Unexpected Heritage
Alrightie, so here's the second chapter. Thanks for the reviews, but please, I beg you…DON'T STOP REVIEWING!!
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~Harry's thoughts~
**Severus' thoughts**
"I do hate to tell you this, Harry, but James Potter is not your true father." Your father's name is Dior Eluchíl and was an elf."
"Do you mean like a house-elf?"
Harry was quite shocked. Snape, though barely perceptibly, raised his eyebrows. Dumbledore chuckled at Harry's and Snape's expressions.
"Oh no, Harry. House-elves are quite a different species than your father. You are in no way related to any house-elf. But this news does explain a few things, like how you have survived so many things. An elf, or half-elf, which you are, cannot be killed by magic. A broken heart is the most common way for elves to die, but they can also be killed by poison. Other than that, elves are generally immortal. Anyone who is not purely elven is not immortal, but generally has a greatly extended life. There is a stipulation to that as well. Anyone with any proportion of elven blood has a life-force which can be given away to a human if they wish. Upon giving away their life-force, the elf becomes human, and their life becomes synchronized with the human they gave their life force to. When the human dies, so does the elf. Your life force was included with the letter from your mother. Do you understand, Harry?"
Harry took a little while to think about all this. After a while, he nodded and looked at the Headmaster. Dumbledore handed a pendant on a thin silver chain to Harry. It was a silver swirl with a pale green opal in the center. The young man put it on; it was warm to the touch.
"What happened to my father? Is he still alive?"
"I'm very sorry, my dear boy. When he learned of Lily's death, he died shortly thereafter, of a broken heart. Lily meant the world to him and could not live without her."
"But what of James Potter? Why did he marry my mother? Did he know that he wasn't my father?"
"He knew that you were not his son. At that time, elves were not allowed to marry humans, but Dior would have been happy just to see Lily once a week. James married your mother for you, actually. So that you wouldn't have to grow up without a normal family. He was more than willing to let Dior be a major part of your life, but since he couldn't marry your mother, you would have been seen as a bastard. Many wizards do not take kindly to unwed mothers and their children. Do you have any more questions?"
Harry nodded and Snape spoke up, asking the question Harry didn't want to be rude by asking.
"Sir, what does this have to do with me?"
"I was actually waiting for one of you to ask. New technology has brought along an innovation which has been a number of years in the making. It is now accurate 99.9% of the time. Every person on the planet has a soulmate, yes?"
Both nodded, slightly less confused than before. Each had an idea as to what Dumbledore was going to say.
"Harry, you are Severus' soulmate and Severus, you are Harry's. Now I know that the two of you have not always gotten along, but I believe that it is mostly due to a misunderstanding on both your parts. I would like to now put to final rest some misconceptions. Harry, you think Severus a Death Eater, and a greasy git. Severus, you think Harry a spoiled, attention-loving brat. I think that you feel differently about Harry now that you've seen how he lives. Severus, am I correct in this assumption?"
Severus turned to Harry; the Boy-Who-Lived searched for any sort of deception in the Potions Master's voice or expression, but found only truth when he spoke.
"Harry, it is true that I thought you were quite spoiled and loved the fame and all the attention you got. But now I know I was wrong. I would like to apologize for the way I have treated you for the past 6 years. I know better now and would be more than to get to know you better. We are a major part of each other's lives now…now that we truly know the extent of our relationship. That is, if you are willing."
"I honestly can't think of anything I would like better. I've known since before 5th year that you weren't a real Death Eater. I saw you at Sirius' house leaving the Order of the Phoenix meeting and from then on, I realized that a lot that I thought I knew about you was hearsay. Yes, I'll admit that I could be a terror at times and, for that, I am also sorry. Friends?"
Harry extended his hand to the Slytherin. Severus happily took it in his, and then pulled the younger man into a hug. The Gryffindor wrapped his arms around Severus; both were smiling when they sat back down. A bright and cheery grin took over Albus Dumbledore's face as he watched the two embrace.
"Now, for something that may make life a bit more interesting. I know that classes are starting in 20 days and you, Harry, are supposed to meet Mr. and Miss Weasley and Miss Granger at Diagon Alley in 18 days. But that gives the two of you 17 days to get to know each other better. Also, I have decided, and spoken it over with Professor McGonagall, that Harry's quarters will be moved to the dungeon, the apartment adjoining yours, Severus. Your things are already there, Harry. I will let Severus show you there. Have fun and I will see you soon."
