Invenio Veritas
By penpunk
Disclaimer: Not mine in the least. All JKR.
Chapter 22: Home
***************************************************************************
Harry's mind froze as the shadow in the corner moved into the light of the dimming fire. Voldemort, in all his evil, snake-like glory, stood in the center of the room. The orange glow of the fire played off his black robes and caused shadows to dance around his gaunt face.
Harry's entire body went numb as he looked dumbly upon the man. . . no, not man. . . the monster who had given to his life nothing but pain and loneliness. The murderer of his mother, James Potter, Cedric Diggory, and countless others. The tormentor of his father, himself, and the entire wizarding world. And now, Harry was staring face to face with him.
He stood there, waiting for the pain that emanated from his scar to start, but it didn't come. He felt nothing but the fear racing through his body and the slight warming feeling the potion had given him.
"Your father has told me about you," continued Voldemort as he took a seat next to the fire. He held out an inhuman and pale hand and motioned to a chair across from him. "Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable."
Harry frantically looked at his father. Severus' face remained indifferent but his eyes betrayed his every emotion. Harry saw fear, guilt, sadness, and remorse swirling in Severus' black gaze. He looked back and saw that Voldemort was waiting for him to sit. Harry willed his protesting legs forward and sat across from Voldemort, his back ridged and knuckles white as they gripped the arms of the old leather chair.
"Did you enjoy yourself this evening Alexander?" asked Voldemort, his harsh, raspy voice taking on a very uncharacteristic tone of pleasantness. Harry couldn't find his voice and simply nodded in response. Voldemort grinned evilly as he sat forward, getting a good look into Harry's eyes.
"Are you scared?" he asked as he searched Harry's face. To the casual observer, the answer to that question was quite clear, but it seemed that the dark lord wanted to hear it for himself.
"Yes," said Harry in a apprehensive whisper, looking into Voldemort's red, slitted eyes. Voldemort leaned back on his chair, still looking in Harry's eyes.
"Honesty is very important to me Alexander," said Voldemort. He looked away from Harry and his eyes rested on Severus. "Very important."
His eyes lingered on Severus for several more moments before returning to Harry.
"It takes a big man to admit when he's frightened. It shows honestly and character. Something I am not used to seeing," Voldemort stood up and started to walk around the room. "You intrigue me Alexander. So young yet so willing. You succeeded in gaining the trust of young mister Potter. From what I've heard from Severus, you've infiltrated his closest circle of friends. That is something no one was able to do. The Malfoy brat was too arrogant, his friends too thick. But you-."
Voldemort stopped in front of Harry. Harry had his eyes on the floor, his fingers still gripping the chair tightly.
"You are different," Voldemort put one of his long fingers underneath Harry's chin and brought his head up, meeting him eye to eye. "Smart, cunning. . . loyal. An honor to have as a son, am I right Severus?"
"Yes My Lord," said Severus, speaking for the first time.
"You must be very proud of him."
"I am," said Severus. Harry looked over at this father. Severus' eyes were still swirling with fear, but they also had some pride in them as well. He turned back to Voldemort who was still standing in front of him.
"You've shown loyalty to me young Alexander. Loyalties beyond what some of my older Deatheaters have yet to conceive. I have become very selective when it comes to choosing my inner circle. Sure, I have pawns involved that do my every wish but they are not loyal. It has been a very long time since I have given anyone the honor of bearing my Mark."
Voldemort took Harry's left hand in his own and with his other hand, pushed up Harry's sleeve.
"But you deserve to wear it. Just as your father does now."
Voldemort lowered his other hand to Harry's forearm. Harry frantically searched for a way to stop the man. . . the monster. He couldn't be marked. He was not loyal to Voldemort. He could not do this.
"No no no no no no no no," said Harry over and over in his mind as he closed his eyes. "No no no no no no no. . . ."
"NO!"
Harry opened his eyes quickly as he realized it wasn't he who spoke. He looked over at his father, whose face was as pale as he had ever seen it. He looked down at this arm and saw that it was Dark Mark free, Voldemort's hand still hovering about his arm.
"Severus?" asked Voldemort in a venomous tone as he looked up from Harry's arm. "What is the meaning of this? Am I mistaken in what I have said? Would you prevent your son from experiencing the honor of wearing the mark of a loyal follower?"
Severus failed to answer. Harry watched as Voldemort's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Please, m-my Lord," stammered Harry when Severus' voice faltered. "My father does not wish for me to be marked."
