Prophesy of the Serpent
Author: Gryphnwng
Rating: PG- PG-13 for now
A Severitus Challenge Fic
Disclaimer: Is Harry Potter mine? Nope. *Shakes head* Is Harry Potter J.K.R's? Yes!!
*Stares in awe of all the lovely reviews* Dang. Never expected that! Thank you everyone who reviewed, I love you all!!
Kateri: Yup, that's pretty much the idea…Hope the wait wasn't too long! Thanks for reading.
Lei Dumbledore: *Blushes* I was a little too eager when I released that chapter. I am going to go over it later when I have time and change it. I finally have a Beta though! *Grins* How did I live without one, I have no clue, since my spelling and grammar is atrocious. Lol.
Sparrow: Enjoy!
Kitty: Dang… that's a lot of please's… lol. Well, here is the letter James wrote, I hope you like, and it answers your questions. J
Xikum: Glad you liked the opening. ^_^
Alana: Ok! *Continues*
Silverfox: Thank you. ^_^
Labrisa: *edges away from big sign* Ok then…here's some more J
Them Girl: I figure the old man just likes to be in control of things, neh? Seems to work, lol. Thank for the review!
Kouryou Sanomi: Ermmm…. Just seemed like a good place to stop last time? *Grins* I don't really try to be evil…heh heh heh….
HuntressAngel: Ooooh! Double review! Thankies! I like playing around with the characters…. and Dumbledore is just sooooo much fun to cast as the bad guy! That prophecy is courtesy of my boredom in Astronomy class. Seemed appropriate; writing a prophesy in a class where you study the stars ^_^
Tima: Thank you J
Gusha: Here's more, and don't worry, more Sevvie goodness coming in later chapters. Right now we need Harry more, lol J
Pyra: lol, glad you like so much!
Again, thank you everyone! Well, I won't bother yall anymore. On to chapter next!
Last time, somewhere in the French countryside, Moony and Padfoot were confronted with a letter from a friend long dead. Their friends only son was languishing in the hell commonly termed "The Dursley's", and going through some interesting changes. Salvation was in sight by virtue of a trip to the Weasley's for the rest of term. We now join Remus Lupin and Sirius Black in their abandoned shack, staring at a letter.
Remus stared down at the yellowed parchment held in his shaking hands. Carefully opening it, lest it tear, he found a letter addressed to both he and Sirius, and a key. Looking at Sirius, he began to read in a low voice.
My dearest Marauders,
I'm sorry to say, that if you are reading this now, that I must be dead. Bummer. But, disregarding my present state of being, there are some things you must know. First, and most importantly- DON'T TRUST DUMBLEDORE!!! I don't know how much I can stress this. I know how this must seem, coming from me, but there are some things you don't know about him. He's a manipulating old codger, and eager for whatever power he can hold. Up until a few weeks ago, I was completely fooled by him. Of course, it didn't help that the memory charm he had on me began to break up.
Let me start over from the beginning, so I make at least some sense. I'm sure you remember the Shrieking Shack Incident? By the way Sirius, I'm still mad at you for that. I never told you both this, but Severus and I actually became friends after that.
Both Sirius and Remus looked startled at this revelation. James friends with the greasy git? Remus read on.
I know, I know, friends with the greasy git? Let's just say I got to know him better, and he is a good person. Once you get through the prickly exterior. It did take awhile though. I don't know if you ever realized this, but he has been a spy for our side since before we even graduated. He was made to do this by Dumbledore, and because of that, he lost the respect of his family. He wasn't allowed to tell them. He wasn't allowed to tell anyone about it, but he did. He told Lily and me the beginning of our seventh year when his double life began to get to him. You don't know how many times we held him as he told us of the horrible things he had to do to gain Voldemorts trust. No one should have to live through that, especially someone who was only 17.
I'm sure you remember that this was the year that Lily and I started "dating"? Well, we weren't. Lily has always been like a little sister to me. The real relationship was between her and Sev, but they couldn't be seen together. Sev could control his expressions, but one look at Lily and the whole world would have known she was in love. That's where I came in. Everyone was supposed to think that we were the ones dating. It worked too. The only person who knew about this deceit was Dumbledore.
Sirius was surprised to find that his hands were numb. Looking at them, he found them so tightly clenched that they were white with the strain. Never would he have thought Snape capable of any emotion, he was so cold and hateful. But here was this letter, from James, who would never have lied to them, stating otherwise. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, and listened on.
