Invenio Veritas
By penpunk
Disclaimer: 13 days until TOotP comes out. Until then, you have to read what us people who don't own Harry Potter have so say about the 5th book.
Chapter 20: A Friendly Visit
***************************************************************************
Fall at Hogwarts slowly descended into winter. The bright leaves of gold and brown fell, leaving their branches bare. Halloween came and went with a single incident, a rare occurrence at the school of witchcraft and wizardry. Soon, mornings were accompanied by layers of frost on the many lawns of the school. House elves could be found defrosting the seats of the quidditch stadium. Frost soon turned to snow and the students of Hogwarts soon found themselves in the throws of the holiday season.
"I'm so glad it's holiday," said Ron as he, Hermione, Harry, and Sirius sat down for breakfast one particularly wintery morning. Snow had been falling for four days straight, making it harder and harder for the students to concentrate on their work instead of all the snowy possibilities waiting for them outside.
"Me too," said Sirius as he sat down next to Harry. "I forgot how tough fifth year was."
"So what is everyone planning for Christmas this year?" asked Hermione.
"Well," began Ron after swallowing a bit of toast. "I got a letter from Mum yesterday. She wants us all to come home for Christmas this year. She means everyone, even Bill and Charlie. She invited Harry to join us as well."
"Ron, do your parents know about me and my situation?" asked Sirius.
"No, I don't think so. Unless Dumbledore said something," said Ron as he looked at Harry.
"No, your parents don't know. No one does," said Harry.
"Oh," said Sirius as he returned to his breakfast. "Do you think Dumbledore would let me leave?"
"You want to go?" asked Ron with surprise.
"Hell yeah!" said Sirius with a smile. "I've heard about the way your mum cooks. Do you think I'd pass that up?"
The four teens laughed at this.
"I was actually thinking about spending Christmas wit my parents as well," said Hermione as she looked up from her plate. "But if your going home Ron, I'll stay here."
"No Hermione," said Harry. "Go. It's not like I'll be alone. For once I'll actually have family to stay with for Christmas. I think we could all use a dose of family time right now."
Everyone at the table grew serious. In the last month or two, several of the students at Hogwarts had lost family members due to Voldemort and his followers. Harry had a feeling many would be going home for the holidays.
"Well, if the offer still stands, I'll go with you Ron," said Sirius. "I don't think Dumbledore would object."
"If anything happens," Sirius dropped to a whisper. "I can always transform."
"You know, I've been wondering about that," said Hermione, whispering. "Can you transform?"
Sirius nodded.
"I've done it a few times though when I change back, my eyes are gray instead of green. I just have to change them back. Dumbledore taught me the spell."
"That's strange," said Hermione. "Why does that happen?"
"Eye color is a distinctive trait," said Sirius. "A person's eyes are unique. Spells to alter them in some way are weak and easily broken. Changing to an animal form causes the charm to break, revealing the true eyes of the person."
"I think muggles have the upper hand in that department," said Harry as he looked across at Hermione.
"Really?" said Ron. "How is that?"
"Muggles use contact lenses to change their eye color," said Hermione.
"Those little clear thingies that stick to your eyeballs, right?" asked Sirius as he looked at Harry. Harry rolled his eyes and flicked Sirius in the side of the head.
"Hey!" exclaimed Sirius as he rubbed the spot where Harry's finger came in contact with. "Cor blimey, what was that for?"
Harry leaned over and whispered in Sirius' ear.
"Yes, they're the things that stick to your eyeballs. You probably should know that since you're supposed to be wearing them, remember?"
Sirius leaned away from Harry.
"Oh yeah, that's right."
Sirius gave Harry a flick on the head.
"What was that for?" exclaimed Harry as he shoved Sirius to the side.
"You did it first. Just returning the favor."
Harry went to flick Sirius in the head again but his godfather-in-disguise was quicker and grabbed him by the wrist. As Harry struggled to pull his hand free, the ring on his forefinger caught Sirius' eye.
"Where did you get the ring?" asked Sirius as he brought Harry's finger up closer to his face.
"Oh, my Dad gave it to me," said Harry as he took his hand away, his other hand instantly drawn to the ring on his finger.
