Disclaimer: If you don't know it, it is mine, if you do, it's not.
Chapter 3 - July 3rd - 5:11 P.M. - Day One
Shock of Their Life
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last Chapter:
"Wait a second, who is my father? Is he even still alive? Do I even know who he is?" said Harry standing up as well.
Dumbledore looked at Harry, the twinkle returning full force, "Harry, your father is alive. You have met him many times in fact. The years have made him cold and cruel, however, I know he is still the same kind man who fell in love with your mother."
Dumbledore smiled and said, "Harry, your father is Severus Snape."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"WHAT?!" screamed Harry, his eyes as big as saucers.
"I said that your father is Severus Snape." said Professor Dumbledore calmly.
Harry dropped to the floor in shock. He started to shake his head, slowly at first and then faster until he was furiously shaking his head 'no'.
"No way," Harry said in disbelief, "No bloody way. This has to be a joke. Headmaster, tell me that this is all some dream and that I'm going to wake up in a few seconds to find out it was all a nightmare."
"I'm afraid that this is no dream, nor is it a nightmare." said Dumbledore.
"Wait," said Harry sharply, "How do I know that you are even Dumbledore? You could be a Death Eater in disguise!"
"Harry," said Dumbledore slowly, "I can assure you that I am who I look like. If it would assure you, I will allow you to ask me something that only I would know."
"Fine," Harry replied sharply, "What did the Prophecy say?"
"That either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives." said Dumbledore solemnly.
"Why are you doing this to me!" screamed Harry, "Hasn't my life been screwed enough?"
"I'm sorry Harry, I just want to get rid of all secrets. I abandoned you last year and it was probably one of the worst decisions in my life. I want to regain your trust and by letting all secrets out in the open is one of the only ways I know how." Dumbledore sighed and the twinkle all but left his eyes.
"Well, I suppose I can understand it." said Harry hesitantly, "But it will be a long time before I fully trust you again."
"That is understandable and I would probably do the same thing if I was in your place." said Dumbledore.
He then looked straight at Harry. Harry looked the same as ever with James Potter's messy black hair and Lily's emerald green eyes. Dumbledore looked a little closer and noticed that Harry's eyes weren't quite as green as he remembered them to be. And, was Harry's nose a little longer? It was hard to tell, but Dumbledore was positive that Harry looked at little different. There were very few changes, and the changes were minor. However, those changes would put Harry's life in danger. Dumbledore took a deep breath and prepared to tell Harry the complete reason he came.
"Harry, I told you that the spell cast upon you is wearing off," he said, "This will place you in great danger. You see, the spell changed your blood as well. The wards placed on this house were biased on blood. Now that your blood is starting to change back to the way it was supposed to be, the shield will fall. I am afraid that I must move you from the Dursley's care."
"Really?" said Harry shocked. He wasn't expecting anything like this.
"Yes, however, you can not go to Hogwarts at this time. Many Aurors have taken residence there because of Voldemort's attack at the Ministry. It would put you in danger with the spell wearing off and many people coming in and out of the castle. So, I have come up with a solution to this predicament. You will live at Snape Manor with your father." said Dumbledore before he went silent and let the news sink in.
It took a few minutes for the news to truly sink into Harry and as soon as it sunk in his head snapped up and he yelled,
"WHAT? You have to be crazy! I can sort of accept the fact that I was switched at birth. I'm a little weary with the fact of my true parentage, but I'm starting to accept that. Now you are telling me that I have to live with a man who has hated me since I first entered the halls of Hogwarts!" Harry's eyes were bulging. "You must be kidding!"
"I am afraid that I am not kidding and I am perfectly serious. Professor Snape does not truly hate you. He hates the fact that James Potter's son got to live instead of his own. However, because you are not James Potter's son, he probably will become more tolerant of you." Dumbledore's eyes started to twinkle again. "Who knows, you two might have more in common than you think."
~~~
Meanwhile,
Snape could not believe what Dumbledore told him. No way could that spoiled, fame hungry brat be his son! He thought back to what Dumbledore told him an hour ago.
*Flashback*
"Severus, could I speak with you?" said Albus coming into Snape's office.
Snape had left Dumbledore's office as soon as Albus told him the news. He was still struck by the fact that his son was still alive. Who was his son? What was he like? Did he make good grades? Where did he live? Did he even go to Hogwarts?
"Of course Albus," said Snape, "Albus, please tell me it not a joke. Is he really still alive?"
"Yes he is," said Albus kindly. "In fact I was wondering if you could possibly do me a favor."
