Author's note: I know, I know, I'm such a bad person. But here it is, chapter 4. And I can honestly tell you I'm VERY happy I finally managed to get it finished. After a huge fight with my muse and real live butting in most of the time I feared it would get covered in dust. Enfin… I hope you enjoy this part. I am aware some will be disappointed but I'M GETTING THERE! You'll see… Have fun reading!
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: Better make it PG although I still think it is G. Don't want to offend anyone with certain expressions.
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 4By Dagmar De Meyer
"It's about bloody time! Where have you been?"
The question hung between them, not one of them answered. Two pair of eyes stared at the person sitting on Dumbledore's desk. With an air of indifference and annoyance a pair of violet ones stared right back. It was just an act; those beautiful eyes betrayed her, filled with trepidation and fear. Was it fear he saw? Having gotten over his initial shock, Dumbledore passed Minerva, who was still standing there seemingly frozen, and walked up to the person sitting on his desk. She looked up at him and tears glistered in her eyes, her voice a mere whisper as she spoke: "Hello Albus. Long time no see!"
Closing the distance between them, he opened his arms and pulled the young woman in a fatherly embrace. When he finally released her, his eyes twinkled of joy and tears. "Welcome back."
Taking a deep breath and releasing herself from Dumbledore's arms she turned to Professor McGonagall
"Cat got your tongue Minerva?" She asked smiling slightly at her own little joke.
Slowly letting her arms drop to her side, McGonagall found her voice. "I…I thought you were…death."
"I was…in a way." The woman answered. Standing now in front of the professor, her eyes cast downward. "I missed you." Her unsteady voice whispered, afraid to look up, not sure what she'd see. She needed not be afraid, in two steps Minerva was with her gathering the girl in her arms, hugging her fierce fully.
Albus let himself drop in his chair and watched. This was good, very good. He didn't know how or why and the road ahead was difficult but this was certainly a step in the right direction. 'Welcome back Vi."
* * * * * *
The splash of cold water on his face made him gasp. His face was even paler then normal, his eyes red from crying. How long it had lasted this time, he could only guess. No one was to know of the pain locked in his heart and he was damned if anyone ever found him when on rare occasions that pain found a way out. Again he splashed the cold water against his face and looked at himself in the mirror, seeing the ice-wall rebuild itself.
Leaving his rooms he made his way through the castle like he always had. His face set, his ropes billowing behind him. He entered the great Hall to find it deserted. He'd be having diner alone, he almost, almost smiled with relieve.
* * * * * *
Long into the night they talked, about times past and times to come. Questions were asked, questions were answered. The room could be filled with laughter or you could her a pin drop. A gasp of amazement, a gasp of horror and sometimes followed by a tear.
"And then I found myself wandering naked through the woods. It took me awhile to get my bearings and the mess that was my mind back under control. When I found I had the strength I apparated to Godric's Hollow."
"Oh Vi. I'm so sorry." Minerva interrupted.
Vi smiled a bit though it never reached her eyes. "Don't be, somehow in the back of my mind I always knew. I'll even go as far as saying that I was there when it all happened.
She sighed: "Anyway I retrieved my wand and some clothes found myself a place to stay, locked myself up and had a crash course in history of the last 15 years. I must say. They seemed very happy."
"Yes indeed they were."
The room went silent again, all three lost in thought.
"How did you know where to find him?" Albus asked his voice sounding quite loud making the others jump in surprise.
"Find who Albus?" Minerva questioned frown on her face.
"Why, young Harry of course, for which I still need to thank you." His blue eyes watched intently at the young woman before him.
"You don't miss much, do you?" She laughed.
"I do my best." He laughed as well but soon both were serious again.
"It wasn't that difficult, just eliminating a few possibilities. But why on earth you put him with Petunia, I'll never understand although I'm aware you had your reasons.
"He needed to be protected and who better to do that then family." Minerva interjected a bit shocked that Dumbledore's actions were being questioned.
"I'm not debating that." Vi shot back. " But why Peet!"
"Oh well, I just wanted to see him, if only for a minute and wish my so…nephew a happy birthday. When I was about to leave all hell broke loose." Vi shuddered as she remembered the previous night.
"Before the Death Eaters got to the house I apparated to his room." Vi started and thought to herself: "How he looked like James."
" Which by the way was locked from the outside. Found his school trunk and we made our way out of the backdoor. Huge mistake!" Getting up from her chair she started pacing the room.
"I should have known, realized… should have trusted my instincts and waited, but I was afraid for him Albus. They had us surrounded in mere seconds, curses flying around our ears." For a moment she stopped, completely out of breath.
"What I don't understand is his reaction to the curse that hit me more then him. He fainted in my arms and I apparated us out."
"Yes to the Burrow. Don't blame yourself. Thanks to you Harry's alive and well. As for his reaction I'm sure you read up on his scar and his connection to Voldemort." Albus spoke gently, stopping Vi from pacing and guiding her back to her chair.