Here I will get to the reason why I tell you not to trust Dumbledore. Less then a year after graduation, in early December, Dumbledore called Severus, Lily, and I to his office at Hogwarts. Needless to say, none of us knew why we were called. He only said that he had something very important to discuss with us. At the time, none of us had any reason not to trust him, so we went. When we got there, he calmly told us that he was concerned about anyone finding out about Lily and Sev's relationship. Sev was about to protest, but Dumbledore went on to state that he had the perfect solution. Raising his wand, he obliviated our memories. All we knew after that was that Lily and I were hopelessly in love, Sev and I hated each other with a passion, and that he was a spy in the Order. When we awoke from out little trance, we all thought we were just there for a little update on what was going on, and for Dumbledore to congratulate Lily and I on our engagement. Seems too wild to be true, I had trouble with this myself. At first, a few weeks ago when the charm started breaking up I thought I was going crazy. I had two sets of memories. I would keep getting flashes of scenes that seemed real, but I couldn't remember happening. It took me a few days to sort it all out, but when I did, I was furious. How could a man that I trusted have done this to me? And this isn't the only thing either.
When Lily and I got married, I found out that she was already pregnant. We just assumed that the baby was ours, since our memories never even suggested that she was in love with someone else. Moony, Padfoot- Harry is Sev's son. Dumbledore took away from Sev the one thing he truly wanted besides Lily- a family. I did some research a few days ago and confirmed it. Hell, he's already starting to look like him. Last night I placed a charm on him, in combination with a potion, that will have Harry look like me. It will only last until he's about 15 or so, so he should be changing already if you get this letter in time. It's the only way I could think of to keep him safe until he's old enough to fight back against Voldemort. Sev told us before that all children of Voldemorts Deatheaters are bound to serve him. Harry can't be allowed into Voldemorts grasp. As a Potter, he should be safe enough. At least, as safe as I can make him.
Remus couldn't go on reading; he was getting too choked up. A tear ran down the werewolf's cheek as he sat in silence. Sirius gently took the letter from his nerveless grasp, and continued where Remus had left off in a grief-choked voice.
I'm sorry I can't be there in person to tell you both this. I know I can trust you both with this last request of mine. Enclosed is a key to a Gringotts Bank. Inside the vault is Harry's true birth certificate. I made a copy of his that gives his name as Harry Potter and lists his parents as Lily and James. Harry's true name and parentage is on the one in the vault. It was the safest place for it. Also is the reverse charm for the memory spell Dumbledore used. If Sev is alive, you'll need both to convince him that all this is the truth. You need to tell both Sev and Harry the truth of what happened, and of their relationship. They will need each other. Harry's name is Delano Cade Snape. I don't know if Dumbledore knows Delano's true parentage yet, but I wouldn't be surprised. Take care you both.
Marauders to the end!
Prongs.
P.S. Whoever touched this letter will have pink hair for the next week. Enjoy!
Sirius dropped the letter as if it had burned him, staring at Remus. Yup. Pink hair. Even in death James had retained his prankish attitude.
Neither man could speak for a few minutes; too busy trying to sort out all the information they had just received. It was a great shock to the system to find that your best friends had been friends with your enemy, and his supposed girlfriend was really said enemy's girl. The real kicker was that the boy they had thought fondly of as a junior member of their child hood group was the product of that unknown union.
Remus eventually picked up the small golden key with wondering fingers, looked at Sirius, and stated in a too calm voice, "Padfoot, I think we've a trip to make."
Sirius nodded dumbly, transformed into snuffles, and followed on Remus' heels out the door.
(AN- that was one helluva long letter, oi!)
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The sun was only just beginning to touch the western horizon when Harry finished with the lawn. The tie he used on his hair had snapped only a few minutes before, and his hair hung down his back in sweaty strands. He quickly stowed the mower inside the shed and made his way inside. Taking his shoes off by the kitchen door, he glanced at the clock. Good. It was only 4:30pm. He still had thirty minutes to take a shower, and he knew just how to maneuver Vernon into letting him get one. Snagging the cheese sandwich that had been left for him, he made his way to the stairs where Vernon waited. Smirking as he munched on dinner, he approached his uncle.
"The lawn is mown, Vernon. I'm getting a shower."
