Disclaimer: Everything in the world of Harry Potter belongs to the
wonderful J.K. Rowlings. Anything new and not nailed down by her is mine!
A New Beginning
Chapter 2 The Familiar and Unfamiliar face
After Professor Snape had come back to his senses Harry laid before him unconscious but still breathing. He picked up Harry and placed him on the couch in his office and then went and searched for Professor McGonagall. Professor Snape lucked out and caught Professor McGonagall in her office before she headed down to the Great Hall for dinner. He rushed into her office black robes trailing behind him as he headed for her desk. The sudden disturbance in her office surprised her but what surprised her even more was Professor Snape standing before her looking scared. Before Professor McGonagall could even question Severus he had already begun to tell her what had happened just a few moments ago. The next thing he knew she was rushing off to get Madame Pomfrey and Professor Snape was off the find Professor Dumbledore and bring him back to his office as Minerva ordered. When Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore finally returned to Snape's office Madame Pomfrey was already taking care of Harry. Professor McGonagall was found pacing back and forth waiting for Dumbledore to get there.
"Dumbledore!" Professor McGonagall explained when he entered Snape's office.
"How is Harry doing Poppy?" Professor Dumbledore asked walking past Minerva and heading straight for Harry who was still lying unconscious on Professor Snape's couch.
"He is just fine Albus. I gave him some dreamless sleeping potion. He should be just fine in the morning. He will remember what happened though." Madame Pomfrey stated as she glared at Professor Snape.
"Thank you Poppy for your help. You may leave now and please don't mention this to anyone." Professor Dumbledore said while looking over Harry's expressionless face.
"Yes, Albus." Madame Pomfrey said as she gathered her things and headed out the door.
After Madame Pomfrey left Professor Snape's office everyone was left in silence. Professor Snape was standing in front of the fireplace just staring at the orange flames as the danced around the newly placed logs. Professor McGonagall was still pacing Snape's office and it was obvious that she was holding back her true feelings about the situation and Professor Dumbledore was still standing over Harry just looking at him with concern in his eyes.
"Severus this is not excusable." Professor Dumbledore said walking over to Professor Snape and standing next to his friend.
"I know Albus I know." Professor Snape said with sorrow in his voice. "I don't know what came over me. He actually preformed the Legilimency spell on me. He saw some of my childhood but that is not what caused me to explode like that. It was seeing.." Snape said trailing off.
"He preformed the Legilimency spell!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed reminding Albus and Severus that she was still in the room with them.
"He is showing great improvement in his lessons but this not how we go about rewarding students Severus." Professor Dumbledore said as he turned back towards Harry.
"I know, I know." Professor Snape continued to say as he shook his head in sorrow.
"He will remain here until dinner is over and we know that all Gryffindor students are back in their dormitories and asleep and Minerva will help you get Harry back up to his bed Severus." Professor Dumbledore said.
Both Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape nodded in agreement.
"Tomorrow the three us of need to sit down with Harry and talk about continuing his Occlumency lessons." Professor Dumbledore said looking at Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall.
"What!" exclaimed Professor McGonagall. "Do you think that is wise under tonight's circumstances Albus." Professor McGonagall said scolding the headmaster's decision.
"Don't fret Minerva whatever Harry and Severus decide to do we will support their decision." Professor Dumbledore said calmly.
"What ever you say Albus." Professor McGonagall said annoyingly.
The whole time Professor Snape was staring at the fire all the while listening to the conversation that was occurring behind him. He quietly stood there taking everything in and hoping and wishing that Harry would want to discontinue their Occlumency lessons.
Severus hadn't left his office since he returned Harry to his dormitory with the help of Professor McGonagall. He just kept reliving tonight's occurrences in his mind. He couldn't believe he let his anger get the best of him and take it out on a student let alone Harry Potter.
Iris would never forgive me for my actions if she had been here to see me turn into a monster. Even though I know she already knows about my about past he thought grimly. I can't believe I had forgotten about you Iris. You meant so much to me during our time here at Hogwart's. You were the only person here that was nice to me. Even though you scolded me for fighting with James and Sirius you still stood beside me because you were the only one who truly knew just how bad it hurt me deep down inside. You took a lot of grief from fellow students for being such a good, sweet, and caring person to me. What I admired the most was how you stood your ground to James Potter your own flesh and blood.
