Harry Potter and the Betrayal of Snape
Chapter one — Letters Galore
It seemed like a typical Little Whinging summer day, but something was different. The burning red sun was hanging brightly in the beautiful blue sky. No clouds were in sight, and the cool summer breeze seemed to disappear since a few years ago. Many yellow lawns, which were still suffering from last year's drought, were lined in front of the square houses of a quiet street in Little Whinging, Privet Drive. Everyone has stayed inside, trying to cool off the summer heat with a fan, and the fortunate ones, with their air conditioning. No one at all could be spotted outside in this weather, not even the handsome, but skinny, jet-black haired boy –Harry Potter.
Harry was lying on his bed, in the house of number 4, Privet drive, eyes closed and extremely exhausted from his late nights of finishing his essays. The days of July seemed to pass so quickly, finally reaching his special day, the day he turns sixteen. Harry was mumbling in his sleep, turning and kicking. He was dreaming the same dream ever since last year. Harry saw it. He walked slowly towards it, trying to walk step by step, but ended up in a sprint to the ragged veil hanging from the arch. He could hear the familiar laughter; he could feel the warmth, as he got closer. He reached his hand out, finally grasping onto it and—
"Boy—! Come down here!" Yelled a voice from the living room.
"Sirius!" Screamed Harry, waking up from his dream, startled.
"BOY I SAID COME—" yelled Uncle Vernon, but soon trailed off into a more polite voice when Petunia, his wife, shot him a warning look, "ugh, I mean may you please come down here…"
"Coming Uncle Vernon," Harry said, as he rolled to his side, staring at the red letters on his alarm clock, one of the many gifts which Dudley gave him during the summer after meeting a few of the members of the order, written with the numbers 7:30 AM on it. Harry sighed. He was now officially sixteen, but he couldn't bring his mouth to a smile. Harry had grown a lot this year, reaching to about six feet. His features perfected even more, and he now finally grown into a handsome young heartthrob. His messy black hair, which stood up, like it was gelled (not on purpose), made him look even more handsome, just like the image he saw of his father in Snape's Pensieve last year. Harry had bags under his eyes, after restless nights of work and the same dream of almost being able to push away the veil to reach his godfather, Sirius. Harry grew so much, especially his independence. He barely talked back to the Dursley's and he would barely speak. Harry also improved immensely on managing his anger and controlling his emotions. He had found a way, which was an idea he came up with after hearing it on the television. He took out his diary and scribbled something on it like everyday; and always with the same beginning, dear Sirius.
Dear Sirius,
Writing letters to you everyday had helped me a lot to manage my emotions. I haven't been blowing up lately and I just wanna say thank you. Today's my birthday, nothing special. I wish you were here to just say the words happy birthday Harry….that's all I'm asking for…just those words…But I don't have the right to ask you, because it's all my fault that you're gone. I have no right….
"BOY—" Screamed Uncle Vernon, and sighed, "Boy, may you please come down here, your aunt and I have something for you…" He said, as he tried not to show anger in his voice, even though his face was turning into the shade of a tomato.
"Yes Uncle Vernon," Harry said, being able to maintain his politeness to his uncle, which is a great improvement since last year. Harry continued his diary.
Sorry Sirius, but I have to go for now, I will write to you more and keep you up with what's going on.
Love,
Harry
Harry put his diary, which had pictures of golden snitches flying around, into his old trunk. He heaved himself off his bed and looked out the window. He was trying to spot his owl Hedwig who went last night to help Harry send his letter, which he sent every three days to the order. He had waited so long for his OWL results and details about where he's going to stay, but Remus Lupin, who Harry has grown quite close to during the summer, has always just sent back a simple note:
Dear Harry,
Glad that everything's well. Any trouble, just contact us. Patience Harry, patience, we will contact you as soon as possible when you will be able to visit your friends. Everyone here's doing well. We all miss you.
