Little Suzi: If you haven't read Goblet of Fire, I don't want to spoil anything. If you have, tell me, and I'll explain.
Snape coolgirl: LOL…Montgomery Burns image…
Xikum: That was one long review. You were close with one of your guesses. Not telling you which. And I like the analyzing you've done. I do so love it when the readers interact.
Mikee: Actually, I've gotten an idea for a fic by another reader on that subject. Quite interesting. I think she removed it, but look for a fic called Angle Boy. It's supposed to be Angel Boy, but she spelled it wrong. Hopefully, she hasn't removed it, but if she has, it's a shame.
Fanfiction fanatic: Yes, she reviewed, and I thank her and you. I love all my readers (well, most of them :p)
Tantz: Nope, and if he doesn't, he will. Very, very soon.
Chaser: Will do.
Lei Dumbledore: Ooohh, a three-fer. You were actually number 375. Congo rats, but I can't give it to ya…no item…sorry.
Alecatq: Next clue coming up!
Snapefan51: Love the name. All 30 chapters, in one evening? Ok, this chapter is dedicated to you! *huggles* And I thank you for the praise.
Pineapplehead: Woot! Only you and Moonlight got it. That's interesting.
Charma1219: Yes, poor, poor Harry.
Charlie YuY: Tortured is awesome. I highly recommend it.
Kateri: Actually, I figured out a way to review more than once. You just have to sign completely off the internet, then sign back in. Then you can review again! Anyhoosin, yes, men can be frustrating sometimes…but that's life.
Lady Lightning: My old computer did that a couple times, then I introduced it to the wall. Just kidding! :)
Esperanza: *blushes* thank you
Moon kitty: Ah, so you're the one *points finger accusingly* You led your friend to this story? *huggles* Tankie tankie!
Angel: Updating now!
Lokia: I take it you're a R/Hr shipper…*rubs back of neck* You know, not every story is for everyone. You just have to try and sometimes you find one you don't like. I do thank you for reading, and I have a question. If you found it boring, why did you continue reading? And what did you find boring? Something I can fix? Or work on for later stories? Thanks for reading again! Sorry it wasn't to your liking.
Black Rose: As I've said, I've introduced my computer to the wall once or twice! Hehe…not really. I like the *huggles* thing…so cute. I think I'll use it now *huggles*
Frankie the Wonder Wiener Dog: I'll tell everyone where I got the riddles as soon as I'm done with them all. That should only be a few more chapters. Thanks for reviewing!
Ok, this one is for Snapefan51, who sat down and read the whole thing straight through. Thanks so much! On with the chapter!
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Harry didn't come out all weekend, nor did he hear from or talk to Snape through the stone.
Maybe it wasn't the act, he thought, maybe that outburst was real.
Finally realizing he had classes in half an hour, he pulled himself out of bed and dressed. He grabbed his bag and headed for the Great Hall. Malfoy threw him his customary sneer, but Harry was in no mood to retaliate. No doubt, the blonde Slytherin was none too happy with Harry right now; though no one was any closer to proving it hadn't been he who'd attacked the Gryffindor.
Harry didn't even look up at the Head Table, but sat himself down between Blaise and Dean. Dean was rattling on about football to Seamus while Blaise picked at his bacon. Lavender plopped down next to him and placed a hand on his arm.
"You can't starve yourself, Blaise. It won't help get them back. I miss them too, but we can't let ourselves be totally distracted by it." Blaise didn't even try to smile, but sighed and picked up his bag.
"See you in Potions," he said to no one in particular and left. As bad as he felt, Harry felt worse. He only had three weeks left, and the second riddle hadn't shown up yet. A screeching alerted him to owl deliveries, but he continued to shove his food around on his plate. That is, until Hedwig dropped a letter on his eggs. He tore into it, having recognized the writing, and read the letter that had arrived.
Congratulations, Mr. Potter, that's one. Let's see if you're clever enough to save Ron.
"What the hell?" he whispered.
"Five points from Gryffindor for language, Mr. Potter," Harry whirled at the sound of Snape's voice, and flinched slightly at the sneer that had placed itself on his face. He tried to tell himself that it was just an act, but the biting words from the Hospital Wing filled his mind. "The Headmaster has requested to see you in his office, subsequently excusing you from my class. Don't think this exempts you from the homework." Snape turned and slinked away, receiving glares from most of the Gryffindors. Harry stood and grabbed his book bag and trudged to the gargoyle, gave the password, and walked up the steps.
Covial and Snape were there, as well as Damon, McGonagall, Vector, and the Headmaster. Harry gave a small smile to Dumbledore and deposited himself in the chair. He pulled the riddle from his pocket and handed it to the old wizard, who looked it over, then passed it along. Finally, Snape was fed up.