"Really?" Voldemort let go of Harry's arm and straightened his back as he continued to look at Severus.
"I asked many times," said Harry quickly, to try and regain Voldemort's attention. It worked. Voldemort turned back to Harry, looking at him appraisingly, "but he said that it would not be wise."
"And why not?" Voldemort turned his crimson eyes back onto Severus.
"My Lord, please forgive me for my outburst. It is true; Alex has asked me if it was possible for him to be marked. It would be my greatest wish as well, but I do not think it is a good idea. You see, I have worked with children for a long time and have come to know that the relationships they share with other children can be very volatile. The slightest bit of mistrust can cast someone out of a group of friends. For Alex to bare your mark would be risking everything we have worked for."
Voldemort stroked his chin as he contemplated what Severus had just told him.
"And how do you feel about this Alex?" asked Voldemort as he returned to the chair across from Harry.
"At first, I was disappointed but I realized that my father is right."
"My Lord," said Severus as he moved closed to the sitting figures. "I hope you do not take our refusal as unappreciative. We only feel that this is the wisest move to take."
Voldemort sat in silence for a few moments.
"Well, I guess that the honor will have to come another time then," said Voldemort as he rested his chin on his fist. He sounded slightly disappointed but seemed to believe them nonetheless.
"Thank you My Lord," said Harry as he looked up at his father, who was obviously relieved, even if he didn't show it.
"You are welcome young Alexander," said Voldemort. "You may go now. I hope we meet again real soon."
Harry lingered for a few moments until he could get his body to move. He stood up and walked away from Voldemort without looking into those snake-like eyes. Severus bowed to the Dark Lord before following Harry towards the door. He closed the door behind them and they started to make their way back up the corridor.
They both waked in silence, too shaken up to speak. If Severus had known what was to happen as a result of that invitation, he would have ripped it up the moment he had received it. He looked down at Harry whose face was pale. His green eyes showed blatant fear, but the expression on his face was blank. Severus glanced down to Harry's arm and saw that his sleeve was still pushed up, revealing his, thankfully, unmarked arm. Severus reached down and grabbed Harry's arm, pulling down his sleeve. Harry looked up at Severus, his expression still blank. Severus tried to bring himself to say something but decided that it would be best to wait until they were out of the company of Deatheaters.
Severus and Harry walked through the last door at the end of the dark corridor and back into the Malfoy's ballroom. The party was still in full swing as father and son made their way to the door. The house elf retrieved their scarves and gloves and gave them a portkey that would take them to Hogsmeade. As they made their way towards the door, Severus was stopped when Lucius came up behind him and grabbed him by the elbow. Severus spun around, glaring menacingly at the blonde man.
"Leaving so soon Severus?" he asked as he cast an appraising look in Harry's direction. Harry had regained some of his color, though the look in his eyes was still distant and fearful.
"Not soon enough," muttered Severus as he turned back towards the door. He wrapped an arm around Harry and started to walk away from the Manor.
"Happy Christmas!" shouted Lucius, obviously feigning friendliness. He sneered at their retreating backs before closing the door of the Manor.
As soon as they were far enough from the house, Severus stopped walking and turned to Harry, holding him away at arm's length.
"Are you okay?" asked Severus, much concern in his eyes and voice. His eyes searched Harry's face, looking for some indication of pain or injury. Harry simply nodded. Severus let out a sigh of relief. He looked at Harry a little longer before running a hand through his son's hair and pulling his head into his chest. Severus wrapped his other arm around Harry, embracing him out of relief and a little out of quilt. Harry wrapped his arms around Severus' back. He was glad his father was with him at that very moment, for he felt as though he was about to lose all composure. It took every ounce of bravery, courage, and strength Harry had to keep calm around Voldemort. Five more minutes in that accursed place and he probably would have lost it.
"Come on," Severus said as he pulled a little away from Harry. "Let's go home."
Harry nodded. Severus held out the portkey to Harry and after waiting a few moments, both were whisked away to Hogsmeade.
***************************************************************************
Severus and Harry landed back in Hogsmeade and started their walk back to the castle. Severus still had one arm protectively around Harry, but he started to notice that he was half carrying the boy as the castle came into view. As they got to the front door, Severus remembered that he was supposed to talk to Headmaster.
"Harry, I know it's been a difficult night, but we need to go and talk to Dumbledore. He needs to know what happened tonight."
