Chapter 8
Harry sprinted out of Gryffindor Tower, clad only in his boxers. One thought echoed through his mind. Draco, I'm coming! Get to Draco, got to get to Draco. Without warning, Harry disappeared in mid step and reappeared right in front of the entrance to the Slytherin Common Rooms. He pounded on the wall in between the twin statues of striking serpents. SEVERUS! OPEN UP! he screamed, desperation giving him a hysterical edge. OH GOD, DRACO! WAKE UP!
Huh? Harry? What are you doing in my dreams? came Severus's sleep reply.
Harry paused, finally registering what Severus had said. EWWWWW! GROSSS! he screeched, disgusted.
The wall finally moved and Harry dashed in, almost knocking over a half naked Severus Snape in the process. He ran, letting his instincts guide him through the Slytherin Dorms.
"Potter, you better have an explanation for waking me at this ungodly hour-" A loud, heart rending scream cut off the irate (and rather stacked) Potions master. Severus whipped around and darted after Harry. Oh SHIT, DRACO!
They burst into Draco's room. Draco was thrashing around on his bed, screaming and fighting his dreams. Tears streamed down his face. "NO! NO! STOP, PLEASE! DADDY, NO!" he screamed over and over.
Harry dove for the bed and grabbed Draco's shoulders. He pulled the thrashing teen up and cradled him to his chest. Severus was right behind him and they cradled Draco between the two of them.
May I? asked Severus. Harry nodded, and they hesitantly touched each other's temples. Their minds swirled together and they cringed at the intimate contact. You feel wrong. They both laughed at the simultaneous thought that had flashed across both of their minds.
Ok, I can deal with the strangeness of this situation later. We need to help him, Harry thought determinedly. Severus nodded, and they flooded Draco's mind through Harry's link to him.
They found themselves, fully clothed, in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. Right in front of them, Draco hung crucifixion style from the wall by manacles around his wrists.
"Please.... help me...." Draco moaned deliriously
Professor, will we be forced to play out the same roles as we did last time? Harry thought worriedly.
I don't think so. At least, I hope not.
"Hmmmm. We can't have you missing out on all the fun, can we? Enervate." Draco shot to awareness with a heart rending scream. He arched his back, trying to escape from the manacles, knowing what was about to come.
"You bastard! Let me go! When I get out of here you will regret the day you were ever born, you MUDBLOOD!" Draco raged at Voldemort. "You think you are so special, but I know the truth! Your father was a MUGGLE! How dare you preach blood purity when you are not pure! You-"
His tirade was cut off mid syllable by a quietly furious "Silencio." Voldemort turned and addressed one of his Death Eaters. "Severus, I assume that you have prepared my requested potions?"
The dream Severus responded. "Master, I have, but I have told you before. When the potions are taken together, the unicorn hair interferes with the-"
"Yes, Yes! Just give him the potions!" Voldemort interrupted.
"Yes, My Lord." He approached Draco's struggling form. "My Lord could someone stun him for me? He might knock the vials out of my hands."
Lucius Malfoy raised his wand "Stupefy!" he hissed, still seething over his son's betrayal and refusal of the Dark Mark.
Dream Snape approached Draco's now still form. A look of pain and anguish crosses his face so briefly that Harry is still forced to wonder if he just imagined it. Yes, you are right. I did have that look on my face, Snape told him wryly. I'm lucky that you were the only one who saw that.
Dream Snape quickly administered the two potions, and then backed away to the far side of the room. Draco slowly began to stir as the effects of the Stupefy wore off.
"Lestrange, Nott! Have you prepared your tools or do you need more time?"
"No, My Lord, we are ready now."
The sounds of a heavy table being wheeled to Draco's semi-conscious form forced Harry and Severus to whirl around from where they were standing. Lestrange and Nott wheeled a cart laden with various strange, lethal looking instruments on it and set it in front of Draco's struggling form. Severus and Harry watched Nott lovingly pick up a long metal stake from the table and expertly begin to heat it with several spells. Within moments, the tip glowed a brilliant white; the next few inches were bright red, and in all over five inches of the stake shimmered with heat. Lestrange picked up a wicked hunting dagger and sharpened it against the whetstone attached to the side of the cart. She then arranged the rest of the table with businesslike precision.
Oh HELL no! NOT THIS TIME! with a snarl of rage, Harry grabbed Nott by the throat. This time, his hands made full contact with the Death Eater. The other Death Eaters panicked at the sight of Harry Potter appearing out of nowhere to strangle one of their own. Harry threw Nott against the wall, and then skewered him with his metal stake. The acrid reek of burning flesh and Nott's agonized screams filled the air. Severus, acting quickly, grabbed the knife out of Lestrange's hands before she could stab Harry in the back. In one long gash, he slit her throat and jumped back so she would not spurt blood all over his robes. They stalked over to Draco and turned to face the Death Eaters, standing in front of the still manacled teen protectively.
Draco stared at them in shock. "What are you doing here?" he croaked, still half under Silencio. He struggled, trying to free himself.
"You're dreaming" Snape bluntly told him. "Harry got me, and we came after you."
Harry formed a ball of pure electrical energy around his clenched fist. "I promised that I wouldn't let anyone hurt you" he snarled and released the electricity. Lightning bolts arced out of his hand and through the air, striking the remaining Death Eaters around Lucius Malfoy and Voldemort. They convulsed and fell to the ground, dead. Voldemort's face, previously shocked, twisted in rage and loathing.
"Potter" he hissed, clenching his left hand. Black energy swirled then immersed his fist. Harry drew his aura protectively around him. He and Voldemort circled around each other, looking for weakness.
Severus slammed Lucius against the wall, giving him a concussion from the strength of the blow. "Your own flesh and blood, Lucius. Your own son. How could you?" Lucius sagged to the ground, unconscious. Severus quickly released him and turned back to Draco. He picked the locks on the manacles, freeing him. Sev took off his cloak and wrapped it around his shivering Godson. They dragged Lucius over to the manacles and, levitating the unconscious man, locked him in place.
They heard a roar and turned. They stared in shock as Harry, having gotten the upper hand, threw a curse and then decked Voldemort. The Dark Lord flew backwards and landed flat on his back.
Harry pounced on him, straddling his chest. Bands of hunter green surrounded Voldemort's wrists and ankles, pinning him to the ground. Harry whaled into Voldemort, cursing him with every obscenity he could think of as he pummeled the defenseless Dark Lord's face and ribs.
"You fucking fucked-up bastard! You slimy SHITHEAD!!! It's all your fault! You're the reason I have to live with a child molester! You killed my parents!" he bellowed, smashing Voldemort's cheekbone into the floor. Voldemort screamed in pain, struggling against his bonds. The bonds held fast.
"This is for my Mum and Dad!" Voldemort's nose was mashed into an unrecognizable pulp. "This is for Sirius!" Harry shattered Voldemort's jaw. "And, this is for me!" He savagely snapped the Dark Lord's neck. Harry knelt there for a while, breathing hard.
Draco and Severus stared at each other. "Uh, Harry, are you all right?" Draco knelt next to Harry and turned his soul mate to face him. Harry stared back, tears falling freely down his face. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were wild.
"I did it. I actually killed him. Even though this is just a dream, I did it." Harry closed his eyes and slumped against Draco's chest. Draco softly stroked his hair. "I could never picture myself killing him. He was always too powerful, and I'd always thought that he'd kill me. It was so bad that I couldn't see it any other way. I've dreamt that he would kill me over and over and over. I didn't think I could do it." He crawled off of the dead Dark Lord and sat there, crying.
Severus walked over and knelt beside them, hugging them both. "You did it, Harry. You killed him. Even though this isn't real, it certainly feels that way. So, how does it feel?"
Harry buried his head in Severus's shoulder, craving comfort. Sev's eyes widened. Lily used to do that he thought, torn between surprise and sadness. GOD, Lily, I miss you.
"It feels like something inside me died with him" he murmured sadly, tears still leaking from his eyes.
Severus rubbed his back. "It always does." he stated simply.
"It didn't when I killed Lestrange-" Harry trailed off.
"You did that?" Severus asked, amused. "Good for you!" he praised. Harry tiredly grinned, then looked extremely confused.
"Wait- How did you know my mother and why did you hug her?" Harry asked.
Severus grinned; transforming his face and making him look almost fifteen years younger. "She was my best, closest friend. In fact," he opened his left hand and showed them a thin scar across his palm. Draco gasped, recognizing its significance. "We adopted each other through a blood binding ritual in fourth year. I always wanted a little sister, and she always wanted an older brother, so we made it happen. She's the reason I betrayed Voldemort and turned spy for Dumbledore."
"So she was your blood sister after that?" Harry asked curiously. Severus nodded, still grinning. Harry's eyes lit up. "Cool! So that means you are my real uncle then?" Sev nodded again. Harry's eyes dulled. "But you hate me. I don't understand."
"The reason I disliked you so much is that you looked, and therefore I assumed wrongly, that you acted exactly like your father, who made my life a living hell all seven years I attended Hogwarts. Through your actions this summer, I realized that you and Lily are much more alike than I thought. James would have never done something like that rescue you pulled off, even if it had been Black who had been in trouble. Lily would have in a heartbeat because she always did what she felt was right, no matter the danger. She also would have gone to the Department of Mysteries to rescue Black, as well, consequences and danger be damned." Harry nodded slowly.
"So, does that mean you've changed your mind?" he asked cautiously. Sev smirked.
"Welcome to the Snape family." He hugged Harry. Draco sat there, mouth still open in shock.
"Umm, we were already related." Harry retorted, smirking. Sev groaned. "So, 'Uncle Sev'" Harry's eyes lit back up, "Draco, what do you say we get the hell out of here?"
Snape smirked. "I like the sound of that, coming from you. 'Uncle Sev.' Who'd of thought that a Potter would ever be calling me that?" He shook his head and laughed. "However, Harry, come September first, it's back to Professor." Harry pouted slightly, and then nodded.
"Can't I call you Uncle Sev in private?" he asked, warming up to the idea
"Of course! And, you can stay with me over the summer, instead of having to go anywhere near those damn Muggles!" Severus hugged his Godson and nephew.
