Invenio Veritas
By Penpunk
Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter, I wouldn't have to be filling out my financial aid applications for college right now but alas..
This chapter is dedicated to Sarah, my coolest fan!
Chapter 9: Now it's Personal
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Harry left the hospital wing just as lunch was starting. Madam Pomfrey had fussed over him a bit, until he finally convinced her he was fine. Harry had not eaten anything since the night before and the delicious smells wafting from the Great Hall caused his stomach to remind him that he was hungry.
He entered the noisy hall and saw that Ron and Hermione had saved him a seat. Walking along the table, he took a seat between his two friends.
"Hello Harry," said Hermione as she poured a glass of pumpkin juice. "So how did your talk with a certain professor go?"
"Better than I thought it was going to go," answered Harry.
"I still can't believe that you . . . you can possibly be . . .you don't even look like him," Ron fixed his eyes on Harry, searching for any resemblances to their Potions professor.
"My mum put a charm on me when I was a baby. I . . ."
"She knew who your father was?" interjected Ron.
"Yeah, I'm guessing she did. Why else would she make me look like someone else?" whispered Harry. "We really shouldn't talk about this here."
Ron and Hermione both nodded and continued eating their lunch. Ron changed the subject to their classes.
"Are you ready to get your shield tested in DADA Harry?" asked Ron thickly through a mouth of mashed potatoes.
"I am excused from all my classes today," answered Harry. "I'm going to talk to a certain professor after lunch in his private chambers. His classes got cancelled for today."
"His private chambers?" said Ron. "I thought you talked in the hospital wing after we left?"
"We did. He wants to talk somewhere private so we are not overheard. Could you imagine if someone found out? You know how fast new gets around in this school. Anyway, I'll be in the common room tonight. I'll update you on everything when there aren't so many people around."
Harry suddenly felt like he was being watched. Turning his head towards the Head Table, Harry caught Snape -his father- looking at him. He met his gaze and realized it was missing its usual malice and coldness. For once, he wasn't scowling and sneering. He looked like a totally different man. Harry turned back around and joined in the lively conversation on the subject of quidditch.
Lunch passed by quickly and Hermione and Ron had to leave for History of Magic. Harry walked with them out into the entrance hall and watched them talk up the stairs and out of sight. Harry didn't have to wait long before a figure in billowing robes met him.
"Follow me," said Severus as he came upon Harry waiting by the doors to the Great Hall. Harry obeyed and followed Severus down to the dungeons. They passed the Potions classroom and the Slytherin dormitories and came to a door at the end of the dungeon corridor.
Severus muttered a password and disabled the security ward on his door. He opened the door for Harry, who walked in. Harry entered expecting to see the entire room in green and silver but was surprised to see that it wasn't. The stonewalls were painted a rich latte color and almost every inch of the room was covered by bookshelves made of mahogany. To his right, there was a huge fireplace with an ornately carved mantle about it. In front of the fireplace was a black leather couch flanked by a matching armchair on each side. In the left hand corner of the room, there was a table and chairs next to another door. There was also a door directly to his left. There were no windows in the room but many candles that automatically lit as the door opened.
Harry was so busy staring at the contents of the room that he did not realize he was still standing in the doorway. Harry heard Snape clear his throat and realized he was in the way and moved to let Severus in. Severus took a seat in one of the armchairs and Harry sat next to him on the sofa.
They sat in silence for a moment, neither one knowing what to do.
"So, um. . ." began Severus. "Did Poppy give you any trouble when you went to leave?"
"A bit. She tried to make me drink some potions before I left but I convinced her I was okay."
"I see. . . So how was lunch?"
"Fine."
The silence returned and neither wizard was sure how to act around one another. Severus tried another attempt at a conversation.
"Um. . . so Harry, you don't mind if I, um. . . try and get to know you. . . I mean, try and be a father to you?"
Harry was surprised. Snape was usually calm and collected when he spoke. Snape didn't say "um." Harry realized that Snape was just as nervous as he was.
"Professor, I. . . I've never had a father before. . . you know, one I could actually talk to. . . but I don't mind."
"What about the relatives you live with? Surely they'll have something to say about this."
"Yeah, they'll probably say 'thank God, you can have him.'"