Harry didn't respond verbally but Severus could feel Harry nodding, since his head was buried against his shoulder. Severus sighed slightly and started towards the Headmaster's office.
Severus stopped in front of the gargoyles, muttered the password (gummy bears), and walked up the stairs, still supporting Harry. He knocked on the door. He listened for Dumbledore to give permission to enter before walking through the door. Dumbledore, like always, was seated at his desk as father and son walked into the grand office. The former headmasters and mistresses were sleeping soundly on the walls as always and the moonlight coming through the windows reflected off Dumbledore's many wizarding gadgets and gizmos.
"Severus? What happened? Is he alright?" asked Dumbledore as he stood up behind his desk. Severus was still helping Harry stay up as they walked into office. The potions master helped Harry sit before sitting down himself.
"It's been quite the night, I must admit," snapped Severus, causing Harry to look up suddenly. Severus looked over at Harry, who looked slightly more responsive. Severus looked back at the headmaster who had his hands steepled in front of him. "Harry was seconds away from being Marked by Voldemort tonight."
If Dumbledore was expecting anything, it definitely was not that.
"How is that possible Severus?" asked Dumbledore as he rested his chin on his folded hands. His face was very puzzled and dark.
"Voldemort was a guest at Lucius' party. Malfoy led us to a room somewhere in his manor and Voldemort was there waiting for us. He wanted to talk with Harry and was going to give him the Dark Mark. If Harry and I hadn't weaved together a quick excuse, 'Alex' would have been Voldemort's newest follower."
"Merlin," muttered Dumbledore, his eyes wide behind his half moon glasses. "Are you alright Harry?"
"What didn't my scar burn? Why didn't it hurt? I was so close to him," asked Harry, totally disregarding Dumbledore's question.
"The potion I gave you worked then?" asked Severus. Harry looked at him, puzzled. "I mean, you felt nothing from your scar?"
Harry nodded.
"Then it must work," said Severus. He sounded relieved, like a weight had been taken from his shoulders. "The potion. . . it breaks the connection you have with Voldemort."
"How did you know that you needed it?" asked Dumbledore. "When did you find time to give it to Harry?"
"I always carry a supply of potions with me where ever I go. I had tested the potion I finished for Harry this morning on myself. It was safe to drink, but I had no idea whether it would work or not. I bottled it up just in case and carried it with me, since Harry's had visions while awake before. I gave it to him as Malfoy was leading us to Voldemort, though I didn't know where he was leading us at the time. Thank Merlin it worked or our whole cover could have been blown."
"Harry, did your scar hurt at all before you entered that room?" asked Dumbledore with concern.
"It always hurts," said Harry as he looked down at his hands. "There's always a dull ache, it just doesn't go away."
"But it stopped after you took the potion, right?" asked Severus. Harry nodded.
"The pain is coming back though," said Harry as he rubbed his forehead.
"So it's not permanent then," said Severus as he looked back up at Dumbledore. "I need to make more. I may be able to tweak it and make it stronger but for now, it'll do."
"That is the best news I've heard in a while Severus. However, it seems as though we have other issue to worry about."
"I gave him too much information about Potter in the last month. Voldemort sees Harry and I as his most loyal. Malfoy knows something is going on, or has convinced himself that there is. He's envious of the power I've gained in the Deatheaters and that Voldemort is relying on Alex more than Draco. I do not want that man anywhere near the castle," said Severus, maliciousness rising in his voice.
"I wish it were so Severus, but he has too much power in the ministry and the fact that his son is a student here gives the right to be here. I am sorry."
"Fine, but if he comes anywhere near Harry, he will wish he was never born," hissed Severus as he sat back in his seat, gripping the arms with white knuckles.
"Now that the ministry has decided to get involved with Voldemort, I have a feeling Lucius Malfoy will try to lie low," said Dumbledore. "Nevertheless, I share your worry Severus and I will do all I can to help. I suggest that you both try to get around tonight's events and try to enjoy your vacation. It is Christmas tomorrow. Rest up before classes start again."
Severus and Harry both nodded at the headmaster. Severus got out of his chair to help Harry, but it seemed that Harry had recovered from the ordeal slightly and his nerves had been calmed. He stood up and waited for Severus. Severus nodded at the headmaster before turning and walking out the door, Harry in tow.
They walked silently until they got to Severus' chambers. He disabled the wards and opened the door, allowing Harry to walk though and following behind him. He closed the door and put the wards back on as precaution. He then looked over at Harry, who was sitting on the large sofa, staring into the empty fireplace. He walked over and sat on the other end, his eyes never leaving Harry.