Over on the wall, Lucius was still hanging limply.
The three demigods stood up and strode out of the dungeon, leaving carnage in their wake.
They gradually awoke, muscles stiff and sore. Harry sat up and checked his watch. Great, 2:30 a.m. Draco groaned and opened his eyes, tears still streaming down his face. He buried his face in Severus's shoulder.
"Are you two all right?" asked Sev anxiously. They nodded shakily. Harry stood up and stretched.
"I should probably be going back to Gryffindor Tower." Harry made a face at the prospect. Draco groaned and yanked him by the arm. Harry fell back down onto Draco's bed.
"No. You're gonna stay here." Draco pouted, reminding Harry of a two year old. Severus laughed.
"Really, Harry, you can stay. There are two other beds here." Severus stretched, raising his arms high above his head, yawning. Draco gasped, his gaze riveted to his Godfather's now unmarked forearm.
"Uncle Sev, where is it??? Where's the Mark?" Draco exclaimed, his eyes wide. Harry gaped and ran his finger over the smooth, unblemished skin.
Severus gaped at his arm in astonishment. "Oh my GOD. It wasn't a dream. It's gone, it's finally gone. I'm free" he numbly spoke. "I'm FREE! I'M FREE!" he exclaimed. "She really healed it and broke the link! He can never summon me again!" His eyes sparkled.
Draco and Harry hugged him, laughing. "That's great, Uncle Sev!" Draco exclaimed happily. "That bastard can't hurt you any more!" Harry smiled, truly happy for his uncle. It's so strange, he mused. Now if she could only do that for my scar, he thought dourly, fingering the lightning bolt shape on his forehead. That would be really cool.
Draco caught his thought. "Maybe she can, Harry" Draco suggested hopefully. He shivered. "I never want to feel that much pain again. It felt like every nerve ending I had was on fire" he remarked, remembering all too well how badly it hurt. "Does it hurt like that every time?"
"Sometimes it's worse, sometimes it's better. The absolute worst is when he sends me visions. Those suck." Harry winced and rubbed his scar, remembering the last vision he had experienced. Sirius.
"Ok, enough talking. You two need to go back to sleep." Severus stood up, pulling Harry with him. He guided his nephew to the closest bed. "Go to sleep" he admonished. Harry and Draco nodded sleepily.
"Hey, Uncle Sev, what about my clothes?" Harry asked, almost asleep. Severus chuckled.
"You're one of the most powerful beings in existence. Summon them or conjure more in the morning. Good night, you two." He walked out the door.
"Good Night, Uncle Sev" they chorused in matching sing song voices. He rolled his eyes and closed the door behind him.
Harry waved his hand around and the soft glow winked out. "Good night, Draco."
"Good night, Harry."
Harry woke up and stared wildly around him, disoriented. WHERE- Oh yeah, he thought to himself. The curtains were green because he was sleeping in the Slytherin dorms.
He could feel Draco's mind stir towards wakefulness. I could get used to this, Harry thought to himself as Draco slowly woke up.
Good morning, sunshine, chirped Harry gleefully when Draco finally opened his eyes.
MMMRRRPGH came the unintelligible reply. How the hell can you be so damn cheerful? What time is it?
Harry summoned a clock. 8:45.
What the hell are we doing awake, then? Draco asked incredulously.
Harry laughed. Aww, someone not a morning person? he asked, teasing Draco.
BITE ME
Hmmmm got to think about that one. Any particular place you had in mind?
Draco choked and raised his head. "You are one sick bastard" he muttered, stretching. Blond hair flopped over one eye.
Severus poked his head into their rooms. "Are you up? Miss Granger wishes to speak with you, Harry." Hermione slipped past Severus and rushed into the room. Harry groaned and buried his head under a pillow.
Hermione jumped onto his bed. "Harry, what are you doing here?" she asked, grabbing his pillow away from him.
It's too early for this, Harry groused mentally. Draco sniggered, and Hermione shot him a look. "Good morning to you too, 'Mione."
"Come on, Harry, what's going on? Ron said you ran like hell out of your room last night and didn't come back that he remembered. He said you were screaming. What happened?" She wrapped him in a big hug. "Come on, tell me!" she pleaded. Harry sighed and turned to Draco.
How much do you feel comfortable with, that I can tell her? She'll never shut up if I try to brush her off.
I'll tell her, laughed Draco.
Be nice. She's still my friend, even though I feel neglected. Plus, she's supposedly my cousin.
Draco pouted. Spoilsport. They both laughed. Severus rolled his eyes, amused.
"Ok, what is the deal with you two? Are you talking and I'm just not hearing it, or what?" Hermione asked, exasperated. She glared at them.
Draco sighed. "Hermione". She shot him a startled look. "What? That is your name, isn't it? Would you prefer that I insult you?" Severus choked back a laugh. She shook her head mutely.
"Good. Now, stay quiet and listen." Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but Draco cut her off. "Nope, SHHH!" She snapped her mouth shut, looking mildly insulted. Severus snickered and left. "Harry and I can talk telepathically, because we both are demigods. You heard Alanna say we are soul mates. What that means is irrelevant, and please feel free to draw your own conclusions. Severus Snape, his soul mate Laurel, Harry, and I are the youngest of the demigods. Harry is also the human Champion for the side of the Light in the battle with Voldemort and Clautius. We are training for that war. Any questions so far?"
Hermione stared at him suspiciously. "You still haven't answered my question. Why is Harry in the Slytherin Dorms?"
Harry laughed. "If you could see someone's nightmares, especially if that person is a friend, wouldn't you do everything in your power to help them and get to them as quickly as possible?"
Hermione thought a minute. "Within reason, yes." She looked at Draco, troubled. "Why are you having nightmares? And, since when are you two friends?"
Draco stared incredulously at her. "Hello! I've been tortured by Death Eaters and Potter here rescued my ass! You can't hate someone after they save your life like that."
Hermione blushed. "Oops, I forgot that part."
"That's okay, no big deal." Draco went to stand up, and then checked himself. Ok, I don't think she wants to see my boxers. See, I'm being considerate of her feelings. Harry burst out laughing. "Hey, would you mind leaving? We both kind of need to get dressed." She beat a hasty retreat out of the room. Harry laughed at the shocked expression on her face, and then summoned his trunk. It came zooming though the door a second later.
Twenty minutes later, Harry and Draco strolled out of Draco's room. Hermione was sitting on a couch in the Slytherin Common Room, reading an enormous tome on potions. Professor Snape was sitting next to her, answering her questions about the content. She jumped up when she saw the two guys and hugged Harry tightly around the neck.
"Hi, 'Mione. What are you reading?" he asked, rubbing his now sore neck.
"Never mind that. I'm worried about you. I never see you any more. Why are you hanging out with Malfoy all the time?"
"Yeah, hanging out with two people who are so completely wrapped up in themselves and their budding romance that they forget to pay attention to their friend is so much better than hanging out with someone who at least pays attention to you," Draco sarcastically replied, flopping into an overstuffed velvet chair next to the roaring fire. The chains he had slung about his hips glinted in the firelight against his inky black jeans. The silver flames running up the sleeves of his long sleeve dark green shirt shimmered and sparkled. He laid his head on one of the armrests, throwing his boots over the other.
"Comfy?" Harry asked sarcastically. Hermione took a minute and stared at his clothes.
"Harry, what on earth are you wearing?" Harry looked down at himself. He had on a deep burgundy long sleeve shirt with a silver phoenix on the front. He wore his leather pants and silver chains around his hips as well as looping off the belt loops. A pair of black boots and some spike bracelets completed the picture.
"What?" he asked confused. I thought I looked good!
You do. Don't worry about it. She's the one with the screwed up fashion sense. Harry looked Hermione up and down. She had on a PINK short sleeved tee shirt and a faded pair of blue jeans.
"Yes, Hermione, I am wearing clothing. If clothing offends you, I'll take it off." Harry amusedly started to take off his shirt.
"HARRY!" she yelled, scandalized. "Keep your clothes on!"
Damn, Potter, she must think you're hideous. Well she finds Ron attractive so I can personally attest to the fact that she has no taste. Draco chuckled and examined his nails.
I'm beginning to think you're right, Harry agreed reluctantly.
"Ok, if we are finished talking," Snape interjected, "can we go to breakfast already?" He strode out of the Common Room and walked down the hall.
Hermione, Harry, and Draco walked out after him. "Oh, Hermione," Draco commented casually "you might want to think about joining our training sessions. They're from 1:00 to 3:00 in the Room of Requirement. You are one of the most powerful mortals on the planet, you know. Alanna and Xander can teach you more than you'll ever learn on your own about your powers."
"I'll think about it."
At 12:55, Harry, Draco, Dudley, and Severus strolled casually into the Room of Requirement. Alanna and Xander were already waiting for them.
Are we all here? Alanna asked quietly.
Hermione might be coming. She said she'd think about it, Draco replied, floating to the ceiling. Dudley watched him in awe, his mouth hanging open.
How did he do that? he though quietly to himself. Harry laughed.
Like this. He directly linked to Dudley's mind and showed him how to control his floating. Within seconds there were three teenagers bouncing off the walls, ceilings, and each other.
Hermione and Ron skidded into the room at exactly 1:00. "Sorry we're late. The staircase- What are you doing????" She watched, flabbergasted, as Harry and Dudley slammed into each other in mid air, and then careened off in opposite directions. "How are you doing that?" she asked, impressed.
WHEEE! THIS IS FUN!!! Harry yelled enthusiastically. Draco smirked from the center of the ceiling where he hung upside down.
How can I hear him, when he isn't opening his mouth? wondered Ron, completely confused.
Hey, 'Mione, how much did you tell him? Harry asked.
"Um, not much" she said out loud. "I wasn't sure how he'd take it, so I only told him that you were training. So, how does the telepathy work?" she asked, experimenting. LIKE THIS??? she shouted. Harry winced, and Draco clapped his hands to his temples. Dudley shrieked in surprise and fell to the floor with a loud crash, shaking the whole room. Severus, Alanna, and Xander slammed their shields into place.
Too loud, 'Mione. Just think normally, as if you were speaking. She tried again.