"What do you mean?"
"Professor, the Dursleys hate me. I'm about as welcome as dry rot in that house. They truly hate me."
"Surely it couldn't have been that bad."
Harry snorted at this and said, "Are you aware that I slept in a cupboard under the stairs until I was eleven. They didn't move me out until I got my letter to Hogwarts."
Severus was shocked. "Harry, I never realized. . ."
Harry was getting a little angry. "Never realized what? That my life wasn't as charmed as you thought? Professor, you always accused me of being spoiled and arrogant. Did you ever stop to realize that maybe my life wasn't so perfect?"
Severus was taken back my Harry's sudden show of emotion. "Harry, I'm sorry. . .I. . ."
Harry cut him off. "No Professor, you don't understand. My life is far from perfect. Did you ever think that maybe I didn't want to be famous? Everywhere I go, I am judged by the scar on my head and no one can see past that. To everyone, I'm just the-boy-who-lived! For the rest of my life, I'm going to be nothing but that! And who knows, at the rate I'm going, I probably won't live past my sixteenth birthday!"
Severus shook his head at his words. "Harry, you can't have such a negative outlook. You . . ."
"Negative outlook? Where do you think I got this negative outlook?" Harry was now brimming with anger. "You instilled in my mind that I was a worthless, arrogant brat who had absolutely no future. Where could I have possibly gotten such a negative outlook? It was more than me just being a Gryffindor and because you thought I was James Potter's son, wasn't it?"
"Harry, I. . ."
"Wasn't it!"
Severus couldn't speak. He had never seen Harry act like this. Ever. It seemed something had snapped and four years of pent up rage and frustration came pouring out. Harry waited for an answer.
"You think this is all about you, don't you?" asked Severus coldly. The moment the words left his mouth he instantly regretted speaking them. Harry looked hurt. He had tried to be honest with Severus and Severus couldn't handle it. "Harry, I. . . what I meant to say. . ."
"Go to hell."
With that, Harry stood up and left the room, slamming the door shut as he left.
'Smooth move Severus,' he thought to himself. 'You get him to open up and you have to slip back into being the greasy bastard. How I'm I going get through this?'
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Harry, after slamming the door to Severus' chambers, started back up to Gryffindor Tower. He was angry but also a little relieved. Harry had never been on good terms with Snape before, but now that they had some kind of relationship, as little as it may be, he felt like he could release all the built up anger and emotion he had. Four years of thoughts he had been dying to release on Snape. But now, it was different. He wasn't telling his teacher how he felt and why he was angry. No, he was telling his father. Suddenly, he felt guilty for what he did. 'He was only trying to help,' thought Harry. 'He doesn't know what being a father is.' Then, another voice popped into his head. 'Most fathers don't talk to their children like that.' Harry shook the thoughts out of his head and continued on his way to the tower.
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The rest of the day passed quickly for Harry. After he had left Snape's chambers, he went up and lounged around the Gryffindor Common room. Everyone was still in class and so Harry and the whole tower to himself. Harry decided to take advantage of the sudden privacy and practice his wandless magic. Magic without a wand was weird to Harry. He felt like he had less control with where spells went but once he got used to focusing his mind on what he wanted, the spells cast were stronger and eventually more accurate.
Harry decided to catch up on some homework as his fellow Gryffindors started to drift into the room. Afternoon classes were over and soon the common room was filled with noisy students. Hermione and Ron came in the room and found Harry sitting at a table in the corner, finishing his Transfiguration essay. They took the two remaining seats at the table, and, looking around to make sure no one was close enough to eavesdrop, asked Harry about his second meeting with Snape.
"Well," began Harry. "It didn't go so well. We had a pretty civil conversation in the hospital wing but when I went to his chambers, I sort of blew up at him. I made him angry which made me even angrier."
"What did you day to him?" asked Ron.
"I believe my exact words were 'go to hell'."
"Wow," said Ron, looking at Harry with a mixed look of pride and amazement at Harry's actions. "I've always wanted to say that to him."
"Ron," warned Hermione as she saw the look on Harry's face sadden.
"Its okay Hermione," said Harry. "I've always wanted to say it, too, but now that I have, I feel bad . . .guilty. But then I don't because he deserved it . . . do you know what I mean?"
