Just as Severus closed the door and turned around he was instantly slammed against the wall. "What in Merlin's name did you do to him?" Sirius asked.
"I didn't do anything to him." He replied as he shoved Sirius back. "Why are you up here and not assisting with the others?"
"I came to let you know that the kids have all found rooms when I heard Harry yelling. Now what happened?"
"For some reason he only heard part of my trial and it happened to be the part I hated about all else." Severus replied
"What could you have said that was so bad that it would make him act like that?"
"I said earlier I would never repeat those words again. I hated them the second they escaped by throat all in hopes to save him. Unfortunately it happened to be the only thing he heard."
"How are we suppose to help him realize the truth if you don't tell us what you said?" Sirius asked.
"You don't understand. I don't want nor need your help. He has no desire to be my son and I'm beginning to believe that he would be better off if he wasn't."
"No matter what you said to that creature it couldn't have been that bad." Severus looked away and Sirius continued. "Didn't you explain to him that you have a role to maintain?"
"Yes I told him that last night but it doesn't matter. The damage is done and there is no going back now. If you'll excuse me I have to contact Albus so that he can leave tonight."
Before Sirius could say anything else Severus had left the man standing there.
Later that evening Harry left his bag at the bottom of the staircase while he joined almost everyone who had already gathered for dinner.
"Dad how long are we going to wait for Uncle Sev tonight?" Jamie asked.
"We've waited long enough, go ahead and eat. I don't think he'll be joining us."
"How come?" Ann questioned.
Nobody answered; instead Sirius just looked at Harry and shook his head.
The dinnertime was very quiet and tense when Dannie tried to make some small talk to lighten the mood. "So Matt, you've obviously gotten to know us all pretty well. Your accent, where down south do you come from?"
"A small town called Baldwin in northern Florida, just outside Jacksonville. My parents have a farm out there."
"Really, what kind of farm do they have?" Remus asked.
Jamie and Ann stopped eating while they waited for the reaction of the boy's answer. Matt just simply said "Goat" between bites of food.
Sirius put his ford down and glared at the boy "What did you say?"
"My parents are goat farmers."
The look of shock was priceless as Sirius glanced at his children while Draco laughed to himself.
"Being from a small town really sucks doesn't it? I know back on the res. the only thing to do is go to the club." Bria stated.
"Not really. We all meet at the hall on Friday nights fer the fights."
"That's not too bad" Sirius said "Is it boxing or street fighting?"
Jamie started snickering as Ann bit her lip and shrank into her chair waiting for her dad to be corrected. "Oh no sir. It's neither of those. We go and see the cock fights."
Draco and Harry couldn't contain their laughter any longer. "Cock fights?" Remus questioned.
"Yes sir. There's usually a good 2-3 fights on most nights but then there are the nights where the cops raid it before they even start."
"I'm glad they raid those things. That's a cruel sport." Bria spat.
"I don't see why, them chickens are gonna die anyway. Why not have them fight. At least they bring in money to help pay for the feed."
Sirius was speechless. This was the last thing he ever imagined his daughter to fall for. No matter how he tried to see something good in the boy, the only picture he had now was his baby girl at 19 years old, barefoot, pregnant, and already having one set of twins while they lived in a shack surrounded by animals. Once again he looked at Matt as the boy took Ann's hand and said "Mom and Dad said they'd put in a trailer on the back lot for after I graduate college and we get married."
Sirius saw red now and was just about to explode when Remus cut in "Padfoot, I need to talk to you, let's go for a walk. If you will excuse us."
Everyone nodded except Harry "Wait up and you can show me where the powder is so I can go back to school."
Sirius looked at the boy, "If you want to leave, you are going to have to find your dad. He's the only one with the Floo Powder." Then he turned and headed outside with Remus to try and cool off.
"Harry grabbed his bag while Bria and the others watched him leave the room. Bria then looked at Dannie who nodded, so she went and followed him. "Harry wait."
"No. The sooner I'm out of here the better off things will be."
"Why? I thought we were all having fun tonight."
"Because I'm not wanted here." Harry replied
"Says who?"
"Snape."