Like this? she asked. Harry beamed at her, and Draco let out a sigh of relief.
Perfect. Harry slowly sank down and stood beside her.
Ok, let's get started. Alanna clapped her hands and they all clustered around her, eager to begin.
All right, who are the new students? she asked.
Hermione smiled. I'm Hermione, and this is my boyfriend Ron. Ron looked confused, but gave a small wave.
Dudley hovered a few inches off the ground. I'm Dudley, Harry's cousin. I keep blowing things up. Can you help me? Everyone laughed.
What if I think you already have the right idea? Alanna teased.
Dudley let out a huge sigh of relief. FINALLY someone who isn't going to yell at me for liking fires! Harry snickered.
Hey, I never yelled at you for being a pyro. I think it's cool, he told his cousin. Dudley grinned and formed a small fireball in his palm. Harry grinned back and a stone lion with a fiery mane formed and prowled on his shoulder. Dudley raised his eyebrows, impressed. Hermione, not to be outdone, formed a fiery phoenix that hovered and flew around the room. Draco created a small elephant shaped tornado in the center of the room. Ron just watched them form various creatures and felt severely outclassed.
Um, Hermione? I shouldn't be here. I can't do anything like that. I should go. Turning, he walked towards the door.
"Ron, wait! I - AARRGH!" Hermione's phoenix had landed on her shoulder and her hair had instantly combusted. Ron turned, horrified.
"HERMIONE!!!" He raised his hand, and a torrent of water crashed into his girlfriend. Sputtering, she slammed into one of the large windows. It gave way and she crashed through the glass.
"ROONNNNN!!!" She screamed. Draco dove out the window and caught her. He levitated them both up through the window back to safety.
I- um I- thank you. Hermione said gratefully, then flew into her boyfriend's arms.
Ron grabbed her around the waist and swung her into his arms. Oh God, 'Mione I was so scared. I'm so sorry you went out the window. I didn't mean for it to happen. You were on fire and I just reacted and I'M SO SORRY! Ron was so frantic with relief that he didn't even realize he wasn't speaking out loud.
Calm down, Ron, it's ok. I'm safe, and MY HAIR! she shrieked. Draco conjured a mirror and she snatched it from his hand. OH MY GOD!!! MY HAIR!!!!! IT'S RUINED!!!! she screamed.
Draco, that wasn't nice. You aren't helping. Harry chided, trying to hold in his laughter.
She wanted to see her hair. I think I was doing her a favor, really. Draco snickered.
Hermione started to cry. Great sobs wracked her body as she wailed into Ron's shoulder. My hair! It's ruined, what'll I do? Alanna pulled her from Ron's arms and stared at the burned ends critically.
It isn't too bad. Really, the burned parts need to come out. You'll lose only about four inches. So, if I cut this shoulder length, it should be fine. Ron put it out just in time. It will be ok, and it is salvageable.
Hermione turned a tear stained face up to Alanna. You really think so? It isn't too bad?
Of course. I can have this done in about ten minutes. Alanna turned to Ron. So, you're a water elemental. I thought you might be one, considering that your girlfriend likes to play with fire.
So I actually have talent? Ron asked excitedly.
You'd think he hadn't ever been good at anything before, Draco remarked to Harry privately. Severus overheard him and his lips twitched as he fought to repress a smile. Harry's next words wiped the smile right off his face.
He hasn't. His brothers have overshadowed everything he has ever done. All he wants, really, is for someone to notice him and his accomplishments without comparing him to Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred or George, Harry sadly replied. Draco's eyes widened fractionally as he gained this insight.
Damn, having siblings must suck. Still, I wish I had a younger brother or sister, Draco commented wistfully.
I know, me too. It would have been nice to have a little sister to tease and protect. Harry smiled sadly. But, it's no use wishing since it won't happen.
True.
If you two are done with your private conversation, we would like to continue. Alanna broke into their thoughts. With a laugh, they turned their focus back to the lesson.
Ok, we are going to review wandless magic quickly. Oh, before we begin, Hermione and Ron, hand over your wands. You'll never need them again. Suspiciously they complied.
Then how are we going to do spells? Ron asked.
Harry, could you show them? You teach telepathically the best out of any of us. Harry quickly reviewed with Ron and Hermione how to use their hands and voices to cast spells. Within a minute of coaching, they had it completely. They spent the next ten minutes practicing the most efficient ways of casting spells.
I don't know any spells, Dudley complained. Draco took him aside and quickly joined minds with him. A few seconds later, Dudley produced a corporal Patronus of a giant whale. It swam around the room, then returned to Dudley's open hand. Dudley let out a cheer. "I DID IT!" he yelled triumphantly. Harry clapped enthusiastically. Dudley went through all the spells Draco had quickly stored in his memory. Suddenly he frowned. I don't think I should do this one. What's Sano Crucio? Alanna paled.
Draco, how did you know that one? she asked, afraid of the answer.
My father. He was big into the Dark Arts and made sure that I knew the spells and incantations, he replied, his concentration on creating a three inch fiery whirlwind in mid air.
I see. All right, does everyone understand wandless magic? They all nodded. Ok, let's continue. Elemental Magic is the control of the elements. There are five elements: fire, water, earth, air and mind. Everyone has one element that they excel at, though it is possible to completely master all five. However, one will always be easier than all the rest. Your aura reflects what element will be easier for you. They continued learning how to master their elements until 3:00, when Alanna called it a day.
Harry gratefully sank into his bed in the Gryffindor Tower. That training had been fun, but tough. He was out like a light the instant his head touched the pillow. He started to whimper, slipping into a dream.
Seven year old Harry sat in his cupboard, absently playing with his only friend, the stone tiger. His kitty jumped through a ring of fire that he had created out of thin air, then was whirled around by a gust of wind. This is nice he thought, smiling. Uncle Vernon doesn't know I'm playing with my powers, so he can't punish me. He lay down on his tiny bed, and the foot high tiger curled up on his chest, purring contentedly. As he drifted into a doze, the cupboard door was ripped open. Harry stared, horrified, as an enormous shadow loomed over him. Uh-oh he thought.
His uncle glared down at him. The tiger stood up and bristled, hissing at the irate man. He picked up the cat and crushed it in his fist. "Hello freak" he growled and reached for Harry.
Draco woke from a sound sleep. Harry he thought, still half asleep. Something is wrong with Harry. He dashed out of bed, wearing only a pair of drawstring silk pants, and sprinted out of the Slytherin Dorms. UNCLE SEV! SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH HARRY! Sev came dashing out of his quarters, similarly clad. Draco, without even realizing it, apparated in mid step and reappeared in the middle of the Gryffindor Common Room. He scared the shit out of the madly making out Ron and Hermione. Severus appeared right next to him, out of breath.
"You do realize," he gasped for breath "that you just apparated?" Draco ignored him.
"Where is he?" he demanded. "Where is Harry?" Ron and Hermione mutely pointed up the stairs. A loud scream echoed off the walls. "HARRY!" yelled Draco as he sprinted for Harry's room. Severus, Ron and Hermione followed, racing to the sixth year dorms.
They skidded into the room. Harry hovered a foot off his bed, his energy crackling wildly around him. "NONONONONONONONO" he shrieked at the top of his lungs, flailing wildly. Draco threw himself at Harry, aura flaring around him. SEV, JOIN NOW! he ordered. Severus jerked his fingers against Draco's temple and Draco did the same to Severus. Ron and Hermione watched, horrified, as they collapsed against the still screaming and struggling teen.
Severus and Draco entered the Dursley house just in time to see Vernon throw Harry against the living room wall. "You little freak. How many times do I have to tell you that using that abomination is forbidden?" Harry whimpered, terrified. His aura rose protectively around him, and Vernon savagely kicked through it, connecting with Harry's ribcage. The child flew through the air and crashed against the piano across the room. Severus's face twisted in rage.
"Oh you fucking asshole!" he bellowed. Draco ran to Harry, holding him. The little boy looked him square in the eye.
"Who're you?" he asked, wide eyed. He suddenly screamed "WATCH OUT!" Draco turned in time for Vernon's meaty fist to catch his temple. He flew through the air, still holding Harry, into the fireplace. He caught himself just in time, aura flaring to keep him from being smashed into the stone hearth. Harry stared at him, astonished. "You- you- you- you're just like me!" he exclaimed, grinning.
Draco gently put him down. "Yep, I'm just like you, and I'm pissed." He advanced on Vernon, Severus stalking beside him. Vernon gulped and backed up, terrified. Severus glowed a bright silver, and Draco's light blue aura roiled around him. They effortlessly picked up the petrified Vernon Dursley and plastered him against the wall.
"So you like to hurt little boys, is that it? How about you take on someone your own size for once? Not so brave now, are you?" Draco snarled and brought an energy filled fist up to Vernon's face. The man started to cry, and promptly wet his pants. "Oh, fucking GROSS!!" yelled Draco, disgusted. He left Vernon in the care of Severus, and went to comfort Harry. The boy was crouched in a corner, crying softly.
Draco knelt down in front of him. "Hi, Harry, I'm Draco. Can you come here?" Harry shook his head and curled into a ball. Draco slowly picked him up and put him on his lap. Harry hissed in pain from the movement of his broken ribs.
"Here, let me heal you." Harry glared suspiciously at the older boy. Draco carefully healed Harry's broken ribs, and then Harry scooted away from him.
"What do you want in return?" he asked, suspicious. Draco stared at him in shock.
"What do you mean? I don't want anything from you. Why do you ask?"
"Bull shit. Uncle Vernon only does nice things for me, like give me dinner, if I let him- I shouldn't have said that. Forget I said anything." Draco raised his eyebrows, rage turning his pale skin bright red.
"Uncle Sev, did you hear that? Harry's uncle exchanges food for sexual favors. Isn't that so kind of him?" he spat venomously. Harry froze like a deer caught in headlights. He stared back and forth at the two strange adults in his living room. They turned to Vernon.
"You are going to wish you had never been born by the time we are through with you" Severus growled. "You hurt my nephew, and you are going to pay."
Vernon screamed for hours, until his voice finally gave out. Harry sat in the corner, eating popcorn and loving every minute of it.
