Harry didn't remember when he was moved up into his room. All he knew was he hurt. He could hear Hedwig softly hooting at her master's body. Slowly Harry sat up. Tears were streaming down his face as pain shot through his body, but he wasn't going to be able to any thing if he didn't try. Harry thought back to his first year and remembered a statement Snape made, 'Harry Potter. Our new -- celebrity.' Every one thought the Great Harry Potter was placed upon a high pedestal by his family. Very few knew the horrid truth but sadly they didn't really conceive the full weight of it. Harry sat there praying for help cause if the beating he had received upon return to the Dursleys was any clue as to what his life would be like the rest of the summer he wasn't sure if he would survive it.
Miles away two figures were animatedly talking. Secrets had been kept and promises had been made. But even when the secrets revealed themselves not all of them are for the good. That is the thoughts the Potion's Master had when a colleague had told him about a secret he would rather not have ever been. With Much convincing Severus finally gave in and followed Remus to Dumbledore's office.
"Good evening Remus, Severus. What can I help you with?"
"Actually, there are two matters of importance that we need to discuss."
"Yes?"
"Do you want to go first, Severus?"
"No, it would be best if you did."
"Very well. Headmaster…earlier in the semester I made a startling discovery concerning Harry Potter….he made me promise not to tell anyone about it, but I feel that I must."
"What is it? He's not getting into any sort of trouble, is he?"
"No…actually it's more in regards to the Dursley family. When he came to class the first day back from summer holiday, he was not looking well, so I held him after class to see what was the matter. After giving him a calming potion, I finally found out what was wrong."
"What on earth was it?"
"His Uncle beats him, Headmaster. When Harry came to class, he had several broken ribs and horrible bruises, all carefully hidden by his robes. According to Mr. Weasley, he's also been malnourished and imprisoned, not to mention a probable load of other mistreatments."
"Your convinced that this story is true?"
"Oh yes, Poppy can confirm the injuries if you like. And the information wasn't exactly given willingly."
"Something must be done at once….the Dursleys must be spoken with immediately, and some sort of arrangement made for Harry for the summer holiday….I honestly can't believe that Harry has never said anything…"
"He's probably ashamed, Albus…he can't be blamed for that."
"Yes, and probably scared of what would happen were he to be taken from his only remaining family….undoubtedly he'll have to be placed in an orphanage, unless the Ministry would agree to letting him stay here…"
"Actually, Headmaster, that brings us to the second topic." Remus cast a glance at Severus, who nodded slowly, "You see, The Dursleys aren't Harry's only surviving relatives." Lupin said
"Pardon? According to the records, all of the Evans and Potter family are dead."
"The records are correct on that point, but wrong on another. Albus, James Potter was not Harry's father," Severus said.
"Then…who is?"
"I am,"
"What? How is this possible?"
"Do you remember that last mission Voldemort sent me on, in November of 1980?"
"Yes, I do…and I gave you permission to do what was necessary to convince the Dark Lord."
"When I arrived at the Potter home in the disguise of James Potter, I discovered that my reason for being there had already been removed, as James had taken the result of his work with him. However, before I could leave…Lily found me, and…wanted me to come to bed with her. Forgive me, Albus, but…I did. As I was trying to slip away the next morning, Remus found me lurking about, and deduced what had happened. I rather…blackmailed him into not telling anyone. As he later told me, Lily was slightly ill a few weeks later….she was pregnant; with Harry. Lily never discovered that it hadn't been James."
"Have you spoken to him?"
"No…and I hadn't been planning on it. But…in order for Remus to tell you about the abuse, he made me promise that I would tell you and Harry the truth."
"Merlin….You're Harry's father….I always thought there was something about you two…"
"I fathered him, Albus, but I'd hardly consider myself a father."
"Maybe not now, Severus, but you'll learn easily enough. At least Harry won't have to go to an orphanage now…"
"Yes…and I do hope that the ends are worth the means." The three were still sitting there when a soft blue light formed. They knew it meant no malice as the wards and castle magic would have been triggered. Slowly the light began to take form. Soon there before them stood a young woman with flaming red hair and deep emerald eyes. Severus spoke in a whisper but only spoke one word. "Lily?" The woman turned and shook her head no.
"I am sorry but I am not Lily as you know her. Though she was my daughter, though that it is not what I am here for. I have come to give an answer to a cry of help."
"I'm sorry but who are you, no ones knows who Lily's mother was as she was adopted." Albus spoke gently.
"Oh yes I am sorry, I am known as many names but I am Gaia, and The reason am here is because the one who was born to return the balance is near death. Should he die so do I and all that is true and right. The world would lose it's purpose and become a barren wasteland where it would be almost impossible for natural life to live."
"Who is he and how do we help him?" Remus asked quickly wanting to help.
"Sacred Light, Master Elemental, Harry Potter."