AN: ok so this took FOREVER to get out but I hope you enjoy it! Thanks sooooo much to my Beta and my friend SanuraSayeh for their support. Without further adu...
Ch6 Dudley's a Wizard?
Petunia woke the next morning with a start, she'd been dreaming about Dudley ending up on the dark side following Voldemort and his followers.
"Petunia are you ok?" Sirius asked having been suddenly awoken by her movements.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. I'm just ready to find out if Dudley is a wizard or not. Maybe I'll be able to sleep again when I know." Petunia expressed causing Sirius to pull her back to him and curl her up under their midnight blue comforter. With in moments they were both fast asleep again.
Next morning Petunia opened her eyes to start the day and saw a large brown barn owl sitting on the end of their four post bed, with an envelope in his beak.
Dear Petunia,
I am pleased to inform you that Dudley Dursley arrived at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry safely at 10am this morning. Please join us for his wizard testing at 12:30 pm.
Yours truly,
Albus Dumbledore
"Sirius get up we've got to get to Hogwarts, Dudley's been taken there for his test." Sirius' groggy mind attempted to catch Petunia's words, but without success. It wasn't until she threw his robes and cloak at him.
"I'm up. Why am I up?" Petunia tossed the letter on top of Sirius' cloak. After reading it several times Sirius bounded from the bed and throw on his robes and cloak. They grabbed floo powder pot from beside the bed room fire place and made the trip to Dumbledore's office.
Finding no one there they set off to search the castle.
"Would love to have the Marauders Map right about now." There was no need for it. As they exited the stair case from Dumbledore's office they met with Filtch who imformed them that Dudley was in the Great Hall. With this information Petunia ran to the Great Hall with Sirius trailing closely behind her.
"Mum!" Dudley exclaimed running to him mum's open arms as she entered the hall. Once there, it didn't take Petunia long to calm him down.
Now set at the Slytherin table Dudley's face buried in his mother's robes. (Robes...wait...since when did his mum dress like his freaky cousin?!?) Dudley attempted to voice his concerns but Mrs. Noris sauntered into the room.
"Ah, I wondered when you where going to show up, you should have been here ages ago." Dudley blinked stupidly at the cat.
"That's right Dudley, I'm talking to you, you're a wizard and you have no idea how much I'm going to relish getting you into trouble." With that the cat sauntered out of the room.
Albus noted the exchange between Dudley and Mrs. Noris as he dropped the sorting hat on Dudley's head. Dudley jumped when a low voice filled his ears.
"There's defiantly wit and talent in there, yes, just the same as your family that came before. But now what house do you belong to? Help you'll find is needed here, a friend from foe will be made this year, but I think you'll do better in Slytherin!" the hat shouted the last word for the hall to hear.
No one seemed surprised at this choice of house except for Dudley, who had no idea what a 'Slytherin' was. Albus removed the hat from Dudley's head and was about to congratulate the boy when a second small tabby cat entered the room, her delicate movements and glittering eyes made it easy to recognize her. Minerva leapt from the floor to nestle herself into Albus' arms before Albus could say what he wanted..
"Hello Minerva, my love." The tabby merely ignored him staring intently at Dudley for some reason the boys presence sent tiny shivers over her fur. "Welcome to Hogwarts Dudley, at the start of the year, when the rest of the students arrive you will join the house that sits at this table."
"I remember you, we left Harry with your family many years ago. I really must learn that Albus does nothing without a proper reason." The cat-like Minerva said causing Dudley to stare at the cat for a moment before suddenly stating.
"Cats don't talk and what possible reason could there be for leaving that freak with us?" Dudley felt a slight twinge of guilt for calling Harry a freak in front of these people, though he had never felt guilty before. Minerva jumped from Albus' arms with a small lick to his hand, she landed on the table feeling quite disturbed. No one had ever talked to her when she was a cat before. Shaking it off she transformed back into her normal self sitting with her feet dangling over the side of the table, emerald green robes flowing around her.
"Albus, thought you'd like to know two urgent owls just came for you." Albus took the letters and placed the sorting hat on top of Minerva's head receiving an annoyed look from her, the hat made no move for this was not a student in need of sorting.
"Well it seems I have business to tend to before dinner, Minerva please come with me. The rest of you are welcome to wander the castle and, of course, chat." Albus said eyes twinkling as usual.
"To what business are we attending?" Minerva asked following Albus to his office. "Gumdrops" he muttered and the gargoyle before them rotated reveling stairs to his office.
"To answer your question Minerva these owls are from two different families that need out help." Albus handed Minerva the first owl and she read.
