Author's note: One good thing came out of the disappearance of FanFiction.net. Hard to believe… It gave me some more time to finish this chapter! vbg I had the beginning right away, also the end came quite easily, just don't mention the middle. But, I finished it and that's what counts.
My thanks go to all you people who reviewed! See, that's one of the bad things of the downtime…no reviews, no way of knowing you had fun reading or not. Thank you all for the reviews and my mails! vbg Madame Padfoot…Don't worry, it never entered my mind to even thing about killing Snape! And now the only thing left to say…Enjoy!
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 8By Dagmar De Meyer
"Up…!"
"Up…!"
"I said UP!"
WACK
"Argh…. What is it with these school brooms?" Ron yelled, his hand pressed firmly on his nose.
A few feet away Fred and George were rolling on the ground.
"Haha…very funny."
"Oh – yes - it - is." Fred managed to say between gasps.
"I wish I could practice on Harry's Firebolt some more." Ron sighed as he finally had the Shooting Star firmly in his hand.
"Firebolt?" George asked mounting his own broom.
"Yeah, Harry lend it to me this afternoon. I've been practicing." Ron said, a huge smile on his face.
"Ah, you have, have you…well since you're already here, why don't you show us those Keeper skills of yours and convince us why exactly you should be allowed on the team." Fred stated, standing in front of Ron trying very hard to keep a straight face.
"Speaking of Harry…" George yelled from above. "Where is he?"
The twins looked at Ron expectantly.
"I have no idea, he was right behind me just going to the dormitory to get his broom and gloves. I wonder what's keeping him?"
"He'll show up…come on Ron, show us what you've got!"
Glancing back towards the castle Ron shrugged and mounted his broom. Harry would be along shortly, he thought as he gave chase after George.
* * * * * *
The lonely figure moved amongst the shadows, pressing his back against the cold stone each time someone passed. Slowly he crept forward, his mind set on one thing and one thing only, to disappear. At the end of the corridor the portrait of the Fat Lady came into view. Damn his luck, he cursed under his breath as 3 nameless 1st years could be seen in front of the painting.
"Yes, my dears, I know you are noble Gryffindors…"
Noble indeed.
"…but I still need for you to give me the password." The Fat Lady joyfully explained.
"Camelot." He yelled, briefly wondering whether Professor Bims was teaching the paintings the history of King Arthur. At a run he pushed himself by the startled 1st years and squeezed passed the slowly opening portrait.
Up the stairs he disappeared into his dormitory before anybody realised it was him.
Falling to his knees in front of his trunk Harry opened the lock in one swift movement and threw the lid.
There at the bottom of the trunk he found his most prized possessions. His father's Invisibility Cloak, his hands mere inches from the cloak he hesitated, not his father's, James Potter was not his father. Pushing the tears away he grabbed the cloak, the map and the white box. Quickly closing the lid Harry flung the cloak around his shoulders just in time as Neville walked through the door. Under his cloak Harry slowly descended the stairs to the Common Room and slipped out unnoticed. Not looking back he disappeared into the castle.
* * * * * *
One of the new rules added at the beginning of the school year was no more Quidditch practice after dark without supervision. A lot of complaints were received by all four Heads of House but none as much as Professor McGonagall had had. Not that she hadn't expected it, she smiled, the twins especially had been quite inventive showing their disagreement. So she had agreed to their terms and supervised every practice herself accompanied by a 'Gryffindor' teacher. For now she was alone, she briefly wondered what kept Violet but soon forgot as she watched the three Weasleys soar above her. Ron Weasley was not doing that bad, actually he was pretty good! Thirty minutes into practice Violet joined her, face flushed.
"Sorry I'm late Minerva." Violet said as she approached McGonagall, avoiding the older witch's eyes she scanned the sky.
"Where's Harry?"
McGonagall turned her gaze up towards the sky and for the first time she wondered why she hadn't noticed her seeker's absences. At the same time the team flew down and landed not far from them soon joined by an out of breath Hermione who was towing a seriously overloaded book bag.
"Where's Harry?" Both Hermione and Ron asked at the same time.
"I thought he was with you."
"I thought he was with you."
"Ron, really, he left with you almost two hours ago to practice Quidditch!"
