A/N: Well you guys aren't going to probably believe this but I had this chapter completely typed on my computer at school and just as I was about to upload it my internet blew out and I couldn't upload it and I had my last exam today so I went home and couldn't save the thing to a disk because my floppy drive is currently screwed up and won't let me put any disks in so I have to retype the whole freaking thing! I'm sorry for the delay but I couldn't help it. So here it is. ENJOY!!!!!
Chapter 36
Severus quickly finished cleaning up the main chamber and sat down with Albus' christmas present and the "video" of that morning. Between his son's and the alcohol, Severus couldn't remember a time that he had laughed that hard.
Meanwhile out on the quidditch pitch Harry and Draco were thoroughly enjoying their new brooms. It was still clear that Harry was a slightly better flyer than Draco but Severus thought it'd be interesting to see the next quidditch match with the two boys on the same broom.
Harry and Draco came in just in time to get ready for dinner in the Great Hall. Since there were so few students staying Dumbledore had used the same idea as he did for Harry's third year and had everybody sit at one table in the middle of the Hall.
The meal was very enjoyable for the few present and Severus sat between Harry and Draco. To Harry's immense pleasure Professor Trelawney had not made an appearance.
The rest of the vacation Harry and Draco spent doing homework, flying, playing chess and exploding snap, having mock duels and just in general getting to know eachother better. Draco really fell into the role of the big brother very well.
Harry sometimes had some problems, but they were getting fewer and further between. Severus was also happy to see that Harry had decided to try and wean himself off of the nightmare potion and had so far only had 3 nightmares that weren't that bad.
Harry had been doing a lot of reading on the side about relaxation and calming exercises. After a nightmare he would just go through the steps and he would be perfectly fine. Draco proved to be a huge help as well. Draco was a very light sleeper and could tell when Harry started to have a nightmare so he would simply wake Harry up before it got too bad.
Before the three Snapes knew, it was the day that the students would be returning from the holiday. Harry and Draco both waited in the Entrance Hall. Harry really was hoping that Ron, Hermione and Ginny could be friends with Draco now that he was his brother.
Harry saw a flash of red hurtling towards him and latched his arms around his girlfriend and kissed her deeply. Harry held her and said,
"Hello love. Miss me?"
Ginny giggled and said,
"Do you even need to ask?"
"No, just wanted to make sure."
Ginny saw the glint of the silver chain of the necklace she had given Harry peeking out around his dress shirt and just over his uniform tie and she said,
"I take it you like your present?"
Harry took Ginny's hand and saw the ring being worn the correct way and said,
"Of course. I take it you like yours?"
Ginny smiled and said,
"Of course. I'd never heard of the legend before but I suppose that it's because it's a muggle thing."
"That would be correct." Harry said simply.
Harry looked over to Ron and Hermione and said,
"Hey guys. Have a nice holiday?"
Hermione smiled and said,
"Of course Harry and how did you know I didn't have that book?"
Harry got a mischievous look in his eyes and with a smirk said,
"I have my ways."
During this whole time Draco was standing a bit separate from the group of Gryffindors and Harry said,
"Guys I believe that Draco has something to say."
Draco slightly figeted under the gaze. Especially the glare that he was getting from Ron. Finally he said,
"I just want to say that I'm sorry for everything I've ever said or done. It was an act and it wasn't the real me but now I'm free to stop pretending because of my parents deaths."
Hermione and Ginny were a bit shocked but quickly nodded to show that they accepted the apology. Ron on the other hand didn't do anything and Harry knew that it'd be a hard time with him. Harry leaned over and whispered in his brother's ear,
"Don't worry about him, he'll come around eventually. I hope. If not then don't worry it."
Draco nodded and Harry turned and faced his friends and said,
"Well shall we go eat?"
A particularly enthusiastic 'Yes' was heard from Ron, who always thought with his stomach, and the 2 Weasleys and Snapes and Hermione all went into the Great Hall and took their seats at their respective tables.
After all of the students had sat down Dumbledore stood up and said,
"I hope you all had a nice and safe holiday and am pleased to see you all back here. I beg of you to hold out for just another moment before we eat so that I can make an announcement." he paused then continued,
"During the Christmas Holidays Professor Snape became a father again. This time through adoption. Professor Snape legally adopted Mister Draco Malfoy." Dumbledore paused for a moment again then said,
"Well now that that's done, enjoy your dinner."
The food appeared and students started to eat. Severus kept the Slytherins under close watch and sent glares that told the students that if they dared try anything that they would regret it.