"Its okay Harry," said Hermione. "This a big change for you. I'm sure Snape will understand."
"That reminds me Harry," began Ron. "What are you supposed to call him? Snape? Professor? Dad?"
Harry hadn't stop to think about this yet. "I'm not going to call him 'dad' for obvious reasons. I'm pretty sure people would get suspicious if I did that. Besides, he's only been my father for, like, a day. I'm not going to jump right in and start calling him 'daddy.' Merlin, that's strange!"
"What?" asked Ron.
"Never, in my lifetime, did I think I would say the word 'dad' and have someone actually answer . . . it's just the idea of having a living father. I don't know . . . it's weird. Why did it have to be him, though? Why not Lupin or Sirius . . . oh God . . . Sirius!"
Ron and Hermione both looked at Harry, puzzled.
"Sirius doesn't know! Oh God, I never stopped to realize what this would do to Sirius. Snape and Sirius hate each other! What am I going to do?"
"Don't tell him anything," said Hermione. "News like that will make him come here. He can't know, Harry. He'll put himself in danger."
"You're right. I can't tell him."
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The trio of Gryffindors sat around the fire in the common room after dinner. Hermione had her nose buried in a book (as usual) while Ron and Harry were discussing the upcoming quidditch trials.
"Have you decided on a captain yet?" asked Ron as he set down a stack of chocolate frog cards.
"No, I think we have a team meeting on Wednesday. Gryffindor trials are on next Friday," Harry closed a copy of "Which Broomstick."
"What do you think, Harry? Do you think I have a chance?"
Harry smiled. "Ron, you'll do fine. Being good at quidditch must run in the Weasley blood."
Ron smiled back. "What about Percy?" He raised an eyebrow at Harry.
"Every family has its odd member. Percy's just the black sheep," Harry paused for a moment. "Does Ginny play quidditch?"
Ron shook his head. "No, Mum wouldn't ever let her play with us. Her being the only girl and all. Mum is way too protective of her. You know how Fred and George play, though. I don't blame her for not letting Ginny play."
A large yawn emitting from Hermione suddenly interrupted their conversation. Both boys looked over at Hermione who looked up from her book.
"Tired Hermione?" said Harry, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. I didn't sleep at all last night. I was so worried about you. And with all the studying for the O.W.L's I've been doing, I am just exhausted."
"Hermione," said Ron. "You're going to burn yourself out by Christmas."
"Well, when you don't get any O.W.L's, don't think I'm going to feel sorry for you."
Harry rolled his eyes at his two friends before yawning widely himself.
"I'm going to bed. It's been a long day," said Harry as he stood up.
"Okay Harry," said Hermione. "We'll see you in the morning."
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Only a pair of gleaming red eyes broke the darkness of the dank room. They squinted slightly at the slight smile that broke across his pale, nonhuman face.
"My faithful followers. How good of you to come so quickly. I want reports of your last missions," Voldemort paused and listen to a few quick intakes of breath from several of the deatheaters. No doubt they have failed. It looks as though punishment is in order. "Malfoy."
A hooded figure took a step forward out of the line. A mask covered his face and only a strand of long blonde hair gave away his identity.
"Malfoy, have you been successful in the search of the mudblood houses?"
Malfoy took a deep breath and answered. "I am sorry My Lord. Our search as yielded no results."
"This news disappoints me Lucius. How many houses have you searched?"
"Eleven My Lord."
"Well, I hope that the next month yields better results. Remember Lucius, I do not like to be disappointed, and you have disappointed me. Do not let it happen again."
"I will not My Lord," said Lucius as he bowed and stepped back in line.
Voldemort continued with his interviews with the Deatheaters. Many had failed in their missions and anyone witnessing the events would have been able to confirm that the Cructius Curse is Voldemort's favorite curse. At last, there was only one deatheater left.
"Snape."
Severus stepped out of line and bowed to Voldemort.
"Severus, how is our young Mr. Potter doing?"
Severus took a deep breath to steady his voice. "Potter is doing dismal as usual. He has seemed to learned a little about potions though."
Voldemort laughed. "Well, you are a fine teacher Severus. Are you making his life a living hell?"
"Yes My Lord." He had no idea . . .