Vernon's face began to turn an interesting shade of purple, and he opened his mouth to tell off the impertinent youth who dared to flaunt his authority. Harry cut him off mid-bluster, though. Giving a sneer that would have done even Professor Snape proud he verbally ripped into Vernon.
"I'm sure, as much as you would rather not waste the water on me, Uncle, you would prefer that the smell of a sweaty teenager not permeate your home, since you are having an important dinner guest tonight? I thought so. I'm taking a shower." Harry smirked as he crossed his forearms, waiting to hear what Vernon would have to say about that. He was not disappointed.
Vernon's small, piggy eyes widened at this proclamation, and all he could do for a few moments was stare at his nephew smirking at him, his mouth working soundlessly. He finally managed a stuttering reply. "What?! How…dare…ungrateful…boy! Ten minutes…be quick!"
Having accomplished making Vernon look like an idiot, Harry's smirk grew wider before leaving for his shower. He planned on making full use of the time. Long hair seemed to need a lot of washing.
Finally the day arrived that would see him free from Purgatory. Ron had said that his father was going to arrive at 10am in a ministry car to pick him up. Harry decided against telling the Dursley family about his plans until 10 minutes before Arthur Weasley was due to arrive. He was already packed to go, and Hedwig had been sent ahead to wait for him at The Burrow. On reflection, Harry decided, it was probably the thumping of his trunk down the stairs that alerted his "family" that something was going on. Since it was a Saturday, Vernon was at home instead of at the office, and he came boiling out of the kitchen to see what the racket was. Yet another confrontation between the two. Vernon had raised his hand to Harry to strike him, when Harry's voice stopped him mid-strike.
"I wouldn't, if I were you, Sir. You see, my friends are coming to pick me up in about 5 minutes. Remember the family that picked me up from here last summer? Well, this is the same one. They weren't too pleased with your treatment of me the last time, and if I come out with yet another mark from you, I'm sure they will be quite mad. And remember- the father IS a fully adult wizard, able to use magic." Dudley at this point, who had been watching with his small beady eyes alight with the glee of watching Harry get pounded again, ran into the kitchen squealing. One hand clamped to his bum, the other to his mouth. Harry watched him go, laughing slightly. "I'm sure Arthur Weasley will not be so kind as to heal Dudley of any magic ailments this time. Sir." The sir was tacked on as an afterthought.
Vernon turned an assortment of interesting shades of red and purple, before turning white. His voice shaking with suppressed rage he spoke quietly. "Fine. Go then boy. But don't ever expect to be let back into this house again. I won't let your freakishness infect my family anymore!" His beefy hand that had been raised to strike now clenched into a fist, and shaken under Harry's nose, as if to prove his point. Harry smiled coldly.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't come back here even if my life depended on it. I won't have my tainted by muggles like you anymore." At that point a car drove into the driveway and honked its horn. "I do believe that is them now, Vernon. Be a good man and carry my trunk for me, why don't you? After all, it's the least you could do for the years of suffering and torment you've caused me." Without looking back, Harry exited the house of Number 4, Privet Drive for the last time. Having lost, and knowing it, Vernon followed helplessly behind Harry with his trunk, barely able to keep the murderous glare off his face as he loaded it into the trunk, closely watched by Arthur Weasley. Harry slipped into the back seat where Ron waited, and flippantly waved goodbye to his Uncle as the car drove away.
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The entire car ride to The Burrow was filled with Ron's chatter about the summer, quidditch, Hermione, Harry's new appearance ("Really smashing, Harry! How'd you get your hair to do that?), Hermione, a new breed of dragon that Charlie had discovered (Russian Gold Spiked), and Hermione. Harry was amused; it seemed that even quidditch was taking second place to Hermione. It also made him feel a bit left out; he knew that they would probably be spending quite a bit of time with each other. He tried not to let this depress him too much.
Mrs. Weasley tutted disapprovingly when she saw how thin Harry had gotten, and immediately started to feed him, trying to fatten him up a bit. He grinned when he nearly got bowled over by Hermione who ran to hug him, though he winced a bit as she pressed against his bruised ribs. Thankfully, nobody noticed. Most of his injuries were to parts of him that were covered by clothing. When he got to school, he would use a glamour charm until they healed the rest of the way.
