18) To Forgive and Forget.
And to all of their amazement he smiled held up his hand and came and sat with them.
'Don't worry. I was told that I would find you here. I know why you're not in lessons and I understand completely. No the reason I came to see you was that I wanted to thank you.' He looked at the ground as he spoke and Harry suddenly felt a huge surge of guilt towards him. He knew how bad his life had been at school. 'I want to thank you for what you did for Draco. I know that you didn't like him- but he was a good kid really- just mislead in his conceptions of what was right and wrong.' Harry felt everybody become tense beside him. Nobody had spoken about it and they knew Harry would get angry if he thought that the conversation was heading that way.
'Thank you.' He finally managed to whisper.
'I should have thanked you a long time ago. But it's been weird with your dad and Sirius back. I don't know- not really an excuse I know but still.' He stood suddenly as though realizing he was telling them something about himself he shouldn't be.
'Sir?' Harry asked quietly looking up to the sad face above him. 'I'm sorry about the way they treated you- it was wrong and downright pathetic. I had a go at Sirius about it. I was disgusted to say he was my dad when I saw that.' To his surprise Snape knelt back down until he was only inches away from him.
'Harry- your dad only returned what I gave him. We were all young and childish. There's nothing you need to apologize for. And you should never be ashamed of your dad. There's not many that would willingly go to the most feared persons house in the world to help his son. And don't worry. We kind of apologized to each other. We'll never be best friends but we'll never be enemies again.' And with that he stood and strode away, his robes swirling around him.
'He was talking about the pensive wasn't he?' Neville asked quietly. Harry nodded.
'You know- we should invite him for Christmas.' Luna said, and was extremely surprised when they all agreed.
The run up to Christmas was always exciting to Harry, but this year he was looking forward to it even more because he wasn't going to be one of the people left behind. He had had to apologize to the DA members who had all wanted him to continue through the holiday but had promised that as soon as he returned he would double the number of meetings. He was packed the day before he was due to leave and was surprised to find the others were all just as keen.
'Shall we head down to the hall for dinner then? Snape should get the owl today shouldn't he?' Neville asked as they made there way down the stairs. Harry nodded. They had asked his parents if they minded and thought they were surprised they had said that they didn't mind in the slightest.
'Come on boys- we've been packed for ages and you still take longer. We'll be late for the feast if we're not careful.' Hermione said impatiently as they made their way to the portrait. Ron smiled and in response pulled her into an embrace and kissed her. She blushed furiously and pushed him away. Luckily for Ron she couldn't tell him off because they had reached the doors to the great hall.
They entered and as usual made there way to the end of the table where they could sit on there own. The other house members still got slightly annoyed at this, until Harry pointed out rather loudly one time that considering he was going to kill Voldemort he would like to be able to spend some time with his friends whilst he had time. Nobody objected anymore.
Just as they sat down Harry's snowy owl glided into the hall. Everybody stopped to watch and were extremely surprised when instead of going to Harry she carried on to Snape. He looked equally surprised but removed the letter without comment. She instantly took off and landed on Harry's shoulder where he gave her some bacon. All eight of them had there eyes glued onto there professor who had opened the letter. They could see his eyes widen in surprise- actually it was probably shock. Then he looked at them and smiled, slightly nodding his head.
'Good. It will be good this year.' George said turning to finish his dinner. The others made agreeing noises- except for Ron who as usual had stuffed his mouth with more than he should of and started choking. Hermione sighed and started slapping him on the back.
'Cheers.' He said cheerfully as though nothing had happened. Harry rolled his eyes.
'You know- you really should slow down mate- one day she aint gonna be sat next to you and you're gone choke properly.' Harry said carefully cutting his steak into small pieces as though to prove his point.
'I totally agree Harry.' Hermione said glaring at Ron who instantly started blushing. 'So anyway- what time do we leave in the morning?'
'We're using a port key at 7am. They don't think it's completely safe for us to use the train- what with the few death eaters that are still extremely angry with me.' harry replied.
