Who Are You To Me?
Chapter Seven
'Dissimulare' is Italian, it means 'conceal'
A/N – Hi! So, I have returned to this story after...um...7 months...ooops. I have been in America for 3 of those though, and time before that was spent preparing. I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting!
Thanks to my chapter 6 reviewers! – HermioneGreen, Jennifer, Ice Petals, Sarahamanda, lillinfields, stacia, linky2, ladyvoldermort, Melissa Jooty, HecateDeMort, Unseen Watcher, Melanie, krr84 and t.a.g.0
Harry read the short note, and felt a knot tie itself in his stomach. He hated portkeys with a fierce passion, he had hoped Severus would remember that. He decided to write a note back.
Severus,
I'm not overly fond of portkeys, but I will use one if there is no other way to get to your house. Where exactly do you live anyway?
Harry
Calling Hedwig, he cast a small glamour charm upon her; the charm meant he could change her colouring, in the hope that people wouldn't notice the pure white owl flying back and forth, and become suspicious. He had been using the charm for a while now, ever since he had found the charm in the book Hermione had given him for his birthday. He then sent her on her way.
When Severus received the letter, he suddenly remembered why Harry hated portkeys. How could he have forgotten that? He had to think of another way. He could meet Harry in Diagon Alley, he supposed, although he might have to use a glamour charm on himself. Then he could use his car from the muggle side of Diagon Alley to his house. He didn't want to have to do things the muggle way, but if it was the only option.......
Harry,
Sorry, a portkey was a thoughtless idea on my part. I figured we'd have to do things the muggle way, which means meeting in Diagon alley after all. To prevent any danger, or extra interest, I will use a glamour charm on myself, although I will send those details tomorrow evening.
I'm sure you can leave your trunk and other things stored in the Leaky Cauldron.
I'm going to send this, then I will write you a proper letter when my owl returns.
Severus
Harry was slightly surprised that Severus was willing to meet in Diagon Alley, but he didn't really think anything else of it. He just wanted to go already. It wasn't that he wasn't having a good summer, but many weeks in the same place got very tedious. He'd even finished all of his homework. He put a CD on, and laid back on his bed. Without realising it, he started to drift off to sleep.
An hour later, he was woken by an owl at his window. It was from Ron.
Harry
Hope you're well. Are you still meeting us in Diagon Alley on Tuesday? Hermione's staying here now until the start of term. Mum said to ask if you wanted to come and stay as well. We'll be in Diagon Alley from 11am on Tuesday, let us know where we can meet you.
See you Tuesday.
Ron
As soon as he'd read Ron's letter, Severus' owl flew through the open window. Harry hoped there was some mention of whether he could tell his friends or not.
Harry
I understand about the 'Dad' thing, you can call me Severus for the time being, until you feel comfortable with 'Dad'. Also I think you should keep the surname Potter for now.
I think you can probably tell Ron and Hermione, as long as you tell them they mustn't tell anyone else, and you tell them the news somewhere private.
I have sent Professor Dumbledore an owl, letting him know that you will be staying with me from Tuesday, and I also told him why. He still hasn't replied, so I don't know whether he knew or not.
I have some books about the charm your mother used on you. I don't know how much information she wrote in her diary, but I believe you have the 'Dissimulare' charm cast upon you. This charm is irreversible
I don't think we are in much more danger than we are anyway. The only thing we will have to be careful of is Voldemort finding out, because it could be an easier way to get to you, through me. I only hope that he will never find out.
With regards to Tuesday, I will use a glamour charm on myself, I will be wearing muggle clothing of jeans and a dark blue t-shirt, and I will meet you in the Leaky Cauldron, on the table nearest the stairs, at 4:30pm. If anyone (other than Ron and Hermione) sees you with me and wonders who I am, we will tell them I am your second cousin. How are you planning to get to Diagon Alley on Tuesday?
I will see you then.
Severus.
While Harry was reading his letter from his father, the latter was receiving a letter from the headmaster.
Severus,
I did not know the news you have told me, but thank you for sharing it with me. I have researched concealing charms, and I agree that Harry had had the effects of Dissimulare put upon him.
I will allow Harry to stay at your house, mainly because you have so many protective spells upon your house. I also believe that you and Harry will be able to get to know each other, this time without prejudice.
I will see you on September 1st. And don't worry, your secret is safe with me.
Albus