"Excellent. Keep updating me on Mr. Potter's condition. At any sign of weakness, I want to know about it. That goes to the rest of you," said Voldemort, addressing the other deatheaters. "I want your children to update you on everything that has to do with Harry Potter. Thank you Severus. It's good to have you back."
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Severus apparated into Hogsmeade and began his long journey back up to the castle. The events of the night were rapidly replaying in his head.
Severus had been told by Voldemort to keep an eye on Harry. He wanted any sign of weakness, anything that could be used against the boy-who-always- seems-to-live. But now that this mission was being given to the deatheater's children . . . there was no way Severus could lie about it. Harry was his child now. Now it was personal.
Severus made it to the front doors of the castle, not knowing exactly how he had gotten there. So many thoughts were drifting in and out of his head. All of them were centered on Harry. He was frightened, hell, scared shitless that something would happen to the one person he had the opportunity to care about. Severus did not know what had stirred this sudden appearance of paternal feelings toward the boy but he was not going to let anything happen to an innocent child. His child.
Severus made his way to Dumbledore's office. Muttering the password and bounding up the stairs, Severus hurriedly knock on the door and opened it without waiting for an answer. Dumbledore was petting his pet phoenix, Fawkes, and turned around to see an out of breath Potions master standing in his study.
"Severus, I am glad to see you have returned unharmed," said Dumbledore as he turned to sit at his desk.
"Well, I was one of the lucky few who did."
"Please, sit down and catch your breath. Did you run from Hogsmeade to here?"
"No, just up to your office. I have some disturbing news regarding Harry."
"Oh. I am guessing Harry is still Voldemort's number one target?"
"It seems as though he is. My mission is still the same, to keep an eye out for weakness in the boy. Which makes me wonder if Voldemort knows about this connection he has with Harry. Anyway, the disturbing news is that he has also given this same mission to the deatheater's children. I'm afraid that if I lie about Harry, Voldemort will know about it. This will undoubtedly revel me as a spy and endanger Harry."
Dumbledore remained silent. Severus continued.
"I have also learned that the recent string of attacks on muggleborns is because Voldemort is searching for something. Malfoy was given this mission. They haven't found anything, but I don't know what he is looking for."
Dumbledore began to speak. "Whatever Voldemort is searching for, it must be powerful, or why else would he want it? Why he is searching the houses of muggleborns, I do not know."
"What about Harry?"
Dumbledore paused a moment and then continued. "The best thing I can think of is not to tell him. If he keeps taking his potions and you keep developing one to break the connection, Harry should be fine. Him knowing that there are people looking out for his weaknesses will make him nervous and that would not be the best situation. I hate keeping things from him but it is the only way. How did things go between you this morning?"
"When we talked in the hospital wing this morning, I asked him if he would come to my chambers so we could continue our conversation in private," Severus paused as he thought of Harry's face twisted in pain and fury. "We started to talk in there and we got into an argument. It was my fault. He was venting, no doubt about the last four years and I said something that upset him further. Albus, I am not cut out to be a father. He was expressing his feelings and I was totally insensitive."
Dumbledore smiled. "You have been a father, knowingly, for a day. Rome wasn't built in that much time and you can't expect to build a relationship that fast, either. Give it time, Severus. You both need to be honest with each other. Be someone he can trust and he will."
Severus nodded. Suddenly, both wizards were startled when someone knocked on the door. Taking out his wand, Severus jumped up and walked cautiously to the door. It was two in the morning. Who could it possibly be? Opening the door, he was met by an empty stairwell. Then, Harry came into view. He took off his invisibility cloak and met his father's surprised and relieved gaze.
"Harry . . . what are you doing here?"
"Professor, I remembered my dream."
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Thanks for all the reviews. One more and I'm at 50! Sorry this chapter took so long to get posted. School started again on Monday and I'm back to doing mounds of homework every night. I still try to do as much writing as possible.
BTW: I want to start another fic, but I decided that I don't want to write something that no one wants to read so I was wondering if there is anything anyone wanted to see in a fic. . . if you have ideas, I have a pen. These challenges are fun and if anyone has one, I'd like to hear about it so e- mail me or leave it in a review.
Thanks for reading!