"What type of favor?" asked Snape cautiously.
"I would like to go back to Snape Manor and get it habitable." said Albus simply.
"Why?" asked Snape starting to get annoyed.
"Well, if you are to live there this summer with your son, it should be at least partly livable." said Albus smiling.
"What!" said Snape, "You mean, my son is going to live with me this summer! What about whoever he is living with right now?"
"They most likely will not mind." said Dumbledore.
Snape silently cursed Dumbledore. His son was coming to live with him in a house he hadn't been to in 14 years. In fact, he didn't even know who his son was.
"Albus, you haven't even told me my son's name. Who is he? Where does he go to school?" Snape said all of this very quickly and Albus could barely catch it all.
"Your son goes to Hogwarts. As for his name, he has the same first name as Regina's father."
"You mean his name is Harry?" said Snape excitedly. He then paused, "Wait a second, there is only one Harry at Hogwarts who is over 15 years old. You can't mean, no way, no way Albus. You're not saying that my son is... is..."
"Yes Severus," said Albus "Your son is in Gryffindor and will be entering his 6th year at Hogwarts in September. You son's name is Harry James Potter, although I suppose it is Harry James Snape now."
Albus then got up and left Snape sitting at his desk.
*End Flashback*
Snape banged his fist against his desk in fury. How could his son be Potter? It just wasn't possible. Potter was a spoiled, arrogant, good for nothing brat. Snape sneered as he pulled a rope hanging from the ceiling of his office. He would humor Albus for now, but he would not play Daddy to Potter. Once he proved that Potter was not his son, everything would be back to normal. A house elf popped into his office. Snape turned to look at the elf.
"Twinkle, we are going back to Snape Manor. I am going to pack my bags and when I reach the manor, I expect it to be sparkling, understand?"
"Yes Master Snape, sir." said the small elf bowing, "I is doing as you say master, sir."
She then left with a pop. Snape's sneer faded a bit, what if Potter was his son? He gave his head a shake. No, he wouldn't think those things. Potter wasn't his son and he would prove it.
~~~
Harry was putting back the few belongings he had taken out of his trunk in a daze. Dumbledore was downstairs explaining things to Aunt Petunia. When Dumbledore came back, they would be headed to Professor Snape's house. He could not believe that Snape was his father. It was probably just a misunderstanding. Dumbledore had to have him mistaken with some one else. However, deep inside, Harry sensed that it was true. Harry turned to get Hedwig's cage. His snowy owl looked at him.
"Hedwig, this is going to be one hell of a summer." he said.
Hedwig just hooted in a comforting manner. Harry placed her cage on his bed as he finished putting the final item in his trunk. As soon as he finished, Dumbledore came into his room.
"Well, are you ready to go?" said Dumbledore cheerfully.
Harry just nodded as Dumbledore put a hand on his trunk.
"Get Hedwig's cage and take my free arm."
Harry did this and was about to ask why when Dumbledore said.
"I plan on apparating us to a spot near Snape Manor. From there, we will walk. The manor has anti-apparation wards all around it. I believe it best if we were to not use a portkey because one could be traced by Death Eaters."
Harry decided that it would be best if he didn't talk and just kept to nodding.
"Now then, on the count of three, we will be leaving so hang on tight. 1.....2.....3!"
With a 'pop', the smallest bedroom in number four Privet Drive was empty except for a cheap bedroom set and an old rug.
~~~
Harry felt like he was in the eye of a hurricane. He felt like he was standing still and the world was flashing by all around him. This sensation then stopped and he opened his eyes. Dumbledore and himself were standing in the middle of a dirt road. There was thick forest on either side. Dumbledore then took out his wand and pointed it at Harry's trunk and motioned Harry to put Hedwig's cage on top. Harry did this and Dumbledore cast /Locomotor/ on the trunk and cage.
"Well, let's be off now." said Dumbledore, "We should be there before dark."
With those words, Dumbledore headed off down the road with Harry hurrying to keep up and Harry's trunk bobbed along behind. They walked down the road neither one saying anything for around half an hour before Harry noticed something ahead. It appeared to be a speck and got bigger as they walked. Soon, Harry realized that it was a house, well house didn't quite describe it. It was more like a mansion. It was made out of gray stone and appeared to be very gloomy. There were gates in front with gruesome gargoyles guarding them. As Dumbledore and Harry reached the gates, they slowly swung open with an errie squeak. There was a fountain in the shape of a large snake out front, but it was overgrown with vines. They went up the font staircase and reached the forbidding doors. The door knocker had a snake with bared fangs on it. Dumbledore was about to reach up to knock on the door when it flew open. A tiny house elf with big brown eyes ushered them in.
