Disclaimer: Harry Potter is a creation by JK Rowling, a writing genius. I,
am not a writing genius. I'm just borrowing her characters, and putting
them in a plot line of my own for amusement purposes for myself and
hopefully you. I am not making any money off of writing this. But I do
like the reviews.. :D
I have created a few things, if you notice what they are, you get a cookie! Yes, I'm lazy, so sue me! I typed up this chapter nice and long (8 pages!!) just for you!
Plots seen here may contain spoilers from OotP; you have been warned. This story may also contain rumors of the next books.
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Breakfast was always a neglected meal, but having missed the last two meals of the previous day, Harry found himself jogging to the table. His hair was messier than usual, he hadn't even bothered to brush it when he got up. The rumble in his stomach was much more important that something so little as personal hygiene. Right?
Wrong. Snape came in, and snapped, "Under my roof, Potter, you will at least -attempt- to make yourself look presentable." Clearly, Snape was still in a bad mood from last night. Harry nodded in response, and hungrily ate. However, Snape decided to speak up once more, "Chew with your mouth closed, you are not an animal." This forced Harry to slow down, take smaller pieces of the deliciously fluffy French Toast.
Harry glanced over at his professor, as he rinsed down a mouth full of cinnamon goodness with orange juice. Snape was eating properly, quietly, and seemed to be lost in thought. Harry mused, as long as he stayed that way, it would be fine.
Dusty cleared the plates, as Harry was just about to rise from his seat, about to go start the day in the library of endless reading. Snape snarled, "Potter," Harry stayed still, waiting for him to say something. "Before you go off to the library to look up on everything you can about the Green Torch, I will save you some of your.. oh- so- precious time." He curled his lip at the thought, and continued, "I have removed any books that are worth reading on the subject. And you have chores."
Hopes shattered, Harry took his new list, and went outside to the gardens.
Trim the Balsam bushes.
Finding the tools to do all this in the gardening shed which looked most like a small cottage near a pond, he searched for the bushes. It was blazing hot out, and he found the bushes along a nice fence.
The bush was made up of fleshy stems, and pink and white cup-shaped flowers. The stems with already flowered dried and dead remains were obviously what needed to be trimmed. That did not take too long. Putting the cuttings in a plastic container, he carried on.
The next plant was a Datura bush. Remembering back to classes, Snape made a point of saying that Daturas were close cousins to Belladonnas, and in some cases can be used as an alternative.
Now, if only Harry remembered that on the test..
Harry was getting tired from the sun, and his eyes dropped as he weeded some poppies. It was not long before he was fast asleep in them. He found no dreams waiting for him in this slumber. He just hoped no one would ever wake him.
Harry then saw images, fast, they were there a second and gone. A willow tree.. laughing children next door.. everyone was laughing.. falling.. girls giggling.. broken glasses.. a streak of light beneath a door.. echoes.. a snake.. bones.. Ron and Hermione.. his parents waving.. spinning faster and faster..
Harry gasped for breath, like he had not taken a breath in ages. Or that he was just rescued from drowning. He felt very weak, and tired, although, he knew he was just sleeping. It was dark now. It was a cloudless night, yet you could not see the stars. It was just black out. The only lighting was the fireflies in the air, lighting the face of his Potions Professor. Looking down to Snape's side, Destiny was there, a worried, crossed with a curious look plastered her face.
Snape spoke roughly, "If you ever had paid any attention in my class, you would have realized that you need goggles and a mask to work with poppies." Snape said, as if talking to a small child, "Poppies, put anyone who breathes in their pollen into a slumber for months at a time, until the season is over. Most often, the person who is put into a slumber, dies before the season is up." He sneered, "No wonder your test scores are so low."
He then turned on heel and left, with every bit of grace as he always did. Destiny remained.
"Mr. Potter is all right?" She asked quietly, approaching. Her large eyes beaming into Harry's. He nodded, and got up shaky. His limbs felt very unused. "Master Snape says you'll be better by tomorrow. Just needs rest, he says." Destiny and Harry walked into the manor, she said, "Master is at a meeting, Mr. Potter, so if yous need anything, come to the kitchens." With that the two went their separate ways to their quarters.
Sirius sat in Dumbledore's office, a common place to find him these days, as Dumbledore sat in his chair, sucking a lemon drop. Waiting for it to strike twelve that evening, for Severus to join them. Sirius glared when Severus entered the room. Severus was refusing to let them throw his Godson a party, so Sirius wasn't going to be any kinder to Severus, despite what Dumbledore said.
"Ahh, Severus, please sit down." Dumbledore greeted. Severus did as he was told, and announced Harry's Poppy problem. Dumbledore nodded.
Severus then said, "I'm glad you both have agreed to this meeting, because I think it is important both of you are informed.." Severus didn't glance at Sirius, but looked at Dumbledore. "A few days ago, while at a meeting, Mr. Potter stumbled upon some information.. about the torch." Sirius rose an eyebrow, and Dumbledore was unreadable. "The Dark Lord sent a note to me actually, and he opened it as if it was his own mail. He knows their is something important about it, or else The Dark Lord wouldn't want it."