"Where did you come up with that idea? From what I've seen he's actually glad you are here. I heard how you two spent all day together yesterday. Do you actually think that's what someone would do if they didn't want you around?"
"It was all an act. I heard him tell Voldemort that I was a mistake and I should have been terminated before I was ever born."
"Then why did he bring you here to work with you?" Bria asked.
"Because Dumbledore told him to."
"Well since your determined to leave I might as well give you this now. I know you already have a wand but with that one being connected to Voldemort and all I thought you could use one that wasn't." As Harry took the box it instantly started rattling before he could even open it.
"Where did you get it?"
"Grandpa made it the day of the attack. Its core is white sage and sweet- grass that I received at the last Sundance I went to."
"But I was told that the wand chooses its owner."
"By the way it's acting I'd say it does. Besides the boy in the shop said he knew you very well and it would work."
Harry looked it over as he held it in his hand. Twelve inches long and made of cedar. He didn't know much about Native American herb usage since he wasn't one to pay attention in Herbology so he had to ask. "Sage and Cedar?"
Bria smiled at the simple answer. "Protection. Just like the flute Grandpa played that day. The more I've known you the more I've seen you try to protect those you care for. Even the charm you gave me shows it and the way you slept outside your dad's room last night."
"You know about that?"
"Of coarse, I almost tripped over you during the night."
"Well, I was foolish to think I should try. I thought he..."
Bria shook her head. "I don't think you were foolish. You care about him, you should he's your..."
"Don't even say it. He surely doesn't want to be."
Bria saw the anger start to show in his expression again and sighed. "If you want to get back to school maybe you should find him. Go on."
"You're not coming with?"
"No, I don't think you should leave but that's your decision."
"I guess I'll see you back at school then" He said as he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. Bria then sighed and leaned against the wall as she watched him walk off.
Harry roamed the hallways looking in each and every door trying to find his father and cussing him for making him stay longer than he wanted. Not being able to find him anywhere in the house he went down into the catacombs. As he continued towards the remains of the old house he heard a voice but it was all slurred and incoherent. He walked into the living room and found Severus staring at some books on his lap while holding a bottle of J.D black in his hand.
"I just don't understand. I do everything I can to keep him safe and all I do is make things worse. I thought I proved to him how I felt about you and him but then...Oh Merlin, why did I say that? Those words, I'm sorry love, you know I never felt that way about you. Why can't he see it?" Severus mumbled to himself.
"Figures you would completely ignore my request and go hiding so that you could keep me here."
"Why didn't you just have the others help you leave?"
"I tried but I was told I had to see you. Can I go home now?"
"Depends on which home you want to go to." Severus slurred.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Just what I said. You want to go back to the Dursley's, Potter Manor, Hogwarts, or the home you will know very soon? Made a decision."
"What home will I know very soon? You are drunk and making no sense."
"If you would have paid more attention to my trial you would know what I'm talking about. Where do you want to go, tell me and I'll take you there."
"I don't want you to take me anywhere, just let me Floo back to Hogwarts and I will leave you alone just like you want." Harry commanded.
"Do you remember what we did and talked about yesterday?"
"Yea so, what about it?"
"No, I mean it. Do you remember all that I told you?" Severus asked.
"What does it matter what was said yesterday. I know the truth now. I heard what you said about my mum and how you feel about me."
Severus shattered the almost empty bottle against the wall and took a deep breath. "You're right, what does it matter. All that we did, everything I told you of coarse doesn't matter at all. You are so sure you know everything, The Floo powder is on the mantle, now get out of my home." Harry grabbed a handful of powder from the jar and as he stepped into the fireplace Severus mumbled, "Sorry love, I know I promised I wouldn't give up but I cannot do this anymore." And he buried his head into his hands.
The boy then dropped the powder and said "Hogwarts". As the green flames engulfed him he could have sworn he saw a second person sitting on the couch next to his father. Before he knew it he was sitting on the floor of Dumbledore's fireplace.
"Welcome back Harry. I see you still haven't quite gotten the hang of Floo travel." Albus smirked
Harry was still trying to comprehend what he's just seen. "Mum?"
Albus looked at the boy "Harry, are you alright?"
"Um, yeah. I thought I saw someone with Snape as I was leaving."