It was a bit nerving for Draco at the looks he was getting from his fellow housemates. The other houses really didn't care that much about the development except his and some of the Gryffindors.
Draco quickly finished eating and looked up to his father and mouthed that he was going to bed and Severus nodded. Draco then caught Harry's eye and the exchange repeated.
Draco left the Great Hall as some students were wrapping up their meals and leaving as well. Draco made his way down to the Slytherin dorms knowing that he would really have to watch out for himself while he was around his house, specifically his yearmates.
It was well established that Draco had been raised with the expectation of him joining Voldemort's servitude as soon as he was old enough. Draco however; didn't share his father's views and only obeyed because Draco knew he'd be treated worse if he disobeyed his father. Draco was almost a completely different person than the one that he had pretended to be for the past 4 years.
Draco entered his dormitory and layed down on his bed. His father had been quite angry because Draco had not been made a prefect and Draco had been severely punished for this. Draco winced at the memory and his hands felt some of the few scars that had remained from that beating. Draco put that particular memory out of his head and got ready for bed, casting a charm around his bed so that nobody could disturb or break into his bed.
Meanwhile, back in the Great Hall, Harry and Severus watched Draco leave. Harry was almost done with his meal. Ron had been very quiet after the announcement. In fact he hadn't said a single word during the course of the meal which was really nerving Harry because he knew that it was just a matter of time before Ron's volatile temper kicked in. Harry had a feeling that he was really going to get an earful as soon as they got out of there. Harry didn't find it in his heart to really care.
Harry finished his meal just as Ron, Hermione and Ginny finished theirs and rose from his seat and mouthed to Severus 'good night.' After getting the same Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione left the hall. As soon as they left the Hall Ron exploded. Harry of course had seen this coming and simply blocked his friend out for the most part and walked along the path towards Gryffindor Tower.
Just as they were almost there Ron said something that finally put Harry over the edge. That was just too much for Harry and stopped dead in his tracks and he exploded.
"Sweet Merlin Ron, shut up!"
Ron, Ginny and Hermione stopped and Harry continued,
"You know, this is exactly why I didn't owl to tell you this because I knew you would react this way! Did it ever cross your mind that I'm actually happy about this?! I finally have a father and a brother who actually care about me! Who cares if that father is 'the greasy git of a potions master' and the brother is our 'former arch nemesis'! I don't care! Draco apologized to you and if you got that rod pulled out of your arse you'd see that he's actually a pretty nice guy!" Harry paused for a moment and continued,
"You know, having spent the past 2 weeks in close quarters with him has been great. I pity you that you can't let go of this stupid hatred from something that started when we were just 11! You know if you considered yourself to be one of my best friends you would be happy for me!" Harry paused again then put his hands up and said,
"You know what, I don't care anymore. I've had enough. Come see me when you've grown up and stopped acting like a child." With that Harry stormed off the rest of the way to Gryffindor Tower.
Ron stood there with his mouth gaping open and closed like a fish. Ron turned to Hermione and Ginny and Ginny said,
"Nice job Ron." With that Ginny ran off after Harry. Ron looked to Hermione and said,
"Was I wrong?"
"To be honest Ron...you were." Hermione said hesitantly then continued,
"You saw and heard Draco apologize for everything and I don't know why you couldn't accept it. I did and he's been more horrible to me than you simply because I'm muggle born." Hermione paused and pressed on
"You should be happy for Harry because this is exactly what he needs right now. He needs a family and to be around people that care about and want to help him. You know that he still has problems, nightmares and flashbacks and he can't help it and he's been under so much pressure this year that he really needs all the support he can get."
Only after hearing his Hermione say that did Ron realize what he'd done.
"Merlin, you're right 'Mione. I don't know what I was thinking. I just find it so wierd because so much has happened this year and it's only January!"
Hermione put her arm around Ron's shoulder and said,
"I know, but you just have to take it one day at a time. Now I think you need to go and apologize to Harry."
Ron nodded and the two continued their trek to Gryffindor Tower. When they entered the prefect's area they heard muffled sobbing. As the two drew closer they heard Harry saying, mostly likely to Ginny,
"I just don't get it sometimes. Why can't something go right for me just once in my life? Why does something bad always have to be happening to or around me?"
"I don't know Harry. You know it doesn't do to dwell on the past because that's all it is. The past. You can't change it so learn from it, embrace it and move on from it." Ginny responded
Ron and Hermione peeked in the door and found Harry sprawled out on his bed facing the wall with Ginny leaning over and hugging him and stroking his hair. Hermione knocked on the open door and Harry and Ginny looked over and Hermione said,
"Harry, Ron has something he would like to say to you."