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Harry woke up several hours later in his bed but didn't remember how he got there. The last thing he could recall was being pinned up against the wall by Professor Snape and then everything went black from there. Harry wanted to tell someone what happened but he didn't want it to be a teacher he wanted it to be Sirius but his heart sunk once again realizing that he couldn't. Realizing that Harry just rolled over and tried to get back to sleep but all he could think of was that woman he saw in Professor Snape's memory.
Harry woke up late Sunday morning. After he got dressed and headed down to the common room to find Ron and Hermione but they weren't there. He headed down to the Great Hall in search of his best friends but they also weren't there but after having some breakfast and brief talk with Angelina about Quidditch he was off to the library were he finally found Ron and Hermione.
"Well, good morning Harry." Hermione greeted him warmly as she looked up from her potions essay.
"Good morning Hermione. Where is Ron?" Harry said looking around the library looking for his friend.
"He is off looking for a book we need for our essay. So what time did you get back? You didn't even show up for dinner last night. You and Professor Snape were working hard and late last night. Did you get any where with your lessons?" Hermione asked hurriedly wanting to know everything that happened last night.
Before Harry could answer Ron showed up with an armload of books and dropped them on the table, which made a terrible racket that everyone around them just turned and glared at the three of them for interrupting their studying.
"Great you are both here I need to talk to you two. Can we go and talk by the lake?" Harry asked quietly wanting to get away from prying eyes and ears of the library.
Ron and Hermione packed up their books and followed Harry out the library. Once they got outdoors the headed to their favorite spot under the tree near the lake. Once they settled down Harry went into great detail about Professor Snape's memories that he saw. Ron and Hermione listened to Harry without even interrupting him. They waited with baited breath for each new detail Harry had about Snape. Ron and Hermione were really interested about the woman Harry had seen. He went into detail about how she looked and tried not to leave out anything about this nameless woman hoping that his two best friends could help him figure out where he might have seen her.
"Does she sound familiar to you two?" Harry asked looking back and forth from Hermione to Ron.
"Sorry mate I haven't a clue. She doesn't sound familiar at all." Ron said shrugging his shoulders while playing with a blade of grass.
"Same here Harry. I wish I could have been better help but I just don't know." Hermione said while she pulled out one of her schoolbooks.
The three of them just sat quietly amongst themselves watching the giant squid playing in the lake. Harry just laid back on the grass staring up at the clouds and thinking about the mysterious woman. The three of them stayed outside for a couple of hours just relaxing and then finally headed up to the Great Hall for lunch. But Harry wouldn't be able to eat lunch with his friends right away because as soon as they reached the Great Hall Professor McGonagall found Harry and the two of them were off to her office.
When Harry reached Professor McGonagall's office he was not expecting to see Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape in McGonagall's office.
"Good afternoon Harry." Professor Dumbledore said warmly as he got up to greet him.
"Good afternoon Professor Dumbledore." Harry stammered as he looked around the office wondering what was going to happen next.
"Please Harry take a seat." Professor McGonagall said gesturing towards one of the empty chairs around her desk.
Professor Snape had his back turned towards them from the moment Harry entered the office he was just staring out the window.
"Severus please come join us since you are a part of this meeting also." Professor Dumbledore said drawing Professor Snape's attention back to the present.
Professor Snape turned and joined the group sitting around Professor McGonagall's desk the whole time not even looking at Harry.
"Harry we are aware of what happened between you and Professor Snape last night. We are here to talk about it. We want to know if you are willing to continue your lessons with Professor Snape?" Professor Dumbledore said looking at Harry.
"I don't think it is wise." Professor McGonagall said harshly.
"Minerva, this is for Harry and Severus to decide about." Professor Dumbledore said sternly.
Harry sat there for a few moments looking back and forth between Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape. Harry finally caught Professor Snape's eyes. Harry and Professor Snape locked eyes for a few moments and Harry saw life in Professor Snape's eyes. Harry could see that Professor Snape was pleading with him. Pleading with him to say no but Harry thought otherwise. Harry actually wanted to continue his Occlumency lessons with Snape. Not to master blocking Voldermont visions but to try and access Professor Snape's memories again.
"Well, Professor Dumbledore..." Harry said taking a pause making sure he had made the right decision. The whole time everyone was looking at him waiting to hear what he was going to say next.
"I would like to continue my lessons but I want Professor Snape's word that he will not try to harm me again." Harry said looking Professor Snape square in the eyes.
"Are you sure Harry?" Professor McGonagall asked worriedly. "Yes." Harry said not taking his eyes off of Professor Snape.