"Is that the ring that you used in the lineage spell?" asked Hermione. Harry nodded as he continued o play with the ring on his finger.
"It looks old," said Sirius as he filled his cup with pumpkin juice.
"It is," answered Harry. "It was at least my great-grandmother's ring."
"Is that. . ." Sirius brought Harry's hand back up to look at the ring again. "Is that Lily's ring?"
Harry nodded.
"So Snape gave it to her," said Sirius as he gave Harry his hand back. "It must mean a lot to him."
"Speaking of gifts," said Harry. "What should I get my Dad for Christmas?"
"Let me let you in on something," said Ron. "Parents are the easiest people to buy gifts for. No matter how bad the gift is, they'll act like it's the best present in the world."
"That may be true Ron," said Harry, "but this is the my first Christmas with a living parent. I would like to make it mean something. I only wish we could go to Hogsmead."
"Why don't you make something for him?" asked Hermione. "Parents love homemade gifts."
"Okay, but what could I make? I'm not artistic or creative."
"Yes you are," said Ron with a smile. "Remember the picture you drew of Trelawny? That was very artistic and creative."
"Funny too," added Sirius with a grin.
"I don't think my dad would find something like humorous," said Harry with a disapproving smile. "I have a week to figure something out. By then, maybe something'll come to me."
"So what are we going to do this fine Saturday?" asked Sirius. "I was thinking something to do with snow."
"That's a fine idea my friend," said Ron excitedly. "I haven't been outside nearly as much as I need. Let's go ambush some Slytherins or some teachers or something."
Harry looked up at the staff table at the mention of teachers to see that his father was not there. He got up from the table.
"I'll meet you guys later," said Harry as he started towards the entrance hall.
"Where are you going?" asked Ron.
"I'm going to find my dad."
***************************************************************************
Severus groaned as he pulled himself out of bed. He had stayed up late researching potion ingredients once again and had only gone to bed a few hours before. His progress on Harry's potion had slowed and it was beginning to frustrate him greatly. He worked more and more on the potion and less on his other work. Harry's condition was worsening, he knew it was. He was sleeping less and going through many bottles of healing potion. Severus knew he needed help and quick. It wouldn't be long until Harry's condition would start to raise suspicion.
Severus showered and dressed before sitting down to drink a strong cup of tea he ordered from the kitchen. He was not going to face the bustle of the students on a Saturday. There was no way his tired mind could take it. Instead, he enjoyed his tea while browsing through the Daily Prophet waiting on his table.
He looked up suddenly when he heard a knock at his door. He stood up, finished off his tea and walked to the door. He opened it expecting to see (hoping to see) his son. Lucius Malfoy, instead, met him at the door.
"Malfoy," said Snape with a slight sneer. "What do I owe this pleasure too?"
Malfoy brushed past him and into Severus' private chambers as he pulled off his black dragon hide gloves.
"I was here on business with the ministry, visiting the headmaster, and I thought that I would stop in and say hello," said Lucius in feigned friendliness.
"Well," said Severus as he held the door open. "Hello. Goodbye."
"Oh come Severus," said Lucius. "Is that anyway to treat an old friend? I simply thought we could talk for old times sake."
"Well you thought wrong. Goodbye," Severus still kept the door opened.
"What's that matter Snape?" said Lucius as he came closer to Severus, his face only a few inches from the potions master's. "Do your past loyalties mean nothing? Is that what they are now? Past loyalties? I know you're up to something Snape. Voldemort may not see it but I do. I will figure it out and you'll be the one to pay for it in the end."
"Why are you really here Malfoy?" said Severus with an icy voice. "You didn't come here to talk."
"Dad?"
Both men turned to see Harry at the door.
"Alex," said Severus as he gave Lucius a side-glance. "Mr. Malfoy was just leaving."
"So this is Alexander Snape," said Malfoy as he walked over to Harry. He offered his hand, which Harry took. "I am Lucius Malfoy. My son is Draco Malfoy. Have you two met?"
"Yes sir, we have," said Harry as he looked over at his father. Severus' expression was unreadable.
"That's good," said Lucius. "Do you like Hogwarts?"
"Yes sir, I do," said Harry.