"Welcome Headmaster Dumbledore, sir and Young master Snape, sir. Master is in his room unpacking, but shall be down in a little while. Twinkle will go and get him for you right now." said the small elf as she popped out.
Harry looked around the main hall. It was a little gloomy as the last rays of sunlight slowly left. There was a grand staircase in front. It seemed to be made of marble and there were two wooden doors on either side at the foot of the staircase. A large tapestry was on the wall at the top of the staircase where it parted to the left and the right. The tapestry seemed to be some type of coat of arms. There was a large silver 'S' in the middle with silver snakes on either side. A snake-like vine was twisted around the S and there were words across the top: L'ultima fòrza è nella morte.*
A noise at the top of the left staircase startled Harry out of his revere. Professor Snape walked down the staircase. His black robes billowing behind him and a sneer on his face. When he reached the bottom he looked a Dumbledore and said,
"Good lord Albus, what in Merlin's name are you wearing?"
Albus looked down and said, "Oh yes, I'd forgotten about this suit."
He then waved his wand and the suit changed into robes.
"Well, Severus I'm sorry I have to rush out in a hurry right now, but I have business to attend to. I'll be back tomorrow morning." said Dumbledore as he turned around, set down Harry's things and swept out the door.
Snape and Harry stared at each other before Snape said,
"Well, I suppose you'll have to stay here then. Twinkle will get your things. If you will follow me, I'll show you to your room."
With that he marched upstairs with Harry following close behind.
~End Chapter 3~
*Italian for 'Ultimate power is in death.' What a happy family moto eh?
A/N: Okay, this chapter has to go un-betaed even though I do have a beta reader. Thank you very much Randi W. for offering to be my beta reader! I have a very busy couple of weeks ahead of me. So, some of my chapters might be a little late or they might be all horrible and icky. I hope to still update on Satuarday, but who knows. I plan on starting writing chapter 4 either tonight or tomorrow and going on to chapter 5 if I can. However, they will be posted on their respected Satuardays. *Bangs head on desk* I have so little time to do anything. Thanks to those who reviewed chapter 2 and I will be very happy and greatful if you reviewed this chapter as well!
|~Lilyanphino~|
Chapter 3 - July 3rd - 5:11 P.M. - Day One
Shock of Their Life
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last Chapter:
"Wait a second, who is my father? Is he even still alive? Do I even know who he is?" said Harry standing up as well.
Dumbledore looked at Harry, the twinkle returning full force, "Harry, your father is alive. You have met him many times in fact. The years have made him cold and cruel, however, I know he is still the same kind man who fell in love with your mother."
Dumbledore smiled and said, "Harry, your father is Severus Snape."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"WHAT?!" screamed Harry, his eyes as big as saucers.
"I said that your father is Severus Snape." said Professor Dumbledore calmly.
Harry dropped to the floor in shock. He started to shake his head, slowly at first and then faster until he was furiously shaking his head 'no'.
"No way," Harry said in disbelief, "No bloody way. This has to be a joke. Headmaster, tell me that this is all some dream and that I'm going to wake up in a few seconds to find out it was all a nightmare."
"I'm afraid that this is no dream, nor is it a nightmare." said Dumbledore.
"Wait," said Harry sharply, "How do I know that you are even Dumbledore? You could be a Death Eater in disguise!"
"Harry," said Dumbledore slowly, "I can assure you that I am who I look like. If it would assure you, I will allow you to ask me something that only I would know."
"Fine," Harry replied sharply, "What did the Prophecy say?"
"That either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives." said Dumbledore solemnly.
"Why are you doing this to me!" screamed Harry, "Hasn't my life been screwed enough?"
"I'm sorry Harry, I just want to get rid of all secrets. I abandoned you last year and it was probably one of the worst decisions in my life. I want to regain your trust and by letting all secrets out in the open is one of the only ways I know how." Dumbledore sighed and the twinkle all but left his eyes.
"Well, I suppose I can understand it." said Harry hesitantly, "But it will be a long time before I fully trust you again."
"That is understandable and I would probably do the same thing if I was in your place." said Dumbledore.
He then looked straight at Harry. Harry looked the same as ever with James Potter's messy black hair and Lily's emerald green eyes. Dumbledore looked a little closer and noticed that Harry's eyes weren't quite as green as he remembered them to be. And, was Harry's nose a little longer? It was hard to tell, but Dumbledore was positive that Harry looked at little different. There were very few changes, and the changes were minor. However, those changes would put Harry's life in danger. Dumbledore took a deep breath and prepared to tell Harry the complete reason he came.
