A/N: Don't worry about the story not being continued, it will continue!! There was just a bit of author's block mixed in with me hating everything I wrote for- well roughly half a year. That and I moved so I didn't have a computer… o.o;
THANK YOU TO ALL THE REVIEWERS!!! :) YOU GUYS ARE THE BESTEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! KEEP REVIEWING, PLEASE!!!!!
Oh! And just for you guys, Harry's fiancé will be revealed!! :) Originally when I wrote this, I thought I would hold it out a bit longer, but I thought since you guys had to wait forever for the last chapter, and FF.net is being stupid... Well, you deserved something!! Luckily, it doesn't mess with my plot, so it's all good.
Other unanswered questions... Well, just read! :)
Is this longer? :D I tried!!
Pairing: HP/SS, as well as some random others that aren't very important. :P
Spoilers: PS/SS (whenever I see that I *always* think, who the hell is PS?), CoS, PoA, GoF... Notice all the books but the first have the word "of" in it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or the characters, J.K. Rowling does.
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Chapter 4: Gryfindor Stupidity at Its Best, Hello Mum!
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Harry glared at McGonagall's back. He didn't have time for this nonsense; he had to find his ring. The entrance of the Headmaster's office grew closer, and his chances of escaping slimmer.
By the aching ting of the numbness in his hand he could tell someone had picked up the ring by now, hopefully a teacher, but he couldn't tell. Either way, if that ring was in anyway harmed, it would explode. Of course, when he had the ring, the spells were used to protect him; he wasn't supposed to take the thing off.
After Severus had given him the ring, he told him only to take the ring off under three conditions: if Harry needed help, Severus died- which had been extremely common at that point in war-, or if- Merlin forbid- they broke up. As long as the ring was on Harry's hand Severus could tell where Harry was, and what he was feeling. The ring itself was just a ring, until Severus added spells into it. To the very finest milligram, it was filled with protection spells, as well as other useful additions. If taken into the wrong hands, anyone could easily rule the Wizarding world.
They turned down the last hall, the office was at the end of the passage way. McGonagall quickened her pace, and as if he was spelled, Harry did so too. His legs were betraying his brain that was yelling at him to run away.
The entrance was in front of them now, and McGonagall said the password. If he was to run, it was now or never. The gargoyle sprung alive and stepped aside, McGonagall beckoned Harry in before her, and he walked up the stairs. So it was never.
******Draco Malfoy's POV******
I smirked as I got my Defense against the Dark Arts book out of my trunk. I couldn't wait to see Harry.
Of course, the rumor around the school was the Potter's were playing a prank, and they had gotten the Headmaster involved. Where the Potter's where though, that was the mystery. No one had seen them all morning, and class was starting soon. It figures they wouldn't even be around for their prank.
Although, I think they should have spaced it out a bit longer, everyone was expecting something soon. Then, the Sorting Hat shouting Slytherin, which was a bit predictable. I suppose that some of first years bought the different world shit, the dark brother the Potter's never had. How cliché.
They got one thing though; Harry did look a lot like James. A hell of a lot. If it wasn't for the eyes, he could very well be a younger version of him. Dumbledore must have put the glamour spell on him. I hope he's not just one of the students...
But, no, he couldn't be. It didn't explain the ring. The ring. A smile started to spread across my face. I could only imagine what would have when I showed Harry his ring. He was probably looking for it right now. I, of course, would ask him about it. I could see the smile on Harry's lips. It's a wonder the new Slytherin didn't smile, I'm sure it would look lovely.
I reach for the ring in my pocket; I blanch, and check my other pockets. Shit, I've lost the ring.
******Severus Snape's POV*******
We sit in silence. Time goes slowly, and I wish I could know what Albus is thinking. But, I doubt it is very much different from what I'm pondering.
After a few more moments of silence, Albus turns to me, "Do you have any truth serum on you?"
I open my robes and slip my hand to the belt, pulling out a vial of clear liquid. I keep it on me at all times; Albus knows this, the question was unneeded.
I place the vial back in my robes, and the silence returns.
The door opens, without a knock, and enters are the last people I expected to see at the moment- the Potters.
I turn to the Headmaster, and for the first time in ages shock appears on his face. His eyes meet mine, and within moments the twinkle is back in place.
He turns to the eldest idiot- Senior Potter, "I must be getting older than I thought. Forgive me, I forgot about the meeting I called. Have a seat." He waves his hand and five more chairs appear.
Lily and Potter take the seats in front of the desk, while their three mongrel brats take the ones in the corner of the room. This leaves open three chairs, two in front of the headmaster's desk, the other one to the side of the desk. In the back of the room I can here the juniors chattering away in hushed voices.
Lily speaks first, "I've informed James; do you wish me to tell the children?" She bites her lip, and twiddles around with her hair. The woman will act nothing but an 8 year old child unless provoked. Like the young Weasley girl, she too has a vicious temper.
"No, Lily, he's on his way as we speak. I think it's time Harry answered some questions." He smiles and gets a small box out of his draw, "Lemon drops anyone? I need to empty this contents, carrying around two boxes wouldn't do any good, and running out would be such a bother!"
Will the man ever be serious?
Professor- ha, the only reason he had that job was because Albus was getting desperate- Potter sits patiently, nothing like the school boy he once was. Losing his first born child did wonders on him. No longer did he rush full heartily into things, everything now was thought out and planned. He was protective of his children; he had barely aloud his brats to hang around the Malfoy's.
