A/N:Thanks for the reviews!
Chapter Three-The Explanation
The rest of the day went by quickly. Harry was thrilled when the Quidditch team had their first meeting and he was voted Captain.
"I'm honored, thanks guys. We'll begin practice next week, tryouts are on Friday and Saturday. Anyone interested can show up." The rest of the team nodded. They would need a new Keeper since Wood had left two years ago.
~~~~~~
By Saturday Harry found himself tired and very much out of energy. Emily, Ginny and Hermione had come along to watch and support Harry and Ron. Ron was trying out for Keeper. Harry was sure he would make it, since Ron seemed very good at it.
Halfway through tryouts it began to rain and pour. Finally after nine Harry called them down and they all headed inside, wet, muddy and tired. Harry was halfway to his dorm when he felt a hand on his arm, again he wanted to gasp by the pain it caused. He was pulled to the side, and met by Severus Snape's dark menacing eyes.
"Come with me, Potter," Harry didn't have the energy to argue and followed Snape wearily to his office.
"Sir, can't we do this later? I'm tired and wet and cold," he said, exhausted.
"Tell me where you got those bruises, and I'm sure there are more where those came from, am I right?" Harry said nothing for a moment, then nodded. Severus sighed.
"My guess is you didn't get into a fight, because I would have heard about it by now, so can I leave it to your Uncle Vernon?" Harry looked down, tears welling in his eyes. Sighing, Snape approached Harry and touched his chin, gently pulling it so he could get a good view of the boy's face.
"What happened, Harry?" He asked, taking Harry by surprise when he didn't use his harsh forceful tone, but a soft loving tone.
"You want the whole story?" Snape sighed, he could see that whatever this was, it would take a while.
"Go take a shower, and then meet me down in my quarters, and Harry, you best meet me down there in half an hour, or Dumbledore will be asking more questions than me." Harry nodded and slowly walked out of the room. He had been taken back by how concerned the man seemed about him.
'Snape actually cares about someone other than himself, there's a concept.' Harry thought to himself.
Harry slowly entered Snape's privet chambers, it was nice and warm, with a fire going in the fireplace. Harry didn't see Snape, so he walked over to the couch and sat down as he saw a photo album. Curious, he slowly opened it and smirked. They were stationary pictures. A young-looking Severus Snape watched him, although not smiling, he wasn't frowning.
"Potter," a warning tone bit, causing Harry to quickly close the book. Severus sat down in a chair across from Harry and sighed.
"Now, tell me the whole story, please," Severus said. Harry looked at him funny.
"What?" Severus asked.
"Nothing, just never really heard you sound worried before."
"There's a lot you don't know about me Harry, many things you'll learn by the end of the school year. However, we're not here to talk about me."
Nodding Harry sighed and sat back, and began the long tale. He started with how Vernon had beaten him considerably after returning from Hogwarts unscathed. To the end of the summer when he got beat by a razor sharp belt, the entire time he was trying to gain composure, Snape could see the boy was losing the fight.
"Did he hit you before this summer Harry?" Snape asked. Harry slowly nodded. Severus cursed himself for not finding Harry sooner and taking him away from those awful muggles.
"Bastards," Snape said angrily.
"Sir?"
"You're not going back there, Harry." Harry looked at his teacher, quizzically.
"Professor, please don't tell anyone. Truth is, as much as I'd love to get away from that place, I don't want to end up in some orphanage. Then I'd be The-poor-beaten-boy-who-lived." Severus sat down beside the boy.
"You will not be going back with them, I promise you that. You have a family, you just didn't know about it. Harry, I want Poppy to take a look at that arm."
"Sir? What family?"
"First off.I wish to apologize. The way I act in the classroom, towards you especially, is not the way I am; it hasn't been for a long time, anyway. I behave the way I do because of the Slytherins.I'm sure that you're aware that many of their parents are Death Eaters?"
"Yes...I know of a few."
"As far as they know, I am a loyal Death Eater. As long as I am needed as a spy, I must keep up my act. All Death Eaters are expected to despise Gryffindor and Muggleborns, and you especially for what you did to Voldemort. If I were to show leniency, any at all..my loyalty would be questioned. In reality, I don't hate you. As of yet, you won't understand why, but.you bring up many painful memories for me, as well as a lot of other issues that I'm still trying to deal with. Therefore.I am sorry, Harry. I should have told you that it was an act, and nothing more."
