Disclaimer:
One For All
Natural Anthem
A/N: AthenaKitty, you have asked nearly every chapter, varying slightly each time so I shall answer. Sirius will not be dying. Silentia: Harry was mad at everyone about his privacy being invaded like that. Sirius just happened to be closest. I would love to see Snape punched too. IÕm sure IÕll work it in eventually. ^_^ All of you who reviewed: Thank you.
I had some time today so I wrote up this chapter and decided to post it early. Technically procrastinating on a term paper, but a chapter is a chapter.
***
Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute. ÐGil Stern
It's kind of fun to do the impossible. - Walt Disney
***
As usual, HarryÕs dreams were not sweet. However, the nightÕs dream was slightly different than usual.
Harry found himself just outside of a very old, decrepit looking mansion. Everything appeared to be calm. The sky was cloudy and black, with only a hint of moonlight shining through. Nothing appeared to be moving. There was no wind in the trees and there was not even the hoot of an owl to be heard.
The stillness caused an involuntary shiver to run down HarryÕs spine. The air felt thick to him. Although he heard no screaming, no bright green light could be seen, he still felt uneasy.
A rustle in the grass broke HarryÕs thoughts. He strained his eyes to see what was causing the movement. A low growl came into HarryÕs throat. He definitely recognized the animal. The moon gave him proof.
The moon shone off the creature with a glint of silver. The growl became a word. "Rat."
Harry began to follow the rat into the building. The rat slid under the door, and HarryÕs dream self went right through the closed door. The visions, although horrific nightmares, were often useful. Harry was a spy at no physical risk. He could gather information without Voldemort noticing and he did not have to sneak around.
The inside of the mansion was not at all like the outside. The front foyer was lit softly with candles to show an elegant dŽcor. The carpet appeared to be green velvet. The polished dark wood walls displayed portraits and dark-themed art. A table by the door stood elegantly, but with no apparent purpose.
Harry caught a glimpse of a sitting room. It too had green carpeting, with green upholstered chairs and couches. A magnificent fireplace stood, cold and ash free.
Harry turned his attention back to following his little Ôvermin buddy,Õ as he had already sarcastically named the rat. He couldnÕt grab the rat and drag him into the ministry so silent mocking was his only half satisfying option. Of many names he was giving the rat, Ôvermin buddyÕ was the only without one or more swear words.
The rat began hopping up a mahogany staircase. Carpet lined the middle of each stair. It was, as he had guessed it would be, green with silver trim. The owner of this house was quite proud of being Slytherin.
At the top of the staircase Harry could see a very long hallway, which appeared to intersect another hallway halfway down. Harry followed his Ôvermin buddyÕ down the hallway, taking a right halfway down.
The rat stopped and scratched on a closed door. The voice that would always make HarryÕs blood run cold answered. The rat slid under the door, barely making it. Apparently he had been bulking up recently.
Harry followed into the room. It was a bedroom. The large fireplace held a roaring fire, showing with flickering shadows that this room was decorated just like the rest of the house. Wood, green and silver.
A large chair faced the fireplace and door. The rat went slightly closer to the figure which sat in the chair and at the order of the cold voice transformed. Wormtail stood in front of his master, waiting for orders.
Although Harry had known who he was following, and whose house this was, it still make his blood pump faster. He bit his lip to stop the flow of rage. Seeing red would cause him to miss possibly important information. Harry did not want to let his stupidity get in the way of the war.
"Ah. Wormtail. What news do you have?" Voldemort sat with his fingertips drawn together and looked over them at his servant.
Plump Peter Pettigrew, as a tradition of terror, began with a stuttering string of undecipherable words the began to speak timidly. "The ministry still denies your comeback. The Daily Prophet is working hard to further discredit Dumbledore and Potter."
At the names of his two foes Voldemort snarled. "Go on."
"I have also found proof of SeverusÕ treachery. I-I copied it onto this for you to see." Wormtail handed Voldemort a folder.