Harry, Severus, and Draco finally awoke. Ron and Hermione were lightly dozing against the wall next to Harry's bed. They sprang into wakefulness the minute the three of them stirred.
"Are you all right?" they asked, worried. "Harry, what happened?" Hermione tried to hug him, but he shied away from her, burrowing into Severus's embrace.
"Um, Harry, you're hugging Professor Snape." Ron stared at them, completely dumbfounded. What the fuck is going on??
"I know. He's my uncle" Harry mumbled against Sev's shoulder. Draco rested his forehead against Harry's back.
"Excuse me? Did I hear you right?" Hermione asked, confused. I could have sworn I heard him say Snape was his uncle.
"You did. Lily was my best friend at Hogwarts. We adopted each other through a blood binding ritual we performed in our fourth year." Hermione absorbed this information, wide eyed. Ron's eyes darted back and forth, and he promptly passed out. He hit the ground with a loud thud. Harry groaned and levitated him to his bed, tucking him in.
"Harry, you can't sleep up here. We have to be close by so we can deal with these nightmares you and Draco have. You have to move into the Slytherin Dorms." Sev stroked his nephew's hair. Harry sighed and nodded. Hermione shook her head.
"I know it's for the best, but why does he have to move down there? Why can't you move up here?" Ron's snores diverted her attention, and she grinned ruefully. "Right. Ron would throw a conniption if he had to share a dorm with the dreaded Draco Malfoy." She smirked.
"Don't forget the completely horrid Professor Snape" Severus drawled, then grinned. Hermione gasped.
"You know how to smile???" she asked, incredulously. Severus laughed. "You can laugh? Has hell frozen over? Have the polar ice caps melted? What is going on?" She asked, pretending to swoon melodramatically. Draco sniggered. Harry was already on his way to falling asleep in his uncle's arms. Hermione gently shook him awake. "Harry, is your trunk packed?" He sleepily shook his head no.
"Very well, I'll do it. PACK!" she ordered, and his trunk was instantly filled and locked.
Draco stood up and grabbed the trunk. Severus gently lifted Harry, carrying him in his arms. Draco grasped Severus's elbow, and they apparated back to the Slytherin Dorms. Sev tucked Harry back into the same bed he had used the previous night. Draco placed his trunk by the foot of the bed, then crawled under his covers.
"Good night, Uncle Sev." The light was extinguished, and the two boys fell into a dreamless sleep.
Two weeks passed. Harry moved permanently into the Slytherin Dorms, where his uncle and soul mate could keep their eyes on him. He felt bad that they were missing sleep because of him, but the one time he tried casting silencing charms on his bed, they threatened to hex him into the middle of next week.
True to his word, Severus, Draco, and Harry visited the hot spring at least every other day. Once, they invited Ron and Hermione to go with them. After Hermione revived Ron, who had passed out upon hearing Severus actually speak to him without insulting him, they accepted.
While Harry, Draco, and Severus just soaked in the spring, Hermione and Ron splashed in the pond below. They chased and dunked each other, playfully, having the time of their lives.
"Hey!" shouted Hermione, as Ron dunked her for the fourth time, "I don't want algae in my hair!" she squealed, flipping her now shoulder length hair over her shoulder. He picked her up, and she almost lost the top of her bikini. "Ron, put me down! I mean it, now!" He laughed, and held her closer. Suddenly, he shot backwards, dropping her into the deepest part of the pond. Severus rolled his eyes and left the spring to figure out what was going on.
"HELP! Hermione, there's something in my shorts! Help! Oh, this feels weird! Oh! Oh!" He hopped around trying to shake whatever it was out of his swim trunks. He stumbled out of the water, a weird shape bulging on his left butt cheek. All of a sudden, he started screaming at the top of his lungs. "IT BIT ME!!!! OH SHIT!!!!! AAUUGGHH! OWOWOWOWOWWWWW!!!!!!" He finally shook it out, and jumped back, afraid it would try to bite him again. Severus walked over, and stared at it, in shock.
Oh wow, Draco, this is a new species. Come here. Harry and Draco rushed over. The new species was an amphibian, with the arms and legs of a lizard, but the body and head of a frog. It had a short, stubby tail, and it hopped as well as crawled. Draco captured it and Harry created a container for the thing to stay. Severus started to laugh, collapsing to the ground. Trust Mr. Weaseley to find a new species by having it crawl into his shorts and bite him on the ass! he gasped, tears of mirth squeezing from his eyes. Hermione, Draco, and Harry started laughing as well. Ron huffed and stormed off.
Ron, please, come back. You have to admit it was funny. Hermione pleaded with her boyfriend. Honestly, you found a new species. You'll be famous. But, you found it by the damn thing crawling into your swim trunks and biting you! Ron came back, chuckling.
You're right. Damn, that'll be a story for the grand kids. I can see it now, sitting on the porch, telling a bunch of wide-eyed kids: 'There I was, throwing my girlfriend into the pond, when, suddenly, something crawled up my leg! The damn thing bit me! Turns out it was a completely undiscovered species of frog-lizard!' They roared with laughter.
They packed up, anxious to show Dumbledore the new species and have it registered. Maybe they can call it the Weaseley, after its discoverer, Ron mused. Severus blanched, then laughed.
The day before Harry's 16th birthday, Dumbledore asked Harry at lunch if he would come up to the Headmaster's office.
"I have a favor to ask of you. The password is Payday" he had mysteriously said. So, at almost 12:30, Harry found himself standing in front of the stone gargoyle.
"Payday". The gargoyle swung open and Harry climbed the stairs. He walked easily into the office. Petunia and Dudley were already there, seated in front of the desk. Dumbledore rose and gestured for Harry to join them.
"Please sit down, my boy" he requested. Harry sat, slightly confused.
What is going on? he asked Dudley. Dudley just grinned. Dumbledore reached up behind him and pulled down the Sorting Hat. Harry stared, shocked.
"Um, I hope I'm not about to be resorted" he anxiously stared at the hat. Dumbledore smiled, eyes twinkling.
"Of course not, Harry. Dudley is about to be Sorted. That is what I wanted to ask you. Since Petunia is going through a rather messy divorce, and your uncle is giving her a very hard time, I would appreciate it if you could cover the cost of your cousin's tuition until the end of the proceedings."
Petunia quickly interjected. "I will pay you back, of course. But, it would be easier to not have to worry about transferring funds from a Muggle bank to Gringotts. That could be a mess." Harry slowly nodded, agreeing to the situation.
"All right, that will be fine" he said slowly, still thinking it through. "Professor? Will Dudley have to take the OWLS? Or will he start at the beginning?" Dudley gulped, and Harry grinned evilly, picturing his sixteen year old cousin having to attend class with the eleven year old first years.
"Um, that is another thing. Dudley will need to take his OWLS in several weeks. Could you, Draco, Ron, and Hermione get him up to speed on that? I know it will take you very little time." Harry sighed and nodded. Dudley breathed a huge sigh of relief.
"Now then, let's get this show on the road." Without further ado, Dumbledore gently placed the Sorting Hat on Dudley's head. After about ten seconds, it shouted "HUFFLEPUFF!" Harry silently snickered, and slapped his cousin on the back.
"Good job, Dudley. Good choice for a house. You really belong there." Harry laughed and left the room, leaving a happy, but confused Dudley and Petunia behind him.
Harry woke up slowly to the sound of someone's voice. "Wake up, Harry, it's only an hour until midnight. You wouldn't want to miss your birthday, would you?" Harry panicked.
Uncle Vernon? No! He can't be here! No, please GOD NO! He catapulted out of sleep, terrified.
Relax, Harry, it's just us, Uncle Sev and Draco. Vernon isn't here. He can't hurt you. Harry relaxed as his glasses were pushed gently onto his face. Sev, I told you that waking him up was a bad idea, Draco snapped.
Hey, Lily loved waking up to see midnight on her birthday. I thought he might appreciate the gesture. Sev argued, defensive. Harry laughed quietly.
"Really, my mom used to wake up, too? I do it every year, and then my uncle spoils it for me. But still it's nice to welcome in my birthday. So, everyone tells me about my dad," Harry sat up in bed, all trace of sleepiness gone, "but no one tells me about my mom. What was she like?" Sev gasped, eyes narrowing.
"What do you mean? Why hasn't anyone ever told you about her?" he asked, slightly angry.
"They all kept telling me how much like my dad I was. I guess no one mentioned her. I know Aunt Petunia wouldn't even say her name."
"Well, let me get my scrap book." Sev left and came back thirty seconds later, a huge book under one arm. Draco scooted away from Harry, making room for Sev in between them. He sat down in the middle, and opened the book, starting at the beginning.
"This is us in first year. She was the outcast Gryffindor, much like Hermione was. I didn't approach her because I still thought the same way my father had, that only Purebloods are worth knowing." He gestured to the first several pictures. An eleven year old Lily sat under a tree, reading an enormous book. Severus sat two trees over, doing the same. "I was the outcast Slytherin, not wealthy or sadistic enough to be considered cool." He flipped through the next couple of pages, continuing.
They sat there until midnight, going through the pictures. Harry learned more about his mom in the hour with his uncle than he had learned in his entire life. At midnight, Sev and Draco hugged him. "Happy birthday, Harry" they quietly told him. Harry smiled, happier than he had really ever been.
This is the best birthday ever, Harry thought to himself, contentedly sitting between his uncle and soul mate. They continued flipping through the pictures until the sun rose.
B/N: I hope you guys liked that, I know I did! Hehehehehe, Laura was only gonna put in that the thing climbed up Ron's pants, but I told her to have it bite him... on the ass. Oh funfunfunfunfun! I like this story. Uh-oh, I better be careful, LEST I BECOME A RABID FAN! (Like a certain person who will remain anonymous. She thinks the word is "unanimous.") By the way, did anybody find the story? The one that I asked about after the last chappie? Please, please, tell me the author or title, please? If you do, then I promise to torture Laura until she finishes the entire story for you, and I will personally be right next to her (with one of those electric cattle prodders), making sure she writes it good. TTFN!
A/N: uh oh, can I hide at one of your guys's houses? She's scaring me.... Help!!!!! If my brain is fried I can't type! So, please.... Help me....
