Harry's mouth dropped open and he ran to his father's side.
"Fa - Professor - are you alright?"
There was no response. Snape was unconscious, blood trickling down the side of his face. His black hair obscured his cheek but Harry could see that the eyes were gently shut. A shiver ran down his spine. What if he had seriously hurt the man?
Flitwick crouched next to Snape and brushed the man's hair out of the way, feeling for his pulse. Thankfully Snape was breathing fine - he just seemed to be knocked out.
"Someone go and get Madam Pomfrey" said Harry tersely, aware of the whispers and gasps coming from the student. Flitwick didn't look up. He was pale.
"Class dismissed. Go!"
He turned to Harry and put a hand on the shaking boy's arm.
"It's not your fault, Harry. You reacted well. He should have blocked it. It's partly my fault for making you angry; but it's proved that you are a strong enough dueller to hold your own against anyone you need to. I'm sure professor Snape will be fine."
Harry nodded numbly, some feeling coming back into his legs. Madam Pomfrey arrived, tutting.
"What happened this time?"
Both Harry and Flitwick were silent, and the medi-witch rolled her eyes before beginning to check Snape.
"Yes, yes, he'll be fine. Could one of you escort him to the Dungeons? I know from experience there's no way he'll stay in the Hospital Wing. But I'll get Dumbledore to cancel his classes for the day; he'll have a terrible headache when he wakes up."
Flitwick shook his head.
"I already have a class waiting for me, Poppy, I'm afraid Harry will have to take him."
Harry swallowed. This would be interesting. . .
"Can I put a mobilicorpus on him? It'll be easier to get him to the Dungeons and then he won't be able to break anything in his temper when he gets in his rooms. . ."
Pomfrey smiled and nodded.
"The password's Salazar" she said, as Harry levitated the still unconscious potions master.
It took about 5 minutes to get down to the dungeons. Harry opened Snape's door and levitated the man over the bed, letting him down gently. He turned to leave, and then changed his mind. If nothing else, Snape deserved an apology. Taking a seat by the bed he looked at his father. The customary scowl was gone from his features, and suddenly Harry understood what his mother had seen in him. The face was strong and handsome without it's usual sneer.
He didn't know how long he had sat for until Snape started moving slightly. Harry swiftly went to the bathroom and soaked a towel in water. Snape looked like he was waking up as Harry re-entered the bedroom and placed the cold towel over Snape's head. On impulse he gently cleaned the cut on the side of Snape's head, wondering why Pomfrey hadn't either cleaned it or taken down the swelling.
His hand covered the towel on Snape's head, and Snape's mouth curved up into a smile; a genuine smile, not a smirk or sneer. His eyes were still shut. Feeling tears in his eyes for the soft interior which he had never seen - never looked for - Harry gently pushed his father's hair out of his eyes and smiled down as the dark orbs opened.
"How are you feeling?"
Snape blinked, and said softly,
"This is a dream, isn't it?"
Harry shook his head, still smiling.
"Don't you remember, Professor? I was duelling professor Flitwick and then you surprised me from behind. I disarmed you and you hit a wall. . ."
Snape's lips curved up into a smile.
"I thought that was a dream as well. Though dreams don't usually hurt that much. . ."
"Madam Pomfrey told me to bring you back here, but she didn't heal you."
"She doesn't like me; doesn't trust me."
"May I?"
Snape paused for a fraction of a second before nodding. Harry waved his wand, muttering "exducto" and saw the swelling go down.
"You should sleep, professor."
Snape shrugged.
"I'm not that tired. I feel better now. . ."
He tried to stand, and immediately fell back to the bed clutching his head. Harry smirked.
"Do you want me to stay?"
Snape looked at him in amazement. Had the boy just offered to stay willingly in Snape's company?
"If you like" he said. Damn! He should have told the boy to go away. Harry summoned a chair from the other side of the room and sat down. He regarded Snape for a moment.
"Will you tell me what happened with you and my mother?"
Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Surely you know the facts of life? I presume I don't have to give you the talk?"
Harry flushed and looked away. "well actually. . ."
Snape blanched and the infuriating boy laughed.
"Of course I know! I meant. . .how you met. . .why my mum married James. . ."
Snape nodded slowly.
