Like Father, Like Son
Harry was disappointed when he reached Grimmauld Place. He wanted to go and say hi to Ron, and perhaps have a bit of a talk about how the professional Quidditch season was coming along. The Wasps were the favorite this year, but Harry had lost all contact with the sport when his summer exile began.
Remus was adamant, however, that they must not see anyone. As soon as Harry was out of the fireplace, he was shoved back in, this time finding himself at Hogwarts. To the side of him was Remus, Moody was nowhere to be found. Harry assumed he'd stayed at the Headquarters. Looking up, in front of him was the familiar face of Albus Dumbledore.
"Ah, Harry. How have you been?" Dumbledore asked smiling, noting the boy's fragile appearance. He held out a bowl of peppermints, and offered them to all the guests.
"Erm… Fine, Professor." Harry replied vaguely, shaking away the candy with his hand.
Remeus stepped forward, and explained how they had went to Harry's house, and what his Aunt Petunia had said to them. Then, he told of how they had found him outside Arabella Figg's house. By the time he was finished, Dumbledore's smiled was completely gone, in its stead was a stern frown, and a steely glint was in his eye.
"Well, it's a good thing that you'll never have to return to the Dursley's, then, Harry."
At this, Harry looked up, directly into the wizard's face. Not back to the Dursleys? It was like the best late birthday present he could ask for. But, doubt gnawed at his mind like beavers gnaw wood.
"Where will I stay, then? You've said that I have to stay with them, because they're my mum's blood family."
"Well, perhaps for this summer, you can stay here. We'll give you your own rooms, and access to the whole school. And as for next year, we'll come up with something by then."
"Thanks. That'd really be great. Could I also use the Room of Requirement, for.., erm, training, and stuff?" Dumbledore nodded, he understood what Harry needed to prepare himself for.
"Certainly, Harry. Also, I'm sure the teachers here would be glad to help you with any questions you may have. But for right now, I need to have a private discussion with you, a very serious and important one." As the words left his mouth, Remus went to the door.
"I'll be in the dungeons," he said over his shoulder. Albus nodded, and said to the retreating figure. "Good idea, although I do ask that you be careful in your words and actions." The back of Remus's head nodded, and then disappeared around a corner.
"Well, sir, what do you need to talk to me about?" Harry asked. He was mad at the figure in front of him still, from the end of last term. His voice took on a sarcastic quality. "Is it about how I look? Any more dark secrets about my past you'd like to share? Or maybe I'm turning into Voldemort? What hidden information do you have to tell me?"
"Harry, that will be quite enough." Dumbledore said quietly and calmly. Harry stopped his ranting, but refused to look at the man in front of him again. "I know you are very upset at me, as you have a right to be. And, unfortunately, I do need to talk to you concerning a very important part of your life. I need you to listen to me."
Harry just sat down on the chair that stood before Dumbledore's desk. He knew he was acting childish, but he couldn't stop himself from sulking. It seemed that he didn't know himself anymore, that his whole life was one big secret. And now there was something else that he was going to be told.
"Harry, you see, the days before and after your birth were very dangerous. Times were troubled, as were many people. To trust someone you hadn't known all your life was rare, because no one could tell who was serving the Dark Lord or not. It was in these times, that your mother had a relationship with a Death Eater. He wasn't a bad person, and he quickly turned from the dark, thanks largely due to your mother. But, he also helped me out, and I asked him to return to Voldemort, and spy for me.
Being the person he was, he agreed. However, by this time, he and your mother had fallen very deeply in love. They were married, secretly, and had you. Both of your parents loved you very much, and to protect you, they had to change your identity. When you were around ten months old, your father was called away for several months to Death Eater business.
When he learned that there was to be an attack on your mother, he tried his best to stop the Dark Lord. But, he couldn't. He was attacked by Lucius Malfoy, and placed under the Cruciatus, then had a memory charm on him. He did not remember Lily, nor you at all."
Here Dumbledore stopped, and watched Harry's reaction. It was, as he had expected, very angry and loud.
"Are you saying that James Potter was a Death Eater? That my father actually supported Voldemort?! That's insane, professor. It can't be true!"
"No," Dumbledore said, softly. "James Potter was never a Death Eater. He was one of the best supporters of the Light side we had back then."
"But… you said that.. how…. I don't understand." Puzzled and confused, Harry's mind tried to work its way around the solution. After a few moments, he looked up, sharply and suddenly.
"That's right, Harry. James Potter was not your father."
"Who is, then? Is he alive? Why didn't you tell me? God, did he go back to the Dark Side?"
