Author's note : Here we go, chapter 2! Hopefully it was ASAP enough! vbg Thank you all for your reviews. Made me very happy and my muse says thank you to!
Still in the early stages, the story continues!
Title : Untold Past, Unknown Future
Author : Dagmar De Meyer
Disclaimer : I don't own Harry Potter, that is the property of J.K. Rowling. I only borrowed what she started and had them play in my mind twists. One character however will be of my own creation, you'll soon find out.
Rated : General, for now
Reviews : Oh, yes please… For better or worse I suppose.
Summary : My take on 'Severitus's challenge'. What if Severus Snape is Harry's father?! Voldemort is still on the loose and who is the lady with the violet eyes!
Untold Past, Unknown Future Chapter 2By Dagmar De Meyer
"Harry, Harry..."
"Oh, Arthur is he alright? How did he get here?"
"I don't know, Molly. Help me get him inside."
"Urhm…"
"Harry?"
"Harry, it's Arthur Weasley, can you hear me?"
"Vol…Lady, Lady with violet eyes."
"Harry? No, he's out of it again, come on let's get him inside."
With a flick of his wand Mr. Weasley lifted the still form of Harry and on an invisible stretcher he was moved into 'The Burrow', Mrs. Weasley following close behind with Harry's trunk. Once in the house Mr. Weasley laid Harry on the couch in the living room as Mrs. Weasley went to look for some blankets. When she came back she found her husband in the armchair opposite Harry, watching the boy with sad eyes.
Her voice filled with concern Mrs. Weasley approached her husband.
"What is it Arthur? Is he going to be alright?"
"Yes, yes, I think so, but I'm not a expert in healing curses. I need to contact Albus. He needs to be told."
"Of course, why don't you go and I'll take care of…"
Their conversation was interrupted as Ginny's voice yelled: "Dad, Professor Dumbledore is in the fire for you!"
"Go, we'll be fine."
One more look at the unconscious boy Mr. Weasley turned and headed for the kitchen.
Upon entering he found his youngest, and only daughter in conversation with the Headmaster.
"Are you having a fun summer Miss. Weasley?"
"Oh, yes, thank you Professor. Daddy, Ron and I went to visit Hermione last week. It was really a lot of fun, you should have seen dad!"
Mr. Weasley smiled at little at Ginney's comment. It was true, poor Mr. Granger having to put up with him.
"I'm sure it was Ginny, ah Arthur, a word please." Dumbledore's head turned towards Mr. Weasley, gently ending the conversation with Ginny.
"Enjoy the rest of the summer Ginny and I'll see you in a few weeks."
"OK, goodbye professor." Ginny said before leaving the men to there business.
Mr. Weasley studied Dumbledore intently. The headmaster looked tired. The last few weeks were showing, still when he spoke, sounding very worried the ever present twinkle, however faint could be seen in his eyes.
"We have a problem Arthur." He said. "Harry's missing."
"No, he's not, he's here. I just found him lying unconscious on our front lawn." Mr. Weasley answered.
The comment visibly relax Albus and Mr. Weasley noted that his eyes started twinkling even more, like a great burden had been lifted.
"Really! Arthur, that is great news. But what is he doing at 'The Burrow'? How did he get there? How is he? What happened?"
"That are questions I wanted to ask you Albus. I don't know. As I said I found him unconscious and the only think he did manage was 'Vol…'" Mr. Weasley shivered involuntarily, not wanting to say the name out loud.
"And we both know what that means. Also he asks for a lady! A lady with violet eyes." Mr. Weasley ended his part, utterly confused. He gazed into the fire waiting, hoping for Dumbledore to fill in the blanks. Although by the look of the older wizard he knew that he too was confused and worried. There was something else though, the faint appearings of a smile, which only grew larger as he repeated those, last few words.
"Lady with violet eyes…"
The smile soon disappeared and was replaced by worry. When he continued Mr. Weasley froze in shock.
"Last night, Voldemort went on a search for Harry. He turned up in Privet Drive. Don't ask me how Arthur for I haven't got all the answers, yet. Arabella made it up here to Hogwarts, in a panic I might add, for she was unable to get to Harry. They killed 10 muggles, but when we got there Harry was nowhere to be found. Now I know he is with you I'm much relieved. I do wish to talk with him as soon as he's awake. He holds more pieces of the puzzle and as long as he's with you, your family is in more danger then before." Dumbledore watched over his moon-rimmed glasses to the still form of Arthur Weasley as he in turn took it all in and waited for his answer.
"I'll contact you as soon as he's awake Albus." He finally answered.
"Very good. Goodbye Arthur."
"Albus."