"Well, I can't say I remember that well. I mean. . .I was in Slytherin, she was in Gryffindor. We had some classes together, but she remained with her friends, and I with mine. She dated Sirius Black for a short time; it was very. . .ah. . .public. As was their break-up. Black said despicable things to your mother, and unfortunately the majority of the Gryffindors believed him. At the time, of course, he and Potter were the Golden Boys of Gryffindor. Lily was nothing - a small quiet redhead with an extraordinary talent for charms.
Well, I was just coming out of my laboratory when I heard the sound of someone crying. I found her and comforted her as best I could, and I suppose our friendship grew from there. However when the Gryffindors and Slytherins found out, all hell broke loose. She was scared of losing all her friends, and broke off the agreement - and our engagement. We. . .we had one last night together. I like to fool myself that she still loved me. But it was too late - I was to be marked the next day. Several weeks later she came to see me. She saw the mark and fled without telling me her news. I now know what it was - that she was pregnant with you.
I don't know how she ended up married to James. She couldn't stand him at Hogwarts. I heard about Voldemort's attack and immediately realised what I had to do. I informed Dumbledore and the ministry, but then James and Lily switched Keepers at the last moment without telling anyone, and there was nothing we could do. Voldemort fell and Dumbledore spoke for my innocence. My punishment? To spy for the light side."
Silence fell, and Harry swallowed.
"Thank you. Thank you for telling me the truth. I appreciate it."
"It deserves to be told. May I ask you something?"
Harry nodded, not sure what Snape would want to know from him.
"How much do you weigh?"
Harry shrugged and Snape's face grew suspicious and a little worried. Harry hurried to reassure him.
"No, honestly, I'm not starving myself or anything - I honestly have no idea."
"Are you eating properly now?"
"Yes"
They lapsed into companionable silence again until Snape spoke.
"Are you in contact with Mr Longbottom?"
"Yes - I've just replied to a letter from him."
"Would you. . .would you tell him I apologise for my unfairness?"
Harry nodded, and looked seriously at Snape.
"That's not why he did it, you know. He'd been cutting his arms for ages."
"But what if I just pushed him over the edge?"
". . ."
Harry shook his head.
"He found everything hard. It would have happened sooner or later. But he's happy now. I'll send him your best wishes."
Snape suddenly snorted.
"I would imagine he would have a heart attack!"
Harry began to laugh.
Too soon he had to leave. He had never known what good company his father was, and his mind was reeling with the story of his parents. Sirius and his mother - well, no wonder they hated each other. Suddenly Harry clamped a hand to his mouth. Snape looked up.
"What is it?"
"Sirius!"
"What about him?"
"He doesn't know that your my father!"
"Harry - no, don't go. I'm not going to yell at you. Just stay and listen. It's dangerous for anyone to love another person at the moment. And the two of us carry more danger than anyone else. Don't you understand, Harry?"
Harry nodded, sadly.
"I understand, sir."
*******************************************
He left the dungeons and decided to walk by the lake to try and clear his head. Then he ran headlong into the one person he really didn't want to.
"Draco. What do you want?"
Draco looked at Harry.
"Merlin, you look terrible. Do you want to walk with me?"
Harry shrugged, not really sure what to make of this nice Malfoy. Draco seemed to take that as a yes and tugged on Harry's arm.
"I was actually hoping I'd see you. I think it's time we had a little talk. . ."
The Slytherin led Harry into a small classroom inside and sat on a chair.
"I know Snape is your father."
Harry looked vaguely surprised.
"And I want to know why the two of you don't seem to be making any effort. I mean, Merlin knows you both need families."
"Draco, I've had this conversation with Snape several times. It's too risky with Voldemort still out there. Nobody can afford to have ties, least of all an ex-Deatheater and the Boy-Who-Lived. It'll just get us killed quicker."
Draco was silent for a moment.
"I don't really know what to say. I mean. . .I think. . ."
"Don't think, Draco" said Harry softly, and he leaned in towards the other boy. Draco's throat and other parts tightened. But to his disappointment, Harry just touched his shoulder.
Swallowing, Draco managed to clear his throat.
" I found out what happened the other day"
Harry's ears pricked up and he looked curious.
"It's a friendship bond. It basically ensures closeness forever; empathy and understanding."
Harry's face split into a wide grin.
"A best friend! At last!"
He didn't notice the tears welling in Draco's eyes.
Ok, thanks everyone for the feedback. I've decided what's going to happen with Draco and Harry, it won't be graphic slash, as I already am working on a sev/harry one, just a gentle romance. I really hope nobody will stop reading the story coz of this though, because their relationship won't be a central part of the story.