"He is alive, and continues to help me by spying on Voldemort's supporters. You know him, although he is not the man you think him to be. Your father, Harry, is Severus Snape."
"But… then, how… everyone always said I was exactly like James… I was always told how perfect my mother and father, er, James Potter, were…" then, realizing the last little bit of what Dumbledore had said, he shouted "WHAT?"
"It's okay, Harry. You looked like James because you were placed under several charms when you were a child. When you turned sixteen, and received an owl, that began to reverse those changes, which is why, two days later, you resemble your true father more. As for Lily and James together, they were always good friends. They pretended to be married while Lily was actually with Severus, so as to not raise suspicion."
"If only I hadn't opened that bloody letter." Harry mumbled under his breath, "I wouldn't have changed and none of this would have happened." Then, out loudly enough to be heard, he simply stated-
"I don't believe you. You're a liar. You've lied to me before. Why, in Merlin's name should I ever believe another word you say again?"
"I have proof. Paternity tests, both magical and muggle, as well as a real birth certificate, and a photo album of your mother and Severus when they were younger. I know its difficult, but you are indeed, his son."
"Stop saying that! THIS IS BULLSHIT!" After a few moments pause of thinking, and considering, he asked "Does Snape know? Since he was under the memory charm and all"
Biting back the urge to correct Harry with a "Professor Snape", Dumbledore nodded. "I talked to him just a few hours ago, before you came. I removed the memory charm, and left him in the dungeons to think. I believe Remus went down to talk to him. They were quite close friends years ago, and it has hurt Remus to be at odds with him lately."
"I need to go think, as well. Where should I go with my things?" Harry spoke curtly. It was taking every once of self-control he had not to go and Avada the wizard in front of him. His whole fucking life was a lie.
"There is an extra room provided for, in the hallway adjacent to the Room of Requirement. Go to the knight in the suit of armor, shake it's hand, and tell it a password. From there on, the room is yours. If you would, please join me for supper tonight in the Great Hall at six. I would like to further talk to you there, and perhaps we can work out a few of these questions.
Harry nodded. "Yes, Headmaster." Before he went through the door, he did say one thing. "I'm still extremely angry at you, you know."
"Yes, Harry, I know. And I am sorry."
Remus arrived at the dungeon workroom and found it dark, and cold. Lighting a candle, and bringing it inside, he saw the huddled figure of Severus sitting with his eyes closed.
"Severus?" He asked, gently. The man looked to be asleep, but could merely be thinking.
Opening his eyes, Snape saw the werewolf in his doorway. "Remus." I trust you've been informed of this soap-opera drama story.
"Yes." He moved over to sit next to the quiet and reflective man. "How are you?"
"My life has so completely changed. I do not understand anything anymore. At least when I lived a lie, I knew how things were."
"It's okay. You and Harry both, you'll get through this." Remus placed a reassuring hand on Snape's shoulder. The man felt cold and clammy, even through his robes.
"Harry. God, why did I have to screw things up with Harry? He hates me, now. Is he here? Dumbledore said he'd be arriving soon."
"Yes, Harry is here. He's being told by Dumbledore right now, actually." Remus then told the story of how he and Moody had found Harry for the second time in the two hours since it had happened.
"Kicked him out? God damn muggles. I always hated Lily's sister. Couldn't believe how such a repulsive thing like her could be related so someone so nice and perfect like Lils. And that boyfriend of hers, the one that she married? Gives a bad name to all muggles." Remus almost smiled as the dark haired man went on. Here was a man who had spoken to the Dark Lord who was feared by the majority of the wizarding world, who had even lied to him. Snape had performed countless dark arts, done unspeakable evil, murdered dozens, if not more, people. And here he was, getting so upset over a boy whom he had hated previously. Severus continued, unbothered by the thoughts in Remeus's head that he naturally couldn't tell.
""And, the charms were off… What, well, what did he look like?"
Remus did actually begin to laugh this time.
"He looked like you. Very odd, it was. Well, for one thing, he was taller. A lot taller, actually. He used to be what, five foot seven? He must be at least up to six feet by now. His hairs down to his shoulders, and when we saw him, it hung in his face, so that you couldn't see his scar, which he still has.
His face is thinner, and more pointed. His complexion's pale, too. That might be from being locked in his room all summer, though." Seeing Severus's face turn to a murderous look, Remus hurriedly went on. "But he's still got Lily's eyes. And…" he trailed off, snorting with laughter.
"And? And what?" Severus took the bait.
"And, he's got your nose."
Snape scowled, bringing his hands to his face. Then, sarcastically, he said. "Now he'll definitely hate me. I thought that this monstrous genetic sin against nature would die with me, too."
