THE TRUTH

"He's finally asleep." Murmured Remus as he finally looked away from the young boy lying in the bed to face the stoic potions master.

"Yes, after brawling out his heart for nearly three hours." He sneered in disgust. "Trust the mutt not to have told him about the significance of the blood crystal." The nonchalant speech caused the werewolf to cock his eyebrows, the past events of the ceremony still fresh on his mind.

"Yes, it's curious why Sirius never told Harry." Remus walked up to the door and turned the knob. Then, turning back, "He must have had his reasons for not mentioning it, even when Harry had come across its existence..."

"I wonder if his reasons are so important as to not tell his own godson. I can't see how that ignoramus mutt..." A growl stopped Severus in mid- sentence.

"A little respect for the dead, Severus." With that, Lupin left the room.

Severus was a tad stunned but he quickly composed himself, and exited the room. Taking a final glance at Harry, he closed the door. Had he stayed a little longer, he could have seen the wince on the young boy's face.

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"Boy! We are off to visit my sister. Should those... freaks... come for you, remember to turn off the lights and lock-up the house. I will not waste any more money due to your carelessness." Vernon Dursley then slammed the door shut, leaving Harry alone in the house.

Harry just sighed as he walked back to his room to finish packing his things. He was just glad to be leaving Privet Drive and his horrid relations.

Since his return almost a month ago, Aunt Petunia had not even talked to him, preferring to totally disregard his very existence, and Dudley had avoided him like a plague, which suited Harry just fine.

However, Harry had found himself at the mercy of his Uncle Vernon, who had taken to physically abusing him. Especially since his uncle learnt that he could not yet do magic outside of school till after his sixteenth birthday. Vernon was particularly vicious; out to prove he was not afraid of the Order.

Harry looked at the fresh bruising he had received from Vernon this morning, a grimace etched upon his face. He got a beating after an owl had arrived with a letter to inform the Dursleys that he was to be retrieved by the Order.

Vernon had been extremely upset that the Order would come into his home, and had struck Harry with a handy frying pan. Then, hastily made the decision for the whole family to visit his sister Marge for the day.

A small explosion from the kitchen garnered his attention. 'Hmm... they're early.' He walked towards the kitchen. Yet, the small hairs at the nape of his neck prickled with uneasiness.

Cautiously peering into the kitchen, the unexpected appearance of three cloaked figures changed his movements into a reactive mad dash for the safety of his room and wand. 'Moody's going to kill me for not keeping my wand with me at all times.'

"There he goes!" One of the Death-eaters sounded eerily like Lucius Malfoy. At that, Harry found a burst of colors whiz pass him, destroying parts of the stairway and scorching the wall.

He made a mad jump to get to the top of the stairs when the lights suddenly went off in a burst of small explosions. The shock and sudden darkness caused a miscalculation in his jump, and upon landing, he slipped slightly. It was the worst mistake of the day as most of the curses struck him, creating gashes and drawing blood. The boy gritted his teeth and endured the pain. 'Must get to my wand. Then I will stand a chance to survive, with I've learnt this month... protect myself.'

A roll got him out of the immediate sight of the Death-eaters, but not out of the way of one of the remaining spells that managed to connect with a part of his body and causing excruciating pain.

"After him!"

Harry heard those words as he ducked into his room, searching frantically for his wand. He noticed for the first time that blood was flowing freely down his face. 'Huh, didn't see that one.' He collapsed in pain as a cruciatus curse broke through.

An arm caught him before he hit the floor. "Up!" The voice seemed to repress the pain of the curse enough for Harry to move. Looking up, he saw a cloaked figure, face hidden by the shadows.

"You...?" Harry got to his feet and picked up his wand.

"No time. Do you remember what I have taught you?" Harry nodded as the figure hurriedly closed the door. "Then show me."

Closing his eyes, the boy raised his wand. Muttering something under his breath with a look of intense concentration, a burst of purple struck the door and enveloped it.

"Well done."

The compliment did not stop Harry as he threw several other spells at the door. "That should delay them. Better... safe than... ugh... sorry." He fell to the floor in pain.