Best Regards,
Remus Lupin
Harry heard muttering from the living room. He could make out a few sentences. "I asked that boy three times already….and politely too! But…" he heard Uncle Vernon say. Harry decided not to keep his uncle waiting too long, even though he enjoyed watching his slightly overweight uncle blow up of anger. After the warning from Moody, the Dursleys have improved greatly on their attitude towards Harry. His aunt and uncle would give him a nutritious meal with meat and vegetables on certain occasions, the way they spoke to Harry changed greatly too, and Dudley, whenever he saw Harry, even though he grown even more with his muscular body, he would run away or give him a gift for no particular reasons. Harry decided too that he would accept the fact that he would only be safe in the Dursley's household, and changed to become more polite to his aunt and uncle. He slipped into Dudley's old clothes, the same torn and dirty jeans with the baggy faded top. Harry walked downstairs into the living room. "Sorry Uncle Vernon, for keeping you waiting." Harry said patiently.
"It's okay boy. Here." Uncle Vernon said (not sounding that happy though), as he handed him a big box with a beautiful white ribbon.
"What…"
"Happy birthday…" Vernon mumbled, answering Harry's question before he could even finish asking.
"Yes, happy birthday." Aunt Petunia mumbled too.
"But…you never…you…" Harry tried to make out some words to describe his surprised emotion.
"Well your uncle and I decided that it's your sixteenth birthday and since you changed and became so polite to us, we decided that you deserve a real birthday present." Aunt Petunia said, quite coldly.
Harry stared into his aunt's eyes. For some reason, he suddenly felt this warmth, this feeling so hard to describe. He looked into those green eyes, which were so similar to his, and said "Thank you, thank you…" Harry suddenly did something that he hadn't done for so long, he smiled. He took the beautifully wrapped box in his hands and walked slowly back upstairs. Suddenly, the door to Dudley's room opened. Harry could tell that Dudley's legs were shaking a little as he stumbled towards him.
"Hap… happy birthday…eh…Harry. I have a… uh gift for you…" Dudley stuttered, as he handed him a pair of sunglasses. "They're especially bought for you…with the…uh….same prescription as your glasses….they're perfect with your….new outfit…" Dudley said as he handed Harry the sunglasses and ran away.
"Uh thanks Dudley…" Harry mumbled, surprised. New outfit? Harry realised that he was talking about Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia's gift. He walked back to his room and unwrapped his gift. The clothes were beautiful. It seemed like Dudley's style of clothes, of course, all Nike. There was also a pair of shoes, all of it brand new. He put is hand over the smooth material, staring in awe. Harry tried it on and stared in the mirror. He was so surprised at how much he looked like his father. Handsome, that's the word for what Harry is now. He took off his glasses and put on the gift which Dudley gave him. He smiled at himself, still surprised at how different he looked from last year. Suddenly, there was a knock on his window, interrupting his thoughts. He turned around and saw Hedwig.
"Hedwig, you're back! Whoa…why do you have so much letters?" Harry said as he opened the window and began to untie the packages. Harry started ripping up the first letter.
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Year Six. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books, equipment and the results of your OWL exams.
The latest decree from the minister has been confirmed, and students Year Six and above may use magic, as long it's not in sight of Muggles. This decree has been established for the special circumstance of You-Know-Who's return. Term begins on 1 September.
Yours Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Finally, what Harry has been waiting for all summer long —his OWL results. He slowly took out his results. The thing he has been waiting, the thing which affects his future of being an Auror. He took a deep breath and looked down.
O.W.L results of Mr Harry James Potter
Astronomy: Acceptable
Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding
Charms: Exceeds Expectations
Defense against the Dark Arts: Outstanding
Divination: Poor
Herbology: Exceeds Expectations
History of Magic: Poor
Potions: Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration: Exceeds Expectations
Total amount of OWL's: 7
Seven?! "Yes!" Harry said as he stared at his great results. He was proud that he managed to get an acceptable on astronomy. Since he did well on the Astronomy theory sheet, it covered up for the only 2/3 finished chart. However, he's jaw dropped. Exceeds expectations for potions…? But Snape would only accept students with Outstanding on their OWL's for his NEWT potions class. His dream of being an Auror is ruined he thought. He continued looking through the Hogwarts envelope. He found another piece of parchment.
Dear Mr Potter,
Here are your suggested classes and option classes for next year. These classes are all preparations for grade 7 NEWT's and are for all year long, if not, noted. If there are any problems, you may appeal to the headmaster or the head of your house. If you wish to take more classes than the suggested, please request once again to either the headmaster or head of your house.