Harry nodded his head and turned back to the wall while Ginny kept an icy glare on her brother as he stepped in the room and said with complete and total sincerity,
"Harry mate, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it and I realize now that I was being a complete and total prat. You do deserve to have this Harry. I hope you can forgive me because you are a great friend. I'll also talk to Mal-Draco and try to get to know him better if that's what you want."
Harry kept facing the wall and said,
"Ron you should want to get to know Draco on your own, not because we had a fight about it. He's willing to give it a shot but you need to be willing as well."
"Harry that's the thing, I do want to. You were right, it is stupid to hang on to an old hatred that started when we were just first years." Ron said as he stepped slowly closer towards the bed.
Harry finally turned to face Ron and said,
"All right, I believe and forgive you. Draco's gonna have a hard enough time with this because of his housemates and he's gonna need help too. We also have serious reason to believe that the Slytherins are going to try and do something to the two of us so we're going to need a little bit of help."
Ron nodded and said,
"Well I better be getting ready for bed then. Night Harry, Ginny."
"Night Ron." The two said together
Ron kissed Hermione and went out of Harry's room and disappeared into his own. Hermione made her excuses and left and Ginny did as well. After kissing Ginny and she left Harry closed his door and got ready to go to sleep.
Harry decided to not take the nightmare potion that night since he had taken it the night before. That was Harry's system now, he would only take it every other night. Harry climbed into bed and extinguished the lights and fell asleep.
How long later, Harry wasn't sure and he was awoken by a nightmare. It was one of his normal ones but he was getting more and more used to them so the effects weren't nearly as severe as when he first got them. He did his relaxation exercises and was soon back asleep. Asleep and having pleasant dreams for a change as well.
A/N: Well I figured I'd stop there. I almost completely changed how I originally wrote this chapter but I like it this way a whole lot better. This kind of gives me a chance to build up the suspense of what's to come. Now push that little button and review and tell me what you think but please no flames. I'm still recovering from finals week so I'm not sure if this chapter is any good. Neways, please be nice and I'll try and get the next chapter out in the next few days. I'm not sure though because I have to do a research paper for my final exam for my choral literature class so I'll write whenever I have the chance and after the paper is done. Now REVIEW DANG IT!! TTFN!!
Chapter 36
Severus quickly finished cleaning up the main chamber and sat down with Albus' christmas present and the "video" of that morning. Between his son's and the alcohol, Severus couldn't remember a time that he had laughed that hard.
Meanwhile out on the quidditch pitch Harry and Draco were thoroughly enjoying their new brooms. It was still clear that Harry was a slightly better flyer than Draco but Severus thought it'd be interesting to see the next quidditch match with the two boys on the same broom.
Harry and Draco came in just in time to get ready for dinner in the Great Hall. Since there were so few students staying Dumbledore had used the same idea as he did for Harry's third year and had everybody sit at one table in the middle of the Hall.
The meal was very enjoyable for the few present and Severus sat between Harry and Draco. To Harry's immense pleasure Professor Trelawney had not made an appearance.
The rest of the vacation Harry and Draco spent doing homework, flying, playing chess and exploding snap, having mock duels and just in general getting to know eachother better. Draco really fell into the role of the big brother very well.
Harry sometimes had some problems, but they were getting fewer and further between. Severus was also happy to see that Harry had decided to try and wean himself off of the nightmare potion and had so far only had 3 nightmares that weren't that bad.
Harry had been doing a lot of reading on the side about relaxation and calming exercises. After a nightmare he would just go through the steps and he would be perfectly fine. Draco proved to be a huge help as well. Draco was a very light sleeper and could tell when Harry started to have a nightmare so he would simply wake Harry up before it got too bad.
Before the three Snapes knew, it was the day that the students would be returning from the holiday. Harry and Draco both waited in the Entrance Hall. Harry really was hoping that Ron, Hermione and Ginny could be friends with Draco now that he was his brother.
Harry saw a flash of red hurtling towards him and latched his arms around his girlfriend and kissed her deeply. Harry held her and said,
"Hello love. Miss me?"
Ginny giggled and said,
"Do you even need to ask?"
"No, just wanted to make sure."
Ginny saw the glint of the silver chain of the necklace she had given Harry peeking out around his dress shirt and just over his uniform tie and she said,
"I take it you like your present?"