Dear Professor Dumbledore,
I hate to disturb your summer holidays but I don't know what else to do. My Gran has passed on and I fear I have no one else to turn to. Please let me know if you can help me.
Yours faithfully,
Neville Longbottom
Minerva looked up at Albus in shock.
"What are we to tell the boy?" She asked. Albus truly loved Minerva but sometimes he was as frustrated with her as Hermione was with Ron when she had to repeat herself.
"Neville has family left we simply send him to his legal guardian." Noting her shocked look he went on.
"Neville Longbottom's mother is still very much alive. Many years ago Lucius Malfoy captured and tortured a young witch, when he met Narcissa he gave the girl to Voldemort as a gift. When Voldemort found out she was with child he left her in his grandmother's care so he could continue his... work. When the child was born the girl was free of the curse that controlled her but the older witch didn't have the heart to kill her, so she was forced to leave. You see Geina Longbottom is Tom Riddle's Grandmother, it was her daughter who married into the Riddle family." Catching on Minerva gasped.
"You mean to tell me that young girl, Neville's real mum...is Kate Snape? Albus nodded Solemnly. He handed Minerva the second letter. She immediately recognized the no nonsense writing of Cornelis Fudge.
Albus,
I know it's short notice but I have business to attend to and I need someone to keep Kegan. Hope you don't mind.
C. Fudge Minister of Magic
Minerva did not relish the idea of taking on a child at this moment. Noting the stern look he received he explained his idea.
"I think it best right now we send these children to Severus Snape's Manor. Dudley will need to be introduced to everything. From what I understand Kegan is skilled in Transfiguration," he waited and Minerva confirmed with a nod "and Neville will be going home. I'll send Tonks an owl to make sure she is ready to receive the children and then send an owl Kate to inform her that her son is coming home." Without a word Minerva handed Albus parchment and a quill showing she agreed with him leaving the office to process this news. When his letters were complete Albus summoned a school owl and with business complete he went down to dinner.
When the owl landed on the Snape family table Kate took the message and gave the owl a treat.
Beloved Granddaughter,
Dudley's is a WIZARD. There for I must ask you to take him in, he needs tutoring and having a Professor around will help greatly. Molly Weasly has agreed to send you Fred and George, while they are pranksters they are very skilled. I am also sending Cornelius Fudges daughter Kegan she's skilled in Transfiguration and your grandmother says she'll be a great help, now I must get down to the hard part of this letter. I regret to inform you that Giena Longbottom has passed on witch means your son must learn the truth, he will arrive with Kegan today.
Granddad
Kate sat in stunned silence the son she wasn't allowed to see or love was coming home. What will Severus say he didn't even know about him or that his wife was once a slave. Severus walked up behind Kate kissing the top of her head before pouring himself a muggle soda.
"What's the matter Kate, love?" She decided to start with the easy part.
"Dudley's a wizard and granddad has asked us to bring him here so the children can tutor him. Kegan Fudge will be joining us she's skilled in Transfiguration. I'm to send an owl to Molly and ask for the twins presence as well." Severus looked overwhelmed they already had a house full and now they were being asked to take in more and teach a young wizard years worth of magic, even knowing he would fight it all the way.
Severus sat watching Kate, she was playing with her Gold Serpent wedding band and looking at the floor, this told him there was more. Before he could ask her what was wrong, a ruffled looking owl landed on his shoulder, he knew immediately who it came from. Severus took the note and the owl stayed perched waiting for a reply.
Professor,
I know that things between you and father are not good but nothing can compare to what he's doing to me. Please don't ask at this moment but if I stay here much longer he will kill me.
Draco
Severus paled, Draco never feared his father in fact not much scared the boy. Before answering his wife's questioning star he grabbed her quill and parchment hastily telling Draco he was on the way and watched as the owl flew off. Severus explained and paled further, saying it out load mad it seem worse.
"He can't apparate yet, your not stepping foot in that house and we don't have time for a port key take the Jag and hurry. Your right Draco doesn't frighten easily." Kate said handing Severus the keys from under the mint plant and watched as he rushed out of the door. Kate sat alone finishing the last of Severus' drink. Why does everything have to happen at once? Sighing she wrote out her owl to Molly Weasley.
Shortly after sending the letter, a series of pops announced the arrival of the Weasley's.
"Thank you so much Molly. Sometimes I wonder if Severus and I shouldn't lock ourselves up and never come out." Molly sent the twins to get settled in so she could talk to Kate. They hadn't been friends for long but Molly knew something big was bothering Kate. After being given directions to the common room the twins left to find Harry and the others.
"What are you two doing here?" Ron asked spying his older twin bothers.