"Really? It's too bad that you're not in Slytherin. That's were you make your real friends," said Lucius as he looked over at Severus. "Well, I must get going. I hope to see you both real soon. Severus."
Malfoy walked out the door and Severus shut it behind him. Harry walked over and sat at the table in the corner. Severus followed and sat across from him.
"I didn't interrupt anything, did I?" asked Harry as Severus poured himself another cup of tea.
"Yes, you did. Thank you. I don't think he would've left if you hadn't," said Severus over the brim of his teacup. "Tea?"
"No thanks, I already had some at breakfast," said Harry. "Where were you?"
"Here obviously," said Severus with a smile. "I stayed up late doing some work so I slept in."
"No wonder you're always grumpy. Maybe you should get more sleep."
"Lack of sleep doesn't make me grumpy," said Severus as he threw a cube of sugar at Harry. "It's annoying students like you."
"Ha-ha," said Harry as he threw it back. "So what was that all about? I didn't know Malfoy made personal visits."
"He said he wanted to talk," said Severus. "He suspects something, I know he does. Merlin knows how. We've been flawless with this whole thing."
"Do you think he suspects you?" asked Harry. "I mean, you being a spy."
"He's always suspected me," said Severus with a laugh. "And that obviously hasn't changed. I don't know, maybe your right. By the way, I finished some more healing potions. They're on the side table by the couch."
"Alright, thanks," said Harry. "So what were you working on that was more important than sleep?"
"A potion that'll break that connection you have with a certain dark lord," said Severus as he rubbed his face with his hands. "My progress has really slowed down. Its frustrating."
"Don't worry about it," said Harry. "I'm fine right now. Really I am."
"No your not," said Severus. "You go through more healing potions in a week than Pomfrey does. I have to get this done."
"Just promise me you won't work during holiday. Ron, Hermione, and Sirius are all leaving and I'm going to need someone to hang around with."
"Where are they all going off to? And where is Black going?" said Severus as he set down his empty teacup.
"He's going with Ron to stay with the Weasleys and Hermione is going home," said Harry. "They really should go. They've stayed here with me every year for Christmas but now that I have family to stay with, they don't feel so bad about leaving me alone with my crazy father."
"Crazy?" said Severus, smiling. "I wouldn't say that."
"Mildly insane?"
"No, I am very sane thank you very much."
Harry snorted and tried not laugh at this.
"What about you Mr. Goes-looking-for-trouble?"
"Well, that's different," said Harry as he rolled his eyes. "Besides, Alexander Helluin Snape has much more sense than Harry Potter."
"Oh, I am so sure he does," said Snape as he rolled his eyes as well. "So what are we going to do for holiday? Everyone leaves for home on Monday, right?"
Harry nodded.
"Everyone is going home. I know I'll be the only person in my dorm."
"Really?" asked Severus. "Would you like to stay here for the holiday? That way you won't be by yourself."
"Stay here?" Harry thought about it for a moment. He would have a real Christmas with family for the first time in his life. "Okay. Yeah, I'd like that."
"Great. I'll make sure that's okay with Dumbledore, but I'm sure he'll say it's fine. But you should know that I'll make you do your holiday homework. I do not tolerate procrastination."
Harry laughed and agreed.
"I'll see you later okay?" said Harry as he stood up. "Sirius and Ron are having a snowball fight and there is no way I'm going to miss it."
"Alright. Just make sure to beam Black in the face a few times for me," said Severus.
"I still don't know how you all can still have a grudge after all these years," said Harry as he made for the door. "You should really make up and learn to get along."
"Yeah, that's unlikely," said Severus. "Have fun."
"I will," said Harry as he opened the door. "Bye Dad."
***************************************************************************
I hope you all don't mind that I moved the timeline along a little. That's basically what this chapter was for. That and showing how Harry and Severus' relationship has developed over the last two months or so. But wait, hang on. . .
It's poll time!
The Order of the Phoenix comes out in two weeks. I was just curious if everyone is still going to read 5th year fan fiction after the book comes out. This fic has about six or seven chapters left and I doubt I could finish it by the time the book comes out. I could try but I doubt it. I want to know if you all will read it. I hope so.
My second poll question is what do you all think will happen in the next book? What are your theories? I'm just curious.
Thanks for reading. I hope you like this chapter.