"Of course how could I have forgotten that?" She mentally cursed herself.
"If I'm not mistaken." Albus continued. "That goes for you to," as he pointed to her abdomen.
"As for forgetting things, a great neglect of my own, thank you for taking down the charms. It may very well have saved Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, oh and Dudley of course."
"We don't know that Albus. When I heard how Voldemort regained his body and strength through Harry's blood and knowing the protection charms are based on blood relations, I wasn't going to take that change. But although we saved a few, ten muggles died regardless and quite pointless."
The flames danced in the fire as the conversation ended the silence returned once again before Vi stood and walked to the door.
"Where are you going?" Minerva asked crossing the room to stand next to the young woman.
"It's late Mine, I need to get some sleep and so should you!" Vi answered stiffening a yawn.
"But we haven't finished yet!" Minerva argued.
"I'll be around, don't worry."
"For how long?" Albus' voice was soft but was lased with concern.
A sad look appeared in Vi's eyes as she answered.
"I don't know, I really don't know."
"Goodnight you both." Vi said hugging them goodbye.
"Goodnight sweetheart and thank you for Severus to." Albus whispered.
When Vi stepped back, her face was a blank only her eyes betrayed her and showed a sign of emotion, a deep fire burned in those pools of purple. Was it anger or love? Albus wondered.
Walking back to the door Vi turned around, a smile on her face again. " Oh before I forget, the answer to your question is yes." And then she was gone, leaving the Headmaster behind his eyes twinkling and Professor McGonagall confused.
"Yes? To what?" She voiced.
Albus just grinned. "You'll see Minerva, in due time."
"Now what do you say to following her lead and head to bed ourselves.
"Of course, goodnight Albus." At the door she hesitated. "Albus?"
"Yes Minerva."
"Do you think Vi will ever tell us what really happened?"
"I do not believe she lied."
"No of course not, but I got the feeling she was holding things back."
"So you noticed it to. I think in due time she will tell, but that we are not the persons that need to hear it."
* * * * * *
The summer passed quickly for Harry and for the most part where Voldemort was concerned, quietly too. The only thing that reminded of that part was Mr. Weasley disappearing at odd hours, Sirius's letters short and few. The ministry, or more importantly Cornelius Fudge still refused to believe what was so plainly in front of him and kept assuring the wizard world everything was under control. The most infuriating thing about it was that most seemed to believe him. Harry knew Sirius was working for Dumbledore and that something big and secretive was in the works, also that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were involved not to mention Bill, Charlie and Percy. But as soon as Ron and Harry asked about it all went silent and the conversation changed. For now both had given up, with his scar not hurting and Voldemort quiet Harry was determined to make the best of his summer.
The only thing that puzzled Harry to no end was himself. He kept changing right in front of his own eyes. It was freaky to look at himself in the mirror for it was never the same face that stared back. Most of the time he just ignored every mirror he passed but soon he became curious still he only looked early in the morning or late at night. It was as if someone was redrawing his face, hell his entire body starting in the morning ending at night and then to start over the next day. He'd wake up and he'd look like his old self (Except for this hair, which stayed long. He didn't mind that part though. This was way better then it sticking out all over the place.) and then when he made ready for bed he'd see that his nose had changed, or his eyes, tanned skin or pale and so on. Not a day went by that this game continued and although Harry was puzzled and curious he didn't mention it to anyone. Two reasons really one: no one seemed to notice anything except himself and two: he was afraid. For the first time in his life he felt like a coward for not trying to solve the mystery instead he ignored it. But he had decided to ask Hermione as soon as they were back in school. Theoretically of course, she would probably freak out if she knew it was real. She'd probably tell him to go to Professor McGonagall, who in turn would go to professor Dumbledore that would probably lead to Madame Pomfrey. No, for now he was going to enjoy himself, the feeling that the year ahead would be quite eventful made him ever more determined to enjoy his summer for as long as he could.
"Hey, come on Fred it's my turn." Ron yelled to his brother who was switching brooms with his twin George in midair. "Harry said I could go next." Ron yelled again, if looks could kill both would be dead night now. Harry stifled a grin as Ron shot him a pleading look.
"What do you expect me to do?" He asked in fake surprise.
"Oh bloody hell it is your broom Harry." Ron said annoyed, his face flushed red with anger. Which only grew even more when Mrs. Weasley's voice was heard over the garden.
"Boys…diner!"
"Coming Mom, Coming Mom…" The twins yelled back, making a few loops before landing near the backdoor and entering the house.
"I don't believe this." Ron grumbled as he and Harry walked back to the house.
"Don't worry Ron, you can have it all to yourself later." Harry assured his friend before entering the Burrow.
