"I'm going to wring his neck!" Mrs. Weasley screeched, pacing up and down
next to Harry's usual bed in the hospital ward. "To forget about the full
moon, and no less with someone in the room with him! Why I oughta curse him
to Mars and back!" She swore, her hands balled tightly into fists.
"Whoa," Ron gasped, "I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that."
"Normally you are," Hermione chuckled, looking back down at Harry and
ceasing.
A stirring came from the bed, letting everyone know that Harry was now awake. He groaned and grabbed his glasses, looking around. "Now what did I do and how long have I been here for?" Mrs. Weasley swooped down and hugged him tightly. "No, no. It wasn't your fault! And you've only been asleep for the night this time." Harry tried to shove her off gently, his left arm hurting quite badly for some reason. The room was full of people, most of the Weasley family, Hermione, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey, and once again, a concerned looking Snape. "What's going on...?"
"Err Harry? Do you remember anything about last night?" Dumbledore started, glancing about. "Umm, I went down to the DADA room and found Remus there and asked him to help me attempt my Animagus change again. All I remember is starting the changes and then I think I passed out." "Do you know what day of the month it was yesterday?" Severus asked in that low drawl of his, and saw Harry shake his head. "It was the full moon, and that idiot forgot to take his potion."
Harry's face drained, leaving him pale white and realizing just why his arm hurt. Slowly he worked on unwrapping the bandage and saw the row of teeth marks that just missed his wrist vanes. He slumped back on his bed, wondering just how things could get any worse. His body was achy and he felt extremely tired and dizzy. At that point, Madam Pomfrey came back over and shooed the people out of her way. "Mister Potter, you must take these potions if you're going to heal properly. And that small purple one will kill the pain," She pointed, waiting until he drank all of them with a look of disgust on his face. Standing up slowly, making sure the potions had done their effect, he moved over towards the group of people.
"Is Remus still wolf at the moment?" Harry asked, needing to talk to the man. Severus shook his head. "No, he's hiding in his room, not wanting to come out... Not that I could blame him." A snarl appeared on the man's face. Harry nodded shortly and decided it was time to leave the hospital ward. He didn't exactly want to be there so soon, and the rest followed him up to the Gryffindor Common Room. "So I don't have to worry about changing for a month yet?" Harry asked softly, taking a seat on one of the red chairs. "No." He nodded curtly, and remembered something else and tried to break the silence. "So, is anyone going to take me to Diagon Alley or am I going to have to sneak off again?" Mrs. Weasley hugged him again before weeping softly in the corner.
"I am going to escort you, along with Tonks," Severus said, hesitantly putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Ron, Ginny and Hermione are welcome to come along too as if I'm not mistaken, they haven't had a chance to get their items for school yet either. Get dressed and we'll leave soon by Floo Powder." Harry responded quickly, putting on his dark robes to cover up his arm, not really wanting people to know about the bite. He didn't expect to see Lupin anytime soon though; Harry knew he was feeling terrible about what he did.
The five of them took their turn at the Floo Power and fireplace, landing each one in the Leaky Cauldron a moment later. Tonks was already sitting there, a small glass of fire whisky in her hand. "TONKS!" Snape yelled, glaring at her for drinking on the job. She blushed, pushing the half empty glass away. "Sorry," she mumbled, standing up and brushing herself off. They followed the two as they tapped the bricks in the right order, leaving the entrance to Diagon Alley open. "Now, stay together, even though I know you all know this place," Severus said in a cool voice, "You never know what could be around."
They nodded, walking with their two escorts into Gringotts, needing money first before doing anything else. Having to visit three vaults had their stomachs turning with nausea from the wild ride. The next stop was to the Apothecary to stock up on the needed potions ingredients, although Harry already owned the ones he'd need. A few more stops at random stores to stock up on things such as parchment, quills, a new cauldron, and a couple new robes. The last stop was to Flourish & Blotts for the needed books. Each of them picked up the ones from their supplies list and Hermione grabbed about five others that she thought were intriguing. Harry, slipping off unnoticed for a moment looked around at the bestiary section and found a book called, "So You're Now a Werewolf." He skimmed through it for a few minutes before Snape found him sitting alone with the book on his lap. "Harry, the others are ready to leave..." The boy looked up from the book, nodding and placing it with the others he needed to still purchase. "It's for a friend," he mumbled after getting strange looks from the clerk.
