Invenio Veritas
By Penpunk
Disclaimer: Nope. Not mine. Don't sue me.
Chapter 8: The Real You
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Harry opened his eyes slowly, but shut them again as the sun's bright light hit him. He rubbed them with his fists and opened them once he adjusted to the bright light. Then, reality hit him like the Hogwart's Express. He was in the hospital wing. He had learned his true parentage.
Harry tried to recall the events of the night before. Ron and Hermione had somehow gotten him to the hospital wing. He sat in silence as Hermione gave Dumbledore's orders to Madam Pomfrey. She gave him a dreamless sleep potion and left Harry, Ron, and Hermione alone. Harry didn't take the potion. He just sat there. He remembered asking Ron and Hermione to leave, telling them he wanted to be alone for a while. They each muttered a goodbye and left. He then took out his wand, drew the curtains around his bed and muttered a silencing spell. Harry didn't really remember anything after that. He cried more than he ever had in his life. Really crying for the first time in ten years.
Harry could feel his eyes welling with tears as he thought of the previous night. How could it be possible? What would everyone think of him? Lupin and Sirius were friends with his da- James Potter. Would they shun him because he was a Snape? Oh God, he was a Snape. What about his friends? Would they want to talk to him, knowing he was the spawn of the most hated teacher in school? Would Dumbledore be ashamed he wasn't who he thought he was?
Harry blinked back the tears in his eyes. Crying wasn't going to change the truth. The truth sucked. Would Snape change and try to be a father? 'Of course not, Harry,' said a tiny voice in his head. 'He'll probably ignore the fact and treat you ten times worse. It's obvious he hates you. Why would he want you for a son?'
Harry tried to clear his mind of the enormous quantity of thoughts and images floating in his head. Was his mother ashamed to know that Harry wasn't James' son? Had James even known? This led Harry to another question. How was Snape even his father? From what Lupin said, Snape and his mother had broken up months before she married James. Harry hadn't even come until the next July.
Harry pulled his knees to his chest and rested his chin on them. He could hear Madam Pomfrey humming as she walked around the room. Feeling a little claustrophobic, Harry opened one side of the curtains. He had ended up on the bed next to a window over looking the lake. He turned and faced the window, letting his thoughts wander in the bright morning sun.
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"Come in."
Severus walked into the headmaster's office and sat in a chair in front of the headmaster's desk.
"Good morning Severus. How are you feeling today?" Dumbledore gave him a bright smile.
"As well as can be expected, I guess," answered Severus. He rubbed his eyes with his hands before speaking again. "I had a lot to think about last night, as you can probably guess. I tried to think of every possible way that Harry ended up being my son. I was wondering if you could try and find any traces of a memory charm cast on me . . . it's the only possible thing I could figure."
"Certainly, Severus. I have yet to visit Harry this morning. I assume you still want to talk to him."
"Yes," said Severus.
"Alright. Let's get started then," said Dumbledore as he stood and walked around to stand in front of the younger wizard. "Relax and keep your eyes closed."
Dumbledore began muttering an incantation in a language Severus didn't recognize. His head suddenly got very warm and light and images from his life started flashing before him. They moved faster and faster and suddenly stopped and he could see only black.
"Finished," said Dumbledore as he walked back to his chair.
"And?"
"You were right. There are traces of a memory charm cast on you. It's an old charm, at least ten years. I am afraid taking it off would damage your mind far beyond repair. Whoever put it on you and why, I don't know. It only makes sense that its covering up the truth of how you came to be Harry's father. It could have been placed by Lily, but I really don't know."
"I guess that's something, though," said Severus as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Are you going to see Harry soon?"
"I was getting ready to leave as you came in," said Dumbledore as he stood. "I think I'll go right now. I will talk to you afterwards. Do you know what you're going to say to him?"
Severus snorted and said, "Not a clue."
Dumbledore smiled. "Whatever you say, say it from the heart. That's all he's going to accept. Don't treat him as one of your students. Treat him as your son."
With that, both men left the office.
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"How is Harry doing, Poppy?" asked Dumbledore as he walked into the bright hospital wing.