Dinner as always was excellent, even after a day of shopping Mrs. Weasley still dazzled Harry with her meals. Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley and Ginny had gone school shopping at Diagon Ally today. Earlier Harry had received a letter from Dumbledore informing him that someone would be picking him up on the 25th to go to Diagon Ally, conveniently leaving out whom that someone was. Much to Harry's dismay, he really hoped it would be Hargrid. He doubted it, since the last letter he had received from Hagrid still placed him in Norway. Oh, no good in worrying, he'd find out soon enough. Besides Ron was going with him, after a week of debate with Mrs. Weasley and Hermione would meet them at The Leaky Cauldron. So tomorrow promised to become a wonderful day. Finishing his dinner he thanked Mrs. Weasley said his goodnights and went up to Ron's room.
He found Ron already there lost in one of his comic books. When Harry closed the door Ron looked up.
"Hey Harry…"
"Yeah Ron…"
"I've been meaning to ask you…"
"What?"
"If you don't want to tell me I'll understand." Ron quickly added seeing Harry's questionable face totally misreading it.
Harry laughed. "Well I won't know that unless you tell me what you wanted to ask."
Ron watched his friend for a while and Harry looked back wondering why Ron was so nervous about whatever it was he needed to ask. So he sat on his bed and waited.
"I was just wondering about that box you are always staring at." Looking intently at Harry, it was Ron's turn to wait.
Harry smiled a bit at Ron's question, so that had been the source of his friends curiosity, truth be told Harry himself was still curious about it as well. He got up and walked to his trunk. When he came back he carried the small white box and handed it to Ron as he sat down next to him.
"I can't tell you much about it, just that it was a birthday present. But from who, I still don't know, although I have my suspicions."
"The lady with the violet eyes!" Ron said eyeing the box.
"Yeah, you can open it you know." Harry answered.
Opening the box, Ron had the same reaction as Harry had had.
"Strange…" He muttered.
Ron continued to stare in aw at the transformation; the picture that followed didn't have the same meaning though.
"Bloody brilliant." Run muttered. "This is beautiful gift, too bad it's broken. I wonder where the other part is."
Harry looked perplexed. Broken, other part, what was Ron talking about? Finding his voice: "What?"
Turning to his friend Ron saw the confused expression forming on Harry's face and had to bite his lip not to start laughing. A snort however escaped.
"Harry do you mean to tell me that after three weeks of staring at this thing you didn't notice?"
"No…" Harry pouted, taking the box from Ron. Carefully examining it. And yes there it was. Although this was very beautiful on its own if you looked closely at the picture and the lily you could see it was missing a part, as if the picture had been ripped into two and the lily waiting to be reconnected. But to what? Harry wondered. Yet another piece of a very unclear puzzle.
"Oh well, broken or not I still love it." Harry said.
"I know…well I think I'll turn in." Ron stifled a yawn. " And it's my turn to use the shower first."
"Whatever." Harry answered as he watched Ron's dash for the bathroom. His eyes focused on the smiling faces of his parents and sighed.
* * * * * *
A cool breeze caressed his pale cheek. A battle was played on his face between the warm rays of sun and the wind. Contrary to popular believe he loved to feel the sun on him, warming him. Here he found the peace he longed for so much. In a week this would all be over, a scowl passed over his face; just the thought of it worsened his mood, bad as it was. Dumbledore, how could he do this to him, AGAIN? He almost yelled the thought in his head. No not almost, he did. Maybe I should just scream. He had been so sure after last year's disaster with Alastor or better with Crouch, that this year he could finally do what he had a right to. But no, yet again Albus managed to work his way around him with excuses he made sound like reasons. We need you for Potions Severus, you are the Potions Master and although I have no doubt you'd make a good Defense against the Dark Art teacher, and you are the best when it comes Potions. Albus was of course correct, he was always right and in truth he had given up hope for the DADA position long ago, still he always tried. The thing that infuriated him more was the fact that Albus was clearly holding out on him. Ever since he came back after Voldemort's last attack, Albus his twinkle offence had started again, he had this distinct feeling it was about him. Not knowing made him fume and what was worse, everybody seemed to know about it. Closing his eyes once more, clearing his mind he enjoyed the setting sun.
* * * * * *
"Urgh, Floo Powder again." Harry grumbled, stepping into the fireplace. NOT my favourite way of traveling he thought.
"The Leaky Caldron." He yelled before quickly covering his mouth and eyes hoping it would be over soon and that when he opened his eyes he would indeed be in The Leaky Cauldron with Ron and Mr. Weasley.
Mr. Weasley had insisted on accompanying the two of them, just to make sure they met whom ever it was they were supposed to meet.
"Harry…you can come out now." Ron was whispering nervously, a little bit embarrassed over Harry's behavior. Standing in the middle of the fireplace with his eyes shut tight.
