~Chapter Twelve~
Harry sat at breakfast with Damien, Ron and Hermione the next morning, as they spoke among themselves. Suddenly Professor McGonagall came over and handed them their schedules, she leaned over and looked at Harry and Damien.
"I trust you two of plenty of adventure in store for this school, but I assure you, we look for ward to it, I'm glad you two came," Harry and Damien smiled as she handed them their schedules and walked away.
"Major bummer Ron, you got double potions with the Slytherin," said George Weasley, as he looked at his younger brother's schedule. Ron's three older brothers also went to Hogwarts, George and Fred were twins in their third year, while Percy was in his fifth year.
"What's wrong with double Potions?" Harry asked, unsure why anyone would hate that class.
"Well nothing except the teacher is a greasy git," explain Fred, sitting next to George.
"See, Professor Snape likes to take off house points from Gryffindor, generally for no reason at all. No one likes him," stated another young Gryffindor.
"I've heard horror stories of the man, that he's like a vampire or something," said another student near Hermione.
"I heard he eats children," chuckled another student. Harry looked up at his father with a saddened look, and caught his glance. Severus looked down over at his son, who seemed to be in some sort of distress, he had the feeling Harry was hearing what everyone said about him, and that the young boy didn't know what to say. Quickly when no one was looking he mouthed 'it's okay', then turned his head to listen to McGonagall calling his name.
"Look the mall is here!" Called one child as dozens of owls came flying in, even some went to the teachers, Harry smiled as Hedwig dropped two letters and a newspaper in front of him, he looked over at Damien who received a letter as well.
"I got a letter from mum," Damien said smiling, Harry smiled and looked at his two, one was from Remus, the other from his father. Flipping over the one from his dad he opened it and smiled at the familiar hand writing.
"Look everyone, Longbottom's got a Remembrall," called one boy, Neville watched the red ball fill up with smoke.
"I've heard of those, they turn red when you've forgotten something," called Hermione reading her newspaper.
"Problem is, I don't remember what it is I've forgotten," Neville said sadly.
"Listen to this guys, someone has broken into Gringotts, they say nothing was in there however, because the vault had been emptied out earlier. I wonder who would try and do that," Hermione said, as Harry and Damien listened to her.
"Dad says it's impossible to break into Gringotts," Ron said still reading his letter.
"Well obviously your father is incorrect at this moment," Hermione said. Harry chuckled and continued to read his note, then continued on to read Lupin's.
"I got a letter from Mum Harry, she says hello, and she's proud of you and I about getting Gryffindor," Damien said smiling and showing his best friend his letter."
"How did she find out?" Harry suddenly asked, Damien shrugged.
"You know mum Harry, she knows everything," Harry chuckled slightly at the comment.
"Dad does too, it's kind of creepy," Harry said as Damien nodded.
Ron, Harry and Damien ran towards the class, finally entering, their chest huffing as they came to sit down in a chair, Harry and Damien were no fools they quickly sat down in seats.
"Wow, that was close can you imagine the look on McGonagall's face if we had come in late…" Suddenly the cat on the desk leaped off transforming into a human, correction into McGonagall.
"That was wicked Professor," Ron said.
"Thank you for that assessment Mr. Weasley, I trust you three will not be late again."
"No ma'am, we got lost," Harry spoke up.
"Yes well, see that it doesn't happen again, have a seat Mr. Weasley," Ron looked over at his two friends and sat down quietly next to Hermione.
The Potions labs were down in dungeons, Harry had vague memories of the places from his childhood, but now he was the student and he was sitting between his two friends, waiting for his father to come in. Suddenly the door burst open, slamming behind the figure. He was dressed in all black, a cloak trailing behind him as he stalked into the room, turning quickly he glared around the room.