"Looks better than he did last night, the poor dear. What happened to him Albus? He was a complete mess," Poppy looked over to Harry's bed and sighed. "We should just move him in here permanently. He's almost here as often as Neville Longbottom."
"Harry just had a rough night," answered Dumbledore. "I must ask you to keep everyone but myself, Severus, Ms. Granger and Ron Weasley out. No exceptions. I'm going to talk with him now, if you will excuse me Poppy."
Dumbledore walked down the line of beds until he came to the last bed, by the window. It had the curtains drawn all around it except the side of the bed facing the window. Taking a chair from the end of a bed, Dumbledore set it next to Harry's bed and sat down.
Harry jumped slightly at the sight of the headmaster sitting down next to him.
"How are you feeling Harry?" asked Dumbledore. Harry looked up and saw the old man's smiling face. His blue eyes were sparkling and his voice was cheery and caring. This, to Harry, came as a huge relief. He was afraid the Headmaster would reject him. Be ashamed because he wasn't a Potter. But he wasn't.
"Better," answered Harry. He looked back down at his hands. They sat in silence for a few moments. It seemed as though Dumbledore was waiting for Harry to speak. "Professor, do you think I made a mistake when I cast the charm?"
Dumbledore smiled, though it was a little sad. "No Harry. The charm you cast was perfect."
"So it's true? Professor Snape is my father?"
"Yes."
Harry went quiet again. He looked up at Dumbledore and then spoke.
"Does Professor Snape know?"
"Yes Harry," said Dumbledore. "I informed him last night."
"Was he angry?"
Dumbledore's face became puzzled at the question. "Why would he be angry, Harry?"
"Well, I guess because I'm his son," answered Harry. "He doesn't like me and I figured he'd be angry with me."
"Harry, you didn't do anything. This was a shock to you as well as Severus. And he's not angry with you at all. He was wondering if you would speak to him later today."
Harry thought about it for a moment. "Yeah, I guess so."
"Harry," said Dumbledore as he put a hand n his shoulder. "I know this is hard but remember, you're not alone in this."
"Why is it always me?"
Harry looked up suddenly when he heard Dumbledore laugh slightly. Dumbledore saw the look on his face and quickly explained.
"Severus said the same thing last night, that you never get a break."
Harry was a little surprised that Snape had even stopped to consider Harry at all, but it was a slightly comforting thought.
"Professor," began Harry. "How is Professor Snape my father?"
Dumbledore's face became slightly more serious before he spoke. "Harry, we aren't exactly sure. Your mother and Severus weren't together at that time. And by the look on your face, you already knew about the relationship Severus and Lily had."
Harry nodded and said, "Professor Lupin told me."
"Ah, I see. Anyway, I found traces of a memory charm on Severus. Why it is there and who put it on him, we don't know. I'm trying to find out all I can. I will inform you on anything I discover."
"What about my appearance? Why do I look like James?"
"Your mother was quite skilled at charms. She changed your appearance when you were born so you would look like James. The charms your mother used are starting you wear off, which would explain why your eyesight suddenly improved and your hair and stature changed so rapidly. I think I know what charms she used. I can take them off, if you like?"
Harry thought about it for a moment. "Not right now, Professor. Besides, I think Madam Pomfrey would get confused."
Dumbledore laughed. "That's fine Harry. Would you mind if I stopped the charm's progress? I'm afraid you have about a week until your true appearance shows."
"Okay. That's fine."
Dumbledore took out his wand and muttered a spell. "Luckily, the features that have decided to show themselves are Lily's and not Severus'."
"What is going to happen Professor?"
Dumbledore smiled as he stood up. "Harry, you and Severus are going to have to sort that out. I'm going to tell him you would like to talk to him, but I see you have two very eager visitors waiting to talk to you. Don't keep them out of their classes to long. And Harry, its all right if you tell Ron and Hermione about this but no one else can know. If word got around that your were Severus' son, things could get very dangerous."
Harry nodded and with that, Dumbledore left.
Harry could hear the footsteps of his two approaching friends. What would they think of him now?