Harry took Ginny's hand and saw the ring being worn the correct way and said,
"Of course. I take it you like yours?"
Ginny smiled and said,
"Of course. I'd never heard of the legend before but I suppose that it's because it's a muggle thing."
"That would be correct." Harry said simply.
Harry looked over to Ron and Hermione and said,
"Hey guys. Have a nice holiday?"
Hermione smiled and said,
"Of course Harry and how did you know I didn't have that book?"
Harry got a mischievous look in his eyes and with a smirk said,
"I have my ways."
During this whole time Draco was standing a bit separate from the group of Gryffindors and Harry said,
"Guys I believe that Draco has something to say."
Draco slightly figeted under the gaze. Especially the glare that he was getting from Ron. Finally he said,
"I just want to say that I'm sorry for everything I've ever said or done. It was an act and it wasn't the real me but now I'm free to stop pretending because of my parents deaths."
Hermione and Ginny were a bit shocked but quickly nodded to show that they accepted the apology. Ron on the other hand didn't do anything and Harry knew that it'd be a hard time with him. Harry leaned over and whispered in his brother's ear,
"Don't worry about him, he'll come around eventually. I hope. If not then don't worry it."
Draco nodded and Harry turned and faced his friends and said,
"Well shall we go eat?"
A particularly enthusiastic 'Yes' was heard from Ron, who always thought with his stomach, and the 2 Weasleys and Snapes and Hermione all went into the Great Hall and took their seats at their respective tables.
After all of the students had sat down Dumbledore stood up and said,
"I hope you all had a nice and safe holiday and am pleased to see you all back here. I beg of you to hold out for just another moment before we eat so that I can make an announcement." he paused then continued,
"During the Christmas Holidays Professor Snape became a father again. This time through adoption. Professor Snape legally adopted Mister Draco Malfoy." Dumbledore paused for a moment again then said,
"Well now that that's done, enjoy your dinner."
The food appeared and students started to eat. Severus kept the Slytherins under close watch and sent glares that told the students that if they dared try anything that they would regret it.
It was a bit nerving for Draco at the looks he was getting from his fellow housemates. The other houses really didn't care that much about the development except his and some of the Gryffindors.
Draco quickly finished eating and looked up to his father and mouthed that he was going to bed and Severus nodded. Draco then caught Harry's eye and the exchange repeated.
Draco left the Great Hall as some students were wrapping up their meals and leaving as well. Draco made his way down to the Slytherin dorms knowing that he would really have to watch out for himself while he was around his house, specifically his yearmates.
It was well established that Draco had been raised with the expectation of him joining Voldemort's servitude as soon as he was old enough. Draco however; didn't share his father's views and only obeyed because Draco knew he'd be treated worse if he disobeyed his father. Draco was almost a completely different person than the one that he had pretended to be for the past 4 years.
Draco entered his dormitory and layed down on his bed. His father had been quite angry because Draco had not been made a prefect and Draco had been severely punished for this. Draco winced at the memory and his hands felt some of the few scars that had remained from that beating. Draco put that particular memory out of his head and got ready for bed, casting a charm around his bed so that nobody could disturb or break into his bed.
Meanwhile, back in the Great Hall, Harry and Severus watched Draco leave. Harry was almost done with his meal. Ron had been very quiet after the announcement. In fact he hadn't said a single word during the course of the meal which was really nerving Harry because he knew that it was just a matter of time before Ron's volatile temper kicked in. Harry had a feeling that he was really going to get an earful as soon as they got out of there. Harry didn't find it in his heart to really care.
Harry finished his meal just as Ron, Hermione and Ginny finished theirs and rose from his seat and mouthed to Severus 'good night.' After getting the same Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione left the hall. As soon as they left the Hall Ron exploded. Harry of course had seen this coming and simply blocked his friend out for the most part and walked along the path towards Gryffindor Tower.
Just as they were almost there Ron said something that finally put Harry over the edge. That was just too much for Harry and stopped dead in his tracks and he exploded.
"Sweet Merlin Ron, shut up!"