"Fa - Professor - are you alright?"
There was no response. Snape was unconscious, blood trickling down the side of his face. His black hair obscured his cheek but Harry could see that the eyes were gently shut. A shiver ran down his spine. What if he had seriously hurt the man?
Flitwick crouched next to Snape and brushed the man's hair out of the way, feeling for his pulse. Thankfully Snape was breathing fine - he just seemed to be knocked out.
"Someone go and get Madam Pomfrey" said Harry tersely, aware of the whispers and gasps coming from the student. Flitwick didn't look up. He was pale.
"Class dismissed. Go!"
He turned to Harry and put a hand on the shaking boy's arm.
"It's not your fault, Harry. You reacted well. He should have blocked it. It's partly my fault for making you angry; but it's proved that you are a strong enough dueller to hold your own against anyone you need to. I'm sure professor Snape will be fine."
Harry nodded numbly, some feeling coming back into his legs. Madam Pomfrey arrived, tutting.
"What happened this time?"
Both Harry and Flitwick were silent, and the medi-witch rolled her eyes before beginning to check Snape.
"Yes, yes, he'll be fine. Could one of you escort him to the Dungeons? I know from experience there's no way he'll stay in the Hospital Wing. But I'll get Dumbledore to cancel his classes for the day; he'll have a terrible headache when he wakes up."
Flitwick shook his head.
"I already have a class waiting for me, Poppy, I'm afraid Harry will have to take him."
Harry swallowed. This would be interesting. . .
"Can I put a mobilicorpus on him? It'll be easier to get him to the Dungeons and then he won't be able to break anything in his temper when he gets in his rooms. . ."
Pomfrey smiled and nodded.
"The password's Salazar" she said, as Harry levitated the still unconscious potions master.
It took about 5 minutes to get down to the dungeons. Harry opened Snape's door and levitated the man over the bed, letting him down gently. He turned to leave, and then changed his mind. If nothing else, Snape deserved an apology. Taking a seat by the bed he looked at his father. The customary scowl was gone from his features, and suddenly Harry understood what his mother had seen in him. The face was strong and handsome without it's usual sneer.
He didn't know how long he had sat for until Snape started moving slightly. Harry swiftly went to the bathroom and soaked a towel in water. Snape looked like he was waking up as Harry re-entered the bedroom and placed the cold towel over Snape's head. On impulse he gently cleaned the cut on the side of Snape's head, wondering why Pomfrey hadn't either cleaned it or taken down the swelling.
His hand covered the towel on Snape's head, and Snape's mouth curved up into a smile; a genuine smile, not a smirk or sneer. His eyes were still shut. Feeling tears in his eyes for the soft interior which he had never seen - never looked for - Harry gently pushed his father's hair out of his eyes and smiled down as the dark orbs opened.
"How are you feeling?"
Snape blinked, and said softly,
"This is a dream, isn't it?"
Harry shook his head, still smiling.
"Don't you remember, Professor? I was duelling professor Flitwick and then you surprised me from behind. I disarmed you and you hit a wall. . ."
Snape's lips curved up into a smile.
"I thought that was a dream as well. Though dreams don't usually hurt that much. . ."
"Madam Pomfrey told me to bring you back here, but she didn't heal you."
"She doesn't like me; doesn't trust me."
"May I?"
Snape paused for a fraction of a second before nodding. Harry waved his wand, muttering "exducto" and saw the swelling go down.
"You should sleep, professor."
Snape shrugged.
"I'm not that tired. I feel better now. . ."
He tried to stand, and immediately fell back to the bed clutching his head. Harry smirked.
"Do you want me to stay?"
Snape looked at him in amazement. Had the boy just offered to stay willingly in Snape's company?
"If you like" he said. Damn! He should have told the boy to go away. Harry summoned a chair from the other side of the room and sat down. He regarded Snape for a moment.
"Will you tell me what happened with you and my mother?"
Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Surely you know the facts of life? I presume I don't have to give you the talk?"
Harry flushed and looked away. "well actually. . ."
Snape blanched and the infuriating boy laughed.
"Of course I know! I meant. . .how you met. . .why my mum married James. . ."
Snape nodded slowly.
