Invenio Veritas
By penpunk
Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Harry Potter.
Chapter 18: Trixie
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After dinner, Harry managed to sneak off by himself and head back up to the common room. He knew if he hurried, he could get back to his dorm before Ron, Hermione, and Sirius could bombard him with questions. Unfortunately, that was not to be the case. Harry sighed heavily as he heard three sets of feet walking hurriedly behind him. He cast a brief glance over his shoulder, and sure enough, three teens were walking quickly behind him. Sirius was the first to reach Harry's side.
"Yeah, nice try," said Sirius as he clapped Harry on the shoulder. "You almost got out of talking to us, although Ron and I probably would've dragged you out of bed anyway."
"Yeah, I figured as much," said Harry as he shook his head. He realized that there was no possible way of getting out of talking with his friends.
"Is it really that bad?" asked Sirius with an odd expression. "I can't imagine something that bad, bad enough not to tell anyone."
"Well start imagining," said Harry. He quickened his pace and left Sirius to trail behind him.
"Whoa there speedy," said Sirius as he sped up to catch Harry, but Harry's new long legs gave him a distinct advantage over Sirius. He broke into a jog and grabbed Harry by the shoulder.
"Listen," said Harry, abruptly stopping. "I said I'd tell you, right? I'm just not ready to right now."
"I understand," said Sirius with a slight smile. "I won't force you to tell me, but I can guarantee that you'll feel better when you do."
"I know," said Harry as he started walking again, a little slower this time. "How about tonight, after everyone is in bed."
"Great," said Sirius, nodding. "I'll tell Hermione and Ron."
"Just don't bother me until then, okay?"
Sirius smiled and nodded.
Harry left Ron, Hermione, and Sirius at the foot of the stairs and walked up to his dorm. He plopped down on to his four-poster bed; robes, shoes, and all, and stared up at the top of the canopy. What had he gotten himself into? It was only mid October and already he had found out his father wasn't his real father, the teacher he hated the most was actually his father, the appearance he had had for the last fifteen years was fake, he had a new name and identity, he was working for Voldemort, and his father, who he had only known for a few weeks, didn't want him. Not to mention his Godfather, who was still wanted by the ministry, was now him, he was putting all his friends in danger, and he has a deadly connection to the most evil person in existence. 'This has got to be a new record Harry,' said a little voice inside him. 'Usually takes you until Spring to get that much on your plate.'
Harry groaned out loud and rolled over on his side. He then groaned again, but not out of frustration. He reached under his side and pulled out a little black box.
"What is this?" asked Harry out loud. He pulled out his wand and said "lumos." He opened up the black box, and inside was the silver ring with the emeralds. The ring that he used with the lineage charm. He took it out and examined it under his wand's light.
"How could something so small throw such a huge wrench into my once ordered life," thought Harry as he rolled the ring between his fingers. It was true. If he hadn't have asked for the ring, he would have never found out Severus Snape was his father. He could have gone through the rest of his life being Harry Potter. 'And you would have been living a lie your whole life,' said that little voice again.
"I'd rather live a lie than a life of rejection," thought Harry, trying to squelch that oh so annoying voice in the back of his head.
'You would have found out anyway,' the voice retaliated. 'Your true appearance would have completely come through and then what would you have done?'
"I. . . I would. . . I don't know. It didn't happen that way, so I don't know what I would have done," thought Harry. "Besides, I have to deal with what really happened, and I don't even know what to do now."
'Maybe you should talk to your father. Your REAL father. Don't try to imagine it any other way because it wouldn't be the truth.'
"I know that. I know I can't go back to the way things were before. I. . ."
'Do you even want to go back to the way things were? Do you still want to be the famous Harry Potter. Do you want to go back to being famous and having everyone watch your every move? Do you want that?'
"I. . .," Harry faltered. He didn't want that. Besides some obvious things, the last month had been the best of his life. He was virtually invisible to everyone. At first, he was bombarded with questions about his father, but as time wore on, he just faded into the background of Hogwarts life.
'See. Your happy.'
"I wouldn't exactly call it that. Rejection isn't the best feeling in the world."
'What if he didn't mean it? He didn't tell you to your face, did he?'
"No, he told someone else with the intention of never telling me. That means he means it."
'Touché.'
"So why is he giving me this?" thought Harry as he look at the ring closely.
'Your guess is as good as mine.'
Harry shrugged as he continued to roll the ring between his fingers. He slipped it onto his right fore finger and sighed. At least it was something his mother once wore. He sighed again and realized that he would need to talk with his father. But that right now, was the least of his worries. How was he going to tell Sirius the truth without having him go and murder his father? He realized that he might have to alter the truth slightly if he was to spare his father's life.