"We don't know." Fred stated.
"But your mum looks kind of upset Harry." George looked back at the kitchen. Before any of them could say another word Hevelt showed in three new guests.
"Neville! Tonks!" Hermione exclaimed only to be taken back by Neville's puffy eyes and scared pale face.
"You know I didn't believe them when they told me I'd be coming here." Neville said, his voice sounded monotone and sad. Hevelt escorted Tonks to his mistress leaving the children to talk. Hermione took Neville's hand and lead him to the plushy couch by the fire trying to calm the boys renewed tears. Fred, George and Harry however seemed more interested in the new comer standing by the door.
"I'm sorry didn't mean to be rude not asking you in we're just worried about Neville." Taking in the witches robes and brown red hair Harry stepped forward to introduce himself.
"I'm Harry... Harry Snape." He said noticing the witches unusual eye's. He felt foolish for staring but couldn't seem to look away. Her eye's were dazzling one colbolt pupil shaped in a tear drop and the other the sun each outlined in gold.
"Kegan Fudge." She stated simply. Fred and George were also starring into her eye's, normally it didn't bother her when people started but they were different they sent shivers down her spine. Everyone jumped hearing what some of them knew was a car motor after a moment Severus stormed in with Draco who's puffy eyes and sulky behavior rivaled Neville's.
"Harry, please show Draco to your room he'll be staying with you and Ron..." Severus bent to Harry's ear, "...and don't let anyone bother him things aren't going very well and he doesn't want to talk about it." Harry nodded taking Draco's arm and leading him away. It felt strange to have Draco in his home but seeing the boys evident distress Harry stayed silent. When they reached Harry's room Draco finally looked at Harry watching him pull bed clothes out of his wardrobe and laying them on his bed.
"Maybe you should rest looks like you've had a bad day. Feel free to use both the clothes I laid out and my bed." Harry turned to leave.
"Harry... Thanks for everything." Harry nodded at Draco's pale face.
"Rest now we'll talk later." Harry said shuting the door he went to find the others. He found everyone in the common room.
"Is he alright Harry?" Concern evident in his fathers voice Harry sat down on the floor by Severus' chair.
"He seemed shaken but I told him to rest I'll go get him for diner later." Severus' hand was unconsciously running through Harry's hair he couldn't imagine hurting his son. Lucius should get the Dementor's kiss for what he did, right now Draco is upstairs snuggled in someone else's bed because he's afraid to sleep in his own home. Kate had started breaking the news to the children they would be tutors to Dudley.
"... So I'm going to need help training him and getting him used to being a wizard." Kate finished giving the children a schedule making sure to plan time for fun and games they are children after all. Severus' mind was not on the conversation at all he couldn't stop thinking about the sight that greeted him at Malfoy manner.
Draco had been found in a tree, of all places, he was curled up like a kitten to scared to come down, of course why would he want to when his father almost killed him forcing the boy on his mother.
Lucius couldn't voice what he was going to do to his wife and she couldn't stand not knowing so someone had to tell her; sick man, if one could call Lucius a man; but Draco's safe here and he's not going back.
'You were a fool Lucius for making me his godfather.' Severus told said to himself
Harry slipped up onto the arm of Severus' chair hugging his father he didn't know what was going on but whatever it was it caused his father great pain. The others watched Harry's display with great interest. The boy who lived their best friend comforting what was once his worst enemy.
"Come on children let's go unpack the rest of everyone's stuff." Kate cleared the common room leaving Harry and Severus alone.
"Dad, what happened" Severus held Harry closer not able to look at him.
"Lucius wanted Draco to do something that no one should every do. I wont tell you what because Draco doesn't want anyone to know but just know he's safe here with us and as I'm his godfather he'll be staying with us, he'll be safe here." Harry hugged his father a moment longer before noticing Hevelt.
"Diner is ready Sir. Shall Hevelt wake master Malfoy?" Harry told Hevelt he would go and headed off for his bed room where Draco was resting. When Harry opened the door Draco jumped and curled into a ball. Neither boy moved for a few moments but when it was evident Draco wasn't going to move Harry stepped towards him slowly.
"Draco, it's ok. Your safe." Harry reached Draco's side and sat on the on the bed not touching him. Though Draco didn't move his small tired voice stated.
"He's your father, your lucky Harry he'll never let anything happen to you." Fresh tears ran from Draco's eyes and he tensed all over when Harry moved to Draco's side comforting him.
"He's your father too now." Draco turned facing Harry processing this new information.
"How? Both my parents are still alive?" Draco said. Neither had noticed Severus come in and shut the door. Draco instinctively curled up closer to Harry.