The only one thing between us that didn't change, well besides growing stronger, was our hatred. Only when we had to was each others presence recognized, much to my enjoyment. However, being professors at the same school meant seeing him was more than likely.
Being able to see his first born all grown up must be killing him from the inside, which can only mean good things. I couldn't wait until he found out his precious dead son grew up to be a Slytherin, and that he is about to be expelled.
The third child born- including the dead Potter boy- to react havoc on my soul spoke up, "Mum, Dad, Granddad?" The child, Joseph, bites his lip, "What are we doing here?"
I wonder how it is possible none of them had been assorted into Hufflepuff. They are too shy to be the brave Gryfindor's, and too stupid to be the brilliant Ravenclaw's their parent's made them out to be.
"It's Harry, honey."
"Oh? Are we visiting his grave?" I see the adolescent has no respect for the dead, nor does the child have manners. She should have let Lily finish her sentence.
The youngest brat, Matt, maybe Michael, sneers at me, "What is he doing here than. It's not like he's family."
"A good question, what the bloody hell are you doing here, Greasy git?" I see the children get their manners from their no good excuse for a father.
"Well, Professor Potter, a student of mine has been called to Albus' office. It is my duty to make sure my students don't get into trouble, I'm only here to help."
"Help? In case you haven't noticed Snape, Slytherin's always start it. It's a wonder they don't know any better, must get it from their Head of House."
Potter's mind is easily distracted; how he managed to be head boy I'll never know. But, there's no use playing spiteful games, "Grow up, Potter. You're children need a father figure in their life. Might want to start setting a better example, wouldn't want them wandering off and getting kill, too, do we?"
His eyes flash and in an instant a wand is pressing against my chest. I have pushed him too far, but he has no chance in cursing me. I had dueled against some of the strongest wizards of my time; I'll be damned if I let James Potter show me up.
"Give me one reason, just one, and I'll do it, Snape." He presses his wand further into my chest. His threats are empty, Lily wouldn't let him hurt me, but I've noticed she isn't talking much.
I glare, and push him further, "My, my, Jamesy-boy, wouldn't want two deaths to be your fault, now. What would the Ministry think?" I reach for my wand, preparing for his attack.
He say's his curse, and I easily deflect it. I pin him with my wand. He could back up, but he'd only reach the wall. Potter's eyes widen in fear.
The door opens, and a shout takes both our wands away.
"Please, Snape, don't kill my father before I get to meet him."
*****Harry Potter's POV*****
As I come up the stairs, I hear noise through the door. Snape's voice flows through my veins, and I shudder.
The other voice is one I've only heard in nightmares.
I walk through the door and see James inches away from Snapes' wand. I laugh, and say the disarming spell. "Please, Snape, don't kill my father before I get to meet him."
I notice three students in the back of the room. One has long black hair. Her eyes are a deep shade of green, but no where near my color. The other two are only different in age, each have auburn hair and hazel eyes.
"Harry?" I turn to my caller, James Potter. It shocks me how much I do look like him. Before I even have a chance to speak, James embraces me. "Merlin, I'm so sorry!" He ranted, and his hold on me got tighter.
It had been forever since I had been held like a child. Mrs. Weasley had been the last parent figure in my life, and she hadn't lasted long in the war. I hadn't realized how much I miss being held. My arms slid around my father, and for once in my life, I have a parent.
My thought's baffle me. I want this, I want my parents love. The mirror from first year comes back to my mind, and here is my happiness in front of me. I don't know what to do. I feel strangely childish.
"Harry? Dad! What's going on?" The frantic voice of a child brings us out of the hug.
The child is ignored; instead I hear James' voice say, "I thought it was all some sick joke, you know? But, here you are... How? How were you able to survive, but my Harry wasn't?"
I don't know what to say. In some ways I feel I have failed him. He would never understand what I am, what happened to make me who I am.
James steps away and takes a look at me, touching my hair, as if to feel that I am real. His finger reaches out to my scar, but I back away.
He steps backs and nods. I'm not sure what he's thinking, but I know he's trying to understand.
I turn to look at the other people in this room. I turn to Albus, "Headmaster?"
He stares at me, and I am reminded he is human. He opens his mouth, but closes it quickly. He doesn't know what to say.
My gaze wanders on the wand on the desk, I recognize it as mine. My eyes focus on something small and shiny; I immediately shout what first comes to my mind, "My ring!"
I race across the room, heading toward the table. A fleeting thought of how they have gotten my wand runs through my mind, but my happiness covers it.
Right before I reach the desk, a dark figure steps in my way. "I don't think so, Potter."
I look into the deep black eyes that are glaring into mine. It was times like these I know why people hate him so much. I give him a brilliant smile,"Good, because my name's Harry."
He looks shocked, and I take that moment to move.
I reach to his side and snatch the ring. It sparkles in the light just a moment before the ring glows green. I slide in back on my finger. Everything is okay now.
"What the bloody hell is going on here?" The girl fumes in anger, "I'm so sick of being ignored! Who the bloody bugger is that man? Why are we here? And for Merlin sakes! Harry is dead!"
*****James' Potter POV*****
I can hardly breath. Standing in this very room was my son, my first son.
When I held him, it was almost like little Harry was back. In some twisted way he was. Right in front of me is the son I never had the chance to have. Unlike the rest of my family, his looks come more from my side than Lily's.
The moment ends as we pull apart. It feels so unreal; I reach a hand out, just to touch him. He's still there. My eyes land on the scar, and I bring my hand up to touch it, but he backs away. I nod.