'Yeah- I agree though. I mean I know that Tom made a promise and all that but we've seen what damage his out of control followers can cause.' Fred said shivering slightly at the memory.
'So what do you reckon his next plans are?' Neville asked excitedly. This had recently become there favorite subject- what was Tom up to. Harry had smiled at first when they had started calling him by his real name, but so long as they were no longer afraid to say it he didn't really care.
'I'm not sure- I think that it's got something to do with Diagon Alley. I keep dreaming about that place. Which reminds me- I need to tell Dumbledore. Do you think that could be where he plans to hit next? It would make sense wouldn't it? I mean that's an important place, and it's bound to be packed this time of year.'
'Yeah- that would make sense. It would be pretty horrific if he hit there and it was in the middle of the Christmas shopping that everyone is doing.' Luna said thoughtfully. 'That reminds me- have you all got your presents?' everybody nodded.
'Yeah- but I still need to get my mum and dads. I mean- I have no idea what to get them. Maybe I should ask Sirius and Remus. Oh and did you all get something for Snape?' he asked quietly. again they all nodded. They hadn't been able to decide if they should or not, but then they had realized it would be terrible for him to come to Christmas and not get any presents.
'I told your mum Harry that we were going to, and she said she would make sure that if he asked he knew we had. And I think it would be good to ask your godfathers.' Ginny said as she reached forward for some trifle.
The hall was slowly emptying but they didn't notice. They were discussing what they thought was going to happen at Diagon Alley. Without realizing they all eaten far more than they should have and it wasn't until Dobby appeared next to them did they realize that they would have to empty the plates so that the house elves could tidy up.
'Shall we go back up then?' Ginny asked yawning. This set the others off and soon they were all almost asleep.
'Could I speak to you eight first?' Dumbledore asked them as they stood up. They walked slowly up to the teachers table and noticed that they were all present except for Snape.
'We didn't think that you were ever going to finish- I think that you just beat Sirius' record!' Remus joked laughing at the look on Padfoots face.
'Never mind- at least you are all eating. Anyway what I wanted to ask you about was what Tom was planning over the Christmas period.' Harry couldn't help it- he burst out laughing. Shortly followed by the others.
'Sorry- it's just that's exactly what we were discussing. And well- it's a bit scary that that should be exactly what you ask us.' Harry replied trying not to laugh. 'Anyway we think that he is planning to attack Diagon Alley. At least- I think that he is. I seem to be dwelling on that place in my thoughts a lot.' He added, his eyes still twinkling.
'Very well. I'll look into the possibilities and if anything happens I'll tell you all straight away. Also what was written in that letter to make Severus smile and leave the hall before he had pudding?' Dumbledore asked innocently.
'He's coming to spend Christmas with us. But as to why he left- I have no idea.' Harry replied, staring at the sniggering teachers defiantly.
'He is. We asked him today.' Hermione said also staring at the teachers as though daring them to say anything differently.
'I think he probably left to do some Christmas shopping.' Lily told them, her secretive smile in place, and Harry groaned- he knew that when she looked like that they wouldn't get anything else out of her.
Harry and the gang smiled, walking back towards the dorm. They chatted happily about the upcoming Christmas, and were all excited. They couldn't remember the last time they had all had there family around them.
'So- what do you think about Snape then? I reckon he's going to buy us loads of presents and spend loads of money on us!' Ron said his eyes shining excitedly.
'Ron! Really. It's not about the presents you know!' Luna said in a voice so much like Hermione's that they all turned and stared at her. 'Well- what do you expect me to say? He really is the biggest child I know!' Harry couldn't help it he took one look at the twins and burst out laughing.
'Harry- you could back me up here- you want to know as much as I do!' Ron retorted, but it wasn't long before he was laughing hard as well.
'Well well Well. What do I have here then? I do believe that it is past curfew. Therefore I think that you should all get detention.' Filch said as he appeared from a hidden doorway. Mrs. Norris prowling at his feet.