"I'm so sorry Draco I just thought you might not like the whole manor peering in at you. As for your parents, they will both be taken care of." Severus sat on the end of the bed and both boys hugged him.
"Let's go eat some diner." Draco looked a little sheepish then started to ask.
"I know this is going to sound stupid but can I..." Harry smiled he might not be a mind reader but there were plenty of nights he just wanted someone close.
"You can share my bed until we get your own set up tomorrow." The weak smile from Draco told Harry all he needed to know whatever had happened left Draco scared and hurt. The three of them headed down to the kitchen to eat with their family.
Diner was a big event with ten children and four adults and when everyone had eaten their fill they said goodnight to Molly and Tonks. The children were sent to brush their teeth and changed for bed then returned to the common room. Severus was already in his chair waiting when Harry sat down at his feet for the best view everyone else filled the room no one would have guessed they weren't all one family.
"You know I really should be going I'm sure my father booked a room for me somewhere he always does when he goes out on business." Everyone knew what she was talking about.
"Not this time you'll be staying with us." Severus informed her. Kegan's temper flared it wasn't bad enough he left her alone all the time but now he was leaving her with a group of strangers.
"I don't know you well enough to stay here over night." She spat and Kate knew this was a scared child that's the only kind Snape manner attracted.
"Please stay." Fred mumbled.
"Yeah they're nice people." George added. Kegan thought a moment before slowly walking towards the door.
"We don't' want you to go." Both twins mumbled quietly and with that Kegan stopped and slowly went to sit between them. Only Draco was standing until Harry patted the space beside him and Draco ventured slowly over to sit beside him.
"Now for those who don't know our evening ritual this is the time for a story and tonight since you have so much to say one of you should pick." Severus said looking expectantly at Fred and George.
"Muggle stories ok Professor?" George asked. Severus nodded and Fred ran upstairs to their room returning he handed Severus 'Lady and the Tramp.' Severus always enjoyed reading muggle stories. A tap of his wand and images floated through the air and Severus began the tale. Nearly an hour later Severus put down the book and expected most of his audience to be sleeping, surprisingly the only one who was asleep was Draco, his head resting against Harry. Severus handed the book to George scooped up Draco and ushered all the children up to bed.
Laying Draco on the far side of Harry's bed Severus asked.
"Are you sure you don't mind sharing until morning because you can sleep somewhere else." Harry had silently promised Draco he would be there if he needed him.
"No, Draco may wake up and not remember where he is." Mind made up Harry crawled into bed beside Draco. Though Ron didn't normally take well to new things seeing the big bad Slytherin Potions master act like a big child and seeing Draco puffy eyed from crying made Ron relax into strange things a little easier. Severus kissed Draco and Harry's foreheads before heading to the door.
"Goodnight Ron." Severus at the door before he turned back and walked over to Ron kissed his forehead and walked out leaving Ron completely stunned, a laughing Harry and a sleeping Draco.
"Hey Ron want to help me put a silencing charm on this room incase Draco wakes up so the whole house doesn't come running." Silencing charm in place the boys went to sleep.
"Noooo!!!! No, no please no..." Draco began whimpering and curling into a tight ball. Ron jumped out of bed and ran to Harry's.
"Is he ok?" Draco was cuddled up to Harry crying again. Ron knew only one thing to do he stepped on the bottom of the bed and crawled up to Draco's other side.
"What are you doing Weasley?!" Draco's tears filled voice said.
"Helping." Draco flinched when Ron's hand touched his back but he didn't pull away. Ron made small circles on Draco's back until he fell back asleep.
"Thanks Ron." Harry whispered.
"It's nothing Ginny used to come to me when she had bad dreams. I doubt he'll sleep through the night so if it's all the same to you I'm going to stay put." Harry nodded he knew he could use the help if Draco woke up again.
The silencing charm prevented the three from hearing the load cries from down the hall. Neville was sitting against the headboard clutching his knees when Fred and George tried to touch him and he pulled away. The door opened and Kate entered followed by Severus. Neville allowed Kate to sit with him and hold him until he calmed down a bit. Severus slowly moved toward the bed and sat at Neville's feet. After a few moments Neville had relaxed into his mothers arm's but Fred and George were still sitting up watching them.
"We should take him to our room Kate the others need to sleep." Slowly with no sudden movements Severus scooped Neville up and took him to the master bedroom. He placed Neville down in the middle of the bed. Neville surprised Severus by pulling him down and clinging to him.
"Shh Neville it's ok your safe." Kate watched as her son sat clinging to her husband.