"Potter!" the figure seemed alarmed as he pulled out a wand.

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Severus massaged his temples in frustration, vividly recalling the events at Privet Drive. But it was not the events that affected him as much as the wounds he had found on the brat's body. Wounds that were not inflicted by magic, but rather, physical wounds. He wondered if he should have placed those memories in a Pensieve but chased away the thought almost as soon as he had it. 'Let it stay for the moment.'

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'Those eyes...' Severus seemed to be held by that thought until Remus finally returned.

"Severus?" The werewolf knelt down next to the prone potions master and shook him lightly. That immediately snapped Severus out of his trance. "The snake! Get it off Potter!" He clambered unsteadily to his feet.

Remus gave him an odd look, "There's nothing there Severus." Looking down, Severus found no traces of the snake, only two faint fang marks on the left wrist of the boy.

"He looks badly injured, but nothing time won't heal. Guess he was able to defend himself adequately without help."

"What are you...?" Severus' voice trailed off as he noticed that Harry was no longer showing symptoms of having been under the cruciatus curse.

"Harry, let me help you get up." Remus spoke soothingly to the injured boy as he could, under the circumstances, and wrapped an arm around the boy to help him up.

Harry opened his eyes and squinted at the light emitted from Remus' wand. "Remus?"

"That's right Harry. You okay?" Harry nodded as he stood up shakily, propped up by Remus. He was quickly accosted by Professor Snape checking over his injuries. The rigid black figure was confounded. He could not understand how the boy could have negated the effects of the cruciatus curse so speedily, even with the help of the potions he'd forced down said boy's throat.

"Let's go Harry. I've informed Dumbledore, as well as the Ministry." Remus grabbed Harry's hand and herded him towards the stairway. "Let's get out before they arrive to fuss." Severus turned to follow, shrinking and pocketing the brat's belongings, but heard something. "Lupin!"

Remus was already in the defensive mode as his heighten senses had heard an automobile pulling into the driveway.

"It's my relatives. What's the time?" muttered Harry.

The mere mention of his relatives made Remus seem incredibly irritable. This evoked curiosity from Snape, but then, he recalled the long list of injuries the boy has.

"Let's just get to the fire place. We need to floo the boy to the school." He growled to the visibly rankled werewolf.

"The school? Why?" Harry could not understand the potions master's decision.

"Your wounds, Mr Potter, require immediate attention. My potions can only hold you together for a short while. We need to get you to Madam Pomfrey before taking you back to headquarters." The snide man sneered. "How do you think your friends will react if they see you in your present state?" Harry snapped his mouth shut and followed behind the potions master with Remus' help.

The front door opened and three silhouettes walked into the house. Light shone in from the street behind them.

"What happened!?" A voice bellowed. This was followed by a scream, and then, a thud. The taller of the two huge silhouettes moved towards the trio and zoned in on the boy. "You! You did this! You and your blasted kind!" A fat hand grabbed Harry in a vice grip and shook him violently.

Severus immediately realized how the boy got his injuries. He grabbed Vernon's hand. The pudgy man immediately looked up at the offender. "Unhand me you... you freak!" Flecks of spittle flew from his mouth.

If Severus took offense to the remark, he did not show it. "You have been physically abusing the boy!?"

Vernon did not take heed of Severus' comment as he turned back to the boy, raving and with murder in his eyes. "We leave you alone for a short time and this is what we get? I should..." His voice trailed off wincing, strong pain shooting through his hand.

"I ask again, nicely," Vernon could not understand how such a thin man could have such strength. "Have you been physically abusing the boy?"

Vernon nodded painfully as he tried to pull back his hand. Remus looked somewhat stunned by the scene before him. He wanted to take Vernon apart but was shocked that Severus felt the same way.

Snape released the fat muggle, wiping his hands against his cloak in disgust. "I am quite certain that you have been warned against harming the boy, haven't you?"

Vernon looked defiantly at Snape seemingly unafraid, having forgotten about earlier. "This is my house and I do whatever I want!"