After reading the contents of the folder Voldemort snarled again. "He was able to get away with it before, we will let him believe he will still get away with it. Call Severus to me tonight. Tell him I need a potion made and I wish to see him. Gather all of the other Death Eaters together so that they may watch as I make an example of Severus. He should have known better than to cross his lord. For that he will pay with his life."
Harry felt the skin on the back of his neck prickle.
After a moment Voldemort snapped at Pettigrew. "Is there anything else you would like to tell me?"
Pettigrew shook his head.
"Then leave my presence!"
Pettigrew transformed with a whimper and raced to the door. After a slight struggle with his plump stomach the sound of his footsteps could be heard pattering away down the hall.
For a moment Harry was only able to look at VoldemortÕs face. VoldemortÕs upper lip as curled slightly as he stared at the wall, planning. With that, Harry woke with a start.
Harry looked around the room, breathing fast. It was still dark. He glanced at the clock. It was 3:30 a.m. Harry laid down more comfortably and shut his eyes. He would warn Snape at breakfast. He couldnÕt not warn him. But warning him now would probably only get him hex marks. Probably safer with witnesses, not to mention Dumbledore around. Slowly, Harry felt back into a restless sleep.
Harry was woken up by a tingling sensation in his scalp. Harry groaned before opening his eyes. He could see what was coming. He did, after all, live with two Marauders. "What color is it?"
After a few seconds of silence bark-like laughter rolled through the air. "Green."
"Fantastic." Harry still hadnÕt opened his eyes. He rolled onto his stomach to pretend Sirius wasnÕt attempting to wake him up.
"What are you doing Sirius? Oh," said Remus as he walked into the room. "ThatÕs a nice look for you Harry."
A muffled "Thank you" came through a pillow from the lump with pink hair.
"Its nearly breakfast time, you should get up." Remus was not very convincing.
A weight plopped onto the mattress and Harry yelled when something wet touched the exposed left side of his face. Padfoot was much more convincing than Remus. Harry was up in an instant. He snapped his fingers and had changed clothes. Remus and Sirius looked impressed.
"How long will my hair stay like this?"
"All day." Sirius grinned. Apparently forgetting that his hair was in purple spikes. Good old Tonks.
It wasnÕt until breakfast that HarryÕs dream came back to him.
Dumbledore asked "Do you plan to go out tonight Severus?"
The full memory of the dream and its meaning hit Harry full force. As Snape answered positive Harry began to talk.
"You canÕt go tonight."
"What are you talking about Potter."
Snape was a firm believer that Harry loved to lie and draw attention to himself. Harry looked down the table. Everyone present Harry knew to be trustworthy in DumbledoreÕs eyes. Harry put the tip of his wand to his head.
The room swirled. Everyone was looking at the outside of the mansion. All watched HarryÕs entire dream. When it was over no one spoke for a moment.
"Are you sure it was real Harry?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes sir. My scar hurt."
"Very well. Severus. You are not to report this evening. I refuse to lose you."
"It doesnÕt matter if I report or not. Reporting would allow him to make an example of me, but he can still kill me with out even seeing me," said Snape.
"Through your mark?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes. Voldemort made that very clear to us."
"I feared that possibility. Do what you believe is best Severus." DumbledoreÕs eyes were full of sadness. "If there were a way to remove the mark I would certainly do so."
A very pale Snape got up from his chair and went off in the direction of the dungeons. Dumbledore raised his eyes to meet HarryÕs.
"Thank you for telling us about this Harry. It is very much appreciated that we will not be caught off guard. I believe I will retire to my office for a while. Good day everyone." With that Dumbledore swept off, looking older than Harry could ever remember seeing him.
Harry got up soon to walk. He felt so much restless energy in him that he could not just sit. He and Snape had never gotten along, but no one deserved what Snape was going through. Ok. Maybe Voldemort and his loyal Death Eaters deserved it. But thinking that wouldnÕt do any good.