"Yeah, but when he didn't show up I thought he turned back and went to see you." Ron said sheepishly, guilt written clearly on his face. He really had forgotten about Harry's absence in his excitement over making the team. Soon his guilt was joined by worry as he noticed the confused looks of both Professors.
"Are you telling me, neither one of you know where Mr. Potter is?" McGonagall asked the startled team.
"No…"
"No…"
"No…"
No's were heard from everyone, accompanied by headshakes.
Professor Evans placed her hands on her hips and looked around the group. She was angry and scared, did something happen to Harry? Mask in place in front of the students she asked: "Who saw him last?" It came out a little too harsh as she saw Ron flinch. Eyes cast down he stepped forward.
"I did Professor. I went with him to Gryffindor Tower. We had an extra hour of practice since Snape…"
"Professor Snape, Mr. Weasley." McGonagall warned.
"…Professor Snape cancelled his lesson for today."
Vi's eyes went up at this bit of news but remained quiet.
"He went in and I came down here. He was right behind me, he was just going to collect his Quidditch things that's all."
Ron finished in a rush, his arms waving around to emphasis his words. In a whisper he added: "I'm sorry."
"No need to be sorry Mr. Weasley. I'm sure Mr. Potter is all right. Practice however is cancelled for today."
"Oh no…"
"Professor…"
"Yes, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Weasley."
"Professor…what about tomorrow's game?"
"You'll do great!"
"But…"
"No more 'buts' come along."
Ron and Hermione ran ahead, determined to go and look for Harry, the rest of the team followed reluctantly. Professors Evans and McGonagall bringing up the rear.
"I have got to notify Albus about Mr. Potter." McGonagall said turning towards Violet. The younger witch didn't respond, her eyes focused on the castle, her mind focused on her son.
* * * * * *
The doors flew open followed by a loud bang as they bounced back against the walls, admitting a very pre-occupied Ron and Hermione talking to each other. Neither noticed the two figures pressed against opposite walls where they had been forced to jump as the doors burst open in their faces.
"Where do you think?" Ron asked.
"Well, he wasn't with you or with me and I didn't see him coming down to practice. Maybe he's still in the Common Room." Hermione reasoned. She looked up at Ron, seeing he doubted that but he answered: "Yeah, we could try that." Followed by, "this is so unlike Harry. I hope he's alright."
At the mention of Potter's name, his son's name, Snape stepped forward soon to jump back as the doors burst open a second time to admit the Gryffindor's Quidditch team and the two Professors.
Letting the students pass Lupin and Snape moved next to Violet and McGonagall. But before either could voice their question McGonagall asked: "Have either of you seen Harry Potter?"
"Is something wrong?" Lupin asked.
"We don't know yet." McGonagall answered. "Apparently the last time anyone saw him was two hours ago. Although I am sure we are overreacting and that Mr. Potter will show up in no time, I would like to go and inform Albus of this."
That said the older witch resumed her course and disappeared down the corridor.
Snape and Violet hadn't said a word through the entire thing and looked at everything that wasn't the other. Lupin was furious with both of them. No, that wasn't right. Of course it's not right. Finally he couldn't help himself.
"Vi, how?"
Violet's eyes looked back at him, pain burning within their depths.
"You didn't know either?" She whispered.
A question on her part, he could see the confusion, mirrored by Snape's. He saw her sway unsteadily on her feet and reached out to catch her. Snape was quicker and he held her protectively. She didn't protest this time, if only for a few moments.
Getting herself back under control Vi stepped away from Severus and addressed them both.
"Maybe we should join Hermione and Ron and look for Harry."
"Good idea." Lupin said, "I'll head down to the Great Hall, maybe he's at the feast. Why don't you go and see if they found him in the Gryffindor Common Room."
Not waiting for their response Remus followed Minerva. When he was well out of sight he turned and watched the two. He felt anger burn inside himself. Anger brought on by confusion. I'm so sorry Harry. How was he going to deal with this? Questions had been answered, others created. One hurt him more then all the others, much more…one that might never be answered. Why? Why James, Lily didn't you tell me?
* * * * * *
Pathetic…the sniffling creature in front of him really was more a rat then a man. Actually quite hilarious that he owed his life to him.