"Oh, yeah, right, coming!" Making sure he didn't make a fool out of himself even more he stepped out of the fireplace and dusted of his cloak.
"Harry, Ron…"
"Hermione!" Both boys looked up when their best friend came running, her bushy brown hair bouncing behind her, eyes shining. She hugged them both. "How have you guys been? Harry, are you all right? Oh, Ron I've got to tell you about Victor." On and on she went not even noticing Ron's growl whenever she mentioned Victor, Harry however did and couldn't help but smile. His friend was so obvious even to him. This was going to get quite interesting.
"Where are your parents Hermione?" Ron asked trying to get the subject of conversation away from Victor Krum. Urgh, this was ridiculous.
"Oh, they left. They don't rely enjoy it here. They'll be picking me up around six tonight.
"What?" Harry looked up in surprise. "Aren't you coming back with us to the Burrow?"
"Yeah, I thought Mom asked?"
"Yes, I know but I can't. Mom and Dad insisted I spend the last few days with them. Being away half the summer was a bit much." Hermione answered trying hard not to sound disappointed. She loved spending time with her parents but was a bit sad she wouldn't get to go see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Oh well next time.
The three friends enjoyed their drinks and told each other of summer adventures, blissfully unaware of a pair of eyes that were watching them intently…
* * * * * *
Remus Lupin never cared much for London. Well the city was interesting enough, why it had to be so busy was another matter.
Upon entering the Leaky Cauldron he relaxed. His three charges had yet to arrive. Choosing a table in one of the corners he sat down and waited having fun observing, the muggles outside and the wizards inside. A little commotion near the fireplace caught his attention. Arthur and Ron were pulling a rather confused looking Harry out of the fireplace. Harry? Was that Harry? Lupin froze in shock and stared at the young boy. He had grown, his hair was longer, his features so James only a few months before were so different now. The boy standing there was nothing like James at all. In fact it seemed he was changing back and fort in front of his eyes. But how was that…possible?
"Shit!" He should have known, released… James, James had told him the truth all those years ago. That's why he had begged Remus for help.
A girlish squeal made him look up and watch Hermione Granger engulf the boys in hugs. He smiled a bit at their reaction but soon his eyes clouded over again. Oh how could it be true? He should get back to Hogwarts and talk to… No first things first. Placing a small smile on his face he stood and walked up to the table occupied by Harry, Ron and Hermione. Hogwarts would have to wait, giving him a bit more time preparing for a certain conversation. One that would have far reaching consequences, especially for Harry. Why James, Lily? Why was this turning out to be true…it just couldn't be, but it was. He only had to look at Harry, the boyishness that reminded of James was gone, the sharper features, his nose, cheekbones, hair, eyes… to know it was.
Reaching their table he made himself known.
"Now, who's up for some shopping?"
* * * * * *
"Professor Lupin!" All three yelled in surprise surrounding him immediately, bombarding him with questions.
"How are you? How's Sirius? Are you working for Dumbledore? You are coming back to teach Defense Against The Dark Arts aren't you?"
"Hey, stop you guys, one at a time." Lupin smiled. "To answer your questions in order. Yes, thank you Hermione I'm rather well. Sirius is fine too and sends his love Harry. I am working for Dumbledore, but no Mr. Weasley don't go any further you won't get an answer." Both Hermione and Harry smiled, Ron a bit put of pouted but soon joined in. A day with Lupin, this had to be fun. Just then Arthur Weasley joined the group.
"Hello Remus."
"Arthur…"
"So you fell victim to Dumbledore this time." Arthur said, smiling as he shook Lupin's hand.
"Not at all, I welcome the distraction." Although Lupin smiled it didn't reach his eyes.
"Yes, I know what you mean." Arthur responded but noticing three pair of eyes fixed on the older wizards, he soon changed the subject.
"Ron here, I went to the bank…enjoy your day and I'll be back to pick you up here at 6!"
"OK, bye Dad." Ron answered, glancing over at Harry and Hermione mentally agreeing they were going to work on Lupin for answers.
Seeing the exchange Lupin merely chuckled and guided his charges to the back room.
* * * * * *
"M…Master." A peeping voice said.
"WHAT."
"The boy Master…he's at Diagon Alley."
The looming figure of Voldemort abruptly turned around only to find a sniveling Peter Pettigrew on his hands and knees.
"Issss he now!" Voldemort hissed.
"Yes, yes Master. I received word from Lucius Malfoy…M…Master."
"Is he alone?"
"No…No Master, his friends and Remus Lupin are with him."
"Argh…" The scream filled the room. "Imbecile, I have no need for such information. I can do nothing…and Lucius is no match for that werewolf. And what is he planning to do in such a public place? No, no, the boy who lived, ha, will live for another day. I'll be patient. LEAVE!" He yelled not bothering to watch the scrambling rat out the door. He walked up to the window and gazed through the mists of his own creation. His hands reached out to the sleeping form on the windowsill.
