It all started with a Pensieve
Chapter Seven
Harry woke a few hours later, aware that the thin, lithe body next to him, had settled and pulled away slightly through the night. Checking his watch, Harry saw that it was just after six in the morning. The sun wasn't quite up yet, but flecks of light were playing against the windowpane. Harry moved as softly as he could off of the bed, not wanting to disturb Snape.
Harry grabbed his discarded invisibility cloak from the floor and threw it over his shoulders, then headed out of the door and up to his dormitory. Everyone was still asleep when he arrived, so Harry crawled back into his own bed, and drifted off into a pleasant slumber, feeling better then he had in weeks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that day, during dinner, Harry noticed Snape wasn't at the faculty table. He thought back throughout the day. He had slept through breakfast, so he went to the kitchen once he was awake and dressed. Lunch he had eaten in the Great Hall, but his attention was far from the professors because the Slytherins had put a spell on Neville's food, so that whenever he tried to eat anything, his food would turn into green sparks and burst in the air. Everyone at the Gryffindor table had tried to reverse the effects, including Harry, but there was no success.
So, at dinner, when food wasn't going up in smoke, Harry looked up to see if Snape was there, but found he wasn't. It made sense really. The burns on his legs had been bad, to say the least, and he probably wouldn't be able to walk on them for a few days, even though he was treated with magic.
Harry ate his dinner in silence, being no one was bothering to speak to him. Ron seemed to have told Hermione about what had happened, and in turn she seemed to have told Lavender, and the famous school gossip had told the rest of the year. Strangely enough it didn't seem to annoy Harry that much anymore. His mind was on much different things. Finishing dinner early, Harry knew that this would be the perfect time to look into Snape's pensieve.
Harry went back up to the dormitory and grabbed his invisibility cloak, just in case it was needed. He would have to check to make sure Snape was still in the hospital wing first, so with that in mind, he ran off to it, under the confines of his Father's former treasure.
The hospital wing was just as empty as it had been the previous night before. Pomfrey wasn't in sight, and Harry knew that Dumbledore was at dinner in the Great Hall. Making sure he made no noise, Harry crept inside and saw Snape, laying in the very same bed as before, but this time he was awake.
Snape laid on his stomach now, with the covers pulled securely around his form, with a large book propped out in front of him, his eyes scanning over it. Harry smiled at the familiar sight. Even in class Snape always managed to read, Harry had never really cared before, but now he thought it was kind of funny.
Harry left the hospital wing and proceeded down to the dank dungeons. A smell was wafting through them, probably the remnants of some potions explosion that happened on Friday. Harry slinked through the grime-covered corridors without meeting a soul, or making a sound. Finally he approached the snake entrance and spoke the password, entering the recognizable space.
Harry found the pensieve, in the same place as it always was, and touched the inky liquid with the tip of his index finger. He felt himself being lifted above the dungeons and then landed on a stone floor. He recognized this place from before. It was Snape's bedroom from when he was a kid.
He looked around, his eyes on the figure of a young man, pale faced and frightened, he lay in a huddle on his bed, wrapping his body around the covers. Harry sat down next to him and watched as the older boy, probably a little older then Harry, curled his fingers around his forearm, and squeezed his eyes shut. Harry watched as Snape slid the arm of his robe up to reveal a ghastly sight. Harry flinched as he saw the Dark Mark, burning a horrid red, with blisters breaking out around it and bleeding, sitting on Snape's pale skin. Snape clenched his fingernails into it and bit his lip hard. Harry placed his hand over the Mark, but immediately pulled it way. The skin on his hand that had touched the Mark burned horribly, and felt scalding.
Harry rubbed Snape's shoulder instead, knowing that he couldn't feel it. It really gave more comfort to Harry then it did Snape. Snape brought his long legs up to his chin, and rested his chin on his bony knees, still clutching his burning arm.
Harry played with Snape's lengthy hair, wanting to take some of the pain away, but not being able to. Then there was a knock at the door. Snape looked up and the door burst open, not waiting for an answer. In walked Snape's father, looking much more aged then the last time Harry saw him.
"Get up, boy, and go down to the Floo system. We're going to the Malfoy's." Even his voice seemed older. Harry watched as Snape got up from the bed, his hand still clasping his forearm and brush past his father, clearly expecting a blow. Harry followed Snape out of the room and down the stairs, into the main parlor. A fireplace sat in the far corner of the room.