He was tired, tired of the imbeciles surrounding him. The news Lucius had brought to his attention was not what he had expected. Finally the feelings he had been having since his resurrection began to make sense. If young Draco was right about his 'Professor Evans' and if this Evans was the same person it was dangerous but thrilling at the same time. It still puzzled him, he had been unable to determine what had gone wrong with his killing curse that night. Something very powerful had protected her. Did she know? If she did, it was a danger for he had been weak for months. Not that anyone had known…no that's not entirely true, Severus had known, part of it anyway. Severus, yes Severus…such a shame, but two can play this game. I so hope my child that what I suspect, what Lucius is so adamant to proof shall proof to be a lie.
"Peter."
"Y…Yes, Master."
A sigh escaped him as he turned to the trembling figure near his feet.
"How are my orderssss going?"
"We…well my Lord. We are almost ready."
"Very well. Hasssss everyone been told?"
"Yes, my Lord."
"And Severusssss…"
"No, my Lord as to your request."
"Good, now go and leave me in peace."
"Certainly, my Lord."
His back turned to the door he heard it close as Petigrew left the room. Strange he hadn't even felt the ever present need to curse. Red eyes narrowing to slits he stared into the green fire, his mind on the coming event. Oh, and an event it would be… It was time to make his presence known.
* * * * * *
The walk up to Gryffindor Tower was done in silence. Occasionally broken by the laughter of children passing them on their way to the Great Hall for the Halloween feast.
"He's my son."
"Yes."
"He's your son."
"Yes."
"He's our son."
"Yes."
"How? How Vi, please, I have so many questions. This is just not possible…I." Severus all but pleaded.
Violet stopped and turned towards him. "I know you have a lot of questions, so have I. I'm well aware that my handling of the situation so far has been far from perfect. I was so angry when I came back and found that you left Harry with Petunia…"
"I didn't know."
"I know that now… I just don't understand why Lily never told you. Before I trans…left, my last request was for her to tell you about your son. I can see that I have been wrong in assuming you have known all these years for you obviously haven't got a clue. When I figured that out I tried to tell you. Oh I'm such a coward, I…"
"You can tell me now. First we have to find Harry. If Remus is right about what is going to happen he'll need all the help he can get."
"When what will happen? What's wrong with Harry?"
"Didn't you ever wonder why Harry is an exact replica of James?"
"I…Yes…What?"
"James asked Remus…" The portrait of the Fat Lady opening interrupted Severus and an arguing Hermione and Ron crawling passed it into the hallway.
"I'm telling you Hermione, something's not right with Harry and you know of it! All his visits to the library and now he's missing, Firebolt, map, cloak and the hologram box. What aren't you telling me?" Ron shouted, his frustration clearly written on his face, worry for his friend visible.
Hermione suddenly went quiet, an intense look on her face. "He made me promise not to tell you yet. Not until we found some answers."
"Answers to what Miss Granger."
The two startled teenagers whirled around coming face to face with a very annoyed looking Snape and not far behind Professor Evans.
"I…well…I" Hermione stammered.
"Oh bloody hell child, I can never shut you up in class and now that it matters you're at a loss for words." Severus exclaimed. With the turmoil going on inside him he had trouble keeping up appearances.
"Hermione, if something happened to Harry we'll need all the help we can get to finding him." Violet said stepping up next to Severus.
The girl studied her, debating whether or not to break her promise.
"Hermione…" Ron urged.
If it was to push Hermione into telling or into making her keep her promise, Vi didn't know.
"Do you think 'You-know-who' got Harry?" Hermione asked her voice but a whisper.
"You-know-who?" Violet questioned, not immediately understanding.
"Voldemort." Severus explained making the two friends flinch.
"Ah…it's too soon to think along those lines."
"But…" Severus interrupted. "It is imperative we find Mr. Potter for his own safety."
"Professor?" Hermione started.
"Yes, Miss Granger." Snape's patience was wearing thin.
"Do…Do you know what's happening to Harry?"
"In part, Hermione, and it really is of great importance that we find him."
"Does it have to do with him changing?"
"How do you know?" Snape asked, shocked.
Startled Hermione took a step back.
"Because Harry told me and asked me to help." She whispered.
"How long has he known?"
"He said it started on his birthday."
"I see…"
"Is it 'Glamourie' Professor?" Hermione dared. Snape had never been so approachable before. It seemed he was really worried about Harry, that couldn't be possible.
"No, Miss Granger, not Glamourie, far more sinister then that."