"Harry," cried Hermione as she ran up and gave him a huge hug. "We were worried. No one would tell us what was going on . . .oh, are you okay?"
"Yeah, Harry," said Ron, taking a seat on the end of Harry's bed. "You really scared us."
"I'm fine now guys, its just that . . ." Harry paused. He was having second thoughts about telling his two best friends. "Okay . . . you know how my mum and Snape used to date and stuff like that?"
Ron and Hermione nodded.
"Well, that's not all . . . you see . . .Professor Snape is my father."
If Ron and Hermione were expecting anything, that was definitely not it. Neither of them said anything. Ron stared, opening and closing his mouth like a fish, while Hermione put her hand over her mouth. She spoke first.
"Oh Harry, how is that possible?"
"Don't know. Snape doesn't know either."
"You're a Snape?" said Ron, his gaze still fixed on Harry. "But . . . you're too nice to be a bloody Snape!"
"Shhh!" hissed Harry, putting a finger on his lips. "You are the only people who know beside Dumbledore and Snape, and it has to stay that way. No one can know. Dumbledore said it would be dangerous if people did."
"Why would it be dangerous," asked Ron.
"I don't know, but just don't tell anyone."
Ron and Hermione nodded.
"Harry, we wish we could stay and talk but we have to go to class," said Hermione as she grabbed her bag off the floor.
"Hermione, class can wait. We . . . ."
"Ms. Granger is right, Mr. Weasley. I suggest you go to class."
Hermione and Ron obeyed the silky voice that had just spoken. They left and Severus walked around the curtain of Harry's bed.
"How are you feeling?"
Harry was taken back by this simple question. Has Snape ever been concerned for Harry's well being? Snape hasn't but his father might.
"Um, I'm better, I guess," said Harry. His hands had suddenly become very interesting.
Severus looked at Harry, his son. Severus never thought those words would be associated with him. He noticed the bags under Harry's eyes and the full glass of sleeping potion next to him.
"Did you get much sleep?"
Harry looked up. "No, not really. Maybe a few hours this morning. No nightmares, though."
Severus snorted silently to himself. No nightmares except for the one sitting right in front of you.
"How has the potions been working?"
Harry yawned slightly before answering. "No nightmares since I started using them. I've only needed the healing potion once. Yesterday, I think."
Severus nodded and the boy went quiet. He looked nervous. He kept looking down at his hands. Lily did the same thing when she was nervous.
"Harry, I know this isn't an ideal situation for you, but we somehow need to get through this . . . together."
Harry looked up and met Severus' black gaze. "You mean you want to be my . . . you don't want to ignore this?"
Severus was a little surprised by this question. "Why would I want to ignore this? You don't think I want to be you're . . ."
"Well, you don't like me. Why would you want me as a son?"
"Harry, I . . ." How was he going to respond to that. "I don't know you. The real you. I never looked past my hatred for James. I should have, I realize that now. I want to get to know the real you. Unfortunately, I cannot change my attitude towards you in class. I can't show any favor toward you because of my position as a spy."
Harry nodded. There was an uncomfortable silence between them until Severus broke it. "I don't have any classes for the day, and Dumbledore has excused you from classes. Would you like to come to my private chambers and continue this conversation there? It would be private and there would be no chance of anyone overhearing us."
Harry nodded again.
"Alright, meet me in the entrance hall after lunch. I'm pretty sure Poppy will let you go."
"Okay, I guess I'll see you then."
Severus stood up from the chair he was sitting in. "Do you need anything? I'll inform Poppy if you do."
"My clothes please."
Severus nodded and walked toward Madam Pomfrey's office.
"I guess that wasn't so bad," said Harry as he leaned back on his pillows and looked out at the bright, sunny, new day.
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There is chapter 8. It was fun to see all the reviews I got guessing at how Sev is Harry's father. There is a reason I selected "Mystery" when I created this story so you will have to stick around and find out. Unfortunately, My winter break is ending and school starts again tomorrow. I'll try and update as much as possible but I'll probably have a lot going on. Please read and review. I love the reviews I've gotten so far.
Btw
Diagonalist: Don't worry, there will be hugs.
