Unexpected Heritage
A/N: Although I am not sure how you all will react, I have decided that, despite a few misgivings on my part, I will keep things cannon with regards to the characters that would be alive at this point of the story. For those of you who have read past chapter 35 of Book 5, you will know to whom I am referring. This person will not be appearing in corporeal form in this story. I ask, nay plead, those readers who know who dies in Book 5 not to reveal it in reviews. People who have not gotten that far in the book won't know and I don't think it's fair to spoil it for them. Thank you.
Many thanks to the following reviewers:
Kalina Quantum
Selua
Angie
Dark Angel
Jliles
Yxonomei
KittenBabyGirl
Alex123
Tommyboy182
Burn
Pease keep them coming!
~Harry's thoughts~
**Severus' thoughts**
The next day brightly dawned through the enchanted windows in his dungeon bedroom. Harry slid out of bed and stretched like a cat, yawning greatly in the sunlight. As he stepped out of a nice, hot shower in his dressing robe, Severus stuck his head in the bedroom.
"Harry?"
The green-eyed man stepped back into the bedroom; Severus blinked a few times, staring at Harry. Sitting on the bed and running his fingers through his soaking wet hair, Harry looked at the Slytherin.
"Severus?"
"What?"
"You stuck your head in my bedroom, remember?"
A very faint blush crept up Severus' face. Upon seeing this, a bright smile took over Harry's face.
"Uh, I meant to say that breakfast is waiting, if you want it."
"I'll be there as soon as I'm dressed."
Severus blushed ever so slightly more and Harry was entertained to see his formidable Potions Professor flustered. The Slytherin quickly left and Harry got dressed in a pale gray, baggy t-shirt and overly baggy jeans. Quickly throwing on a pair of socks and trainers, Harry went into the sitting room to find Severus sitting at the small dining table, picking at the immense amount of food sitting there before him. The Potions Master smiled, chuckling softly, when he saw Harry enter the room. The Gryffindor plopped down across from Severus and started eating in earnest. Eggs, bacon, sausages, and potatoes slowly disappeared as Harry ate. Severus meticulously peeled the paper from a blueberry muffin, ate it, then sipped his coffee; all the while he was carefully watching Harry. When he was finished, the Gryffindor sat back slightly and slowly washed his meal down with a goblet of pumpkin juice. Looking at the Slytherin, he smiled.
"What?" Harry chuckled. Severus stood up, strolled over to stand next to the younger man.
"You," he kissed Harry's forehead, "look like a vagabond."
"I know, but I haven't got anything else to wear."
"Outgrew it all, I suppose, in that growth spurt of yours…" Severus stopped when Harry looked away. He knew right off the bat that that assumption was wrong. Gently resting a hand on the younger man's shoulder, Severus whispered, "Please tell me. Tell me what's wrong."
Harry, for some unknown reason, quickly stood, wheeled around to face Severus, and started speaking softly, but his voice sounded like a deep growl.
"What do you care? Why should you give a damn about me? You never cared before yesterday and now you want it to be like nothing ever happened, like I never hated you with a passion for 6 years, and like you never hated me."
"Harry—"
"NO! You were never there for me when I needed someone. Where were you when I was spending the first 10 and a half years of my life in a cupboard? Where were you when I was fighting for my life against Death Eaters just so I could fulfill some stupid fucking prophesy? Where the hell were you when I spent all of Christmas holidays in the Hospital Wing last year after Dumbledore and I fought tooth and nail against Voldemort and finally beat him?!" Harry was starting to break down, overcome with memories. "Where were you…w-when he died trying to s-save me, j-j-just like my mum?"
With those last words, Harry dropped to his knees, sobs shocking his body, his head in his hands. Slowly, so as not to startle him, Severus knelt next to Harry, placing a cautious hand on the Gryffindor's arm. Harry flung himself at Severus, wrapping his arms around the older man's chest as he curled up in the Slytherin's lap. Severus wasted no time in embracing Harry, rubbing small circles on his back and unconsciously rocking gently back and forth.
"Shh, Harry, it's alright. Let it out."
"Please don't leave, Sev."
"I'm not going anywhere, not unless you want me to."
Harry nodded into the Slytherin's shirt and shifted slightly in Severus' hug so he was more comfortable. The Potions Master rested his head on top of Harry's and simply sat there. He decided to wait for the Gryffindor to make the next move. The two sat there in peaceful silence for a few minutes before Harry pulled away slightly, all the while not looking at Severus.
"I'm sorry, Professor."
"What for, Harry?"
"For yelling at you like that. I know that because of the work you did, you had to act the way you did. I'll go talk to Professor Dumbledore today about moving up to Gryffindor Tower."
"Is that what you really want to do?"
"Not really, but I don't want to be a bother, sir."
"You're not a bother. You're just trying to sort out your feelings, I think. And it's Severus, remember?"
A small smile played on Harry's lips as he hugged Severus. The Slytherin playfully ruffled Harry's hair and they both stood up. Severus took Harry's hand with his right and cupped his cheek with his left. The Gryffindor leaned into the touch and looked at Severus.