By penpunk
Disclaimer: 13 days until TOotP comes out. Until then, you have to read what us people who don't own Harry Potter have so say about the 5th book.
Chapter 20: A Friendly Visit
***************************************************************************
Fall at Hogwarts slowly descended into winter. The bright leaves of gold and brown fell, leaving their branches bare. Halloween came and went with a single incident, a rare occurrence at the school of witchcraft and wizardry. Soon, mornings were accompanied by layers of frost on the many lawns of the school. House elves could be found defrosting the seats of the quidditch stadium. Frost soon turned to snow and the students of Hogwarts soon found themselves in the throws of the holiday season.
"I'm so glad it's holiday," said Ron as he, Hermione, Harry, and Sirius sat down for breakfast one particularly wintery morning. Snow had been falling for four days straight, making it harder and harder for the students to concentrate on their work instead of all the snowy possibilities waiting for them outside.
"Me too," said Sirius as he sat down next to Harry. "I forgot how tough fifth year was."
"So what is everyone planning for Christmas this year?" asked Hermione.
"Well," began Ron after swallowing a bit of toast. "I got a letter from Mum yesterday. She wants us all to come home for Christmas this year. She means everyone, even Bill and Charlie. She invited Harry to join us as well."
"Ron, do your parents know about me and my situation?" asked Sirius.
"No, I don't think so. Unless Dumbledore said something," said Ron as he looked at Harry.
"No, your parents don't know. No one does," said Harry.
"Oh," said Sirius as he returned to his breakfast. "Do you think Dumbledore would let me leave?"
"You want to go?" asked Ron with surprise.
"Hell yeah!" said Sirius with a smile. "I've heard about the way your mum cooks. Do you think I'd pass that up?"
The four teens laughed at this.
"I was actually thinking about spending Christmas wit my parents as well," said Hermione as she looked up from her plate. "But if your going home Ron, I'll stay here."
"No Hermione," said Harry. "Go. It's not like I'll be alone. For once I'll actually have family to stay with for Christmas. I think we could all use a dose of family time right now."
Everyone at the table grew serious. In the last month or two, several of the students at Hogwarts had lost family members due to Voldemort and his followers. Harry had a feeling many would be going home for the holidays.
"Well, if the offer still stands, I'll go with you Ron," said Sirius. "I don't think Dumbledore would object."
"If anything happens," Sirius dropped to a whisper. "I can always transform."
"You know, I've been wondering about that," said Hermione, whispering. "Can you transform?"
Sirius nodded.
"I've done it a few times though when I change back, my eyes are gray instead of green. I just have to change them back. Dumbledore taught me the spell."
"That's strange," said Hermione. "Why does that happen?"
"Eye color is a distinctive trait," said Sirius. "A person's eyes are unique. Spells to alter them in some way are weak and easily broken. Changing to an animal form causes the charm to break, revealing the true eyes of the person."
"I think muggles have the upper hand in that department," said Harry as he looked across at Hermione.
"Really?" said Ron. "How is that?"
"Muggles use contact lenses to change their eye color," said Hermione.
"Those little clear thingies that stick to your eyeballs, right?" asked Sirius as he looked at Harry. Harry rolled his eyes and flicked Sirius in the side of the head.
"Hey!" exclaimed Sirius as he rubbed the spot where Harry's finger came in contact with. "Cor blimey, what was that for?"
Harry leaned over and whispered in Sirius' ear.
"Yes, they're the things that stick to your eyeballs. You probably should know that since you're supposed to be wearing them, remember?"
Sirius leaned away from Harry.
"Oh yeah, that's right."
Sirius gave Harry a flick on the head.
"What was that for?" exclaimed Harry as he shoved Sirius to the side.
"You did it first. Just returning the favor."
Harry went to flick Sirius in the head again but his godfather-in-disguise was quicker and grabbed him by the wrist. As Harry struggled to pull his hand free, the ring on his forefinger caught Sirius' eye.
"Where did you get the ring?" asked Sirius as he brought Harry's finger up closer to his face.
"Oh, my Dad gave it to me," said Harry as he took his hand away, his other hand instantly drawn to the ring on his finger.
