NOTE: I Still don't own these characters, they still belong to J.K.Rowling

Innovo Adorior

A New Rise

CHAPTER 4 'A Telepath in the Dungeons'

"Harry, have you ever read up on animagi before?" Hermione asked positively jumping in her excitement. Harry looked confused.

"No...never thought about it really. Why?" Harry answered her.

"Harry, people who have animagus abilities have one animal, there was one person known in the past 200 years that was a known multianimagus, but he only had two shapes! Harry, you're a polyanimagus, no one has ever been known to have that ability. Ever. In all recorded history!" She explained. Harry just stood there, shell-shocked, eyes wide. He was a polyanimagus? Wow, He couldn't wait to tell Sirius and Father...He had forgotten to tell them that Severus was his real father. He hadn't really thought of what their reactions could be. He decided they didn't have to know just yet.

"Wow, really? What do I do then? I don't think I should tell anyone but you guys, and Sirius of course as well as a few of the teachers that need to know, but not anyone else alright. I will probably register one of the animals at the Ministry that way the others can be my escape rout I think that should at least satisfy you Hermione." Harry said laughter sparkling in his eyes that he believed was just like Albus' eyes. Hermione grinned.

"Of course Harry, we won't tell anyone, will we guys?" Hermione asked turning to the others as they all nodded in agreement, "Good, see Harry you can trust us with anything." Harry looked at her wondering if he had thought about his father to her. No he hadn't.

"Alright Hermione, I know." He said smiling at her gratefully. He decided that he could trust her reaction, so he would be able to tell her later. The others he wasn't quiet sure about, Ron absolutely hated Severus and Neville was terrified of him. Ginny he didn't know how she felt about Severus, but knew it couldn't be good, as every time she saw him she would glare at him as fiercely as she could.

Hermione? Harry thought at her.

Yes? She replied.

Find sometime we can talk later. Just you and me I mean. He said while smiling and having an outward conversation with Ron and Ginny on some Quidditch thing again. He didn't even look like he thought anything at her. She thought maybe she had imagined it.

No, Mione I really was talking to you. Harry thought again in her head, only you can hear me this way. Harry said while explaining a very difficult new move he was working on to Ron and Ginny. Then he looked over directly into her eyes and gave a faint almost imperceptible nod then continued his talk with Ron and Ginny with out them knowing any different.

All right, how about tomorrow morning before the feast? Hermione thought at him hoping she was doing it right and he could hear her.

Okay, meet you down here around say...six? Harry replied, not even faltering in his talk with Ron and Ginny. Hermione was awe-struck at how fast he was able to adjust to this new gift of his, and how well he was going at it.

See you then. She thought. Harry smiled briefly then returned to his talk.

It was nearly one in the morning by the time the group turned in to bed. They all fell asleep quickly and easily that night. Harry finally had the long awaited night that he slept dreamless and happily.

The next morning, Harry woke up as the sun hit his bed hangings. He wondered what time it was when a faint foggy clock appeared in his vision telling him it was 5:30 in the morning. Then it disappeared. Shocked Harry decided to just forget about it and get showered and dressed. He made it down into the common room at 6:00 to find Hermione sitting in a chair facing the fire away from him.

Morning. Harry thought. And Hermione jumped nearly five feet in the air and whirled about to face Harry. She scowled at him playfully. Then smiled.

"Morning." She said cheerfully. Harry offered his arm to her. When she accepted, he headed out the portrait and led her out onto the grounds to walk and talk to her. In the halls on the way to the front doors there was not a single spirit moving through the halls. Then something strange started happening as he walked by the suits of armor that were situated along the halls. They would all bow or salute them as they walked by. Which startled both of them. Finally they got out side.

"Hermione, has that ever happen to you before?" Harry asked her as they headed toward the lake.

"No, never, you?" She asked him. Harry shook his head, "Weird, huh." Now Harry just nodded. Caught up in his thoughts, he wondered if he was doing good to tell Hermione of his father.

"Harry, what's on your mind?" Hermione asked concerned seeing his pensive face. Harry looked her in the eyes.

