A/N: First of all.surprise surprise I still don't own them. Second of all
I wanted to thank once again all the people who have taken the time to
review waves at reviewers Also a big thank you needs to go to my beta
reader for helping with this chapter. She made it soooooo much better!!
Sends virtual box of chocolates Also I just wanted to take a minute to
clear up one of my comments at the end of the chapter five. When I made the
comment about it being gross for Severus and Harry to be in a relationship
I meant because in this story they are father and son. So it would be just
too weird for them to be father and son and lovers. I wasn't putting down
slash in general. Anyway.I hope you enjoy :D
Severus found himself in the Astronomy tower. This fact did not really surprise him much since it seemed that every time he was in emotional turmoil his feet took him to the tower. Most people assumed that when he was really upset he'd lock himself in the dungeon. In actuality he preferred the silence and freedom he found way up here so close to the heavens. There was hardly anyone around no matter the hour and sitting on the ledge with the wind whipping through his hair gave him a feeling of flying. Flying was the only time he felt completely content and relaxed. Even involving himself in brewing one of the more complex potions didn't give him the same release he found in flying. Unfortunately it was one of the things he had given up when becoming a spy so many years ago. His front of being the cold hearted dour greasy git of a potions master would be ruined if the children saw him soaring through the sky with a smile of pleasure on his face.
The professor sat on the ledge and drew his legs up to his chest. He rested his head on his knees and closed his eyes letting his mind get lost in past memories. He was startled out his ruminations by the door to the tower squeaking open. He couldn't find the energy to raise his head to find out who would dare disturb his few moments of solitude. The other professors in the castle had learned the hard way that when he was in a bad enough mood to seek solitude up in the tower it was advantageous to ones health to steer clear of him. The students knew enough to stay away no matter what mood he was in. Even the headmaster comprehended that it was best to leave him in peace when he sought out his lonely window ledge.
"Hey kid." Severus heard the greeting at the same time he felt a warm body slide up next to him and pull him to a broad chest. He was rearranged until his back rested up against the man's body and strong arms were wrapped around his chest. "Talk to me" Was whispered in his ear.
Snape had been so lost in his past memories that he responded to the once familiar situation as he would have in his youth. "I am not a kid, besides I am only two years younger than you." He replied to the intruder and then jerked up once awareness kicked in and he realized to whom he was speaking. He struggled for a few moments against the arms and then finally gave up when he noticed that he couldn't escape the strong hold on him. He finally relaxed back into the embrace and let out a long sigh. "If you're here to kill me then just get it over with. I am too tired to fight right now."
The new comer was surprised at the lack of life in his friend's voice. It went to show the state of Snape's mind that the wizard hadn't even thought to use magic to get away but had instead leaned back in resignation. He sighed in concern and exasperation "I am not here to kill you, you fool. If I had wanted to do that, would I have wasted my time coming here to donate blood to your son?" The man asked while cuffing the silent bundle in his arms on the head. "Besides I have been your cousin and more importantly your friend way before I became your enemy." He finished and then fell silent.
Snape's body went rigid and then he turned to look his cousin in the eye. "You know then?" He asked as more of statement then a question. With another sigh he turned back around and again rested his head on the man's chest. Somehow he was not surprised. The man was almost always three steps ahead of him when it came to life's little twists.
"If you're asking if I know that Harry is your son or if I know that you are a spy then the answer is yes." The other man responded while tightening his grip around the young figure. He didn't have long to wait for the expected response. He felt the body once again tighten getting ready to spring to his feet if the occasion required it.
"What do you plan to do with the knowledge?" he heard Snape whisper in a voice full of tension.
"Right now, nothing. While you are in Hogwarts we are both safe from responsibility to outside concerns. Here you are my cousin, but outside these walls you will again be my enemy. For my sake and for yours, please don't ever let me come across you outside." The man desperately held onto his friend and began to rock the younger wizard to relax him.
Snape loved this man almost as much as he did Dumbledore. He had been more of an older brother than a cousin for as long as he could remember. It pained him that they were at odds with each other. "You could always seek refuge here. There is good left in you my friend. Would you consider switching sides?" He knew what the response would be but he had to at least try. He had to retain the hope that he would not one day face this kindred soul across a bloody battle field.