"There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class, as such I do not expect many of you to understand the subtle science and art that is Potions Making. However, for those of you who possesses….the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind, ensnare the senses… I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death…as long as your aren't like the dunderheads I usually teach. Now I expect each and every one of you to pay attention! Potter!" Severus yelled watched his son writing something down. Harry snapped to attention and looked up at his father.
"Fame isn't everything Mister Potter, pay attention in my class or fail it," with that Professor Snape turned his back, part of him not wanting his son to see his sadness, another part not wanting to see Harry's.
"Today's potion is up on the board, make it and be silent about it," stated Severus as he watched his students. He grimaced as the student named Longbottom was quite a klutz. As suddenly the boy's cauldron melted and the child was covered in the liquid.
"You ignorant child! You put the porcupine quills in without taking the potion off heat!" Severus yelled at the boy now covered in red boils and crying.
"Take him to the infirmary, five points from Gryffindor for being incompetent, and five more points for not helping your fellow Gryffindor!" Severus then turned towards the Slytherin and started inspecting the cauldrons, proud at what was coming.
"Excellent, twenty points to Slytherin," Harry watched his father in anger, how could he be so one sided, Harry had never really seen this side of his dad, and didn't much like it.
Finally the class had ended and the Gryffindor, Ravenclaws, and Slytherin had flying next. They headed outside into a large open field, Neville was there to greet them, and while he looked sore, he had gotten rid of the boils and was looking a little bit better.
"I can't believe dad," whispered Harry as he and Damien walked towards the brooms lying on the ground.
"I must admit, he does seem to have something up his arse, pretty far too," Damien stated, Harry glared at him for a moment.
"Hey, you know you agree Harry," the young boy stated, Harry nodded reluctantly.
"Okay students everyone step to the left of a broom, stick out your hand and say up in a commanding voice," Madame Hooch said, she had bright yellow amber eyes, which Harry found a little creepy.
"UP!" everyone yelled, Harry's broom came up to him immediately, causing Harry to stagger slightly, Hermione looked over at him slightly surprised, as her broom was only hovering in the air, Harry watched as Ron's broom shot up and whacked him in the nose. Draco's finally came to his hand, a few seconds later so did Damien's. Finally every student managed to get their brooms in their hands and Madame Hooch nodded.
"Excellent, now everyone mount your broom, when I blow my whistle you will push off from the ground, hover in the air for a moment then touch back down," explained Madame Hooch, she blew the whistle, however, Neville's whistle wasn't much into listening for it instantly started bucking, bouncing and trying to knock him off. Everyone watched as he went soaring through the air, as Madame Hooch attempted to call him down, the broom ran into walls, and other various things, until Neville got stuck on one of the swords being held by a coat of Armor, they watched as his cloak ripped and he fell to the ground. The class ran over to him.
"Everyone stand back, give me room. Its okay Longbottom looks like a broken arm. If I see one person off the ground while I'm gone, I'll have you expelled before you can say Quidditch." With that Madame Hooch helped Longbottom to the infirmary…again.
"Maybe if the fat lump had given this a squeeze, he would've remembered to fall on his fat arse," Malfoy said jumping on his broom and looking at the Remembrall.
"Give it here Malfoy," yelled Harry, Malfoy shook his head.
"NO, I think I'll hide it somewhere Longbottom can't find it," Malfoy took off into the air, "what's wrong Potter, little too high for you?" stated Malfoy. Without a second thought Harry mounted a broom, not listening to anything his friends said and flew into the air.
Harry zoomed after Malfoy, until the jerk finally threw it towards the window of Hogwarts, Harry swooped after it, and had to do a flip to catch it, stopping right in front of the window.
Minerva was sitting in her room when she saw her surrogate nephew nearly crash into the window trying to catch something. She quickly marched down the stairs, half ready to yell at the boy, half ready to congratulate him for being so excellent.
Harry slowly came down for a landing, holding the ball in his hand as everyone cheered loudly, just as McGonagall came out of the castle.