With a poof the head of Headmaster Dumbledore disappeared and Mr. Weasley was left staring into the dancing flames. The mention of the Dark Lord had made his blood turn cold. He had and his family had been on alert all month, but so far nothing major had happened. Maybe a foolish thought, but he had hoped Harry had been wrong about the Dark Lord's return. Slowly he got up and made his way back to the living room, his head filled with questions, hopefully to be answered soon. Answered by a boy, a young 15 year old boy that didn't deserve any of this. All the pain and suffering together with that heavy burden placed on his shoulders all those years ago.
* * * * * *
As soon as Arthur Weasley had disappeared from view Albus Dumbledore returned to his seat. He was tired and for the first time in his 150 years, he felt old. With only Fawkes for company and in the confindes of his own private rooms, he let his mask fall. All he wanted was to sleep. There was no time for sleep. The time of waiting had passed, Voldemort had made his move and although he had failed, he certainly was to try again.
Arthur's words still rang in his ears. "He's here Albus, he's fine."
Yes, for now, but for how long? The other bit of information returned the smile to his lips…"The lady with the violet eyes." The second part of Arthur's good news, he of course didn't realize at the time how much it had meant to Dumbledore.
He stood up from his chair, walking the short distance where his trusted friend was looking at him with bright golden eyes.
"Oh, Fawkes, my dear old friend. Times have changed yet again, a lot for the worse, but maybe just maybe one good thing will come out of it!" He sighed and his gazed turned to the white clouds passing by. The piece and quiet he needed and enjoyed so much were interrupted when Poppy's head appeared in the fire place.
"Headmaster! Hospital wing! NOW!"
Before Poppy had vanished in the dancing flames Dumbledore was out the door, one thought on his mind. "Severus."
* * * * * *
He was drifting, calmly, peacefully, among the clouds. No pain, no emotions, and no fear…just this very relaxed feeling, drifting between the clouds.
"Harry, Harry …"
A voice registered in his mind.
"Harry."
Someone was calling him.
"Mom?"
"It's not your time yet Harry, you don't belong here."
"I do, mom, I want to stay with you."
"No, Harry, one day, that day will come but not today."
"I don't want to go back. The pain, it hurts and the loneliness."
"Your not alone Harry, we'll always be with you, and so will other very special people Harry. They will help you, as you will help them."
"Mom, stay with me, please."
"Always Harry, be brave, trust, and hope…"
He drifted among the clouds, for now, but soon he would return as he closed his eyes and slept.
* * * * * *
The room was dark as the figure stumbled in, her hand pressed on her abdomen, her eyes filled with tears and her teeth gritted in pain. Making her way to the bed in the sparse filled room she removed her cloak. Shivering uncontrollably as she covered herself with the warm quilt and lay down.
She was safe for now; she could relax and regain her strength, her mind drifting to events passed. She had learned a lot in the month since she had been returned. Most had shocked her beyond believe, but she reminded herself not to believe first impressions, although it was hard to do. She had survived trusting those instincts and first impressions.
Last night she had finally found, that what she had lost 15 years ago. Only to find it yet again, unreachable. The pain in her heart had been lifted somewhat as she had spotted the boy. Oh, how he looked like James. One more piece she was certain she would uncover if time would let her. What she hadn't expected was what came next, the thought still paralyzed her with fear as her mind recalled the awful sight of the person responsible for her pain and suffering. Also the feeling of helplessness, watching Severus wither in pain. What happened next seemed a blur. The boy watching her with those vivid green eyes, Lily's eyes. The immediate trust he had placed in her. The escaped, one only made on pure desperation, he would not take her boy again. Was it the Cruciatus Curse hitting her or the fierce pain ripping through her abdomen, she did not know. The boy had felt it to, hands on his forehead he had lost consciousness and fell into her arms. She apperated out just in time, making sure they weren't followed, she carefully laid the boy on the doorstep of 'The Burrow'. Trusting Arthur Weasley to take care of this precious life for she couldn't. Arthur would get him to Dumbledore, she was sure. Apperating back was a risk she had to take. Privet Drive was filled with green mist and Death Eaters searching. Most likely for her and the boy. Where was Severus? She had found him at the same spot he had fallen. Grabbing his hand she apperated him too, back to Hogwarts, back to safety, back to Dumbledore.
She sighed; the pain had died down to a dull ache. Dumbledore, yes, she would have to face him soon. For now she would sleep and dream. Dream of what was lost, no, dream of what she wished and hopefully would come, like she had for 15 years.
* * * * *
Ron watched his friend as he slowly fought the darkness and tried to wake up. He relaxed a bit, Harry would be all right. Sure he would be, Harry was always all right. Still, Ron feared for his best friend. The initial shock of finding Harry unconscious in his parents living room had faded and his heart beat returned to normal, at least some form of normal, after his father had assured him Harry was in no immediate danger. So he had skipped breakfast and sat with his friend, his head full of questions.