"That.that's alright, Professor. You've told me now."
"I appreciate that, Harry.but I'm sure you won't feel that way in a minute. I'm sure you're not fond of all the secrets that have been kept from you over the years."
"No, I'm not.it always seems like everybody else knows more about me than I do."
"Yes, and I always thought that you grew up with full knowledge of who you were, of what you did. I assumed you'd been spoiled by your aunt and uncle, placed high on some pedestal like so many seem to do. But now I know differently..Remus told me about what they did to you, before you admitted it that is."
"He...he told?! But, he promised that he wouldn't."
"He kept his promise well, Harry.he had good reason to tell me,"
"You haven't.told anyone else, have you?"
"Dumbledore knows, but that is all."
"Oh..I suppose I'll be.staying at some orphanage now.."
"No, you won't be. I made a deal with Remus after he told me, Harry. I agreed to tell you a .rather large secret, if he promised to tell Dumbledore about the abuse,"
"What is it?"
"First you must promise me that you won't run off, and you'll hear me out,"
"Okay.I promise."
"Thank you. Now I'm quite sure you'll hate me even more than you already do after this.but you must be told the truth. Lily and I got married right out of school, and remained that way for a year, then we had twins. However, in the fear that the twins might be hurt or turned into Death Eaters like myself, Lily and I agreed to only tell four people about the twin's real parentage; James Potter, Leanne Dumbledore, Albus Dumbledore and Remus Lupin. Lily had openly refused to tell her dear friend Sirius, in fear that he would react badly to this, seeing as Sirius could hardly stand being around me. So in attempts to keep the twins safe, Leanne took Emily and left for the states, intending on bring the girl back when it was safe. While Lily and James pretended that there had only been one child and that he was theirs, cast a mirror spell on him and pretended Lily had never married me. They then named Sirius God-father and I disappeared, forever."
"What.? I mean.no, that can't be..James."
"But.if that's true, then that means that.that.you're my father."
"Yes, it does," Snape said, his voice full of fear, which frightened to Harry beyond all reason.
"H-how do you know? For sure? I mean.surely someone would have."
"I know because there is no way that you could not be. Looking at you, now especially, I can see little pieces of myself. Your position in Quidditch, some of your attitudes and expressions.they all remind me of myself when I was your age. You are my son, Harry, I was there, so were Lupin, Lea and Professor Dumbledore."
"But.why didn't anyone tell me sooner? Why was I."
"I thought that you would be better off living with the muggles. After the fall of Voldemort, I was hospitalized during the time you were being delivered to the Dursleys. Afterward, I was imprisoned for a short time while I was put on trial for my association with the Dark Lord. When I was finally freed, I thought that you'd be better off surrounded by family and with a memory of Lily and James, than you would be with me, a former 'dark' wizard. If you had grown up knowing about me, you would have been ridiculed about your birth, assaulted with questions. I was afraid.I didn't, and still don't, have the slightest idea on how to be a father. I was terrified that I would mess up, that something would happen to you if I were to claim you as my son. I am sorry that you had to grow up with those.people, and that you've lived with yet another lie. I should have checked up on you, and I should have found out how they were treating you, taken you out of that place."
"It's.okay. Don't worry about it. I'll forgive you all that if you promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Promise me that I'll never have to go back to the Dursleys, or go to an orphanage or anything like that."
"I promise that you'll never have to see those people ever again. You could stay with me for the holiday, if you wish."
"Okay, I think I'd.like that." "God...you're my father.I have a father.."
"Harry, you'd better get you back to the dorms now. I know it's an awful lot to take in, but I'd like to talk to you again tomorrow, if that is alright."
"Yes.that sounds like a good idea," Harry whispered.
A/N: Once again that past scene wasn't all mine, things were placed to fit my story, I hope it's not too bad. Chapter Three will be up soon. Please review ::looks around and smiles:: it'll get better. just wait until Sirius finds out. hehe. Update: Due to some minor problems, (like losing everything I had saved to this) I will not be putting up chapter four until the weekend or Monday, or until I manage to rewrite the entire thing, again. Please review, and hope I find it.)