Penpunk
soprettyinpunk@aol.com
By Penpunk
Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter, I wouldn't have to be filling out my financial aid applications for college right now but alas..
This chapter is dedicated to Sarah, my coolest fan!
Chapter 9: Now it's Personal
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Harry left the hospital wing just as lunch was starting. Madam Pomfrey had fussed over him a bit, until he finally convinced her he was fine. Harry had not eaten anything since the night before and the delicious smells wafting from the Great Hall caused his stomach to remind him that he was hungry.
He entered the noisy hall and saw that Ron and Hermione had saved him a seat. Walking along the table, he took a seat between his two friends.
"Hello Harry," said Hermione as she poured a glass of pumpkin juice. "So how did your talk with a certain professor go?"
"Better than I thought it was going to go," answered Harry.
"I still can't believe that you . . . you can possibly be . . .you don't even look like him," Ron fixed his eyes on Harry, searching for any resemblances to their Potions professor.
"My mum put a charm on me when I was a baby. I . . ."
"She knew who your father was?" interjected Ron.
"Yeah, I'm guessing she did. Why else would she make me look like someone else?" whispered Harry. "We really shouldn't talk about this here."
Ron and Hermione both nodded and continued eating their lunch. Ron changed the subject to their classes.
"Are you ready to get your shield tested in DADA Harry?" asked Ron thickly through a mouth of mashed potatoes.
"I am excused from all my classes today," answered Harry. "I'm going to talk to a certain professor after lunch in his private chambers. His classes got cancelled for today."
"His private chambers?" said Ron. "I thought you talked in the hospital wing after we left?"
"We did. He wants to talk somewhere private so we are not overheard. Could you imagine if someone found out? You know how fast new gets around in this school. Anyway, I'll be in the common room tonight. I'll update you on everything when there aren't so many people around."
Harry suddenly felt like he was being watched. Turning his head towards the Head Table, Harry caught Snape -his father- looking at him. He met his gaze and realized it was missing its usual malice and coldness. For once, he wasn't scowling and sneering. He looked like a totally different man. Harry turned back around and joined in the lively conversation on the subject of quidditch.
Lunch passed by quickly and Hermione and Ron had to leave for History of Magic. Harry walked with them out into the entrance hall and watched them talk up the stairs and out of sight. Harry didn't have to wait long before a figure in billowing robes met him.
"Follow me," said Severus as he came upon Harry waiting by the doors to the Great Hall. Harry obeyed and followed Severus down to the dungeons. They passed the Potions classroom and the Slytherin dormitories and came to a door at the end of the dungeon corridor.
Severus muttered a password and disabled the security ward on his door. He opened the door for Harry, who walked in. Harry entered expecting to see the entire room in green and silver but was surprised to see that it wasn't. The stonewalls were painted a rich latte color and almost every inch of the room was covered by bookshelves made of mahogany. To his right, there was a huge fireplace with an ornately carved mantle about it. In front of the fireplace was a black leather couch flanked by a matching armchair on each side. In the left hand corner of the room, there was a table and chairs next to another door. There was also a door directly to his left. There were no windows in the room but many candles that automatically lit as the door opened.
Harry was so busy staring at the contents of the room that he did not realize he was still standing in the doorway. Harry heard Snape clear his throat and realized he was in the way and moved to let Severus in. Severus took a seat in one of the armchairs and Harry sat next to him on the sofa.
They sat in silence for a moment, neither one knowing what to do.
"So, um. . ." began Severus. "Did Poppy give you any trouble when you went to leave?"
"A bit. She tried to make me drink some potions before I left but I convinced her I was okay."
"I see. . . So how was lunch?"
"Fine."
The silence returned and neither wizard was sure how to act around one another. Severus tried another attempt at a conversation.
"Um. . . so Harry, you don't mind if I, um. . . try and get to know you. . . I mean, try and be a father to you?"
Harry was surprised. Snape was usually calm and collected when he spoke. Snape didn't say "um." Harry realized that Snape was just as nervous as he was.
"Professor, I. . . I've never had a father before. . . you know, one I could actually talk to. . . but I don't mind."
"What about the relatives you live with? Surely they'll have something to say about this."
"Yeah, they'll probably say 'thank God, you can have him.'"
"What do you mean?"