"It is too late for me kid. Maybe, if I would have had someone like Dumbledore get involved in my life earlier on I would have had a chance." He meant every word he said. Snape could tell from the almost dead quality of the statement. He should have done more back when there had still been a chance. No matter what he had promised.
With that thought came the familiar tug of guilt that Severus often felt when thinking of his cousin. When they were children they had sworn each other to secrecy about their home life. They had both grown up in abusive homes and neither one wanted anyone to find out. By the time Dumbledore had discovered the various bruises on Snape's body and had forced a confession out of him, his cousin was almost eighteen and would have been on his own soon anyway. Every time he had suggested to his cousin that it would still be beneficial tell Albus of the abuse, he had flat out refused and would remind Snape that he had promised not to tell. So Severus had kept his mouth shut. A decision he regretted as much if not more than his acceptance of the Dark Mark.
Snape had tried to provide as much support as he could for his cousin but as they got older and he began to live at the school on a constant basis they saw less and less of each other. Until Dumbledore had gained temporary custody of Snape, he had spent as much time at his cousin's house as he did his own. Their mothers were twins and both of the boys' fathers were loyal followers of Voldemort. After his mother left when he was five, there was no one around to take care of him when his father was called away. His mother and her twin had both been taken away from their families when they were babies and they were unaware of who their true relations were. So that left him in the care of his Aunt Malfoy whenever his father was away on business or later the bastard was being summoned by Voldemort.
Severus again twisted his body around so that he could look his cousin in the eye. "Lucius, what about your son?" he asked refusing to break contact. "I know you love him. Do you really want him to grow up to be Voldemort's lap dog? Draco is a bright boy and deserves better. Would you have honestly chosen this for your life if the option was given to you? Please, for your son, reconsider. Don't become like our fathers. Give the child a chance for happiness." He pleaded for the first time in his life. He was unused to begging. He prided himself on his strength but the love for his cousin and his nephew. (Even though Draco is really his second cousin not his nephew, he called him Uncle Sev ever since he could talk).
"I will think about it Sev. I can't promise anything. But for Draco I will consider other options. For now, all I ask is for you to be there for him." Lucius spoke with a shaky voice. Suddenly he gave a cheeky grin and moved in conspiratorially, "Anyway, maybe our boys can help each other out." Both of the wizards were well aware of the rivalry between their sons and chuckled at the image of the two boys actually becoming friends. With that last thought, Severus groaned. He couldn't believe he had a son. A son he had unknowingly gone out of his way to torment and made the boy's life miserable in the process. Surely Harry hated him, how could he not?
Lucius sensed his cousin's train of thought. With one last hug while pulling the man to his feet he stated "It will all work out. I am positive Dumbledore has explained the situation to the boy. I am sure that with time he will come around." He started guiding Severus to the door "Go and get some rest. When you get up both of you should be calm enough to talk rationally." When he saw the look of fear in the young man's eyes had not diminished, he pulled him into a tight hug. Pushing him back away he told the boy in a steady voice, "Listen to those who are older and wiser then you." He laughed at the look of indignation on the other man's face. "I will come visit you when I can. Good luck!" Still laughing he left Severus sputtering behind him in the doorway.
Feeling much better then he did before; Snape started making his way down to his dungeon for some much needed rest. After he gave the password and entered through the portrait hole, he suddenly remembered Albus' admonishment and the fact that at least for now he was to stay in the headmaster's chambers. With his cheeks red from embarrassment he collected some of the things he wanted to bring and made his way to his new "room".
He snarled "lemon drop" to the gargoyle and took the stairs up to the door. He let himself in and made his way to the bedroom that Dumbledore had kept for Snape's use as a child. He dropped down onto the bed in exhaustion and just before his eyes closed and sleep overcame him, he thought that maybe it was a good idea he was sleeping here, well at least for today. He always felt safe in Dumbledore's chambers and he knew that he would sleep better here then he would down in the dungeon under present circumstances. He understood that he would need plenty of rest to help him get through the upcoming discussion with Pot.his son, he corrected himself. He finally gave into the exhaustion pulling at him and fell into a peaceful sleep.