"Harry, I told you that the spell cast upon you is wearing off," he said, "This will place you in great danger. You see, the spell changed your blood as well. The wards placed on this house were biased on blood. Now that your blood is starting to change back to the way it was supposed to be, the shield will fall. I am afraid that I must move you from the Dursley's care."
"Really?" said Harry shocked. He wasn't expecting anything like this.
"Yes, however, you can not go to Hogwarts at this time. Many Aurors have taken residence there because of Voldemort's attack at the Ministry. It would put you in danger with the spell wearing off and many people coming in and out of the castle. So, I have come up with a solution to this predicament. You will live at Snape Manor with your father." said Dumbledore before he went silent and let the news sink in.
It took a few minutes for the news to truly sink into Harry and as soon as it sunk in his head snapped up and he yelled,
"WHAT? You have to be crazy! I can sort of accept the fact that I was switched at birth. I'm a little weary with the fact of my true parentage, but I'm starting to accept that. Now you are telling me that I have to live with a man who has hated me since I first entered the halls of Hogwarts!" Harry's eyes were bulging. "You must be kidding!"
"I am afraid that I am not kidding and I am perfectly serious. Professor Snape does not truly hate you. He hates the fact that James Potter's son got to live instead of his own. However, because you are not James Potter's son, he probably will become more tolerant of you." Dumbledore's eyes started to twinkle again. "Who knows, you two might have more in common than you think."
~~~
Meanwhile,
Snape could not believe what Dumbledore told him. No way could that spoiled, fame hungry brat be his son! He thought back to what Dumbledore told him an hour ago.
*Flashback*
"Severus, could I speak with you?" said Albus coming into Snape's office.
Snape had left Dumbledore's office as soon as Albus told him the news. He was still struck by the fact that his son was still alive. Who was his son? What was he like? Did he make good grades? Where did he live? Did he even go to Hogwarts?
"Of course Albus," said Snape, "Albus, please tell me it not a joke. Is he really still alive?"
"Yes he is," said Albus kindly. "In fact I was wondering if you could possibly do me a favor."
"What type of favor?" asked Snape cautiously.
"I would like to go back to Snape Manor and get it habitable." said Albus simply.
"Why?" asked Snape starting to get annoyed.
"Well, if you are to live there this summer with your son, it should be at least partly livable." said Albus smiling.
"What!" said Snape, "You mean, my son is going to live with me this summer! What about whoever he is living with right now?"
"They most likely will not mind." said Dumbledore.
Snape silently cursed Dumbledore. His son was coming to live with him in a house he hadn't been to in 14 years. In fact, he didn't even know who his son was.
"Albus, you haven't even told me my son's name. Who is he? Where does he go to school?" Snape said all of this very quickly and Albus could barely catch it all.
"Your son goes to Hogwarts. As for his name, he has the same first name as Regina's father."
"You mean his name is Harry?" said Snape excitedly. He then paused, "Wait a second, there is only one Harry at Hogwarts who is over 15 years old. You can't mean, no way, no way Albus. You're not saying that my son is... is..."
"Yes Severus," said Albus "Your son is in Gryffindor and will be entering his 6th year at Hogwarts in September. You son's name is Harry James Potter, although I suppose it is Harry James Snape now."
Albus then got up and left Snape sitting at his desk.
*End Flashback*
Snape banged his fist against his desk in fury. How could his son be Potter? It just wasn't possible. Potter was a spoiled, arrogant, good for nothing brat. Snape sneered as he pulled a rope hanging from the ceiling of his office. He would humor Albus for now, but he would not play Daddy to Potter. Once he proved that Potter was not his son, everything would be back to normal. A house elf popped into his office. Snape turned to look at the elf.
"Twinkle, we are going back to Snape Manor. I am going to pack my bags and when I reach the manor, I expect it to be sparkling, understand?"
"Yes Master Snape, sir." said the small elf bowing, "I is doing as you say master, sir."
She then left with a pop. Snape's sneer faded a bit, what if Potter was his son? He gave his head a shake. No, he wouldn't think those things. Potter wasn't his son and he would prove it.
~~~
Harry was putting back the few belongings he had taken out of his trunk in a daze. Dumbledore was downstairs explaining things to Aunt Petunia. When Dumbledore came back, they would be headed to Professor Snape's house. He could not believe that Snape was his father. It was probably just a misunderstanding. Dumbledore had to have him mistaken with some one else. However, deep inside, Harry sensed that it was true. Harry turned to get Hedwig's cage. His snowy owl looked at him.