Harry stopped in front of a window to look out on the school grounds. His vision blurred for a moment. When it cleared Harry felt magic course through his veins. It felt like he had been sent a sign. He had to do something.
He combed through his head for ideas. Finally his mind grasped onto an idea that he hadnÕt known was in there. His feet whisked him off to the dungeon as fast as they could.
Harry stood at the door and looked into the room. It was in chaos. A very upset Snape stood near the potions supply room and threw glass jars of ingredients into the wall across the room. The jars hit the wall and shattered, the ingredients they held scattered everywhere.
Harry decided to speak up before Snape did something to hurt himself. "Professor?"
Snape froze. He turned his head and looked Harry in the eyes. He dropped the jar that was in his hand, it smashed on the floor cover the professorÕs shoes in blue gunk. Still seemingly mentally frozen Snape backed up to the wall and slid down. He pulled his knees to his chest and put his head in his knees.
Harry felt incredible sadness wave over him. This was a man who was utterly hopeless.
Harry walked into the room but kept his distance. "Professor Snape I can help you."
"No one can help me." Snape raised his head from his knees. "I am a lost cause. Do not try to give me hope. Its very Gryffindor of you but I do not wish to die hoping for life."
"But sir, I could help," Harry was unable to finish his sentence because Snape interrupted him.
"Did you not hear me?"
"I did sir, but I can help you. If you will not let me then I will knock you out to help you."
"How nice. Threatening a man who will be dead in less than twenty-four hours."
"Sir!"
"Potter. I know you think you are a hero, but donÕt flatter yourself. You canÕt help me. No one can."
Harry sighed. Time to cut to the chase before both he and Snape died of arguing. With a wave of his hand his professor was unconscious.
Harry grabbed a piece of blank parchment from the desk and brought it over to Snape. He rolled of SnapeÕs thick black sleeve and placed his hand on the dark mark. The dark magic in the marking burned his hand. Harry closed his eyes and concentrated all his power on the spell in his mind.
He whispered "Risparmi il repentant, i loro atti erano diabolici, ma il loro cuore era pi
One For All
Natural Anthem
A/N: AthenaKitty, you have asked nearly every chapter, varying slightly each time so I shall answer. Sirius will not be dying. Silentia: Harry was mad at everyone about his privacy being invaded like that. Sirius just happened to be closest. I would love to see Snape punched too. IÕm sure IÕll work it in eventually. ^_^ All of you who reviewed: Thank you.
I had some time today so I wrote up this chapter and decided to post it early. Technically procrastinating on a term paper, but a chapter is a chapter.
***
Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute. ÐGil Stern
It's kind of fun to do the impossible. - Walt Disney
***
As usual, HarryÕs dreams were not sweet. However, the nightÕs dream was slightly different than usual.
Harry found himself just outside of a very old, decrepit looking mansion. Everything appeared to be calm. The sky was cloudy and black, with only a hint of moonlight shining through. Nothing appeared to be moving. There was no wind in the trees and there was not even the hoot of an owl to be heard.
The stillness caused an involuntary shiver to run down HarryÕs spine. The air felt thick to him. Although he heard no screaming, no bright green light could be seen, he still felt uneasy.
A rustle in the grass broke HarryÕs thoughts. He strained his eyes to see what was causing the movement. A low growl came into HarryÕs throat. He definitely recognized the animal. The moon gave him proof.
The moon shone off the creature with a glint of silver. The growl became a word. "Rat."
Harry began to follow the rat into the building. The rat slid under the door, and HarryÕs dream self went right through the closed door. The visions, although horrific nightmares, were often useful. Harry was a spy at no physical risk. He could gather information without Voldemort noticing and he did not have to sneak around.
The inside of the mansion was not at all like the outside. The front foyer was lit softly with candles to show an elegant dŽcor. The carpet appeared to be green velvet. The polished dark wood walls displayed portraits and dark-themed art. A table by the door stood elegantly, but with no apparent purpose.
Harry caught a glimpse of a sitting room. It too had green carpeting, with green upholstered chairs and couches. A magnificent fireplace stood, cold and ash free.