Snape smirked and spoke, "I know Muggle law. You can be imprisoned for hitting a minor without cause." Vernon seemed unfazed by Severus' threat.

"And, if they wish to do nothing... let's just say, I am not underage, and laws against me using magic on you do not apply hence." He gave Vernon an evil smirk, his demeanor turning even darker. "Not to mention the others you'd met before. I'm sure they would want to know how you've been treating the boy."

The threat felt like a direct hit to the solar plexus for Vernon as he hastily moved away from Snape's reach, almost cowering in fear.

A bright light burst forth from behind a shell-shocked Dudley.

Severus and Remus immediately went into defensive mode. "More Death Eaters!" Harry frantically pulled out his own wand in self-defense, despite his exhaustion.

"Get them!" A shrill scream Harry recognized. Curses blazed forth through the front door; Harry counted seven Death Eaters. Several spells struck the large lump of lard at the doorway, searing chunks of flesh away. Dudley screamed, hitting the carpet with a sickening thud.

"Dudders!" shouted Vernon as he ran towards the bleeding Dudley, but was stopped in mid-stride by a cruciatus curse. Thanks to the unexpected human shields, Remus and Severus had enough time to disarm three of the Death Eaters but more curses flew before they could get the remaining four. Severus raised his arm in anticipation of a hit, but the blazing red bolt struck an invisible wall, bouncing off harmlessly.

Severus, surprised, whipped around to see that Harry had gotten his wand up. Remus, equally shocked, recovered quickly and disarmed another two.

"Our hexes aren't working!" One of the Death Eaters scrambled to retrieve his fallen wand. "It's that infernal boy! He is shielding them!" Shrilled Bellatrix. Her lapse in concentration got her hit by a stunner. However, the other Death Eaters came attacking, back in the battle.

"Potter seems be able to counter the spells thrown at us!" Shouted Severus as he dodged a curse.

"Not all. Two just got by him." Replied Remus as he stunned yet another Death Eater.

"True, but he can't have learnt such advanced spells." The ex-Death Eater was dubious.

Bellatrix shock off the effects of the stunner and picked up her wand once more. Screaming like a maniac, she unleashed a barrage of spells and curses with such speed, Severus had some doubt as to whether the brat could deal with turn of events. Luckily, Harry stood up to the challenge; quickly and accurately, he created a shield for most of the curses and energy bolts that rained down on them.

"Resilient wrench!" Snarled Severus as he took down one of the remaining three Death Eaters.

"Yes, but I will get her!" Remus displayed quite a rare temper. Revenge obviously forefront in his mind. Another powerful stunner sent Bellatrix flying into the front door, smashing it.

Having to block spells from several people at once was too taxing for Harry and he was just a beginner at it. Fortunately, Severus had disarmed and stunned the last Death Eater just before Harry's legs buckled. He turned, snagging the injured boy in his arms not a moment too soon.

"Good job, Harry." Remus was positively beaming with pride. Harry returned a weak smile as something dawned on him.

"The Dursleys!"

"Don't worry about them. The Ministry will deal with everything." Severus answered as he carried the boy towards the fireplace. "Failing which, Dumbledore will do."

From the corner of his eyes, Harry saw Bellatrix struggling up with her wand. As if in slow motion (yes, bullet time reference), she raised her wand at Severus.

"Traitor!" She screeched, causing Snape and Remus to turn together.

She started the killing curse but Harry beat her to the punch. "Avada Kedavra!" All the hatred over Sirius's death washed over him, into his wand.

Bellatrix's face froze in shock even as she struck the carpet. Devoid of all life...

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A figure stood over Harry as the boy slept. He could not decide if he truly liked the boy, or, was as ever, just using him as the means to an end.

A creak. He reacted automatically; slithering back into the shadows.

Dumbledore walked in with Moody to check on the boy. "He's looking better." His magical eye automatically swirling about its socket to ensure the room's security.

"Yes, a lot better than when Severus carried him into Hogwarts some weeks ago." Dumbledore turned back to the door and slowly walked out, Moody trailing behind to glance back before exiting.