Sirius replied instantly, "Simple then, tell Harry about the torch!" He moved his foot onto the desk, and tilted the chair back.
Dumbledore replied, "No, Sirius! Harry cannot know about the torch. For his own safety."
Severus said then, "Well, when he was attacked, I figured the intruder was searching for the Torch. He got in his way."
Sirius got angry, "Then, it would be in best interest to have Harry removed from your care if you are also caring for an object very dangerous to him." Why didn't anyone else see that?
Snape argued back, "The Torch is only dangerous, Black, if it falls in the wrong hands, and if they know how to work the damned thing.."
"He's a Potter," Sirius replied, "He'd find a way to work it!"
Dumbledore looked amused. Was this actually being said? It was like Snape was fighting for Harry to stay with him! Dumbledore said, "Severus is right, Sirius. The torch is well protected, and Harry couldn't even find the torch in that Manor if he tried."
Sirius glared at Snape. "Then, what do you propose we do? Harry's curiosities will get the better of him, he'll want answers."
Dumbledore said simply, "And he'll get them! Just not until the Torch isn't so.. desired."
Severus then said, "Not a good idea. He doesn't need to know at all."
Sirius changed the subject, "You have to cut him off from the whole world," bringing the chair back to four legs
Severus asked, playing dumb, "And what, pray tell, is that supposed to mean?"
"Harry's birthday party!" Sirius snapped. Dumbledore smiled at the outburst. Sirius ranted, "It was all planned out, and everything was all set, but Snivellus the Party Pooper, won't let anyone in his house!"
"I never said that." Snape responded. "I said anyone with the last names of Weasley or Black couldn't enter."
Sirius questioned, voice getting higher, "So Hermione and Remus are the only ones allowed to go to the party?!"
Snape smirked in response, but never spoke a word.
Dumbledore exhaled, "Severus.." Tired of the bickering, he sighed out, "You get to have Harry in your home, let Sirius have his party." With a small smile, "He's only been wanting to throw Harry one since James appointed him Godfather." Nice to know that a birthday party was more important that the plotting Death Eaters.
Harry stopped at his door, hand on the silver door handle.
Snape would be busy for at least an hour.. He could go into the East wing, into Snape's den, and collect the books that would tell him about the Green Torch..
Despite being exhausted beyond belief, Harry started down the unfamiliar halls in search of his den.
He went up a flight of stairs, holding onto the railing for support, and pulled himself up. He saw this hall was lit dimly. It wasn't supposed to be used often, Harry mused, so it wouldn't need to be. He tried the first door he saw. Locked. He tried the next one, and found it unlocked, but just as quickly as it opened, he felt a jerk backwards. Slam. He was on the ground.
"Ow.." He muttered. His back now hurting. He paused, after lifting himself up. The slam surely must have been loud to have hurt this much... Did anyone hear? He listened carefully. Silence. Better not risk it. He cautiously went back to the West side of the manor, and to his room.
He changed, and crawled into bed, taking off his glasses as he lay there. He then closed his eyes. He was sleeping for a good hour when he heard a creak. He opened an eye, the door was open, and a shadow was gazing in. Just as soon as he saw the shadow it disappeared. Snape was probably checking in on him. He relaxed slightly. It was slightly comforting thinking that it was Snape and not someone Death Eater, or his abusive uncle. Even though, Harry thought, Snape was probably just checking to make sure he hadn't wandered off.
Thinking of how the Dursleys were doing was something Harry hadn't thought about until that moment. He wondered about there welfare, if they were okay. Even if he wasn't staying with them, they were still in danger, weren't they? Dudley probably gained a few pounds, after sneaking in some cake or cookies while at one of his neighbor friends. His uncle was probably showing off some new living room accessory to some business clients. As for his Aunt, probably gazing out the window like a hawk, waiting for nothing to happen.
It certainly was better living here than with the Durselys, despite what he thought in the beginning of the summer.
The hall was dark.. but that did not keep Harry's feet to travel fast, running to the each door, trying each.. often times he'd miss the handle, or find it locked. He then got to a door, with green light streaming underneath the door. Navigating blindly, he felt letters on the door, not letters.. he thought.. carved creatures. He found the handle and opened it.. it was unlocked. Why would the only door he tried with something so strange about it be unlocked?
Shake. Shake. "Mr. Potter!!" Destiny peeped cheerfully. "Wake up, Mr. Potter!!" Harry groaned, and attempted to swat her away. "You have company, Mr. Potter! You must get dressed!" She must have picked up his glasses, because they were being shoved onto his face.
Harry opened his eyes. "What?" He asked dazed. Did his ears deceive him?