"Any time you want or need to talk about anything, you know you can come to me right? Well, unless you need to complain about me. You can go to Lupin about that."
Harry nodded then paused for a moment. "Lupin? Does that mean that he's coming back to teach?"
Severus smiled and nodded. "For some reason, Merlin only knows why, the Headmaster has decided to let that good-for-nothing werewolf come back to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts." He wasn't trying to sound sarcastic or gruff, but was just joking around. Harry scowled at him through a few laughs and punched him, not hard, on the arm. Severus pretended to wince and rubbed his arm. They both started laughing, and the tense mood from Harry's outburst was broken. Severus wrapped his arm around the Gryffindor's shoulders.
"Let's get out of here. How would you feel about a trip to Hogsmeade?"
"Did Severus Snape just suggest we actually leave his dungeons, go into the sun, and do something fun?"
"For your information, I enjoy being out in the sun, but I get a burn easily. I have yet to find a sunscreen charm that works well enough to let me stay outside for long periods of time."
Harry smiled, but plopped on the couch and rested his head on the back with his eyes closed. Severus came up behind him and gently started to massage the younger man's shoulders. The Gryffindor sat up just a little bit straighter to give the older man more access to his back.
"What was that little suppressed, didn't-want-to start-yelling-at-the-innocent-Slytherin-again thing?"
"You should know that I can't go to Hogsmeade. I'm the fucking Boy-Who-Lived. There was a wild mob on the platform in Hogsmeade in June when we all left here to go home."
Severus kissed the faded scar that still branded Harry as the Savior of the Wizarding World. Harry opened his eyes and smiled slightly. The Slytherin placed another soft kiss on the younger man's forehead. Harry moved around so he was kneeling on the couch facing Severus; with one hand placed on the back of the Slytherin's neck, Harry pulled the dark-eyed man in for a kiss. Severus cautiously licked Harry's bottom lip. The younger man purred and parted his lips, reveling in the feeling of the Potions Master's tongue against his. Severus tasted like coffee and something spicy. Harry took over control for a moment, memorizing the feeling of every spot he could taste in the older man's mouth before breaking away for desperate gulps of air.
"I could easily do a glamour charm, you know. All I'd really have to do is hide the scar and change your eye color."
Harry immediately brightened up as Severus took out his wand and muttered a few incantations. He didn't feel any different, but one look in the mirror proved the scar gone and his normally emerald eyes were now pale blue. A huge smile filled his face and he quickly combed his hands through his hair, pulling it back into a ponytail; he looked around for the broken shoestring he usually used as a hair tie.
"Umm…do you have a string or something?"
Out of his pocket, Severus pulled a silver clip in the form of a dragon. The Slytherin clipped Harry's hair into a low ponytail at the nape of his neck. Severus then wrapped his arms around the Gryffindor's shoulders and hugged him.
"Ready to go, Harry?"
"Yeah, but I was thinking, won't people think it's me if you call me Harry? I know it would be a little odd, but maybe you could call me James?"
"I suppose I could, but I wish that we could just go out without having to worry, without me having to cover up your beautiful eyes, without having to call you another name."
Harry turned around to face the Potions Master, resting his head comfortably against the Slytherin's shoulder.
"I know and soon we will and you'll be so sick of going out with me and no one noticing that Severus Snape is actually out in public with Harry Potter and neither is trying to hex the other that you'll never want to go out because it's not exciting anymore."
"Come on, you."
Severus laughed and pulled Harry out the door and into the corridor. The two strolled out of the castle and across the grounds to the path to Hogsmeade. As they carelessly walked to the town, the Gryffindor cautiously reached out to take Severus' hand. Severus laced his fingers through Harry's and gave a gentle squeeze. The Boy-Who-Lived smiled softly and there was a noticeable spring in his step when they reached the heart of town. They went first into Gladrags Wizardwear to get some clothes for Harry. All of the clothes were charmed to fit the wearer the first time worn, so Harry didn't have to try anything on. Harry wandered around the shop, picking out button-down shirts, jumpers, and t-shirts. Moving on to pants, the Gryffindor got a couple pairs of jeans and slacks. After making sure he had all of his uniform pieces, the young man happened to wander into the leather section in the back of the store. He stumbled upon an absolutely gorgeous pair of buttery soft, tan suede pants. They just melted beneath his fingers.
~I just have to buy these. They're so soft and if they fit tight enough, I bet they'll drive Severus crazy.~
A mischievous smile crossed Harry's face as he picked out new pairs of black leather dress shoes, trainers, and slippers. He also got a long, black winter cloak lined with wine-colored satin. Harry paid for everything and had everything except one outfit shrunk and sent back to Hogwarts.
"I'll be right back, Severus. I just want to change."
"I will wait for you outside, James."
Harry smiled brightly and slipped into the dressing room. Tossing his old clothes into the waste-basket, he slipped into the suede pants and a burgundy t-shirt with a gold tiger on the front; both garments clung to his body, hugging him softly. Tugging on the dress shoes, he walked quickly out to where Severus was sitting. He wrapped his arms around the Slytherin and kissed the soft spot right behind his ear.
"I'm all done. Where would you like to go now?"