Snape picked up the powder from the mantel and tossed it into the flames. "Malfoy Manor." And both Snape and Harry stepped in. When Harry emerged he was taken back at the sight of where he was. It was quite obviously the most decorative, rich house, or more appropriately mansion, Harry had ever been in. The ceilings were high, and silver decorated every piece of furniture around, as well as the numerous family portraits that hung on the walls. The fireplace that Harry stepped out of was silver also, and adorned with silver snakes. Harry looked around to see that only one other person was in the room. Lucius Malfoy sat in a winged back chair, sipping red liquid from a goblet. He looked up at the arrival of Severus and smiled a little.
"Hey, Sev." He greeted. Severus didn't say anything in return, but sat down in a chair across from him. Harry noticed that Severus didn't seem in pain anymore.
"You nervous?" Snape asked Lucius, quietly.
"A little. Did it hurt much?" Harry wondered what they were talking about.
"Yeah, but it doesn't last long." Snape replied. "How many people are supposed to be here, anyway?" Severus added.
"Father didn't say. I have no clue, but he's making a big deal anyway. You should be the ballroom. It's got all these decorations, and banners. It's just making me even more nervous." Lucius admitted, chancing a glance to a closed door. Harry guessed that was where the ballroom was.
"It's really not that bad." Snape remarked.
"Can I tell you something, Sev?" Lucius suddenly sounded like a small lost child, and Harry had to suppress a smirk.
"Of course." Severus told him, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm really scared. I don't want to do this." His voice dropped into a hushed whisper, and he can't looking back to make sure his father wasn't around. "But I know I have to. Father will be really angry if I don't." Lucius looked to the ground and avoided any eye contact with Snape.
Severus didn't say anything for a while, then he finally spoke, also very quiet. "I know how you feel, but it's not that bad, I swear." Lucius looked back up, eyes shinning with unshed tears.
"Thanks, Sev." Severus merely nodded. Now Harry really wanted to know what they were talking about.
A taller man, older compared to the two teenagers, with striking silver hair, and piercing blue eyes walked in from the door to the ballroom. It had to be Lucius' father. "Hello, Severus." His tone was formal. "You two should change. Be down here in fifteen minutes." It wasn't a question, but then again, Harry doubted that this man asked a lot of questions.
"Yes, sir," Both boys muttered, standing up and filing up a set of grand stairs, leading up many floors. They stopped at the sixth and went into a bedroom. Lucius sat down anxiously on the bed and gripped his stomach.
"I feel really ill." He whispered to Severus, who looked at him with pity in his black eyes.
"You want me to go get a potion?" Severus asked, looking slightly mortified as how weak Lucius was acting. It seemed to Harry that out of the two friends, Lucius was probably the calm, tough one. Lucius nodded and Harry followed Snape out of the bedroom and into a bathroom across the hall. He riffled through a cabinet before pulling out a bottle with blue liquid in it. Then Snape, with Harry in tow, went back to the bedroom, to see Lucius in the same position as before. "Here, drink this. It'll help your stomach." Severus told him, handing the bottle to Lucius, who took a drink from it, and set the remaining bit on his dresser.
"Thanks, Sev." Lucius mouthed, hardly moving. "Are you wearing that?" He asked to Severus, who was wearing a gray cloak, with his hair tied back.
"No," Severus answered, tossing off the cloak, revealing a slick black robe, with silver buttons. To Harry it looked like it had cost him quite a lot of gold galleons. "You don't have to wear masks at initiation ceremonies." Harry doubled back, understanding. Lucius was going to get the Dark Mark. That didn't make any sense; surely a Malfoy would have joined the Dark Lord out of his own free will.
"Nice robes," Lucius remarked, going through his closet and fishing out a black robe, of a slightly different style then Severus', with a Slytherin green snake on the back.
"Very fitting." Severus joked, earning a half smile from Lucius.
"Get out, let me change." Lucius said with a smile, and scooted Severus, followed by Harry, out of his bedroom. The two of them, Harry and Severus, waited out there for no more then five minutes before, a freshly dressed Lucius appeared at the door, wearing the black robe, with his long hair tied back in a ponytail, clipped back in a green snake clip, that matched the one on his robe.
"Come on, let's get going?" Snape suggested, leading a slightly shaking Lucius down the long flight of stairs. Harry noticed something very strange. Lucius, still looking frightened, leaned a little against Snape, and in response Snape whispered quietly into Lucius's ear, "Don't worry. It'll be over soon."
"Thanks, Sev." Lucius' voice was once again scared. "Father said you could stay over tonight, if you want." He sounded like he was pleading; Severus could pick up on it easily too.