"It's about time you saw her."
"Her? You've seen her too?"
"More so this year than the past. She use to sit and yell at him over the way he treated you in class. A lot of good it did since he didn't even know she was around. It was quite amusing a few times to the point that my own laughter would cause her to even yell at me as well. If you ask your uncles they definitely would let you know that the worse place to be was on the receiving end of Lily's temper."
"So that was mum? She didn't seem to be mad at him this time. How come I've never seen her?"
"Well of coarse that was your mother, she wouldn't be anywhere else than with her soul-mate. You haven't seen her because she's not really a ghost. It's her spirit or soul you might say. She's been watching over the two of you since you first started school." Albus explained
"Does he know she's around?"
"I really don't know. Sometimes when he's alone it seems like he does because I hear him talking to himself from outside his quarters. But that's usually after he's been disciplined by Voldemort or one of the many times he had himself worried sick over you."
"Why would he worry about me? He never wanted me around."
Albus lowered his head and looked over his glasses at the boy as he asked, "Do you really believe that?"
Harry paused, "I didn't want to but I heard him say it."
"What you heard is what Voldemort needed to hear. Before they get back I want you to remember everything that he said to you before you make any decisions. What happens after that is completely up to you."
"Yes sir." Harry said as he left the headmasters office and headed to the Slytherin house. Harry had spent many winter holidays at school before but he had never seen it so empty. The only ones that remained there were the headmaster, McGonagall, Hagrid, and a few house elves. Although he was told to think about everything his father had said to him he was still the last person that Harry wanted to think about. As he put his things away he came across his Animagus book and test paper. Not having anything else to do to pass the time he decided to work ahead on it.
As Harry slept at the table he was mumbling over his nightmares that had returned. No matter how much he tried to wake up from them he couldn't. Finally he felt something move his hair from his face causing him to be startled awake. As Harry was shaking in his seat he looked around the room but couldn't see anyone, just then he felt something embrace him. He was so comfortable with it he closed his eyes and relaxed. With his eyes still closed the embrace felt so solid that he leaned into it but reality was set into place as he leaned too far and fell off his chair. Harry quickly stood up thankful that nobody was around to see what happened and he sat back in his chair and looked over what he had completed before he fell asleep. The papers were so smudged from his sleeping on the fresh ink he could barely make anything out. He quickly ran to the bathroom, looked into the mirror, and then started scrubbing the ink off the side of his face. As soon as he removed all of it his stomach started grumbling so he changed his clothes and went to the Great Hall to eat.
"Good afternoon Harry, glad to see you finally joined us." Albus said cheerfully
"Sorry sir, I didn't realize it was that late."
"That's alright. We've just finished lunch but I'm sure if you went down to the kitchens the house elves will have something left for you."
"Thank you sir." He said as he turned to leave.
"Oh and Harry, have you thought about what I said?"
"Um, yes sir." the boy lied
Dumbledore looked over his glasses "And your decision would be?"
"Um, I'm still thinking about it sir."
"Very good, afterall it's not a decision to be taken lightly."
Harry then turned and went to the kitchens. When he got there he was given two ham sandwiches and he took them back to the common room. As he sat and looked over his notes and textbook he attempted to fix some of the flaws now in both items that were caused by the previous night's sleep. After a few hours of work he was finally down to the last requirement on the test which happened to be the combination of a potion and a spell that would show the castor's spirit animal. In looking over all herbs needed it didn't seem too difficult or dangerous. Afterall wasn't it his own father that told him that none of the potions they made in class would cause serious damage? Knowing he would have to use the potion lab he immediately planned on how he would get the headmaster to approve of it. He knew that if he had come right out and said what he wanted to work on they would insist that he wait until his father returned but.. It was so easy that he knew it had to work. He then noticed the time of day and once again he headed off to meet with the staff for supper.
As they all enjoyed a very quiet meal which was a big change for Harry not listening to the twins fighting with his father while Sirius gave death glares to Ann's boyfriend. Finally McGonagall broke the silence, "So Harry, how did you spend your day today. I haven't seen you at all since you've been back."
"Oh, just doing some extra studying."
"Wonderful. It's good to see you actually still know how to open your books."