"You have company, sir! Waiting downstairs, sir!" With that she left. Harry got ready speedily, yet, still felt weak from the day before. He travelled down the stairs faster than he had before, his footsteps clearly heard throughout the house. Stomping heavily down them. Where would his company be? The sitting room. He rounded a corner, and walked into the sitting room.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" He heard people shout. He looked around. Ron and Hermione were coming closer, ready to pounce and greet him with a hug. Suffocating in a bear hug from Hermione, Harry saw the Weasley clan all over the room. He saw an exhausted Remus, an excited Sirius, and Snape sulking on the couch. He had completely forgotten it was his birthday. He was thinking of other things..
Ron shook Harry's hand and muttered, "Mum won't let Snape leave.. it's bloody hilarious, mate!" Looking around the large room, there was a large pile of presents, and balloons everywhere. Birthday decorations scattered the room, which reminded him of the many parties the Dursleys threw for Dudley. Snape sat there, glaring at anyone who walked passed. Destiny continually sang "Happy Birthday," and Sirius and the twins were plotting in the corner.
Harry saw Percy, speaking with Remus professional like. Harry stared, waiting for Percy to do something. He was convinced it was Percy's doings that caused him to fall like that. The nerve he had to show up at his party..
Hermione whispered as Ron pigged out on cake, "Harry, stop staring. I was speaking with him earlier, he seems very much a Weasley. He wouldn't intentionally hurt you."
Snape jumped to his feet in an anger when the twins and Sirius lit fireworks in the room. He was about to shout when Mrs. Weasley beat him to it. "SIRIUS BLACK! YOU SHOULDN'T ENCOURAGE THE BOYS!"
And with Destiny screaming, "Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Dodododo.. Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!" The whole festivities were getting rather loud.
Ginny forced a smile, "Hey, Harry! Open presents now!" It certainly stopped the shouting.
The presents were awesome. Remus got him a case of candy, and The Big Book of Famous Wizards. Percy got him two robes, Ron and Ginny got him a Quidditch kit. Mrs. Weasley gave him a green jumper. The look on Snape's eyes was priceless. Disgust matched with a smile. Hagrid gave him a magic feather. It was supposed to be a good luck feather. The twins gave him a Joke Pack, with all the little inventions they created. Bill sent him a book of Egyptian Magic, Rare Spells, Charms and Curses. He got little presents from fans, even his Aunt Petunia sent him an album of pictures of his mother. Harry had a sneaking suspicion that the scare from Snape forced that to happen. As for Sirius' present, he gave Harry the Black Family Ring.
"Never liked it much myself." He muttered, with a hand on Harry's shoulder. "But this makes us family, and no one can take that away from us." When he said no one, he glanced at Snape, who merely rolled his eyes.
There were many jokes told during this time, and Harry was non-stop laughing. The whole thing kept him from thinking of his dream, or Percy, or anything bothering him.
During dinner, Harry let his gaze travel to Snape. He had paled more so then usual. He rose and leaned over to Mrs. Weasley. Whispering something, no one even detected he moved. She nodded, and he left. She then glanced around, checking to see if anyone noticed. She saw Harry, and gave a forced smile, most likely from lack of knowing what else to do. Harry then turned to listen to the story of when Ron discovered he had gotten the badge to be Prefect.
The party ended close to midnight, and Harry was glad to hear that Ron and Hermione would be staying the night with him. Destiny showed Hermione to a room across from Harry's, and Ron would stay with Harry. Even so, they all sat on Harry's bed, talking, and eating the massive amount of candy Remus bought Harry. Harry almost could swear that Remus had a sweet tooth.
"Another round of chess?" Ron asked Harry, as Hermione watched.
Harry shook his head, "No, I want to talk about something.. it's really important."
"Oh.. okay." Ron said, leaning back. Harry glanced at Hermione, she mouthed, 'don't'.
She must have thought he was going to talk about him suspecting Percy for what happened. But when I described the letter of Snape's I had read, about the torch, and his slip up, telling that it's called the Green Torch, got them very interested.
"You have a library here, why haven't you looked for anything?" Hermione asked curiously.
Harry exhaled, "Snape removed all the books on it! He even told me so!"
Ron rubbed his eyes, "I don't care what Mum and Dad say.. I know he's working for the other side.. this proves it."
"Well, the books must still be in the Manor," Hermione said, ignoring Ron's outburst.
Harry nodded, "Yea, he's probably keeping them in the East Wing," He then explained, "I'm not allowed in there."
Ron said, "Harry," Harry and Hermione looked at him. "Snape's not home.."
Hermione caught the drift, "Ron, that's not a good idea, Snape took Harry into his home, Harry can't go disobeying his rules!"
Harry admitted, "Yesterday he was at a meeting," He continued, "So, I went into the East Wing.. The first door's locked, and the second door I tried has some charm on it. But I stopped after that."
"Why?" Both asked in unison.
"The charm threw me backwards into a wall." Harry explained. "It made too much noise. I didn't want to get caught up there, so I came back here."
Ron burst, "Let's go!"