The scar was the only thing similar connecting our pasts, or from what Lily had told me.
He turns, and before I know it he's moving. He rushes past me, and somewhere I hear the yell of "My ring". I watch his encounter with Snape. His cheeky tone proves he took on some of my traits other than my looks. But, deep down I am wondering why he doesn't like to be called Potter. It is his rightful sir name.
It wasn't until Rose shouted that I realized that my children were still in the room, most likely very confused.
I look at the Headmaster, but he's looking at Harry- more specifically the ring.
Snape snaps, "Give back the ring!"
Harry puts it on, as if to show Snape who is boss. I silently cheer.
"Potter, I am warning you." I could barely hear the deadly growl. His voice sent shivers down my spine, and I fear for Harry's life. I know what that bastard can do.
"No, you don't understand! I'm not Harry Potter, not the one you think. If I give you this bloody ring, I don't know what would happen. Just let it go!" Harry backs up, covering his left hand with his right one.
Snape backs up and nods. "You have some explaining to do. You mine as well now, save the trouble of repeating it later." A command. "Who gave you that ring?"
Lily had mentioned something about a ring. She suspected he was engaged, but other than that she didn't know.
"I don't think that really matters, the person is dead." Harry stops, turns to my children, waves at them, and smiles. "I'm Harry Potter. Yes, before you state anything, I did die. And, no, I'm not your brother. I got into a situation with Voldemort. Instead of killing me, he transported me here. I'm a walking lie. He figured he'd seen me here to confess everything." He turned toward Albus and Snape, "I won't, by the way. Try all you might, I'm not saying anything to the extent of my magic. Yes, the bloody ring is covered in dark spells. That's one of the first thing people notice about it. Yes, it is dangerous. And no, I have no intentions of taking over the Wizarding World, nor do I have any plans to join Voldemort. Just trust me, okay?" He turns back to the children, "I'm terribly sorry for disturbing you, but- You are a Potter, things are never simple."
I'm shocked- to say the least. The boy has a lot on his chest, apparently. Lily had mentioned Voldemort somehow attacking him. What grudge could Riddle hold against a child though?
"Just trust you? Potter, I wasn't born yesterday. And, unlike the Headmaster, I will not tolerate this. How can we believe you, when your wand says otherwise?"
Harry looks at him for a second, than he nods. "Finally, something I can understand. I suppose you did the Prior Incantato spell? So you saw the ghost of the soul, right? Would it hurt to tell you that soul was Lucius'?" He paused, "And that he deserved it? I don't have his soul; his soul is walking around on a different plane without him. I stole his soul, but I didn't keep it."
"Wait a bloody well minute!" Matt's voice rises above everyone else's. This isn't unusual. He is the youngest, and the loudest. He gets it from Sirius, of that I'm sure. Lily and I were never that loud, devilish maybe, but not loud. "This is stupid. I want to go back to class; you're not going to get me caught up in this prank. I'm not an Idiot!",
"Prank?" Harry looked at me, than back to my kids, "Look, believe whatever you want to kid. All I know is this is giving me a headache." He sighs and turns to Snape, "Why don't you test me under some truth potion? Save us all some time?"
+++++3rd Person+++++
Harry stands there looking at Severus, "Why don't you test me under some truth potion? Save us all some time?"
"Why not, Potter?" Severus reaches under his robes, "I think three drops should do it, don't you?"
Harry nods and tilts his head back obediently.
Snape shakes his head, and brings the young man to a chair,"You need to be sitting down, your muscles might spas, and your knees will go weak."
It is in seconds the exchange had happened, and no one could stop it. The people in the room look at each other, back and forth, but their eyes land on Severus and Harry. This was Gryfindor stupidity at its best. In small steps, the six people gather around the two.
Albus smiles, "I think two drops would do it, Severus."
Without the Potters' approval, Severus uncorks the bottle, and puts two drops into Harry's open mouth.
Harry's jaw slacks, and his eyes unfocused.
No one dares to speak. Veritaserum was a tricky business, and only one person was aloud to ask questions. In this case the person was Severus Snape.
"Can you hear me?" Severus asks, kneeling down so he is at eye level with Harry. Their faces only mere centimeters apart.
"Yes." Harry replies immediately.
Snape looks in his eyes, checking for any signs of the pupils diluting. "State your name."
"Harry James Potter." His voice was soft with no emotion.
Snape watches as his eyes get the tiniest bit bigger, "Who is your mother?"
"Lily Ann Potter"
"Who is your legal guardian?"
"Vernon E. Dorsey."
A puzzled shock ran over the small crowd. But Severus dismissed it.
"How did you get here?"
"In my world the war was drawing to an end. Either side could win, but Voldemort was in favor. Albus Dumbledore had been killed a few weeks prior to the final attack, and I had to do something before the Light side lost hope. Due to a prophecy, I am the only one who can kill the dark lord. So, we staged the attack. Time was going fast, everything was a blur. Each side was falling. I decided to end it as soon as possible.
"I found Voldemort torturing Draco Malfoy, his father laughing beside him. Draco had betrayed Voldemort and became a spy. I cast a Jelly Legs spell, to distract them. By that time, Draco had gone insane. It angered me, and I shot a soul trapper spell on Lucius Malfoy, which ripped his soul from his body and trapped it in my wand. I then had bound his soul into another plane, so he could never get it back. It was than I started dueling Voldemort. He knew he couldn't kill me, because I am immune to the Killing curse. He told me that he wanted me to suffer. He told me I was a disgrace to the Wizarding World. He used an illegal curse that sent me here. There was a green light, and I woke up here." All of this was said in a monotone voice.