By Penpunk
Disclaimer: Nope. Not mine. Don't sue me.
Chapter 8: The Real You
************************************************************************
Harry opened his eyes slowly, but shut them again as the sun's bright light hit him. He rubbed them with his fists and opened them once he adjusted to the bright light. Then, reality hit him like the Hogwart's Express. He was in the hospital wing. He had learned his true parentage.
Harry tried to recall the events of the night before. Ron and Hermione had somehow gotten him to the hospital wing. He sat in silence as Hermione gave Dumbledore's orders to Madam Pomfrey. She gave him a dreamless sleep potion and left Harry, Ron, and Hermione alone. Harry didn't take the potion. He just sat there. He remembered asking Ron and Hermione to leave, telling them he wanted to be alone for a while. They each muttered a goodbye and left. He then took out his wand, drew the curtains around his bed and muttered a silencing spell. Harry didn't really remember anything after that. He cried more than he ever had in his life. Really crying for the first time in ten years.
Harry could feel his eyes welling with tears as he thought of the previous night. How could it be possible? What would everyone think of him? Lupin and Sirius were friends with his da- James Potter. Would they shun him because he was a Snape? Oh God, he was a Snape. What about his friends? Would they want to talk to him, knowing he was the spawn of the most hated teacher in school? Would Dumbledore be ashamed he wasn't who he thought he was?
Harry blinked back the tears in his eyes. Crying wasn't going to change the truth. The truth sucked. Would Snape change and try to be a father? 'Of course not, Harry,' said a tiny voice in his head. 'He'll probably ignore the fact and treat you ten times worse. It's obvious he hates you. Why would he want you for a son?'
Harry tried to clear his mind of the enormous quantity of thoughts and images floating in his head. Was his mother ashamed to know that Harry wasn't James' son? Had James even known? This led Harry to another question. How was Snape even his father? From what Lupin said, Snape and his mother had broken up months before she married James. Harry hadn't even come until the next July.
Harry pulled his knees to his chest and rested his chin on them. He could hear Madam Pomfrey humming as she walked around the room. Feeling a little claustrophobic, Harry opened one side of the curtains. He had ended up on the bed next to a window over looking the lake. He turned and faced the window, letting his thoughts wander in the bright morning sun.
***************************************************************************
"Come in."
Severus walked into the headmaster's office and sat in a chair in front of the headmaster's desk.
"Good morning Severus. How are you feeling today?" Dumbledore gave him a bright smile.
"As well as can be expected, I guess," answered Severus. He rubbed his eyes with his hands before speaking again. "I had a lot to think about last night, as you can probably guess. I tried to think of every possible way that Harry ended up being my son. I was wondering if you could try and find any traces of a memory charm cast on me . . . it's the only possible thing I could figure."
"Certainly, Severus. I have yet to visit Harry this morning. I assume you still want to talk to him."
"Yes," said Severus.
"Alright. Let's get started then," said Dumbledore as he stood and walked around to stand in front of the younger wizard. "Relax and keep your eyes closed."
Dumbledore began muttering an incantation in a language Severus didn't recognize. His head suddenly got very warm and light and images from his life started flashing before him. They moved faster and faster and suddenly stopped and he could see only black.
"Finished," said Dumbledore as he walked back to his chair.
"And?"
"You were right. There are traces of a memory charm cast on you. It's an old charm, at least ten years. I am afraid taking it off would damage your mind far beyond repair. Whoever put it on you and why, I don't know. It only makes sense that its covering up the truth of how you came to be Harry's father. It could have been placed by Lily, but I really don't know."
"I guess that's something, though," said Severus as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Are you going to see Harry soon?"
"I was getting ready to leave as you came in," said Dumbledore as he stood. "I think I'll go right now. I will talk to you afterwards. Do you know what you're going to say to him?"
Severus snorted and said, "Not a clue."
Dumbledore smiled. "Whatever you say, say it from the heart. That's all he's going to accept. Don't treat him as one of your students. Treat him as your son."
With that, both men left the office.
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"How is Harry doing, Poppy?" asked Dumbledore as he walked into the bright hospital wing.