"Well, Severus are you willing to continue your lessons with Harry and under his circumstances." Professor Dumbledore said calmly.
Several moments pasted by before Professor Snape answered.
"Yes..I will." Professor Snape said exasperatedly.
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Several weeks had past since Harry had his meeting with Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape. He had yet to continue his Occlumency lessons with Snape only because Professor Dumbledore suggested they take a few weeks off. But within the next week Harry was about to begin his lessons again. Harry spent the next few weeks working hard on all his classes trying to catch up and stay ahead of the game. Also Quidditch practice had began and that kept him and Ron extremely busy along with all their studies. Winter was on its way now because the weather was beginning to cool down and Halloween wasn't too far away either because the pumpkins in Hagrid's garden were HUGE!
A week later Harry, Ron and Hermione were in Potions class when Harry was notified that that night he would meet Snape in his office for his Occlumency lessons.
Ron, Harry and Hermione headed down to the Great Hall after Potions class for dinner.
"I still think it is a bad idea for you to continue your lessons Harry." Hermione said as they entered the Great Hall.
"I don't Hermione. I want to try and get back inside Snape's memories and see if can find out more about that woman." Harry said
"Hermione just let him be. He is going to do what he wants. You never know while he is trying to get in to Snape's creepy mind he might learn how to block him and that is what we are aiming for right?" Ron said trying to make himself sound convincible.
"I guess you are right Ron." Hermione said not believing one word Ron just told her.
The three of them drop the subject of Harry's Occlumency lessons and talked about the upcoming Halloween feast and how they hated having substitute teachers for their Defense against the Dark Arts class. It has been nearly two months and there hasn't been one teacher that has stayed longer than two weeks teaching this class. Time went by during dinner and before Harry knew it, it was time for him to head down to Snape's office.
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Harry reached Professor Snape's office took a deep breath and knocked loudly.
"Enter." Professor Snape said coolly.
Harry entered Professor Snape's dark office and found Snape removing thoughts and placing them inside the Pensieve.
"Get into position Potter." Snape hissed at him.
Harry moved to the empty space between Snape's desk and the couch in his office. The chairs that were normally in front of his desk had been moved aside to make more room. Harry stood in the middle of the empty space wand out and ready to invade Professor Snape's memories. Professor Snape finished removing any thoughts that he did not want Harry to see if by some chance he was able to get back into his mind and then moved in front of Harry with his wand out.
"Ready Potter?" Professor Snape asked hotly.
"Yes, Sir." Harry sneered.
"One the count of three. One..Two.." Snape said bitterly. "THREE...LEGILIMENS!" Harry screamed.
Harry then felt the sensation of flying forward as if he was using a portkey. Many of Professor Snape memories flew by so fast that Harry couldn't make out a single one. But suddenly he came to a stop. Harry was in the Great Hall. It was fairly empty except for a few students. The Great Hall was decorated for Christmas so it must be vacation time. Then he suddenly saw Snape sitting at the Slytherin table reading. A young Snape in his 6th year turned his head towards the entrance of the Great Hall and smiled. Harry turned to see what Snape was looking at realized it was that same girl from before. Same short spikey brown hair with purple streaks and the same purple glasses that matched her hair. Warm feelings started to flow through Harry's body again the instant Snape saw this girl. Snape got up and walked towards her. They stood staring at each other for a few moments. Suddenly Snape bent down and kissed her on the lips. Once again Harry felt like his heart was going to explode right out of his chest. Harry saw this girl raise her hand to Snape's face to return the kiss. Harry noticed on her right hand that she wore a silver ring with the letter "P" engraved on it. They broke apart and she walked off dragging her school trunk behind her. Harry then got a glimpse of something odd. Her trunk said "POTTER." All of sudden Harry felt like he was thrown in reverse. Professor Snape got out of Harry's Legilimency spell.
"GET OUT GET OUT!" Professor Snape yelled at Harry as he slumped to his knees in the middle of his office.
Harry not wanting to chance his luck ran out of Professor Snape's office not looking back. Harry headed straight to Gryffindor Tower to tell Ron and Hermione what he just saw.
Iris why are you haunting me now!? Professor Snape cried to himself with his head in his hands.
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Harry rushed into Gryffindor's common room and found Ron and Hermione sitting at a table playing wizard's chess. Startled by the noise they turned and saw Harry rush in and run to the table out of breath. He sat down and told them what he just saw.
"Are you sure you saw 'POTTER' on her trunk Harry?" Hermione asked looking at Harry like she just couldn't believe what she just heard.