"Why are you immune to Avada Kedavra?"
"Voldemort cast it on me when I was one, the night he murdered my parents. It backfired, and hit him. He was ripped from his body and turned into a mere spirit. I was told by Albus Dumbledore it was my mum's protection that saved me, but I'm not sure."
"Do you have any intentions to join the dark lord?"
"No. He deserves to suffer a thousand deaths over." Harry muttered.
"Have you ever thought about joining him?"
"Only when he promised to bring Sirius back, but no spell can bring people back from the dead."
The fellow witches and wizards in the room flinched at his harsh words.
"Have you ever killed someone?"
"Five people. Quirell in first year, he was after the Sorcerers Stone to give to Voldemort. Then Nott in 6th year. He was about to kill the Headmaster, and I was the only one alive who could stop him. Lestrange, MacNair, and last was Voldemort. You don't go through a war, being in it, without killing someone, sir. There were plenty of causality's, mostly young recruits, but I do not know how many or who they were."
Severus nodded, and gave Harry the antidote. The young man swayed forward into Severus' arms, and he to prevent the boy from falling to side by wrapping his arms around the dead weight body.
*
The group moved to the front of the room, leaving Severus to take care of Harry.
"He- He killed someone? Mum, he can't be our brother!" Rose, the oldest, shouted. "Harry's dead!"
"Hush child." James' scolded. "Will Harry be punished?"
"No." Albus smiled, "He didn't use any of those curses in our world, there's no point in punishing him for it. Wars are wars."
"Wow, no wonder he looks so old! He must have gone through a lot. A war, Granddad? He's too young to fight!" Matt complained.
Albus nodded in agreement. "Yes, I don't believe young Harry will be going back to his world."
"Albus?" Lily looked at him.
"He looks like he has had the weight of the world on his shoulders for too long. It isn't fair, he's only a child. I don't think he'll have any trouble fitting in, he is, after all, a Potter."
"You think he plays Quidditch?" Matt asked Rose.
"He better or he's buggered over." Rose said as her eye brows shrugged together. She glanced behind her, at Harry's drooping form. "He seems okay... I guess."
"Ah! Speaking of Quidditch, I think he'd make an excellent player." Albus said with a twinkle of his eye.
"But there aren't any open positions on the Gryfindor or Ravenclaw team. Only Slytherin, this year, sir." Rose stated.
"Why, what house did you think he was in? He's only a true born Slytherin, dear."
"What!" Rose shouted. "No way!"
"But, Rose... Draco's in Slytherin..." Joseph spoke.
Rose flipped her hair, "Draco's also a jack-"
"Watch your language young lady! Don't make me take house points." James commanded. Suddenly his eyes widened, "Albus! I missed half of my first class!"
The old man chuckled, "Yes, they are all in study hall with Hagrid, as long as Severus' students."
"I thought you forgot we were coming?" Lily asked looking at Albus.
"Ah, you forget Lily, walls have ears too."
Lily smiled, "Yes, they also tell you you're related to-" She was cut off by a ragging Severus Snape.
"Albus! Get this insufferable boy off me."
****Severus Snape's POV****
I wrapped my arms around the boy as he fell. Surprising, the boy nestled closer. I look behind me and I shoot a bewildered look at the Headmaster, but he was looking at the other people in the room, chatting in a mildly loud voice.
I sigh.
His hands gripped me tighter, and he all but straddles my lap. He mutters something inaudible by my ear, warm puffs of air sending pleasant chills down my spine. His head moves to the curve of my neck, his lips pressed against my cloak, slightly parted.
His arms trail back, and for a fleeting moment I think he has awakened from his drugged mind. I am shocked by my disappointment in this, but I quickly forget about it when his hands press against my chest, from there his arms reach inside my cloak, getting lost in the darkness. They wrap once again against my torso. This time I catch what he is muttering, "Warmth."
He slides of the chair and falls in my lap, legs straddling me. He lifts his face and rubs his cheek against mine, muttering contently.
I look back; no one seems to notice this exchange. In fear of the others seeing me like this, I pull back. His arms wrap tightly against mine, and it's impossible to pull them off me.
He mummers "no" into my ear, and snuggles closer, if that's possible.
"Potter! Get off!" I pull back once again.
He tightens his grip on me, and mummers softly.
I try getting up, possibly dumping the boy off me. But, as I get up his body stays with mine, it's a lot lighter than it seems.
I turn and glare at the Headmaster, "Albus! Get this insufferable boy off me." I say this with as much dignity as I can muster.
The lot turns towards me, and it's the youngest boy who breaks the silence with a laugh. A bloody laugh.
I send him a glare, "20 points from Gryfindor Potter, want to see what happens if you laugh again?"
"Hey! That's not fair-"
"I have a class to teach, Albus. Get this ruddy thing off me."
"You are a wizard, aren't you Snape?" Senior Potter turns his wand on me, "Enervate."
The boy wakes with a start, but his grip on me doesn't let go. His eyes look at mine, then down at our bodies. He blushes and let go.
He steps back, "Ah, Headmaster? I need my books..."
Albus eyes twinkle, "I'm sure your professors will let you borrow books." He turns, "I'm sorry for keeping you this long. Lemon drops anyone?"
I leave, but I walk slowly, thinking why I missed Potter's warmth so much.
*
~Gabby
A/N: Thank you, once again, for all of your reviews. And thanks for being so patient with me... thank you guys so much! I hope you liked this chapter!!