"Sure, Luc." No more words were spoken as they made their way back down to the parlor and opened the door to the ballroom.
That ballroom was much more complex then the parlor had been. The ceiling was higher, and dimly lighted candles floated near the top, casting an ire glow on the floor. A platform, much like a smaller version of a stage sat at the front of the room, and a high throne like chair sat in the center of it. The walls were lined with banners of snakes eating their prey and illegal curses being cast on people. Harry swore he could he one of the banners scream as a girl in it was put on the Cruciatus curse. Harry looked to see a gathering of about twenty people, all cloaked in dark colors, but no masks, stood in the center of the room. Harry recognized Lucius and Snape's fathers amongst them. The two boys, along with Harry, approached the gathering. Lucius' father was smiling broadly.
"And here he is." He sat patting Lucius on the back. Harry watched as Lucius smiled a slight smirk. Harry doubted that it was real. "Just one more guest to arrive, and then we can start." Harry watched Snape's fact to see that he was looking intently at Lucius. Harry also had a pretty good idea of who the last guest. Was didn't have to wait long to see he was right.
A much younger, much more human Lord Voldemort came into the ballroom. The twenty or so Death Eaters all bowed low to the ground, Snape and Lucius included. Harry felt disgust well up in his gut as he watched Voldemort grin at this sight, then motioned for them all to rise.
"So, we're here today to welcome a new member." He looked over at Lucius, and the blond nodded humbly.
"Yes, my Lord." He responded immediately. Harry wouldn't have been surprised to hear that Lucius had probably gotten lessons from his Father on how to treat Voldemort.
"Bow." Voldemort instructed, suddenly becoming a lot less friendly. Harry saw Snape wince a little. Harry knew from then on that much worse things were about to happen. Lucius did as he was told, and Voldemort spoke. "To make sure you know that from now on I own you, I will have to test you. I will not have weak, stupid people following me." Harry shook his head, trying not to concentrate on how idiotic this was. If he didn't want weak, stupid people to follow him, then how the hell did Pettigrew join?
Lord Voldemort pulled out his wand from his robes and pointed it at Lucius. "Crucio," Harry looked to see that Snape had his eyes closed, as did Lucius' father. Lucius on the other hand was doing much worse. His eyes were wide open, holding pain in them, that even made Harry feel sorry for the bastard. He could see that Lucius was biting his lip in an attempt not to scream, but was also busting his lip, because little drops of blood leaked from the torn lip, but he still didn't scream.
The curse was ended thanks to Voldemort. Lucius' breath was coming out in short, heated gasps, and Harry could see he was holding back tears. "That was very well done." Voldemort told him, commanding him to stand, which Lucius did manage to do, with some difficulty. "I'll refrain from some of the other tests." Harry could see Snape visibly relax a little at these words. "Hold out your arm." He commanded, and Lucius rolled up the sleeve to his robe and held out his pale arm.
Voldemort once again took out his wand and pointed it at Lucius' arms. He spoke a series of words, which sounded Latin to Harry. He could see Lucius' face was contorted into pain again, and was biting his lip. Harry watched as the pale, unmarked skin began to take color to it, a strong pure black shade. It slowly took the shape of the scull and then finally the snake. Voldemort put his wand back down in his pocket and looked up at Lucius. "You did well. Welcome." He put out his hand, and using his other arm, Lucius shook it weakly. "I'm afraid I must be off, but it was good to meet you Lucius, I'm sure you'll serve me well." With that he said a few more good-byes and left the ballroom, as did all of the other guests, except for Lucius, Snape and their fathers.
"I heard you're staying tonight," Severus' father snapped, roughly.
"Yes, father. I'll see you in the morning." Snape clearly wanted to get rid of his father at the moment.
"I'll show you out," Lucius' father told him and walked with him out of the ballroom, leaving the two boys alone. That's when Harry saw how ill Lucius truly looked. He was unhealthily pale, with sweat forming at his brows. He was still breathing in shot, almost pained gasps, and looking at his arm. It was no longer just the tattoo that had been left, but now was bleeding vile looking blood and puss, as bruises and blisters began to break out all over it. The second his father was out of the room, Lucius collapsed; luckily Snape caught him before he hit the ground.
"It's okay Luc, it's all over." Severus cooed, sounding gentler then Harry had ever heard him.
"I think I'm going to faint," he murmured, before completely blacking out. Harry couldn't blame him in the least.