'I don't think that that is really necessary Filch- they are late because they were speaking to us. Therefore there will be no detention. Sorry to disappoint you.' James said as he to walked out of a hidden door followed by two stupidly grinning marauders.
'Of course Mr. Potter- just making sure that students understand the importance of not being out too late you know. Dark times we face sir.' He replied bowing as low as he could- which wasn't far at all.
'I'm sure though that nobody understands that more than Harry. Now if you don't we have things to discuss.' Filch nodded and with a last scowl at the children he walked away.
'Now I'm not sure that I have always agreed with him but he is right- you should be in your dorms. I'm pretty sure it is past 8 pm.' Remus told the now hysterically laughing kids. Ron couldn't help it- he fell to the floor laughing harder than anybody thought possible. Bidding once more goodnight they made there way towards the common room.
'You know- that was funny- I don't reckon he's used to your parents being here yet. Mind you I still find it strange.' George said as they collapsed into the chairs by the fire.
'So do I- and they're my parents. I can't wait for tomorrow morning. How are we going to wake up on time. I know for a fact that I wont- and it's no good relying on the other goons in my dorm!' Harry replied grinning stupidly. George and Fred snorted in response. Neville just scowled- but as usual Ron was oblivious.
'James, Sirius and Remus are going to wake you up- they said we would hear you and that would wake us up. Anyway- we have things of an important nature to discuss. So we'll bid you goodnight.' Hermione told them standing up and giving a quick kiss she headed towards the girls dorms. Followed quickly by Ginny and Luna- all of whom were blushing furiously.
'I hate it when they do that.' Neville grumbled. Harry nodded, but he didn't really mind. He still liked it when Ginny was close to him and the goodnight kisses he always got always put a smile on his face.
'Hello- earth to Harry- we said have you decided what your going to tell your parents about Ginny. I mean you cant the fact that your you know forever. I mean we are her brothers- and we were over the moon.' Fred said quietly so that nobody out of the group could hear.
This is kind of pointless for the story but it does help explain things further on. I hope that its ok.
Phoenix Friend xx
And to all of their amazement he smiled held up his hand and came and sat with them.
'Don't worry. I was told that I would find you here. I know why you're not in lessons and I understand completely. No the reason I came to see you was that I wanted to thank you.' He looked at the ground as he spoke and Harry suddenly felt a huge surge of guilt towards him. He knew how bad his life had been at school. 'I want to thank you for what you did for Draco. I know that you didn't like him- but he was a good kid really- just mislead in his conceptions of what was right and wrong.' Harry felt everybody become tense beside him. Nobody had spoken about it and they knew Harry would get angry if he thought that the conversation was heading that way.
'Thank you.' He finally managed to whisper.
'I should have thanked you a long time ago. But it's been weird with your dad and Sirius back. I don't know- not really an excuse I know but still.' He stood suddenly as though realizing he was telling them something about himself he shouldn't be.
'Sir?' Harry asked quietly looking up to the sad face above him. 'I'm sorry about the way they treated you- it was wrong and downright pathetic. I had a go at Sirius about it. I was disgusted to say he was my dad when I saw that.' To his surprise Snape knelt back down until he was only inches away from him.
'Harry- your dad only returned what I gave him. We were all young and childish. There's nothing you need to apologize for. And you should never be ashamed of your dad. There's not many that would willingly go to the most feared persons house in the world to help his son. And don't worry. We kind of apologized to each other. We'll never be best friends but we'll never be enemies again.' And with that he stood and strode away, his robes swirling around him.
'He was talking about the pensive wasn't he?' Neville asked quietly. Harry nodded.
'You know- we should invite him for Christmas.' Luna said, and was extremely surprised when they all agreed.
The run up to Christmas was always exciting to Harry, but this year he was looking forward to it even more because he wasn't going to be one of the people left behind. He had had to apologize to the DA members who had all wanted him to continue through the holiday but had promised that as soon as he returned he would double the number of meetings. He was packed the day before he was due to leave and was surprised to find the others were all just as keen.