"I am sure!" Harry exclaimed.
"Maybe her trunk was broken and she borrowed one of your Dad's old ones." Ron said in confusion about the whole story.
"That is probably what happened Harry." Hermione said agreeing with Ron. "Because if you had any other relatives besides the Dursley's you would think Dumbledore, Sirius or someone would have told you long ago, wouldn't they?" Hermione questioned.
"Maybe, but I haven't be told a whole lot about my past or my parent's in the six years I have been here now have I." Harry said annoyingly looking at Hermione.
But before Ron, Harry and Hermione could finish their conversation a several other Gryffindors entered the room and they had to drop their conversation.
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Over the past several days all that could be heard from all the students was talk about the Halloween feast. There was a rumor that there was going to be some announcement made during dinner. Some of the rumors that were going around the school were that an all wizarding circus was coming to perform or that Hagrid had a new and unusual creature he wanted to show off.
Halloween had finally arrived at Hogwart's. The weather was actually suitable for Halloween. Thunder and lighting was occurring every few seconds. The rain was pounding the school with all its might. Wind was howling through all the nooks and crannies of the school. Even though it was morning time it was still dark as night outside. Even though the weather was horrible you couldn't tell inside the school because the student's moods showed otherwise. It was hard to keep the students attention on class work today so most Professors gave fun assignments to make the day go by faster, which it did. After the last class was over all students went back to their common rooms and got ready for dinner. Students were told that they could dress up for dinner tonight. At six o'clock all students meet in front of the Great Hall. Many of the students were dressed up for Halloween. Some were dressed up as their favorite Quidditch players. Some were dressed up as muggles pretending to be witches; some were also dressed up as animals like black cats rabbits and other assorted creatures. Harry was dressed up as a vampire. Hermione was dressed up like Professor McGonagall with her hair up in a bun, square spectacles and green robes and Ron was dressed up as a giant frog.
Everyone was anxiously waiting for the Great Hall doors to open. Shortly there after that Great Hall door's slowly opened giving way to a whole other world inside. Hagrid's pumpkins were carved into large jack-o- lanterns and placed everywhere in the Great Hall. Lit candles were floating above giving off a warm glow and the ceiling looked like the night sky, which was dark with lighting streaking across the ceiling. Black bats were circling around the room. Some skeletons had been bewitched to sing Halloween songs and they were even dancing around and wearing top hats and had canes. All the house tables were decorated with orange tablecloths and small jack-o-lanterns. Everyone headed to their tables just looking at everything around them. All the teachers were seated at the head table. All of them were dressed up except for Professor Snape who was dressed in his usual black robes. Professor Dumbledore was dressed up in a grass hula skirt, a bright Hawaiian print shirt and lay and Hagrid was a big ugly flower. Most of the other Professors dressed up as muggle witches and wizards with pointy black hats and hairy moles everywhere.
Everyone sat down and began eating all the wonderful food that had appeared in front of them. Everyone was laughing and talking and have a good old time. Occasionally you would catch students looking around the Great Hall or at Professor Dumbledore waiting for something out the ordinary to happen at any moment.
All of the sudden the doors to the Great Hall flew open and a blast of wind came blowing in causing all the candles and jack-o-lanterns to go out. Everyone turned towards the doorway and all of sudden a shadowy figure step inside the doorway robes fluttering in the wind. No one could make out who it was the only light that was in the room was coming from the torches out in the hall. There was no sound coming from anyone. You couldn't even tell if anyone was breathing or not. With a crack of thunder and a flash of lighting you could see the mysterious figure draw out their wand then suddenly with another flash of lighting and a swish of a wand the candles and jack-o-lanterns were lit once again.
There in the doorway stood a woman dressed in bright purple robes with spiky purple hair and glasses to match.
"Sorry I am late everyone. The weather is hellish out there tonight." Said the mysterious guest as she walked towards the head table.
Harry's mouth dropped open out of amazement of what had just transpired.
"That's her." Harry stuttered.
"That's who, Harry?" Ron and Hermione asked both confused.
"The woman I have seen in Snape's memories!" Harry exclaimed as he watched the woman walk past him.
But before Ron and Hermione could react to what they just heard there was a loud shattering noise of something breaking. Everyone at once turned towards the head table. Professor Snape had dropped a pitcher of pumpkin juice when he realized who was walking towards the table. Snape was paler than usual and looked horrified beyond belief.