Harry got up, Hermione then pleaded, "Ron! Harry! We are going to get caught, even if Professor Snape's not home, I am sure he would know we were snooping around."
Harry said, "Hermione, he hadn't said anything about me being up there yet."
"Yea, Hermione." Ron said tried to get going.
Hermione then burst, "He probably hadn't the chance! It was your party, and then he had to go!"
Ron crossed his arms, "It's up to Harry." Looking between his two best friends, and thinking it over. Coming to a conclusion, he started out the door. Hermione frowned the whole way.
Ron tried the charmed door, and Hermione said then, "Bursting Charm." Trying other doors down the long hall, they got into one. It was an old art room. Very dusty. Snape probably wouldn't even bother to ask the house elves to clean it.
Ron went right away to snoop through the drawers. Surprisingly there was no creatures in there. Perhaps Snape was cleaning it out, Harry mused, from what he read in books, old dusty rooms were perfect grounds for many sorts of creatures to hide.
"Hey, look at this!" Ron exclaimed, producing a piece of old parchment.
They looked at the sketch. It was beautiful in the sense of how well it was, as well as the scenery. It was a wedding. Harry was reminded of his parents wedding photo. There was a boy in a tux with the two getting married. He was about seven or so, and smirking. The groom was holding the boy, as the bride was playing with his hair. In the bottom corner it was signed, SS. Snape drew it. Harry picked up more of the parchment. More of the wedding scene, two boys were covered in cake.
Ron then looked over Harry's shoulder, "Eh, Harry.. That boy looks like you!" True it did. Except for one thing, the scar.
Hermione said softly, "It must be James.."
Ron grinned, "And Sirius!"
Harry looked at the scene. The two were so happy. So young. Harry looked at the corner, SS. Snape must have been at this wedding with them, drawing away. Looking through the rest of the pictures of the wedding. Snape must have been hidden away from everyone. Staying away. He had done that at the party as well, yet he was sure it was just because he did not want to be a part of it, and was forced to stay. Harry frowned. He and him now had a common part of their childhood. They had to be hidden away.
Ron tripped over a book, and fell into the writing desk. The three fell silent.
Listening for every bit of noise. After five minutes there was nothing. Ron then looked at the floor. "Hey.. trapdoor!" They looked at it.
Hermione whispered, "If Snape's hiding something, it's a good chance it's in there." Harry moved his hand to open it, but then Hermione grabbed it. "I hear something." Footsteps. Snape was home. They died shortly after and the three quietly, stealthily their way back.
They slept until noon, and Hermione and Ron left an hour later. Harry wandered to the library, and looked for any books on the house it's self. The whole day wasted, nothing to be found.
At dinner time, Harry left the library, washed up, and entered the dining room, to find Snape already seated. They ate in silence, except for the clatter of forks against the plates. Until Snape said, "You are not to go in the East wing, Potter, do I make myself clear?"
"Sir, I didn't-"
He interrupted Harry's denial, "Twice is enough, Potter. If I find you up there again, Dumbledore will be finding you somewhere else to stay." He then rose, and left. Snape couldn't kick him out, could he? Dumbledore wouldn't allow him. Yet.. it was Snape's house, and Harry had to oblige to any rules he made.
Harry finished up, and went to his room. After organizing all his gifts, and putting them in places so they wouldn't be in his way, he found nothing else to do. This led him downstairs to the living room. Often place to find Snape.
He was there, reading as usual. This time the paper. He looked up after awhile, and then put the paper down. He rose to his feet, and took something from a hiding place. He handed a green wrapped present to him, and muttered, "Happy Birthday," Before leaving.
Harry carefully unwrapped the present, and found a book. Advanced Potions: All You Need To Know About Them By Niveus Scripsi. It was thick. Brand new. Harry opened the cover, and saw wrote.
"So you can possibly get an decent grade this year. S.S." In green ink.
Of all the presents he got, the candy, books, the robes, the Quidditch kit, the twins Joke Pack, the photos of his Mother and everything else, this meant more to him than any of it. Why? Snape despises Harry, and wouldn't get him a birthday gift, but a present to help school is another thing.
Harry spent the rest of the night reading away in that silver arm chair, until he saw light peer through the window, and went to bed.
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Author's Notes: Writing this chapter took a lot of painful kicking in the ass. As well as reorganizing everything I wrote in the past summers for notes on this. I was trying to keep updates regular, but that just did not happen, and so I planned ahead and decided to write only this story for a week (not posting that often of course, they need editing!), and then at least I would have enough posts for awhile, or maybe even finish this. It has been too long to have to make you guys wait any longer. If you like, you can add me to MSN, the addy is , shout some motivation at me. It will surely help.
As for the story it's self..
I originally planned that Harry got in trouble with the law, and I was not planning a birthday party. (But Sirius was!) So, It just happened. The old notes had to be changed to my more recent ideas. As for the Poppies thing, I had not planned that either. Now that I have, I have an interesting idea for it.