'Shall we head down to the hall for dinner then? Snape should get the owl today shouldn't he?' Neville asked as they made there way down the stairs. Harry nodded. They had asked his parents if they minded and thought they were surprised they had said that they didn't mind in the slightest.
'Come on boys- we've been packed for ages and you still take longer. We'll be late for the feast if we're not careful.' Hermione said impatiently as they made their way to the portrait. Ron smiled and in response pulled her into an embrace and kissed her. She blushed furiously and pushed him away. Luckily for Ron she couldn't tell him off because they had reached the doors to the great hall.
They entered and as usual made there way to the end of the table where they could sit on there own. The other house members still got slightly annoyed at this, until Harry pointed out rather loudly one time that considering he was going to kill Voldemort he would like to be able to spend some time with his friends whilst he had time. Nobody objected anymore.
Just as they sat down Harry's snowy owl glided into the hall. Everybody stopped to watch and were extremely surprised when instead of going to Harry she carried on to Snape. He looked equally surprised but removed the letter without comment. She instantly took off and landed on Harry's shoulder where he gave her some bacon. All eight of them had there eyes glued onto there professor who had opened the letter. They could see his eyes widen in surprise- actually it was probably shock. Then he looked at them and smiled, slightly nodding his head.
'Good. It will be good this year.' George said turning to finish his dinner. The others made agreeing noises- except for Ron who as usual had stuffed his mouth with more than he should of and started choking. Hermione sighed and started slapping him on the back.
'Cheers.' He said cheerfully as though nothing had happened. Harry rolled his eyes.
'You know- you really should slow down mate- one day she aint gonna be sat next to you and you're gone choke properly.' Harry said carefully cutting his steak into small pieces as though to prove his point.
'I totally agree Harry.' Hermione said glaring at Ron who instantly started blushing. 'So anyway- what time do we leave in the morning?'
'We're using a port key at 7am. They don't think it's completely safe for us to use the train- what with the few death eaters that are still extremely angry with me.' harry replied.
'Yeah- I agree though. I mean I know that Tom made a promise and all that but we've seen what damage his out of control followers can cause.' Fred said shivering slightly at the memory.
'So what do you reckon his next plans are?' Neville asked excitedly. This had recently become there favorite subject- what was Tom up to. Harry had smiled at first when they had started calling him by his real name, but so long as they were no longer afraid to say it he didn't really care.
'I'm not sure- I think that it's got something to do with Diagon Alley. I keep dreaming about that place. Which reminds me- I need to tell Dumbledore. Do you think that could be where he plans to hit next? It would make sense wouldn't it? I mean that's an important place, and it's bound to be packed this time of year.'
'Yeah- that would make sense. It would be pretty horrific if he hit there and it was in the middle of the Christmas shopping that everyone is doing.' Luna said thoughtfully. 'That reminds me- have you all got your presents?' everybody nodded.
'Yeah- but I still need to get my mum and dads. I mean- I have no idea what to get them. Maybe I should ask Sirius and Remus. Oh and did you all get something for Snape?' he asked quietly. again they all nodded. They hadn't been able to decide if they should or not, but then they had realized it would be terrible for him to come to Christmas and not get any presents.
'I told your mum Harry that we were going to, and she said she would make sure that if he asked he knew we had. And I think it would be good to ask your godfathers.' Ginny said as she reached forward for some trifle.
The hall was slowly emptying but they didn't notice. They were discussing what they thought was going to happen at Diagon Alley. Without realizing they all eaten far more than they should have and it wasn't until Dobby appeared next to them did they realize that they would have to empty the plates so that the house elves could tidy up.
'Shall we go back up then?' Ginny asked yawning. This set the others off and soon they were all almost asleep.
'Could I speak to you eight first?' Dumbledore asked them as they stood up. They walked slowly up to the teachers table and noticed that they were all present except for Snape.
'We didn't think that you were ever going to finish- I think that you just beat Sirius' record!' Remus joked laughing at the look on Padfoots face.