When Harry showed the first signs of regaining consciousness Ron dashed out the room to get his father.
The fog lifted as he made his way out of the darkness. A groan escaped his lips as he tried sitting up, his body protesting and his muscles exploded in pain. Immediately a pair of hands pushed him back down, accompanied by a voice he recognized, but that couldn't be! Shaking his head to get the cobwebs and haziness out of his head he opened his eyes.
"Shhht, Harry, my dear, easy, try waking up first."
"Mrs. Weasley?" He managed to say or at least whisper.
"Yes, Harry dear." Mrs. Weasley said, while busying herself with covering Harry back up.
"What…what am I doing here? What happened?" As soon as those words left his lips, he was assaulted with images of the previous night. He barely heard Mrs. Weasley answer as he gazed in front of him in utter confusion, trying to make sense of his own memories.
"We don't know dear, we were hoping you could tell us." Mrs. Weasley answered, a worried look on her face as she watched Harry. Harry had a matching look on his face but then one of confusion.
"Wait here, lay down and rest, while I get you something to eat and inform Arthur. Also I know one eager son of mine who's dying to see you awake."
Harry managed a weak smile as he watched Mrs. Weasley walk out the room mumbling to her. "Get Arthur, tell Ron, oh yes and breakfast, lots of it, that boy is simply too thin!"
Sighing Harry tried sitting up, he didn't want to sleep, for he knew that as soon as he closed his eyes the images and memories would return. And right now, he didn't want them to, hell he never wanted them to. As he sat waiting a smile appeared on his face as he remember his last dream. A dream of his mother, or had it been a dream at all? It had seemed so real… The smile disappeared as another image replaced that of his mother, dancing in front of his eyes were a pair of violet ones. Who was that lady? Where was the lady? Would he ever see her again? He felt him wishing he would. Slowly his eye closed, too tired to resist.
* * * * * *
The hospital wing at Hogwarts was unusually crowded, especially since it was the middle of summer and no students were there to get themselves hurt. Madame Pompfrey was furious and made sure everyone who got in her way noticed it. How on earth was she to tend to her patient when people kept getting in her way? And what kept Professor Dumbledore? Before she could dwell on the subject further, the headmaster appeared in the doorway and headed her way. He nodded a silent greeting before his gaze shifted to the still figure in the bed.
The bed's occupant was as pale as his sheets, the pain visible on the delicate features of his face, his raven black hair only accentuating how pale he was. The only evidence of him being alive was the movement of his chest indicating he was still breathing. Placing his hand on the younger wizard's forehead, Dumbledore felt the fever raging inside. He sighed and turned his attention to the people around him. Filch stood in a corner brooding, annoying Pompfrey as much he could. Hagrid towered above them all at the foot of the bed, wringing his hands and Poppy buzzed around glancing annoyingly from Filch to Hagrid as she tried tending to Severus. Finally Dumbledore found his voice.
"Poppy, is he going to be all right?"
"Yes, Headmaster, he will. But not if he doesn't get any rest. The Cruciatus Curse hit him hard this time and it will take a few days before he'll be back to his old charming self." Poppy almost laughed at her own attempt at a joke, it went unnoticed so she continued. "Now if you would all please LEAVE me to my job!" That said Pompfrey grabbed Hagrid's hand and dragged him to the door. Well dragging is a big word when it comes to Hagrid, who after a nod from Dumbledore went willingly, followed by Filch and lastly, after one more glance at Severus, Dumbledore himself.
"Shall we go up to my office and discuss what happened." Dumbledore said after closing the door behind him, addressing Hagrid and Filch. The latter looking even more annoyed, the first sad for this was the third time in as many weeks he had brought Severus back, never in such a state though.
"There is not much to tell Headmaster." Filch drawled. "I just spotted Hagrid here on a run towards the gates and I followed. Finding Professor Snape lying unconscious on the ground. Hagrid picked him up and we brought him to Poppy."
Noticing he wouldn't get more valuable information out of Filch, Dumbledore nodded his thanks and send Filch on his way.
"Now, Hagrid why don't you tell me what happened." Dumbledore turned his full attention towards the half giant.
"As Filch told ya Sir, I spotted two figures near the gates tryin' to get in. I came runnin' but only found Professor Snape. Picked him up and brough' him 'ere. Hagrid answered.
"Did you see who the other person was Hagrid?"
"No, sorry Professor. I didn't."
"Very well Hagrid, thank you. Could you please return to where you found Severus! Maybe you can find some clues as to Severus mysterious savior. I'm sure he would like to know as well."