"Why don't you read it aloud, Mr. Sonati, so that all of us may hear at once, instead of wasting time?" Damon looked shocked for a moment, but nodded and read aloud.
"I am sometimes strong, and sometimes weak, but I'm nobody's fool. For there is no language I can't speak, though I never went to school. Well, it looks like the logic for this one is different." Damon scrunched his face in thought. Harry sighed.
"And we're still no closer to finding out who is doing this." Snape made to say something, but stopped short. The Headmaster noticed and made a decision.
"Severus, Harry, I think it's time certain facts were revealed." He kept his voice calm, but the panic was evident in both faces.
"Headmaster, I don't think—" Harry was silent as the Headmaster argued with his father.
"It would aid greatly in expedience, and time is not a luxury we have. Jaren, Minerva, Matt, and Mr. Sonati, what I'm about to tell you is in the strictest of confidence and is not to be repeated or discussed at all." Dumbledore stood and gestured to Harry. "Certain things have come to light in regards to Mr. Potter's parentage. It was discovered, through a message orb sent to Severus by Lily, that Harry is in fact Severus' son, not James Potter's." As expected, Minerva leapt out her seat and looked wildly at Snape and Harry. Vector furrowed his brow in thought, as if contemplating the possibility, and Damon was staring wide-eyed.
"Albus, are you sure? I mean, he looks—"
"Just as Lily charmed him to look." Harry wasn't even looking at the adults, but tried to concentrate on the riddle. Was it always going to be this difficult explaining it to people?
"It's true, Harry is my son." The tone of Snape's voice made Harry look up. Was that pride he'd heard? Surely not.
~That sounds so strange to say, but somehow…right~ Harry swallowed and nodded. Just as it had been "right" that Harry be Severus' son, Harry also knew that Snape was his father. The older man gave Harry a reassuring smile and turned back to the livid Head of Gryffindor House.
"Albus, this is ludicrous! They despise each other!" Harry couldn't help but smile. "I don't think they've ever shared a civil word!" Now Harry had to laugh, causing McGonagall to round on him. "How long have you known, Mr. Potter?" Harry flinched at her tone, but stood.
"Almost since I arrived here during the summer," he stated simply. "And we have shared civil words, Professor." Covial, true to his cover, stood and smiled.
"I, of course, knew there was something between these two for a while." Well, that wasn't really a lie, Harry thought. "I just didn't want to upset anyone by pointing out my findings. But I do so love to see happy endings!" He was grinning idiotically, and Harry couldn't help but grin as well. Lupin was having way too much fun with this.
"Minerva, if you are finished, I'd like to get back to the riddle." McGonagall nodded at the Headmaster, but was still slightly dazed as she sat down. After everyone had reclaimed their seats, the Headmaster spoke.
"Now, I know you have classes to teach, or attend, but I believe this riddle is more important. However, I feel that not everyone is needed. Minerva, Matt, Jaren, you may return to your classes. Think on the riddle. Matt, you may even present it to your students, but tell no one of its origin. Severus, Harry, and Damon will stay and work on the riddle while I attend your class, Severus." Minerva threw a look at Severus and Harry, but left quietly, followed by Vector and Covial.
"But Headmaster!"
"But nothing, Severus," that twinkle was back, "I'm sure I can handle it. We've got a replacement Care of Magical Creatures professor, so Professor Sprout is back in her greenhouse, which leaves me free to teach potions! Most exciting, I must say." Harry could help but chuckle, but was silenced by an elbow from Damon.
"Mr. Sonati, I appreciate your assistance, but you are still Head Boy and Quidditch captain. Perhaps you should return to your studies as well."
Damon nodded at the Headmaster, copied down the riddle, and walked out, throwing an encouraging smile at Harry. Dumbledore smiled and clapped his hands together.
"Right then, I will leave you two to work over the problem, er, riddle." Smiling to himself, he walked out. Harry turned to his father.
"He is rather persistent."
"Indeed." Harry cleared his throat, and shut his eyes. He could hear Hermione's voice in his head telling him to apologize for what he'd said. But his damn Gryffindor stubbornness was threatening to take over. No doubt, McGonagall had told Dumbledore about his outburst, which he'd immediately interpreted, and arranged this meeting. Draco's voice rang out in his ears from earlier in the year. Slytherins don't apologize. He'd been talking to Pansy at the time, but Harry had heard him. And, according to the Sorting Hat, he was a Slytherin.
No you're a Gryffindor, even Snape said so.
He probably just said that because he doesn't want you in his precious house.
Harry hadn't even noticed his father calling his name until he felt a light shake on his shoulder. He blinked and his eyes refocused onto the concerned visage of Snape.