"Oh, I thought since." Hermione's disappointment over not finding the right answers for Harry sounded through.
"Inventive, Miss Granger. I for one wish you'd be right."
Did Snape just give her a compliment?
All through the conversation Violet and Ron watched and listened intently. The latter getting more agitated with each passing minute.
"Hey, what are you talking about? Wouldn't it be best if we FIND Harry first and then start dissecting him." Ron yelled, making the others look at him.
"Quite right Mr. Weasley." Snape answered.
Ron was shocked by his own rudeness towards his professors but even more so; did Snape just agree with him?
"You know Mr. Potter best, after all your nightly adventures, I'm sure you can think of a few places to look. The sooner we find him the better."
"You really think he's still in the castle Professor?" Hermione voiced her concern?
"Let's hope so, Miss Granger, let's hope so."
Ron was still gaping at the obvious alien that pretended to be Snape when Hermione roughly yanked his arm and pulled him along.
Snape turned back to Violet who had been awfully quiet the whole exchange.
"Vi, why don't we…" He halted, staring at her, curiously and fearfully.
Eyes closed, back straight, her fingertips pressed together, Vi appeared to be floating, mere inches from the ground. On her forehead a circle of bright light started glowing. It was over as soon as it had begun. Her eyes flew open and she stared back at him.
Seeing his fear, she gently reached out her hand and touched his pale check. He didn't back away but the hint of fear remained.
"It's alright Severus. It's one of my gifts or if you wish a part of my curse. I won't harm you." She spoke, her voice soft.
"I don't worry about me, I worry about you."
"Don't. I'm fine. It's Harry we should worry about."
His eyes hardened instantly.
"No Severus, he's alright, for now. He's still in the castle. He needs to be alone."
"Needs to be alone?" Severus all but yelled. "So typical, always himself, not even considering the fact that maybe, just maybe others might worry about him."
"He knows Severus, he knows…"
"What?"
"He knows…" The last was spoken in a whisper followed by a single tear.
In two steps he was besides her, gathering her in his arms. She let him; she didn't have the strength to push him away.
"He's in so much pain, anger, confusion. Severus he doesn't understand, he's hurt. It's all my fault."
Not saying a word, no words were necessary, he just held her where she belonged. He didn't agree with her, it was not her fault. No, it was his.
* * * * * *
From high above he watched the festivities below. All laughing faces could be seen at the four tables. Enjoying each others company, the great decorations and the excellent food. He watched the teachers take their places at the head table and join in, listened to Professor Dumbledore's speech even laughed a little at the jokes. All the while he watched from far above, hidden from view by the enchantment of the ceiling, not to join. He had wanted to disappear and for now this was good enough. He wondered briefly whether or not he was being missed yet. Probably, Quidditch practice ended an hour ago, and the entire Gryffindor table was filled safe for Ron, Hermione and of course him. To his surprise no one seemed to notice that the 'oh' so popular Harry Potter was not in his usual seat, not even Dumbledore or Hagrid. His gaze slowly moved along the head table. Were they looking for him? Professor McGonagall, his head of House, yes it could be, she was supposed to supervise practice and sure she would notice his absence.
Lupin… Lupin knew all along, and had lied, the one person besides his friends and Godfather he thought he could trust. Yes, he was angry at Lupin. Somehow it seemed he was the only one he could be angry at.
He tried so hard to be angry with the other one…but he couldn't. Harry wanted to yell and scream at that person whose face danced in front of his eyes each time he closed them. He couldn't, he just couldn't.
Snape, the hated Potions Master, the man who had ridiculed him for four years was his 'father'… All his live had been a lie, and the man that hated him from the bottom of his heart was his father. Oh, why couldn't he feel anger or hatred back? It would be so much easier. Why where his feelings so confusing?
There was more, much more, more then his mind was willing to allow. It seemed so distant, not really true, like he was watching it all through a glass wall, one that muffled sound and numbed his feelings.
He's my son; Harry's my son, not James's. Vi told me. Who was pregnant?
Leaning back against the wall next to the window he turned away from the feast. His head was spinning with all these questions. The changes that had been happening to him; what had Professor Snape called it? Alternatum Personum? He looked like Snape, he had seen that months ago but pushed it back, ignoring it. He was not a Potter; he was a Snape. What else had he heard? Who was pregnant? He bolted upright…Lily; his mother had not been pregnant. His aunt had been…
Harry closed his eyes, squeezing them tight as tears rolled over his cheeks… Lies all lies… Turning his gaze back down towards the feast he tried to numb his mind, force it not to think.