"I was hoping that we could visit the bookstore before lunch. Does that sound alright?"
Harry moved to in front of Severus. "Come on then."
Severus' jaw slacked as he took in the sight before him. Blinking a few times, he stood up and pulled the younger man into a tight embrace. "Where on Earth did you find those pants?"
"Leather section, Sev. You like them?"
Harry heard a deep, growl-like chuckle from Severus. The Gryffindor placed a couple gentle kisses on the older man's face. Harry then grabbed Severus' hand and they strolled to Flourish & Blotts. The two went in their separate directions as they hunted through the seemingly endless shelves of books, both magical and muggle. Severus found a lovely leather-bound copy of The Man in the Iron Mask and Harry got all of his textbooks along with a couple books about elves. Again, the packages were sent to Hogwarts; Severus took Harry's hand as they left. Harry looked over at Severus only to find the Slytherin already looking at him.
"Who knew?" the Gryffindor chuckled.
"Who knew what?"
"That Severus Snape, the bane of Gryffindor, could be such a softie…"
Severus tried to scowl, but a truly happy smile prevented it from having the desired effect. "You're lucky you're not in my N.E.W.T Potions class, young man. I would be forced to take points from your house when the term starts."
"I wouldn't dream of being in that class, no offense of course."
"None taken…brat."
"Git"
"Worthless Gryffindor"
"Slimy Slytherin"
They joked back and forth, both amazed and amused that one and a half days together could put them so at ease with each other. Chalking the quick and easy attraction up to being soul mates, they just decided to go with the flow; neither wanted to fight the wonderfully refreshing feelings they were experiencing. Strolling through Hogsmeade, the day couldn't be any nicer: the sun shone bright and warm, there was a cool breeze rustling the leaves, and the company couldn't be any better. The sun was high in the sky when Harry broke the amiable silence that had fallen between them.
"Would you care to join me for lunch at Fiesta & Siesta?"
"I had no idea you liked Mexican food."
"Well they don't serve it at Hogwarts, but I could occasionally sneak a taco and some rice at the Dursleys'."
Severus' brow furrowed slightly, but he quickly forced himself to stop thinking about how bad Harry's life on Privet Drive must have been. He continued thinking random thoughts as Harry tugged the Slytherin towards the restaurant. The Potions Master was forcibly snapped out of his reverie when he felt warm, soft lips against his. With a quiet whimper, Severus allowed Harry to take control and run his tongue along his teeth before pulling back, gently squeezing the Slytherin's hand in his.
"What was that for?"
"You were in a world of your own and we're here. What were you thinking about?"
A slight blush crept up Severus' cheeks.
"Nothing really. Nothing to worry about; just lost in my own head. Let's go have lunch, alright?"
Harry smiled back at Severus as they went inside. Neither had ever been in this particular restaurant and were pleasantly surprised when they saw the inside of the building. There was no actual dining room, but individual little rooms. Each room was decorated with bright colors and patterns; the furniture was simple, but cozy: a low table, a large futon, and a small side table with a wizard radio currently set to a mariachi station. The futon could easily be converted from seating to bed, hence the "Siesta" in the restaurant's name. The hostess led them to a secluded room in the corner and gave them menus. Harry stared at his and was quite confused.
"Sev, it's in Spanish; I can't read it."
"Well then, it looks like I'll just have to order for the both of us. How do you feel about spicy food?"
"I'll eat anything. I'd think that you'd know that by now."
Severus chuckled as he scanned the menu, deciding on what to order. Harry just leaned back and waited for the food to be ordered. Since the establishment was mainly staffed by house-elves, the food would arrive as soon as it was ordered.
"Alright, we'll have the arroz con pollo, enchiladas, and the nachos. Oh also water and two butterbeers, please."
"Other than nachos, water, and butterbeer, I have no idea what you ordered."
"Don't worry about it, here's everything that I ordered."
The platters of food appeared on the table; Harry looked excited at trying something new. He recognized the chicken and rice dish, as well as nachos. He eyes the saucy, cheese filled enchiladas and quickly scooped one onto his plate. They both ate in relative silence. Harry was hungry and had never tried these foods; it had been a while since Severus had had a good Mexican meal. When they had finished and had flan for dessert, Harry curled up against Severus and yawned.
"Don't tell me you're tired."
"Fine, I won't, but don't move so much, Sev. You're comfortable."
"Oh no you don't. If you're going to fall asleep, we're going back to Hogwarts."
Harry leaned over and lifted a small latch on the arm of the futon. It quickly unfolded into a rather large bed. The Gryffindor laid on top of Severus who was now laying down through no choice of his own. He settled himself on top of the Slytherin and punctuated each word with a on the lips.
"I say we're staying here."
Severus wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, turning slightly so that they were side-by-side facing each other. He rested his forehead on the younger man's.
"Who am I to argue with that?"
Harry didn't move except to lace his arm under Severus' so that he could hold the Slytherin close to him. Neither blinked for quite some time; they were lost in each other's eyes.
A/N: I wasn't sure how to end this chapter, so I ended it like this. Let me know what you think. Please keep reviewing. I don't want to have to bribe you, but if I feel neglected from a lack of reviews, I will.