Harry Potter and the Serpent's Rebellion

Disclaimer: Harry Potter=not mine

Summary: What is the reason behind Harry's uncanny resemblance to Tom Riddle? Dark secrets about his heritage are about to be uncovered…

Author Notes: Thanks for your suggestions! I'll keep up with these short, frequent chappies then. Don't worry, Wormtail will get what he deserves.

Chapter five: The Terrible Truth

"BOY! Come down here. Your aunt wants to talk to you!" Uncle Vernon roared. Curious, Harry went into the living room. Mrs. Figg, the mad old squib, was chatting with his aunt.

"Here is the boy, Arabella. Are you sure you want to deal with the nuisance?" his aunt was just saying.

"O yes, I just need him for some yard work," Mrs. Figg replied.

Aunt Petunia pursed her lips and gestured to Harry. "Well, make sure he is back in time for dinner. Don't bother feeding him."

Harry followed Mrs. Figg down Pivet Drive and into Wisteria Walk. "Don't dawdle boy! Professor Dumbledore is waiting!" the old lady snapped.

"Professor Dumbledore? I just talked to him yesterday!"

"Well, he obviously wants to talk to you again today. In secrecy too." Mrs. Figg ushered him into her cabbage-smelling living room, where Professor Dumbledore was indeed sitting, serenely sipping a cup of tea.

He smiled as Harry entered, though his eyes lacked their ever-present twinkle. The old wizard eyed the boy critically, again noticing the similarities the child held to his former pupil. However, Harry also gained some of his mother's features, like his full, curving lips and his high, aristocratic cheekbones.

"Hello Professor. I did not expect to see you so soon after yesterday." Harry greeted.

"I did not expect it myself, but there are some important issues I need to discuss with you regarding your letter."

Blushing, Harry stammered, "Sir, I'm sorry that I have not been practicing Occlumency, I just forgot yesterday and…"

"That is not what I came to discuss with you, Harry," Professor Dumbledore cut in. "I felt that there are some things in the vision that requires an explanation. I promised that I would keep no more secrets from you, and I intend to keep my word."

Harry paled. "You mean, you mean that the dream was true, and not just a vision sent by Voldemort?"

"I cannot say for sure, but it is highly probable. In any case, the things spoken in the dream are indeed true. Professor Snape did not return to Hogwarts last night," Dumbledore replied calmly.

"What about the other part, I mean the part about Voldemort," Harry gulped, "being my father," he finished in a whisper.

"In that, Harry, I owe you an explanation. I did not know this until after I came to visit you yesterday, but it seems that Professor Snape has known for sixteen years. It all started nine months before you were born, when your mother was captured by the dark lord…"

After Dumbledore had finished his tale, Harry stared at him, unable to comprehend what he had just been told. Finally, he snapped out of his daze and slowly spoke, "Am I to understand that Voldemort is my biological father, and Professor Snape disguised this fact for fifteen years with a potion?"

"Yes, that is exactly what I am telling you, Harry," Dumbledore answered.

Suddenly, Harry grinned and began laughing. "Good joke Professor, but I don't buy it. What about the prophecy? How could Voldemort have defied himself three times?"

"The prophecy is still perfectly valid, and I am not jesting. You are indeed born TO those who thrice defied him. Your legal parents are still Lily and James Potter, you are but Riddle's son biologically. Voldemort does not realize this, so we may use this to our advantage," Dumbledore explained.

"Then it's true," Harry murmured sadly, "I am the son of evil."

"Do not say that, Harry. Nobody is evil to begin with. Tom Riddle was shown no love, therefore he did not know how to love." The headmaster sighed. "I was not able to help the angry child in time. By the time I recognized the signs it was already too late. I am glad you found loyal friends whom you could confide in."

He smiled benevolently at the pupil he had come to regard almost as a grandson. "Harry, you are one of the best and kindest students I know. You have your mother's bravery and loyalty, and your father's cunning and intelligence. Do not be ashamed of your heritage."

Harry looked slightly happier, but a worried frown still marred his face. "Thank you sir. I'm glad that you do not judge me because of my father. I also noticed the similarities of our childhood situations."

"There is another thing I came to ask you about. What condition was Professor Snape in when you woke up?" Dumbledore asked anxiously.

"He was unconscious, but still sane, I think. Voldemort said that he…" Harry hesitated, then continued reluctantly, "He said that he wanted to have more fun with him later. Then, he burst out, "Professor, I don't think he has much longer!"

Dumbledore sighed wearily. "I'm afraid that we have lost our spy and potions master, then. I should not have allowed him to do this."

Harry chewed on his lower lip. This man had done so much of him without seeking acknowledgement. He knew that if Severus Snape had admitted his knowledge to the world, he would not be alive today. Somehow, he had to do something to pay the potions master back for all the times he had saved his life.

"Professor, I think I may have a plan…"

When he had finished, Dumbledore was staring at him in awe. "Harry, are you sure you want to do this? Tom Riddle is not forgiving to even his closest relations, as the murder of his father can attest."

"Yes, Professor, I am sure. I have been practicing Occlumency over the summer, except for that night when I had the vision, when I fell asleep before I cleared my mind. Voldemort will not know that I am lying to him." Harry's voice was firm, and held no room for argument.

Dumbledore's eyes glittered with pride, and he suddenly gathered Harry into his arms. "O child, everything does happen to you, doesn't it? I'm prouder of you than I could ever say in words. Please come back to us safely."

Harry nodded, a lump in his throat preventing speech. Dumbledore took one last look at his pupil, and disapparated. For this plan to work, Harry had to go through this alone.

Moving quickly, Harry began composing a letter. Reading it over and finding it satisfactory, he sealed the letter and dispatched it with Hedwig.

Now all he had to do was wait.

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A/N: Whew! That was one of the hardest chapters to write. I'm sorry if it seems a bit awkward, but it is necessary for the rest of the story. Review! Constructive criticism  needed!