Yes, it was rather a boring chapter, but I have to get back into the groove of the characters, and the interesting stuff is coming up. Well, it wasn't too bad, I guess.
I have created a few things, if you notice what they are, you get a cookie! Yes, I'm lazy, so sue me! I typed up this chapter nice and long (8 pages!!) just for you!
Plots seen here may contain spoilers from OotP; you have been warned. This story may also contain rumors of the next books.
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Breakfast was always a neglected meal, but having missed the last two meals of the previous day, Harry found himself jogging to the table. His hair was messier than usual, he hadn't even bothered to brush it when he got up. The rumble in his stomach was much more important that something so little as personal hygiene. Right?
Wrong. Snape came in, and snapped, "Under my roof, Potter, you will at least -attempt- to make yourself look presentable." Clearly, Snape was still in a bad mood from last night. Harry nodded in response, and hungrily ate. However, Snape decided to speak up once more, "Chew with your mouth closed, you are not an animal." This forced Harry to slow down, take smaller pieces of the deliciously fluffy French Toast.
Harry glanced over at his professor, as he rinsed down a mouth full of cinnamon goodness with orange juice. Snape was eating properly, quietly, and seemed to be lost in thought. Harry mused, as long as he stayed that way, it would be fine.
Dusty cleared the plates, as Harry was just about to rise from his seat, about to go start the day in the library of endless reading. Snape snarled, "Potter," Harry stayed still, waiting for him to say something. "Before you go off to the library to look up on everything you can about the Green Torch, I will save you some of your.. oh- so- precious time." He curled his lip at the thought, and continued, "I have removed any books that are worth reading on the subject. And you have chores."
Hopes shattered, Harry took his new list, and went outside to the gardens.
Trim the Balsam bushes.
Finding the tools to do all this in the gardening shed which looked most like a small cottage near a pond, he searched for the bushes. It was blazing hot out, and he found the bushes along a nice fence.
The bush was made up of fleshy stems, and pink and white cup-shaped flowers. The stems with already flowered dried and dead remains were obviously what needed to be trimmed. That did not take too long. Putting the cuttings in a plastic container, he carried on.
The next plant was a Datura bush. Remembering back to classes, Snape made a point of saying that Daturas were close cousins to Belladonnas, and in some cases can be used as an alternative.
Now, if only Harry remembered that on the test..
Harry was getting tired from the sun, and his eyes dropped as he weeded some poppies. It was not long before he was fast asleep in them. He found no dreams waiting for him in this slumber. He just hoped no one would ever wake him.
Harry then saw images, fast, they were there a second and gone. A willow tree.. laughing children next door.. everyone was laughing.. falling.. girls giggling.. broken glasses.. a streak of light beneath a door.. echoes.. a snake.. bones.. Ron and Hermione.. his parents waving.. spinning faster and faster..
Harry gasped for breath, like he had not taken a breath in ages. Or that he was just rescued from drowning. He felt very weak, and tired, although, he knew he was just sleeping. It was dark now. It was a cloudless night, yet you could not see the stars. It was just black out. The only lighting was the fireflies in the air, lighting the face of his Potions Professor. Looking down to Snape's side, Destiny was there, a worried, crossed with a curious look plastered her face.
Snape spoke roughly, "If you ever had paid any attention in my class, you would have realized that you need goggles and a mask to work with poppies." Snape said, as if talking to a small child, "Poppies, put anyone who breathes in their pollen into a slumber for months at a time, until the season is over. Most often, the person who is put into a slumber, dies before the season is up." He sneered, "No wonder your test scores are so low."
He then turned on heel and left, with every bit of grace as he always did. Destiny remained.
"Mr. Potter is all right?" She asked quietly, approaching. Her large eyes beaming into Harry's. He nodded, and got up shaky. His limbs felt very unused. "Master Snape says you'll be better by tomorrow. Just needs rest, he says." Destiny and Harry walked into the manor, she said, "Master is at a meeting, Mr. Potter, so if yous need anything, come to the kitchens." With that the two went their separate ways to their quarters.
Sirius sat in Dumbledore's office, a common place to find him these days, as Dumbledore sat in his chair, sucking a lemon drop. Waiting for it to strike twelve that evening, for Severus to join them. Sirius glared when Severus entered the room. Severus was refusing to let them throw his Godson a party, so Sirius wasn't going to be any kinder to Severus, despite what Dumbledore said.
"Ahh, Severus, please sit down." Dumbledore greeted. Severus did as he was told, and announced Harry's Poppy problem. Dumbledore nodded.
Severus then said, "I'm glad you both have agreed to this meeting, because I think it is important both of you are informed.." Severus didn't glance at Sirius, but looked at Dumbledore. "A few days ago, while at a meeting, Mr. Potter stumbled upon some information.. about the torch." Sirius rose an eyebrow, and Dumbledore was unreadable. "The Dark Lord sent a note to me actually, and he opened it as if it was his own mail. He knows their is something important about it, or else The Dark Lord wouldn't want it."