"Professor, the Dursleys hate me. I'm about as welcome as dry rot in that house. They truly hate me."
"Surely it couldn't have been that bad."
Harry snorted at this and said, "Are you aware that I slept in a cupboard under the stairs until I was eleven. They didn't move me out until I got my letter to Hogwarts."
Severus was shocked. "Harry, I never realized. . ."
Harry was getting a little angry. "Never realized what? That my life wasn't as charmed as you thought? Professor, you always accused me of being spoiled and arrogant. Did you ever stop to realize that maybe my life wasn't so perfect?"
Severus was taken back my Harry's sudden show of emotion. "Harry, I'm sorry. . .I. . ."
Harry cut him off. "No Professor, you don't understand. My life is far from perfect. Did you ever think that maybe I didn't want to be famous? Everywhere I go, I am judged by the scar on my head and no one can see past that. To everyone, I'm just the-boy-who-lived! For the rest of my life, I'm going to be nothing but that! And who knows, at the rate I'm going, I probably won't live past my sixteenth birthday!"
Severus shook his head at his words. "Harry, you can't have such a negative outlook. You . . ."
"Negative outlook? Where do you think I got this negative outlook?" Harry was now brimming with anger. "You instilled in my mind that I was a worthless, arrogant brat who had absolutely no future. Where could I have possibly gotten such a negative outlook? It was more than me just being a Gryffindor and because you thought I was James Potter's son, wasn't it?"
"Harry, I. . ."
"Wasn't it!"
Severus couldn't speak. He had never seen Harry act like this. Ever. It seemed something had snapped and four years of pent up rage and frustration came pouring out. Harry waited for an answer.
"You think this is all about you, don't you?" asked Severus coldly. The moment the words left his mouth he instantly regretted speaking them. Harry looked hurt. He had tried to be honest with Severus and Severus couldn't handle it. "Harry, I. . . what I meant to say. . ."
"Go to hell."
With that, Harry stood up and left the room, slamming the door shut as he left.
'Smooth move Severus,' he thought to himself. 'You get him to open up and you have to slip back into being the greasy bastard. How I'm I going get through this?'
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Harry, after slamming the door to Severus' chambers, started back up to Gryffindor Tower. He was angry but also a little relieved. Harry had never been on good terms with Snape before, but now that they had some kind of relationship, as little as it may be, he felt like he could release all the built up anger and emotion he had. Four years of thoughts he had been dying to release on Snape. But now, it was different. He wasn't telling his teacher how he felt and why he was angry. No, he was telling his father. Suddenly, he felt guilty for what he did. 'He was only trying to help,' thought Harry. 'He doesn't know what being a father is.' Then, another voice popped into his head. 'Most fathers don't talk to their children like that.' Harry shook the thoughts out of his head and continued on his way to the tower.
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The rest of the day passed quickly for Harry. After he had left Snape's chambers, he went up and lounged around the Gryffindor Common room. Everyone was still in class and so Harry and the whole tower to himself. Harry decided to take advantage of the sudden privacy and practice his wandless magic. Magic without a wand was weird to Harry. He felt like he had less control with where spells went but once he got used to focusing his mind on what he wanted, the spells cast were stronger and eventually more accurate.
Harry decided to catch up on some homework as his fellow Gryffindors started to drift into the room. Afternoon classes were over and soon the common room was filled with noisy students. Hermione and Ron came in the room and found Harry sitting at a table in the corner, finishing his Transfiguration essay. They took the two remaining seats at the table, and, looking around to make sure no one was close enough to eavesdrop, asked Harry about his second meeting with Snape.
"Well," began Harry. "It didn't go so well. We had a pretty civil conversation in the hospital wing but when I went to his chambers, I sort of blew up at him. I made him angry which made me even angrier."
"What did you day to him?" asked Ron.
"I believe my exact words were 'go to hell'."
"Wow," said Ron, looking at Harry with a mixed look of pride and amazement at Harry's actions. "I've always wanted to say that to him."
"Ron," warned Hermione as she saw the look on Harry's face sadden.
"Its okay Hermione," said Harry. "I've always wanted to say it, too, but now that I have, I feel bad . . .guilty. But then I don't because he deserved it . . . do you know what I mean?"