All the Snape's were cursed with the nose, as far back as anyone could remember. Fortunately, however, Snape, and now Harry, were the only two left.
"It's okay, Sev." Remus comforted. "It doesn't look as bad on him." Then, when Snape glared at him, he recognized his poor choice in wording. "Er, I mean, it doesn't look as bad as it… might have. Like, if he still looked like he used to, but had this nose, it would look horrible, really, but since his features changed to look more like you now, then that's okay."
Now Remus was the one who was babbling. Snape couldn't even glare at him anymore, he was in certain danger of bursting out laughing.
It was a strange feeling for him. He was, he realized, going soft. All these new feelings because of some memories from over a decade and a half ago. Hell, he hadn't even seen or talked to the boy yet.
He was nervous too. Maybe, he should wait until Harry left Dumbledore's office, and then go have another talk with the Headmaster. To see how Harry had taken it. Or, he would just see the man at the Great Hall for supper. It was tradition in the summer for the staff who remained at Hogwarts to have one meal a month together, and tonight was the scheduled meal for July.
Remus, noting how quiet Snape had become, excused himself, to go back to the main castle. Snape just simply nodded him out, and went back to thinking about what he should, would, or could do. This all became very confusing after a while, and he returned to the box of memento's that Dumbledore had left for him.
Then, after he had allowed himself to wallow in self pity for long enough, he snapped himself out of it. He changed robes, and went up to the Great Hall for supper.
Remus made his way up from the dungeons to his office, and decided it might be best if he would set things up a bit, and get his plans ready for the next year. The Defense Against the Dark Arts position's "curse" had left many of the students with a very limited knowledge of the curriculum and subject matter. This year's sixth year students would have had a different teacher every year, and most of the teachers had had no idea what they were talking about.
So, after opening up his Floo, and going to Grimmauld Place to get his few belongings, he set up his space, and dove into the work that he needed to do. After a few hours of working very hard, he looked up and noted the time on the clock. The meal would be served in the Great Hall in a few minutes, and he wanted to be there. Finishing the paper he was working on, he left the room.
Harry, after leaving Dumbledore's office, went to the only statue of armor in the hall next to the Room of Requirement. He, as instructed, shook its hand, and checked the hallway around him for people before whispering the word "hidden" in Parseltongue. That way, it was protected, as he was the only one in the whole wizarding world, excepting Voldemort, who could speak the language. Other than snakes, of course.
Harry walked in to the room. It was done in a shade of dark blue, with gold and silver accents. There was dark wood doors leading into more rooms.
There was no house colours, for which he was grateful. He didn't know who he was anymore. Why should he actually belong to a house? Harry found his trunk already in the room. Then, after a short inspection of the main room, which was like a library, bathroom, and bedroom, he left.
He walked only a short distance down the hall, thinking, "I just need a place to get away, where I can let my frustrations out in private."
Then, he opened the door in front of him, and was in the Room of Requirement. This time, it was white, and there were several targets set up against the far wall, which was quite a distance away. The room had expanded. On another of the walls was a couch, and a table in front of it on which there was a cup of tea.
Feeling the pent up anger making his head ache, Harry grabbed his wand. Standing in front of the first target, he began. "This is for bloody lying to me!" He sent a flame at it. The spell hit dead center.
Harry enjoyed watching it burn.
Then he moved on to the next one. "This is for sending me to the Dursleys for fifteen fucking years!"
He blew it up. There was a loud explosion, and Harry felt himself be thrown back a little ways, but he quickly regained his footing. He went through the row of targets, destroying each one, giving it a reason. Some injustice done to him by anyone. Dumbledore's name was cursed more than once.
So was Snape's but Harry couldn't hate him, not really. He had as much idea of the situation as Harry had, because of the memory charms. According to Dumbledore, anyways. Not that he could trust him. Not after all these secrets. Who knew what else was being hidden from him. Maybe he was a vampire. Maybe Lily wasn't his real mother. Maybe he was Voldemort's long lost brother. Who the hell knew?
After about an hour of blasting the targets, Harry was exhausted. He lay down on the couch, and fell asleep for a little while. When he woke up from his short nap, he drank the tea, to calm him down before dinner with Dumbledore. He hoped Remus would be there. He seemed to be the only one that Harry could trust anymore. But then, a thought hit him, suddenly and with as much impact as a speeding train. What if Remus had known, too?
There was never any mention of a memory charm placed on him. So there was another person whom he had trusted, and lied to him. Did he have anyone, anymore?
What about his friends? He was pretty sure Ron and Hermione didn't know, but would they still want to spend time with him, when they realized that he wasn't "The great Harry Potter" that everyone thought that he was. They wouldn't even have to realize it. They wouldn't even be able to recognize him.