"Hermione, you said I could trust you not to tell anyone anything I tell you, right?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded the affirmative.

"Of course you can Harry, what is it?" She asked concerned for her friend. Harry sighed.

"Well, you see, I've recently found out something and I'm not sure if I should tell everyone or not. It is pretty...well, it will definitely change your view on me and ..." Harry quieted down. Hermione gave him a squeeze of his hand as reassurance, and stopped him to look her in the eye. Harry obliged.

"Hermione, my father...well he isn't James Potter." Harry said looking down at the ground now. They were on the far side of the lake away from the school now. Hermiones' eyes widened. She knew how Harry had looked up to James. How he must hurt knowing who he thought was his father wasn't really.

"Who is really Harry?" Hermione implored gently, fearing he might clam up and not tell her.

"Don't worry I am going to tell you," Harry said reading her feelings, she smiled and relaxed a bit, "I just don't want anyone else to know just yet, just you. I think I can trust you. You see my real father is... Severus. Professor Snape is my father." He told this last sentence to her more to convince himself than Hermione, that this is the way it was. Harry suddenly needed to sit and sank to the ground beneath a tree near them. Hermione quickly followed.

'Oh...Harry, this is...big." Hermione said, wishing she had thought of something better than that to say. Harry looked up from the ground to her face.

"You...don't think any less of me? What about father?" Harry asked worried about the answer. Hermione noticed this and felt sorry for him. Everything always seemed to find a way to happen to him, and most always it was bad.

"No, Harry I don't think any less of you. Why would I? And Professor Snape...well I think he could have treated his own son better if you ask me." She finished in a very protective way towards Harry that reminded him of Mrs. Weasley. 'She doesn't think less of me?' Harry thought. He let a smile creep across his face till it turned to a full smile from ear to ear. Harry thought he would burst. He had had so much happiness in the past few days that he hadn't felt his entire life before. He hoped it would last.

"Come on, let's head back before they do another full castle search for us." Harry said a sly grin spread across his face, not unlike the twins' grins, which scared Hermione a bit. Harry focused his concentration on an animal and soon the large black lion he had become his first time appeared before Hermione.

Hop on. Harry thought at her. She smiled nervously, come on, I don't bite, well not you anyway. He thought followed by mental laughter. Hermione grinned and slid up onto his back, Hold tight, 'Mione. Harry told her. She obeyed, wrapping her hands into his thick, silky black fir. She let out a stifled scream as Harry took off at full speed around the lake towards the castle. They were flying over the land so fast; they were at Hogwarts front doors in no time. Harry then knelt so Hermione could climb off then changed back into his natural state. They walked into the great hall, grinning like crazy, making their friends confused. Hermiones' hair very much more bushy than normal from being windswept. It was quite a sight, as Ron had not failed to mention to her. Harry looked at her thought of it being almost straight but still with its waves, and ran a hand through her hair. It took the shape that he had in his mind, which he was proud of, as he had been right, it was a nice look for her. Now Ron just stared at her open-mouthed completely forgetting his food, which was unnatural for Ron. Ginny elbowed him hard in the side, making him wake up from his trance.

"H...H...Hermione...you...your hair...you look...ah, nice." Ron stuttered blushing furiously. Hermione blushed almost the same color as Ron's hair in reply to this stuttered out compliment.

Yes, it will only be a matter of time now, right Ginny and Neville. Harry thought to the two. Who jumped at first, but now just grinned at him thinking the affirmative. Harry just grinned back.

They joined their friends at the table for the farewell feast. Harry looked up to the staff table. He saw Albus chattering pleasantly with Professor McGonagall. He also noticed that Sirius and Remus were there, chatting up a storm. Harry had never seen his old defense teacher look so young and talkative. He couldn't help but crack a smile at this. He couldn't think what might have been if he hadn't gone and gotten Sirius that night from the Veil. Further down the table the rest of the teachers were talking cheerfully, but at the end of the table was a teacher that separated himself from the rest, keeping quiet and to himself. Severus was always like this but Harry hadn't noticed until just now. He wondered if he would be able to fix his fathers antisocial mood into one that was more welcoming. Harry decided he would try. Right now he wanted to play with him. He grinned mischievously at his friends and decided to set his plan into action.