"Well, I can't say I remember that well. I mean. . .I was in Slytherin, she was in Gryffindor. We had some classes together, but she remained with her friends, and I with mine. She dated Sirius Black for a short time; it was very. . .ah. . .public. As was their break-up. Black said despicable things to your mother, and unfortunately the majority of the Gryffindors believed him. At the time, of course, he and Potter were the Golden Boys of Gryffindor. Lily was nothing - a small quiet redhead with an extraordinary talent for charms.
Well, I was just coming out of my laboratory when I heard the sound of someone crying. I found her and comforted her as best I could, and I suppose our friendship grew from there. However when the Gryffindors and Slytherins found out, all hell broke loose. She was scared of losing all her friends, and broke off the agreement - and our engagement. We. . .we had one last night together. I like to fool myself that she still loved me. But it was too late - I was to be marked the next day. Several weeks later she came to see me. She saw the mark and fled without telling me her news. I now know what it was - that she was pregnant with you.
I don't know how she ended up married to James. She couldn't stand him at Hogwarts. I heard about Voldemort's attack and immediately realised what I had to do. I informed Dumbledore and the ministry, but then James and Lily switched Keepers at the last moment without telling anyone, and there was nothing we could do. Voldemort fell and Dumbledore spoke for my innocence. My punishment? To spy for the light side."
Silence fell, and Harry swallowed.
"Thank you. Thank you for telling me the truth. I appreciate it."
"It deserves to be told. May I ask you something?"
Harry nodded, not sure what Snape would want to know from him.
"How much do you weigh?"
Harry shrugged and Snape's face grew suspicious and a little worried. Harry hurried to reassure him.
"No, honestly, I'm not starving myself or anything - I honestly have no idea."
"Are you eating properly now?"
"Yes"
They lapsed into companionable silence again until Snape spoke.
"Are you in contact with Mr Longbottom?"
"Yes - I've just replied to a letter from him."
"Would you. . .would you tell him I apologise for my unfairness?"
Harry nodded, and looked seriously at Snape.
"That's not why he did it, you know. He'd been cutting his arms for ages."
"But what if I just pushed him over the edge?"
". . ."
Harry shook his head.
"He found everything hard. It would have happened sooner or later. But he's happy now. I'll send him your best wishes."
Snape suddenly snorted.
"I would imagine he would have a heart attack!"
Harry began to laugh.
Too soon he had to leave. He had never known what good company his father was, and his mind was reeling with the story of his parents. Sirius and his mother - well, no wonder they hated each other. Suddenly Harry clamped a hand to his mouth. Snape looked up.
"What is it?"
"Sirius!"
"What about him?"
"He doesn't know that your my father!"
"Harry - no, don't go. I'm not going to yell at you. Just stay and listen. It's dangerous for anyone to love another person at the moment. And the two of us carry more danger than anyone else. Don't you understand, Harry?"
Harry nodded, sadly.
"I understand, sir."
*******************************************
He left the dungeons and decided to walk by the lake to try and clear his head. Then he ran headlong into the one person he really didn't want to.
"Draco. What do you want?"
Draco looked at Harry.
"Merlin, you look terrible. Do you want to walk with me?"
Harry shrugged, not really sure what to make of this nice Malfoy. Draco seemed to take that as a yes and tugged on Harry's arm.
"I was actually hoping I'd see you. I think it's time we had a little talk. . ."
The Slytherin led Harry into a small classroom inside and sat on a chair.
"I know Snape is your father."
Harry looked vaguely surprised.
"And I want to know why the two of you don't seem to be making any effort. I mean, Merlin knows you both need families."
"Draco, I've had this conversation with Snape several times. It's too risky with Voldemort still out there. Nobody can afford to have ties, least of all an ex-Deatheater and the Boy-Who-Lived. It'll just get us killed quicker."
Draco was silent for a moment.
"I don't really know what to say. I mean. . .I think. . ."
"Don't think, Draco" said Harry softly, and he leaned in towards the other boy. Draco's throat and other parts tightened. But to his disappointment, Harry just touched his shoulder.
Swallowing, Draco managed to clear his throat.
" I found out what happened the other day"
Harry's ears pricked up and he looked curious.
"It's a friendship bond. It basically ensures closeness forever; empathy and understanding."
Harry's face split into a wide grin.
"A best friend! At last!"
He didn't notice the tears welling in Draco's eyes.
Ok, thanks everyone for the feedback. I've decided what's going to happen with Draco and Harry, it won't be graphic slash, as I already am working on a sev/harry one, just a gentle romance. I really hope nobody will stop reading the story coz of this though, because their relationship won't be a central part of the story.