Chapter Three: Talking and Telling

"Good evening Remus, Severus. What can I help you with?"

"Actually, there are two matters of importance that we need to discuss."

"Yes?"

"Do you want to go first, Severus?"

"No, it would be best if you did."

"Very well. Headmaster…earlier in the semester I made a startling discovery concerning Harry Potter….he made me promise not to tell anyone about it, but I feel that I must."

"What is it? He's not getting into any sort of trouble, is he?"

"No…actually it's more in regards to the Dursley family. When he came to class the first day back from summer holiday, he was not looking well, so I held him after class to see what was the matter. After giving him a calming potion, I finally found out what was wrong."

"What on earth was it?"

"His Uncle beats him, Headmaster. When Harry came to class, he had several broken ribs and horrible bruises, all carefully hidden by his robes. According to Mr. Weasley, he's also been malnourished and imprisoned, not to mention a probable load of other mistreatments."

"Your convinced that this story is true?"

"Oh yes, Poppy can confirm the injuries if you like. And the information wasn't exactly given willingly."

"Something must be done at once….the Dursleys must be spoken with immediately, and some sort of arrangement made for Harry for the summer holiday….I honestly can't believe that Harry has never said anything…"

"He's probably ashamed, Albus…he can't be blamed for that."

"Yes, and probably scared of what would happen were he to be taken from his only remaining family….undoubtedly he'll have to be placed in an orphanage, unless the Ministry would agree to letting him stay here…"

"Actually, Headmaster, that brings us to the second topic." Remus cast a glance at Severus, who nodded slowly, "You see, The Dursleys aren't Harry's only surviving relatives." Lupin said

"Pardon? According to the records, all of the Evans and Potter family are dead."

"The records are correct on that point, but wrong on another. Albus, James Potter was not Harry's father," Severus said.

"Then…who is?"

"I am,"

"What? How is this possible?"

"Do you remember that last mission Voldemort sent me on, in November of 1980?"

"Yes, I do…and I gave you permission to do what was necessary to convince the Dark Lord."

"When I arrived at the Potter home in the disguise of James Potter, I discovered that my reason for being there had already been removed, as James had taken the result of his work with him. However, before I could leave…Lily found me, and…. Forgive me, Albus, but…I did. As I was trying to slip away the next morning, Remus found me lurking about, and deduced what had happened. I rather…blackmailed him into not telling anyone. As he later told me, Lily was slightly ill a few weeks later….she was pregnant; with Harry. Lily never discovered that it hadn't been James."

"Have you spoken to him?"

"Yes. He took it well. Were talking tomorrow night.''

"Merlin….You're Harry's father….I always thought there was something about you two…"

"I fathered him, Albus, but I'd hardly consider myself a father."

"Maybe not now, Severus, but you'll learn easily enough. At least Harry won't have to go to an orphanage now…"

"Yes…and I do hope that the ends are worth the means."

Harry Potter stared at his best friends. They were sitting impatiently, waiting for him to talk. Harry had told them to meet them in the Common Room, so that he could tell them the news.

He took a deep breath, and blurted out:

''ProfessorSnapeismyfather.''

Hermione and Ron, even though he had said it really fast, had heard.

''What?'' asked Ron, his mouth hanging slightly open. Hermione looked confused as well, for once, and looked at him quizzicly.

''Snape...is my dad.''

Hermione just looked at him.

''Snape...is your dad?''

Harry nodded worridley. Even they had noticed he had been changing, but this was to weird. Harry started to explain what Snape had told him.

When he had finished, Ron was looking more shocked than ever, and Hermione had looked like she had realized something. Then she opened her mouth and asked.

''So- is that why you've been changing?'' she asked.

Harry nodded.

Ron then decided to speak:

''So, you have a dad- alive?''

Harry nodded again.

''Guys, I know it's really weird. I'm still shocked, and a little angry. I mean, all my life I've this one peson, and now, I'm another?! And I'm Professor Snapes son? It just doesn't seem...right. Only becuase I've only just found out. I mean, he had fifthteen years to tell Dumbledore. I could have lived with out he Dursleys. I could have lived in a good, safe home, but no. I have to live with them, being there slave, being called freak, not being near anyone who I'm friends with-''

Ron and Hermione started to see he was getting angrier. They tried to calm him, but her just carried on talking.

''And espically this year. I broke a few ribs, got beated, but did he say ANYTHING to ANYONE?! NO!''

Ron and Hermione watched as he stormed up to his dormitory, slamming the door behind him.

The next morning, Harry woke up feeling a bit calmer than the night before. But he was still angry. He pulled on his cape, and wnet to his lessons. Ron and Hermione were quiet that morning, still in shock from the night before, and lessons went smoothly, (with some homework form Professor Flitwick and McGonagall. After his lessons, he went to Professor Snape, his fathers room, and knocked.

AN: Well, I'll leave it there for now. Thanks Kathryn Black, you comment is greatly apprecieted.