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Severus after a few moments of silence. Harry continued to stare at the empty fire. Without looking away, he shook his head. Severus sighed and looked away from Harry. "Well, I'm here if you want to."
Harry didn't respond. Severus sat there for a few more moments before the overwhelming need to sleep came over him. He hadn't slept in a few days, putting it off to instead work on Harry's potion. He wanted to make more but was too tired to do so. He got up from the couch and went into his room. He came back out, carrying a blanket and pillow. He set them down at the end of the couch.
"I'll be in my room if you need me," said Severus. Harry looked up at him. He nodded slightly before returning his eyes to the fireplace. "Goodnight."
Severus turned around and walked into his room, glancing at Harry once more before partially closing his door.
***************************************************************************
Severus fell asleep quickly, but his dreams were filled with images of Voldemort, the Dark Mark, and a crying baby that strongly resembled Harry. Severus fought through shadows and got to the baby. He took it into his arms and saw that it had a giant cut on its forehead, blood running down its infant face. Its shrieking cry suddenly turned to a chilling laugh. The baby he was holding was no more and instead, Severus was holding coils of snakes, all weaving their way around him, squeezing him until he could no longer breath.
Severus opened his eyes and sat up quickly in bed. His head was spinning and he saw that he had almost strangled himself with his own sheets. He untangled himself from his bedding and got out of bed. He hissed as his feet hit the cold floor, remembering that he had not lit a fire before going to bed. His freezing toes frantically searched for the pair of slippers he kept at the side of the bed, finding them and slipping them on. Severus grabbed a jumper out of his closet and slipped it on over his long-sleeve t-shirt before stepping out into his living room.
He peered over the side of the couch and saw that Harry was sleeping, though not very soundly. He was tossing erratically and muttering incoherently. Severus walked around to the front of the couch and kneeled beside Harry. He shook Harry lightly on the shoulder, trying to wake up the muttering boy.
"Harry, come on. Wake up," said Severus softly as he brushed Harry's hair out of his eyes. Harry's long, dark lashes fluttered briefly before his bright green eyes opened. He stopped tossing as he say his father in front of his face. "Harry? Are you all right? You were tossing badly and muttering."
Harry sat up and rubbed his eyes with the back of his fists. He looked back at his father and nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just dreaming," Harry pulled the thick blanket around him closer. Severus saw that he was shivering slightly. He stood up and walked back into his room, returning shortly with his wand. He pointed it at the fire and said "incendio." The empty fire immediately sprang to life, a blazing fire crackling within it. Severus pocketed his wand before sitting down next to Harry on the couch.
"What were you dreaming about?" asked Severus. Harry was staring at the bright fire, the flames dancing in his tired eyes. He took a deep breathe before answering.
"It was about tonight. My scar doesn't hurt if that's what you are wondering. It's just that. . . well. . . tonight really scared me. How can you go to those meetings and stand to face him over and over?"
"I just think about what I am fighting for," said Severus after pausing a moment. "It makes if worth it. A way to redeem myself for past mistakes. I just think of what I have to lose if we fail, which wasn't much until recently."
Severus looked over at Harry, whose eyes were still a little fearful. Severus placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Harry gave Severus a half smile in return, which was cut short by a large yawn. The Potions Master chuckled softly as he leaned back on the sofa.
"Will you stay out here with me?" asked Harry coyly as he hugged his pillow to his chest. Severus nodded, causing the tension in Harry's face to lift slightly. He placed his pillow next to Severus' lap and laid down. He found out, however, that he was unable to stretch is legs out. Severus noticed as well and slid down to the other side of the couch, placing Harry's pillow on top of his lap. Harry gathered his blankets up and laid down, placing his head on Severus' pillow-covered lap, facing the fire. Severus pulled the blankets up and tucked them in around Harry's shoulders. He placed one hand on Harry's shoulder and cradled his own face in the other. His tired mind slowly faded into sleep, his dreams filled with nothingness.
***************************************************************************
Harry woke up early the next morning, the fire still crackling merrily. His head was still resting on his father's lap, Severus fast asleep. Harry sat up carefully, so not to wake his sleeping father. He stood up and stretched his arms, yawning widely. He looked around and realized all of a sudden that it was Christmas morning. He looked at the Christmas tree in the corner of the room and saw that the house-elves had already delivered gifts. Harry saw that their Christmas tree had many underneath. He looked back to his sleeping father. He looked so peaceful. Pity he wouldn't be any longer.