NEWT Preparatory Classes
NEWT Preparatory Care of Magical Creatures Class —Professor Hagrid
NEWT Preparatory Charms Class —Professor Flitwick
NEWT Preparatory Defense against the Dark Arts Class —Professor Moody
NEWT Preparatory Herbology Class —Professor Sprout
NEWT Preparatory Potions Class —Professor Snape
NEWT Preparatory Transfiguration Class —Professor McGonagall
Option Classes (Choose 3 per term)
Dear Mr Potter,
Due to your special circumstances, I am sorry that you have no choice for your option classes. You are required to take these following classes for your own safety. If there are any problems managing your schedule, you may appeal to me, however, I wish that you trust me, and the order, for organising your classes, even though it's quite an overload. Also, you may notice that Professor Snape has allowed you in his NEWT preparatory class even though you have only achieved an Exceeds Expectations on your OWL, however, hearing your wish to be an Auror after, he has decided to give you a chance by trying to achieve an Outstanding by the end of the last term.
Professor Dumbledore
All Year
Apparition —Professor Flitwick
Animagi & Metamorphagi —Professor McGonagall
Fight against the Dark Lord Preparations —Professor Dumbledore, Professor Lupin, Professor Moody, Professor McGonagall
Fall Term:
Occlumency —Professor Dumbledore (May be throughout the whole year, if needed)
Winter Term:
Advanced Defense against the Dark Arts classes —Professor Moody
Preparatory classes of Auror training —Professor Moody (Only for Harry James Potter)
Spring Term:
Advanced Defense against the Dark Arts classes —Professor Moody
Preparatory classes of Auror training —Professor Moody (Only for Harry James Potter)
Summer Term:
None, except for all year round courses.
Harry was surprised. Occlumency with Professor Dumbledore, Moody as the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher and few of his option courses…All these thoughts were running through Harry's head. Harry then turned the parchment and saw that there were more writing.
Dear Mr Potter,
Also enclosed in this is envelope are two badges. The first is the Quidditch Captain badge and the second —Well I have decided, as headmaster to allow last year's illegal club, to become an official legal Hogwarts club. Since you have already named it, I do not wish to make you change it, unless you wanted to…Your second badge is for the Leader for the club D.A. If there are any problems with those positions, since it may add an extra load to your schedule, please appeal to me. However, I believe that you can manage it since you have proven that you can take on many responsibilities.
Professor Dumbledore
Harry reached in the envelope, finding two golden shiny badges, one with the letter C, and another with the letters DA. He smiled as he stroke his fingers on it. One of my happiest birthdays…he thought. Harry has been working so hard and putting too much pressure on himself. Harry's loss of Sirius the non-stop days of listening to the news and letters from the order had made him forget was happiness was —until today. Harry put his Hogwarts letter and badges to the side of his bed and continued looking through his pile. He eyes settled on a golden envelope, with shimmering cursive writing on it. Harry opened it quickly.
Dear Harry,
Once again, I am very sorry for the loss of Sirius. Yesterday, Remus had found a letter written from Sirius a long time ago hidden the house. It was a letter written to you, just in case if one day he sadly leaves you. He has decided to leave you with all his money and we have already helped you transfer his money to your Gringott's account and his house, but leaves it in my possession until finish your NEWTs. You may of course use it in any way, if you do not wish to allow the order to stay (which I highly doubt). We all miss Sirius and I know that you would be glad to know that he is always in our hearts too.
There are no signs of Voldemort anywhere. I have not allowed you to get
About where you get to go, we will be picking you up on the 28th of August, allowing you to have two days to spend at Sirius' house with your friends. However, if you wish to get to Hogwarts earlier, please send me a note, and I will organize it for you. Your schoolbooks are already bought with your own gold and are safely with us. I wish you a wonderful birthday and the best of luck.
Best Regards,
Professor Dumbledore
Harry's eyes started to fill up with tears. Just the mention of Sirius makes him fidget. Sirius, the name makes him feel like having a knife stuck into his chest. He decided not to continue mourning about it, trying to lighten up. He continued rummaging through his pile and took a letter that was closest to his hands.