Please drop a review!! Please...? :)
REVIEW!
THANK YOU TO ALL THE REVIEWERS!!! :) YOU GUYS ARE THE BESTEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! KEEP REVIEWING, PLEASE!!!!!
Oh! And just for you guys, Harry's fiancé will be revealed!! :) Originally when I wrote this, I thought I would hold it out a bit longer, but I thought since you guys had to wait forever for the last chapter, and FF.net is being stupid... Well, you deserved something!! Luckily, it doesn't mess with my plot, so it's all good.
Other unanswered questions... Well, just read! :)
Is this longer? :D I tried!!
Pairing: HP/SS, as well as some random others that aren't very important. :P
Spoilers: PS/SS (whenever I see that I *always* think, who the hell is PS?), CoS, PoA, GoF... Notice all the books but the first have the word "of" in it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or the characters, J.K. Rowling does.
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Chapter 4: Gryfindor Stupidity at Its Best, Hello Mum!
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Harry glared at McGonagall's back. He didn't have time for this nonsense; he had to find his ring. The entrance of the Headmaster's office grew closer, and his chances of escaping slimmer.
By the aching ting of the numbness in his hand he could tell someone had picked up the ring by now, hopefully a teacher, but he couldn't tell. Either way, if that ring was in anyway harmed, it would explode. Of course, when he had the ring, the spells were used to protect him; he wasn't supposed to take the thing off.
After Severus had given him the ring, he told him only to take the ring off under three conditions: if Harry needed help, Severus died- which had been extremely common at that point in war-, or if- Merlin forbid- they broke up. As long as the ring was on Harry's hand Severus could tell where Harry was, and what he was feeling. The ring itself was just a ring, until Severus added spells into it. To the very finest milligram, it was filled with protection spells, as well as other useful additions. If taken into the wrong hands, anyone could easily rule the Wizarding world.
They turned down the last hall, the office was at the end of the passage way. McGonagall quickened her pace, and as if he was spelled, Harry did so too. His legs were betraying his brain that was yelling at him to run away.
The entrance was in front of them now, and McGonagall said the password. If he was to run, it was now or never. The gargoyle sprung alive and stepped aside, McGonagall beckoned Harry in before her, and he walked up the stairs. So it was never.
******Draco Malfoy's POV******
I smirked as I got my Defense against the Dark Arts book out of my trunk. I couldn't wait to see Harry.
Of course, the rumor around the school was the Potter's were playing a prank, and they had gotten the Headmaster involved. Where the Potter's where though, that was the mystery. No one had seen them all morning, and class was starting soon. It figures they wouldn't even be around for their prank.
Although, I think they should have spaced it out a bit longer, everyone was expecting something soon. Then, the Sorting Hat shouting Slytherin, which was a bit predictable. I suppose that some of first years bought the different world shit, the dark brother the Potter's never had. How cliché.
They got one thing though; Harry did look a lot like James. A hell of a lot. If it wasn't for the eyes, he could very well be a younger version of him. Dumbledore must have put the glamour spell on him. I hope he's not just one of the students...
But, no, he couldn't be. It didn't explain the ring. The ring. A smile started to spread across my face. I could only imagine what would have when I showed Harry his ring. He was probably looking for it right now. I, of course, would ask him about it. I could see the smile on Harry's lips. It's a wonder the new Slytherin didn't smile, I'm sure it would look lovely.
I reach for the ring in my pocket; I blanch, and check my other pockets. Shit, I've lost the ring.
******Severus Snape's POV*******
We sit in silence. Time goes slowly, and I wish I could know what Albus is thinking. But, I doubt it is very much different from what I'm pondering.
After a few more moments of silence, Albus turns to me, "Do you have any truth serum on you?"
I open my robes and slip my hand to the belt, pulling out a vial of clear liquid. I keep it on me at all times; Albus knows this, the question was unneeded.
I place the vial back in my robes, and the silence returns.
The door opens, without a knock, and enters are the last people I expected to see at the moment- the Potters.
I turn to the Headmaster, and for the first time in ages shock appears on his face. His eyes meet mine, and within moments the twinkle is back in place.
He turns to the eldest idiot- Senior Potter, "I must be getting older than I thought. Forgive me, I forgot about the meeting I called. Have a seat." He waves his hand and five more chairs appear.
Lily and Potter take the seats in front of the desk, while their three mongrel brats take the ones in the corner of the room. This leaves open three chairs, two in front of the headmaster's desk, the other one to the side of the desk. In the back of the room I can here the juniors chattering away in hushed voices.
Lily speaks first, "I've informed James; do you wish me to tell the children?" She bites her lip, and twiddles around with her hair. The woman will act nothing but an 8 year old child unless provoked. Like the young Weasley girl, she too has a vicious temper.
"No, Lily, he's on his way as we speak. I think it's time Harry answered some questions." He smiles and gets a small box out of his draw, "Lemon drops anyone? I need to empty this contents, carrying around two boxes wouldn't do any good, and running out would be such a bother!"
Will the man ever be serious?
Professor- ha, the only reason he had that job was because Albus was getting desperate- Potter sits patiently, nothing like the school boy he once was. Losing his first born child did wonders on him. No longer did he rush full heartily into things, everything now was thought out and planned. He was protective of his children; he had barely aloud his brats to hang around the Malfoy's.
The only one thing between us that didn't change, well besides growing stronger, was our hatred. Only when we had to was each others presence recognized, much to my enjoyment. However, being professors at the same school meant seeing him was more than likely.