The trip back to Hogwarts was uneventful to say the least. Harry settled himself back into the Common Room with Ron, Ginny and Hermione sitting around him. Their parents had decided just to let them stay there until the semester started in less than a week, their stuff already transported into their dorms. "Harry, it won't be so bad. You'll see. Especially with the potion that they have out now," Hermione said, trying to comfort him when she saw what book he was reading. "And Remus will be around to answer questions you have," She whispered softly. "Thanks 'Mione." It was getting late and he and Ron headed up towards their dorm, leaving the two girls to find their own. Harry tossed and turned in his bed for a while, finding it hard to be able to fall asleep. Finally, probably hours later he drifted off, but into disturbing dreams that would make his ex- divination teacher have a hay day with trying to interpret them.
He woke up the next morning, feeling rather tired and traipsed down towards the Common Room, surprised to see that it was already full with people. All his professors were there, along with Tonks and much to his annoyance and need, Remus as well. His friends had already gotten dressed and made there way towards the table filled with food. He was motioned to sit down and eat by Severus, realizing just how hungry he was. After eating his fill of toast, fruit, and pancakes, Dumbledore started, "I presume you've all heard now about the other night's events," Remus flushed and tried to leave, although was held back by a struggling Tonks. "A rather unfortunate happening which could've been avoided had the two been a bit smarter in their actions. The school is equipped to handle this now, especially with Severus's ability to brew the needed potion to have him keep his own mind. I'm not certain that the Shrieking Shack will be a safe place for Harry this year, so another room will be needed, something like the Room of Requirement." Dumbledore looked sadly at Remus. "I need you to stay at Hogwarts for awhile, I'm certain you understand why."
The room slowly filed out, leaving only his friends and Snape in the room. "Umm, sir? Why are you still here?" Ron asked, wondering why the potions master hadn't been the first to leave. "For your information Weasley, I need to talk to Harry for a few minutes," He said coolly, getting a startled look from Ron, Hermione and Ginny from using his first name. He sat down on one of the broken in chairs next to the boy, giving the others their first real look at the two of them next to each other. Hermione, being the genius that she was, let out a small gasp but kept silent. "Have you told them yet?" Harry shook his head. Ron looked over, bewilderment on his face. "Told us what?" "Professor Snape is my father."
Ron stood there with a dumbfound look on his face, Ginny squeaked in terror and Hermione didn't look surprised as she had a moment ago. "Uh, Harry? Mate? Are you sure you didn't hit your head or something last night?" Harry shook his head no again. "No, Ron, I'm telling you the truth," he scowled softly, giving his face a look like a younger Snape's and making it quite clear for Ron. "Harry, I know what you're saying is true, you can't deny it with how you've grown... But how can this be?" She asked, staring directly into Snape's eyes. Their potions master delved back into his history, leaving astonished looks on their faces.
"Good lord. First Harry gets bitten by Lupin and now we find out he's Professor Snape's son. I'd swear that he's got a bad luck charm floating around him." Severus glowered down at the blabbering boy and he got the hint and shut up. "Genderphus!" Smirking to himself, he saw the red haired boy become a red haired girl. "Professor Snape!" Cried Hermione, "You shouldn't do that!" "Oh don't worry. It'll wear off in a few days, Miss Granger. Besides, perhaps he'll grow some intelligence while waiting to change back."
Harry scowled at his father, wondering just how on earth he could be related to a man like that. He was pulled aside a moment later. "Harry, I know that doesn't make me look good, but I do have to keep up my reputation of being a slimy git of a potions master..." Harry broke a smile slightly, not sure as to what to say. "Oh, by the way, I do believe you never got the chance to look at these..."