Harry looked down at his watch and realized that it was late enough to go down and talk with his friends. He knew he would feel better telling them but he also knew his could exactly tell the truth either. He shrugged to himself and walked out of the dorm, heading downstairs.
Sure enough, Hermione, Ron, and Sirius were all waiting for him in the corner of the common room. A few of the older students were still floating around, but none of them paid any mind to the fifth years in the corner. Harry walked up and sat beside Sirius and across from Hermione, who was sitting next to Ron.
"Its so good of you to finally meet with us Mr. Snape," said Sirius with an amused smile. Harry tried hard not to flinch at the name Sirius had used and smiled back. "Now, would you be so kind in telling us what is on your mind?"
Harry looked from Sirius, to Ron, to Hermione, and then down at his hands.
"Me and my dad had a fight," said Harry as he brought his eyes back up to gauge his friends' reactions.
"And. . ." said Ron. "What else."
"What do you mean 'what else???'" asked Harry, slight annoyance lining his voice.
"Well, I thought, um. . ." Ron faltered as he saw the dark look Hermione was giving him. "Never mind."
"I think what Ron was trying to say is that you two have fought before," said Sirius. "You seem really upset for it to have just been a fight."
Harry sighed.
"It was just a fight. I'm just really upset about it. I mean, everything was going so well."
"What was the fight about?" asked Hermione.
Harry started to answer but he stopped. He hadn't thought about what he was going to say past saying he had a fight. A fight?
"It was about the fight with Malfoy," said Harry quickly. A little too quickly for Sirius. He eyed Harry suspiciously.
"Speaking of your dad," said Ron. "He asked me to ask you to meet with him sometime. He needs to talk to you. Oh, and he asked me a really odd question, too."
"Really?" asked Harry curiously.
"Yeah, he wanted to know how you did with the quidditch trials," said Ron. "I thought you told him when you met him for lunch."
"Uh, I never met him for lunch," said Harry. "I got in the fight with Malfoy before I even made it to his office. Afterwards, we argued about the fight. I guess I never got a chance to tell him."
This seemed to satisfy Ron and Sirius, but not Hermione.
"Where were you before you saved me from Malfoy?" asked Hermione.
"I was in the Entrance Hall," said Harry. "I had just come down from the dorms."
"Before that?"
"The common room. Why?"
"I saw you coming when you started running towards me. You came from the left of the corridor, from the Potions room. I had thought you had already talked with your dad."
"I, um. . . well, I'm going to bed," said Harry as he stood up quickly to leave. "See you all in the morning."
"No you don't," said Sirius as he pulled Harry back down into his chair. "Spill. What did you leave out of your story and why did you lie to us?"
Harry buried his face in his hands and sighed heavily.
"First of all, I didn't tell you the whole story because of you, Sirius," whispered Harry. "I knew what your reaction would be and it scared me."
Sirius tried to answer but his face fell at Harry's reason.
"I overheard my dad and Lupin talking about me. He said he wished I had never found out."
Both boys were silent, but Hermione gasped loudly at Harry's words.
"I'm going to kill him," said Sirius with a clenched jaw. "How could he say something like that to you? And why didn't Remus tell me? After Snape, he's next."
"Stop," said Harry as his face shot out of his hands and he looked up at Sirius. "That is why I wasn't going to tell you. Because I knew what your reaction would be. I overheard something I wasn't supposed to hear. I'm sure Lupin didn't tell you because he knows you all too well. I wish I had never heard anything, because things would have been just fine. My dad wouldn't have told me anything and I would have just gone on thinking that I finally had a family life. I. . ."
Harry's voice had started at a whisper but had ended loudly. Ron, Sirius, and Hermione were all looking at him with eyes filled with mixed emotions. He buried his face in his hands once more. He looked up when Sirius squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. His face was sad.
"I'm sorry," said Sirius. "I'm sorry if I every made you think that you couldn't tell me something. Your mom always told me I had a bad temper, but I always thought she was over reacting. I guess I was wrong."
"It's okay," said Harry, smiling slightly. "Maybe you just need some anger management classes."
Sirius laughed.
"If so, you can pay for them. You're the rich one."
"Yeah, but with all the sessions you'll need, I'll go broke in a year."
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Severus shivered as a cold wind blew threw the gloomy trees. The only thing that warmed him was the burning sensation the Dark Mark caused, and that wasn't the most pleasant feeling in the world. His mouth formed a slight sneer as the old house where the deatheater's met came into view. After all that had happened in the last few days, a death eater meeting was the last thing he needed.