Being able to see his first born all grown up must be killing him from the inside, which can only mean good things. I couldn't wait until he found out his precious dead son grew up to be a Slytherin, and that he is about to be expelled.
The third child born- including the dead Potter boy- to react havoc on my soul spoke up, "Mum, Dad, Granddad?" The child, Joseph, bites his lip, "What are we doing here?"
I wonder how it is possible none of them had been assorted into Hufflepuff. They are too shy to be the brave Gryfindor's, and too stupid to be the brilliant Ravenclaw's their parent's made them out to be.
"It's Harry, honey."
"Oh? Are we visiting his grave?" I see the adolescent has no respect for the dead, nor does the child have manners. She should have let Lily finish her sentence.
The youngest brat, Matt, maybe Michael, sneers at me, "What is he doing here than. It's not like he's family."
"A good question, what the bloody hell are you doing here, Greasy git?" I see the children get their manners from their no good excuse for a father.
"Well, Professor Potter, a student of mine has been called to Albus' office. It is my duty to make sure my students don't get into trouble, I'm only here to help."
"Help? In case you haven't noticed Snape, Slytherin's always start it. It's a wonder they don't know any better, must get it from their Head of House."
Potter's mind is easily distracted; how he managed to be head boy I'll never know. But, there's no use playing spiteful games, "Grow up, Potter. You're children need a father figure in their life. Might want to start setting a better example, wouldn't want them wandering off and getting kill, too, do we?"
His eyes flash and in an instant a wand is pressing against my chest. I have pushed him too far, but he has no chance in cursing me. I had dueled against some of the strongest wizards of my time; I'll be damned if I let James Potter show me up.
"Give me one reason, just one, and I'll do it, Snape." He presses his wand further into my chest. His threats are empty, Lily wouldn't let him hurt me, but I've noticed she isn't talking much.
I glare, and push him further, "My, my, Jamesy-boy, wouldn't want two deaths to be your fault, now. What would the Ministry think?" I reach for my wand, preparing for his attack.
He say's his curse, and I easily deflect it. I pin him with my wand. He could back up, but he'd only reach the wall. Potter's eyes widen in fear.
The door opens, and a shout takes both our wands away.
"Please, Snape, don't kill my father before I get to meet him."
*****Harry Potter's POV*****
As I come up the stairs, I hear noise through the door. Snape's voice flows through my veins, and I shudder.
The other voice is one I've only heard in nightmares.
I walk through the door and see James inches away from Snapes' wand. I laugh, and say the disarming spell. "Please, Snape, don't kill my father before I get to meet him."
I notice three students in the back of the room. One has long black hair. Her eyes are a deep shade of green, but no where near my color. The other two are only different in age, each have auburn hair and hazel eyes.
"Harry?" I turn to my caller, James Potter. It shocks me how much I do look like him. Before I even have a chance to speak, James embraces me. "Merlin, I'm so sorry!" He ranted, and his hold on me got tighter.
It had been forever since I had been held like a child. Mrs. Weasley had been the last parent figure in my life, and she hadn't lasted long in the war. I hadn't realized how much I miss being held. My arms slid around my father, and for once in my life, I have a parent.
My thought's baffle me. I want this, I want my parents love. The mirror from first year comes back to my mind, and here is my happiness in front of me. I don't know what to do. I feel strangely childish.
"Harry? Dad! What's going on?" The frantic voice of a child brings us out of the hug.
The child is ignored; instead I hear James' voice say, "I thought it was all some sick joke, you know? But, here you are... How? How were you able to survive, but my Harry wasn't?"
I don't know what to say. In some ways I feel I have failed him. He would never understand what I am, what happened to make me who I am.
James steps away and takes a look at me, touching my hair, as if to feel that I am real. His finger reaches out to my scar, but I back away.
He steps backs and nods. I'm not sure what he's thinking, but I know he's trying to understand.
I turn to look at the other people in this room. I turn to Albus, "Headmaster?"
He stares at me, and I am reminded he is human. He opens his mouth, but closes it quickly. He doesn't know what to say.
My gaze wanders on the wand on the desk, I recognize it as mine. My eyes focus on something small and shiny; I immediately shout what first comes to my mind, "My ring!"
I race across the room, heading toward the table. A fleeting thought of how they have gotten my wand runs through my mind, but my happiness covers it.
Right before I reach the desk, a dark figure steps in my way. "I don't think so, Potter."
I look into the deep black eyes that are glaring into mine. It was times like these I know why people hate him so much. I give him a brilliant smile,"Good, because my name's Harry."
He looks shocked, and I take that moment to move.
I reach to his side and snatch the ring. It sparkles in the light just a moment before the ring glows green. I slide in back on my finger. Everything is okay now.
"What the bloody hell is going on here?" The girl fumes in anger, "I'm so sick of being ignored! Who the bloody bugger is that man? Why are we here? And for Merlin sakes! Harry is dead!"
*****James' Potter POV*****
I can hardly breath. Standing in this very room was my son, my first son.
When I held him, it was almost like little Harry was back. In some twisted way he was. Right in front of me is the son I never had the chance to have. Unlike the rest of my family, his looks come more from my side than Lily's.
The moment ends as we pull apart. It feels so unreal; I reach a hand out, just to touch him. He's still there. My eyes land on the scar, and I bring my hand up to touch it, but he backs away. I nod.
The scar was the only thing similar connecting our pasts, or from what Lily had told me.
