Harry Potter and the Cave of Revelation
By Aeowin
Chapter 4 What Next?
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Vernon raised the burning cloak towards his nephew, and sneered. "I think I'll start cleansing you of your affliction now."
Harry's eyes widened in horror as he realized his uncle's intent. Vernon took one last step forward and dropped the burning cloak onto Harry's lap.
Harry was frozen with shock. Of all the many, many times his uncle had beaten him, Harry had never feared for his life. Until now. One look into his uncle's eyes told Harry all he needed to know. Vernon Dursley insane with hatred towards him. This time, Harry knew, Vernon would not stop until he, Harry Potter, was dead
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Harry writhed in agony as the blazing cloak in his lap blistered his legs and torso. As he tried desperately to escape from the searing pain, his chair overturned, slamming the boy's head onto the corner of the low stone border wall surrounding of one of the many flower beds decorating the yard.
As the world around him began grow even darker, Harry felt a sudden wave of coldness roll over his body. He lay, gasping in pain and shock, and slowly realized his aunt stood over him, directing a spray of water from the garden hose onto his smoldering robes.
Aunt Petunia, saving him? What was this?
As if in answer to his silent question, his aunt said shrilly, "Don't be stupid, Vernon. We can't harm the boy. Do you want those friends of his here!"
"Oh, very well!" grumbled Uncle Vernon. "Dudley, set him upright, I don't want him to miss this last."
The backyard spun crazily as Harry felt the chair he was still lashed to being settled squarely onto all four legs again. He squinted at his uncle, trying to make his eyes focus. His glasses had once again been broken when he had fallen, but he found that if he leaned his head back, he could see clearly through the bottom of one of his lenses. Harry was grateful for this tiny bit of luck. The thought of his uncle moving around while he, Harry was unable to watch him was unnerving to say the least.
Harry watched carefully as his uncle walked purposefully back to the fire. He quickly scanned the area around Vernon. Everything was gone. Every single thing that Harry had cared about was gone. All of his books, his school robes, were nothing more than ashes. The birthday cards that had meant so much to him, destroyed. Anything that had ever brought light into this cold, dark world that he was supposed to call home, was gone. In just a few short hours, his uncle had taken everything that Harry had cared about, and completely demolished it. But yet, here was his uncle, strutting like a peacock, so obviously pleased with himself, that as Harry gazed upon him, he felt his heart lurch.
What else could his uncle possibly have planned?
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Severus Snape sat in the Head Master's office, dreaming. Albus (as Severus referred to him only in absolute privacy), was noticeably missing from the office. As he waited, Severus reflected upon the Head Master's previous words…
The Potions Master had been in his office preparing lessons for the upcoming school year when the Head Master's head had appeared in the fireplace. "Severus, might I have a word with you?"
"Is it important, Professor Dumbledore? I am quite busy at the moment," Snape had replied, coldly. He knew that Dumbledore would not have called him had it not been important, but after many years of practice, aloofness had become a way of life for Snape.
"Yes, Severus. This is a matter of primary importance. I will await your arrival." Dumbledore's tone brooked no disagreement.
"Very well," Snape had sighed. "I will join you momentarily."
The Head Master's head nodded before disappearing from the flames, but Snape had continued staring into the fire, deep in thought. As it was summertime, no students and very few teachers remained at Hogwarts. If Albus wanted Snape to come to his office, this was obviously a very secret matter, but since Snape had felt nothing from the ugly mark burned into his arm, he didn't believe that this could have anything to do with the Dark Lord. What could Albus possibly want of him that could not be stated openly?
Snape glided into the office, "I do hope this is important, Albus. I was attempting to write out a lesson that even some of the more dim-witted…" Snape stopped midsentence as he spied the Head Master's face. There was no twinkle in those blue eyes today. That in itself spoke volumes, but it was the look of complete shock on Dumbledore's face that gave him pause.
Never, in all of the years that Snape had known him, had he ever seen Dumbledore surprised by anything. Indeed, he would have believed it impossible for anyone to put such an astounded look on the Head Master's face.
"Severus, please have a seat. Would you care for a lemon drop?"
"No, thank you."
"Well, then, perhaps some tea?"
"Albus, enough with the pleasantries!" Severus snapped. "What is going on?"
The Head Master looked grave. "I have received some rather surprising news. News, that I believe, that you will find rather shocking."
Snapes mind reeled. What news could Dumbledore possibly have, that would cause him to look so shaken? And what could it have to do with him? Certainly, Albus knew everything about him. What new revelation could possibly stun the Head Master so?