A/N: see takes bow no cliffie!!!! (I locked Sev in the closet before he could cause that to happen wink Next chapter should show Albus and Harry's talk.Yippeee. Yikes glances over at closet I must have left his wand with him. Darn it all. Squeals in fright Eeeks he is pointing it at me. I better post before I can't.
Severus found himself in the Astronomy tower. This fact did not really surprise him much since it seemed that every time he was in emotional turmoil his feet took him to the tower. Most people assumed that when he was really upset he'd lock himself in the dungeon. In actuality he preferred the silence and freedom he found way up here so close to the heavens. There was hardly anyone around no matter the hour and sitting on the ledge with the wind whipping through his hair gave him a feeling of flying. Flying was the only time he felt completely content and relaxed. Even involving himself in brewing one of the more complex potions didn't give him the same release he found in flying. Unfortunately it was one of the things he had given up when becoming a spy so many years ago. His front of being the cold hearted dour greasy git of a potions master would be ruined if the children saw him soaring through the sky with a smile of pleasure on his face.
The professor sat on the ledge and drew his legs up to his chest. He rested his head on his knees and closed his eyes letting his mind get lost in past memories. He was startled out his ruminations by the door to the tower squeaking open. He couldn't find the energy to raise his head to find out who would dare disturb his few moments of solitude. The other professors in the castle had learned the hard way that when he was in a bad enough mood to seek solitude up in the tower it was advantageous to ones health to steer clear of him. The students knew enough to stay away no matter what mood he was in. Even the headmaster comprehended that it was best to leave him in peace when he sought out his lonely window ledge.
"Hey kid." Severus heard the greeting at the same time he felt a warm body slide up next to him and pull him to a broad chest. He was rearranged until his back rested up against the man's body and strong arms were wrapped around his chest. "Talk to me" Was whispered in his ear.
Snape had been so lost in his past memories that he responded to the once familiar situation as he would have in his youth. "I am not a kid, besides I am only two years younger than you." He replied to the intruder and then jerked up once awareness kicked in and he realized to whom he was speaking. He struggled for a few moments against the arms and then finally gave up when he noticed that he couldn't escape the strong hold on him. He finally relaxed back into the embrace and let out a long sigh. "If you're here to kill me then just get it over with. I am too tired to fight right now."
The new comer was surprised at the lack of life in his friend's voice. It went to show the state of Snape's mind that the wizard hadn't even thought to use magic to get away but had instead leaned back in resignation. He sighed in concern and exasperation "I am not here to kill you, you fool. If I had wanted to do that, would I have wasted my time coming here to donate blood to your son?" The man asked while cuffing the silent bundle in his arms on the head. "Besides I have been your cousin and more importantly your friend way before I became your enemy." He finished and then fell silent.
Snape's body went rigid and then he turned to look his cousin in the eye. "You know then?" He asked as more of statement then a question. With another sigh he turned back around and again rested his head on the man's chest. Somehow he was not surprised. The man was almost always three steps ahead of him when it came to life's little twists.
"If you're asking if I know that Harry is your son or if I know that you are a spy then the answer is yes." The other man responded while tightening his grip around the young figure. He didn't have long to wait for the expected response. He felt the body once again tighten getting ready to spring to his feet if the occasion required it.
"What do you plan to do with the knowledge?" he heard Snape whisper in a voice full of tension.
"Right now, nothing. While you are in Hogwarts we are both safe from responsibility to outside concerns. Here you are my cousin, but outside these walls you will again be my enemy. For my sake and for yours, please don't ever let me come across you outside." The man desperately held onto his friend and began to rock the younger wizard to relax him.
Snape loved this man almost as much as he did Dumbledore. He had been more of an older brother than a cousin for as long as he could remember. It pained him that they were at odds with each other. "You could always seek refuge here. There is good left in you my friend. Would you consider switching sides?" He knew what the response would be but he had to at least try. He had to retain the hope that he would not one day face this kindred soul across a bloody battle field.
"It is too late for me kid. Maybe, if I would have had someone like Dumbledore get involved in my life earlier on I would have had a chance." He meant every word he said. Snape could tell from the almost dead quality of the statement. He should have done more back when there had still been a chance. No matter what he had promised.