Harry jumped up onto the couch and started bouncing up and down. Severus woke with a start, desperately trying to figure out what was going on. He looked up and was met by Harry's brightly smiling face.
"Feeling much better, I'm assuming," said Severus, trying his best to sound grumpy. Harry nodded, still wearing a huge smile.
"Happy Christmas!" he said loudly as he jumped and plopped down onto the couch next to his father.
"Happy Christmas to you," said Severus, returning Harry's smile. Harry sat there for a few moments, staring into the fire. Severus looked at him oddly before speaking.
"Well? What are you waiting for? A special invitation? Go open your gifts!"
Harry looked at his father strangely before shaking his head and getting off the couch. He went over and sat down cross-legged in front of the tree.
"You have some in here too," said Harry as he looked back up at Severus. He patted the spot next to him and motioned with his head for Severus to join him. Severus rolled his eyes before taking a seat next to Harry. Harry started pulling gifts from under the tree. He handed an odd shaped package to Severus, which ended up being a bottle of wine from Dumbledore.
"I get some of that, right?" asked Harry with a grin. That earned him a light slap on the back of the head from his father. "I guess not."
Harry unwrapped an assortment of Honeydukes candy from Dumbledore with a note saying: To make up for all the cancelled Hogsmeade trips.
"You will share that," said Severus as he began to rummage through the various sweets. Harry grabbed the box from Severus and slapped his hand away. He next pulled out two identically wrapped bundles from Mrs. Weasley. Harry snickered as he handed his father the package, knowing exactly what was to be unwrapped.
"What the hell is this?" asked Severus as he held up a black Weasley jumper with a gray "S" on the front.
"That would be a Weasley jumper," said Harry as he unwrapped his own. His was dark green with a black "A" on it. "Seems Mrs. Weasley's taken a liking to you. She doesn't make just anyone a jumper."
Severus eyed it strangely, sending Harry into a fit of giggles. He continued to unwrap gifts, getting a Pride of Portee (his new favorite quidditch team, much to the disgust of Ron) t-shirt from Ron, a book on Aurors from Hermione, a Firebolt carrying case for his broom from Sirius, and a book on defense spells from Lupin.
Severus was surprised to see a gift from Ron and Hermione under the tree. He opened in and found a set of self-labeling potion vials. He looked up at Harry with a look of surprise on his face. Harry shrugged in return. Severus set down the vials and stood up. He walked into his room and back, carrying a wrapped box. He sat back down on the floor next to Harry and handed him the gift. Harry was already holding two packages and handed them both to Severus.
"What are these?" asked Severus as he took the two packages.
"What do they look like?" said Harry with a grin. "Open them!"
Severus took the larger of the two and opened it first. He pulled out a leather bound book. It had no title so he opened it and his eyes grew wide. Inside, there were pictures of baby Harry and his mother. Severus was lost for words as he looked back up at Harry.
"Hagrid gave me a photo album my first year," explained Harry. "I took some of the pictures and copied them. I thought you might like to have some of them."
"Thank you," said Severus as he continued to flip through the book. It was filled with images of Lily when she was in school, when she was pregnant, and numerous pictures of her holding baby Harry. He set down the book next to him and picked up the next package and unwrapped it. He turned it over and saw that it was a picture frame. It held a picture of Harry on his broom, in his quidditch robes.
"Colin Creevey took that picture during our first quidditch match," said Harry as he pointed at the image of him sitting on him broom and waving up at Severus. Severus looked up and smiled at Harry. He turned the frame over and examined it. He got a slightly puzzle look on his face.
"Where did you get the frame?" asked Severus. The frame was made from pieces of rounded wood, puzzled together to make a very unique looking frame.
"I made it," said Harry. "Remember third year when I fell off my broom and my broom hit the Whomping Willow? Well, I was digging around in my, er- Harry's trunk and I found the pieces of it. The team and gotten the pieces for me and I never had the heart to throw them away."
"Harry, I. . . I don't know what to say. Thank you. . . I. . . thank you," Severus set the picture frame down before wrapping his arms around Harry. After he released him, Severus picked up the photo album and started flipping through it again.
Harry took the gift Severus had given him and unwrapped it. Inside, there was a box. Harry took it out and examined it. It was made of a light colored wood and had a carved lid. The carvings were of flowers and as Harry examined it closely, saw that they were lilies.