The last thing Harry before feeling himself being pulled from the pensieve, was Snape lifting Lucius rather awkwardly in his arms and carrying him out of the ballroom.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry landed on the stone of the dungeon ground and stood up, not knowing whether he should go back in or not. That's when he heard a voice. His heart sunk in his chest. If Snape was in here then he was going to have a horrible time getting out. Harry grabbed his discarded invisibility cloak and threw it over his shoulders, shrouding him from any onlookers. He heard the voice again. It wasn't Snape. It was Lupin.
"Severus, are you in here?" He heard the voice ask. Harry popped his head out of the doorway and saw Lupin, standing by the entrance of Snape's chambers, calling for Severus. He called for him one more time, but once again got no response.
Why was Lupin down here, Harry found himself wondering. Then a thought hit him. The full moon was in three days. Snape still must be making Lupin's potion, and he was here to collect it. Remus turned and left the dungeons, going to go and try to find Snape somewhere else in the school. Harry turned back to the pensieve and sighed. He might as well go and see one more; he did have all day after all.
Deciding it was probably a better idea not to leave his cloak lying on the floor in Snape's chambers, Harry kept it on, and touched the murky liquid once more. He landed in another familiar place, but this time much more friendly. He was in the Great Hall, at what looked like the Sorting ceremony. The three-legged stool sat at the front, with the tattered Sorting Hat atop of it. He scanned the room to see Percy and the Twins at the Gryffindor table, but he didn't see himself, Ron or Hermione. This must have been when they were first years and they were sorted.
No sooner had that thought crossed Harry's mind, than a stream of first years, himself included, was lead into the hall by McGonagall. He looked up at the faculty table to see Snape, looking slightly younger then he did now, sitting next to Harry's former Defense Against the Dark Arts professors, and glaring at the first years, one in particular. The sorting took place, much as Harry remembered it. The freshly sorted students had all taken their seats, and the meal passed with Harry standing next to Snape, who wasn't talking much, but kept glaring at him. Harry had to force back a slight smile, as he saw himself look nervously back and then ask Percy about who he was.
Dinner finished and Harry followed Snape down to his chambers and into them. Snape sat back in front of a roaring fire and pulled out a book, beginning to read. Harry did nothing more then sit in front of the fire, wondering what was going to happen next. Then a knock at the door sounded. Snape stood and answered the door. Harry was expecting the Headmaster, or perhaps another professor, but it wasn't. An extremely shaken Draco Malfoy stood at the door, flushed and with tears rolling down his cheeks.
"Mr. Malfoy, what is that matter?" Snape didn't sound too happy to see him.
"I, well I, I don't feel well Professor," Draco whispered, looking at the ground. Whatever Draco had expected to happen clearly hadn't.
"Come in, Mr. Malfoy, but next time I expect you to go to the hospital wing. That's what Poppy is paid for." Harry almost felt sorry for Malfoy as he saw how dejected he looked. Snape went into his work cabinet and pulled out a bottle filled with pink potion, and then handed it to Draco. "I bide you a goodnight, Mr. Malfoy." He said curtly, shuffling the blond boy out.
"Please, professor, do I have to leave?" Draco's voice shook, trembling with nervousness.
"What is the matter? Just tell me so I can get on with my night, Mr. Malfoy." Severus began tapping his foot on the stone.
"Professor, I'm homesick." Draco blurted out. Harry began to laugh uncontrollably. Draco Malfoy, Mr. King of Hogwarts had been homesick. It was too funny not to laugh at.
"Well then Mr. Malfoy, I suggest you go and talk to someone who cares, because believe me I don't." If Draco had looked shocked before, it was nothing compared to what he looked like now. More tears fell from his eyes and he took off down the hall, running and sobbing at the same time. Even Harry had to feel bad for the poor boy. Harry looked over at Snape and suddenly remembered why he had disliked him in the first place.
Snape shut the door to his chambers and shook his head. "Blood Malfoys. As if I'd do anything for that bloodline." Those were the last words Harry heard before landing back again on the dungeon floor of Snape's chambers, in the present time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
My chapter is actually up early. I thought it would be up tomorrow, but no it's up today! Anyway I hope you all liked it. I've been getting a few complaints that Snape's a little too soft so I hardened him up a little, but don't expect him not to have any feelings, because I hate when they do that to him in other fics. So please review, and from now on, if you're adding me to your favorites list, could you please just mention that because I'd really like to know. And I don't want to search through all my reviewers. Hopefully the next chapter should be out my mid next week.