Dear Mr. Potter, Enclosed are your O.W.L. results from last year. Good luck with your future.
Herbology- E Astronomy- A Defense Against the Dark Arts- O Divination- P Transfiguration- E Charms- O Care of Magical Creatures- O History- D
Potions- O
Harry smirked; at least something good had come out of the day. "I must ask, how on earth did you pull off an O on your potions exam?" Snape pressed, still unable to fathom that one out. "I uh, felt more comfortable without you standing there and breathing down my neck, Sir," Harry admitted. "Don't call me sir, Harry." The boy shifted uneasily in his seat again, not really sure what to say. He knew sooner or later he'd have to accept the truth, especially every time he looked into the mirror, but it hurt him, knowing that the person who'd made his life a living hell at times was now revealed as his father. "Are you okay... son? I didn't have the chance to speak with you since you were bitten." "Umm, the potions you sent Madam Pomfrey worked, if that's what you mean."
The man shook his head. "No, Harry. I meant mentally. Physically, well, we all know what's going to happen, but I know you've had problems in the past with certain incidents."
Harry slumped back down into his seat, sadness in his eye. "The remaining tie to my family, now, I don't know if I can trust anymore. I know he didn't mean it; it was my own stupidity for being down there alone with him anyhow. But he was someone I could go to whenever I felt there was no where else to turn."
Snape sighed; he wasn't sure what to say or how to comfort the boy. "That man," he began, a look of hatred flickering for a moment in his eyes, "Should have been more responsible. Forgetting it was the full moon and not taking his potions. What an idiot he was! Now look! I find out I have a son and Lupin goes and turns him into a werewolf!" He snarled for a moment, forgetting Harry was standing next to him. Snapping back to reality, he turned his head and looked at his boy, "First potion we'll be doing is the one that the numbskull forgot to take and that you'll be needing next month. Just don't let this slip to the Slytherins or you'll be in for some serious trouble from them and the Death Eaters."
"Umm, right."
"Are you going to call me 'Umm' for the rest your for life?" Severus chuckled, leaving Harry to his own thoughts for the time being.
A stirring came from the bed, letting everyone know that Harry was now awake. He groaned and grabbed his glasses, looking around. "Now what did I do and how long have I been here for?" Mrs. Weasley swooped down and hugged him tightly. "No, no. It wasn't your fault! And you've only been asleep for the night this time." Harry tried to shove her off gently, his left arm hurting quite badly for some reason. The room was full of people, most of the Weasley family, Hermione, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey, and once again, a concerned looking Snape. "What's going on...?"
"Err Harry? Do you remember anything about last night?" Dumbledore started, glancing about. "Umm, I went down to the DADA room and found Remus there and asked him to help me attempt my Animagus change again. All I remember is starting the changes and then I think I passed out." "Do you know what day of the month it was yesterday?" Severus asked in that low drawl of his, and saw Harry shake his head. "It was the full moon, and that idiot forgot to take his potion."
Harry's face drained, leaving him pale white and realizing just why his arm hurt. Slowly he worked on unwrapping the bandage and saw the row of teeth marks that just missed his wrist vanes. He slumped back on his bed, wondering just how things could get any worse. His body was achy and he felt extremely tired and dizzy. At that point, Madam Pomfrey came back over and shooed the people out of her way. "Mister Potter, you must take these potions if you're going to heal properly. And that small purple one will kill the pain," She pointed, waiting until he drank all of them with a look of disgust on his face. Standing up slowly, making sure the potions had done their effect, he moved over towards the group of people.