Chapter Three-The Explanation
The rest of the day went by quickly. Harry was thrilled when the Quidditch team had their first meeting and he was voted Captain.
"I'm honored, thanks guys. We'll begin practice next week, tryouts are on Friday and Saturday. Anyone interested can show up." The rest of the team nodded. They would need a new Keeper since Wood had left two years ago.
~~~~~~
By Saturday Harry found himself tired and very much out of energy. Emily, Ginny and Hermione had come along to watch and support Harry and Ron. Ron was trying out for Keeper. Harry was sure he would make it, since Ron seemed very good at it.
Halfway through tryouts it began to rain and pour. Finally after nine Harry called them down and they all headed inside, wet, muddy and tired. Harry was halfway to his dorm when he felt a hand on his arm, again he wanted to gasp by the pain it caused. He was pulled to the side, and met by Severus Snape's dark menacing eyes.
"Come with me, Potter," Harry didn't have the energy to argue and followed Snape wearily to his office.
"Sir, can't we do this later? I'm tired and wet and cold," he said, exhausted.
"Tell me where you got those bruises, and I'm sure there are more where those came from, am I right?" Harry said nothing for a moment, then nodded. Severus sighed.
"My guess is you didn't get into a fight, because I would have heard about it by now, so can I leave it to your Uncle Vernon?" Harry looked down, tears welling in his eyes. Sighing, Snape approached Harry and touched his chin, gently pulling it so he could get a good view of the boy's face.
"What happened, Harry?" He asked, taking Harry by surprise when he didn't use his harsh forceful tone, but a soft loving tone.
"You want the whole story?" Snape sighed, he could see that whatever this was, it would take a while.
"Go take a shower, and then meet me down in my quarters, and Harry, you best meet me down there in half an hour, or Dumbledore will be asking more questions than me." Harry nodded and slowly walked out of the room. He had been taken back by how concerned the man seemed about him.
'Snape actually cares about someone other than himself, there's a concept.' Harry thought to himself.
Harry slowly entered Snape's privet chambers, it was nice and warm, with a fire going in the fireplace. Harry didn't see Snape, so he walked over to the couch and sat down as he saw a photo album. Curious, he slowly opened it and smirked. They were stationary pictures. A young-looking Severus Snape watched him, although not smiling, he wasn't frowning.
"Potter," a warning tone bit, causing Harry to quickly close the book. Severus sat down in a chair across from Harry and sighed.
"Now, tell me the whole story, please," Severus said. Harry looked at him funny.
"What?" Severus asked.
"Nothing, just never really heard you sound worried before."
"There's a lot you don't know about me Harry, many things you'll learn by the end of the school year. However, we're not here to talk about me."
Nodding Harry sighed and sat back, and began the long tale. He started with how Vernon had beaten him considerably after returning from Hogwarts unscathed. To the end of the summer when he got beat by a razor sharp belt, the entire time he was trying to gain composure, Snape could see the boy was losing the fight.
"Did he hit you before this summer Harry?" Snape asked. Harry slowly nodded. Severus cursed himself for not finding Harry sooner and taking him away from those awful muggles.
"Bastards," Snape said angrily.
"Sir?"
"You're not going back there, Harry." Harry looked at his teacher, quizzically.
"Professor, please don't tell anyone. Truth is, as much as I'd love to get away from that place, I don't want to end up in some orphanage. Then I'd be The-poor-beaten-boy-who-lived." Severus sat down beside the boy.
"You will not be going back with them, I promise you that. You have a family, you just didn't know about it. Harry, I want Poppy to take a look at that arm."
"Sir? What family?"
"First off.I wish to apologize. The way I act in the classroom, towards you especially, is not the way I am; it hasn't been for a long time, anyway. I behave the way I do because of the Slytherins.I'm sure that you're aware that many of their parents are Death Eaters?"
"Yes...I know of a few."
"As far as they know, I am a loyal Death Eater. As long as I am needed as a spy, I must keep up my act. All Death Eaters are expected to despise Gryffindor and Muggleborns, and you especially for what you did to Voldemort. If I were to show leniency, any at all..my loyalty would be questioned. In reality, I don't hate you. As of yet, you won't understand why, but.you bring up many painful memories for me, as well as a lot of other issues that I'm still trying to deal with. Therefore.I am sorry, Harry. I should have told you that it was an act, and nothing more."