Sirius replied instantly, "Simple then, tell Harry about the torch!" He moved his foot onto the desk, and tilted the chair back.
Dumbledore replied, "No, Sirius! Harry cannot know about the torch. For his own safety."
Severus said then, "Well, when he was attacked, I figured the intruder was searching for the Torch. He got in his way."
Sirius got angry, "Then, it would be in best interest to have Harry removed from your care if you are also caring for an object very dangerous to him." Why didn't anyone else see that?
Snape argued back, "The Torch is only dangerous, Black, if it falls in the wrong hands, and if they know how to work the damned thing.."
"He's a Potter," Sirius replied, "He'd find a way to work it!"
Dumbledore looked amused. Was this actually being said? It was like Snape was fighting for Harry to stay with him! Dumbledore said, "Severus is right, Sirius. The torch is well protected, and Harry couldn't even find the torch in that Manor if he tried."
Sirius glared at Snape. "Then, what do you propose we do? Harry's curiosities will get the better of him, he'll want answers."
Dumbledore said simply, "And he'll get them! Just not until the Torch isn't so.. desired."
Severus then said, "Not a good idea. He doesn't need to know at all."
Sirius changed the subject, "You have to cut him off from the whole world," bringing the chair back to four legs
Severus asked, playing dumb, "And what, pray tell, is that supposed to mean?"
"Harry's birthday party!" Sirius snapped. Dumbledore smiled at the outburst. Sirius ranted, "It was all planned out, and everything was all set, but Snivellus the Party Pooper, won't let anyone in his house!"
"I never said that." Snape responded. "I said anyone with the last names of Weasley or Black couldn't enter."
Sirius questioned, voice getting higher, "So Hermione and Remus are the only ones allowed to go to the party?!"
Snape smirked in response, but never spoke a word.
Dumbledore exhaled, "Severus.." Tired of the bickering, he sighed out, "You get to have Harry in your home, let Sirius have his party." With a small smile, "He's only been wanting to throw Harry one since James appointed him Godfather." Nice to know that a birthday party was more important that the plotting Death Eaters.
Harry stopped at his door, hand on the silver door handle.
Snape would be busy for at least an hour.. He could go into the East wing, into Snape's den, and collect the books that would tell him about the Green Torch..
Despite being exhausted beyond belief, Harry started down the unfamiliar halls in search of his den.
He went up a flight of stairs, holding onto the railing for support, and pulled himself up. He saw this hall was lit dimly. It wasn't supposed to be used often, Harry mused, so it wouldn't need to be. He tried the first door he saw. Locked. He tried the next one, and found it unlocked, but just as quickly as it opened, he felt a jerk backwards. Slam. He was on the ground.
"Ow.." He muttered. His back now hurting. He paused, after lifting himself up. The slam surely must have been loud to have hurt this much... Did anyone hear? He listened carefully. Silence. Better not risk it. He cautiously went back to the West side of the manor, and to his room.
He changed, and crawled into bed, taking off his glasses as he lay there. He then closed his eyes. He was sleeping for a good hour when he heard a creak. He opened an eye, the door was open, and a shadow was gazing in. Just as soon as he saw the shadow it disappeared. Snape was probably checking in on him. He relaxed slightly. It was slightly comforting thinking that it was Snape and not someone Death Eater, or his abusive uncle. Even though, Harry thought, Snape was probably just checking to make sure he hadn't wandered off.
Thinking of how the Dursleys were doing was something Harry hadn't thought about until that moment. He wondered about there welfare, if they were okay. Even if he wasn't staying with them, they were still in danger, weren't they? Dudley probably gained a few pounds, after sneaking in some cake or cookies while at one of his neighbor friends. His uncle was probably showing off some new living room accessory to some business clients. As for his Aunt, probably gazing out the window like a hawk, waiting for nothing to happen.
It certainly was better living here than with the Durselys, despite what he thought in the beginning of the summer.
The hall was dark.. but that did not keep Harry's feet to travel fast, running to the each door, trying each.. often times he'd miss the handle, or find it locked. He then got to a door, with green light streaming underneath the door. Navigating blindly, he felt letters on the door, not letters.. he thought.. carved creatures. He found the handle and opened it.. it was unlocked. Why would the only door he tried with something so strange about it be unlocked?
Shake. Shake. "Mr. Potter!!" Destiny peeped cheerfully. "Wake up, Mr. Potter!!" Harry groaned, and attempted to swat her away. "You have company, Mr. Potter! You must get dressed!" She must have picked up his glasses, because they were being shoved onto his face.
Harry opened his eyes. "What?" He asked dazed. Did his ears deceive him?