Ron, Ginny and Hermione stopped and Harry continued,
"You know, this is exactly why I didn't owl to tell you this because I knew you would react this way! Did it ever cross your mind that I'm actually happy about this?! I finally have a father and a brother who actually care about me! Who cares if that father is 'the greasy git of a potions master' and the brother is our 'former arch nemesis'! I don't care! Draco apologized to you and if you got that rod pulled out of your arse you'd see that he's actually a pretty nice guy!" Harry paused for a moment and continued,
"You know, having spent the past 2 weeks in close quarters with him has been great. I pity you that you can't let go of this stupid hatred from something that started when we were just 11! You know if you considered yourself to be one of my best friends you would be happy for me!" Harry paused again then put his hands up and said,
"You know what, I don't care anymore. I've had enough. Come see me when you've grown up and stopped acting like a child." With that Harry stormed off the rest of the way to Gryffindor Tower.
Ron stood there with his mouth gaping open and closed like a fish. Ron turned to Hermione and Ginny and Ginny said,
"Nice job Ron." With that Ginny ran off after Harry. Ron looked to Hermione and said,
"Was I wrong?"
"To be honest Ron...you were." Hermione said hesitantly then continued,
"You saw and heard Draco apologize for everything and I don't know why you couldn't accept it. I did and he's been more horrible to me than you simply because I'm muggle born." Hermione paused and pressed on
"You should be happy for Harry because this is exactly what he needs right now. He needs a family and to be around people that care about and want to help him. You know that he still has problems, nightmares and flashbacks and he can't help it and he's been under so much pressure this year that he really needs all the support he can get."
Only after hearing his Hermione say that did Ron realize what he'd done.
"Merlin, you're right 'Mione. I don't know what I was thinking. I just find it so wierd because so much has happened this year and it's only January!"
Hermione put her arm around Ron's shoulder and said,
"I know, but you just have to take it one day at a time. Now I think you need to go and apologize to Harry."
Ron nodded and the two continued their trek to Gryffindor Tower. When they entered the prefect's area they heard muffled sobbing. As the two drew closer they heard Harry saying, mostly likely to Ginny,
"I just don't get it sometimes. Why can't something go right for me just once in my life? Why does something bad always have to be happening to or around me?"
"I don't know Harry. You know it doesn't do to dwell on the past because that's all it is. The past. You can't change it so learn from it, embrace it and move on from it." Ginny responded
Ron and Hermione peeked in the door and found Harry sprawled out on his bed facing the wall with Ginny leaning over and hugging him and stroking his hair. Hermione knocked on the open door and Harry and Ginny looked over and Hermione said,
"Harry, Ron has something he would like to say to you."
Harry nodded his head and turned back to the wall while Ginny kept an icy glare on her brother as he stepped in the room and said with complete and total sincerity,
"Harry mate, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it and I realize now that I was being a complete and total prat. You do deserve to have this Harry. I hope you can forgive me because you are a great friend. I'll also talk to Mal-Draco and try to get to know him better if that's what you want."
Harry kept facing the wall and said,
"Ron you should want to get to know Draco on your own, not because we had a fight about it. He's willing to give it a shot but you need to be willing as well."
"Harry that's the thing, I do want to. You were right, it is stupid to hang on to an old hatred that started when we were just first years." Ron said as he stepped slowly closer towards the bed.
Harry finally turned to face Ron and said,
"All right, I believe and forgive you. Draco's gonna have a hard enough time with this because of his housemates and he's gonna need help too. We also have serious reason to believe that the Slytherins are going to try and do something to the two of us so we're going to need a little bit of help."
Ron nodded and said,
"Well I better be getting ready for bed then. Night Harry, Ginny."
"Night Ron." The two said together
Ron kissed Hermione and went out of Harry's room and disappeared into his own. Hermione made her excuses and left and Ginny did as well. After kissing Ginny and she left Harry closed his door and got ready to go to sleep.
Harry decided to not take the nightmare potion that night since he had taken it the night before. That was Harry's system now, he would only take it every other night. Harry climbed into bed and extinguished the lights and fell asleep.
How long later, Harry wasn't sure and he was awoken by a nightmare. It was one of his normal ones but he was getting more and more used to them so the effects weren't nearly as severe as when he first got them. He did his relaxation exercises and was soon back asleep. Asleep and having pleasant dreams for a change as well.
A/N: Well I figured I'd stop there. I almost completely changed how I originally wrote this chapter but I like it this way a whole lot better. This kind of gives me a chance to build up the suspense of what's to come. Now push that little button and review and tell me what you think but please no flames. I'm still recovering from finals week so I'm not sure if this chapter is any good. Neways, please be nice and I'll try and get the next chapter out in the next few days. I'm not sure though because I have to do a research paper for my final exam for my choral literature class so I'll write whenever I have the chance and after the paper is done. Now REVIEW DANG IT!! TTFN!!