"It was your mother's," said Severus suddenly as he watched Harry look over his gift. "She left it with Dumbledore before the charm was cast. She left if for me in case anything were to happen to her."
"Thank you," said Harry as he opened it. The inside was lined with black velvet and the initials L.R.E. were embossed in silver on the lid. "What does the "R" stand for in her initials?"
"Ruth," answered Severus as he began to crumple up the various pieces of wrapping paper around him. "She never liked it though. She thought it sounded like an old woman's name."
"This is great. What did she put in it?" asked Harry.
"I don't know," said Severus as he stood up. "But I do know what you can do with it."
"Really? What?" asked Harry as he looked down at it.
"Follow me," said Severus. Harry stood up and followed behind his father. Severus stopped in front of the door at the end of his chambers. "This is what I was doing yesterday. I hope you'll forgive me for not keeping you very good company."
He took the ward of the door and opened it. The room was dark and Harry wasn't following what Severus was doing. He looked at his father with a puzzled look.
"Go in," said Severus. Harry gave him one more odd look before walking in. Severus muttered a spell and the lights in the room suddenly sprang to life. Harry looked around at the room and turned back to Severus.
"What is this?" he asked as he looked around it with wonder.
"This is your room," said Severus as he walked to the center of the room.
"My room?" said Harry as he felt is jaw drop. Harry could see that now. The walls were painted blue and covered in quidditch posters and Gryffindor banners. In the corner was a large bed with gray bedding and a desk next to it. Harry walked over to the bookshelf and saw it was full of books, muggle and magical, including his favorite book The Catcher in the Rye. There was a special shelf where he could hang his broom and a place to put Hedwig's cage. Severus walked over to the bedside table and grabbed the box from Harry.
"There," he said as he set in down on the table. "That's what you can do with it."
"I. . .," Harry's voice faltered as he continued to look around. He was making Severus dizzy by the way he was circling the room, picking up something, setting it down, picking something else up, setting it down, and picking it up again.
"I know it's not much," said Severus as he clasped his arms behind his back, "but it'll do for now."
Severus was almost thrown backwards as Harry ran up and embraced him. Severus returned the hug and smiled as Harry smiled up at him.
"It's wonderful," said Harry. "I love it. I. . . I never had a room of my own before."
"Well, like I said, it'll do for now," said Severus as he ruffled Harry's black hair. "The one at home will be much bigger."
"Home?"
Severus nodded.
"I think I won't feel so lonely in that house if I have someone to share it with."
"Home?"
Harry had only once ever gotten his hopes up to live somewhere else other than the Dursleys' and that was when he was walking out of the Shrieking Shack with Sirius, him saying that Harry could live with him after he was acquitted. Home seemed like such a strange word to him. He lived in a house with the Dursleys' but it was never his home. He always felt that home would be with his parents. Sirius was the closest he had ever come to a parent before Severus and Harry had always felt at home with him. But a real home?
"You don't mind leaving the Dursleys', do you?" asked Severus as he crossed his arms. Harry looked up at him with wide eyes. Again, Severus was thrown backwards as Harry threw himself around his father. "I'll take that as a no."
Harry found himself grinning widely at the thought of it. He had not dared hoped for it before but now he could finally indulge in that one thought.
Home.
***************************************************************************
Who's proud of me? It only took me a week to update! I'm proud of myself thank you very much. I thought it would be cruel to make you wait, seeing how I left you a cliffhanger last chapter. But we're nearing the end folks. Four chapters left.
Did you notice that I finally figured out how to do italics? Maybe I should have asked sooner but anyway, thanks to Istalksiriusonweekends for the help with that.
The poll question for this chapter is:
What did you think of this chapter? I know, I know, not very exciting but I really enjoy hearing what you all think about this.
I think I got a record number of death threats last chapter. Don't I feel special? Anyway, the responses to your views are below.
Responses:
Athenakitty: First reviewer and so many questions! I hope this chapter answered some of them for you.
Corgi: Thanks! I agree, I thought there was going to be a lot more Snape than there was. I felt sorry for him, though. I always thought he was over exaggerating about James but I guess not. I hope there's more in the next book.