He turns, and before I know it he's moving. He rushes past me, and somewhere I hear the yell of "My ring". I watch his encounter with Snape. His cheeky tone proves he took on some of my traits other than my looks. But, deep down I am wondering why he doesn't like to be called Potter. It is his rightful sir name.
It wasn't until Rose shouted that I realized that my children were still in the room, most likely very confused.
I look at the Headmaster, but he's looking at Harry- more specifically the ring.
Snape snaps, "Give back the ring!"
Harry puts it on, as if to show Snape who is boss. I silently cheer.
"Potter, I am warning you." I could barely hear the deadly growl. His voice sent shivers down my spine, and I fear for Harry's life. I know what that bastard can do.
"No, you don't understand! I'm not Harry Potter, not the one you think. If I give you this bloody ring, I don't know what would happen. Just let it go!" Harry backs up, covering his left hand with his right one.
Snape backs up and nods. "You have some explaining to do. You mine as well now, save the trouble of repeating it later." A command. "Who gave you that ring?"
Lily had mentioned something about a ring. She suspected he was engaged, but other than that she didn't know.
"I don't think that really matters, the person is dead." Harry stops, turns to my children, waves at them, and smiles. "I'm Harry Potter. Yes, before you state anything, I did die. And, no, I'm not your brother. I got into a situation with Voldemort. Instead of killing me, he transported me here. I'm a walking lie. He figured he'd seen me here to confess everything." He turned toward Albus and Snape, "I won't, by the way. Try all you might, I'm not saying anything to the extent of my magic. Yes, the bloody ring is covered in dark spells. That's one of the first thing people notice about it. Yes, it is dangerous. And no, I have no intentions of taking over the Wizarding World, nor do I have any plans to join Voldemort. Just trust me, okay?" He turns back to the children, "I'm terribly sorry for disturbing you, but- You are a Potter, things are never simple."
I'm shocked- to say the least. The boy has a lot on his chest, apparently. Lily had mentioned Voldemort somehow attacking him. What grudge could Riddle hold against a child though?
"Just trust you? Potter, I wasn't born yesterday. And, unlike the Headmaster, I will not tolerate this. How can we believe you, when your wand says otherwise?"
Harry looks at him for a second, than he nods. "Finally, something I can understand. I suppose you did the Prior Incantato spell? So you saw the ghost of the soul, right? Would it hurt to tell you that soul was Lucius'?" He paused, "And that he deserved it? I don't have his soul; his soul is walking around on a different plane without him. I stole his soul, but I didn't keep it."
"Wait a bloody well minute!" Matt's voice rises above everyone else's. This isn't unusual. He is the youngest, and the loudest. He gets it from Sirius, of that I'm sure. Lily and I were never that loud, devilish maybe, but not loud. "This is stupid. I want to go back to class; you're not going to get me caught up in this prank. I'm not an Idiot!",
"Prank?" Harry looked at me, than back to my kids, "Look, believe whatever you want to kid. All I know is this is giving me a headache." He sighs and turns to Snape, "Why don't you test me under some truth potion? Save us all some time?"
+++++3rd Person+++++
Harry stands there looking at Severus, "Why don't you test me under some truth potion? Save us all some time?"
"Why not, Potter?" Severus reaches under his robes, "I think three drops should do it, don't you?"
Harry nods and tilts his head back obediently.
Snape shakes his head, and brings the young man to a chair,"You need to be sitting down, your muscles might spas, and your knees will go weak."
It is in seconds the exchange had happened, and no one could stop it. The people in the room look at each other, back and forth, but their eyes land on Severus and Harry. This was Gryfindor stupidity at its best. In small steps, the six people gather around the two.
Albus smiles, "I think two drops would do it, Severus."
Without the Potters' approval, Severus uncorks the bottle, and puts two drops into Harry's open mouth.
Harry's jaw slacks, and his eyes unfocused.
No one dares to speak. Veritaserum was a tricky business, and only one person was aloud to ask questions. In this case the person was Severus Snape.
"Can you hear me?" Severus asks, kneeling down so he is at eye level with Harry. Their faces only mere centimeters apart.
"Yes." Harry replies immediately.
Snape looks in his eyes, checking for any signs of the pupils diluting. "State your name."
"Harry James Potter." His voice was soft with no emotion.
Snape watches as his eyes get the tiniest bit bigger, "Who is your mother?"
"Lily Ann Potter"
"Who is your legal guardian?"
"Vernon E. Dorsey."
A puzzled shock ran over the small crowd. But Severus dismissed it.
"How did you get here?"
"In my world the war was drawing to an end. Either side could win, but Voldemort was in favor. Albus Dumbledore had been killed a few weeks prior to the final attack, and I had to do something before the Light side lost hope. Due to a prophecy, I am the only one who can kill the dark lord. So, we staged the attack. Time was going fast, everything was a blur. Each side was falling. I decided to end it as soon as possible.
"I found Voldemort torturing Draco Malfoy, his father laughing beside him. Draco had betrayed Voldemort and became a spy. I cast a Jelly Legs spell, to distract them. By that time, Draco had gone insane. It angered me, and I shot a soul trapper spell on Lucius Malfoy, which ripped his soul from his body and trapped it in my wand. I then had bound his soul into another plane, so he could never get it back. It was than I started dueling Voldemort. He knew he couldn't kill me, because I am immune to the Killing curse. He told me that he wanted me to suffer. He told me I was a disgrace to the Wizarding World. He used an illegal curse that sent me here. There was a green light, and I woke up here." All of this was said in a monotone voice.