"Looks better than he did last night, the poor dear. What happened to him Albus? He was a complete mess," Poppy looked over to Harry's bed and sighed. "We should just move him in here permanently. He's almost here as often as Neville Longbottom."
"Harry just had a rough night," answered Dumbledore. "I must ask you to keep everyone but myself, Severus, Ms. Granger and Ron Weasley out. No exceptions. I'm going to talk with him now, if you will excuse me Poppy."
Dumbledore walked down the line of beds until he came to the last bed, by the window. It had the curtains drawn all around it except the side of the bed facing the window. Taking a chair from the end of a bed, Dumbledore set it next to Harry's bed and sat down.
Harry jumped slightly at the sight of the headmaster sitting down next to him.
"How are you feeling Harry?" asked Dumbledore. Harry looked up and saw the old man's smiling face. His blue eyes were sparkling and his voice was cheery and caring. This, to Harry, came as a huge relief. He was afraid the Headmaster would reject him. Be ashamed because he wasn't a Potter. But he wasn't.
"Better," answered Harry. He looked back down at his hands. They sat in silence for a few moments. It seemed as though Dumbledore was waiting for Harry to speak. "Professor, do you think I made a mistake when I cast the charm?"
Dumbledore smiled, though it was a little sad. "No Harry. The charm you cast was perfect."
"So it's true? Professor Snape is my father?"
"Yes."
Harry went quiet again. He looked up at Dumbledore and then spoke.
"Does Professor Snape know?"
"Yes Harry," said Dumbledore. "I informed him last night."
"Was he angry?"
Dumbledore's face became puzzled at the question. "Why would he be angry, Harry?"
"Well, I guess because I'm his son," answered Harry. "He doesn't like me and I figured he'd be angry with me."
"Harry, you didn't do anything. This was a shock to you as well as Severus. And he's not angry with you at all. He was wondering if you would speak to him later today."
Harry thought about it for a moment. "Yeah, I guess so."
"Harry," said Dumbledore as he put a hand n his shoulder. "I know this is hard but remember, you're not alone in this."
"Why is it always me?"
Harry looked up suddenly when he heard Dumbledore laugh slightly. Dumbledore saw the look on his face and quickly explained.
"Severus said the same thing last night, that you never get a break."
Harry was a little surprised that Snape had even stopped to consider Harry at all, but it was a slightly comforting thought.
"Professor," began Harry. "How is Professor Snape my father?"
Dumbledore's face became slightly more serious before he spoke. "Harry, we aren't exactly sure. Your mother and Severus weren't together at that time. And by the look on your face, you already knew about the relationship Severus and Lily had."
Harry nodded and said, "Professor Lupin told me."
"Ah, I see. Anyway, I found traces of a memory charm on Severus. Why it is there and who put it on him, we don't know. I'm trying to find out all I can. I will inform you on anything I discover."
"What about my appearance? Why do I look like James?"
"Your mother was quite skilled at charms. She changed your appearance when you were born so you would look like James. The charms your mother used are starting you wear off, which would explain why your eyesight suddenly improved and your hair and stature changed so rapidly. I think I know what charms she used. I can take them off, if you like?"
Harry thought about it for a moment. "Not right now, Professor. Besides, I think Madam Pomfrey would get confused."
Dumbledore laughed. "That's fine Harry. Would you mind if I stopped the charm's progress? I'm afraid you have about a week until your true appearance shows."
"Okay. That's fine."
Dumbledore took out his wand and muttered a spell. "Luckily, the features that have decided to show themselves are Lily's and not Severus'."
"What is going to happen Professor?"
Dumbledore smiled as he stood up. "Harry, you and Severus are going to have to sort that out. I'm going to tell him you would like to talk to him, but I see you have two very eager visitors waiting to talk to you. Don't keep them out of their classes to long. And Harry, its all right if you tell Ron and Hermione about this but no one else can know. If word got around that your were Severus' son, things could get very dangerous."
Harry nodded and with that, Dumbledore left.
Harry could hear the footsteps of his two approaching friends. What would they think of him now?