He was screwed.
He went back to his room to unpack. His robes were definitely way too small now. He had changed a lot. He was taller and last year's school robes would certainly not fit. He was at least half a foot taller than when he last wore them. Fortunately, he was still wearing Dudley's old muggle clothes, which were too big anyways, so it wasn't as noticeable. But his cousin wasn't exactly tall, just round.
He'd ask Dumbledore if he could go to Diagon Alley sometime soon. He still needed to get his books, too, although he hadn't gotten the list yet. They probably wouldn't even be owled for another week.
Owled. The thought brought something back to Harry's mind. Where was Hedwig? Normally she would have come to him. Maybe she was here, but couldn't get to his room? He'd check the school Owlry later.
Taking out his Potions kit, he decided that he would start on the potion that Hermione had sent him later that night. He snorted. No wonder he was getting better in Potions. He'd inherited his "father's" talent. Would it ever stop being weird to think of his father and see Snape there instead of James Potter?
He put the potion kit up on a shelf in the main room. He was looking at the books on the shelf, and was picking up one to leaf through, when there was a knock at the door. He went over and opened it.
Standing there was Dobby. The little house elf gave a squeak.
"Harry Potter's come back to Hogwarts!!" The next thing Harry felt was the short Dobby running into him, and giving him a hug. He looked down, and said
"Hi, Dobby." Then, realizing something "How did you recognize me?"
"The great wizard Professor Dumbledore, sir. He told me to come here, and that you'd be here! And, Harry Potter, sir, you still have your scar."
Right. His scar. He'd forgotten that. Well, he might still be able to be picked out in a crowd, but if his hair covered his scar, it would be impossible to see any resemblance. Well, he still had his mothers eyes, and he was glad for that. They reminded him that he was sure of at least one thing.
"Mr. Harry Potter, sir?" Dobby was tugging at his shirt. "Dobby is told to come make sure your room is okay. Is there anything Dobby can do for you, Harry Potter?
"No, thanks anyways, Dobby. Actually, I need to go down to the Great Hall to eat. But I'll come visit you in the kitchens soon, okay?"
"Yes, sir. Goodbye, sir!"
Harry followed the house elf out the door and passed the suit of armor. The door closed behind him, and the armor had both hands now on its weapon, like it was guarding the door. In a sense, it was.
Harry continued on his way. He turned into the Great Hall just as Remus did, and he went to sit down next to the werewolf. He needed to get a few things straight before talking to Dumbledore again.
"Harry! How are you?" There was a questioning in his eyes.
"My whole life's just been changed. How do you think I feel?" Harry felt bad for being so sharp with a friend, but honestly. What could he expect? 'Oh yes, I'm just fine and dandy, thanks for asking. Yourself?' It wasn't going to happen.
Instead. He apologized.
"Listen, I'm sorry, Remus, but… things have changed, now."
"It's okay, Harry, I understand. I'm just worried about you."
"I know. I have a question, though." He had to know. If his confidence had been betrayed by Remus, then he didn't know what he'd do. Go crazy, maybe. But everyone seemed to be hiding things from him. He had to know the truth.
"Did you know?" He swallowed hard, waiting for the answer.
"Yes." Remus kept his voice under control, but Harry couldn't. In a louder voice than before, he asked another question.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Harry, I'm sorry. I.. I couldn't. I was under an oath. I just had given my word to keep it secret, and then, you were so much like James that I just, forgot about it. I'm sorry."
Harry nodded. It was better than a direct betrayal, anyways, if Remus had sworn not to tell anyone. He didn't want to get mad. He was tired of being so mad at everyone. It just wasn't fair to himself. Here was a chance for someone who he was comfortable to talk to talk to him, and he wasn't going to let it go by getting mad and ruining it. He had so many questions that he needed answered.
"Did Sirius know?" He had the feeling that his deceased godfather hadn't, because of how he had always treated Snape, but he figured it would be a start, anyways.
"No. He would have been furious, if he had known.. We decided not to tell him because…"
Remus and Harry continued their conversation, oblivious to the two people watching them. The rest of the staff was busy talking and eating, but Severus had just come into the room, and was unnoticed. He saw Harry there, and was so overcome. His son.
Remus was right. They did look alike.
He was watching Remus talk to Harry, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Startled, he berated himself for jumping. He had to be under control, otherwise his emotions would be obvious to everyone from the Dark Lord to the Minister of Magic.
Turning around, he acknowledged the man standing behind him.
"Dumbledore."
"Severus. How are you?"