Professor McGonagall had just entered and was making her way up to Dumbledore. He watched as she bent down and whispered something to the Headmaster. Out of the corner of his eyes he noticed Lupin enter and walk the distance towards the head table joining McGonagall. He to spoke to Dumbledore, probably about him, soon to turn and leave the hall once more. Unnoticed by his fellow students Dumbledore stood and walked up to Hagrid. He watched as his friend jumped up and followed Lupin out the door. One by one they left the Great Hall, now under the confusing stares of the students. He snorted, and this all for him. After reassuring the students Dumbledore left and the feast continued.
Sitting up he picked up his wand and the Marauders map.
"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." He whispered and watched the greetings of Prongs, Padfoot, Moony and Wormtail appear on the map. Soon the layout of the castle started drawing itself and he watched a hundred names appear, dancing and shifting around each other where the great hall was located. Scanning the names on the map he found Ron walking the corridor, heading towards the secret passage way hidden behind the statue of the ugly witch. Hagrid he spotted leading Fang into the Forbidden Forest. Lupin on a different path, the Whooping Willow. McGonagall was apparently checking empty classrooms.
"Hermione, what are you doing?" He whispered as he saw Hermione's dot roam the third floor corridor. Harry shivered involuntarily remembering his first meeting with Voldemort.
Not far from Hermione Dumbledore stood in front of the gargoyle guarding the passageway to his office. A thought entered Harry's mind, Dumbledore always knew what went on inside the castle. It made sense he would have the means to that inside his office. Maybe he had a similar map?
His hand tightened its grip on the map as his eyes fell on the dot with the name Snape. He's my son; Harry's my son, not James's. Who found himself in his own dungeons.
Further he looked at the different dots moving about the map. His eyes widened ever so slightly as he spotted yet another name, not the one he had expected. Professor Evans climbed the turning steps of the Astronomy tower. Instead of simply Evans the map wrote 'Violet Snape Evans'. Who was pregnant? Lily or Vi? Another piece of the puzzle fell into place.
"Show me me!" Harry demanded.
Nothing happened.
"Show me Harry Potter!" He said again, pointing his wand on the map.
Ever so slowly grey lines started curling their way up from the Great Hall to where he was sitting.
"Show me Harry Snape." He whispered, his voice breaking.
The nearer they came to where he knew he was the lines turning from grey to black and soon a dot appeared floating high above the others. Blinking from black to grey, Harry Snape to Harry Potter and back again.
The tears he had swallowed before came back; he felt his throat tighten up as he tried to push them away. Closing his eyes he let the map fall by his side, tired beyond believe he shifted and laid down on the windowsill, his head on the invisibility cloak. All the emotions and tension of the passed few hours caught up with him and he fell into a restless sleep, the map forgotten.
He didn't see the feast ending; he didn't see Professor McGonagall forcefully drag Ron and Hermione back to Gryffindor tower. Nor the return of Lupin and Hagrid…
He slept, unaware of the relief on his parents faces when they found him fast asleep. He didn't wake up when a gently hand caressed his cheek and dried his tears or when the warmth of a blanket covered his shivering body, he slept.
* * * * * *
He hated feeling like this. His head was still spinning and from the way things were going he was sure it hadn't ended yet. The revelations of the last few hours had been painful, confusing, hurtful… Anger burning deep within him, at the same time that flame was burned out by another much more confusing sensation one that burned even brighter, one he had thought had died many years ago. Musing over last night events he made his way out of the castle towards the Quidditch field. The first game of the year between Slytherin and Gryffindor. It would be quite a game he was sure, the first time he would watch it for more then just his house. No, he would be watching it for Harry.
Harry, the thought of his son, his son, he did a double take, when had the boy become his son? He had only found out yesterday and already it seemed so natural. Still he was sure that when he finally faced the boy it would be an entirely different situation. It was all so strange, confusing… Last night had been frightening in many ways. More so then facing Voldemort and the horrors that came with him. In the short period of knowing he had a son, the child had managed to make his heart stop when he disappeared. Roaming his dungeons (knowing full well he wouldn't find the boy there) he had gone from fear to anger and back again.