"Things are changing, Nagini, I can feel it." The snake lifted its head, hissing at her Master.
"Indeed. I am getting stronger, but so is the light. Something's lurking, something unresolved and very dangerous." He laughed. "This is going to be fun…"
* * * * * *
Blissfully unaware of his arch nemesis pleasure, Harry enjoyed his time at Diagon Alley immensely. After a quick stop for him and Hermione at Gringrotts they went on exploring and shopping. Dragging Hermione away from Flourish & Boths had taken quite the effort but not as much as having to literally carry Ron away after he received his copy of the Transfiguration textbook. He fainted! Hermione was simply beaming with delight, no doubt in Harry's mind she'd know half of it by the beginning of the school year.
Lupin didn't say much. Harry had the impression his mind was elsewhere. He did enjoy himself to a degree and for that Harry was pleased. He was certain that the last few months had been hard on Lupin, more so then on himself. Getting Ron back on his feet found them at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, enjoying ice cream and watching the witches and wizards pass them by.
"So Professor." Ron mumbled due to the fact that his mouth was full with chocolate ice cream. Hermione looked at him sternly. Don't you know it isn't polite talking with your mouth full? But she kept her mouth.
"Yes Ron."
Swallowing his last spoon of ice cream. "Are you coming back to teach?"
They had almost forgotten about that and realized Lupin hadn't answered before. The three of them watched as Lupin paid Florean and stood up.
Following they resumed their trip down Diagon Ally.
"No Ron.."
"Sir?"
"The answer to your questions is no."
"Oh…"
"But why?" Hermione interjected. " You're the best teacher ever."
Lupin smiled at her. "Thank you Hermione, but the answer remains the same."
"It's just not fair." This from Harry.
"Perhaps… If it makes you feel any better, I will be visiting Hogwarts on a regular bases." Lupin answered. "Now don't you look at me like that."
"Do you know…?"
"No, I don't. I guess you'll have to wait to find out who is going to be the new teacher just like everybody else." He laughed at the frowns he was getting from his three young friends. It didn't last long though as both boys spotted 'Quality Quidditch Supplies' and were lost. This time it was Hermione's turn to get the boys' faces unstuck from the window and dragged them back to the Leaky Cauldron.
* * * * * *
Six o'clock on the dot both Arthur Weasley and Hermione's parents came to pick them up. Saying their goodbyes and assuring Hermione they had done their homework, Mr. and Mrs. Granger and Hermione disappeared into muggle London.
"Say hello to Sirius for me." Harry said, shaking Lupin's hand.
"Will do Harry." Lupin stared at Harry, watching him intently not releasing his hand.
Harry fidgeted under the penetrating gaze. "Professor are you all right?" He finally asked.
"Harry are 'you' all right?" Lupin answered the question with a question.
Harry's eyes widened in shock…oh my god, he knows, he sees, how can he see it when others can't? Finding his voice he stammered. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"I see…" Releasing Harry's hand he stepped back and moved over to say goodbye to Ron and Arthur.
Feeling his lungs burning Harry realized he was holding his breath and released it. Why was he reacting like this? He could trust Lupin, couldn't he? Why was he so afraid of what Lupin might say? He was his friend and maybe he could help him to figure this whole mess out.
Lost in thought he didn't hear Ron's voice calling him, only when he was dragged back to the fireplace did he snap out of it.
"OK Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"OK…"
"Very well then. After you Ron."
Throwing in some Floo Powder, Ron stepped into the fireplace. "The Burrow." He yelled and was gone. Followed by Mr. Weasley and last Harry who groaned in spite of himself.
"Goodbye Harry."
"Goodbye Professor."
Lupin was left alone with his thoughts once more. Taking his own pinch of Floo Powder, he threw it in. "Hogwarts."
* * * * * *
"So you saw it too?" A voice said startling Lupin upon entering his chambers.
"Albus, you startled me." Lupin answered. Brushing of some ashes.
"How did it go?" Dumbledore continued, waving his wand and handing Lupin a cup of tea.
"Fine, just fine." The young wizard said accepting the cup before he continued. "Lots of questions as was to be expected and a spying Lucius but nothing major." Looking up he noticed the smile and the twinkling eyes of the headmaster.
"Lots of questions…hum well, I have this feeling the Gryffindor trio will give us quite a run for our money yet again."
Lupin smiled, one that soon vanished as Dumbledore's look turned serious again. But he beat the Headmaster to it, answering the question he knew was coming.
"Not yet Albus. Yes I saw it to but can't help you." His voice was grave and his shoulders slummed. "I don't understand…why?"
"I'm sure you'll figure it out Remus."
Both lost in thought, sipping their tea. Dumbledore and Lupin enjoyed the silence. It was Dumbledore who broke it.
"Was it the spell?"
"Yeah."