HELLO FATHER! Harry yelled in his thought voice and aimed it at only Severus and let it go, still making sure no one else would hear it. He nearly burst out laughing as Severus jumped a foot into the air and whirled around to look behind him as if Harry were there. Then He turned to scan Gryfindor table and his eyes stopped on Harry in confusion. He then looked around at everyone who was staring at him.

"What are you all looking at?" He demanded which turned everyone away from him and back to their own conversations. Then Severus turned to look again at Harry.

How did he do that? What's going on here? And why do I get the feeling only I heard him? Harry heard his father thinking to himself.

Because you were the only one who heard me. I am a telepath, I just found out last night so don't get mad at me. Harry thought to Severus, whose eyes widened.

So that means he can read my mind? Severus thought to himself.

Yup. Harry broke in. now grinning ear to ear.

Oh great, how do you block a telepath? Severus asked himself, which made Harry laugh out loud and get strange and nervous looks from everyone near him. Telepathically Harry explained He was talking to someone else telepathically, so not to think he had lost his mind. They all nodded understanding but wanted to know whom he was talking to. Harry glanced at Hermione. She got the drift that it was Severus. Then he told everyone else that it was no one then returned to his father.

So, how's it goin'? Harry asked Severus, who seemed to finally be able to deal with another voice in his head talking to him. Severus smiled.

It is going fine, Harry. What do you want? Severus replied. Harry sent a mental image of himself pouting, wondering if it would work.

I only wanted to talk to you. Harry said in a mock-hurt voice. Now his father laughed out loud which scared some of the students and startled most of the teachers. Severus just tried to glare them all back to their own business but gave in to the laughter instead that Harry was encouraging by a mental tickling charm he sent his way. Severus finally just stood and made his way out of the hall still laughing. Harry knew he would pay for that later, but right now he didn't care, his father needed a good laugh. He looked back at the staff table that were trying and failing to hide their laughter. He and Albus met eyes for a minute.

He couldn't be could he? Harry heard Albus thinking. And to send a spell through the link would have to be one powerful telepath. Harry are you listening to me? Harry jumped.

Y...yes Albus, sorry. Harry thought grinning sheepishly. And looked back down at his plate in front of him.

It is quite all-right Harry, next time tell me if you are listening. You are well developed in you telepath abilities Harry. How long have you known about them? Albus asked Harry.

Since last night Albus. Are you a telepath as well? No one has been able to reach into mind and talk to me without me trying to listen first. Harry replied the elderly Headmaster at the teachers' table who was now in a conversation with Professor Mcgonagall again.

Yes, Harry I am. Albus replied and looked at Harry and was surprised to see that he was talking to his friends as well as him telepathically at the same time. Something he himself hadn't learned to do until after about two or three months of training which was extraordinary for normal wizards, Harry had only discovered his ability last night!

Oh, okay, well I'll stay clear of peoples minds without their permission, I had made that promise to Hermione last night. Harry said mentally grinning, But I couldn't resist surprising my father sorry. This made Albus chuckle, and earn a short glance from some teachers around him thinking that he was getting whatever happened to Professor Snape. All right Harry; now back in your own mind, I'm going to give the farewell speech now. Oh, you will be going down to the train station with the rest of your friends to allow for good byes, okay? Albus spoke into Harry's mind. Harry smiled.

After Albus gave a short speech to the rest of the students, he let them all leave for the train that would take them home. Harry followed them through the great hall down the steps and into the thestral driven carriages that would take him to the train station. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Luna Lovegood who was the other friend that had gone with him to the battle of the Deparment of Mysteries joined him in his carriage. They all chatted about what they were doing over the summer, and were surprised when Harry told them he was being allowed to stay at Hogwarts this summer, because his mothers blood was no longer needed to protect him, so no more Dursleys for him. Every one seemed glad to hear this. Some of them knew they were awful to Harry. When they reached the station in Hogsmead Harry said his farewells and watched the train till he could barely see its speck in the distance. Suddenly he sensed other people present around him and snapped around to see who was coming and saw Sirius, Remus, Severus, and Albus coming to him. He chuckled to himself as he remembered what he had done to his father earlier. He was wondering what sort of revenge he might be facing in the future.