"It helps pass the time until by friends get back."
"Well I hope you don't lose the habit and let your grades start dropping any further."
"No ma'am I won't." He then turned his attention to the headmaster. "Professor Dumbledore, I was wondering if I could use the potions lab tomorrow."
"What do you need the lab for?"
"I wanted to do some extra studying for class." Harry replied. Dumbledore just stared at the boy as he continued, "Don't worry, it's just one of the textbook potions that I want to work on."
"Well I don't see why not."
"Albus, he won't have the supervision he needs. You know I'm visiting with my sister and you have that meeting with the ministry."
"Don't worry Minerva. You know as well as I do that none of Severus' textbook potions are dangerous."
"Thank you sir." Harry said as he finished his plate of food and started to run out of the room.
"Albus, I have a bad feeling about this."
"Harry, this is a textbook potion correct? You're not going to try any crazy experiments now are you?"
"No sir. This is a textbook potion."
"Feel better Minerva?" the older man questioned
"No, not really."
"Harry go on. You can use the room. I don't think your dad will mind at all, but you must wait until tomorrow morning. I don't want you in there tonight and accidentally falling asleep in the middle of it."
"No worries sir. I can wait." He said as he ran out of the room smiling.
"I still don't like this Albus."
"Will you relax. I am sure he will be alright. I'm just glad to see that there's another interest that he shares with Severus. Maybe it will help bring them closer."
"That's what has me worried."
"I will have Dobby check on him now and then tomorrow plus, I'll try to be back here early if that will ease your mind. You just enjoy your visit with your family."
Harry ran back to the common room and studied his notes over and over again to make sure he wouldn't make any mistakes. Convinced he had it memorized he finally grabbed his things, took a quick shower and went to be determined to get good nights sleep.
The next morning Harry woke up bright and early, changed his clothes, grabbed his backpack, and then ran to join the others for a quick breakfast.
"I haven't seen anyone so anxious to work on a potion in a long time. I'm glad to see you taking an interest in your father's field." Albus chuckled
Harry just nodded and continued to eat as quickly as possible.
"Harry, if you don't slow down you are going to get sick." McGonagall warned.
Harry then let out a loud belch "Excuse me. I just wanted to get started right away." He said as he gathered his pack from the chair next to him.
"That's alright. You just be careful and make sure you follow the directions correctly." Albus said.
"Yes sir. I hope you have a good trip." Harry said as he turned to leave the room.
Albus watched the boy leave. "Thank you Harry, good luck." Then Harry just waved in response.
As he let the cauldron heat up he gathered all the ingredients from the storage closet and placed them on the table. He smiled at the thought of how easy this was afterall. If it weren't for the other day working one on one with his father he wouldn't even have thought about doing this without at least Hermione there to help. Afterall she was quite knowledgeable of the subject since their first day of class.
This is going to take almost all day, at least I don't have anything else to do. He thought. Finally the cauldron was heated to the correct tempter and he started adding the ingredients in the proper order making sure everything was measured correctly (so he though). As he waited to add the 8 ounces of White Willow bark he started thinking back to everything he and his father talked about.
"Just remember what I am. While I am gone you will no doubt see and hear something you won't like. If I am unable to fool him.."
Realization hit Harry and hit him hard as he sat there thinking He came back, he said he had to fool Voldemort and he came back. No curses. Nothing. Mum's sprit wasn't even mad at him for saying what he said.
Harry then looked at the hourglass that he was using to time the potion and in figuring he had enough time to see if the Headmaster was back he started to leave the table.
Just then Dobby appeared with lunch out of nowhere making Harry jump backwards into his worktable and knocking it over.
"Mister Harry Potter sir, Dobby is sorry." There was no reply.
Luckily the liquid from the cauldron extinguished the burner instantly but caused a thick cloud to form covering the work area.
"Don't Master Harry move. Dobby clean up the mess I will." The house elf said as he started cleaning up everything around the cloud. Once that was done and there wasn't any broken glass left from the jars that once held the herbs. Dobby then moved closer to the cloud and as he started to try to fan it away he asked. "Master Harry Potter is ok?"
Unfortunately the only sound that came from the cloud was a faint "Uh- Ohhhhh."
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