"No, it can't be her. It couldn't be." Professor Snape whispered in shock...
A New Beginning
Chapter 2 The Familiar and Unfamiliar face
After Professor Snape had come back to his senses Harry laid before him unconscious but still breathing. He picked up Harry and placed him on the couch in his office and then went and searched for Professor McGonagall. Professor Snape lucked out and caught Professor McGonagall in her office before she headed down to the Great Hall for dinner. He rushed into her office black robes trailing behind him as he headed for her desk. The sudden disturbance in her office surprised her but what surprised her even more was Professor Snape standing before her looking scared. Before Professor McGonagall could even question Severus he had already begun to tell her what had happened just a few moments ago. The next thing he knew she was rushing off to get Madame Pomfrey and Professor Snape was off the find Professor Dumbledore and bring him back to his office as Minerva ordered. When Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore finally returned to Snape's office Madame Pomfrey was already taking care of Harry. Professor McGonagall was found pacing back and forth waiting for Dumbledore to get there.
"Dumbledore!" Professor McGonagall explained when he entered Snape's office.
"How is Harry doing Poppy?" Professor Dumbledore asked walking past Minerva and heading straight for Harry who was still lying unconscious on Professor Snape's couch.
"He is just fine Albus. I gave him some dreamless sleeping potion. He should be just fine in the morning. He will remember what happened though." Madame Pomfrey stated as she glared at Professor Snape.
"Thank you Poppy for your help. You may leave now and please don't mention this to anyone." Professor Dumbledore said while looking over Harry's expressionless face.
"Yes, Albus." Madame Pomfrey said as she gathered her things and headed out the door.
After Madame Pomfrey left Professor Snape's office everyone was left in silence. Professor Snape was standing in front of the fireplace just staring at the orange flames as the danced around the newly placed logs. Professor McGonagall was still pacing Snape's office and it was obvious that she was holding back her true feelings about the situation and Professor Dumbledore was still standing over Harry just looking at him with concern in his eyes.
"Severus this is not excusable." Professor Dumbledore said walking over to Professor Snape and standing next to his friend.
"I know Albus I know." Professor Snape said with sorrow in his voice. "I don't know what came over me. He actually preformed the Legilimency spell on me. He saw some of my childhood but that is not what caused me to explode like that. It was seeing.." Snape said trailing off.
"He preformed the Legilimency spell!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed reminding Albus and Severus that she was still in the room with them.
"He is showing great improvement in his lessons but this not how we go about rewarding students Severus." Professor Dumbledore said as he turned back towards Harry.
"I know, I know." Professor Snape continued to say as he shook his head in sorrow.
"He will remain here until dinner is over and we know that all Gryffindor students are back in their dormitories and asleep and Minerva will help you get Harry back up to his bed Severus." Professor Dumbledore said.
Both Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape nodded in agreement.
"Tomorrow the three us of need to sit down with Harry and talk about continuing his Occlumency lessons." Professor Dumbledore said looking at Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall.
"What!" exclaimed Professor McGonagall. "Do you think that is wise under tonight's circumstances Albus." Professor McGonagall said scolding the headmaster's decision.
"Don't fret Minerva whatever Harry and Severus decide to do we will support their decision." Professor Dumbledore said calmly.
"What ever you say Albus." Professor McGonagall said annoyingly.
The whole time Professor Snape was staring at the fire all the while listening to the conversation that was occurring behind him. He quietly stood there taking everything in and hoping and wishing that Harry would want to discontinue their Occlumency lessons.
Severus hadn't left his office since he returned Harry to his dormitory with the help of Professor McGonagall. He just kept reliving tonight's occurrences in his mind. He couldn't believe he let his anger get the best of him and take it out on a student let alone Harry Potter.
Iris would never forgive me for my actions if she had been here to see me turn into a monster. Even though I know she already knows about my about past he thought grimly. I can't believe I had forgotten about you Iris. You meant so much to me during our time here at Hogwart's. You were the only person here that was nice to me. Even though you scolded me for fighting with James and Sirius you still stood beside me because you were the only one who truly knew just how bad it hurt me deep down inside. You took a lot of grief from fellow students for being such a good, sweet, and caring person to me. What I admired the most was how you stood your ground to James Potter your own flesh and blood.