He climbed the rickety wooded steps and walked into the musty old house. It looked like most of the death eaters where already in place as Severus walked into the large room at the back of the house. He took his place in line and waited for the meeting to start. White masked faces turned in unison as a door in the back creaked open and Wormtail walked out. He was followed by Voldemort. Every deatheater dropped to the ground in a single motion, waiting for their leader to speak.
"Ah, my loyal. How good it is to see you all again. I hope my ear will be met by good news this time. I must admit, I'm growing tired and impatient with many of you. It's making me begin to question the loyalty of some of you. Though some," Voldemort turned his head in Severus' direction, "I have no questions of loyalty at all."
Severus tried to remain as calm as possible, though on the inside he was scared as hell. Was what he said a good thing or a bad thing?
"Malfoy," said Voldemort. "Is there any progress at all in your mission?"
"No, My Lord," said Lucius as he bowed. "but-."
"No excuses," said Voldemort in a dark whisper. "Crucio!"
Malfoy dropped to the ground and started to writhe in pain, though he let no one's ears think he was hurting. Voldemort lifted the curse after a while and turned to the next deatheaters in line. They cowered away slightly, causing a smile to spread over Voldemort's hideous face.
More deatheaters dropped to the ground as the curse hit them and Voldemort smiled no more. He was thoroughly disgusted by his most "loyal." Then it was Severus' turn.
"Ah, Severus. I hope you and your son are fairing well."
"We are, My Lord. Alex has adjusted nicely to Hogwarts."
"Really? You know, Lucius told me a very interesting story about dear Alex."
If Severus had taken off his mask, his face would have been as white as a newly bleached sheet.
"I heard that Alex beat young Malfoy quite thoroughly. Do you know the reasoning behind this? I hope that your son is as loyal to me as you are, Severus."
Severus struggled to keep his voice calm.
"Let me assure you, he is. And with Malfoy's son, it was a spur of the moment idea by Alex. When he first saw Draco assaulting the mudblood girl, he was content with leaving him to it, but then he saw that it was one of Harry Potter's friends. Alex knew if he saved the mudblood and fought with Draco and won, he would gain the trust of Harry and his friends."
"And did he?" asked Voldemort, a slight smile playing on his face.
"Oh yes. Not only did he gain the trust of every Gryffindor, he gained the trust of the entire school. The slytherins trusted him already, but now, every house does."
Voldemort smiled widely.
"Behold," he said to the others. "My most loyal follower. And better yet, his son is just as loyal. You have a clever boy Severus. Just like his father."
Severus bowed and stepped back into line.
"All of you should take a page from Severus book. The number of deatheaters in this room will drop dramatically if I don't see more progress. I guarantee it."
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Lucius Malfoy cursed under his breath as he appearated at the end of his long drive to the Malfoy Manor. How could this happen? How could that two- faced greaseball Snape be more loyal than him. How could Voldemort trust Snape more than he trusted his most loyal deatheater? The one deatheater who would do anything for his master.
Lucius had to get to the bottom of this. He trusted Snape as much as he trusted a sleeping dragon and he knew the man had to be up to something. It had to be his son. Alexander Snape just seemed to appear out of nowhere. Alex was the same age as Draco and he had to have been at least one when Voldemort was defeated. So why did no one know about him?
Yes, he was going to get to the bottom of this, and Draco was going to help.
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"Alright class. Settle. Thank you. Now, first off, I'm going to collect your essays on which you wrote about an old form of magic of your choice," said Lupin as he set his attendance sheet down. "I trust you all finished them?"
Lupin heard a few groans, meaning that not everyone had.
"Come on now, you had the weekend to finish them. Pass them all down to the end of your rows and Ms. Patil will collect them. Thank you. Now, today we will start our discussion on inherently magical things. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?"
Hermione raised her hand but was beat by Sirius who shot his hand up quickly.
"Yes Mr. Potter?"
"An inherently magical thing is something that naturally contains magic."
"Right," said Lupin, amusement hinting in his voice, though only a few knew why. "Ten points for Gryffindor. When something is inherently magical, it means that nothing was charmed to make it magical. Now, inherent magic in its purest form is extremely rare, but many things that don't fall under some criteria for the purest form are still considered inherent. Does anyone know of any?"
Sirius raised his hand again.
"Yes Mr. Potter?"
"Invisibility cloaks."
"And why are they considered inherent magic?"
"Because they are made from the hair of a demiguise. A demiguise can turn invisible when threatened. The hair is spun to make an invisibility cloak, making the wearer invisible without the need of a charm."
"Excellent," said Remus with a smile. "Fifteen points to Gryffindor. Anyone else?"
No one raised their hands.
"Yes, well, I didn't think so. You see, inherent magic can almost be considered an old form of magic. Not many people take the time to deal with some magic naturally, when making something magical themselves is a whole lot faster."
Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes Ms. Granger?"
"What are some other ways things become inherently magical?"
"Well, we already know that something made from a magical creature is inherent magic. Another way something can become inherently magical is by something called the "wizard's touch."
"But doesn't that make it no longer inherent, if a wizard interferes?"
"Not exactly Ms. Granger. You see, the wizard's touch causes something to become magic without them knowing it. It's considered inherent magic because the item becomes magic naturally."
Lupin looked around and saw all the confused looks he was getting.
"I see you're not following me. Let me explain it a little more simply. How many of you had some sort of toy or blanket or stuffed animal when you were little that you wouldn't let out of your sight?"
Almost everyone raised their hands.
"Right, if I were to test every one of those items for magic, each and everyone would contain large amounts of magic in it."
"Why Professor?" asked Hermione.
"Because each one of those items was something you cherished. Something you had with you all the time and something you dearly loved. Magic naturally flowed through you to it. Now, they wouldn't be much use as a magical object because you no longer spend large amounts of time with it, but something that has absorbed magic for hundreds of years can be powerful and highly useful. Now. . .uh, yes Mr. Potter?"
"I was wondering Professor," said Sirius with a slight smile. "Did you have something you played with when you were a kid?"
Remus' smile of amusement quickly left his face and he cleared his throat.
"I don't remember."
"Oh Professor, sure you did. And now that I think of it, I heard you had a little stuffed dragon named Puffy that you never left out of your sight."
"Who told you that?"
"Your mother."
As Remus' face turned a bright shade of red, the rest of the class started to laugh. Sirius had a satisfied look on his face as he leaned back and crossed his arms. Remus recovered and a smile grew on his face.
"You know, I had a friend once who had a stuffed cat named Trixie. It belonged to his sister and he took it to tease her with. He ended up keeping it for himself and had it until he graduated, I believe."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione covered their mouths to keep from laughing at the look on Sirius' face.
"Alright everyone," said Lupin as he tried to keep from laughing himself, though he didn't mind the wide smile across his face. "Turn to page 86 in your books. I want you to answer the questions on the board on your own piece of parchment."
The class began to take out parchment and their books. Harry saw the look on Sirius' face and saw how embarrassed he was. He felt sorry for Sirius. . . almost. As he pulled out his things, he started to sing so only Hermione, Ron, and especially Sirius could hear him.
"Flying south on Halsted
On a brand new broomstick
The sun outside is shining
Sirius is happy as can be.
He's on his way to see Trixie
He's off to break her heart
She's been such a drag lately
And he wants a fresh start" "You are going down Snape," said Sirius as he shot a nasty look at Harry. *************************************************************************** Yea! I'm finally done with this chapter! By the way, the lyrics to the song Harry was singing (though slightly altered) is from the song "Go to Bar" by Dream in Color. Sorry it took so long to get this out. I hope it was worth the wait. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Sela: Don't worry, I thought that part was pretty funny too. I like pirates. I think they're funny. R.I. Red was pleased (Which made me happy. She scares me) Elfmoon: How was the Remus teaching Sirius thing? I only put the last part in after I read your review, so thanks. Lunarian Amethyst: you're just as evil as I am. When I first read your review, I though you didn't like the chapter. Then I read the rest and then I was happy. Thanks! LeeLeePotter: Sure you can! Go right ahead! Kemenran: Okay, I'll answer your question but you have to promise not to tell anyone. 1) Can't tell you
2) You'll see 3) Keep reading Thanks for the review Ray Ray: I don't think its better than the book, but thanks for the review. Foxfur: All to be revealed later. Thanks for the review. Sage and Snape: Congrats on getting accepted. You wouldn't happen to have an extra $15,000 lying around, would you? I really need tuition money. I'm so broke! Anyway, thanks for the review. Callie Anne: Hmm, I never though about that. I think he would look like Alex, but that's just my opinion. Sparrow: Happy belated birthday! PurpleYin: Wow, that was one of the best reviews I ever got! Thank you so much. I'm not one to write really great Hermione stories but it is an interesting idea. I'll spread it around. Thanks again. Raliena: Ooooh! A newbie! I'm glad you found my fic as well! Thanks! R.I. Red: You've read my fic more than once? Thanks! Oh, I'm glad you have all your body parts. That's always a good thing! Usakid: How great is that? You reviewed twice! Thanks!
Additional thanks to: Chaser, Sirius; Mistress, Kateydidnt, carpatria, lady lightning, t.a.g., floramorda, phoenix malfoy, charma1214, the one and only, calani, saavik, Samson, mostevilkitten, witchmaster, belladonna, Iniysa, MerlinHalliwell, Hermionestarz, emerys. You guys are great! I'm almost to 300 reviews!