"And the potion?"
"And the potion… Oh Albus I should have suspected something. When James came and asked… Why didn't I…?" Remus dropped his head in his hands, shaking at the memories and questions. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up, meeting the friendly but serious blue eyes of Albus Dumbledore. When he spoke it was with a lot of sadness.
"James must have had his reasons."
"Yes, but why?"
"Time will tell." Dumbledore stood up to leave. Halfway to the door he turned, the twinkle in his eyes was back. "Oh and Remus, don't be too hard on him."
Alone Remus looked up at the ceiling and mumbled. "Too hard…on HIM? Let's just pray I'll live…"
* * * * * *
"What do you think the new DADA teacher will be like?" Ginny asked, while approaching a carriage with Ron, Harry and Hermione.
"I don't know. Come to think of it maybe we won't have one." Hermione answered, climbing after Ginny into the carriage.
"What?" Both boys yelled.
"What makes you say that?"
"Well in case you haven't noticed, which you clearly haven't. We didn't have to buy a single book concerning DADA." Hermione answered.
Ron snorted: "Oh really Hermione not everything comes from a book!"
"Yeah." Harry added. "And with the war going on we need the practice. I don't think Dumbledore would scratch DADA."
Hermione pouted at that and remained silent all the way up to the castle.
"Man, I'm hungry."
"RON! How on earth could you be hungry? After all that chocolate you ate on the train!" Ginny exclaimed, eyes wide at Ron.
"That was just dessert. Now I want dinner."
At that the four of them bust out in fits of laughter and were still grinning when they climbed the stone steps up to the castle.
* * * * * *
"Uhm…silence, peace, quiet, solitude, bliss…and all will be gone in half an hour. Then for the coming ten months we get trouble and problems, ignorance and stupidity, incompetence and idiocy…"
"Laughter, happiness and fun… Hello Severus, I see you are preparing yourself for the new school year!"
"Remus." Snape growled, not one for greetings and certainly not now. Lupin wasn't that bad. Snape kind of like the man, if only he would stay away from the likes of Black. Just the thought of the man made his blood boil. No, not tonight, he wouldn't think of Black tonight. It was going to be bad enough already. He stopped abruptly when he noticed Lupin was still with him, quietly walking the corridors. Taking a closer look Snape noticed the edges of worry on the wizards face. He was lost in thought, seemingly unaware of Snape.
"Was there something you wanted?" He asked in an unrealistic calm voice. Still it made Lupin jump.
Snape almost smiled at this. " My Remus, where did you go?"
"Severus, we need to talk!"
"Really, about what? Because I was rather enjoying my last minutes of freedom."
"It's about Harry."
Snape stopped abruptly, the smile all but gone his expression turning ice cold.
Through clenched teeth he hissed at Lupin. "I have no need to discuss our local celebrity. The coming ten months will be bad enough."
Lupin didn't look at Snape but stood his ground.
When Lupin didn't answer or for that matter look at him Snape continued.
"If that is all, leave me my last minutes in peace." He turned around ready to continue his stroll when he was forcefully yanked by the arm and shoved against the wall. The rage burning in Lupin's eyes was clearly visible and Snape felt a twinge of fear. No matter how gentle the man was the werewolf within was a true danger. Getting his emotions back in check he found his voice. "What…are…you…doing? Let…go…of…me…werewolf."
Lupin could see Snape was getting angry, even though he could still smell the fear radiating from him.
Fighting his anger he loosened his grip but not enough for Snape to get away.
"No, you will listen to me. This is important."
A battle of wills was played out between the two. Lupin had no intention of loosing, this was too important. He closed his eyes… "Fifteen years ago James came to me a nervous wreak. He begged me on his knees to teach him the 'Alternatum Personum' the spell and the potion. I wanted to know why but he refused. It was for Harry, he kept repeating it was for Harry. I eventually conceded and taught him both although it was and still is considered Dark Magic I could not refuse. I never questioned him after that maybe that was my mistake for now someone is surely going to pay." Lupin paused catching his breath and looked up to see and very angry but intrigued Snape stare down on him.
"You know what the Alternatum Personum does Severus, I know I don't have to explain it to you. It is my believe James used both on Harry all those years ago. The signs are showing he is not himself and because James wasn't around to keep the spell under control after fifteen years it will end itself with great pains for the one that was under it in the first place. In this case Harry."
The silence was deafening as both men absorbed what was just said.
"Why are you telling me this?" Snape asked the angry still evident in his voice but it was fading. "You know as well as I do there is no cure for the spell or the potion. If you are right and Harry was or better is under it he'll have to ride it out. What makes you so sure?"
Lupin loosened his grip on Snape's shoulder and stepped back.
"He's changing…"
"You already mentioned that."
"It is still in the early stages. It is not visible to the untrained eye still it is there. The boy looks nothing like James."