"Is Remus still wolf at the moment?" Harry asked, needing to talk to the man. Severus shook his head. "No, he's hiding in his room, not wanting to come out... Not that I could blame him." A snarl appeared on the man's face. Harry nodded shortly and decided it was time to leave the hospital ward. He didn't exactly want to be there so soon, and the rest followed him up to the Gryffindor Common Room. "So I don't have to worry about changing for a month yet?" Harry asked softly, taking a seat on one of the red chairs. "No." He nodded curtly, and remembered something else and tried to break the silence. "So, is anyone going to take me to Diagon Alley or am I going to have to sneak off again?" Mrs. Weasley hugged him again before weeping softly in the corner.
"I am going to escort you, along with Tonks," Severus said, hesitantly putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Ron, Ginny and Hermione are welcome to come along too as if I'm not mistaken, they haven't had a chance to get their items for school yet either. Get dressed and we'll leave soon by Floo Powder." Harry responded quickly, putting on his dark robes to cover up his arm, not really wanting people to know about the bite. He didn't expect to see Lupin anytime soon though; Harry knew he was feeling terrible about what he did.
The five of them took their turn at the Floo Power and fireplace, landing each one in the Leaky Cauldron a moment later. Tonks was already sitting there, a small glass of fire whisky in her hand. "TONKS!" Snape yelled, glaring at her for drinking on the job. She blushed, pushing the half empty glass away. "Sorry," she mumbled, standing up and brushing herself off. They followed the two as they tapped the bricks in the right order, leaving the entrance to Diagon Alley open. "Now, stay together, even though I know you all know this place," Severus said in a cool voice, "You never know what could be around."
They nodded, walking with their two escorts into Gringotts, needing money first before doing anything else. Having to visit three vaults had their stomachs turning with nausea from the wild ride. The next stop was to the Apothecary to stock up on the needed potions ingredients, although Harry already owned the ones he'd need. A few more stops at random stores to stock up on things such as parchment, quills, a new cauldron, and a couple new robes. The last stop was to Flourish & Blotts for the needed books. Each of them picked up the ones from their supplies list and Hermione grabbed about five others that she thought were intriguing. Harry, slipping off unnoticed for a moment looked around at the bestiary section and found a book called, "So You're Now a Werewolf." He skimmed through it for a few minutes before Snape found him sitting alone with the book on his lap. "Harry, the others are ready to leave..." The boy looked up from the book, nodding and placing it with the others he needed to still purchase. "It's for a friend," he mumbled after getting strange looks from the clerk.
The trip back to Hogwarts was uneventful to say the least. Harry settled himself back into the Common Room with Ron, Ginny and Hermione sitting around him. Their parents had decided just to let them stay there until the semester started in less than a week, their stuff already transported into their dorms. "Harry, it won't be so bad. You'll see. Especially with the potion that they have out now," Hermione said, trying to comfort him when she saw what book he was reading. "And Remus will be around to answer questions you have," She whispered softly. "Thanks 'Mione." It was getting late and he and Ron headed up towards their dorm, leaving the two girls to find their own. Harry tossed and turned in his bed for a while, finding it hard to be able to fall asleep. Finally, probably hours later he drifted off, but into disturbing dreams that would make his ex- divination teacher have a hay day with trying to interpret them.
He woke up the next morning, feeling rather tired and traipsed down towards the Common Room, surprised to see that it was already full with people. All his professors were there, along with Tonks and much to his annoyance and need, Remus as well. His friends had already gotten dressed and made there way towards the table filled with food. He was motioned to sit down and eat by Severus, realizing just how hungry he was. After eating his fill of toast, fruit, and pancakes, Dumbledore started, "I presume you've all heard now about the other night's events," Remus flushed and tried to leave, although was held back by a struggling Tonks. "A rather unfortunate happening which could've been avoided had the two been a bit smarter in their actions. The school is equipped to handle this now, especially with Severus's ability to brew the needed potion to have him keep his own mind. I'm not certain that the Shrieking Shack will be a safe place for Harry this year, so another room will be needed, something like the Room of Requirement." Dumbledore looked sadly at Remus. "I need you to stay at Hogwarts for awhile, I'm certain you understand why."