By penpunk
Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Harry Potter.
Chapter 18: Trixie
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After dinner, Harry managed to sneak off by himself and head back up to the common room. He knew if he hurried, he could get back to his dorm before Ron, Hermione, and Sirius could bombard him with questions. Unfortunately, that was not to be the case. Harry sighed heavily as he heard three sets of feet walking hurriedly behind him. He cast a brief glance over his shoulder, and sure enough, three teens were walking quickly behind him. Sirius was the first to reach Harry's side.
"Yeah, nice try," said Sirius as he clapped Harry on the shoulder. "You almost got out of talking to us, although Ron and I probably would've dragged you out of bed anyway."
"Yeah, I figured as much," said Harry as he shook his head. He realized that there was no possible way of getting out of talking with his friends.
"Is it really that bad?" asked Sirius with an odd expression. "I can't imagine something that bad, bad enough not to tell anyone."
"Well start imagining," said Harry. He quickened his pace and left Sirius to trail behind him.
"Whoa there speedy," said Sirius as he sped up to catch Harry, but Harry's new long legs gave him a distinct advantage over Sirius. He broke into a jog and grabbed Harry by the shoulder.
"Listen," said Harry, abruptly stopping. "I said I'd tell you, right? I'm just not ready to right now."
"I understand," said Sirius with a slight smile. "I won't force you to tell me, but I can guarantee that you'll feel better when you do."
"I know," said Harry as he started walking again, a little slower this time. "How about tonight, after everyone is in bed."
"Great," said Sirius, nodding. "I'll tell Hermione and Ron."
"Just don't bother me until then, okay?"
Sirius smiled and nodded.
Harry left Ron, Hermione, and Sirius at the foot of the stairs and walked up to his dorm. He plopped down on to his four-poster bed; robes, shoes, and all, and stared up at the top of the canopy. What had he gotten himself into? It was only mid October and already he had found out his father wasn't his real father, the teacher he hated the most was actually his father, the appearance he had had for the last fifteen years was fake, he had a new name and identity, he was working for Voldemort, and his father, who he had only known for a few weeks, didn't want him. Not to mention his Godfather, who was still wanted by the ministry, was now him, he was putting all his friends in danger, and he has a deadly connection to the most evil person in existence. 'This has got to be a new record Harry,' said a little voice inside him. 'Usually takes you until Spring to get that much on your plate.'
Harry groaned out loud and rolled over on his side. He then groaned again, but not out of frustration. He reached under his side and pulled out a little black box.
"What is this?" asked Harry out loud. He pulled out his wand and said "lumos." He opened up the black box, and inside was the silver ring with the emeralds. The ring that he used with the lineage charm. He took it out and examined it under his wand's light.
"How could something so small throw such a huge wrench into my once ordered life," thought Harry as he rolled the ring between his fingers. It was true. If he hadn't have asked for the ring, he would have never found out Severus Snape was his father. He could have gone through the rest of his life being Harry Potter. 'And you would have been living a lie your whole life,' said that little voice again.
"I'd rather live a lie than a life of rejection," thought Harry, trying to squelch that oh so annoying voice in the back of his head.
'You would have found out anyway,' the voice retaliated. 'Your true appearance would have completely come through and then what would you have done?'
"I. . . I would. . . I don't know. It didn't happen that way, so I don't know what I would have done," thought Harry. "Besides, I have to deal with what really happened, and I don't even know what to do now."
'Maybe you should talk to your father. Your REAL father. Don't try to imagine it any other way because it wouldn't be the truth.'
"I know that. I know I can't go back to the way things were before. I. . ."
'Do you even want to go back to the way things were? Do you still want to be the famous Harry Potter. Do you want to go back to being famous and having everyone watch your every move? Do you want that?'
"I. . .," Harry faltered. He didn't want that. Besides some obvious things, the last month had been the best of his life. He was virtually invisible to everyone. At first, he was bombarded with questions about his father, but as time wore on, he just faded into the background of Hogwarts life.
'See. Your happy.'
"I wouldn't exactly call it that. Rejection isn't the best feeling in the world."
'What if he didn't mean it? He didn't tell you to your face, did he?'
"No, he told someone else with the intention of never telling me. That means he means it."
'Touché.'
"So why is he giving me this?" thought Harry as he look at the ring closely.
'Your guess is as good as mine.'
Harry shrugged as he continued to roll the ring between his fingers. He slipped it onto his right fore finger and sighed. At least it was something his mother once wore. He sighed again and realized that he would need to talk with his father. But that right now, was the least of his worries. How was he going to tell Sirius the truth without having him go and murder his father? He realized that he might have to alter the truth slightly if he was to spare his father's life.