"Why are you immune to Avada Kedavra?"
"Voldemort cast it on me when I was one, the night he murdered my parents. It backfired, and hit him. He was ripped from his body and turned into a mere spirit. I was told by Albus Dumbledore it was my mum's protection that saved me, but I'm not sure."
"Do you have any intentions to join the dark lord?"
"No. He deserves to suffer a thousand deaths over." Harry muttered.
"Have you ever thought about joining him?"
"Only when he promised to bring Sirius back, but no spell can bring people back from the dead."
The fellow witches and wizards in the room flinched at his harsh words.
"Have you ever killed someone?"
"Five people. Quirell in first year, he was after the Sorcerers Stone to give to Voldemort. Then Nott in 6th year. He was about to kill the Headmaster, and I was the only one alive who could stop him. Lestrange, MacNair, and last was Voldemort. You don't go through a war, being in it, without killing someone, sir. There were plenty of causality's, mostly young recruits, but I do not know how many or who they were."
Severus nodded, and gave Harry the antidote. The young man swayed forward into Severus' arms, and he to prevent the boy from falling to side by wrapping his arms around the dead weight body.
*
The group moved to the front of the room, leaving Severus to take care of Harry.
"He- He killed someone? Mum, he can't be our brother!" Rose, the oldest, shouted. "Harry's dead!"
"Hush child." James' scolded. "Will Harry be punished?"
"No." Albus smiled, "He didn't use any of those curses in our world, there's no point in punishing him for it. Wars are wars."
"Wow, no wonder he looks so old! He must have gone through a lot. A war, Granddad? He's too young to fight!" Matt complained.
Albus nodded in agreement. "Yes, I don't believe young Harry will be going back to his world."
"Albus?" Lily looked at him.
"He looks like he has had the weight of the world on his shoulders for too long. It isn't fair, he's only a child. I don't think he'll have any trouble fitting in, he is, after all, a Potter."
"You think he plays Quidditch?" Matt asked Rose.
"He better or he's buggered over." Rose said as her eye brows shrugged together. She glanced behind her, at Harry's drooping form. "He seems okay... I guess."
"Ah! Speaking of Quidditch, I think he'd make an excellent player." Albus said with a twinkle of his eye.
"But there aren't any open positions on the Gryfindor or Ravenclaw team. Only Slytherin, this year, sir." Rose stated.
"Why, what house did you think he was in? He's only a true born Slytherin, dear."
"What!" Rose shouted. "No way!"
"But, Rose... Draco's in Slytherin..." Joseph spoke.
Rose flipped her hair, "Draco's also a jack-"
"Watch your language young lady! Don't make me take house points." James commanded. Suddenly his eyes widened, "Albus! I missed half of my first class!"
The old man chuckled, "Yes, they are all in study hall with Hagrid, as long as Severus' students."
"I thought you forgot we were coming?" Lily asked looking at Albus.
"Ah, you forget Lily, walls have ears too."
Lily smiled, "Yes, they also tell you you're related to-" She was cut off by a ragging Severus Snape.
"Albus! Get this insufferable boy off me."
****Severus Snape's POV****
I wrapped my arms around the boy as he fell. Surprising, the boy nestled closer. I look behind me and I shoot a bewildered look at the Headmaster, but he was looking at the other people in the room, chatting in a mildly loud voice.
I sigh.
His hands gripped me tighter, and he all but straddles my lap. He mutters something inaudible by my ear, warm puffs of air sending pleasant chills down my spine. His head moves to the curve of my neck, his lips pressed against my cloak, slightly parted.
His arms trail back, and for a fleeting moment I think he has awakened from his drugged mind. I am shocked by my disappointment in this, but I quickly forget about it when his hands press against my chest, from there his arms reach inside my cloak, getting lost in the darkness. They wrap once again against my torso. This time I catch what he is muttering, "Warmth."
He slides of the chair and falls in my lap, legs straddling me. He lifts his face and rubs his cheek against mine, muttering contently.
I look back; no one seems to notice this exchange. In fear of the others seeing me like this, I pull back. His arms wrap tightly against mine, and it's impossible to pull them off me.
He mummers "no" into my ear, and snuggles closer, if that's possible.
"Potter! Get off!" I pull back once again.
He tightens his grip on me, and mummers softly.
I try getting up, possibly dumping the boy off me. But, as I get up his body stays with mine, it's a lot lighter than it seems.
I turn and glare at the Headmaster, "Albus! Get this insufferable boy off me." I say this with as much dignity as I can muster.
The lot turns towards me, and it's the youngest boy who breaks the silence with a laugh. A bloody laugh.
I send him a glare, "20 points from Gryfindor Potter, want to see what happens if you laugh again?"
"Hey! That's not fair-"
"I have a class to teach, Albus. Get this ruddy thing off me."
"You are a wizard, aren't you Snape?" Senior Potter turns his wand on me, "Enervate."
The boy wakes with a start, but his grip on me doesn't let go. His eyes look at mine, then down at our bodies. He blushes and let go.
He steps back, "Ah, Headmaster? I need my books..."
Albus eyes twinkle, "I'm sure your professors will let you borrow books." He turns, "I'm sorry for keeping you this long. Lemon drops anyone?"
I leave, but I walk slowly, thinking why I missed Potter's warmth so much.
*
~Gabby
A/N: Thank you, once again, for all of your reviews. And thanks for being so patient with me... thank you guys so much! I hope you liked this chapter!!
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