"You are all I have left the only one who hasn't betrayed me." Neville croaked out breaking his mother's heart.
Neville your mum loves you but she was shut out of your life by your father. I know it's hard to accept and you don't have to." Severus leaned back against the headboard pulling his sobbing stepson into an embrace rubbing soothing circles onto the boys back. After what seemed like ages Neville fell asleep. Kate joined them facing away from them she fell asleep in silent tears. When morning dawned no one bounded from their beds or even bothered to move. When Hevelt entered the master bedroom Severus was still awake watching Neville and Kate sleep.
"Master the new boy has arrived." Severus laid Neville on the bed and followed Hevelt to the common room. Being the wonderful house elf he was Hevelt had already served tea and biscuits.
"Good morning Severus. Long night?" Sirius joked.
"You have no idea. So you must be Dudley." Severus was delighted to know he could still strike fear into children.
"I'll thank you not to frighten my son." Petunia still didn't like the idea of leaving Dudley with Severus.
"Trust me I'll take much better care of your son than you did mine." Sirius could see Severus had struck a nerve in Petunia.
"Listen we wont stay I know you have lots to do. Take care Dudley don't worry Severus is a responsible adult." With a small chuckle Sirius and Petunia apperated. Dudley looked more frightened than ever before.
"I don't bite come on we'll get started, everyone here's had a long night." Dudley followed Severus to the Dungeon lab. It was noon before Hermione and the other girls stirred when they were dressed they went downstairs to discover the lab door open. Hermione, Ginny and Kegan followed Julie down to say good morning.
"Morning dad. Oh you must be Dudley! I'm Julie. Nice potion might want to slow your flame some." Julie was helping Dudley finish his first potion while the others watched from the door way.
"Will you girls help me set up I want everyone that wasn't here the first time to make this potion." Hermione lead the way moving around easily as if this were her own lab. The others followed her instructions while Severus watched their actions he knew Hermione would be a great Professor.
The others filed in until the only ones missing were Draco, Harry and Ron. When everyone else has finished there potions Neville stayed behind finishing his with Severus' help. Neville really wasn't that bad at potions when he wasn't nervous. When they finished Severus took Neville to the other children who were teaching Dudley how to transfigure a match into a needle.
Severus made his way up to see what was keeping Ron, Draco and Harry. When he opened the door the sight of the sleeping boys greeted him. He hated to wake them but the day was nearly gone, the bed he decided however could wait Draco obviously needed the comfort that Harry and Ron gave.
"I hate to wake you but if you don't get down there your mum is going to be up here yelling about lazy children." All the boys jumped but didn't wake fully. Harry pulled a pillow over his head groaning, Ron pulled the covers over his head and Draco mumbled something incoherent about a mean professor waking him from a good dream. Having enough trying to wake them Severus turned into a panther and leaped onto the bed playfully pulling the covers away. Ron looked up and groaned.
"Professor!" After wresting with the boys for a while they got dressed and headed down stairs in time to see Dudley turn Severus' chair into a beautiful plant stand made of the same cherry wood as the chair. When Harry reached Dudley's side to congratulate him Harry found himself looking up at him.
"You make a beautiful white leopard" Draco said in aww. Harry smiled, he was happy to see Draco smiling though he was surprised to find himself in animal form.
"Harry Amadues Xavier Snape! What did I tell you about practicing Animagi without me!?!" The leopard turned to his father casting his shinny green eyes down. Draco tugged at Severus' robes he had nothing to fear after the things he had endured before.
"Professor he was just walking over and changed." Severus kept his cool not wanting to scare the boy.
"Harry turn back now." Though Harry tried he couldn't change back fear filled his large eyes.
"Come with me." When Harry walked away from Dudley he changed back.
"Dad wait." Severus turned around showing his son the hurt look in his eyes for making him punish his son.
"Son I know I've been very soft on you but I will not allow you to chance hurting yourself by not listing to me." Harry had never been punished by a real parent before but if the look he got meant anything he was dead. Harry stepped away from Severus and found himself again looking up at them all. The look in Severus' eyes had changed from furry to confusion.
"Harry step back towards me." Again Harry stepped forwards and became himself. After many tests Harry learned unrequited love was his trait and could control changing like everyone else.
The summer flew by Quiddtich, new romantics, and good friends. One week before school started Dudley used floo powder for the first time and all the children went to Diagon Ally to gather parchment, quills, trinkets and robes for school.
"Ok children let's get home." Kate said tired and ready to go home.
"Everyone ready for a story and bed? Kegan your turn." Severus said dropping into his chair.
"Quidditch Basics." Severus thought this was strange requested but began reading anyway.