Harry sprinted out of Gryffindor Tower, clad only in his boxers. One thought echoed through his mind. Draco, I'm coming! Get to Draco, got to get to Draco. Without warning, Harry disappeared in mid step and reappeared right in front of the entrance to the Slytherin Common Rooms. He pounded on the wall in between the twin statues of striking serpents. SEVERUS! OPEN UP! he screamed, desperation giving him a hysterical edge. OH GOD, DRACO! WAKE UP!
Huh? Harry? What are you doing in my dreams? came Severus's sleep reply.
Harry paused, finally registering what Severus had said. EWWWWW! GROSSS! he screeched, disgusted.
The wall finally moved and Harry dashed in, almost knocking over a half naked Severus Snape in the process. He ran, letting his instincts guide him through the Slytherin Dorms.
"Potter, you better have an explanation for waking me at this ungodly hour-" A loud, heart rending scream cut off the irate (and rather stacked) Potions master. Severus whipped around and darted after Harry. Oh SHIT, DRACO!
They burst into Draco's room. Draco was thrashing around on his bed, screaming and fighting his dreams. Tears streamed down his face. "NO! NO! STOP, PLEASE! DADDY, NO!" he screamed over and over.
Harry dove for the bed and grabbed Draco's shoulders. He pulled the thrashing teen up and cradled him to his chest. Severus was right behind him and they cradled Draco between the two of them.
May I? asked Severus. Harry nodded, and they hesitantly touched each other's temples. Their minds swirled together and they cringed at the intimate contact. You feel wrong. They both laughed at the simultaneous thought that had flashed across both of their minds.
Ok, I can deal with the strangeness of this situation later. We need to help him, Harry thought determinedly. Severus nodded, and they flooded Draco's mind through Harry's link to him.
They found themselves, fully clothed, in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. Right in front of them, Draco hung crucifixion style from the wall by manacles around his wrists.
"Please.... help me...." Draco moaned deliriously
Professor, will we be forced to play out the same roles as we did last time? Harry thought worriedly.
I don't think so. At least, I hope not.
"Hmmmm. We can't have you missing out on all the fun, can we? Enervate." Draco shot to awareness with a heart rending scream. He arched his back, trying to escape from the manacles, knowing what was about to come.
"You bastard! Let me go! When I get out of here you will regret the day you were ever born, you MUDBLOOD!" Draco raged at Voldemort. "You think you are so special, but I know the truth! Your father was a MUGGLE! How dare you preach blood purity when you are not pure! You-"
His tirade was cut off mid syllable by a quietly furious "Silencio." Voldemort turned and addressed one of his Death Eaters. "Severus, I assume that you have prepared my requested potions?"
The dream Severus responded. "Master, I have, but I have told you before. When the potions are taken together, the unicorn hair interferes with the-"
"Yes, Yes! Just give him the potions!" Voldemort interrupted.
"Yes, My Lord." He approached Draco's struggling form. "My Lord could someone stun him for me? He might knock the vials out of my hands."
Lucius Malfoy raised his wand "Stupefy!" he hissed, still seething over his son's betrayal and refusal of the Dark Mark.
Dream Snape approached Draco's now still form. A look of pain and anguish crosses his face so briefly that Harry is still forced to wonder if he just imagined it. Yes, you are right. I did have that look on my face, Snape told him wryly. I'm lucky that you were the only one who saw that.
Dream Snape quickly administered the two potions, and then backed away to the far side of the room. Draco slowly began to stir as the effects of the Stupefy wore off.
"Lestrange, Nott! Have you prepared your tools or do you need more time?"
"No, My Lord, we are ready now."
The sounds of a heavy table being wheeled to Draco's semi-conscious form forced Harry and Severus to whirl around from where they were standing. Lestrange and Nott wheeled a cart laden with various strange, lethal looking instruments on it and set it in front of Draco's struggling form. Severus and Harry watched Nott lovingly pick up a long metal stake from the table and expertly begin to heat it with several spells. Within moments, the tip glowed a brilliant white; the next few inches were bright red, and in all over five inches of the stake shimmered with heat. Lestrange picked up a wicked hunting dagger and sharpened it against the whetstone attached to the side of the cart. She then arranged the rest of the table with businesslike precision.
Oh HELL no! NOT THIS TIME! with a snarl of rage, Harry grabbed Nott by the throat. This time, his hands made full contact with the Death Eater. The other Death Eaters panicked at the sight of Harry Potter appearing out of nowhere to strangle one of their own. Harry threw Nott against the wall, and then skewered him with his metal stake. The acrid reek of burning flesh and Nott's agonized screams filled the air. Severus, acting quickly, grabbed the knife out of Lestrange's hands before she could stab Harry in the back. In one long gash, he slit her throat and jumped back so she would not spurt blood all over his robes. They stalked over to Draco and turned to face the Death Eaters, standing in front of the still manacled teen protectively.
Draco stared at them in shock. "What are you doing here?" he croaked, still half under Silencio. He struggled, trying to free himself.
"You're dreaming" Snape bluntly told him. "Harry got me, and we came after you."
Harry formed a ball of pure electrical energy around his clenched fist. "I promised that I wouldn't let anyone hurt you" he snarled and released the electricity. Lightning bolts arced out of his hand and through the air, striking the remaining Death Eaters around Lucius Malfoy and Voldemort. They convulsed and fell to the ground, dead. Voldemort's face, previously shocked, twisted in rage and loathing.
"Potter" he hissed, clenching his left hand. Black energy swirled then immersed his fist. Harry drew his aura protectively around him. He and Voldemort circled around each other, looking for weakness.
Severus slammed Lucius against the wall, giving him a concussion from the strength of the blow. "Your own flesh and blood, Lucius. Your own son. How could you?" Lucius sagged to the ground, unconscious. Severus quickly released him and turned back to Draco. He picked the locks on the manacles, freeing him. Sev took off his cloak and wrapped it around his shivering Godson. They dragged Lucius over to the manacles and, levitating the unconscious man, locked him in place.
They heard a roar and turned. They stared in shock as Harry, having gotten the upper hand, threw a curse and then decked Voldemort. The Dark Lord flew backwards and landed flat on his back.
Harry pounced on him, straddling his chest. Bands of hunter green surrounded Voldemort's wrists and ankles, pinning him to the ground. Harry whaled into Voldemort, cursing him with every obscenity he could think of as he pummeled the defenseless Dark Lord's face and ribs.
"You fucking fucked-up bastard! You slimy SHITHEAD!!! It's all your fault! You're the reason I have to live with a child molester! You killed my parents!" he bellowed, smashing Voldemort's cheekbone into the floor. Voldemort screamed in pain, struggling against his bonds. The bonds held fast.
"This is for my Mum and Dad!" Voldemort's nose was mashed into an unrecognizable pulp. "This is for Sirius!" Harry shattered Voldemort's jaw. "And, this is for me!" He savagely snapped the Dark Lord's neck. Harry knelt there for a while, breathing hard.
Draco and Severus stared at each other. "Uh, Harry, are you all right?" Draco knelt next to Harry and turned his soul mate to face him. Harry stared back, tears falling freely down his face. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were wild.
"I did it. I actually killed him. Even though this is just a dream, I did it." Harry closed his eyes and slumped against Draco's chest. Draco softly stroked his hair. "I could never picture myself killing him. He was always too powerful, and I'd always thought that he'd kill me. It was so bad that I couldn't see it any other way. I've dreamt that he would kill me over and over and over. I didn't think I could do it." He crawled off of the dead Dark Lord and sat there, crying.
Severus walked over and knelt beside them, hugging them both. "You did it, Harry. You killed him. Even though this isn't real, it certainly feels that way. So, how does it feel?"
Harry buried his head in Severus's shoulder, craving comfort. Sev's eyes widened. Lily used to do that he thought, torn between surprise and sadness. GOD, Lily, I miss you.
"It feels like something inside me died with him" he murmured sadly, tears still leaking from his eyes.
Severus rubbed his back. "It always does." he stated simply.
"It didn't when I killed Lestrange-" Harry trailed off.
"You did that?" Severus asked, amused. "Good for you!" he praised. Harry tiredly grinned, then looked extremely confused.
"Wait- How did you know my mother and why did you hug her?" Harry asked.
Severus grinned; transforming his face and making him look almost fifteen years younger. "She was my best, closest friend. In fact," he opened his left hand and showed them a thin scar across his palm. Draco gasped, recognizing its significance. "We adopted each other through a blood binding ritual in fourth year. I always wanted a little sister, and she always wanted an older brother, so we made it happen. She's the reason I betrayed Voldemort and turned spy for Dumbledore."
"So she was your blood sister after that?" Harry asked curiously. Severus nodded, still grinning. Harry's eyes lit up. "Cool! So that means you are my real uncle then?" Sev nodded again. Harry's eyes dulled. "But you hate me. I don't understand."
"The reason I disliked you so much is that you looked, and therefore I assumed wrongly, that you acted exactly like your father, who made my life a living hell all seven years I attended Hogwarts. Through your actions this summer, I realized that you and Lily are much more alike than I thought. James would have never done something like that rescue you pulled off, even if it had been Black who had been in trouble. Lily would have in a heartbeat because she always did what she felt was right, no matter the danger. She also would have gone to the Department of Mysteries to rescue Black, as well, consequences and danger be damned." Harry nodded slowly.
"So, does that mean you've changed your mind?" he asked cautiously. Sev smirked.
"Welcome to the Snape family." He hugged Harry. Draco sat there, mouth still open in shock.
"Umm, we were already related." Harry retorted, smirking. Sev groaned. "So, 'Uncle Sev'" Harry's eyes lit back up, "Draco, what do you say we get the hell out of here?"
Snape smirked. "I like the sound of that, coming from you. 'Uncle Sev.' Who'd of thought that a Potter would ever be calling me that?" He shook his head and laughed. "However, Harry, come September first, it's back to Professor." Harry pouted slightly, and then nodded.
"Can't I call you Uncle Sev in private?" he asked, warming up to the idea
"Of course! And, you can stay with me over the summer, instead of having to go anywhere near those damn Muggles!" Severus hugged his Godson and nephew.