"Is that the ring that you used in the lineage spell?" asked Hermione. Harry nodded as he continued o play with the ring on his finger.
"It looks old," said Sirius as he filled his cup with pumpkin juice.
"It is," answered Harry. "It was at least my great-grandmother's ring."
"Is that. . ." Sirius brought Harry's hand back up to look at the ring again. "Is that Lily's ring?"
Harry nodded.
"So Snape gave it to her," said Sirius as he gave Harry his hand back. "It must mean a lot to him."
"Speaking of gifts," said Harry. "What should I get my Dad for Christmas?"
"Let me let you in on something," said Ron. "Parents are the easiest people to buy gifts for. No matter how bad the gift is, they'll act like it's the best present in the world."
"That may be true Ron," said Harry, "but this is the my first Christmas with a living parent. I would like to make it mean something. I only wish we could go to Hogsmead."
"Why don't you make something for him?" asked Hermione. "Parents love homemade gifts."
"Okay, but what could I make? I'm not artistic or creative."
"Yes you are," said Ron with a smile. "Remember the picture you drew of Trelawny? That was very artistic and creative."
"Funny too," added Sirius with a grin.
"I don't think my dad would find something like humorous," said Harry with a disapproving smile. "I have a week to figure something out. By then, maybe something'll come to me."
"So what are we going to do this fine Saturday?" asked Sirius. "I was thinking something to do with snow."
"That's a fine idea my friend," said Ron excitedly. "I haven't been outside nearly as much as I need. Let's go ambush some Slytherins or some teachers or something."
Harry looked up at the staff table at the mention of teachers to see that his father was not there. He got up from the table.
"I'll meet you guys later," said Harry as he started towards the entrance hall.
"Where are you going?" asked Ron.
"I'm going to find my dad."
***************************************************************************
Severus groaned as he pulled himself out of bed. He had stayed up late researching potion ingredients once again and had only gone to bed a few hours before. His progress on Harry's potion had slowed and it was beginning to frustrate him greatly. He worked more and more on the potion and less on his other work. Harry's condition was worsening, he knew it was. He was sleeping less and going through many bottles of healing potion. Severus knew he needed help and quick. It wouldn't be long until Harry's condition would start to raise suspicion.
Severus showered and dressed before sitting down to drink a strong cup of tea he ordered from the kitchen. He was not going to face the bustle of the students on a Saturday. There was no way his tired mind could take it. Instead, he enjoyed his tea while browsing through the Daily Prophet waiting on his table.
He looked up suddenly when he heard a knock at his door. He stood up, finished off his tea and walked to the door. He opened it expecting to see (hoping to see) his son. Lucius Malfoy, instead, met him at the door.
"Malfoy," said Snape with a slight sneer. "What do I owe this pleasure too?"
Malfoy brushed past him and into Severus' private chambers as he pulled off his black dragon hide gloves.
"I was here on business with the ministry, visiting the headmaster, and I thought that I would stop in and say hello," said Lucius in feigned friendliness.
"Well," said Severus as he held the door open. "Hello. Goodbye."
"Oh come Severus," said Lucius. "Is that anyway to treat an old friend? I simply thought we could talk for old times sake."
"Well you thought wrong. Goodbye," Severus still kept the door opened.
"What's that matter Snape?" said Lucius as he came closer to Severus, his face only a few inches from the potions master's. "Do your past loyalties mean nothing? Is that what they are now? Past loyalties? I know you're up to something Snape. Voldemort may not see it but I do. I will figure it out and you'll be the one to pay for it in the end."
"Why are you really here Malfoy?" said Severus with an icy voice. "You didn't come here to talk."
"Dad?"
Both men turned to see Harry at the door.
"Alex," said Severus as he gave Lucius a side-glance. "Mr. Malfoy was just leaving."
"So this is Alexander Snape," said Malfoy as he walked over to Harry. He offered his hand, which Harry took. "I am Lucius Malfoy. My son is Draco Malfoy. Have you two met?"
"Yes sir, we have," said Harry as he looked over at his father. Severus' expression was unreadable.
"That's good," said Lucius. "Do you like Hogwarts?"
"Yes sir, I do," said Harry.