'Never mind- at least you are all eating. Anyway what I wanted to ask you about was what Tom was planning over the Christmas period.' Harry couldn't help it- he burst out laughing. Shortly followed by the others.
'Sorry- it's just that's exactly what we were discussing. And well- it's a bit scary that that should be exactly what you ask us.' Harry replied trying not to laugh. 'Anyway we think that he is planning to attack Diagon Alley. At least- I think that he is. I seem to be dwelling on that place in my thoughts a lot.' He added, his eyes still twinkling.
'Very well. I'll look into the possibilities and if anything happens I'll tell you all straight away. Also what was written in that letter to make Severus smile and leave the hall before he had pudding?' Dumbledore asked innocently.
'He's coming to spend Christmas with us. But as to why he left- I have no idea.' Harry replied, staring at the sniggering teachers defiantly.
'He is. We asked him today.' Hermione said also staring at the teachers as though daring them to say anything differently.
'I think he probably left to do some Christmas shopping.' Lily told them, her secretive smile in place, and Harry groaned- he knew that when she looked like that they wouldn't get anything else out of her.
Harry and the gang smiled, walking back towards the dorm. They chatted happily about the upcoming Christmas, and were all excited. They couldn't remember the last time they had all had there family around them.
'So- what do you think about Snape then? I reckon he's going to buy us loads of presents and spend loads of money on us!' Ron said his eyes shining excitedly.
'Ron! Really. It's not about the presents you know!' Luna said in a voice so much like Hermione's that they all turned and stared at her. 'Well- what do you expect me to say? He really is the biggest child I know!' Harry couldn't help it he took one look at the twins and burst out laughing.
'Harry- you could back me up here- you want to know as much as I do!' Ron retorted, but it wasn't long before he was laughing hard as well.
'Well well Well. What do I have here then? I do believe that it is past curfew. Therefore I think that you should all get detention.' Filch said as he appeared from a hidden doorway. Mrs. Norris prowling at his feet.
'I don't think that that is really necessary Filch- they are late because they were speaking to us. Therefore there will be no detention. Sorry to disappoint you.' James said as he to walked out of a hidden door followed by two stupidly grinning marauders.
'Of course Mr. Potter- just making sure that students understand the importance of not being out too late you know. Dark times we face sir.' He replied bowing as low as he could- which wasn't far at all.
'I'm sure though that nobody understands that more than Harry. Now if you don't we have things to discuss.' Filch nodded and with a last scowl at the children he walked away.
'Now I'm not sure that I have always agreed with him but he is right- you should be in your dorms. I'm pretty sure it is past 8 pm.' Remus told the now hysterically laughing kids. Ron couldn't help it- he fell to the floor laughing harder than anybody thought possible. Bidding once more goodnight they made there way towards the common room.
'You know- that was funny- I don't reckon he's used to your parents being here yet. Mind you I still find it strange.' George said as they collapsed into the chairs by the fire.
'So do I- and they're my parents. I can't wait for tomorrow morning. How are we going to wake up on time. I know for a fact that I wont- and it's no good relying on the other goons in my dorm!' Harry replied grinning stupidly. George and Fred snorted in response. Neville just scowled- but as usual Ron was oblivious.
'James, Sirius and Remus are going to wake you up- they said we would hear you and that would wake us up. Anyway- we have things of an important nature to discuss. So we'll bid you goodnight.' Hermione told them standing up and giving a quick kiss she headed towards the girls dorms. Followed quickly by Ginny and Luna- all of whom were blushing furiously.
'I hate it when they do that.' Neville grumbled. Harry nodded, but he didn't really mind. He still liked it when Ginny was close to him and the goodnight kisses he always got always put a smile on his face.
'Hello- earth to Harry- we said have you decided what your going to tell your parents about Ginny. I mean you cant the fact that your you know forever. I mean we are her brothers- and we were over the moon.' Fred said quietly so that nobody out of the group could hear.
This is kind of pointless for the story but it does help explain things further on. I hope that its ok.
Phoenix Friend xx