With that thought came the familiar tug of guilt that Severus often felt when thinking of his cousin. When they were children they had sworn each other to secrecy about their home life. They had both grown up in abusive homes and neither one wanted anyone to find out. By the time Dumbledore had discovered the various bruises on Snape's body and had forced a confession out of him, his cousin was almost eighteen and would have been on his own soon anyway. Every time he had suggested to his cousin that it would still be beneficial tell Albus of the abuse, he had flat out refused and would remind Snape that he had promised not to tell. So Severus had kept his mouth shut. A decision he regretted as much if not more than his acceptance of the Dark Mark.
Snape had tried to provide as much support as he could for his cousin but as they got older and he began to live at the school on a constant basis they saw less and less of each other. Until Dumbledore had gained temporary custody of Snape, he had spent as much time at his cousin's house as he did his own. Their mothers were twins and both of the boys' fathers were loyal followers of Voldemort. After his mother left when he was five, there was no one around to take care of him when his father was called away. His mother and her twin had both been taken away from their families when they were babies and they were unaware of who their true relations were. So that left him in the care of his Aunt Malfoy whenever his father was away on business or later the bastard was being summoned by Voldemort.
Severus again twisted his body around so that he could look his cousin in the eye. "Lucius, what about your son?" he asked refusing to break contact. "I know you love him. Do you really want him to grow up to be Voldemort's lap dog? Draco is a bright boy and deserves better. Would you have honestly chosen this for your life if the option was given to you? Please, for your son, reconsider. Don't become like our fathers. Give the child a chance for happiness." He pleaded for the first time in his life. He was unused to begging. He prided himself on his strength but the love for his cousin and his nephew. (Even though Draco is really his second cousin not his nephew, he called him Uncle Sev ever since he could talk).
"I will think about it Sev. I can't promise anything. But for Draco I will consider other options. For now, all I ask is for you to be there for him." Lucius spoke with a shaky voice. Suddenly he gave a cheeky grin and moved in conspiratorially, "Anyway, maybe our boys can help each other out." Both of the wizards were well aware of the rivalry between their sons and chuckled at the image of the two boys actually becoming friends. With that last thought, Severus groaned. He couldn't believe he had a son. A son he had unknowingly gone out of his way to torment and made the boy's life miserable in the process. Surely Harry hated him, how could he not?
Lucius sensed his cousin's train of thought. With one last hug while pulling the man to his feet he stated "It will all work out. I am positive Dumbledore has explained the situation to the boy. I am sure that with time he will come around." He started guiding Severus to the door "Go and get some rest. When you get up both of you should be calm enough to talk rationally." When he saw the look of fear in the young man's eyes had not diminished, he pulled him into a tight hug. Pushing him back away he told the boy in a steady voice, "Listen to those who are older and wiser then you." He laughed at the look of indignation on the other man's face. "I will come visit you when I can. Good luck!" Still laughing he left Severus sputtering behind him in the doorway.
Feeling much better then he did before; Snape started making his way down to his dungeon for some much needed rest. After he gave the password and entered through the portrait hole, he suddenly remembered Albus' admonishment and the fact that at least for now he was to stay in the headmaster's chambers. With his cheeks red from embarrassment he collected some of the things he wanted to bring and made his way to his new "room".
He snarled "lemon drop" to the gargoyle and took the stairs up to the door. He let himself in and made his way to the bedroom that Dumbledore had kept for Snape's use as a child. He dropped down onto the bed in exhaustion and just before his eyes closed and sleep overcame him, he thought that maybe it was a good idea he was sleeping here, well at least for today. He always felt safe in Dumbledore's chambers and he knew that he would sleep better here then he would down in the dungeon under present circumstances. He understood that he would need plenty of rest to help him get through the upcoming discussion with Pot.his son, he corrected himself. He finally gave into the exhaustion pulling at him and fell into a peaceful sleep.
A/N: see takes bow no cliffie!!!! (I locked Sev in the closet before he could cause that to happen wink Next chapter should show Albus and Harry's talk.Yippeee. Yikes glances over at closet I must have left his wand with him. Darn it all. Squeals in fright Eeeks he is pointing it at me. I better post before I can't.