Harry turned his attention back to following his little Ôvermin buddy,Õ as he had already sarcastically named the rat. He couldnÕt grab the rat and drag him into the ministry so silent mocking was his only half satisfying option. Of many names he was giving the rat, Ôvermin buddyÕ was the only without one or more swear words.
The rat began hopping up a mahogany staircase. Carpet lined the middle of each stair. It was, as he had guessed it would be, green with silver trim. The owner of this house was quite proud of being Slytherin.
At the top of the staircase Harry could see a very long hallway, which appeared to intersect another hallway halfway down. Harry followed his Ôvermin buddyÕ down the hallway, taking a right halfway down.
The rat stopped and scratched on a closed door. The voice that would always make HarryÕs blood run cold answered. The rat slid under the door, barely making it. Apparently he had been bulking up recently.
Harry followed into the room. It was a bedroom. The large fireplace held a roaring fire, showing with flickering shadows that this room was decorated just like the rest of the house. Wood, green and silver.
A large chair faced the fireplace and door. The rat went slightly closer to the figure which sat in the chair and at the order of the cold voice transformed. Wormtail stood in front of his master, waiting for orders.
Although Harry had known who he was following, and whose house this was, it still make his blood pump faster. He bit his lip to stop the flow of rage. Seeing red would cause him to miss possibly important information. Harry did not want to let his stupidity get in the way of the war.
"Ah. Wormtail. What news do you have?" Voldemort sat with his fingertips drawn together and looked over them at his servant.
Plump Peter Pettigrew, as a tradition of terror, began with a stuttering string of undecipherable words the began to speak timidly. "The ministry still denies your comeback. The Daily Prophet is working hard to further discredit Dumbledore and Potter."
At the names of his two foes Voldemort snarled. "Go on."
"I have also found proof of SeverusÕ treachery. I-I copied it onto this for you to see." Wormtail handed Voldemort a folder.
After reading the contents of the folder Voldemort snarled again. "He was able to get away with it before, we will let him believe he will still get away with it. Call Severus to me tonight. Tell him I need a potion made and I wish to see him. Gather all of the other Death Eaters together so that they may watch as I make an example of Severus. He should have known better than to cross his lord. For that he will pay with his life."
Harry felt the skin on the back of his neck prickle.
After a moment Voldemort snapped at Pettigrew. "Is there anything else you would like to tell me?"
Pettigrew shook his head.
"Then leave my presence!"
Pettigrew transformed with a whimper and raced to the door. After a slight struggle with his plump stomach the sound of his footsteps could be heard pattering away down the hall.
For a moment Harry was only able to look at VoldemortÕs face. VoldemortÕs upper lip as curled slightly as he stared at the wall, planning. With that, Harry woke with a start.
Harry looked around the room, breathing fast. It was still dark. He glanced at the clock. It was 3:30 a.m. Harry laid down more comfortably and shut his eyes. He would warn Snape at breakfast. He couldnÕt not warn him. But warning him now would probably only get him hex marks. Probably safer with witnesses, not to mention Dumbledore around. Slowly, Harry felt back into a restless sleep.
Harry was woken up by a tingling sensation in his scalp. Harry groaned before opening his eyes. He could see what was coming. He did, after all, live with two Marauders. "What color is it?"
After a few seconds of silence bark-like laughter rolled through the air. "Green."
"Fantastic." Harry still hadnÕt opened his eyes. He rolled onto his stomach to pretend Sirius wasnÕt attempting to wake him up.
"What are you doing Sirius? Oh," said Remus as he walked into the room. "ThatÕs a nice look for you Harry."
A muffled "Thank you" came through a pillow from the lump with pink hair.
"Its nearly breakfast time, you should get up." Remus was not very convincing.
A weight plopped onto the mattress and Harry yelled when something wet touched the exposed left side of his face. Padfoot was much more convincing than Remus. Harry was up in an instant. He snapped his fingers and had changed clothes. Remus and Sirius looked impressed.