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Harry woke up several hours later in his bed but didn't remember how he got there. The last thing he could recall was being pinned up against the wall by Professor Snape and then everything went black from there. Harry wanted to tell someone what happened but he didn't want it to be a teacher he wanted it to be Sirius but his heart sunk once again realizing that he couldn't. Realizing that Harry just rolled over and tried to get back to sleep but all he could think of was that woman he saw in Professor Snape's memory.
Harry woke up late Sunday morning. After he got dressed and headed down to the common room to find Ron and Hermione but they weren't there. He headed down to the Great Hall in search of his best friends but they also weren't there but after having some breakfast and brief talk with Angelina about Quidditch he was off to the library were he finally found Ron and Hermione.
"Well, good morning Harry." Hermione greeted him warmly as she looked up from her potions essay.
"Good morning Hermione. Where is Ron?" Harry said looking around the library looking for his friend.
"He is off looking for a book we need for our essay. So what time did you get back? You didn't even show up for dinner last night. You and Professor Snape were working hard and late last night. Did you get any where with your lessons?" Hermione asked hurriedly wanting to know everything that happened last night.
Before Harry could answer Ron showed up with an armload of books and dropped them on the table, which made a terrible racket that everyone around them just turned and glared at the three of them for interrupting their studying.
"Great you are both here I need to talk to you two. Can we go and talk by the lake?" Harry asked quietly wanting to get away from prying eyes and ears of the library.
Ron and Hermione packed up their books and followed Harry out the library. Once they got outdoors the headed to their favorite spot under the tree near the lake. Once they settled down Harry went into great detail about Professor Snape's memories that he saw. Ron and Hermione listened to Harry without even interrupting him. They waited with baited breath for each new detail Harry had about Snape. Ron and Hermione were really interested about the woman Harry had seen. He went into detail about how she looked and tried not to leave out anything about this nameless woman hoping that his two best friends could help him figure out where he might have seen her.
"Does she sound familiar to you two?" Harry asked looking back and forth from Hermione to Ron.
"Sorry mate I haven't a clue. She doesn't sound familiar at all." Ron said shrugging his shoulders while playing with a blade of grass.
"Same here Harry. I wish I could have been better help but I just don't know." Hermione said while she pulled out one of her schoolbooks.
The three of them just sat quietly amongst themselves watching the giant squid playing in the lake. Harry just laid back on the grass staring up at the clouds and thinking about the mysterious woman. The three of them stayed outside for a couple of hours just relaxing and then finally headed up to the Great Hall for lunch. But Harry wouldn't be able to eat lunch with his friends right away because as soon as they reached the Great Hall Professor McGonagall found Harry and the two of them were off to her office.
When Harry reached Professor McGonagall's office he was not expecting to see Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape in McGonagall's office.
"Good afternoon Harry." Professor Dumbledore said warmly as he got up to greet him.
"Good afternoon Professor Dumbledore." Harry stammered as he looked around the office wondering what was going to happen next.
"Please Harry take a seat." Professor McGonagall said gesturing towards one of the empty chairs around her desk.
Professor Snape had his back turned towards them from the moment Harry entered the office he was just staring out the window.
"Severus please come join us since you are a part of this meeting also." Professor Dumbledore said drawing Professor Snape's attention back to the present.
Professor Snape turned and joined the group sitting around Professor McGonagall's desk the whole time not even looking at Harry.
"Harry we are aware of what happened between you and Professor Snape last night. We are here to talk about it. We want to know if you are willing to continue your lessons with Professor Snape?" Professor Dumbledore said looking at Harry.
"I don't think it is wise." Professor McGonagall said harshly.
"Minerva, this is for Harry and Severus to decide about." Professor Dumbledore said sternly.
Harry sat there for a few moments looking back and forth between Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape. Harry finally caught Professor Snape's eyes. Harry and Professor Snape locked eyes for a few moments and Harry saw life in Professor Snape's eyes. Harry could see that Professor Snape was pleading with him. Pleading with him to say no but Harry thought otherwise. Harry actually wanted to continue his Occlumency lessons with Snape. Not to master blocking Voldermont visions but to try and access Professor Snape's memories again.
"Well, Professor Dumbledore..." Harry said taking a pause making sure he had made the right decision. The whole time everyone was looking at him waiting to hear what he was going to say next.
"I would like to continue my lessons but I want Professor Snape's word that he will not try to harm me again." Harry said looking Professor Snape square in the eyes.
"Are you sure Harry?" Professor McGonagall asked worriedly. "Yes." Harry said not taking his eyes off of Professor Snape.
"Well, Severus are you willing to continue your lessons with Harry and under his circumstances." Professor Dumbledore said calmly.