"You have company, sir! Waiting downstairs, sir!" With that she left. Harry got ready speedily, yet, still felt weak from the day before. He travelled down the stairs faster than he had before, his footsteps clearly heard throughout the house. Stomping heavily down them. Where would his company be? The sitting room. He rounded a corner, and walked into the sitting room.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" He heard people shout. He looked around. Ron and Hermione were coming closer, ready to pounce and greet him with a hug. Suffocating in a bear hug from Hermione, Harry saw the Weasley clan all over the room. He saw an exhausted Remus, an excited Sirius, and Snape sulking on the couch. He had completely forgotten it was his birthday. He was thinking of other things..
Ron shook Harry's hand and muttered, "Mum won't let Snape leave.. it's bloody hilarious, mate!" Looking around the large room, there was a large pile of presents, and balloons everywhere. Birthday decorations scattered the room, which reminded him of the many parties the Dursleys threw for Dudley. Snape sat there, glaring at anyone who walked passed. Destiny continually sang "Happy Birthday," and Sirius and the twins were plotting in the corner.
Harry saw Percy, speaking with Remus professional like. Harry stared, waiting for Percy to do something. He was convinced it was Percy's doings that caused him to fall like that. The nerve he had to show up at his party..
Hermione whispered as Ron pigged out on cake, "Harry, stop staring. I was speaking with him earlier, he seems very much a Weasley. He wouldn't intentionally hurt you."
Snape jumped to his feet in an anger when the twins and Sirius lit fireworks in the room. He was about to shout when Mrs. Weasley beat him to it. "SIRIUS BLACK! YOU SHOULDN'T ENCOURAGE THE BOYS!"
And with Destiny screaming, "Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Dodododo.. Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!" The whole festivities were getting rather loud.
Ginny forced a smile, "Hey, Harry! Open presents now!" It certainly stopped the shouting.
The presents were awesome. Remus got him a case of candy, and The Big Book of Famous Wizards. Percy got him two robes, Ron and Ginny got him a Quidditch kit. Mrs. Weasley gave him a green jumper. The look on Snape's eyes was priceless. Disgust matched with a smile. Hagrid gave him a magic feather. It was supposed to be a good luck feather. The twins gave him a Joke Pack, with all the little inventions they created. Bill sent him a book of Egyptian Magic, Rare Spells, Charms and Curses. He got little presents from fans, even his Aunt Petunia sent him an album of pictures of his mother. Harry had a sneaking suspicion that the scare from Snape forced that to happen. As for Sirius' present, he gave Harry the Black Family Ring.
"Never liked it much myself." He muttered, with a hand on Harry's shoulder. "But this makes us family, and no one can take that away from us." When he said no one, he glanced at Snape, who merely rolled his eyes.
There were many jokes told during this time, and Harry was non-stop laughing. The whole thing kept him from thinking of his dream, or Percy, or anything bothering him.
During dinner, Harry let his gaze travel to Snape. He had paled more so then usual. He rose and leaned over to Mrs. Weasley. Whispering something, no one even detected he moved. She nodded, and he left. She then glanced around, checking to see if anyone noticed. She saw Harry, and gave a forced smile, most likely from lack of knowing what else to do. Harry then turned to listen to the story of when Ron discovered he had gotten the badge to be Prefect.
The party ended close to midnight, and Harry was glad to hear that Ron and Hermione would be staying the night with him. Destiny showed Hermione to a room across from Harry's, and Ron would stay with Harry. Even so, they all sat on Harry's bed, talking, and eating the massive amount of candy Remus bought Harry. Harry almost could swear that Remus had a sweet tooth.
"Another round of chess?" Ron asked Harry, as Hermione watched.
Harry shook his head, "No, I want to talk about something.. it's really important."
"Oh.. okay." Ron said, leaning back. Harry glanced at Hermione, she mouthed, 'don't'.
She must have thought he was going to talk about him suspecting Percy for what happened. But when I described the letter of Snape's I had read, about the torch, and his slip up, telling that it's called the Green Torch, got them very interested.
"You have a library here, why haven't you looked for anything?" Hermione asked curiously.
Harry exhaled, "Snape removed all the books on it! He even told me so!"
Ron rubbed his eyes, "I don't care what Mum and Dad say.. I know he's working for the other side.. this proves it."
"Well, the books must still be in the Manor," Hermione said, ignoring Ron's outburst.
Harry nodded, "Yea, he's probably keeping them in the East Wing," He then explained, "I'm not allowed in there."
Ron said, "Harry," Harry and Hermione looked at him. "Snape's not home.."
Hermione caught the drift, "Ron, that's not a good idea, Snape took Harry into his home, Harry can't go disobeying his rules!"
Harry admitted, "Yesterday he was at a meeting," He continued, "So, I went into the East Wing.. The first door's locked, and the second door I tried has some charm on it. But I stopped after that."
"Why?" Both asked in unison.
"The charm threw me backwards into a wall." Harry explained. "It made too much noise. I didn't want to get caught up there, so I came back here."
Ron burst, "Let's go!"
Harry got up, Hermione then pleaded, "Ron! Harry! We are going to get caught, even if Professor Snape's not home, I am sure he would know we were snooping around."