"Hedwig, this is going to be one hell of a summer." he said.
Hedwig just hooted in a comforting manner. Harry placed her cage on his bed as he finished putting the final item in his trunk. As soon as he finished, Dumbledore came into his room.
"Well, are you ready to go?" said Dumbledore cheerfully.
Harry just nodded as Dumbledore put a hand on his trunk.
"Get Hedwig's cage and take my free arm."
Harry did this and was about to ask why when Dumbledore said.
"I plan on apparating us to a spot near Snape Manor. From there, we will walk. The manor has anti-apparation wards all around it. I believe it best if we were to not use a portkey because one could be traced by Death Eaters."
Harry decided that it would be best if he didn't talk and just kept to nodding.
"Now then, on the count of three, we will be leaving so hang on tight. 1.....2.....3!"
With a 'pop', the smallest bedroom in number four Privet Drive was empty except for a cheap bedroom set and an old rug.
~~~
Harry felt like he was in the eye of a hurricane. He felt like he was standing still and the world was flashing by all around him. This sensation then stopped and he opened his eyes. Dumbledore and himself were standing in the middle of a dirt road. There was thick forest on either side. Dumbledore then took out his wand and pointed it at Harry's trunk and motioned Harry to put Hedwig's cage on top. Harry did this and Dumbledore cast /Locomotor/ on the trunk and cage.
"Well, let's be off now." said Dumbledore, "We should be there before dark."
With those words, Dumbledore headed off down the road with Harry hurrying to keep up and Harry's trunk bobbed along behind. They walked down the road neither one saying anything for around half an hour before Harry noticed something ahead. It appeared to be a speck and got bigger as they walked. Soon, Harry realized that it was a house, well house didn't quite describe it. It was more like a mansion. It was made out of gray stone and appeared to be very gloomy. There were gates in front with gruesome gargoyles guarding them. As Dumbledore and Harry reached the gates, they slowly swung open with an errie squeak. There was a fountain in the shape of a large snake out front, but it was overgrown with vines. They went up the font staircase and reached the forbidding doors. The door knocker had a snake with bared fangs on it. Dumbledore was about to reach up to knock on the door when it flew open. A tiny house elf with big brown eyes ushered them in.
"Welcome Headmaster Dumbledore, sir and Young master Snape, sir. Master is in his room unpacking, but shall be down in a little while. Twinkle will go and get him for you right now." said the small elf as she popped out.
Harry looked around the main hall. It was a little gloomy as the last rays of sunlight slowly left. There was a grand staircase in front. It seemed to be made of marble and there were two wooden doors on either side at the foot of the staircase. A large tapestry was on the wall at the top of the staircase where it parted to the left and the right. The tapestry seemed to be some type of coat of arms. There was a large silver 'S' in the middle with silver snakes on either side. A snake-like vine was twisted around the S and there were words across the top: L'ultima fòrza è nella morte.*
A noise at the top of the left staircase startled Harry out of his revere. Professor Snape walked down the staircase. His black robes billowing behind him and a sneer on his face. When he reached the bottom he looked a Dumbledore and said,
"Good lord Albus, what in Merlin's name are you wearing?"
Albus looked down and said, "Oh yes, I'd forgotten about this suit."
He then waved his wand and the suit changed into robes.
"Well, Severus I'm sorry I have to rush out in a hurry right now, but I have business to attend to. I'll be back tomorrow morning." said Dumbledore as he turned around, set down Harry's things and swept out the door.
Snape and Harry stared at each other before Snape said,
"Well, I suppose you'll have to stay here then. Twinkle will get your things. If you will follow me, I'll show you to your room."
With that he marched upstairs with Harry following close behind.
~End Chapter 3~
*Italian for 'Ultimate power is in death.' What a happy family moto eh?
A/N: Okay, this chapter has to go un-betaed even though I do have a beta reader. Thank you very much Randi W. for offering to be my beta reader! I have a very busy couple of weeks ahead of me. So, some of my chapters might be a little late or they might be all horrible and icky. I hope to still update on Satuarday, but who knows. I plan on starting writing chapter 4 either tonight or tomorrow and going on to chapter 5 if I can. However, they will be posted on their respected Satuardays. *Bangs head on desk* I have so little time to do anything. Thanks to those who reviewed chapter 2 and I will be very happy and greatful if you reviewed this chapter as well!
|~Lilyanphino~|