"Really? It's too bad that you're not in Slytherin. That's were you make your real friends," said Lucius as he looked over at Severus. "Well, I must get going. I hope to see you both real soon. Severus."
Malfoy walked out the door and Severus shut it behind him. Harry walked over and sat at the table in the corner. Severus followed and sat across from him.
"I didn't interrupt anything, did I?" asked Harry as Severus poured himself another cup of tea.
"Yes, you did. Thank you. I don't think he would've left if you hadn't," said Severus over the brim of his teacup. "Tea?"
"No thanks, I already had some at breakfast," said Harry. "Where were you?"
"Here obviously," said Severus with a smile. "I stayed up late doing some work so I slept in."
"No wonder you're always grumpy. Maybe you should get more sleep."
"Lack of sleep doesn't make me grumpy," said Severus as he threw a cube of sugar at Harry. "It's annoying students like you."
"Ha-ha," said Harry as he threw it back. "So what was that all about? I didn't know Malfoy made personal visits."
"He said he wanted to talk," said Severus. "He suspects something, I know he does. Merlin knows how. We've been flawless with this whole thing."
"Do you think he suspects you?" asked Harry. "I mean, you being a spy."
"He's always suspected me," said Severus with a laugh. "And that obviously hasn't changed. I don't know, maybe your right. By the way, I finished some more healing potions. They're on the side table by the couch."
"Alright, thanks," said Harry. "So what were you working on that was more important than sleep?"
"A potion that'll break that connection you have with a certain dark lord," said Severus as he rubbed his face with his hands. "My progress has really slowed down. Its frustrating."
"Don't worry about it," said Harry. "I'm fine right now. Really I am."
"No your not," said Severus. "You go through more healing potions in a week than Pomfrey does. I have to get this done."
"Just promise me you won't work during holiday. Ron, Hermione, and Sirius are all leaving and I'm going to need someone to hang around with."
"Where are they all going off to? And where is Black going?" said Severus as he set down his empty teacup.
"He's going with Ron to stay with the Weasleys and Hermione is going home," said Harry. "They really should go. They've stayed here with me every year for Christmas but now that I have family to stay with, they don't feel so bad about leaving me alone with my crazy father."
"Crazy?" said Severus, smiling. "I wouldn't say that."
"Mildly insane?"
"No, I am very sane thank you very much."
Harry snorted and tried not laugh at this.
"What about you Mr. Goes-looking-for-trouble?"
"Well, that's different," said Harry as he rolled his eyes. "Besides, Alexander Helluin Snape has much more sense than Harry Potter."
"Oh, I am so sure he does," said Snape as he rolled his eyes as well. "So what are we going to do for holiday? Everyone leaves for home on Monday, right?"
Harry nodded.
"Everyone is going home. I know I'll be the only person in my dorm."
"Really?" asked Severus. "Would you like to stay here for the holiday? That way you won't be by yourself."
"Stay here?" Harry thought about it for a moment. He would have a real Christmas with family for the first time in his life. "Okay. Yeah, I'd like that."
"Great. I'll make sure that's okay with Dumbledore, but I'm sure he'll say it's fine. But you should know that I'll make you do your holiday homework. I do not tolerate procrastination."
Harry laughed and agreed.
"I'll see you later okay?" said Harry as he stood up. "Sirius and Ron are having a snowball fight and there is no way I'm going to miss it."
"Alright. Just make sure to beam Black in the face a few times for me," said Severus.
"I still don't know how you all can still have a grudge after all these years," said Harry as he made for the door. "You should really make up and learn to get along."
"Yeah, that's unlikely," said Severus. "Have fun."
"I will," said Harry as he opened the door. "Bye Dad."
***************************************************************************
I hope you all don't mind that I moved the timeline along a little. That's basically what this chapter was for. That and showing how Harry and Severus' relationship has developed over the last two months or so. But wait, hang on. . .
It's poll time!
The Order of the Phoenix comes out in two weeks. I was just curious if everyone is still going to read 5th year fan fiction after the book comes out. This fic has about six or seven chapters left and I doubt I could finish it by the time the book comes out. I could try but I doubt it. I want to know if you all will read it. I hope so.
My second poll question is what do you all think will happen in the next book? What are your theories? I'm just curious.
Thanks for reading. I hope you like this chapter.