The rest of the week was spent in pleasant pursuits, playing quidditch with the twins, Ron, Ginny, and even Hermione. Ginny needed the practice, she claimed, since she planned on trying out for the vacant Keepers position. When Harry asked if Ron was going to try out, he blushed and nodded. He was hoping for a position as a chaser. It was fun watching Hermione trying to fly. She gripped the handle of the broom as if she were sure it would try to buck her off at first opportunity.
During that first day, Harry made sure to try and act as if nothing were wrong, but that night he let his mask drop as he thought while Ron slept. He had seriously considered being resorted but decided against it. He knew if he did, he would probably be sorted into Slytherin, and consequently loose Ron as a friend since the redhead would think Harry had switched sides. Also, Harry wanted Dumbledore to think he was still innocent to any of his manipulating. He would just have to be careful then, and try to act like he was still grieving over Cedric, and blaming himself. He would wait to see how things played out before he made any move. Turning over, he let himself fall into dreams of Voldemort torturing innocents before falling into a deeper dreamless rest.
The next few days played out much like the first, with games of quidditch and Mrs. Weasley pouring as much food down him as she could. Harry was pleased by one observation though. It seemed, that even though Ron and Hermione were officially now a couple, they didn't, as he had feared, tune him completely out of their life. If anything, the three spent even more time together. They were joined by Ginny as well, who seemed to have gotten over her horrible crush on him. This pleased Harry to no end. Ginny was like a little sister to him, especially since her older brothers were some of his best friends. She made a much better friend then love interest.
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The day of the Weasley Clan's trip to Diagon Alley dawned very early indeed. The six teens half slept through their breakfast, which was punctuated by many yawns, groans, and rubbing of eyes. Making sure they all had their lists, they trouped to the fireplace and flooed to The Leaky Cauldron. Harry still hated traveling by floo, but he made it in one piece. Stepping out of the grate he looked around, trying to figure out what was wrong. Everything was so blurry! Putting his hand to his face he checked to make sure his glasses were still on his face. They were. Ron nudged his shoulder, having caught his puzzled expression.
"Harry, mate, what's wrong? You look a bit, er, confused? Everything all right?"
Harry shook his head, taking off his glasses to clean them. "No, not really. Everything just got really blurry, but it's probably just…" He trailed off as he got a good look around without his glasses on. He could see? He blinked a few times, but his vision stayed true. It was sharper even than what his glasses had managed. He blinked again and snapped out of his trance when Ron waved his hand in his face.
"Um, Harry? Earth to Harry? You there, mate?"
"Wha..? Oh, Ron! Yeah, sorry. Must've spaced out a bit. My eyes just kinda fixed themselves…" Harry trailed off again, gazing around at the new world around him. Hermione, having heard his last sentence, spoke up.
"Harry, vision just doesn't fix itself, it needs a spell or surgery. Are you sure you didn't do something? We should probably look this up when we get back to school."
"Hermione, I'm sure it's fine! Besides, shouldn't we be devoting out time to studying for the OWLS?" Harry said this, throwing a grin to Ron. Hermione immediately forgot about Harry's eyesight, and started instead in her favorite topic: studying. She was overjoyed that the boys were showing such an enthusiasm for their studies. Ron and Harry just laughed as they followed behind her into Diagon Alley.
They spent the next few hours buying their supplies and enjoying the sites. Ginny went off with Fred and George who had promised her an early birthday/Christmas present, and Ron, Hermione, and Harry ended up in front of their favorite ice cream parlor. They started going into lovebird mode over a double sundae and Harry took that opportunity to go off by himself. He knew that his friends, as well meaning as they were, would never let him do what he was doing now. Going into Knockturn Alley. He wanted to get a new pet, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to find what he wanted in self respecting Diagon Alley.
With his new appearance, he doubted that he would be recognized. He was a far cry from his old self of a few months ago. He was still recognizable by his scar and general face, but only if one actually looked at him. He even had a new wardrobe. Bill had taken him clothes shopping the day before in muggle London, and Harry had returned with clothes that actually fit him. Jeans, shirts, t-shirts, shoes, the works. Ducking quickly into the dark, narrow street, he released his hair held back in its tie, bringing some of the strands forward to hang in his face, obscuring his scar. Under his robe, he was wearing a tight black long sleeved shirt, and black jeans. Nobody would think of associating Harry Potter the Gryffindor with this black dressed stranger. Especially since Harry Potter would never be found in Knockturn Alley. ~Guess my reputation is good for something then.~ Harry thought to himself as he approached a likely candidate for the type of pet he wanted. He entered the small, dark shop named Evies Rare Pet Galleria and looked around for the owner. He finally spotted the old wizened little witch near the back cleaning the cages of some kind of jeweled lizard. Though small and dim, the animals inside seemed well cared for, which Harry was looking for. Tapping the little witch on the shoulder, he scowled and waited for her to turn around.