"Mr. Potter!" She called, Harry looked over at Damien, who clapped him on the shoulder.
"Good lucky buddy, and remember, your dad loves you," Damien whispered as Harry walked towards McGonagall, she grabbed him by the back of the neck and lead him into the castle, up towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts, through the long winding corridors. McGonagall opened the door and stepped inside quickly.
"Professor Quirrell, could I borrow Wood for a moment?" The man nodded and Harry watched a young man, probably a fifth year walk towards him, he was very handsome, with sandy hair and big green blue eyes.
"Wood, I'd like you to join me and young Mr. Potter in Dumbledore's office if you will," the young man nodded and followed Harry and McGonagall. When Harry, Minerva and Wood arrived, Dumbledore was there as well as Harry's father.
"Wood, I've found your new seeker, as long as Professor Snape is willing to allow Harry to do so," Severus looked down at his son, anger obviously seethed through ever bone in his body.
"I would like to have a moment alone with this…imp," he said full of annoyance. Harry looked up at his father, then watched everyone else leave for a few moments, Severus promising to join them in a moment again, which his decision.
"Dad I'm…"
"No, do NOT speak, I am in no mood for excuses! You could have been injured or worse killed. Forgive me for being so bold child, but the world needs you, there are people who care about you, and you put that directly in harms way today. Is that anyway to repay the people who have saved your neck, to repay me, for all these years. If you EVER pull a stunt like this again, I will put you under restriction until Christmas, and I do not mean this Christmas but a few years from now. Do I make myself absolutely clear!?" Harry didn't answer he looked up at his father, waiting for his father to really be finished blowing up.
"Well!?"
"Well what, you told me not to speak. Dad, I'm really sorry, I was trying to…"
"Be noble, just like your father," Severus hissed.
"What is your problem with my father!? I realize you didn't get along with each other but…"
"This isn't about me Harry, or your father, and you will remain out of that portion of my personal life, unless you really want me to spank you."
"Okay, I'm sorry, can I please play on the Quidditch team?" Harry finally asked, Severus turned and waited as a few moments later Wood, Dumbledore and McGonagall came back in, everyone looking between the two.
"Coagulations Wood, you've just earned your seeker, the youngest one in a century might I add," with that Severus stalked off. Harry watched him go and sighed.
"I'm sorry Professor McGonagall," whispered Harry, Minerva smiled and gently wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
"Don't worry about it Harry, your father had very wild emotions," McGonagall spoke, then looking at Wood she smiled, "Come Mr. Wood, let's take you to your class," the older boy nodded shook Harry's hand and joined McGonagall, leaving Harry with Dumbledore.
"You want something child?" Dumbledore asked calmly.
"I've love a few answers to be honest Grandpa Albus," Dumbledore smiled at the name.
"Come child, have a seat, and perhaps I can answer a few of your questions." Harry sat calmly across from Dumbledore and sighed.
"Voldemort killed my parents, I know that, but why? And why does my father hate them so much, and if he hated them, why did he keep me?"
"Ah, well Harry, I can't explain it, however I can answer a few questions. Voldemort had heard something, that placed you in grave danger, along with two other boys. Harry, I can't tell you everything just yet, for you aren't old enough, however allow me to tell you this, Voldemort didn't win because of a power you had that he did not have. As for why Severus hates your parents so much, that is not true. Your father felt no hate or anger towards your mother…ever, and no matter what you've heard or think, he never felt hate for your mother, and I really don't think he felt hate for your father either, loathing yes, without a doubt, but I don't really think hate was involved. Harry, he kept you, because he knew that whoever took you would have to be trusted by Lily or James, and while James didn't trust Severus, Lily did, and Severus knew that. Remus was unable to perform what he needed, so Severus gladly offered his services to you, if it tells you anything, he originally planned it to only be temporary, but ended up keeping you when he realized just how much joy you brought to his young life. Believe me when I say that your father would be a hundred times worse if you hadn't come into his care."