Over on the wall, Lucius was still hanging limply.
The three demigods stood up and strode out of the dungeon, leaving carnage in their wake.
They gradually awoke, muscles stiff and sore. Harry sat up and checked his watch. Great, 2:30 a.m. Draco groaned and opened his eyes, tears still streaming down his face. He buried his face in Severus's shoulder.
"Are you two all right?" asked Sev anxiously. They nodded shakily. Harry stood up and stretched.
"I should probably be going back to Gryffindor Tower." Harry made a face at the prospect. Draco groaned and yanked him by the arm. Harry fell back down onto Draco's bed.
"No. You're gonna stay here." Draco pouted, reminding Harry of a two year old. Severus laughed.
"Really, Harry, you can stay. There are two other beds here." Severus stretched, raising his arms high above his head, yawning. Draco gasped, his gaze riveted to his Godfather's now unmarked forearm.
"Uncle Sev, where is it??? Where's the Mark?" Draco exclaimed, his eyes wide. Harry gaped and ran his finger over the smooth, unblemished skin.
Severus gaped at his arm in astonishment. "Oh my GOD. It wasn't a dream. It's gone, it's finally gone. I'm free" he numbly spoke. "I'm FREE! I'M FREE!" he exclaimed. "She really healed it and broke the link! He can never summon me again!" His eyes sparkled.
Draco and Harry hugged him, laughing. "That's great, Uncle Sev!" Draco exclaimed happily. "That bastard can't hurt you any more!" Harry smiled, truly happy for his uncle. It's so strange, he mused. Now if she could only do that for my scar, he thought dourly, fingering the lightning bolt shape on his forehead. That would be really cool.
Draco caught his thought. "Maybe she can, Harry" Draco suggested hopefully. He shivered. "I never want to feel that much pain again. It felt like every nerve ending I had was on fire" he remarked, remembering all too well how badly it hurt. "Does it hurt like that every time?"
"Sometimes it's worse, sometimes it's better. The absolute worst is when he sends me visions. Those suck." Harry winced and rubbed his scar, remembering the last vision he had experienced. Sirius.
"Ok, enough talking. You two need to go back to sleep." Severus stood up, pulling Harry with him. He guided his nephew to the closest bed. "Go to sleep" he admonished. Harry and Draco nodded sleepily.
"Hey, Uncle Sev, what about my clothes?" Harry asked, almost asleep. Severus chuckled.
"You're one of the most powerful beings in existence. Summon them or conjure more in the morning. Good night, you two." He walked out the door.
"Good Night, Uncle Sev" they chorused in matching sing song voices. He rolled his eyes and closed the door behind him.
Harry waved his hand around and the soft glow winked out. "Good night, Draco."
"Good night, Harry."
Harry woke up and stared wildly around him, disoriented. WHERE- Oh yeah, he thought to himself. The curtains were green because he was sleeping in the Slytherin dorms.
He could feel Draco's mind stir towards wakefulness. I could get used to this, Harry thought to himself as Draco slowly woke up.
Good morning, sunshine, chirped Harry gleefully when Draco finally opened his eyes.
MMMRRRPGH came the unintelligible reply. How the hell can you be so damn cheerful? What time is it?
Harry summoned a clock. 8:45.
What the hell are we doing awake, then? Draco asked incredulously.
Harry laughed. Aww, someone not a morning person? he asked, teasing Draco.
BITE ME
Hmmmm got to think about that one. Any particular place you had in mind?
Draco choked and raised his head. "You are one sick bastard" he muttered, stretching. Blond hair flopped over one eye.
Severus poked his head into their rooms. "Are you up? Miss Granger wishes to speak with you, Harry." Hermione slipped past Severus and rushed into the room. Harry groaned and buried his head under a pillow.
Hermione jumped onto his bed. "Harry, what are you doing here?" she asked, grabbing his pillow away from him.
It's too early for this, Harry groused mentally. Draco sniggered, and Hermione shot him a look. "Good morning to you too, 'Mione."
"Come on, Harry, what's going on? Ron said you ran like hell out of your room last night and didn't come back that he remembered. He said you were screaming. What happened?" She wrapped him in a big hug. "Come on, tell me!" she pleaded. Harry sighed and turned to Draco.
How much do you feel comfortable with, that I can tell her? She'll never shut up if I try to brush her off.
I'll tell her, laughed Draco.
Be nice. She's still my friend, even though I feel neglected. Plus, she's supposedly my cousin.
Draco pouted. Spoilsport. They both laughed. Severus rolled his eyes, amused.
"Ok, what is the deal with you two? Are you talking and I'm just not hearing it, or what?" Hermione asked, exasperated. She glared at them.
Draco sighed. "Hermione". She shot him a startled look. "What? That is your name, isn't it? Would you prefer that I insult you?" Severus choked back a laugh. She shook her head mutely.
"Good. Now, stay quiet and listen." Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but Draco cut her off. "Nope, SHHH!" She snapped her mouth shut, looking mildly insulted. Severus snickered and left. "Harry and I can talk telepathically, because we both are demigods. You heard Alanna say we are soul mates. What that means is irrelevant, and please feel free to draw your own conclusions. Severus Snape, his soul mate Laurel, Harry, and I are the youngest of the demigods. Harry is also the human Champion for the side of the Light in the battle with Voldemort and Clautius. We are training for that war. Any questions so far?"
Hermione stared at him suspiciously. "You still haven't answered my question. Why is Harry in the Slytherin Dorms?"
Harry laughed. "If you could see someone's nightmares, especially if that person is a friend, wouldn't you do everything in your power to help them and get to them as quickly as possible?"
Hermione thought a minute. "Within reason, yes." She looked at Draco, troubled. "Why are you having nightmares? And, since when are you two friends?"
Draco stared incredulously at her. "Hello! I've been tortured by Death Eaters and Potter here rescued my ass! You can't hate someone after they save your life like that."
Hermione blushed. "Oops, I forgot that part."
"That's okay, no big deal." Draco went to stand up, and then checked himself. Ok, I don't think she wants to see my boxers. See, I'm being considerate of her feelings. Harry burst out laughing. "Hey, would you mind leaving? We both kind of need to get dressed." She beat a hasty retreat out of the room. Harry laughed at the shocked expression on her face, and then summoned his trunk. It came zooming though the door a second later.
Twenty minutes later, Harry and Draco strolled out of Draco's room. Hermione was sitting on a couch in the Slytherin Common Room, reading an enormous tome on potions. Professor Snape was sitting next to her, answering her questions about the content. She jumped up when she saw the two guys and hugged Harry tightly around the neck.
"Hi, 'Mione. What are you reading?" he asked, rubbing his now sore neck.
"Never mind that. I'm worried about you. I never see you any more. Why are you hanging out with Malfoy all the time?"
"Yeah, hanging out with two people who are so completely wrapped up in themselves and their budding romance that they forget to pay attention to their friend is so much better than hanging out with someone who at least pays attention to you," Draco sarcastically replied, flopping into an overstuffed velvet chair next to the roaring fire. The chains he had slung about his hips glinted in the firelight against his inky black jeans. The silver flames running up the sleeves of his long sleeve dark green shirt shimmered and sparkled. He laid his head on one of the armrests, throwing his boots over the other.
"Comfy?" Harry asked sarcastically. Hermione took a minute and stared at his clothes.
"Harry, what on earth are you wearing?" Harry looked down at himself. He had on a deep burgundy long sleeve shirt with a silver phoenix on the front. He wore his leather pants and silver chains around his hips as well as looping off the belt loops. A pair of black boots and some spike bracelets completed the picture.
"What?" he asked confused. I thought I looked good!
You do. Don't worry about it. She's the one with the screwed up fashion sense. Harry looked Hermione up and down. She had on a PINK short sleeved tee shirt and a faded pair of blue jeans.
"Yes, Hermione, I am wearing clothing. If clothing offends you, I'll take it off." Harry amusedly started to take off his shirt.
"HARRY!" she yelled, scandalized. "Keep your clothes on!"
Damn, Potter, she must think you're hideous. Well she finds Ron attractive so I can personally attest to the fact that she has no taste. Draco chuckled and examined his nails.
I'm beginning to think you're right, Harry agreed reluctantly.
"Ok, if we are finished talking," Snape interjected, "can we go to breakfast already?" He strode out of the Common Room and walked down the hall.
Hermione, Harry, and Draco walked out after him. "Oh, Hermione," Draco commented casually "you might want to think about joining our training sessions. They're from 1:00 to 3:00 in the Room of Requirement. You are one of the most powerful mortals on the planet, you know. Alanna and Xander can teach you more than you'll ever learn on your own about your powers."
"I'll think about it."
At 12:55, Harry, Draco, Dudley, and Severus strolled casually into the Room of Requirement. Alanna and Xander were already waiting for them.
Are we all here? Alanna asked quietly.
Hermione might be coming. She said she'd think about it, Draco replied, floating to the ceiling. Dudley watched him in awe, his mouth hanging open.
How did he do that? he though quietly to himself. Harry laughed.
Like this. He directly linked to Dudley's mind and showed him how to control his floating. Within seconds there were three teenagers bouncing off the walls, ceilings, and each other.
Hermione and Ron skidded into the room at exactly 1:00. "Sorry we're late. The staircase- What are you doing????" She watched, flabbergasted, as Harry and Dudley slammed into each other in mid air, and then careened off in opposite directions. "How are you doing that?" she asked, impressed.
WHEEE! THIS IS FUN!!! Harry yelled enthusiastically. Draco smirked from the center of the ceiling where he hung upside down.
How can I hear him, when he isn't opening his mouth? wondered Ron, completely confused.
Hey, 'Mione, how much did you tell him? Harry asked.
"Um, not much" she said out loud. "I wasn't sure how he'd take it, so I only told him that you were training. So, how does the telepathy work?" she asked, experimenting. LIKE THIS??? she shouted. Harry winced, and Draco clapped his hands to his temples. Dudley shrieked in surprise and fell to the floor with a loud crash, shaking the whole room. Severus, Alanna, and Xander slammed their shields into place.
Too loud, 'Mione. Just think normally, as if you were speaking. She tried again.