Rickman's Girl: I know the risks of leaving cliffhangers. My life has been threatened but I still think it's fun!! I liked the book as well and it's only second behind the 3rd. I was upset by the death, but only because he's my favorite character. He's my favorite character along with Severus, which really doesn't make sense but it's me we're talking about. I don't make sense to myself half the time. I did think the back-story was very interesting though. It seems the James was as arrogant as Severus said. Hmmm. . . Very interesting.
Kemenran: questions questions. I hope I answered them all for you. Thanks for the review, it was very nice of you to say all those things. . . especially after I left that nasty cliffhanger.
Xikum: I did introduce a lot, didn't I? Well, I have to say that this fic is nearing the end and so you can count on the next few chapters being very exciting. At least I think they will be. I agree with you though. I do have to read the 5th book a few more times before I can decide on how much I like it. I read it too fast and don't really remember what happens. Thanks for the review!
Yumi-no-baka: Holy bananas. I didn't even think about the whole house-elf thing. I'm glad you caught it because I certainly didn't. But wouldn't Malfoy have to give him clothes to release him? If not, Harry could have given Dobby something in second year to free him sooner. I think that it has to be the master of the house elf that gives them clothes to free them. Thanks for the review. No need to send out the basilisk, right?
Sage and Snape: That was a very long review but I love long reviews so thanks! I did notice the tear thing being a little overboard but I decided to leave it. It is really out of character for both of them as well and if I can think of something to change it with, I will. Have any suggestions? I read most of your first fic, though I'm having a hard time finding time to read very much. I like it so far. I'm not really one for original characters in Harry Potter fiction, mostly because it takes away from the other characters, but Sage is cool. And lot's of Snape is always a good thing.
Kateydidnt: I hope this chapter answered your question. I didn't want to take away from the ending by saying that his scar was hurting, so I stated and explained in this chapter. Thanks for the review.
Crazy one: well, if you kill me, you'll never find out what happens so I don't think that's a very good idea. Although, death threats about my chapter always let me know I'm doing a good job, so thanks!
Sela: I agree! His death was skittered over which makes me think that JKR isn't really finished with him. I may just be getting my hopes up or it may be because I can't get over him being dead, but either way, I hope he doesn't disappear entirely from the books. Thanks for the review.
Kateri: I hope I answered your questions. Thanks for the review.
Saimhe: Who doesn't like fluff? Thanks for the review.
Romm: Hmm. . . Interesting idea, though I dare say, it would make Voldemort very suspicious. Thanks for the review.
Wytil: I really like Tonks. As for Luna, I thought she was a very un-JKR like character. She just bugged me I guess. As for Harry and his little romance, it was very aggravating the way Ms. Chang acted. Never really liked her anyway. Thanks for the review.
Roxy: So do you threaten everyone you like? If so, makes me feel special nonetheless. Thanks!
Cassa-Andra: I don't think anyone has ever thanked me for the effort I've put into this. Thank you so much. I've worked hard on it and it's great to know that my hard work is being appreciated. Thanks!
Aditya Simha: Thanks for the review. I do plan on writing a hp-6 fic, but I really really doubt that it'll be a sequel to this. I think this fic will stand alone on it's own very well. I hope you'll read it nonetheless. Thanks!
Wren: Ah, another death threat. You would think that I would be frightened, but I think I'm just immune now. In response to your review, I can definitely say no slash. Definitely no slash. I'm not a big fan, to tell the truth and there is only one slash fic I have ever read that I liked. Thanks for the review.
Xx_gaidon_xX: I'm glad you don't think Severus is a pansy. That would make me sad. Thanks for the review.
Shadow4284: I'm so glad you found me. I hope you like what's happened so far. Thanks for the review.
Elfmoon87: I know! I felt so sorry for him. For once, I actually believed that James is as arrogant as Severus always said. Yeah, Remus is still great. At least we have him still. . . *sniff*
Alicorn: I hope this isn't too cliché. If it is, oh well, this is how I imagined it. I'm glad that I'm not the only one who noticed how many useless things were in OotP. I think we should all have a moment of silence for the trees that gave their lives in the creation of that book. I was very very wordy, but it does give to the whole clear description of everything. Thanks for the review.
And to everyone else who reviewed:
ShortySC22, Allison lightning, Eriee, Charma1219, PurpleYin, Chaser, Mikee, Carpathia, Unknowncatstar, Hermionestarz, R.I. Red, Palanmenel, Harmoni, Pixyfairy120, MarsMoonstar, Faylin, Lady lightning, stayblue, witchmaster, Jeanne, alamarang, ball
Thanks so much! You guys rock!