"Its okay Harry," said Hermione. "This a big change for you. I'm sure Snape will understand."
"That reminds me Harry," began Ron. "What are you supposed to call him? Snape? Professor? Dad?"
Harry hadn't stop to think about this yet. "I'm not going to call him 'dad' for obvious reasons. I'm pretty sure people would get suspicious if I did that. Besides, he's only been my father for, like, a day. I'm not going to jump right in and start calling him 'daddy.' Merlin, that's strange!"
"What?" asked Ron.
"Never, in my lifetime, did I think I would say the word 'dad' and have someone actually answer . . . it's just the idea of having a living father. I don't know . . . it's weird. Why did it have to be him, though? Why not Lupin or Sirius . . . oh God . . . Sirius!"
Ron and Hermione both looked at Harry, puzzled.
"Sirius doesn't know! Oh God, I never stopped to realize what this would do to Sirius. Snape and Sirius hate each other! What am I going to do?"
"Don't tell him anything," said Hermione. "News like that will make him come here. He can't know, Harry. He'll put himself in danger."
"You're right. I can't tell him."
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The trio of Gryffindors sat around the fire in the common room after dinner. Hermione had her nose buried in a book (as usual) while Ron and Harry were discussing the upcoming quidditch trials.
"Have you decided on a captain yet?" asked Ron as he set down a stack of chocolate frog cards.
"No, I think we have a team meeting on Wednesday. Gryffindor trials are on next Friday," Harry closed a copy of "Which Broomstick."
"What do you think, Harry? Do you think I have a chance?"
Harry smiled. "Ron, you'll do fine. Being good at quidditch must run in the Weasley blood."
Ron smiled back. "What about Percy?" He raised an eyebrow at Harry.
"Every family has its odd member. Percy's just the black sheep," Harry paused for a moment. "Does Ginny play quidditch?"
Ron shook his head. "No, Mum wouldn't ever let her play with us. Her being the only girl and all. Mum is way too protective of her. You know how Fred and George play, though. I don't blame her for not letting Ginny play."
A large yawn emitting from Hermione suddenly interrupted their conversation. Both boys looked over at Hermione who looked up from her book.
"Tired Hermione?" said Harry, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. I didn't sleep at all last night. I was so worried about you. And with all the studying for the O.W.L's I've been doing, I am just exhausted."
"Hermione," said Ron. "You're going to burn yourself out by Christmas."
"Well, when you don't get any O.W.L's, don't think I'm going to feel sorry for you."
Harry rolled his eyes at his two friends before yawning widely himself.
"I'm going to bed. It's been a long day," said Harry as he stood up.
"Okay Harry," said Hermione. "We'll see you in the morning."
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Only a pair of gleaming red eyes broke the darkness of the dank room. They squinted slightly at the slight smile that broke across his pale, nonhuman face.
"My faithful followers. How good of you to come so quickly. I want reports of your last missions," Voldemort paused and listen to a few quick intakes of breath from several of the deatheaters. No doubt they have failed. It looks as though punishment is in order. "Malfoy."
A hooded figure took a step forward out of the line. A mask covered his face and only a strand of long blonde hair gave away his identity.
"Malfoy, have you been successful in the search of the mudblood houses?"
Malfoy took a deep breath and answered. "I am sorry My Lord. Our search as yielded no results."
"This news disappoints me Lucius. How many houses have you searched?"
"Eleven My Lord."
"Well, I hope that the next month yields better results. Remember Lucius, I do not like to be disappointed, and you have disappointed me. Do not let it happen again."
"I will not My Lord," said Lucius as he bowed and stepped back in line.
Voldemort continued with his interviews with the Deatheaters. Many had failed in their missions and anyone witnessing the events would have been able to confirm that the Cructius Curse is Voldemort's favorite curse. At last, there was only one deatheater left.
"Snape."
Severus stepped out of line and bowed to Voldemort.
"Severus, how is our young Mr. Potter doing?"
Severus took a deep breath to steady his voice. "Potter is doing dismal as usual. He has seemed to learned a little about potions though."
Voldemort laughed. "Well, you are a fine teacher Severus. Are you making his life a living hell?"
"Yes My Lord." He had no idea . . .