"I would like to see what you have in snakes."
Evie look up at the dark youth who stood before her and studied him. He scowled down at her and waited impatiently. Finally, she nodded; he seemed to know what he wanted. Motioning him with a crooked finger, she led him to a series of tanks. "Here you go, son. If you need help, just call. I wouldn't try picking one up yourself, as most are quite poisonous." She left him to his business with a small cruel chuckle.
Harry gazed down at the tanks, waiting for the witch to be out of earshot. He didn't want her to hear him speak in parseltongue. Only he and Voldemort were known to speak it.
"Hello there, would any of you be interesssted in leaving thisss place with me, and becoming my familiar?"
Naturally, the couple of snakes in the tanks were startled to find a human who could speak their language. Eventually, one spoke up. She slithered to the front of her tank, half raising on her coils. She was at first glance, pure black, but she had bandings of very deep purple down her body, and a silver symbol shaped something like a cross on her head. ((an: forgive me, I've no idea how to spell the type of cross that has the rounded top on it! Lol)) "I would, ssserpent-tongued man. I am called Sssilessstra. How isss it you ssspeak asss one of usss, if I may be ssso bold to asssk?" Silestra paused, her head cocked to one side, forked tongue flicking gently.
Harry grinned, reaching into the tank to collect her, enjoying the feel of her cool scales on his skin. "I am one of two who can. I am not sssure how I got thisss gift though. Usssually only one who isss of Sssalazar Sssslytherinsss blood can ssspeak Parsssel."
Silestra nodded, Harry's answer satisfying her. She coiled herself around his bicep as he carried her to where the register was so he could pay. The best part was watching Evie's expression when she saw that he carried the deadliest snake she had in stock casually on his arm as if she was a harmless garden snake! Evie paled, stuttering as she pointed out to Harry that he held and Egyptian Temple Serpent! ((an: Eh. It's a name. Couldn't make up anything better, lol)) Harry smirked and shrugged, replying "So? Your point being what, exactly?" She couldn't get him out of her shop fast enough.
Leaving the Alley, Harry had Silestra coil around his upper arm, under the cloak so she was hidden. He joined Hermione and Ron as they were finishing their sundae, never noticing that he had left. In all, he had only spent a half hour on his errand. Ginny, Fred, and George arrived a few minutes later, armed with two long slender packages. Fred and George, having some spare money now that they had an anonymous contributor to their enterprise, had bought Ginny a new broom, a Nimbus 2000. The also presented Ron with a Nimbus, warning him not to expect anything for Christmas. For the next 5 years. Their younger siblings were ecstatic and could not stop talking about the coming quidditch tryouts. Harry watched them, amused, and threw a wink to Fred and George. Exhausted, but fulfilled, the group met up with the adults and left for The Burrow.
Authors note: Wow. That turned out longer then expected. Wasn't planning for Silestra, but I guess she fits in. lol. Gotta love the Plot bunnies at 1am in the morning. I think I'll just run this through a quick spell check and grammar proofread, and then post it. It has been too long since my last update. I'll replace it with the beta'd version in a few days. I think I've decided on pairings for this. I will say this: There WILL be minor slash in this between Remus and Sirius, so if you don't like, don't read. Won't progress beyond say, a kiss or hug, that kinda thing. This is mostly going to be centered on Harry and Severus. Obviously Ron and Hermione are going to be paired, was there any doubt? I'm probably going to have Ginny with Draco, Harry with Blaise. Blaise as a girl of course. Lol. Anyone know for sure? Hmmm…I've an idea for a humor fic now…OI! Bad plot bunnies, go away!!!! Oh well, I need sleep, and this has gotten long enough. Over 4000 words! ^_^ Thank you for reading, and as always, I love responses! Hate it, love it, whatever, tell me!
~*~Gryphnwng~*~