Chapter Seven
Harry woke a few hours later, aware that the thin, lithe body next to him, had settled and pulled away slightly through the night. Checking his watch, Harry saw that it was just after six in the morning. The sun wasn't quite up yet, but flecks of light were playing against the windowpane. Harry moved as softly as he could off of the bed, not wanting to disturb Snape.
Harry grabbed his discarded invisibility cloak from the floor and threw it over his shoulders, then headed out of the door and up to his dormitory. Everyone was still asleep when he arrived, so Harry crawled back into his own bed, and drifted off into a pleasant slumber, feeling better then he had in weeks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that day, during dinner, Harry noticed Snape wasn't at the faculty table. He thought back throughout the day. He had slept through breakfast, so he went to the kitchen once he was awake and dressed. Lunch he had eaten in the Great Hall, but his attention was far from the professors because the Slytherins had put a spell on Neville's food, so that whenever he tried to eat anything, his food would turn into green sparks and burst in the air. Everyone at the Gryffindor table had tried to reverse the effects, including Harry, but there was no success.
So, at dinner, when food wasn't going up in smoke, Harry looked up to see if Snape was there, but found he wasn't. It made sense really. The burns on his legs had been bad, to say the least, and he probably wouldn't be able to walk on them for a few days, even though he was treated with magic.
Harry ate his dinner in silence, being no one was bothering to speak to him. Ron seemed to have told Hermione about what had happened, and in turn she seemed to have told Lavender, and the famous school gossip had told the rest of the year. Strangely enough it didn't seem to annoy Harry that much anymore. His mind was on much different things. Finishing dinner early, Harry knew that this would be the perfect time to look into Snape's pensieve.
Harry went back up to the dormitory and grabbed his invisibility cloak, just in case it was needed. He would have to check to make sure Snape was still in the hospital wing first, so with that in mind, he ran off to it, under the confines of his Father's former treasure.
The hospital wing was just as empty as it had been the previous night before. Pomfrey wasn't in sight, and Harry knew that Dumbledore was at dinner in the Great Hall. Making sure he made no noise, Harry crept inside and saw Snape, laying in the very same bed as before, but this time he was awake.
Snape laid on his stomach now, with the covers pulled securely around his form, with a large book propped out in front of him, his eyes scanning over it. Harry smiled at the familiar sight. Even in class Snape always managed to read, Harry had never really cared before, but now he thought it was kind of funny.
Harry left the hospital wing and proceeded down to the dank dungeons. A smell was wafting through them, probably the remnants of some potions explosion that happened on Friday. Harry slinked through the grime-covered corridors without meeting a soul, or making a sound. Finally he approached the snake entrance and spoke the password, entering the recognizable space.
Harry found the pensieve, in the same place as it always was, and touched the inky liquid with the tip of his index finger. He felt himself being lifted above the dungeons and then landed on a stone floor. He recognized this place from before. It was Snape's bedroom from when he was a kid.
He looked around, his eyes on the figure of a young man, pale faced and frightened, he lay in a huddle on his bed, wrapping his body around the covers. Harry sat down next to him and watched as the older boy, probably a little older then Harry, curled his fingers around his forearm, and squeezed his eyes shut. Harry watched as Snape slid the arm of his robe up to reveal a ghastly sight. Harry flinched as he saw the Dark Mark, burning a horrid red, with blisters breaking out around it and bleeding, sitting on Snape's pale skin. Snape clenched his fingernails into it and bit his lip hard. Harry placed his hand over the Mark, but immediately pulled it way. The skin on his hand that had touched the Mark burned horribly, and felt scalding.
Harry rubbed Snape's shoulder instead, knowing that he couldn't feel it. It really gave more comfort to Harry then it did Snape. Snape brought his long legs up to his chin, and rested his chin on his bony knees, still clutching his burning arm.
Harry played with Snape's lengthy hair, wanting to take some of the pain away, but not being able to. Then there was a knock at the door. Snape looked up and the door burst open, not waiting for an answer. In walked Snape's father, looking much more aged then the last time Harry saw him.
"Get up, boy, and go down to the Floo system. We're going to the Malfoy's." Even his voice seemed older. Harry watched as Snape got up from the bed, his hand still clasping his forearm and brush past his father, clearly expecting a blow. Harry followed Snape out of the room and down the stairs, into the main parlor. A fireplace sat in the far corner of the room.