"Are you alright? Your eyes glazed over, I thought perhaps Voldemort was up to something." Harry shook his head clear of any thoughts and took a deep breath.
"No, just arguing with myself. Sir, I, uh, wanted to apologize for exploding the other day. It was uncalled for." Harry looked directly into the black depths of his father's eyes, unwavering. Slytherins may not apologize, but Gryffindors own up for their mistakes with their heads held high. The older man visibly relaxed.
"Harry, first of all, there is no need to apologize. I completely understand why you did what you did. However, I believe you unfairly cut me off mid-sentence." Harry tinged slightly, but sat back in the chair. Snape remained kneeling, but rocked back onto his heels. "I said I wouldn't see you harmed, and I meant it. I don't know what's happened, but something's changed. Aside from the obvious," he added at his son's pointed look. "In the forest, even before we knew, when that bear jumped out, I was struck with an indefinable urge to protect you, even if it meant giving my life to do so. The same happened when Black turned on you after he was informed. When I said you were too important, I meant you were too important to me." He took a deep breath and continued. "I've lived over 15 years as a loner, shut off from everyone. After your mother, I vowed never to rely on anyone, never to get too close, for fear of losing them again." Harry smiled slightly and nodded.
"I used to be that way just because the Dursleys never showed any kind of care to me at all. Before Ron and Hermione, I had no friends, no family, no one to care about." He paused reveling in the new feeling that was washing over him. "Why didn't you call me over the stones?"
"I couldn't. I tried, actually, but something was blocking my communication." Harry knitted his brow in thought.
"I might have closed it accidentally. I mean, I didn't really want to talk to anyone," he admitted.
"Especially me," Snape added. Harry looked up in panic, but his father's eyes were understanding. "Now, about this riddle. It will lead us to Mr. Weasley, correct?" Harry nodded. "Very well. How about we look at it again." Harry nodded and pulled out the letter again.
"I am sometimes strong, and sometimes weak, but I'm nobody's fool. For there is no language I can't speak, though I never went to school." He folded it back up and stuck it in his pocket.
"Okay then. No language I can't speak, so it has something to do with a voice, or speech of some kind."
"I never went to school, so it's not a person. What has a voice but isn't a person?"
"The better question is what can speak any language without going to school?"
"A god," Harry stated simply. "But sometimes weak doesn't fit that." Harry looked up into his father's eyes, but the man was deep in thought. Then, as if a lightning bolt, he jumped from the floor.
"That's it! It's a rather, er, absurd joke Albus told me. What do a Frenchmen, a Native American, and a Chinese man have in common?" Harry shook his head unknowingly as a true smile spread across Severus' face. "An echo. They all have echoes!" Harry smiled.
"An echo can be strong, or weak, and can speak any language depending on the speaker! You're brilliant!" Harry leapt up and wrapped his arms around Severus' torso. The older man, slightly taken aback, responded in kind.
"Let's go get the Headmaster," Snape said after a few moments.
"You should," Harry said, pulling away. "It would look very awkward should both of us come in together." Severus nodded and rushed out, not wanting to waste any time. Harry waited, thinking about what he'd just done.
I just hugged Severus Snape. Harry laughed out loud, wondering what he would have thought if someone had told him that a year ago.
Harry Potter just hugged me. Snape laughed inwardly to himself, thinking he would have sent someone to St. Mungo's if they'd told him he'd be doing that now. He stormed through his doors, immediately squelching the smiles of the Gryffindors and placing smirks on the Slytherins.
"Headmaster, we believe we've solved the puzzle. May I get back to my classes now?" Albus smiled cheerfully.
"No, Severus, I believe you should accompany us."
"Why must I baby-sit again?" Snape asked, eyebrow raised.
"Because this period is almost over and you have a free one next period," the Headmaster responded happily. Severus, not wanting to argue the Headmaster in front of students, nodded curtly and turned to the class.
"Your homework is four full feet on the effects of over-aged redsweed on anyone who might ingest it. Dismissed." The class scrambled out of their seats, glad to have been dismissed early with such a small assignment. Severus turned to the Headmaster as soon as the door shut.
"Albus, I'm worried about Harry's mood swings. One minute he's depressed and shut out from the world, the next happy and excited. That can't be good for him." During his rant, Severus had begun pacing around, much to Albus' delight. "I'm also worried about his studies. Is there any way you could get in to see his grades? He hasn't risen or dropped in potions, but I don't know about his other classes."
"I will look into it Severus. Now, I believe you said you've solved the riddle?"
"Yes, the answer is an echo."
"Delightful! How did you figure that out?" They began walking briskly back to the gargoyle.
"Actually, I remembered that joke you told, and that's what led us to the answer."
"Interesting, I had no idea it would be so useful. Canary Creams." They ascended the stairs to find Harry working on his Charms essay.