"Certainly Professor Dumbledore."
Hagrid turned to move but something stopped him. Wringing his hands he eyed Dumbledore nervously."
"Yes Hagrid?"
"Euh, don' mind me asking Professor, but how is young 'arry doin'?"
"For now he's fine, I'll soon find out in more detail. I'll let you know when I know myself."
"Thank you, Professor."
Hagrid turned and headed back towards the great hall and of to do what Dumbledore had requested. This business of Snape being a spy had Hagrid worried, just like it always had and now Harry disappearing and turning up just as mysterious as Snape had him worried indeed. He had work to do and if looking for this so called ghost would help, then that's what he would do.
As he watched Hagrid's rethreading for Dumbledore headed back to the hospital wing making sure Severus wasn't alone when he awakened. Watching his friend suffer like that made him feel guilty. He hated the arrangement they had, Severus always going back, risking his life. This was a discussion the both had had over and over again, all those years ago and now again. There was nothing they could do to change it, he knew that. Still it didn't stop him from feeling guilty or worrying.
* * * * * *
Harry felt himself relax and all the emotional tension fall away as he sat in kitchen having breakfast with the Weasley family. Oh, well half the family. Mr. And Mrs. Weasley who were eyeing him, concern etched on their faces. Ginny who blushed each time he looked in her direction, something he would have to ask Ron about, and last but not least Ron. Ron hadn't stopped talking when he found Harry awake and had dragged him, much against his mother's protests up to the kitchen to have breakfast. Harry didn't mind, he preferred to listen to the stories, all the things he had missed. Most importantly this way he didn't have his thoughts taking over or Mr. Weasley questioning him. He really didn't want to think right now, so he was contend to sit there and watch and listen to Ron babble and have the best breakfast he had in over a month. When he finally couldn't eat anymore Mrs. Weasley interrupted her youngest son, who was just describing his experience with a comp – utter he had been allowed to use at Hermione's house.
"Ron, why don't you take Harry up to your room and have him freshen up a bit. I'm sure he'd like that."
"Yeah, and sorry for saying it Harry but you really need it!"
"Ronald Weasley, mind your manners."
Harry chuckled; "No problem, Mrs. Weasley I have no idea what I look like, I believe it is not a pretty side. I would welcome the change."
"Of course my dear. I can only imagine what the last month was like. Go right ahead." Mrs. Weasley gently touched his shoulder. Harry had to fight back his tears and found a very interesting spot on the floor avoiding Mrs. Weasley concerned filled eyes.
"Come along Harry." Ron said while grabbing Harry's arm.
"Oh, and Harry when you get back Professor Dumbledore will want to have a word with you." Mr. Weasley yelled after the two boys.
Making their way up the stairs, Harry marveled in the warmth. He loved being at 'The Burrow' it was so full of love. Ron was talking again, this time Harry wasn't really paying attention as he looked around, taking everything in. It didn't matter that this was the 4th time he was here; he enjoyed it immensely every single time. They made it up to Ron's room, which hadn't changed one bit, except Harry noted all the posters of Victor Klum had been removed. Wasn't he supposed to go with Hermione to visit Krum this summer? He really needed to ask Ron about that. Not now though, now he wanted a warm shower and some clean clothes. Ron was talking again, what did he say?
"Euh, sorry Ron, what did you say? Didn't get that."
"Well you know where the bathroom is, now hurry up I want to talk to you before Dumbledore gets here." Ron said letting himself drop on his bed looking at Harry intently.
Harry tried to smile, but the truth was, no matter how much he wanted to tell Ron he didn't feel like it. Avoiding the subject he looked around for his trunk. Oh he didn't bring any clothes. As if on cue the door opened and Mrs. Weasley walked in caring a bundle of clothes.
"Here you go Harry. I figured you didn't have any clothes with you and seeing how much you've grown this last month I'm sure Ron's will fit you. If not we'll be able to fix it."
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said as he accepted the bundle.
Ron was staring at him, with an odd expression on his face as if he saw Harry for the first time.
"What?" He questioned.
"Nothing, but mom's right, you did grow. You're as tall as I am. BTW what did you do to your hair!"
Harry looked puzzled, my hair what's wrong with my hair? He turned around and headed for the bathroom leaving Ron staring at his back.
How long he stood on the hot running water he didn't know, it felt so good, feeling the previous month being washed away, not to be returned. Oh how he wished. Getting out of the shower he found a towel and dried himself of and turned towards the mirror. What he saw there shocked him to the core….
* * * * * * * * * * * *
To be continued
Author's note 2: Chapter 3? I have no idea… working on it. Since this is a new working week I don't know when it will be finished. Still if you are asking for a chapter 3, can I assume I'm on the right track?!