Harry looked down at his watch and realized that it was late enough to go down and talk with his friends. He knew he would feel better telling them but he also knew his could exactly tell the truth either. He shrugged to himself and walked out of the dorm, heading downstairs.
Sure enough, Hermione, Ron, and Sirius were all waiting for him in the corner of the common room. A few of the older students were still floating around, but none of them paid any mind to the fifth years in the corner. Harry walked up and sat beside Sirius and across from Hermione, who was sitting next to Ron.
"Its so good of you to finally meet with us Mr. Snape," said Sirius with an amused smile. Harry tried hard not to flinch at the name Sirius had used and smiled back. "Now, would you be so kind in telling us what is on your mind?"
Harry looked from Sirius, to Ron, to Hermione, and then down at his hands.
"Me and my dad had a fight," said Harry as he brought his eyes back up to gauge his friends' reactions.
"And. . ." said Ron. "What else."
"What do you mean 'what else???'" asked Harry, slight annoyance lining his voice.
"Well, I thought, um. . ." Ron faltered as he saw the dark look Hermione was giving him. "Never mind."
"I think what Ron was trying to say is that you two have fought before," said Sirius. "You seem really upset for it to have just been a fight."
Harry sighed.
"It was just a fight. I'm just really upset about it. I mean, everything was going so well."
"What was the fight about?" asked Hermione.
Harry started to answer but he stopped. He hadn't thought about what he was going to say past saying he had a fight. A fight?
"It was about the fight with Malfoy," said Harry quickly. A little too quickly for Sirius. He eyed Harry suspiciously.
"Speaking of your dad," said Ron. "He asked me to ask you to meet with him sometime. He needs to talk to you. Oh, and he asked me a really odd question, too."
"Really?" asked Harry curiously.
"Yeah, he wanted to know how you did with the quidditch trials," said Ron. "I thought you told him when you met him for lunch."
"Uh, I never met him for lunch," said Harry. "I got in the fight with Malfoy before I even made it to his office. Afterwards, we argued about the fight. I guess I never got a chance to tell him."
This seemed to satisfy Ron and Sirius, but not Hermione.
"Where were you before you saved me from Malfoy?" asked Hermione.
"I was in the Entrance Hall," said Harry. "I had just come down from the dorms."
"Before that?"
"The common room. Why?"
"I saw you coming when you started running towards me. You came from the left of the corridor, from the Potions room. I had thought you had already talked with your dad."
"I, um. . . well, I'm going to bed," said Harry as he stood up quickly to leave. "See you all in the morning."
"No you don't," said Sirius as he pulled Harry back down into his chair. "Spill. What did you leave out of your story and why did you lie to us?"
Harry buried his face in his hands and sighed heavily.
"First of all, I didn't tell you the whole story because of you, Sirius," whispered Harry. "I knew what your reaction would be and it scared me."
Sirius tried to answer but his face fell at Harry's reason.
"I overheard my dad and Lupin talking about me. He said he wished I had never found out."
Both boys were silent, but Hermione gasped loudly at Harry's words.
"I'm going to kill him," said Sirius with a clenched jaw. "How could he say something like that to you? And why didn't Remus tell me? After Snape, he's next."
"Stop," said Harry as his face shot out of his hands and he looked up at Sirius. "That is why I wasn't going to tell you. Because I knew what your reaction would be. I overheard something I wasn't supposed to hear. I'm sure Lupin didn't tell you because he knows you all too well. I wish I had never heard anything, because things would have been just fine. My dad wouldn't have told me anything and I would have just gone on thinking that I finally had a family life. I. . ."
Harry's voice had started at a whisper but had ended loudly. Ron, Sirius, and Hermione were all looking at him with eyes filled with mixed emotions. He buried his face in his hands once more. He looked up when Sirius squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. His face was sad.
"I'm sorry," said Sirius. "I'm sorry if I every made you think that you couldn't tell me something. Your mom always told me I had a bad temper, but I always thought she was over reacting. I guess I was wrong."
"It's okay," said Harry, smiling slightly. "Maybe you just need some anger management classes."
Sirius laughed.
"If so, you can pay for them. You're the rich one."
"Yeah, but with all the sessions you'll need, I'll go broke in a year."
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Severus shivered as a cold wind blew threw the gloomy trees. The only thing that warmed him was the burning sensation the Dark Mark caused, and that wasn't the most pleasant feeling in the world. His mouth formed a slight sneer as the old house where the deatheater's met came into view. After all that had happened in the last few days, a death eater meeting was the last thing he needed.
