr. Black, I will not be yelled at in my own school. Second, nothing, I repeat, nothing, gives you the right to keep them apart. As Harry's father, Severus has more influence than you. They know, Sirius," at these words, the younger man collapsed into a nearby chair. "Lily made sure of that; she was quite skilled with charms. Harry also knows that you knew all this time, and I don't think he's too taken with you right now. I wouldn't stay here for long. I must ask you to leave."
Black erupted out of his chair. "I will not! That is my godson, his well-being is my life! That son of a bitch has no right to have a child such as Harry. I will do all in my power to keep it as such." He began to walk out the door, but was stopped by a rather powerful spell and pulled back onto the couch. The Headmaster eyes were now burning with a rage Sirius had never seen before.
"You will sit right here as I fetch Severus and Harry. You will explain to your godson the exact reason why you've kept this from him for two years, then you will apologize." Now, it was Black's eyes that flashed, but he could do nothing as the Headmaster left. He waited for several minutes in silence, wondering how to explain to Harry that Snape was not the person he thought, or even imagined. Soon, he heard the gargoyle moving, and took a deep breath. The Headmaster entered, followed by Snape and Harry. The former merely regarded Black as a person would a beggar, while Harry merely stared at the man. Black glared at Snape with unadulterated hatred. The Headmaster nodded at Black, releasing his vocal abilities, and interrupted the raging man before he could blow up.
"Now, Sirius, I would like you to explain, in detail, why you chose to keep this information from Harry, as well as Severus. Harry, would you like Remus to sit in on this?" Harry thought for a moment, then shook his head.
"No, I want to hear what he has to say first." The Headmaster nodded, and Black looked as if he'd just been slapped.
"Harry, you have to understand, I mean only the best for you. And that slimy piece of trash is not it." He nodded his head in Severus' direction, as that was the only thing he could really move.
"How would you know, you're never around anyway!" Harry really didn't know where that had come from, and he immediately regretted it, but refused to apologize.
"What? I'm off rounding up people who will risk their lives to protect you when you battle You-Know-Who! You could be at least grateful." Unbeknownst to him, the Headmaster had released him from his confines, and was now waiting for someone to make the first move. Hopefully, that someone would make the right one. Snape was apparently tired of being silent and chose this moment to speak.
"Grateful? Why would he be grateful for everyone planning his life, telling him what he is to do. What happens if he does defeat Voldemort? What will you do then? When his purpose is served, what will become of him?"
"How dare you act as though you care!" Sirius had apparently discovered the use of his limbs and was now waving them wildly.
"What if he does care!" Harry exploded. In his rage, Sirius only saw red, and he turned on his nephew.
"How could you even think such a thing?!? Have you not been listening to anything?" He stood and loomed over the boy, who seemed to shrink and flinch under the unwanted tirade. Snape reacted out of instinct he didn't know he possessed. He leapt and shifted into his panther form in one fluid motion, landing silently between his son and the lunatic.
"What the hell!" Black backed up a little as a threatening growl escape from the panther's throat. Harry looked amazed at the potions master's actions, but managed to regain some of the composure lost in Sirius' outburst. Dumbledore smiled softly, glad for small victories. But he was still worried about Sirius. Something was keeping him from seeing things clearly. It was apparent that he was going to have to take matters into his own hands. He stood, clearing his throat.
"Severus?" the panther raised his head to show he was listening, but never took his eyes off Black. "Please take Harry back to his room. He has been through enough here." The panther nodded slightly, and waited for Harry to move. He kept himself between the maniac man and the boy at all times, and silently followed behind Harry all the way to the hall.
"Sirius Black, I am banishing you from this school until I deem it otherwise safe for you to be here. I will not have you addressing my students in such a manner, especially Harry. That boy has been through enough in his life without you all over him. I don't know what happened to you, but I do know Lily would be ashamed." Dumbledore merely waved his hand, and Sirius found himself on the edge of the school grounds. Narrowing his eyes, he stalked off, changing form, plotting to push some sense into Harry's head, to somehow make him see he was wrong.
Harry trudged along, thankful that Snape opted to stay in his animagus form. He really didn't know what to say. Once in his room, he turned to the panther.
"Uh, thanks, for back there, I mean." In a silent move, the panther shifted back to the tall potions master.
"Not at all, Harry. Are you alright?" This last statement seemed almost…strained, but sincere. Harry swallowed and nodded.
"He just…startled me. I didn't expect it from him." Snape nodded and looked down at the boy. He seemed, wired, but that was expected from what he had just gone through. Deciding on a more comfortable topic, he quickly diverted the boy's attention.
"Meet me in the classroom tomorrow and we'll start on our lessons." Harry nodded and bid his father goodnight. The elder responded in kind and walked down the hall. Perhaps all was not lost after all.