Knowing that as their signal to leave, Harry followed Severus to his rooms in the dungeons. The Potions Master spoke Harry's password ("Entender") and stepped inside. Severus stood in the sitting room as the young Gryffindor looked around the common room. Upon seeing everything in the room, Harry invited Severus to sit by the fire.
"This is more than a bit embarrassing to ask, Professor, but I have to know. When you appeared in my room at the Dursleys', did you…um…feel something? You know…down there?"
"I'm not sure if you're trying not to make me embarrassed or whatever, Harry, but I must admit that, yes, I was more than a little aroused when I saw you this morning. And call me Severus. I'm still your professor, but I think my soulmate deserves at least to call me by my given name."
Harry turned a deep shade of red at the word "aroused" and this caused Severus to softly chuckle at the young man's embarrassment. The Slytherin leaned closer, gently tucking a strand of hair that had fallen from the plait behind Harry's ear. Harry leaned into the touch and Severus smiled at the mildly dreamy expression on the young Gryffindor's face.
"Harry…"
"Hmmm?"
"May I kiss you?"
"If you'd like to."
"I would."
Severus stroked Harry's cheek with his thumb as he slowly leaned in closer to the Boy-Who-Lived. He wanted to give the young man every opportunity to pull away, but Harry wanted it to happen as much as Severus did. When their lips met, they both saw stars and everything felt tingly. Harry wrapped his arms around the Slytherin's neck to pull him closer and deepen the kiss. Severus growled deep in his throat as Harry's tongue gently caressed his lips. Happily parting his lips, the Potions Master playfully dueled with Harry for dominance of the kiss. It was a winless battle, but neither minded. The need for air became imperative all too soon and the kiss was forced to end. Harry leaned back to rest his head on the arm of the couch and, since Severus was leaning against him, the Slytherin fell on top of the Gryffindor. The younger man chuckled softly and the older man smiled; a true smile that brightened his face.
"You know, Severus, I think that this is the first time I've seen you smile."
"I'm sure it is. I don't usually have a reason to smile."
Severus sat up and, taking Harry's hand, pulled him up so he was sitting. Harry sat there, studying the features he thought he knew from seeing him in Potions every Monday and Thursday. The usually harsh lines that crossed the Professor's face were softened by his smile; his black eyes glittered in the light of the fire. A bright blush crept up Harry's cheeks when Severus looked him in the eye. The Slytherin was in awe of the young man sitting next to him. His hair, streaked with auburn, shone in the light, but it could not compete with the brightness of his emerald eyes. Harry felt a tightening in his chest; he was happy just sitting here, staring at Severus.
~This feels so natural, so right, but why haven't I felt this before? I've seen this man every day, at least in the Great Hall, for 6 years. I'm so confused!~
"What are you thinking about?"
Harry snapped out of his thoughts and looked back up at his soulmate. The younger man's brows furrowed in an attempt to properly phrase his thoughts. After a few moments, the Gryffindor knew what he wanted to say.
"I just don't understand why sitting here with you feels right when for the past 6 years I have hated you. It doesn't make any sense. Did you get that tight feeling in your chest every time you looked at me before today? Or is this new to you too? I'm not saying that I don't like it, I think it's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me."
"I'm sure you noticed that once you turned 17 your appearance started to change somewhat rapidly. Well, it wasn't just your looks that changed. Your heart and mind came into their true heritage as well. While your personality, for the most part stays the same, some aspects of your persona did change. Like the fact that I am no longer the bane of your existence. Though these internal changes are barely perceptible to nearly everyone, I did notice and felt the pull of being connected to you as you did to me. Does that answer your questions?"
"Yes, but why aren't you as confused as I am?"
"I didn't just learn that everything I based my life on was false. I just learned that my life actually has a purpose. We balance each other, both in personality and with regards to our magic. It makes sense now that you…how to put it…lack the desire to make potions, though they are my passion. I, on the other hand, was never very proficient at Transfiguration. Yet I do believe that you are quite adept at that skill." Harry smiled cheerfully and nodded.