"Nothing like James? How's that possible? He's the boys father." Snape sneered.
That alone made the angry boil in full fury again and Lupin lunged for Snape pinning him against the wall once more.
"What's the matter with you?" Snape yelled.
Eyes wild with furry Lupin struggled his demons before asking: "Did you sleep…with Lily, Severus?"
Snape was stunned. He couldn't believe his own ears. Lupin was loosing it for sure. What had he just said? A blind furry took hold of the Potions Master as he pushed Lupin of him and knocked him down.
"How dare you …" Snape was shaking. "How dare you insinuate such a thing? Lily was my friend, I would never betray her like that." He bellowed at the equal angry figure on the ground.
His nose bleeding, he didn't notice he just concentrated on the looming figure before him an aura of rage emanating from him.
"I know no other explanation SNAPE. All those years ago providing James with the spell and now a boy changing in front of my own eyes in not a younger James but in a younger YOU."
Picking himself up of the ground Lupin took a step back, not really afraid of Snape but of himself and what he might do. He couldn't believe it but what other explanation was there. Harry was changing into Severus no doubt about it. Still he couldn't believe Severus would have ever violated Lily like that or betrayed…
"I don't know where you got that idea of yours. Lily was my FRIEND and I would never ever betray her like that. Also you may have forgotten I had a WIFE! How dare you accuse me of this? You of all people should know what it did to me. Loosing my wife and child and then seeing James with Harry. I lost everything and he, as always, got it all." Still shaking Snape willed himself to calm down, willed himself to control the anger boiling in his veins. Also Lupin, his nails digging in his palms fought that internal battle.
"I thought you were my friend Remus. I may not show it but I thought we had an understanding. I now see I was mistaken. I have no idea where you got this idea but from the bottom of my heart you know I would never betray Vi like that."
The tension could be cut with a knife, the silence deafening. Slowing sounds and voice differed down the corridor; a new school year was about to start.
"Something is wrong Severus." Lupin whispered.
Snape merely glared, not trusting his own voice. Lupin had opened old wounds, wounds that were never healed and never would. He turned and walked down the corridor, his ropes billowing behind him, leaving Lupin to his own. Both men's thoughts were reeling neither realized what was to come.
* * * * * *
The corridor was dark and cold, the summer never reaching this far into the castle to ban away the chill. He didn't care about the cold, didn't feel it. His entire being on fire, filled with anger and rage as he smashed his fist into the wall. Not caring he was hurting himself, he was beyond care. How could he?
"Argh…" His scream echoed through the deserted corridor as he fell to his knees. The memories and pain treating to engulf him again. How could Remus have been so cruel? He was there… the night Severus lost everything. The night he sworn on the grave of his wife and unborn child that he would make up for all the pain and suffering he had caused. The night Dumbledore forgave him. The night he turned to ice.
Slowly he pushed himself up, flicked his wand and muttered under his breath. He watched as the reflection in the window changed from a grief stricken man to that of the feared Potion Master. It wouldn't do any good for him to show his true self. Composing himself he proceeded to the Great Hall were the feast was about to start.
* * * * * *
Every year, his fifth year now, he walked through the big doors in aw, a big smile on his face, a feeling of peace and contentment, a feeling of coming home. Taking his seat between Ron and Hermione he let his gaze wander. Taking in every single aspect of the magnificent chamber.
There was something different this year but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Something darker had taken residence in the hall, a reflection of the current situation and the seriousness of it all. Still the hall was filled with lots of laughter and animation. After two months of vacation his classmates and schoolmates had a lot to tell. The four long house tables were occupied with at the beginning of the table room for the yet to be sorted first years. The Sorting Hat already present on a high stool in the middle of the great hall.
His mind on the sorting hat and his own sorting Harry watched as Professor McGonagall entered the Great Hall with a group of scared looking 11 year olds in tow. Did I look as scared? Harry thought in amusement. Yeah probably, if not worse. Seemingly reading his thoughts, Hermione bend over and whispered: "I know, and yes we defiantly looked just as scared!"
Harry smiled at her but swallowed his remark as Professor McGonagall called out the first name. Harry cheered along with his housemates as Gryffindor received six new additions to the house. Just like Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. For the first time in over a 100 years the four houses received the some amount of students.
"Oh, get on with it." He heard Ron mumbled. "I'm hungry!"
"Shhht, just a while longer tummy of Ron." Harry chuckled.
"Hahaha, very funny. But hey Harry where is Snape?" Ron asked looking up and down the long table seeing all their teachers except the dreaded Potions Master.
"Do you think He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named found out he was a spy?" Ron whispered never taking his eyes of the head table.
Harry felt his blood turn cold. True he never liked Snape, OK he hated Snape but that didn't mean he wished for him to die.
"I don't know. He's probably just late."
The words had barely left his lips or the side door opened to admit a very angry looking Snape.