Several moments pasted by before Professor Snape answered.
"Yes..I will." Professor Snape said exasperatedly.
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Several weeks had past since Harry had his meeting with Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape. He had yet to continue his Occlumency lessons with Snape only because Professor Dumbledore suggested they take a few weeks off. But within the next week Harry was about to begin his lessons again. Harry spent the next few weeks working hard on all his classes trying to catch up and stay ahead of the game. Also Quidditch practice had began and that kept him and Ron extremely busy along with all their studies. Winter was on its way now because the weather was beginning to cool down and Halloween wasn't too far away either because the pumpkins in Hagrid's garden were HUGE!
A week later Harry, Ron and Hermione were in Potions class when Harry was notified that that night he would meet Snape in his office for his Occlumency lessons.
Ron, Harry and Hermione headed down to the Great Hall after Potions class for dinner.
"I still think it is a bad idea for you to continue your lessons Harry." Hermione said as they entered the Great Hall.
"I don't Hermione. I want to try and get back inside Snape's memories and see if can find out more about that woman." Harry said
"Hermione just let him be. He is going to do what he wants. You never know while he is trying to get in to Snape's creepy mind he might learn how to block him and that is what we are aiming for right?" Ron said trying to make himself sound convincible.
"I guess you are right Ron." Hermione said not believing one word Ron just told her.
The three of them drop the subject of Harry's Occlumency lessons and talked about the upcoming Halloween feast and how they hated having substitute teachers for their Defense against the Dark Arts class. It has been nearly two months and there hasn't been one teacher that has stayed longer than two weeks teaching this class. Time went by during dinner and before Harry knew it, it was time for him to head down to Snape's office.
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Harry reached Professor Snape's office took a deep breath and knocked loudly.
"Enter." Professor Snape said coolly.
Harry entered Professor Snape's dark office and found Snape removing thoughts and placing them inside the Pensieve.
"Get into position Potter." Snape hissed at him.
Harry moved to the empty space between Snape's desk and the couch in his office. The chairs that were normally in front of his desk had been moved aside to make more room. Harry stood in the middle of the empty space wand out and ready to invade Professor Snape's memories. Professor Snape finished removing any thoughts that he did not want Harry to see if by some chance he was able to get back into his mind and then moved in front of Harry with his wand out.
"Ready Potter?" Professor Snape asked hotly.
"Yes, Sir." Harry sneered.
"One the count of three. One..Two.." Snape said bitterly. "THREE...LEGILIMENS!" Harry screamed.
Harry then felt the sensation of flying forward as if he was using a portkey. Many of Professor Snape memories flew by so fast that Harry couldn't make out a single one. But suddenly he came to a stop. Harry was in the Great Hall. It was fairly empty except for a few students. The Great Hall was decorated for Christmas so it must be vacation time. Then he suddenly saw Snape sitting at the Slytherin table reading. A young Snape in his 6th year turned his head towards the entrance of the Great Hall and smiled. Harry turned to see what Snape was looking at realized it was that same girl from before. Same short spikey brown hair with purple streaks and the same purple glasses that matched her hair. Warm feelings started to flow through Harry's body again the instant Snape saw this girl. Snape got up and walked towards her. They stood staring at each other for a few moments. Suddenly Snape bent down and kissed her on the lips. Once again Harry felt like his heart was going to explode right out of his chest. Harry saw this girl raise her hand to Snape's face to return the kiss. Harry noticed on her right hand that she wore a silver ring with the letter "P" engraved on it. They broke apart and she walked off dragging her school trunk behind her. Harry then got a glimpse of something odd. Her trunk said "POTTER." All of sudden Harry felt like he was thrown in reverse. Professor Snape got out of Harry's Legilimency spell.
"GET OUT GET OUT!" Professor Snape yelled at Harry as he slumped to his knees in the middle of his office.
Harry not wanting to chance his luck ran out of Professor Snape's office not looking back. Harry headed straight to Gryffindor Tower to tell Ron and Hermione what he just saw.
Iris why are you haunting me now!? Professor Snape cried to himself with his head in his hands.
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Harry rushed into Gryffindor's common room and found Ron and Hermione sitting at a table playing wizard's chess. Startled by the noise they turned and saw Harry rush in and run to the table out of breath. He sat down and told them what he just saw.
"Are you sure you saw 'POTTER' on her trunk Harry?" Hermione asked looking at Harry like she just couldn't believe what she just heard.
