Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related is the property of J.K. Rowling and anyone else who has claim to a piece of Harry's fame

Disclaimer 2: I own the plot, Saerry Snape, and Aeyr's.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Chapter 41 **Tears and Deception**

A few days later the rest of the students were back and class was in full swing again.  Harry happily told Ron and Hermione what had happened over the holidays during breakfast.

Hermione frowned.  "Harry this is serious!  What if Sirius . . ."

"Sirius isn't going to get caught Herm.  And I think he understands about everything."

Hermione gave him the evil eye and said, "You think."

Harry gave her a bland look and replied, "Yea."

"Okay.  But when he tries to kill Snape, don't come crying to me!"

Harry scoffed, "Herm, if he tried to do that Saerry would have his head."

Hermione gave a little hmphf and left the Great Hall.

Ron looked after her and shook his head.  "Yeesh."  He grinned and asked, "So, how was the prank?"

Harry laughed and replied, "Great!  You should have seen it!  Saerry turned my aunt into a chicken!"

Ron doubled over with laughter, gaining stares from the rest of the table.

Harry looked at his watch and cursed.  He grabbed his bag and said, "C'mon Ron.  If we don't hurry we'll be late for Defense!"

The two of them scrambled to their feet and sprinted out of the hall.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After Charms, Harry came out of class and saw his father standing over by a statue, a wide space around him.  Most of the students were avoiding him as he was scowling furiously.

Harry walked over to him and said, "Hi."

Severus nodded to him, his scowl softening.  "Hello Harry.  I wanted to tell you to come down to the dungeons after supper."  He smiled and continued, "Saerry wants to try out the Seeker."

Harry grinned and asked, "Should I bring it with me?"

"No, we'll get it later.  I have to go now but I will see you tonight."

"Bye."

Severus smiled again then stalked off down the hall, glaring at several students.  Harry shook his head and headed off in the opposite direction after Hermione and Ron.

No one noticed a figure crouching in the shadows on the other side of the statue.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"YOU GOT A WHAT?"

Ron's eyes bulged as Harry told him about the new broom he had gotten for Christmas.  He stammered, "H – How'd he get it?  Its not 'sposed to be out till next summer!"

Harry shrugged.  "I don't know but it must've cost him a fortune."

"Damn right."

Hermione looked up from her book and hissed, "Don't curse."

Ron rolled his eyes and said, "Yes Professor Granger."

Hermione glared at him then went back to her book.

Harry laughed then said, "C'mon Ron.  I'll let you see it before we go eat."  Ron bounced off his seat and the two boys ran upstairs.

"C'MON YOU TWO!!"

Harry and Ron raced down the stairs again, coming to a halt in front of an impatient Hermione.  The three of them quickly left the common room for the Great Hall.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Harry finished eating, said goodbye to Ron and Hermione, then walked quickly down to the dungeons.  He was almost to the Potions classroom when a cold voice growled, "Harry."

Turning he saw his father standing there, a scowl on his face.

"Oh, hi.  I thought you were inside . . ."

Severus snarled, "Shut up Potter."

Harry was taken aback.  What had gotten into Snape?

"I'm tired of you.  You're an annoying little brat who would do well without anyone.  You don't deserve a family."

Harry stammered, "B – but . . ."

"SHUT UP!  YOU WILL LISTEN TO ME!  YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A SPOILED BRAT POTTER!  I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU!"

Severus leaned down so their noses were bare millimeters apart and hissed, "You're nothing but a reminder of something I don't want to remember and I want nothing to do with you.  Never talk to me or Saerry again.  Is that clear?"

Harry blinked, feeling tears prick at his eyes and something clench at his heart.  Why was his father acting like this?

"I – its clear."

"Are you crying Potter?"

Harry couldn't hold back a sniffle.

"DRY YOUR TEARS!"

A tear rolled down Harry's pale cheek.  He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"WEAKLING!  GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!"

Severus' face was that of a complete stranger now, one Harry didn't recognize.  He stared at his father for a moment then turned and fled out of the dungeons, his tears now coming torrents.

Severus watched as Harry fled, a smirk playing across his features, and then ducked behind a tapestry as the door to the Potions classroom opened.

"Harry?"

Severus Snape stepped out of the room, looking around worriedly.

"Sev?"  A voice from inside called and Severus turned around.

"What is it Saer?"

"Is Harry out there?"

"No."  Severus turned back to look out into the dark dungeons.  He muttered, "But I swore I heard him."

Heaving a little sigh, he went back inside, closing the door behind him.  As he did, the Severus from before stepped out from behind the tapestry.  After a moment he began to get shorter, his hair turned into a slicked back blond, and his black eyes brightened to gray.

Draco Malfoy now stood there in a pair of over-sized robes and cloak.  He smirked and headed out of the dungeons, his task done.