He climbed the rickety wooded steps and walked into the musty old house. It looked like most of the death eaters where already in place as Severus walked into the large room at the back of the house. He took his place in line and waited for the meeting to start. White masked faces turned in unison as a door in the back creaked open and Wormtail walked out. He was followed by Voldemort. Every deatheater dropped to the ground in a single motion, waiting for their leader to speak.
"Ah, my loyal. How good it is to see you all again. I hope my ear will be met by good news this time. I must admit, I'm growing tired and impatient with many of you. It's making me begin to question the loyalty of some of you. Though some," Voldemort turned his head in Severus' direction, "I have no questions of loyalty at all."
Severus tried to remain as calm as possible, though on the inside he was scared as hell. Was what he said a good thing or a bad thing?
"Malfoy," said Voldemort. "Is there any progress at all in your mission?"
"No, My Lord," said Lucius as he bowed. "but-."
"No excuses," said Voldemort in a dark whisper. "Crucio!"
Malfoy dropped to the ground and started to writhe in pain, though he let no one's ears think he was hurting. Voldemort lifted the curse after a while and turned to the next deatheaters in line. They cowered away slightly, causing a smile to spread over Voldemort's hideous face.
More deatheaters dropped to the ground as the curse hit them and Voldemort smiled no more. He was thoroughly disgusted by his most "loyal." Then it was Severus' turn.
"Ah, Severus. I hope you and your son are fairing well."
"We are, My Lord. Alex has adjusted nicely to Hogwarts."
"Really? You know, Lucius told me a very interesting story about dear Alex."
If Severus had taken off his mask, his face would have been as white as a newly bleached sheet.
"I heard that Alex beat young Malfoy quite thoroughly. Do you know the reasoning behind this? I hope that your son is as loyal to me as you are, Severus."
Severus struggled to keep his voice calm.
"Let me assure you, he is. And with Malfoy's son, it was a spur of the moment idea by Alex. When he first saw Draco assaulting the mudblood girl, he was content with leaving him to it, but then he saw that it was one of Harry Potter's friends. Alex knew if he saved the mudblood and fought with Draco and won, he would gain the trust of Harry and his friends."
"And did he?" asked Voldemort, a slight smile playing on his face.
"Oh yes. Not only did he gain the trust of every Gryffindor, he gained the trust of the entire school. The slytherins trusted him already, but now, every house does."
Voldemort smiled widely.
"Behold," he said to the others. "My most loyal follower. And better yet, his son is just as loyal. You have a clever boy Severus. Just like his father."
Severus bowed and stepped back into line.
"All of you should take a page from Severus book. The number of deatheaters in this room will drop dramatically if I don't see more progress. I guarantee it."
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Lucius Malfoy cursed under his breath as he appearated at the end of his long drive to the Malfoy Manor. How could this happen? How could that two- faced greaseball Snape be more loyal than him. How could Voldemort trust Snape more than he trusted his most loyal deatheater? The one deatheater who would do anything for his master.
Lucius had to get to the bottom of this. He trusted Snape as much as he trusted a sleeping dragon and he knew the man had to be up to something. It had to be his son. Alexander Snape just seemed to appear out of nowhere. Alex was the same age as Draco and he had to have been at least one when Voldemort was defeated. So why did no one know about him?
Yes, he was going to get to the bottom of this, and Draco was going to help.
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"Alright class. Settle. Thank you. Now, first off, I'm going to collect your essays on which you wrote about an old form of magic of your choice," said Lupin as he set his attendance sheet down. "I trust you all finished them?"
Lupin heard a few groans, meaning that not everyone had.
"Come on now, you had the weekend to finish them. Pass them all down to the end of your rows and Ms. Patil will collect them. Thank you. Now, today we will start our discussion on inherently magical things. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?"
Hermione raised her hand but was beat by Sirius who shot his hand up quickly.
"Yes Mr. Potter?"
"An inherently magical thing is something that naturally contains magic."
"Right," said Lupin, amusement hinting in his voice, though only a few knew why. "Ten points for Gryffindor. When something is inherently magical, it means that nothing was charmed to make it magical. Now, inherent magic in its purest form is extremely rare, but many things that don't fall under some criteria for the purest form are still considered inherent. Does anyone know of any?"
Sirius raised his hand again.
"Yes Mr. Potter?"
"Invisibility cloaks."
"And why are they considered inherent magic?"
"Because they are made from the hair of a demiguise. A demiguise can turn invisible when threatened. The hair is spun to make an invisibility cloak, making the wearer invisible without the need of a charm."
"Excellent," said Remus with a smile. "Fifteen points to Gryffindor. Anyone else?"
No one raised their hands.
"Yes, well, I didn't think so. You see, inherent magic can almost be considered an old form of magic. Not many people take the time to deal with some magic naturally, when making something magical themselves is a whole lot faster."
Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes Ms. Granger?"