Harry said, "Hermione, he hadn't said anything about me being up there yet."
"Yea, Hermione." Ron said tried to get going.
Hermione then burst, "He probably hadn't the chance! It was your party, and then he had to go!"
Ron crossed his arms, "It's up to Harry." Looking between his two best friends, and thinking it over. Coming to a conclusion, he started out the door. Hermione frowned the whole way.
Ron tried the charmed door, and Hermione said then, "Bursting Charm." Trying other doors down the long hall, they got into one. It was an old art room. Very dusty. Snape probably wouldn't even bother to ask the house elves to clean it.
Ron went right away to snoop through the drawers. Surprisingly there was no creatures in there. Perhaps Snape was cleaning it out, Harry mused, from what he read in books, old dusty rooms were perfect grounds for many sorts of creatures to hide.
"Hey, look at this!" Ron exclaimed, producing a piece of old parchment.
They looked at the sketch. It was beautiful in the sense of how well it was, as well as the scenery. It was a wedding. Harry was reminded of his parents wedding photo. There was a boy in a tux with the two getting married. He was about seven or so, and smirking. The groom was holding the boy, as the bride was playing with his hair. In the bottom corner it was signed, SS. Snape drew it. Harry picked up more of the parchment. More of the wedding scene, two boys were covered in cake.
Ron then looked over Harry's shoulder, "Eh, Harry.. That boy looks like you!" True it did. Except for one thing, the scar.
Hermione said softly, "It must be James.."
Ron grinned, "And Sirius!"
Harry looked at the scene. The two were so happy. So young. Harry looked at the corner, SS. Snape must have been at this wedding with them, drawing away. Looking through the rest of the pictures of the wedding. Snape must have been hidden away from everyone. Staying away. He had done that at the party as well, yet he was sure it was just because he did not want to be a part of it, and was forced to stay. Harry frowned. He and him now had a common part of their childhood. They had to be hidden away.
Ron tripped over a book, and fell into the writing desk. The three fell silent.
Listening for every bit of noise. After five minutes there was nothing. Ron then looked at the floor. "Hey.. trapdoor!" They looked at it.
Hermione whispered, "If Snape's hiding something, it's a good chance it's in there." Harry moved his hand to open it, but then Hermione grabbed it. "I hear something." Footsteps. Snape was home. They died shortly after and the three quietly, stealthily their way back.
They slept until noon, and Hermione and Ron left an hour later. Harry wandered to the library, and looked for any books on the house it's self. The whole day wasted, nothing to be found.
At dinner time, Harry left the library, washed up, and entered the dining room, to find Snape already seated. They ate in silence, except for the clatter of forks against the plates. Until Snape said, "You are not to go in the East wing, Potter, do I make myself clear?"
"Sir, I didn't-"
He interrupted Harry's denial, "Twice is enough, Potter. If I find you up there again, Dumbledore will be finding you somewhere else to stay." He then rose, and left. Snape couldn't kick him out, could he? Dumbledore wouldn't allow him. Yet.. it was Snape's house, and Harry had to oblige to any rules he made.
Harry finished up, and went to his room. After organizing all his gifts, and putting them in places so they wouldn't be in his way, he found nothing else to do. This led him downstairs to the living room. Often place to find Snape.
He was there, reading as usual. This time the paper. He looked up after awhile, and then put the paper down. He rose to his feet, and took something from a hiding place. He handed a green wrapped present to him, and muttered, "Happy Birthday," Before leaving.
Harry carefully unwrapped the present, and found a book. Advanced Potions: All You Need To Know About Them By Niveus Scripsi. It was thick. Brand new. Harry opened the cover, and saw wrote.
"So you can possibly get an decent grade this year. S.S." In green ink.
Of all the presents he got, the candy, books, the robes, the Quidditch kit, the twins Joke Pack, the photos of his Mother and everything else, this meant more to him than any of it. Why? Snape despises Harry, and wouldn't get him a birthday gift, but a present to help school is another thing.
Harry spent the rest of the night reading away in that silver arm chair, until he saw light peer through the window, and went to bed.
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Author's Notes: Writing this chapter took a lot of painful kicking in the ass. As well as reorganizing everything I wrote in the past summers for notes on this. I was trying to keep updates regular, but that just did not happen, and so I planned ahead and decided to write only this story for a week (not posting that often of course, they need editing!), and then at least I would have enough posts for awhile, or maybe even finish this. It has been too long to have to make you guys wait any longer. If you like, you can add me to MSN, the addy is , shout some motivation at me. It will surely help.
As for the story it's self..
I originally planned that Harry got in trouble with the law, and I was not planning a birthday party. (But Sirius was!) So, It just happened. The old notes had to be changed to my more recent ideas. As for the Poppies thing, I had not planned that either. Now that I have, I have an interesting idea for it.
Yes, it was rather a boring chapter, but I have to get back into the groove of the characters, and the interesting stuff is coming up. Well, it wasn't too bad, I guess.