"Excellent. Keep updating me on Mr. Potter's condition. At any sign of weakness, I want to know about it. That goes to the rest of you," said Voldemort, addressing the other deatheaters. "I want your children to update you on everything that has to do with Harry Potter. Thank you Severus. It's good to have you back."
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Severus apparated into Hogsmeade and began his long journey back up to the castle. The events of the night were rapidly replaying in his head.
Severus had been told by Voldemort to keep an eye on Harry. He wanted any sign of weakness, anything that could be used against the boy-who-always- seems-to-live. But now that this mission was being given to the deatheater's children . . . there was no way Severus could lie about it. Harry was his child now. Now it was personal.
Severus made it to the front doors of the castle, not knowing exactly how he had gotten there. So many thoughts were drifting in and out of his head. All of them were centered on Harry. He was frightened, hell, scared shitless that something would happen to the one person he had the opportunity to care about. Severus did not know what had stirred this sudden appearance of paternal feelings toward the boy but he was not going to let anything happen to an innocent child. His child.
Severus made his way to Dumbledore's office. Muttering the password and bounding up the stairs, Severus hurriedly knock on the door and opened it without waiting for an answer. Dumbledore was petting his pet phoenix, Fawkes, and turned around to see an out of breath Potions master standing in his study.
"Severus, I am glad to see you have returned unharmed," said Dumbledore as he turned to sit at his desk.
"Well, I was one of the lucky few who did."
"Please, sit down and catch your breath. Did you run from Hogsmeade to here?"
"No, just up to your office. I have some disturbing news regarding Harry."
"Oh. I am guessing Harry is still Voldemort's number one target?"
"It seems as though he is. My mission is still the same, to keep an eye out for weakness in the boy. Which makes me wonder if Voldemort knows about this connection he has with Harry. Anyway, the disturbing news is that he has also given this same mission to the deatheater's children. I'm afraid that if I lie about Harry, Voldemort will know about it. This will undoubtedly revel me as a spy and endanger Harry."
Dumbledore remained silent. Severus continued.
"I have also learned that the recent string of attacks on muggleborns is because Voldemort is searching for something. Malfoy was given this mission. They haven't found anything, but I don't know what he is looking for."
Dumbledore began to speak. "Whatever Voldemort is searching for, it must be powerful, or why else would he want it? Why he is searching the houses of muggleborns, I do not know."
"What about Harry?"
Dumbledore paused a moment and then continued. "The best thing I can think of is not to tell him. If he keeps taking his potions and you keep developing one to break the connection, Harry should be fine. Him knowing that there are people looking out for his weaknesses will make him nervous and that would not be the best situation. I hate keeping things from him but it is the only way. How did things go between you this morning?"
"When we talked in the hospital wing this morning, I asked him if he would come to my chambers so we could continue our conversation in private," Severus paused as he thought of Harry's face twisted in pain and fury. "We started to talk in there and we got into an argument. It was my fault. He was venting, no doubt about the last four years and I said something that upset him further. Albus, I am not cut out to be a father. He was expressing his feelings and I was totally insensitive."
Dumbledore smiled. "You have been a father, knowingly, for a day. Rome wasn't built in that much time and you can't expect to build a relationship that fast, either. Give it time, Severus. You both need to be honest with each other. Be someone he can trust and he will."
Severus nodded. Suddenly, both wizards were startled when someone knocked on the door. Taking out his wand, Severus jumped up and walked cautiously to the door. It was two in the morning. Who could it possibly be? Opening the door, he was met by an empty stairwell. Then, Harry came into view. He took off his invisibility cloak and met his father's surprised and relieved gaze.
"Harry . . . what are you doing here?"
"Professor, I remembered my dream."
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Thanks for all the reviews. One more and I'm at 50! Sorry this chapter took so long to get posted. School started again on Monday and I'm back to doing mounds of homework every night. I still try to do as much writing as possible.
BTW: I want to start another fic, but I decided that I don't want to write something that no one wants to read so I was wondering if there is anything anyone wanted to see in a fic. . . if you have ideas, I have a pen. These challenges are fun and if anyone has one, I'd like to hear about it so e- mail me or leave it in a review.
Thanks for reading!
Penpunk
soprettyinpunk@aol.com