Disclaimer: I do not own these characters and on and on and on.
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The next two weeks passed in much the same way as that first day with Professor Snape. Harry had grown to respect the man a little bit in this time. Professor Snape was forced to leave a couple of times during these weeks, and Harry could see the dark mark burning on his arm. Harry knew that Professor Snape would usually end up straggling in late and hurt. Harry could hear him groaning through the walls on those nights. He had not realized how much this man had undertaken for Dumdeldore and the Order. While Professor Snape was still hostile to Harry, Harry realized that Professor Snape had learned more about Harry in this time as well. Especially about Harry's skills in potions (they were not as dreadful as some people would like to think.)
It was two weeks before Harry's birthday that the subtle changes started taking place. First of all, his hair seemed to be growing faster. It was getting longer by the day. It almost seemed to be growing out darker as well. Harry was also losing the boyish look and his cheeks seemed to be getting hollower. His eyes, while still green, seem to have specks of gray in them. Harry attributed this all to growing up, after all, he was approaching his 16th birthday. Harry was excited about this. While although Professor Snape was sure not to even notice, at least he wouldn't be berated by the Dursley's this time and could enjoy it in peace.
The day before his birthday, Harry sat up until midnight was his usual custom. Shortly after this time, Hedwig and Pigwidgeon came in with several packages from headquarters. Hedwig looked a little put out at having to carry the burden with this silly owl. After Harry had untied the packages he paid a little more attention to Hedwig to make up for it. Pigwidgeon flew out shortly after he had come in. Harry then turned to his packages. He first opened Hermione's package. It of course was a book. Harry glanced at the title to see that it was simply a book of spells. Harry quickly read the attached note.
Harry,
I think that this book will be extremely useful to you. Look specifically at page number 94. It has a spell that I think you need to use. Happy Birthday.
Hermione
Harry quickly turned to page 94 wondering why Hermione would have singled out a particular spell. After turning there, he noticed it was a spell to clear the mind. 'How useful,' Harry thought! 'I'll have to use this with my occlumency. I wonder if it will help.'
He then turned to the package from Ron. Tearing into it quickly he noticed that it was a selection of chocolate frogs and a small box which when Harry opened he realized contained a snitch. 'I've got my own snitch!' Harry thought excitedly. 'I'll definitely have to thank Ron for that one.'
He then went on to Mrs. Weasley's package, which contained several jars of powder. He looked at the enclosed note.
Harry,
I thought I would send some of my good home cooking. Each of these powders is a different food. All you have to do is tap on them and it will be a hot and steaming meal. I hope that you enjoy. Regrettably George and Fred will not be sending anything as I have forbidden them to do so. Have a good birthday, Harry.
Mrs. Weasley
Harry went to sleep that night thinking about how many people he had that cared about him.
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In the morning Harry found that he needed to go to the library for some research for one of his essays. Harry found Professor Snape and asked permission to visit the library. As Harry was looking for a book on the history of certain spells, there was a book that seemed to be glowing at him from the shelf. Harry shook his head thinking that this wasn't possible. He looked again seeing the same thing. The book almost seemed to be vibrating on the shelf. He walked over and slowly grabbed hold of the book. 'Journal of One Lily Evans – to be read by Harry Potter on his 16th birthday.' This captured his attention and he immediately turned to the first page.
Harry,
These are volatile times that we are living in, my dearest son. I prepare this for you now knowing that neither James nor I may be around in the future. We were forced to go into hiding to keep a number of people safe. I know that the information that you are reading will be hard to comprehend. I want you to know that these are from my pen while under no duress whatsoever. These are all true facts. Harry, James is not your father. Your father is Severus Snape. You may or may not know about him, and I can only hope that he is still alive. Harry, Severus and I were in love while I was there at Hogwarts. When he joined Voldemort's ranks to be a death eater I was devastated. I knew that he was under severe pressure from his father. I waited for him patiently in hopes that he would come to his senses. I was right of course; he did come to his senses shortly after he joined. He became a spy for Dumbledore, and I couldn't wait for the danger to pass. I married Severus straightaway. We were not careful enough, however, and before long I knew that you were coming. I was not willing to risk your life by Severus's spying. I knew that something had to be done. Severus and I came up with a plan. We decided that I should leave him for the time being. The only person that knew about us marrying was Dumbledore anyway. I cast a memory charm on Severus so that he would not remember that we were ever married or anything about you. We were both so afraid that Voldemort would find out about you and mark you for his own or worse, kill you. I then ran to my best friend James Potter and asked that he would marry me and pretend that the child was his. Because he knew these were dangerous times he agreed. We then cast a charm over you so that you would resemble James. It should be wearing off about now. I know how much of a shock this must be to you, but I assure you that it is for your own good. I hope to God that you don't ever get this, and I am around to see that you grow up with your true father. However, precautions must be made. Severus's memory charm is not permanent and should be wearing off soon. Don't blame Dumbledore for not telling you either, I made him swear that he wouldn't ever tell anyone. He promised and then put his thoughts about it into a penseive and sealed it. If you choose you can tell Dumbledore that his penseive is located behind the portrait of the 1st headmaster of Hogwarts. He will not remember unless you tell him. Harry, know that I love you and that everything will work out. From this book you will learn more about Snape and me in our Hogwarts days. I hope you enjoy and I wish you a happy birthday.
Your mother,
Lily (Snape) Potter
At that moment Harry fainted.