When the four reached him they all chatted a bit on nonsense as they headed back up to the castle that Harry would be staying at this summer, with people who cared about him and wouldn't hurt him he thought. Harry winced at these thoughts wondering what sort of punishments Vernon had in mind for him had he returned this summer. He shuddered and pushed it to the back of his mind, not noticing the look he was getting from a certain elderly headmaster of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

That evening at dinner with the few remaining teachers; Severus Snape, of course, Professor Binns, as he was a ghost (who was only there to drone on about troll wars), and Professor McGonagall, Harry asked where he would be staying as Gryfindor Tower would be deserted. They all looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Well, we could give you a room somewhere closer to here, or by Sirius and Remus' rooms..."Albus told Harry, who thought about it for a moment and was startled when he heard another voice.

"Or he could stay with me, in my personal quarters." It was his father. Harry's heart leapt, Severus actually wanted to spend time with him. Harry looked at Albus who smiled back at him.

"Yes, Severus I think that would be agreeable." Albus told him. Harry watched as his father let a smile spread across his normally sour features, which lately seemed nonexistent instead replaced by what seemed to be a permanent content and well...happy face.

"What?" Professor McGonagall exclaimed not believing what she was hearing, "Are you serious Albus?" She asked which made Harry's blood boil. She had no right to judge his father like that. Harry felt the temperature of the room decrease with his mood and saw McGonagall shiver slightly, which made him smirk a bit.

"No, that would be me Ma'am." Called Sirius's voice. Then Harry returned to his senses and brought the temperature back to normal. Harry calmed himself down and made sure his power was still masked from everyone. Glad that it was still in check. Then turned to Albus and offered his apologies mentally. Albus was surprised to find that it was Harry had done it. He had suspected Severus, but it had the wrong power signature, well at least now he knew whose power signature that was now. Albus sent forgiveness and warnings to keep his Anger in control. Harry agreed.

After Dinner that night Harry followed his father to his personal rooms down in the dungeons. Severus stopped Harry at a portrait of a few snakes slithering around in a forest next to a lake.

Hello there. What is your name? Harry asked the snake that was closest him.

I am Armadeus, how nice to meet someone who knows our language. Tell me, who are you boy? And how may we help you? The snake replied.

I am Harry Po... Snape. I am trying to get into this room; I will be staying here this summer. Harry told it. Thinking his name sounded interesting as Harry Snape. Armadeus nodded, Yes of course lord, please come chat again soon, it gets dull with no one else to talk to. Harry nodded his assent and promised to visit later on. Armadeus then swung the portrait open to reveal Severus' room. Harry stopped then and turned to look at his father who was looking at him peculiarly.

"Sorry I just forget it is a different language sometimes." Harry told Severus.

"How did you get it to open the portrait for you?" Severus asked completely baffled. Harry laughed.

"Oh, that. Well, lately all the portraits have seemed to taken a liking to me and just let me in where ever I wish." Harry replied to his father who now looked even more stunned than before. Causing Harry to laugh even more, then he led the way into the rooms.

Harry stopped in the living room and looked around; it was a mass of black, green, and silver. But what else would you expect from the head of Slytherin House? The legs of the tables and chairs ended with snakes' heads; the fireplace was huge and adorned with snakes slithering around it. The fire burst to life the moment the portrait hole closed behind the two. Harry saw that there were five doors leading from his main room. Harry now turned to his father.

"Umm...where will I be staying sir?" Harry asked cautiously. Severus looked at him strangely for a moment.

"You do not have to call me by Sir or Professor during the summer Holidays." Severus said to Harry. Harry nodded grinning. This was going to be the best summer he's had yet.

"Yes, sir." Harry replied grinning evilly, ear to ear. Severus just shook his head. Then he walked over to the door beside the fireplace and opened it.

A/N

Okay there' that chap. Like? More soon I hope ï