For hours he searched the castle worrying about Harry until Albus with his twinkling eyes told him to go to bed because everything was fine and Harry had been found. It had taken a shouting spree to finally make Albus reveal where Harry was. He and Vi weren't to be told twice as they mounted their brooms and flew to the hidden ceiling of the great hall. The emotions that took hold of his heart at the moment he found his son fast asleep seemed to have taken residence and it still puzzled him beyond believe. He wanted to yell at the boy for making him worry, his friends worry… all he could do was stare and allow the warm feeling to caress his heart as he watch his wife and his son together for the first time.
He had reached the waiting Slytherin team near the Slytherin entrance of the field. His mask back into place he surveyed the anticipating faces, nodded and climbed the steps to the stands. Making a sharp turn he passed the teachers booth and climbed the stairs even further to the top where he knew she would be waiting.
Indeed out on the edge, staring straight down he found her, fiery red hair blowing in the wind.
"Watch it!" He warned. Unable to hid the smile from his face.
"Why…won't you catch me if I fall?" Vi countered smiling up as well. He noticed that the smile reached her eyes this time. Those beautiful violet eyes…still the pain mirrored in his own was plainly visible.
"Did you sleep well?"
"I don't sleep."
"Ah…"
"You?"
"No, too much going on in that head of mine."
"We should have brought him down."
"Why? You don't go up there to be found Severus. He wanted to be alone." Vi paused turning her gaze back down as she watched Madame Hooch and two students walk up the field carrying the trunk with the Quidditch balls in. "He got quite a shock yesterday Severus. Something that should never have happened."
"I agree, still I wonder how he found out."
"Being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Forcing him to acknowledge us in such a state wouldn't have done either of us any good. Besides facing him while he was a sleep is not the same as when he's awake."
They fell silent, both lost in thought.
"Did you see him?" Vi finally asked.
"Yes, he came down right before breakfast. Don't worry he didn't see me."
"Do you think he'll play?"
"Oh, he'll play…" Severus stopped as the voice of Lee Jordan boomed across the field.
"Welcome … to the first Quidditch match of the year!"
* * * * * *
"Where is he?" Fred yelled for the hundredth time.
"I do NOT know." Ron yelled right back.
The tension in the Gryffindor changing room could be cut with a knife.
"All right…that's it…we can't play like this. Not against Slytherin!" George moaned. "Who's gonna be Seeker? HARRY…"
"Stop yelling I'm here." A voice from the shadows said, making everybody jump up.
"Oh, Harry you made it, you made it, you made it." The twins sang, dancing around Harry.
Harry ignored them as best he could and hurried putting on his uniform. All the while feeling Ron's eyes burn holes in his back. He had some explaining to do.
Taking his place behind Fred and George he waited for the doors to open. Next to him Ron stood gripping his broom with both hands, pearls of sweat on his forehead.
"All right Ron?" He whispered, uncertain of his friend's reaction.
Ron swallowed hard and turned to his friend. He had been so angry with Harry but now he wasn't so sure anymore, seeing the pain in those green eyes. Something really bad had happened last night. He wasn't really angry; no hurt was more like it. Why hadn't Harry trusted him?
"All right Harry?" He asked in return.
"All right Ron!" Harry answered his face lighting up.
"All right Harry!" Ron smiled back.
"HERE WE GO!" The twins yelled. The doors opened and the seven of them took of soaring high above the field.
* * * * * *
"And here comes the Slytherin team with their new Captain/Seeker Draco Malfoy." Lee Jordan announced, receiving cheers from the Slytherin stands.
"Followed by our own…YES HERE THEY COME… GRYFFINDOR!"
Cheers and boos alike engulfed the field and the stands surrounding it.
"Also this team had to select a new Captain, and guess what they got two for the price of one! Big cheers for Fred and George. And the team can't get enough of the Weasleys as their new keeper is Ron!"
High in the stands Harry spotted a frantic waving Hermione. He waved back and gave her the thumbs up… I'm all right. Then he returned his attention to Madame Hooch on the ground and watched her open the trunk. The snitch shot out and first circled Malfoy and then him, disappearing just as quick. Ignoring Malfoy's glare he felt the tension rise all around him, not to mention inside. The Bulgers shot up and the Quaffle was not far behind…
"And they're OFF!" Lee yelled.