"Albus, does dad look at me and see my father?" Dumbledore looked down at the desk.
"I think he does from time to time, Harry, by all rights you should biologically be Severus' son. He was in love with Lily, he almost married her, and he lost her to James."
"Professor Dumbledore, my father, will he ever look at me and stop hurting?"
"Alas child, that is not a question I can answer, for only your father will no the answer to that."
"I don't want to hurt my dad, I love Severus, and he's the best father I could ask for. I know a lot of people don't like him and that sometimes he's unfair or mean, but I also know that he's always done what's best for me," with that Harry slowly got up to walk away, however Dumbledore's voice stopped him.
"Perhaps you should go tell your dad that, because right now, I think he's feeling a little…unsure."
"May I go now sir?"
"Of course, the school day will be over very soon, and your father finished his classes an hour ago," Harry left with no further words.
The dungeons were as usual, cold and unwelcoming, however Severus was used to it by now, he spent nine months out of the year down in the dungeons. With a cup of wine in one hand, and a fire blazing before him, Severus stared at the photograph album sitting in his lap, as a sixteen year old Lily Evans, and a fifteen year old Lei Dumbledore stood there waving at him, smiles on their face wider than Europe itself.
"I wish you weren't gone Lily, sometimes…sometimes I feel all alone," Severus whispered softly, taking a swig of his cheap wine. A knock on the portal caused him to jump slightly, cursing Severus placed the album on the table, closing it and his cup along with it then walked towards the entrance hole. Swinging the door opened he was met by the face of his son.
"What…"
"No, don't speak, you've had your turn it's mine. I'm not James Potter, and I'm not just like Lily Potter. I'm not Remus Lupin, I'm Harold James, Potter-Snape. I was born to Lily and James, I have Lily's eyes, and James' features. I was raised by Severus Snape, I have his glare, his sneer, his passions, his pride, his fears, his thirst for faith, love and compassion. I have a little bit of everyone in me, but I'm still Harry Potter. You said yourself I was raised with a little bit of each house in me. I'm sorry you and my father never got along, I'm sorry he stole the only woman you ever loved, I'm sorry I'm not your biological son. However, I am your adopted son, and I do love you with everything I am. I'm sorry that I bring back bad memories for you sometimes, but I want you to realize that that's not what I intended to do, ever. I'm your son, and nothing else. I love James Potter, and he's my father, but you're my dad. You raised me, not James, you've held me and read to me. When I was sad and needed a friend you were there. When I missed mum, you were there to be a mum and a dad. My nightmares and demons were chased away by you. I'm sorry, and I love you dad, I don't mean to disappoint you," Harry finally finished, Severus just stared at him. Saying nothing Severus dropped to a knee and yanked Harry into his arms, wrapping both arms around the young man's thin frame. Harry threw his arm around his father's neck. Both holding the other tightly, Severus sighed and rubbed the child's back
A/N: Solaris Isa --Thanks!
Eva--Don't worry about missing a review, I've missed many for one story, anyway the play ends tomorrow thank god so I'll be more free.
Iniysa --Thanks, I'm glad you're pleased with the house, granted it hasn't changed but I was really quite worried I'd lose more people who are reading
Makalani Astral--Glad you liked it!
Badassgothicgirl--Thank you for the review, I'm not really trying to base it off either the book or the movies, I'm basing it on my ideas and the books and other facts I've seen. I haven't gotten to any of the parts that are great. No worries nothing you can say will make me stop writing this set or series.
Sarah Beth --Thanks for the review and no this will NOT be slash, I don't write slash.
ER --Thank you for the review
Can You See--Thanks, I wasn't sure to about Gryffindor up until the last ten minutes of posting.
headncloud ---Thank you for the review!
Good chapter, can't wait for more.
Pip3 --Thanks I'm so sleepy, anyway glad you're enjoying it
athenakitty --Thanks for the review again