"That.that's alright, Professor. You've told me now."
"I appreciate that, Harry.but I'm sure you won't feel that way in a minute. I'm sure you're not fond of all the secrets that have been kept from you over the years."
"No, I'm not.it always seems like everybody else knows more about me than I do."
"Yes, and I always thought that you grew up with full knowledge of who you were, of what you did. I assumed you'd been spoiled by your aunt and uncle, placed high on some pedestal like so many seem to do. But now I know differently..Remus told me about what they did to you, before you admitted it that is."
"He...he told?! But, he promised that he wouldn't."
"He kept his promise well, Harry.he had good reason to tell me,"
"You haven't.told anyone else, have you?"
"Dumbledore knows, but that is all."
"Oh..I suppose I'll be.staying at some orphanage now.."
"No, you won't be. I made a deal with Remus after he told me, Harry. I agreed to tell you a .rather large secret, if he promised to tell Dumbledore about the abuse,"
"What is it?"
"First you must promise me that you won't run off, and you'll hear me out,"
"Okay.I promise."
"Thank you. Now I'm quite sure you'll hate me even more than you already do after this.but you must be told the truth. Lily and I got married right out of school, and remained that way for a year, then we had twins. However, in the fear that the twins might be hurt or turned into Death Eaters like myself, Lily and I agreed to only tell four people about the twin's real parentage; James Potter, Leanne Dumbledore, Albus Dumbledore and Remus Lupin. Lily had openly refused to tell her dear friend Sirius, in fear that he would react badly to this, seeing as Sirius could hardly stand being around me. So in attempts to keep the twins safe, Leanne took Emily and left for the states, intending on bring the girl back when it was safe. While Lily and James pretended that there had only been one child and that he was theirs, cast a mirror spell on him and pretended Lily had never married me. They then named Sirius God-father and I disappeared, forever."
"What.? I mean.no, that can't be..James."
"But.if that's true, then that means that.that.you're my father."
"Yes, it does," Snape said, his voice full of fear, which frightened to Harry beyond all reason.
"H-how do you know? For sure? I mean.surely someone would have."
"I know because there is no way that you could not be. Looking at you, now especially, I can see little pieces of myself. Your position in Quidditch, some of your attitudes and expressions.they all remind me of myself when I was your age. You are my son, Harry, I was there, so were Lupin, Lea and Professor Dumbledore."
"But.why didn't anyone tell me sooner? Why was I."
"I thought that you would be better off living with the muggles. After the fall of Voldemort, I was hospitalized during the time you were being delivered to the Dursleys. Afterward, I was imprisoned for a short time while I was put on trial for my association with the Dark Lord. When I was finally freed, I thought that you'd be better off surrounded by family and with a memory of Lily and James, than you would be with me, a former 'dark' wizard. If you had grown up knowing about me, you would have been ridiculed about your birth, assaulted with questions. I was afraid.I didn't, and still don't, have the slightest idea on how to be a father. I was terrified that I would mess up, that something would happen to you if I were to claim you as my son. I am sorry that you had to grow up with those.people, and that you've lived with yet another lie. I should have checked up on you, and I should have found out how they were treating you, taken you out of that place."
"It's.okay. Don't worry about it. I'll forgive you all that if you promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Promise me that I'll never have to go back to the Dursleys, or go to an orphanage or anything like that."
"I promise that you'll never have to see those people ever again. You could stay with me for the holiday, if you wish."
"Okay, I think I'd.like that." "God...you're my father.I have a father.."
"Harry, you'd better get you back to the dorms now. I know it's an awful lot to take in, but I'd like to talk to you again tomorrow, if that is alright."
"Yes.that sounds like a good idea," Harry whispered.
A/N: Once again that past scene wasn't all mine, things were placed to fit my story, I hope it's not too bad. Chapter Three will be up soon. Please review ::looks around and smiles:: it'll get better. just wait until Sirius finds out. hehe. Update: Due to some minor problems, (like losing everything I had saved to this) I will not be putting up chapter four until the weekend or Monday, or until I manage to rewrite the entire thing, again. Please review, and hope I find it.)