"What are some other ways things become inherently magical?"
"Well, we already know that something made from a magical creature is inherent magic. Another way something can become inherently magical is by something called the "wizard's touch."
"But doesn't that make it no longer inherent, if a wizard interferes?"
"Not exactly Ms. Granger. You see, the wizard's touch causes something to become magic without them knowing it. It's considered inherent magic because the item becomes magic naturally."
Lupin looked around and saw all the confused looks he was getting.
"I see you're not following me. Let me explain it a little more simply. How many of you had some sort of toy or blanket or stuffed animal when you were little that you wouldn't let out of your sight?"
Almost everyone raised their hands.
"Right, if I were to test every one of those items for magic, each and everyone would contain large amounts of magic in it."
"Why Professor?" asked Hermione.
"Because each one of those items was something you cherished. Something you had with you all the time and something you dearly loved. Magic naturally flowed through you to it. Now, they wouldn't be much use as a magical object because you no longer spend large amounts of time with it, but something that has absorbed magic for hundreds of years can be powerful and highly useful. Now. . .uh, yes Mr. Potter?"
"I was wondering Professor," said Sirius with a slight smile. "Did you have something you played with when you were a kid?"
Remus' smile of amusement quickly left his face and he cleared his throat.
"I don't remember."
"Oh Professor, sure you did. And now that I think of it, I heard you had a little stuffed dragon named Puffy that you never left out of your sight."
"Who told you that?"
"Your mother."
As Remus' face turned a bright shade of red, the rest of the class started to laugh. Sirius had a satisfied look on his face as he leaned back and crossed his arms. Remus recovered and a smile grew on his face.
"You know, I had a friend once who had a stuffed cat named Trixie. It belonged to his sister and he took it to tease her with. He ended up keeping it for himself and had it until he graduated, I believe."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione covered their mouths to keep from laughing at the look on Sirius' face.
"Alright everyone," said Lupin as he tried to keep from laughing himself, though he didn't mind the wide smile across his face. "Turn to page 86 in your books. I want you to answer the questions on the board on your own piece of parchment."
The class began to take out parchment and their books. Harry saw the look on Sirius' face and saw how embarrassed he was. He felt sorry for Sirius. . . almost. As he pulled out his things, he started to sing so only Hermione, Ron, and especially Sirius could hear him.
"Flying south on Halsted
On a brand new broomstick
The sun outside is shining
Sirius is happy as can be.
He's on his way to see Trixie
He's off to break her heart
She's been such a drag lately
And he wants a fresh start" "You are going down Snape," said Sirius as he shot a nasty look at Harry. *************************************************************************** Yea! I'm finally done with this chapter! By the way, the lyrics to the song Harry was singing (though slightly altered) is from the song "Go to Bar" by Dream in Color. Sorry it took so long to get this out. I hope it was worth the wait. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Sela: Don't worry, I thought that part was pretty funny too. I like pirates. I think they're funny. R.I. Red was pleased (Which made me happy. She scares me) Elfmoon: How was the Remus teaching Sirius thing? I only put the last part in after I read your review, so thanks. Lunarian Amethyst: you're just as evil as I am. When I first read your review, I though you didn't like the chapter. Then I read the rest and then I was happy. Thanks! LeeLeePotter: Sure you can! Go right ahead! Kemenran: Okay, I'll answer your question but you have to promise not to tell anyone. 1) Can't tell you
2) You'll see 3) Keep reading Thanks for the review Ray Ray: I don't think its better than the book, but thanks for the review. Foxfur: All to be revealed later. Thanks for the review. Sage and Snape: Congrats on getting accepted. You wouldn't happen to have an extra $15,000 lying around, would you? I really need tuition money. I'm so broke! Anyway, thanks for the review. Callie Anne: Hmm, I never though about that. I think he would look like Alex, but that's just my opinion. Sparrow: Happy belated birthday! PurpleYin: Wow, that was one of the best reviews I ever got! Thank you so much. I'm not one to write really great Hermione stories but it is an interesting idea. I'll spread it around. Thanks again. Raliena: Ooooh! A newbie! I'm glad you found my fic as well! Thanks! R.I. Red: You've read my fic more than once? Thanks! Oh, I'm glad you have all your body parts. That's always a good thing! Usakid: How great is that? You reviewed twice! Thanks!
Additional thanks to: Chaser, Sirius; Mistress, Kateydidnt, carpatria, lady lightning, t.a.g., floramorda, phoenix malfoy, charma1214, the one and only, calani, saavik, Samson, mostevilkitten, witchmaster, belladonna, Iniysa, MerlinHalliwell, Hermionestarz, emerys. You guys are great! I'm almost to 300 reviews!