"Harry," cried Hermione as she ran up and gave him a huge hug. "We were worried. No one would tell us what was going on . . .oh, are you okay?"
"Yeah, Harry," said Ron, taking a seat on the end of Harry's bed. "You really scared us."
"I'm fine now guys, its just that . . ." Harry paused. He was having second thoughts about telling his two best friends. "Okay . . . you know how my mum and Snape used to date and stuff like that?"
Ron and Hermione nodded.
"Well, that's not all . . . you see . . .Professor Snape is my father."
If Ron and Hermione were expecting anything, that was definitely not it. Neither of them said anything. Ron stared, opening and closing his mouth like a fish, while Hermione put her hand over her mouth. She spoke first.
"Oh Harry, how is that possible?"
"Don't know. Snape doesn't know either."
"You're a Snape?" said Ron, his gaze still fixed on Harry. "But . . . you're too nice to be a bloody Snape!"
"Shhh!" hissed Harry, putting a finger on his lips. "You are the only people who know beside Dumbledore and Snape, and it has to stay that way. No one can know. Dumbledore said it would be dangerous if people did."
"Why would it be dangerous," asked Ron.
"I don't know, but just don't tell anyone."
Ron and Hermione nodded.
"Harry, we wish we could stay and talk but we have to go to class," said Hermione as she grabbed her bag off the floor.
"Hermione, class can wait. We . . . ."
"Ms. Granger is right, Mr. Weasley. I suggest you go to class."
Hermione and Ron obeyed the silky voice that had just spoken. They left and Severus walked around the curtain of Harry's bed.
"How are you feeling?"
Harry was taken back by this simple question. Has Snape ever been concerned for Harry's well being? Snape hasn't but his father might.
"Um, I'm better, I guess," said Harry. His hands had suddenly become very interesting.
Severus looked at Harry, his son. Severus never thought those words would be associated with him. He noticed the bags under Harry's eyes and the full glass of sleeping potion next to him.
"Did you get much sleep?"
Harry looked up. "No, not really. Maybe a few hours this morning. No nightmares, though."
Severus snorted silently to himself. No nightmares except for the one sitting right in front of you.
"How has the potions been working?"
Harry yawned slightly before answering. "No nightmares since I started using them. I've only needed the healing potion once. Yesterday, I think."
Severus nodded and the boy went quiet. He looked nervous. He kept looking down at his hands. Lily did the same thing when she was nervous.
"Harry, I know this isn't an ideal situation for you, but we somehow need to get through this . . . together."
Harry looked up and met Severus' black gaze. "You mean you want to be my . . . you don't want to ignore this?"
Severus was a little surprised by this question. "Why would I want to ignore this? You don't think I want to be you're . . ."
"Well, you don't like me. Why would you want me as a son?"
"Harry, I . . ." How was he going to respond to that. "I don't know you. The real you. I never looked past my hatred for James. I should have, I realize that now. I want to get to know the real you. Unfortunately, I cannot change my attitude towards you in class. I can't show any favor toward you because of my position as a spy."
Harry nodded. There was an uncomfortable silence between them until Severus broke it. "I don't have any classes for the day, and Dumbledore has excused you from classes. Would you like to come to my private chambers and continue this conversation there? It would be private and there would be no chance of anyone overhearing us."
Harry nodded again.
"Alright, meet me in the entrance hall after lunch. I'm pretty sure Poppy will let you go."
"Okay, I guess I'll see you then."
Severus stood up from the chair he was sitting in. "Do you need anything? I'll inform Poppy if you do."
"My clothes please."
Severus nodded and walked toward Madam Pomfrey's office.
"I guess that wasn't so bad," said Harry as he leaned back on his pillows and looked out at the bright, sunny, new day.
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There is chapter 8. It was fun to see all the reviews I got guessing at how Sev is Harry's father. There is a reason I selected "Mystery" when I created this story so you will have to stick around and find out. Unfortunately, My winter break is ending and school starts again tomorrow. I'll try and update as much as possible but I'll probably have a lot going on. Please read and review. I love the reviews I've gotten so far.
Btw
Diagonalist: Don't worry, there will be hugs.