Like this? she asked. Harry beamed at her, and Draco let out a sigh of relief.
Perfect. Harry slowly sank down and stood beside her.
Ok, let's get started. Alanna clapped her hands and they all clustered around her, eager to begin.
All right, who are the new students? she asked.
Hermione smiled. I'm Hermione, and this is my boyfriend Ron. Ron looked confused, but gave a small wave.
Dudley hovered a few inches off the ground. I'm Dudley, Harry's cousin. I keep blowing things up. Can you help me? Everyone laughed.
What if I think you already have the right idea? Alanna teased.
Dudley let out a huge sigh of relief. FINALLY someone who isn't going to yell at me for liking fires! Harry snickered.
Hey, I never yelled at you for being a pyro. I think it's cool, he told his cousin. Dudley grinned and formed a small fireball in his palm. Harry grinned back and a stone lion with a fiery mane formed and prowled on his shoulder. Dudley raised his eyebrows, impressed. Hermione, not to be outdone, formed a fiery phoenix that hovered and flew around the room. Draco created a small elephant shaped tornado in the center of the room. Ron just watched them form various creatures and felt severely outclassed.
Um, Hermione? I shouldn't be here. I can't do anything like that. I should go. Turning, he walked towards the door.
"Ron, wait! I - AARRGH!" Hermione's phoenix had landed on her shoulder and her hair had instantly combusted. Ron turned, horrified.
"HERMIONE!!!" He raised his hand, and a torrent of water crashed into his girlfriend. Sputtering, she slammed into one of the large windows. It gave way and she crashed through the glass.
"ROONNNNN!!!" She screamed. Draco dove out the window and caught her. He levitated them both up through the window back to safety.
I- um I- thank you. Hermione said gratefully, then flew into her boyfriend's arms.
Ron grabbed her around the waist and swung her into his arms. Oh God, 'Mione I was so scared. I'm so sorry you went out the window. I didn't mean for it to happen. You were on fire and I just reacted and I'M SO SORRY! Ron was so frantic with relief that he didn't even realize he wasn't speaking out loud.
Calm down, Ron, it's ok. I'm safe, and MY HAIR! she shrieked. Draco conjured a mirror and she snatched it from his hand. OH MY GOD!!! MY HAIR!!!!! IT'S RUINED!!!! she screamed.
Draco, that wasn't nice. You aren't helping. Harry chided, trying to hold in his laughter.
She wanted to see her hair. I think I was doing her a favor, really. Draco snickered.
Hermione started to cry. Great sobs wracked her body as she wailed into Ron's shoulder. My hair! It's ruined, what'll I do? Alanna pulled her from Ron's arms and stared at the burned ends critically.
It isn't too bad. Really, the burned parts need to come out. You'll lose only about four inches. So, if I cut this shoulder length, it should be fine. Ron put it out just in time. It will be ok, and it is salvageable.
Hermione turned a tear stained face up to Alanna. You really think so? It isn't too bad?
Of course. I can have this done in about ten minutes. Alanna turned to Ron. So, you're a water elemental. I thought you might be one, considering that your girlfriend likes to play with fire.
So I actually have talent? Ron asked excitedly.
You'd think he hadn't ever been good at anything before, Draco remarked to Harry privately. Severus overheard him and his lips twitched as he fought to repress a smile. Harry's next words wiped the smile right off his face.
He hasn't. His brothers have overshadowed everything he has ever done. All he wants, really, is for someone to notice him and his accomplishments without comparing him to Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred or George, Harry sadly replied. Draco's eyes widened fractionally as he gained this insight.
Damn, having siblings must suck. Still, I wish I had a younger brother or sister, Draco commented wistfully.
I know, me too. It would have been nice to have a little sister to tease and protect. Harry smiled sadly. But, it's no use wishing since it won't happen.
True.
If you two are done with your private conversation, we would like to continue. Alanna broke into their thoughts. With a laugh, they turned their focus back to the lesson.
Ok, we are going to review wandless magic quickly. Oh, before we begin, Hermione and Ron, hand over your wands. You'll never need them again. Suspiciously they complied.
Then how are we going to do spells? Ron asked.
Harry, could you show them? You teach telepathically the best out of any of us. Harry quickly reviewed with Ron and Hermione how to use their hands and voices to cast spells. Within a minute of coaching, they had it completely. They spent the next ten minutes practicing the most efficient ways of casting spells.
I don't know any spells, Dudley complained. Draco took him aside and quickly joined minds with him. A few seconds later, Dudley produced a corporal Patronus of a giant whale. It swam around the room, then returned to Dudley's open hand. Dudley let out a cheer. "I DID IT!" he yelled triumphantly. Harry clapped enthusiastically. Dudley went through all the spells Draco had quickly stored in his memory. Suddenly he frowned. I don't think I should do this one. What's Sano Crucio? Alanna paled.
Draco, how did you know that one? she asked, afraid of the answer.
My father. He was big into the Dark Arts and made sure that I knew the spells and incantations, he replied, his concentration on creating a three inch fiery whirlwind in mid air.
I see. All right, does everyone understand wandless magic? They all nodded. Ok, let's continue. Elemental Magic is the control of the elements. There are five elements: fire, water, earth, air and mind. Everyone has one element that they excel at, though it is possible to completely master all five. However, one will always be easier than all the rest. Your aura reflects what element will be easier for you. They continued learning how to master their elements until 3:00, when Alanna called it a day.
Harry gratefully sank into his bed in the Gryffindor Tower. That training had been fun, but tough. He was out like a light the instant his head touched the pillow. He started to whimper, slipping into a dream.
Seven year old Harry sat in his cupboard, absently playing with his only friend, the stone tiger. His kitty jumped through a ring of fire that he had created out of thin air, then was whirled around by a gust of wind. This is nice he thought, smiling. Uncle Vernon doesn't know I'm playing with my powers, so he can't punish me. He lay down on his tiny bed, and the foot high tiger curled up on his chest, purring contentedly. As he drifted into a doze, the cupboard door was ripped open. Harry stared, horrified, as an enormous shadow loomed over him. Uh-oh he thought.
His uncle glared down at him. The tiger stood up and bristled, hissing at the irate man. He picked up the cat and crushed it in his fist. "Hello freak" he growled and reached for Harry.
Draco woke from a sound sleep. Harry he thought, still half asleep. Something is wrong with Harry. He dashed out of bed, wearing only a pair of drawstring silk pants, and sprinted out of the Slytherin Dorms. UNCLE SEV! SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH HARRY! Sev came dashing out of his quarters, similarly clad. Draco, without even realizing it, apparated in mid step and reappeared in the middle of the Gryffindor Common Room. He scared the shit out of the madly making out Ron and Hermione. Severus appeared right next to him, out of breath.
"You do realize," he gasped for breath "that you just apparated?" Draco ignored him.
"Where is he?" he demanded. "Where is Harry?" Ron and Hermione mutely pointed up the stairs. A loud scream echoed off the walls. "HARRY!" yelled Draco as he sprinted for Harry's room. Severus, Ron and Hermione followed, racing to the sixth year dorms.
They skidded into the room. Harry hovered a foot off his bed, his energy crackling wildly around him. "NONONONONONONONO" he shrieked at the top of his lungs, flailing wildly. Draco threw himself at Harry, aura flaring around him. SEV, JOIN NOW! he ordered. Severus jerked his fingers against Draco's temple and Draco did the same to Severus. Ron and Hermione watched, horrified, as they collapsed against the still screaming and struggling teen.
Severus and Draco entered the Dursley house just in time to see Vernon throw Harry against the living room wall. "You little freak. How many times do I have to tell you that using that abomination is forbidden?" Harry whimpered, terrified. His aura rose protectively around him, and Vernon savagely kicked through it, connecting with Harry's ribcage. The child flew through the air and crashed against the piano across the room. Severus's face twisted in rage.
"Oh you fucking asshole!" he bellowed. Draco ran to Harry, holding him. The little boy looked him square in the eye.
"Who're you?" he asked, wide eyed. He suddenly screamed "WATCH OUT!" Draco turned in time for Vernon's meaty fist to catch his temple. He flew through the air, still holding Harry, into the fireplace. He caught himself just in time, aura flaring to keep him from being smashed into the stone hearth. Harry stared at him, astonished. "You- you- you- you're just like me!" he exclaimed, grinning.
Draco gently put him down. "Yep, I'm just like you, and I'm pissed." He advanced on Vernon, Severus stalking beside him. Vernon gulped and backed up, terrified. Severus glowed a bright silver, and Draco's light blue aura roiled around him. They effortlessly picked up the petrified Vernon Dursley and plastered him against the wall.
"So you like to hurt little boys, is that it? How about you take on someone your own size for once? Not so brave now, are you?" Draco snarled and brought an energy filled fist up to Vernon's face. The man started to cry, and promptly wet his pants. "Oh, fucking GROSS!!" yelled Draco, disgusted. He left Vernon in the care of Severus, and went to comfort Harry. The boy was crouched in a corner, crying softly.
Draco knelt down in front of him. "Hi, Harry, I'm Draco. Can you come here?" Harry shook his head and curled into a ball. Draco slowly picked him up and put him on his lap. Harry hissed in pain from the movement of his broken ribs.
"Here, let me heal you." Harry glared suspiciously at the older boy. Draco carefully healed Harry's broken ribs, and then Harry scooted away from him.
"What do you want in return?" he asked, suspicious. Draco stared at him in shock.
"What do you mean? I don't want anything from you. Why do you ask?"
"Bull shit. Uncle Vernon only does nice things for me, like give me dinner, if I let him- I shouldn't have said that. Forget I said anything." Draco raised his eyebrows, rage turning his pale skin bright red.
"Uncle Sev, did you hear that? Harry's uncle exchanges food for sexual favors. Isn't that so kind of him?" he spat venomously. Harry froze like a deer caught in headlights. He stared back and forth at the two strange adults in his living room. They turned to Vernon.
"You are going to wish you had never been born by the time we are through with you" Severus growled. "You hurt my nephew, and you are going to pay."
Vernon screamed for hours, until his voice finally gave out. Harry sat in the corner, eating popcorn and loving every minute of it.