"Oh dear that looks bad." Ron mumbled, quickly turning to look at the Headmaster when Snape stared in their direction, but needn't have feared the man, he wasn't looking at him. No Harry realized, his heart beating ever faster, he's looking at ME. Eyes wide Harry stared back.
Realizing the sorting had already started Snape waited before entering himself. He didn't mind in the least. Waving his wand over his bleeding hand he put a healing charm on it and waited.
Placing his ever-present sneer on his face he opened the door and walked in. Ignoring Minerva's questioning glances as he passed her, he went over to his seat. Nodding a greeting to his own house, he let his gaze survey the remaining tables. Showing he was not to be messed with. When his gaze passed the Gryffindor table he received the second shock of the evening when his eyes locked with the person he had become to hate since the day he was born. The boy, Harry looked back with fear in his eyes. Why would he fear me? Snape wondered briefly. Frozen in his spot Snape could but look at the boy that was so different then last year. Oh God, Remus had been right. He felt his knees buckle and just in time he managed to pull out his chair and sit down.
"Oh no, Oh no… not him. Remus I could handle but not him." Harry panicked. The fact that Remus saw the changes he had ignored all summer and now of all people Snape. This was just too much. Questions were swimming in his head as he kept looking at Snape. He's just as shocked as I am. I'm going to get it now. He'll probably accuse me of mimicking him.
Harry was so out of it that he didn't hear Dumbledore's 'start of the school year speech. It wasn't until Ron's elbow poked his ribs that he came back to reality.
Snape was having a similar reaction.
"W…what?" Harry said, tearing his gaze away from Snape.
"Where were you?" Ron laughed when he continued he whispered with Dumbledore still in the middle of his speech. "Are you going to stun Snape into oblivion by just looking at him."
Not receiving an answer from Harry, Ron turned his attention back to Dumbledore. Puzzled by his friends reaction, determined to find out what had just happened. Harry had acted as if he had just seen a ghost and they hadn't even arrived yet.
Struggling to keep his mind on Professor Dumbledore's speech, Harry fought a battle not to stare back at Snape. For all the good it did, for he felt the penetrating gaze of the man on him. Harry wished the ground would swallow him whole. What was he saying? Oh Harry pay attention. He scolded himself.
"You are all aware of the happening of the end of our last school year. I know that our esteemed Ministry is still, after two months refusing to believe what is so evident to all. Whether you believe it or not, Voldemort has indeed returned." Dumbledore paused as gasps and intakes of breaths were heard throughout the hall. It was a danger that there were still so many who refused to believe.
"I can assure you that while you are here at school you will be safe. There have however been a few rules added over the summer and I know you will not like them I strongly advise you to take note of them and follow them. A list will be supplied with your timetable tomorrow morning. If there are any questions regarding, please ask your head of house. And now the only thing that is left for me to say: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Let the feast begin!"
"I still don't know what that means." Ron said while his eyes grew wider watching plates filled with food appear out of thin air. Grabbing the spoon of the mashed potatoes away from Dean he started filling his plate.
Shacking off the Potions Master's stares Harry was determined to enjoy this feast. Man he was hungry and started filling his own plate.
With everybody enjoying him-or herself, the shock that rippled through the Great Hall was overwhelming when the outer doors burst open with a big bang. A fears wind blew through the open doors as a think mist danced over the floor between the tables. Screams were heard left and right. The elder students were on there feet pointing their wands at the open doors, ready for almost anything. Harry, Ron and Hermione wands drawn waited for what was to come.
Suddenly the winds died down and the mist retreated leaving a hooded figure standing in the open doors.
Slowly the person made its way between the tables; cloak billowing, much in the same manner as Snape's. Seemingly oblivious to the wands pointed at it from all sides. Halting in front of the head table two elegant hands reached up and pushed the hood of the cloak back. Gasps of surprise were heard throughout the hall.
"Harry, look at Snape!" Hermione whispered.
But Harry had no intention of looking at Snape, he was to shocked to do anything else but stare at the person in front of him.
There was no one paying attention to Snape, or was there. The second the hood was removed their eyes locked and Snape's heart stopped.
* * * * * *
To be continued
Author's note 2: And was it worth the wait? Yes I know I shouldn't be asking this…
Thank you all for the reviews! They got me through this chapter! vbg I can't promise anything about chapter 5 except that I am working on it and that this one WILL have Harry and Snape in it. Well in the same room that is.
Before I forget, I got a review with a few questions but for some reason it disappeared on me, although I'm quite sure I didn't delete it. I'm still new at this fanfiction.net thing…
I do remember one question that was asked. My native tongue is Flemish and my first official lesson in the language of Shakespeare (official meaning school) was when I was 13! Still nosy? That was 12 years ago.
Now I'm going into hiding…for I know I'm going to get it for this cliffhanger! vbEg