"Is there anything else you have questions about?"
"No. Not now, at least. You have any questions?" Severus shook his head.
"Would you like to watch some television? I have one in my room and a couple of decent movie stations get good reception."
"I can't believe that you have a television. Could we watch a funny movie?"
Harry was as excited as a small child. He grabbed Severus by the hand and tried to drag him through the short corridor into the Potions Master's quarters.
"Calm down Harry," Severus said through a chuckle as he got up and took Harry to his rooms. "Have…aah have you ever…what I mean is—"
"No. I've never seen a movie."
"Have you ever even watched television?"
Harry's head dropped in disgrace. Upon seeing this, Severus gently lifted the Gryffindor's chin to look him straight in the eyes. He tried to pull away, but the Slytherin held him steady.
"There is nothing for you to be ashamed about. Those Muggles who you are unfortunately related to should be ashamed for not treating you like a normal child. But you never have to go back there if you don't want to. Okay?"
The younger man nodded as the Potions Master embraced him. Severus untied the shoestring in Harry's hair, running his fingers through the soft strands. Harry tipped his head up and places a soft kiss on the Slytherin's lips.
"Come on, let's go watch that movie."
Severus led his soulmate into his bedroom. Harry looked around, taking in the surroundings. The furniture was simple: a gigantic four-poster bed with dark green curtains, a small wardrobe that was probably larger on the inside, and a shelving unit on which the television sat along with an old bonsai tree, a few books and photographs, and a Zen garden.
"I'm afraid we'll have to sit on the bed. I usually watch a bit of television before bed or on the weekends while having a bit of a lie-in. Unless you would like me to transfigure it to a couch or chairs?"
"No, the bed will be fine. I'm actually a little bit tired. Why is that?"
"Couldn't possibly have anything to do with the fact that you haven't slept in over a week, could it?"
Severus chuckled and Harry punched him on the arm.
"Actually it's because of that necklace. Coming to have your life-force completes your coming-of-age. No one is quite sure why during what can only be called "elven puberty," the one going through the process does not feel the need to sleep, but once that is completed, life goes back to normal."
"Okay. How do you know so much about elves?"
"I've always been fascinated by the cultures of other human species, especially elves. Maybe it was foreshadowing my relationship with you. Who knows?"
They sat on the bed; Severus wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders, kissing the top of his head, and the Gryffindor snuggled into the Slytherin's shoulder. Switching on the TV with the remote control, Severus flipped through the channels until he found "Good Morning, Vietnam" on one of the American film channels. As the movie came nearly to a close, Severus felt Harry's warm weight resting comfortably against his side. He gently shook the sleeping Gryffindor.
"Come on Harry, wake up."
"Mmm comfy…wanna sleep."
"At least wake up enough to change into pajamas, then you can go back to sleep, alright?"
Harry's eyes fluttered open and he stretched slightly, scooting to the edge of the bed. He turned to Severus with a contemplative look in his eye.
"Do you want me to stay?"
"If you want to, it's fine with me."
The 7th year strolled to the door and looked back at Severus.
"I'll see you in the morning then. G'night."
With that, Harry left and went back into his rooms. Severus sat there, on the bed, completely dumbfounded. **Did I say something wrong? The truth is, I wanted Harry to stay, but I didn't want to push it. We only found out this morning that we were supposed to be together for life. I'll talk to him in the morning** Severus turned off the television and the lights and went to sleep.
Harry stepped into his rooms, heading into the bedroom. It was actually the first time that he had seen the bedroom; the four-poster bed was covered with wine-colored sheets and blankets. The curtains were a shimmering gold and made of a rather gauzy material. On the walls was a heavy toile in crème and wine with the magic windows covered in the same gold gauze as was on the bed. All of the furniture was brightly stained oak constructed with smoothly curved simplicity. Yawning greatly, Harry stripped off his too-large t-shirt and baggy jeans and slipped between the creamy soft blankets. Shortly after resting his head on the pillow, Harry fell into a content sleep.
A/N: Okay, so the easiest way to end a chapter is by putting the characters to sleep, but I needed to end this chapter, so they sleep. Now while Harry and Severus are peacefully slumbering, they're dreaming of you clicking the purple button below and sending me a review. Please!