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When Severus carried Harry into the infirmary at Hogwarts, the boy was unconscious. Madam Pomfrey was virtually petrified by his numerous injuries when Severus placed the boy on a bed.

"What happened to the poor boy?"

"The recent wounds are mostly from an attack by Death Eaters on his relatives' home. I suspect the older wounds are from physical abuse."

Madam Pomfrey looked at the potions master in anger. "Who?"

"I am not at liberty to say. Can you do something for him?" Gesturing to the numerous injuries on Harry.

The woman took stock of all the wounds, running a medical scan, before nodding. "I can fix the newer injuries easily, but the older ones need several days at least, to heal. He'll be fully recovered in two weeks with plenty of bed rest and no further cases of magical strains."

The potions master gave a curt nod. "Dumbledore will be here shortly to check on the boy and make the arrangements. I'm returning to the Muggles to deal with the mess." He left in an angry swirl of robes.

'How odd,' thought Madam Pomfrey, 'he actually seemed concerned for Harry.'

Moody and Dumbledore had been ensconced in the Headmaster's office when Severus had returned from Surrey, an exhausted werewolf in tow. The attack had required multiple memory altering spells be cast on the muggles and the neighborhood, to ensure the continued secrecy of the wizarding world's existence.

Wearily, the werewolf gave his report, only to have the irate potions master rant about Harry's muggle relations.

"Those muggles were abusing him! A young blood-relation dependent on their miserable protection!" With a twisted sneer, the clandestine spy shook his head. "Even the usual Slytherin suspects would be hard pressed to top that... evil."

Moody smirked, unnoticed. 'Perhaps the Head of Slytherin has a heart after all.'

"I wonder how the wizarding world will react if they ever find out that their 'Savior' was in fact a suffering soul." The austere man huffed.

Remus gave a small, painful smile. 'At least he now understands Harry's situation better.'

Moody and Dumbledore nodded to each other before Dumbledore looked towards the other two. "Let's go check on young Harry, shall we?" Rising from his seat, he led the way out.

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By the time the four had reached the infirmary, Harry was sitting up on a bed, seemingly devoid of any injuries.

"Harry, how are you feeling?" Dumbledore inquired, but was greeted by vacant emerald orbs, shocking the newcomers.

"Madam Pomfrey? What has happened?" A frantic werewolf called desperately for the medi-witch.

"I thought you said his injuries will not heal soon?" The potions master demanded of the medi-witch as he stalked menacingly towards her.

Poppy Pomfrey, resident medi-witch of Hogwarts remained calm, facing the murderous eyes of the potions master. "I healed all I could, and then placed a glamour to hide the rest from view while they slowly heal." Glancing at the slightly bemused old coot, she added: "Headmaster's orders."

"Then, why is he so... so... unresponsive?"

Madam Pomfrey gently replied to the distraught werewolf. "He has been this way since Severus left him in my care earlier."

Moody nodded as he looked at Harry with his magical eye. "He is hurting badly. He will need a long time to heal, both here," pointing to his head, "and here." Pointing to his chest, above his heart. "Not counting the physical injuries."

Dumbledore sighed, facing Severus and Remus. "The two of you will take Harry to Grimmauld Place. Moody and I will join you shortly." Remus nodded sadly, walking off with the two old wizards to retrieve supplies to take along to the headquarters. Madam Promfrey retreated silently back into her office.

Leaving the dark Slytherin standing alone at the foot of the boy's bed. Wondering where in the nine hells did things start going so wrong?

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"What's on your mind, Albus?" Moody enquired as they both sat down for a drink.

"I think it's time we found Harry another magical guardian."

Moody looked up from sipping his hip flask. "A godfather, like in the will?" Both eyes staring directly at Albus. "Who do you have in mind?"

"Severus." Dumbledore easily answered with an odd smile plastered on his face. Moody just sat back and laughed. The laughter seemed suspiciously like two barmy old codgers planning something sinister.

END OF CHAPTER

Hi everyone, it's me Gekisou! Co-writer to this fanfic you were reading. The exam period is coming up (in Australia anyway) and all I have to say is... I have no exams! Muahhahahahaha! Well, with that out of my system, let's begin...