Harry, Severus, and Draco finally awoke. Ron and Hermione were lightly dozing against the wall next to Harry's bed. They sprang into wakefulness the minute the three of them stirred.
"Are you all right?" they asked, worried. "Harry, what happened?" Hermione tried to hug him, but he shied away from her, burrowing into Severus's embrace.
"Um, Harry, you're hugging Professor Snape." Ron stared at them, completely dumbfounded. What the fuck is going on??
"I know. He's my uncle" Harry mumbled against Sev's shoulder. Draco rested his forehead against Harry's back.
"Excuse me? Did I hear you right?" Hermione asked, confused. I could have sworn I heard him say Snape was his uncle.
"You did. Lily was my best friend at Hogwarts. We adopted each other through a blood binding ritual we performed in our fourth year." Hermione absorbed this information, wide eyed. Ron's eyes darted back and forth, and he promptly passed out. He hit the ground with a loud thud. Harry groaned and levitated him to his bed, tucking him in.
"Harry, you can't sleep up here. We have to be close by so we can deal with these nightmares you and Draco have. You have to move into the Slytherin Dorms." Sev stroked his nephew's hair. Harry sighed and nodded. Hermione shook her head.
"I know it's for the best, but why does he have to move down there? Why can't you move up here?" Ron's snores diverted her attention, and she grinned ruefully. "Right. Ron would throw a conniption if he had to share a dorm with the dreaded Draco Malfoy." She smirked.
"Don't forget the completely horrid Professor Snape" Severus drawled, then grinned. Hermione gasped.
"You know how to smile???" she asked, incredulously. Severus laughed. "You can laugh? Has hell frozen over? Have the polar ice caps melted? What is going on?" She asked, pretending to swoon melodramatically. Draco sniggered. Harry was already on his way to falling asleep in his uncle's arms. Hermione gently shook him awake. "Harry, is your trunk packed?" He sleepily shook his head no.
"Very well, I'll do it. PACK!" she ordered, and his trunk was instantly filled and locked.
Draco stood up and grabbed the trunk. Severus gently lifted Harry, carrying him in his arms. Draco grasped Severus's elbow, and they apparated back to the Slytherin Dorms. Sev tucked Harry back into the same bed he had used the previous night. Draco placed his trunk by the foot of the bed, then crawled under his covers.
"Good night, Uncle Sev." The light was extinguished, and the two boys fell into a dreamless sleep.
Two weeks passed. Harry moved permanently into the Slytherin Dorms, where his uncle and soul mate could keep their eyes on him. He felt bad that they were missing sleep because of him, but the one time he tried casting silencing charms on his bed, they threatened to hex him into the middle of next week.
True to his word, Severus, Draco, and Harry visited the hot spring at least every other day. Once, they invited Ron and Hermione to go with them. After Hermione revived Ron, who had passed out upon hearing Severus actually speak to him without insulting him, they accepted.
While Harry, Draco, and Severus just soaked in the spring, Hermione and Ron splashed in the pond below. They chased and dunked each other, playfully, having the time of their lives.
"Hey!" shouted Hermione, as Ron dunked her for the fourth time, "I don't want algae in my hair!" she squealed, flipping her now shoulder length hair over her shoulder. He picked her up, and she almost lost the top of her bikini. "Ron, put me down! I mean it, now!" He laughed, and held her closer. Suddenly, he shot backwards, dropping her into the deepest part of the pond. Severus rolled his eyes and left the spring to figure out what was going on.
"HELP! Hermione, there's something in my shorts! Help! Oh, this feels weird! Oh! Oh!" He hopped around trying to shake whatever it was out of his swim trunks. He stumbled out of the water, a weird shape bulging on his left butt cheek. All of a sudden, he started screaming at the top of his lungs. "IT BIT ME!!!! OH SHIT!!!!! AAUUGGHH! OWOWOWOWOWWWWW!!!!!!" He finally shook it out, and jumped back, afraid it would try to bite him again. Severus walked over, and stared at it, in shock.
Oh wow, Draco, this is a new species. Come here. Harry and Draco rushed over. The new species was an amphibian, with the arms and legs of a lizard, but the body and head of a frog. It had a short, stubby tail, and it hopped as well as crawled. Draco captured it and Harry created a container for the thing to stay. Severus started to laugh, collapsing to the ground. Trust Mr. Weaseley to find a new species by having it crawl into his shorts and bite him on the ass! he gasped, tears of mirth squeezing from his eyes. Hermione, Draco, and Harry started laughing as well. Ron huffed and stormed off.
Ron, please, come back. You have to admit it was funny. Hermione pleaded with her boyfriend. Honestly, you found a new species. You'll be famous. But, you found it by the damn thing crawling into your swim trunks and biting you! Ron came back, chuckling.
You're right. Damn, that'll be a story for the grand kids. I can see it now, sitting on the porch, telling a bunch of wide-eyed kids: 'There I was, throwing my girlfriend into the pond, when, suddenly, something crawled up my leg! The damn thing bit me! Turns out it was a completely undiscovered species of frog-lizard!' They roared with laughter.
They packed up, anxious to show Dumbledore the new species and have it registered. Maybe they can call it the Weaseley, after its discoverer, Ron mused. Severus blanched, then laughed.
The day before Harry's 16th birthday, Dumbledore asked Harry at lunch if he would come up to the Headmaster's office.
"I have a favor to ask of you. The password is Payday" he had mysteriously said. So, at almost 12:30, Harry found himself standing in front of the stone gargoyle.
"Payday". The gargoyle swung open and Harry climbed the stairs. He walked easily into the office. Petunia and Dudley were already there, seated in front of the desk. Dumbledore rose and gestured for Harry to join them.
"Please sit down, my boy" he requested. Harry sat, slightly confused.
What is going on? he asked Dudley. Dudley just grinned. Dumbledore reached up behind him and pulled down the Sorting Hat. Harry stared, shocked.
"Um, I hope I'm not about to be resorted" he anxiously stared at the hat. Dumbledore smiled, eyes twinkling.
"Of course not, Harry. Dudley is about to be Sorted. That is what I wanted to ask you. Since Petunia is going through a rather messy divorce, and your uncle is giving her a very hard time, I would appreciate it if you could cover the cost of your cousin's tuition until the end of the proceedings."
Petunia quickly interjected. "I will pay you back, of course. But, it would be easier to not have to worry about transferring funds from a Muggle bank to Gringotts. That could be a mess." Harry slowly nodded, agreeing to the situation.
"All right, that will be fine" he said slowly, still thinking it through. "Professor? Will Dudley have to take the OWLS? Or will he start at the beginning?" Dudley gulped, and Harry grinned evilly, picturing his sixteen year old cousin having to attend class with the eleven year old first years.
"Um, that is another thing. Dudley will need to take his OWLS in several weeks. Could you, Draco, Ron, and Hermione get him up to speed on that? I know it will take you very little time." Harry sighed and nodded. Dudley breathed a huge sigh of relief.
"Now then, let's get this show on the road." Without further ado, Dumbledore gently placed the Sorting Hat on Dudley's head. After about ten seconds, it shouted "HUFFLEPUFF!" Harry silently snickered, and slapped his cousin on the back.
"Good job, Dudley. Good choice for a house. You really belong there." Harry laughed and left the room, leaving a happy, but confused Dudley and Petunia behind him.
Harry woke up slowly to the sound of someone's voice. "Wake up, Harry, it's only an hour until midnight. You wouldn't want to miss your birthday, would you?" Harry panicked.
Uncle Vernon? No! He can't be here! No, please GOD NO! He catapulted out of sleep, terrified.
Relax, Harry, it's just us, Uncle Sev and Draco. Vernon isn't here. He can't hurt you. Harry relaxed as his glasses were pushed gently onto his face. Sev, I told you that waking him up was a bad idea, Draco snapped.
Hey, Lily loved waking up to see midnight on her birthday. I thought he might appreciate the gesture. Sev argued, defensive. Harry laughed quietly.
"Really, my mom used to wake up, too? I do it every year, and then my uncle spoils it for me. But still it's nice to welcome in my birthday. So, everyone tells me about my dad," Harry sat up in bed, all trace of sleepiness gone, "but no one tells me about my mom. What was she like?" Sev gasped, eyes narrowing.
"What do you mean? Why hasn't anyone ever told you about her?" he asked, slightly angry.
"They all kept telling me how much like my dad I was. I guess no one mentioned her. I know Aunt Petunia wouldn't even say her name."
"Well, let me get my scrap book." Sev left and came back thirty seconds later, a huge book under one arm. Draco scooted away from Harry, making room for Sev in between them. He sat down in the middle, and opened the book, starting at the beginning.
"This is us in first year. She was the outcast Gryffindor, much like Hermione was. I didn't approach her because I still thought the same way my father had, that only Purebloods are worth knowing." He gestured to the first several pictures. An eleven year old Lily sat under a tree, reading an enormous book. Severus sat two trees over, doing the same. "I was the outcast Slytherin, not wealthy or sadistic enough to be considered cool." He flipped through the next couple of pages, continuing.
They sat there until midnight, going through the pictures. Harry learned more about his mom in the hour with his uncle than he had learned in his entire life. At midnight, Sev and Draco hugged him. "Happy birthday, Harry" they quietly told him. Harry smiled, happier than he had really ever been.
This is the best birthday ever, Harry thought to himself, contentedly sitting between his uncle and soul mate. They continued flipping through the pictures until the sun rose.
B/N: I hope you guys liked that, I know I did! Hehehehehe, Laura was only gonna put in that the thing climbed up Ron's pants, but I told her to have it bite him... on the ass. Oh funfunfunfunfun! I like this story. Uh-oh, I better be careful, LEST I BECOME A RABID FAN! (Like a certain person who will remain anonymous. She thinks the word is "unanimous.") By the way, did anybody find the story? The one that I asked about after the last chappie? Please, please, tell me the author or title, please? If you do, then I promise to torture Laura until she finishes the entire story for you, and I will personally be right next to her (with one of those electric cattle prodders), making sure she writes it good. TTFN!
A/N: uh oh, can I hide at one of your guys's houses? She's scaring me.... Help!!!!! If my brain is fried I can't type! So, please.... Help me....