"Everything's changed, Albus. My life is so different. What do you think I feel like?"
"Seve.."
"No, Headmaster, I'm sorry. It' s just that I feel so cheated now, out of a relationship with my only family, and you're the one who took that away from me.
I know it was for my own good, but I still cannot accept that for years you kept such a big secret from me. And Harry."
"I understand, Severus. I only did what I thought was right for both of you. Now, shall we go and eat?"
"Actually, Headmaster, I'm not very hungry, anymore. I think I'll go back to my rooms, and get some work done."
Dumbledore nodded, but there was a smile in his voice that you could hear when he said "You're going to have to face him someday, Severus."
"I know. Just, not today." The last sentence was barely loud enough to hear.
Dumbledore came up to the table, and sat down next to Harry, who, at this time, was receiving odd looks from the other teachers, but so far, no one had said anything. It was obvious that they didn't know who he was, as his hair was strategically placed over his scar.
It was better like that, the Headmaster thought. If he could get the two together in his office sometime tomorrow, they could work out what would become to Harry. He couldn't stay this way, and remain Harry Potter. The whole wizarding world would come after him. Not to mention all those who believed he alone could save everyone.
"Good evening. Remus, Harry." He spoke softly, so none could hear him.
"Professor, Headmaster." the voices answered. Then, Harry spoke. "Do you mind if I go to Diagon Alley tomorrow, Professor? If I could be given a list of the books I'll need this year, I could go early, when not so many people would be there, and get robes, and money from Gringotts."
Dumbledore considered this. It sounded fair. "Yes, of course you can. But, please come to my office around nine, before you go. I'll give you a Portkey, and"
"No! Well, that is, it would be easier just to Floo." Dumbledore nodded. Harry probably was avoiding Portkeys, since the end of his fourth year. That had obviously played a big part of his past.
"Okay. You can Floo from my office. It is the only one connected all the time, as we are trying to remain safe here, during these dangerous and dark times."
"Alright, then, Professor. I'm going to go back to my room now, though. I have some work I need to do. Thanks, Remus."
Harry left the table, following the path up to his room. Watching him go, Remus told Dumbledore of his worries for the boy.
"He's just under so much continuous pressure from everyone. First his parents are dead, and he can't remember them. Then, he finds out he's a wizard, and famous for something he doesn't even remember. Next, he's either supposed to kill this wizard, or die himself. Now, he has a parent left alive, and he's been lied to by the people who have been mentors to him for years. I'm just afraid that one day all this will get to him, and he's going to just… explode."
" I know, Remus. But like it or not, the majority of people see that boy as our savior. He has to be prepared for it. As much as I regret doing some of the things that I did, I can't turn back the time and redo it. And if I could, I wouldn't. Because he's still alive and safe, and so is Severus. That's all I can do."
The conversation was ended. Professor McGonagall leaned over and asked the Headmaster about some o f the policy changes taking place this year.
Harry returned to his room, and got the potion brewing kit and recipe. Then, going to the Room of Requirement, he asked for a lab. When he opened the door, there was a complete replica of the dungeons lab, and Harry started to work. He began by getting out the necessary ingredients. He noticed that he was going to run low on crushed fairy wings, and made a mental note to buy some more tomorrow. Also, he could get more exotic things at the shop.
He spent the next few hours brewing, and waiting, and stirring the cauldron in an outward spiral, as was made clear. Then, he waited about half an hour, spending the time reading over some of his Transfiguration work. It seemed pretty hard at first, but he was not actually having that difficult of a time grasping some of the concepts. He finished up an essay for charms, too, then reread it. If he was to be taking the Advanced classes this year, he would need to pay more attention to his studies.
Then, it was time to check the potion. If brewed correctly, it should be a pale blue, with white steam coming from it. Harry looked at the top of the cauldron first. There was white steam emitting from the brew, so that was a good first sign.
Then, he looked in the cauldron. The blue was soft, and light, and indicated that it had been made correctly. Harry took out a flask, and filled it with the potion, emptying every last drop. Then, he labeled it, and cleaned up the mess.
By the time he was in his room, it was passed midnight, and Harry was tired from his day. He was actually still in a daze, and had made the potion out of necessity. Tonight, more than ever, he needed to rest.
Well, here's another chapter completed. I'm probably going to be taking some more time getting the next few chapters out, because school will be starting again after the Christmas break.
Thanks to the following who reviewed-
Arrow Snape
Melissa Jooty
Manicreversed
Starange12106
Felinity- special thanks, for correcting me on a spelling error
Tia
Andromeda Snape-Malfoy
The Vampire Story Hunter
Kneh13
Read and Review!
~Leuca