"I am sure!" Harry exclaimed.
"Maybe her trunk was broken and she borrowed one of your Dad's old ones." Ron said in confusion about the whole story.
"That is probably what happened Harry." Hermione said agreeing with Ron. "Because if you had any other relatives besides the Dursley's you would think Dumbledore, Sirius or someone would have told you long ago, wouldn't they?" Hermione questioned.
"Maybe, but I haven't be told a whole lot about my past or my parent's in the six years I have been here now have I." Harry said annoyingly looking at Hermione.
But before Ron, Harry and Hermione could finish their conversation a several other Gryffindors entered the room and they had to drop their conversation.
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Over the past several days all that could be heard from all the students was talk about the Halloween feast. There was a rumor that there was going to be some announcement made during dinner. Some of the rumors that were going around the school were that an all wizarding circus was coming to perform or that Hagrid had a new and unusual creature he wanted to show off.
Halloween had finally arrived at Hogwart's. The weather was actually suitable for Halloween. Thunder and lighting was occurring every few seconds. The rain was pounding the school with all its might. Wind was howling through all the nooks and crannies of the school. Even though it was morning time it was still dark as night outside. Even though the weather was horrible you couldn't tell inside the school because the student's moods showed otherwise. It was hard to keep the students attention on class work today so most Professors gave fun assignments to make the day go by faster, which it did. After the last class was over all students went back to their common rooms and got ready for dinner. Students were told that they could dress up for dinner tonight. At six o'clock all students meet in front of the Great Hall. Many of the students were dressed up for Halloween. Some were dressed up as their favorite Quidditch players. Some were dressed up as muggles pretending to be witches; some were also dressed up as animals like black cats rabbits and other assorted creatures. Harry was dressed up as a vampire. Hermione was dressed up like Professor McGonagall with her hair up in a bun, square spectacles and green robes and Ron was dressed up as a giant frog.
Everyone was anxiously waiting for the Great Hall doors to open. Shortly there after that Great Hall door's slowly opened giving way to a whole other world inside. Hagrid's pumpkins were carved into large jack-o- lanterns and placed everywhere in the Great Hall. Lit candles were floating above giving off a warm glow and the ceiling looked like the night sky, which was dark with lighting streaking across the ceiling. Black bats were circling around the room. Some skeletons had been bewitched to sing Halloween songs and they were even dancing around and wearing top hats and had canes. All the house tables were decorated with orange tablecloths and small jack-o-lanterns. Everyone headed to their tables just looking at everything around them. All the teachers were seated at the head table. All of them were dressed up except for Professor Snape who was dressed in his usual black robes. Professor Dumbledore was dressed up in a grass hula skirt, a bright Hawaiian print shirt and lay and Hagrid was a big ugly flower. Most of the other Professors dressed up as muggle witches and wizards with pointy black hats and hairy moles everywhere.
Everyone sat down and began eating all the wonderful food that had appeared in front of them. Everyone was laughing and talking and have a good old time. Occasionally you would catch students looking around the Great Hall or at Professor Dumbledore waiting for something out the ordinary to happen at any moment.
All of the sudden the doors to the Great Hall flew open and a blast of wind came blowing in causing all the candles and jack-o-lanterns to go out. Everyone turned towards the doorway and all of sudden a shadowy figure step inside the doorway robes fluttering in the wind. No one could make out who it was the only light that was in the room was coming from the torches out in the hall. There was no sound coming from anyone. You couldn't even tell if anyone was breathing or not. With a crack of thunder and a flash of lighting you could see the mysterious figure draw out their wand then suddenly with another flash of lighting and a swish of a wand the candles and jack-o-lanterns were lit once again.
There in the doorway stood a woman dressed in bright purple robes with spiky purple hair and glasses to match.
"Sorry I am late everyone. The weather is hellish out there tonight." Said the mysterious guest as she walked towards the head table.
Harry's mouth dropped open out of amazement of what had just transpired.
"That's her." Harry stuttered.
"That's who, Harry?" Ron and Hermione asked both confused.
"The woman I have seen in Snape's memories!" Harry exclaimed as he watched the woman walk past him.
But before Ron and Hermione could react to what they just heard there was a loud shattering noise of something breaking. Everyone at once turned towards the head table. Professor Snape had dropped a pitcher of pumpkin juice when he realized who was walking towards the table. Snape was paler than usual and looked horrified beyond belief.
"No, it can't be her. It couldn't be." Professor Snape whispered in shock...