Snape picked up the powder from the mantel and tossed it into the flames. "Malfoy Manor." And both Snape and Harry stepped in. When Harry emerged he was taken back at the sight of where he was. It was quite obviously the most decorative, rich house, or more appropriately mansion, Harry had ever been in. The ceilings were high, and silver decorated every piece of furniture around, as well as the numerous family portraits that hung on the walls. The fireplace that Harry stepped out of was silver also, and adorned with silver snakes. Harry looked around to see that only one other person was in the room. Lucius Malfoy sat in a winged back chair, sipping red liquid from a goblet. He looked up at the arrival of Severus and smiled a little.
"Hey, Sev." He greeted. Severus didn't say anything in return, but sat down in a chair across from him. Harry noticed that Severus didn't seem in pain anymore.
"You nervous?" Snape asked Lucius, quietly.
"A little. Did it hurt much?" Harry wondered what they were talking about.
"Yeah, but it doesn't last long." Snape replied. "How many people are supposed to be here, anyway?" Severus added.
"Father didn't say. I have no clue, but he's making a big deal anyway. You should be the ballroom. It's got all these decorations, and banners. It's just making me even more nervous." Lucius admitted, chancing a glance to a closed door. Harry guessed that was where the ballroom was.
"It's really not that bad." Snape remarked.
"Can I tell you something, Sev?" Lucius suddenly sounded like a small lost child, and Harry had to suppress a smirk.
"Of course." Severus told him, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm really scared. I don't want to do this." His voice dropped into a hushed whisper, and he can't looking back to make sure his father wasn't around. "But I know I have to. Father will be really angry if I don't." Lucius looked to the ground and avoided any eye contact with Snape.
Severus didn't say anything for a while, then he finally spoke, also very quiet. "I know how you feel, but it's not that bad, I swear." Lucius looked back up, eyes shinning with unshed tears.
"Thanks, Sev." Severus merely nodded. Now Harry really wanted to know what they were talking about.
A taller man, older compared to the two teenagers, with striking silver hair, and piercing blue eyes walked in from the door to the ballroom. It had to be Lucius' father. "Hello, Severus." His tone was formal. "You two should change. Be down here in fifteen minutes." It wasn't a question, but then again, Harry doubted that this man asked a lot of questions.
"Yes, sir," Both boys muttered, standing up and filing up a set of grand stairs, leading up many floors. They stopped at the sixth and went into a bedroom. Lucius sat down anxiously on the bed and gripped his stomach.
"I feel really ill." He whispered to Severus, who looked at him with pity in his black eyes.
"You want me to go get a potion?" Severus asked, looking slightly mortified as how weak Lucius was acting. It seemed to Harry that out of the two friends, Lucius was probably the calm, tough one. Lucius nodded and Harry followed Snape out of the bedroom and into a bathroom across the hall. He riffled through a cabinet before pulling out a bottle with blue liquid in it. Then Snape, with Harry in tow, went back to the bedroom, to see Lucius in the same position as before. "Here, drink this. It'll help your stomach." Severus told him, handing the bottle to Lucius, who took a drink from it, and set the remaining bit on his dresser.
"Thanks, Sev." Lucius mouthed, hardly moving. "Are you wearing that?" He asked to Severus, who was wearing a gray cloak, with his hair tied back.
"No," Severus answered, tossing off the cloak, revealing a slick black robe, with silver buttons. To Harry it looked like it had cost him quite a lot of gold galleons. "You don't have to wear masks at initiation ceremonies." Harry doubled back, understanding. Lucius was going to get the Dark Mark. That didn't make any sense; surely a Malfoy would have joined the Dark Lord out of his own free will.
"Nice robes," Lucius remarked, going through his closet and fishing out a black robe, of a slightly different style then Severus', with a Slytherin green snake on the back.
"Very fitting." Severus joked, earning a half smile from Lucius.
"Get out, let me change." Lucius said with a smile, and scooted Severus, followed by Harry, out of his bedroom. The two of them, Harry and Severus, waited out there for no more then five minutes before, a freshly dressed Lucius appeared at the door, wearing the black robe, with his long hair tied back in a ponytail, clipped back in a green snake clip, that matched the one on his robe.
"Come on, let's get going?" Snape suggested, leading a slightly shaking Lucius down the long flight of stairs. Harry noticed something very strange. Lucius, still looking frightened, leaned a little against Snape, and in response Snape whispered quietly into Lucius's ear, "Don't worry. It'll be over soon."
"Thanks, Sev." Lucius' voice was once again scared. "Father said you could stay over tonight, if you want." He sounded like he was pleading; Severus could pick up on it easily too.