The room slowly filed out, leaving only his friends and Snape in the room. "Umm, sir? Why are you still here?" Ron asked, wondering why the potions master hadn't been the first to leave. "For your information Weasley, I need to talk to Harry for a few minutes," He said coolly, getting a startled look from Ron, Hermione and Ginny from using his first name. He sat down on one of the broken in chairs next to the boy, giving the others their first real look at the two of them next to each other. Hermione, being the genius that she was, let out a small gasp but kept silent. "Have you told them yet?" Harry shook his head. Ron looked over, bewilderment on his face. "Told us what?" "Professor Snape is my father."
Ron stood there with a dumbfound look on his face, Ginny squeaked in terror and Hermione didn't look surprised as she had a moment ago. "Uh, Harry? Mate? Are you sure you didn't hit your head or something last night?" Harry shook his head no again. "No, Ron, I'm telling you the truth," he scowled softly, giving his face a look like a younger Snape's and making it quite clear for Ron. "Harry, I know what you're saying is true, you can't deny it with how you've grown... But how can this be?" She asked, staring directly into Snape's eyes. Their potions master delved back into his history, leaving astonished looks on their faces.
"Good lord. First Harry gets bitten by Lupin and now we find out he's Professor Snape's son. I'd swear that he's got a bad luck charm floating around him." Severus glowered down at the blabbering boy and he got the hint and shut up. "Genderphus!" Smirking to himself, he saw the red haired boy become a red haired girl. "Professor Snape!" Cried Hermione, "You shouldn't do that!" "Oh don't worry. It'll wear off in a few days, Miss Granger. Besides, perhaps he'll grow some intelligence while waiting to change back."
Harry scowled at his father, wondering just how on earth he could be related to a man like that. He was pulled aside a moment later. "Harry, I know that doesn't make me look good, but I do have to keep up my reputation of being a slimy git of a potions master..." Harry broke a smile slightly, not sure as to what to say. "Oh, by the way, I do believe you never got the chance to look at these..."
Dear Mr. Potter, Enclosed are your O.W.L. results from last year. Good luck with your future.
Herbology- E Astronomy- A Defense Against the Dark Arts- O Divination- P Transfiguration- E Charms- O Care of Magical Creatures- O History- D
Potions- O
Harry smirked; at least something good had come out of the day. "I must ask, how on earth did you pull off an O on your potions exam?" Snape pressed, still unable to fathom that one out. "I uh, felt more comfortable without you standing there and breathing down my neck, Sir," Harry admitted. "Don't call me sir, Harry." The boy shifted uneasily in his seat again, not really sure what to say. He knew sooner or later he'd have to accept the truth, especially every time he looked into the mirror, but it hurt him, knowing that the person who'd made his life a living hell at times was now revealed as his father. "Are you okay... son? I didn't have the chance to speak with you since you were bitten." "Umm, the potions you sent Madam Pomfrey worked, if that's what you mean."
The man shook his head. "No, Harry. I meant mentally. Physically, well, we all know what's going to happen, but I know you've had problems in the past with certain incidents."
Harry slumped back down into his seat, sadness in his eye. "The remaining tie to my family, now, I don't know if I can trust anymore. I know he didn't mean it; it was my own stupidity for being down there alone with him anyhow. But he was someone I could go to whenever I felt there was no where else to turn."
Snape sighed; he wasn't sure what to say or how to comfort the boy. "That man," he began, a look of hatred flickering for a moment in his eyes, "Should have been more responsible. Forgetting it was the full moon and not taking his potions. What an idiot he was! Now look! I find out I have a son and Lupin goes and turns him into a werewolf!" He snarled for a moment, forgetting Harry was standing next to him. Snapping back to reality, he turned his head and looked at his boy, "First potion we'll be doing is the one that the numbskull forgot to take and that you'll be needing next month. Just don't let this slip to the Slytherins or you'll be in for some serious trouble from them and the Death Eaters."
"Umm, right."
"Are you going to call me 'Umm' for the rest your for life?" Severus chuckled, leaving Harry to his own thoughts for the time being.