"Harry, am I to understand that you've solved the riddle? An echo, if I'm not mistaken." Harry nodded. "Well, that can only be one place: Mylion's Canyon. If you shout something, your echo will respond, not with the same, but in actual response. Hundreds of years ago, a wizard named Marty Mylion lived by himself at the bottom of the canyon. Well, as he had no one to talk to, he charmed the entire canyon to respond to him in his echo. People called him an eccentric genius."
"So Ron's in the canyon? Where is it?"
"Belgium." Harry's face dropped. "But don't worry lad. I'm sending you and Severus there immediately. I've also contacted Sirius to help. I'm so glad the two of you reconciled." Harry nodded absently, wondering how he was going to stop Snape and Sirius from killing each other while saving Ron as well.
"Albus, Black cannot possibly come. It would not be beneficial to Weasley if he and I are constantly arguing."
"No, no, Severus, you misunderstand, and I apologize for not explaining. Lupin will be accompanying you, and Black will be taking his place, undercover of course." Harry looked incredulous.
"You're going to let Sirius teach?!? After all the rules he broke while he was here? And Fred and George are going to flip if they ever find out he's Padfoot."
"Have no worries. Lupin is going to brief him on being Covial, and he'll take over the disguise. All is being taken care of. I suggest the two of you get ready. I'll have Lupin meet you here in an hour, I believe Sirius has arrived." As if on cue, the door swung open, admitting a large black dog. Harry patted his head as he left with Snape, then fixed his face with a scowl. No need to seem happy that Snape is accompanying him.
The Fat Lady was surprised to see Snape with Harry, but admitted them both. There were only a few third years with an off period now that remained in the Tower, but they were shocked into silence when the surly potions master entered behind Harry. They all threw Harry a sympathetic look as he trudged up the stairs, Snape on his heels. Once they reached the dorm, Harry began to chuckle.
"I think you just ruined their day."
"Yes, well, I don't have them until tomorrow, so I will be able to torment them more." Harry rolled his eyes and began to dig through his trunk.
"What will I need?"
"Well, it's nearing Christmas, so warmer robes would be nice." Harry pulled out his thick red robes and changed quickly, leaving his Gryffindor sweater and slacks on. For show, Snape raised his voice a little. "Hurry up, Potter, I'd like to be rid of this responsibility as soon as possible."
"Yes, Professor," he droned softly. He fastened his cloak and followed Snape out the door. Once again, the Gryffindors shot him worried glances, but he threw them a thumbs-up behind Snape's back, causing some of them to snicker. Snape ignored them and continued out of the Gryffindor common room.
They met Lupin and Black in Dumbledore's office going over what it meant to be Covial.
"Now, I've never met Lockhart, but I've heard a lot about him. You have to be self-centered."
~Not hard for Black~ Harry shot Snape a small glare, but allowed him to rant. It was actually quite funny.
"You have to be sure about everything, even if you mess up. When someone announces something, be annoying. Stand and say you already knew it, or had figured out long ago, you just didn't want to impede on an educational experience, or something like that." Surprisingly, Snape had kept quiet, and Harry looked sidelong at him. His eyes were closed, as if holding in something.
"So I get to stay here while you go on an adventure?" he asked incredulously.
"Unless you want to go with Harry and Severus to Mylion's Canyon." Harry laughed.
"I'd have an easier time rescuing Ron if I didn't have to step between them every five seconds." Snape cuffed him on the shoulder, and Sirius put an over exaggerated expression of hurt on his face, clutching his chest. Dumbledore entered seconds later and smiled.
"Ah, you're still alive. Wonderful! Now, Sirius, if you're ready?" Black nodded and hugged Harry.
"Be careful, kid."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Dumbledore uttered some words and Lupin's features returned to his face, and his body enlarged to his build. Covial was rather puny, though he'd sworn he'd played Quidditch. Another complex series of incantations and wand-waving, and Sirius became Covial.
"How do you feel, Jaren?" Lupin asked, testing him.
"Stupendous, of course!" he over embellished, waving exaggeratedly. "Never better, for I am Jaren Covial, skilled wizard and charmer of all of the female persuasion." He flashed a hundred-watt smile, and Harry doubled over with laughter along with Lupin. Snape merely growled in frustration, but admitted to himself that Black did pull it off quite well. He was almost as annoying as Lockhart…almost. Dumbledore was beaming as he turned to the trio.
"Now, be careful, all three of you. Severus, you know where the canyon is, so you are in charge." A smirk placed itself on the potion master's face as they walked out. They rushed to the apparation point and Harry latched onto Snape's hand. The three of them winked out, and reappeared in the canyon. The first thing Harry noted was that there was no ground under him, and he fell, pulling Snape with him.