As with every chapter since the chapter 5, I will (with a little help from Azer, if she feels up to it) try to answer your reviews of our story. Heads up!

athenakitty: What will Snape do with the contract? Will Draco be undeerstanding of Harry being another godson of Snape? Will something nasty happen to the Dursleys?

Gekisou: Yes, I remember you. You have an unhealthy obsession with the Dursleys don't you? I hope the events in this chapter has answered all of your questions... if it didn't, then I'm in trouble...

emmy: hello! new reader here! this si a really great story!

Gekisou: Welcome emmy, nice to have you aboard. Thanks for the kind words. Hope you are with us for the long trip to chapter 30 something... We are doing chapter 30 something aren't we Azer??? Azer: No idea shrugs if my brain power holds up that long, editing our work.

Kit: Good story, lots of promise, but I've gotta say, the italiczation of every fifth word is a tad annoying.

Gekisou: Thank you, thank you. Yes, I agree that the italicization is annoying but Azer ensures me it is not her fault but rather a format problem. We will try to sort this out but hey...

blueberry300: "A red sunrise... blood has been spilt this night..."Funny, you didn't mention that you'd be quoting a line from the Lord of the Rings movie. Maybe you should have given them credit? I think so. Write your own story, don't copy another person's!

Gekisou: Yes, well, although that was Azer's chapter, I will take the liberty to answer for her. I didn't see the reference, maybe you did and maybe some other people did but I think a lot of people didn't and I think that it was very suited for the way the chapter was written. If you feel, as a LOTR fan, that we have plagiarized something from this great work of art (being a film student I can attest to that) then I apologize. But for writing our own story, I think it is pretty original... for a fanfic written on a product created by someone else. If you want originality per se, then you are in the wrong place. Azer: You know, even though there's lots of words around, it's inevitable that we tend to regurgitate something we tend to like/admire. Don't blame me; it is only a short phrase. Like Gekisou said, if you want originality, this is fanfiction afterall.

athenakitty: Severus is in rare form? Remus helps Harry? Will Mrs Weasleys send multiple howlers? Harry's a partial future seer? Who's going survive the assult? How's Draco going to take the news?

Gekisou: Oh? You again? You are going to be our number one reviewer soon enough. :) Anyway, Severus and Draco is up to Azer but she has some interesting ideas to play on these two Slytherins. Remus will be a factor in our story but after this chapter, he won't be playing a huge part, being unable to enter Hogwarts fulltime and all... Harry is not a future seer... I think, it was just a dream but where that comes up in the future is anyone's guess. From this chapter, I hope we've answered who survived the assault.

bianca: I have to say that this is an intriguing story so far. There are a few problems with it though. Problem one, you have no transitions when you jump through time. After reading six chapters three times over I am still not sure where each scene takes place. Problem two, you are extremely vague. This can be a good thing if done right, but your jumping makes it difficult to follow. You mention a snake four diffrent times. I believe that three of the times are the same instance, but am not sure. Problem three, actually all of these tie in together, you really need to work on the timeline. It sounds in one portion of the story as if this has all happend within the span of a few days and at others weeks have passed. Please know that this is not a flame and that I am enjoying the story. This is just to give you an idea of what to work on. Good luck. Bianca

Gekisou: You are by far, Azer and my favorite reviewer this period. You write stories too? Azer and I actually came up with a timeline for these first 6 chapters. It was the basis that we started the chapters, of course keeping in mind that Azer and I had different parts of the story to deal. We started pretty linear to each other and then went into 2 different routes. I took care of the past events and Azer moved on to more present day events. So references to the same events over multiple chapters would happen. I guess we should put the timeline up, eventually but yes, we know what we are doing, we just like seeing if others know it too. You put up good points of our writing style but let me assure you that we know what we are doing... most of the time anyway. Azer: Hey, I know what I'm doing... well except when I'm a raving insomniac, but hey, let's not go into that, shall we? I only hope that our combined brain-power can last us to the end of this fic... I get weary of life to fast; too soon.



Thanks a lot for your reviews. Sent more! - Gekisou

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