"Sure, Luc." No more words were spoken as they made their way back down to the parlor and opened the door to the ballroom.
That ballroom was much more complex then the parlor had been. The ceiling was higher, and dimly lighted candles floated near the top, casting an ire glow on the floor. A platform, much like a smaller version of a stage sat at the front of the room, and a high throne like chair sat in the center of it. The walls were lined with banners of snakes eating their prey and illegal curses being cast on people. Harry swore he could he one of the banners scream as a girl in it was put on the Cruciatus curse. Harry looked to see a gathering of about twenty people, all cloaked in dark colors, but no masks, stood in the center of the room. Harry recognized Lucius and Snape's fathers amongst them. The two boys, along with Harry, approached the gathering. Lucius' father was smiling broadly.
"And here he is." He sat patting Lucius on the back. Harry watched as Lucius smiled a slight smirk. Harry doubted that it was real. "Just one more guest to arrive, and then we can start." Harry watched Snape's fact to see that he was looking intently at Lucius. Harry also had a pretty good idea of who the last guest. Was didn't have to wait long to see he was right.
A much younger, much more human Lord Voldemort came into the ballroom. The twenty or so Death Eaters all bowed low to the ground, Snape and Lucius included. Harry felt disgust well up in his gut as he watched Voldemort grin at this sight, then motioned for them all to rise.
"So, we're here today to welcome a new member." He looked over at Lucius, and the blond nodded humbly.
"Yes, my Lord." He responded immediately. Harry wouldn't have been surprised to hear that Lucius had probably gotten lessons from his Father on how to treat Voldemort.
"Bow." Voldemort instructed, suddenly becoming a lot less friendly. Harry saw Snape wince a little. Harry knew from then on that much worse things were about to happen. Lucius did as he was told, and Voldemort spoke. "To make sure you know that from now on I own you, I will have to test you. I will not have weak, stupid people following me." Harry shook his head, trying not to concentrate on how idiotic this was. If he didn't want weak, stupid people to follow him, then how the hell did Pettigrew join?
Lord Voldemort pulled out his wand from his robes and pointed it at Lucius. "Crucio," Harry looked to see that Snape had his eyes closed, as did Lucius' father. Lucius on the other hand was doing much worse. His eyes were wide open, holding pain in them, that even made Harry feel sorry for the bastard. He could see that Lucius was biting his lip in an attempt not to scream, but was also busting his lip, because little drops of blood leaked from the torn lip, but he still didn't scream.
The curse was ended thanks to Voldemort. Lucius' breath was coming out in short, heated gasps, and Harry could see he was holding back tears. "That was very well done." Voldemort told him, commanding him to stand, which Lucius did manage to do, with some difficulty. "I'll refrain from some of the other tests." Harry could see Snape visibly relax a little at these words. "Hold out your arm." He commanded, and Lucius rolled up the sleeve to his robe and held out his pale arm.
Voldemort once again took out his wand and pointed it at Lucius' arms. He spoke a series of words, which sounded Latin to Harry. He could see Lucius' face was contorted into pain again, and was biting his lip. Harry watched as the pale, unmarked skin began to take color to it, a strong pure black shade. It slowly took the shape of the scull and then finally the snake. Voldemort put his wand back down in his pocket and looked up at Lucius. "You did well. Welcome." He put out his hand, and using his other arm, Lucius shook it weakly. "I'm afraid I must be off, but it was good to meet you Lucius, I'm sure you'll serve me well." With that he said a few more good-byes and left the ballroom, as did all of the other guests, except for Lucius, Snape and their fathers.
"I heard you're staying tonight," Severus' father snapped, roughly.
"Yes, father. I'll see you in the morning." Snape clearly wanted to get rid of his father at the moment.
"I'll show you out," Lucius' father told him and walked with him out of the ballroom, leaving the two boys alone. That's when Harry saw how ill Lucius truly looked. He was unhealthily pale, with sweat forming at his brows. He was still breathing in shot, almost pained gasps, and looking at his arm. It was no longer just the tattoo that had been left, but now was bleeding vile looking blood and puss, as bruises and blisters began to break out all over it. The second his father was out of the room, Lucius collapsed; luckily Snape caught him before he hit the ground.
"It's okay Luc, it's all over." Severus cooed, sounding gentler then Harry had ever heard him.
"I think I'm going to faint," he murmured, before completely blacking out. Harry couldn't blame him in the least.