Dear Harry,
How are you mate? Hermione and I are both at Siri the you-know-where. There are many meetings these days for the you-know-what since…you know. Well Fred and George are going to arrive tomorrow. They say that business is booming! George told us that mum almost had a PANIC ATTACK when they saw them. They said that she was about to curse them. I hope that they'll be able to create something better than Extendable Ears. So do you want to go to Hogwarts earlier or what? We all miss you…hope that you feel better buddy. And of course, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Still can't believe your sixteen….
Ron
Harry noticed that Ron had tried to be careful not to mention the order and Sirius, which was quite funny to him. Ron had sent him the usual: Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Bean, Chocolate Frogs, and many more Hogsmeade treats. There were four more letters left. I haven't gotten so much before…Harry thought, as he gave a light smile. He took a bite out of a hopping chocolate frog and got another letter. He stared at the envelopes writing. He smiled again. It was one of his best friend's writing, Hermione.
Dear Harry,
I miss you so much! How are you doing? Is everything better? Well I'm still not allowed to say much but I know that we'll be meeting you soon! My dad's business has been doing well, so they have decided to go skiing again, but you know me, I'm not really a skier. So I have decided to stay at the place. Ron's here too. I also heard that we can go to Hogwarts earlier…so what do you want to do? It's up to you! You won't believe, even though you might not care, but I straightened my hair. My mom talked me into it. But it's quite nice….well I find. But to a more important thing…did you receive your OWL results yet? Oh my God! I am so happy…but I could've done better. I heard about you being the new Quidditch Captain and DA leader, I'm so proud of you! I'll talk to you later. Well happy birthday Harry!
Love,
Hermione
Harry smiled as he read the word love. He shook his head, trying to get himself out of the trance. Whoa…what am I thinking?!…Harry thought. He ignored what just happened and unwrapped his gift. It was a beautiful picture frame with a photograph or three smiling first years waving at him. They were Ron, Hermione and Harry, a picture taken in their first year. On the back of the picture frame, was a scribbled not from Hermione: We're always here for you, Harry. It was one of the most wonderful gifts he ever received in his life. He stared at it for a while and quickly went the next letter that was from Lupin, wishing him well. Harry always considered him one of the closest, other than Sirius. He had given him a picture of the group of four: Padfoot, Prongs, Wormtail, and Moony. The four were laughing as Prongs, Harry's father tried to make his hair a mess, trying to look cool. He put the picture slowly beside Hermione's gift and whispered: "Thank you…Moony." The next letter was from Hagrid, with words of wishing Harry the best and his famous cakes which were hard as rock from Harry's previous experiences. Finally the last.
Dear Harry,
We all miss you so much. We hope that you have not suffered as much as last year and if you need any help at all, just give us a note. And Dursleys —anymore mistreatment and we'll send someone J! We hope that you have a wonderful birthday, and the best of luck from all of us!
The letter was unsigned, but Harry knew it was from the Order. Some of the members sent Harry a gift. There were many gifts such as broom kits; snacks and Moody sent Harry the large trunk with different compartments (yes, the one where Crouch hid Moody in on the fourth year). He had reduced it to the size of a die. He took his wand, and since he was allowed to do magic, he made the trunk return to normal size. He looked around to make sure he didn't leave anything else, and underneath the mess was a huge box of Skiving Snackbox. Harry smiled; it was from Fred and George. He took out the key for the trunk from the envelope and opened the first compartment. Harry decided to put all his clothes from his old trunk in it. The second compartment, his gifts (snacks, mostly); third, his soon to be library, after he gets his books, and the rest he decided he would think of it later. He took out a piece of parchment, a quill and some ink and started writing.
Dear Everyone,
Thank you for all your gifts, I appreciate all your support. All's well here and the Dursleys, like I said before are being nicer to me. I have decided that I would like to arrive early to Hogwarts. Once again, thank you! Miss you all.
Harry
Harry walked to the window, to Hedwig. "Will you send this to them Hedwig? Thanks!" Harry said as Hedwig hooted efficiently.
A/N: Hey, this is my first fanfic that I've every written in my life! Please R/R…the more reviews, the faster I update! Please give me suggestions and comments…thanks!