Pointing his Firebolt up Harry climbed and climbed to the top of the towers his eyes scanning for the snitch. Again he ignored Malfoy who was trailing him every move, when a thought struck him.
"Really Malfoy, can't you do anything for yourself. I would have thought following me around like a lap dog was bad for your image."
Leaving a glaring Draco behind he flew to the other end of the field and continued his searched for the snitch.
* * * * * *
Eyes trained on Harry flying high above him Severus was surprised when he felt soft delicate fingers intertwine with his. Even more surprised when his hand exploded in pain from the fierce grip that took hold of it.
"Violet what are you doing?" He hissed.
"Oh, sshhhht, this is just a pre-caution. If he's as wild as you, James and Lily were I'm going to need your support. He's going to kill me…"
"Relax … he'll be fine. He much worse then we ever were." Severus replied smiling when she gripped him even tighter.
* * * * * *
"10 points for Gryffindor! Wonderfully scored by Katie Bell… GO KATIE!" Harry heard Lee yell, clapping loudly with the rest, never loosing his concentration looking for the snitch. Ron was doing great to, he really was Keeper material. So far he had kept Slytherin from scoring and Gryffindor had a 50 point lead. His eyes darting from left to right he spotted Draco trailing him again, saw Fred chasing Montague, Derrick was after Angelina and Ron held his post facing of a rapidly approaching Warrington, George not far behind.
The sudden stab of pain trough his head made him lose his balance. His hands flew up to his head as he dangled upside down from his Firebolt. As sudden as the pain had appeared it disappeared just as fast. No one had noticed his slip and he pulled himself back up. Only to double over when the same pain now ripped trough his legs. A scream of pain escaped his lips as he gripped his Firebolt tight, trying not to fall. Then it was gone again. Afraid that if he moved the pain would return he remained perfectly still clutching the handle of his broom with both hands. Below him the game continued. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Draco shoot of down to the stands. Had he seen the snitch? Turning to go after him just in case it was so, but Harry didn't get far, the pain had returned this time feeling like a thousand knives stabbing him in his stomach. Tears welled up in his eyes; it hurt so much.
Down in the stands two pair of eyes watched him intently.
"Severus, something's not right."
"I know." Severus answered, never letting go of Vi's hand as he watched Harry's strange behaviour.
Suddenly the black blur that was his son came shooting straight at him.
"Harry's on the move… Has he seen the snitch?" Lee's excitement sounded clearly in his voice. Everyone turned their attention towards Harry as he shot by. But Harry didn't notice, he had only one thing in mind. Coming to a stop, hovering a few inches from the edge of the high stands, one hand holding onto his broom for dear life the other pressed down on his stomach. Green eyes locked with black, pleading… "It hurts," Harry managed to say before another wave of stabbing pain hit him and he let go of his broom.
Screams filled the air as he fell down. Two voices stood out as they called his name, he knew those voices… They belonged to his parents, yes, he was no longer an orphan now. He smiled as the thought hit him. Don't worry he thought back, I'm just tired, I need to go to sleep. And down he fell, not seeing the black figure on the broom shooting straight down after him.
* * * * * *
Snape was sure his heart had stopped beating right then and there. Time seemed to slow down, everything happened in slow motion. Harry doubling over in pain, letting go and falling down, the screams all around him and then he jumped to the still hovering Firebolt in mid-air. Turning it downwards he sped after Harry, cursing that he wasn't going fast enough.
Then he had him, mere inches from the ground he grabbed his son's hand pulling him up, in the same movement he came to a halt and jumped of the broom, Harry held tightly in his arms. Not caring about his audience he started running across the field to the castle with Vi, Remus and Albus coming towards them.
Ignoring Albus' outstretched hands he passed them, searching out Vi as she came up beside him, reaching out holding her son's hand.
"I've got him, I've got him." Was the only thing he managed to say as the castle swallowed them from view.
* * * * * * * * * *
To be continued
Author's note 2: Another two weeks of heavy labor on this part! Pffff … it is always a great relief that I can write the second author's note! I'm sure some of you noticed I used the Quidditch teams from book 3, minus the two Captains. I'm sure if I did the math some will have graduated with Oliver Wood but I took the easy way out. Sorry!
I hope you had fun reading it, and look forward reading the reviews (hint!)
Groetjes Dagmar