The last thing Harry before feeling himself being pulled from the pensieve, was Snape lifting Lucius rather awkwardly in his arms and carrying him out of the ballroom.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry landed on the stone of the dungeon ground and stood up, not knowing whether he should go back in or not. That's when he heard a voice. His heart sunk in his chest. If Snape was in here then he was going to have a horrible time getting out. Harry grabbed his discarded invisibility cloak and threw it over his shoulders, shrouding him from any onlookers. He heard the voice again. It wasn't Snape. It was Lupin.
"Severus, are you in here?" He heard the voice ask. Harry popped his head out of the doorway and saw Lupin, standing by the entrance of Snape's chambers, calling for Severus. He called for him one more time, but once again got no response.
Why was Lupin down here, Harry found himself wondering. Then a thought hit him. The full moon was in three days. Snape still must be making Lupin's potion, and he was here to collect it. Remus turned and left the dungeons, going to go and try to find Snape somewhere else in the school. Harry turned back to the pensieve and sighed. He might as well go and see one more; he did have all day after all.
Deciding it was probably a better idea not to leave his cloak lying on the floor in Snape's chambers, Harry kept it on, and touched the murky liquid once more. He landed in another familiar place, but this time much more friendly. He was in the Great Hall, at what looked like the Sorting ceremony. The three-legged stool sat at the front, with the tattered Sorting Hat atop of it. He scanned the room to see Percy and the Twins at the Gryffindor table, but he didn't see himself, Ron or Hermione. This must have been when they were first years and they were sorted.
No sooner had that thought crossed Harry's mind, than a stream of first years, himself included, was lead into the hall by McGonagall. He looked up at the faculty table to see Snape, looking slightly younger then he did now, sitting next to Harry's former Defense Against the Dark Arts professors, and glaring at the first years, one in particular. The sorting took place, much as Harry remembered it. The freshly sorted students had all taken their seats, and the meal passed with Harry standing next to Snape, who wasn't talking much, but kept glaring at him. Harry had to force back a slight smile, as he saw himself look nervously back and then ask Percy about who he was.
Dinner finished and Harry followed Snape down to his chambers and into them. Snape sat back in front of a roaring fire and pulled out a book, beginning to read. Harry did nothing more then sit in front of the fire, wondering what was going to happen next. Then a knock at the door sounded. Snape stood and answered the door. Harry was expecting the Headmaster, or perhaps another professor, but it wasn't. An extremely shaken Draco Malfoy stood at the door, flushed and with tears rolling down his cheeks.
"Mr. Malfoy, what is that matter?" Snape didn't sound too happy to see him.
"I, well I, I don't feel well Professor," Draco whispered, looking at the ground. Whatever Draco had expected to happen clearly hadn't.
"Come in, Mr. Malfoy, but next time I expect you to go to the hospital wing. That's what Poppy is paid for." Harry almost felt sorry for Malfoy as he saw how dejected he looked. Snape went into his work cabinet and pulled out a bottle filled with pink potion, and then handed it to Draco. "I bide you a goodnight, Mr. Malfoy." He said curtly, shuffling the blond boy out.
"Please, professor, do I have to leave?" Draco's voice shook, trembling with nervousness.
"What is the matter? Just tell me so I can get on with my night, Mr. Malfoy." Severus began tapping his foot on the stone.
"Professor, I'm homesick." Draco blurted out. Harry began to laugh uncontrollably. Draco Malfoy, Mr. King of Hogwarts had been homesick. It was too funny not to laugh at.
"Well then Mr. Malfoy, I suggest you go and talk to someone who cares, because believe me I don't." If Draco had looked shocked before, it was nothing compared to what he looked like now. More tears fell from his eyes and he took off down the hall, running and sobbing at the same time. Even Harry had to feel bad for the poor boy. Harry looked over at Snape and suddenly remembered why he had disliked him in the first place.
Snape shut the door to his chambers and shook his head. "Blood Malfoys. As if I'd do anything for that bloodline." Those were the last words Harry heard before landing back again on the dungeon floor of Snape's chambers, in the present time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
My chapter is actually up early. I thought it would be up tomorrow, but no it's up today! Anyway I hope you all liked it. I've been getting a few complaints that Snape's a little too soft so I hardened him up a little, but don't expect him not to have any feelings, because I hate when they do that to him in other fics. So please review, and from now on, if you're adding me to your favorites list, could you please just mention that because I'd really like to know. And I don't want to search through all my reviewers. Hopefully the next chapter should be out my mid next week.