"How long will my hair stay like this?"
"All day." Sirius grinned. Apparently forgetting that his hair was in purple spikes. Good old Tonks.
It wasnÕt until breakfast that HarryÕs dream came back to him.
Dumbledore asked "Do you plan to go out tonight Severus?"
The full memory of the dream and its meaning hit Harry full force. As Snape answered positive Harry began to talk.
"You canÕt go tonight."
"What are you talking about Potter."
Snape was a firm believer that Harry loved to lie and draw attention to himself. Harry looked down the table. Everyone present Harry knew to be trustworthy in DumbledoreÕs eyes. Harry put the tip of his wand to his head.
The room swirled. Everyone was looking at the outside of the mansion. All watched HarryÕs entire dream. When it was over no one spoke for a moment.
"Are you sure it was real Harry?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes sir. My scar hurt."
"Very well. Severus. You are not to report this evening. I refuse to lose you."
"It doesnÕt matter if I report or not. Reporting would allow him to make an example of me, but he can still kill me with out even seeing me," said Snape.
"Through your mark?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes. Voldemort made that very clear to us."
"I feared that possibility. Do what you believe is best Severus." DumbledoreÕs eyes were full of sadness. "If there were a way to remove the mark I would certainly do so."
A very pale Snape got up from his chair and went off in the direction of the dungeons. Dumbledore raised his eyes to meet HarryÕs.
"Thank you for telling us about this Harry. It is very much appreciated that we will not be caught off guard. I believe I will retire to my office for a while. Good day everyone." With that Dumbledore swept off, looking older than Harry could ever remember seeing him.
Harry got up soon to walk. He felt so much restless energy in him that he could not just sit. He and Snape had never gotten along, but no one deserved what Snape was going through. Ok. Maybe Voldemort and his loyal Death Eaters deserved it. But thinking that wouldnÕt do any good.
Harry stopped in front of a window to look out on the school grounds. His vision blurred for a moment. When it cleared Harry felt magic course through his veins. It felt like he had been sent a sign. He had to do something.
He combed through his head for ideas. Finally his mind grasped onto an idea that he hadnÕt known was in there. His feet whisked him off to the dungeon as fast as they could.
Harry stood at the door and looked into the room. It was in chaos. A very upset Snape stood near the potions supply room and threw glass jars of ingredients into the wall across the room. The jars hit the wall and shattered, the ingredients they held scattered everywhere.
Harry decided to speak up before Snape did something to hurt himself. "Professor?"
Snape froze. He turned his head and looked Harry in the eyes. He dropped the jar that was in his hand, it smashed on the floor cover the professorÕs shoes in blue gunk. Still seemingly mentally frozen Snape backed up to the wall and slid down. He pulled his knees to his chest and put his head in his knees.
Harry felt incredible sadness wave over him. This was a man who was utterly hopeless.
Harry walked into the room but kept his distance. "Professor Snape I can help you."
"No one can help me." Snape raised his head from his knees. "I am a lost cause. Do not try to give me hope. Its very Gryffindor of you but I do not wish to die hoping for life."
"But sir, I could help," Harry was unable to finish his sentence because Snape interrupted him.
"Did you not hear me?"
"I did sir, but I can help you. If you will not let me then I will knock you out to help you."
"How nice. Threatening a man who will be dead in less than twenty-four hours."
"Sir!"
"Potter. I know you think you are a hero, but donÕt flatter yourself. You canÕt help me. No one can."
Harry sighed. Time to cut to the chase before both he and Snape died of arguing. With a wave of his hand his professor was unconscious.
Harry grabbed a piece of blank parchment from the desk and brought it over to Snape. He rolled of SnapeÕs thick black sleeve and placed his hand on the dark mark. The dark magic in the marking burned his hand. Harry closed his eyes and concentrated all his power on the spell in his mind.
He whispered "Risparmi il repentant, i loro atti erano diabolici, ma il loro cuore era pi