"As you know, Severus, I am leaving to Hogwarts to spend some time with my family. I so enjoy being with my grandchildren. Family is such a wonderful thing, don't you agree, Severus?"
"No, Albus, I do not think so; as you very well know. You know exactly how unsatisfactory my home life was. I hold no warm, fuzzy feelings for my family."
"Ah, yes…so it is. Tell me Severus, did you ever wonder how your life would be, if things had been different?"
"I'm not sure I know what you mean, Albus," Severus lied. He knew precisely what Dumbledore was hinting at. Indeed, he knew, because not a day went by, that he, Severus did not long for what might have been.
Had Voldemort's evil gaze not fallen upon him, his life would have been quite different. He would have married the girl he loved. He would have become a father, and, he would have been a good one. His own father had been a perfect example of what not to do. While Severus might not know what to do to be a good father, he knew precisely what not to do.
Had he been able to stay with the woman he loved, he knew that they would have been blessed with a child. He had seen him in a vision in the early morning hours, as he held his beloved in his arms. He had seen that precious, green eyed babe, held lovingly in his mother's arms. If he had been left alone, and his life been allowed to continue upon its normal course, he would have had the family of which Dumbledore now so lovingly referred.
"No, my child. I think you do know. And it is important that you examine your feelings on this matter before I continue," and after speaking these words, Dumbledore had left him to reflect upon his feelings of what might have been.
The students of the other houses would have been shocked to discover that their hated Potions Master would have given anything to be a father. All of the compassion that he held back from his students would have been lavished upon his child. The smiles that were never seen would have been released to anyone that looked his way, as he bragged about his incredible child's latest escapade.
Severus quickly cut himself off from such musings. These thoughts could bring him nothing but pain. What did it matter how things might have been? This was his life, and no matter how he wished for things to be different, he had no family…nobody cared if he came home each night. However useful he was as a spy, he was not loved. Dwelling on what might have been did nothing but cause heartache, and he, Severus Snape, strove heartily to be exactly what his students perceived him to be…heartless.
Severus sighed dejectedly, as he quickly slipped back into his uncaring façade. Albus would be returning soon, and the Potions Master did not wish to be found in such an undignified state.
A short time later, Albus came striding back into the office carrying a rather thick envelope. "Severus, I trust you have been reflecting on my words to you?" he began.
"Of course, Head Master. It's not as if I am one of the many addle brained students that you inflict upon me each year. I am quite capable of completing a train of thought. Although, as to why you would ask such a thing of me, I cannot fathom," Snape said, silkily.
"No, dear boy, I'm sure you cannot. However, rest assured that I do have my reasons. Lemon drop?" the ancient wizard asked, offering a tin of little, yellow candies.
"No, Albus. As I've already stated, I do not care for one. Now if you're quite finished with these pleasantries, might I know what this is about?"
Dumbledore sighed as he looked at the young wizard before him. He knew that what he had to say could change the Potion Master's life forever, but would Severus allow his mind and heart to be receptive to this news?
"Severus, my dear friend, I have recently received a bit of very startling news. News that I believe, that you are quite unprepared to deal with. I only hope that you are willing to open your mind to the possibilities that will soon be set before you," Dumbledore replied, gently.
"Out with it, Albus!" Snape growled. He was tired of this game. Severus did not like games. Indeed, his life was riddled with them. Games of which he was not an entirely willing member. The few times in his life that he could avoid any type of excitement were to be savored.
The Head Master sighed greatly once again. "Forgive me, Severus. I had not wished to cause you anymore stress. I, above any other, know the pressures you have undertaken for the good of our world, I do not desire to be the cause of any added anxiety, especially when what I have to tell you is such pleasant news; should you choose to take it in such a manner."
Snape tried his
best to continue glaring at the elderly wizard, but his attention was
disrupted by the sudden squawk of Fawks, the very remarkable bird
perched closely to
Albus' desk.
Dumbledore looked at the phoenix with a startled expression. Seconds later, there came a sudden whoosh from the enormous fireplace.
A wizened face popped into sight, twisted in alarm. "Dumbledore! Come quickly, I need you. There is no time to waste!"
Severus was completely taken aback at the sight of Olivander's panicked face. Ordinarily, the wand maker wore an all knowing look; he was almost as difficult a wizard to surprise as was Dumbledore, himself.
"His w-wand…" Olivander stammered, looking around, and only just noticing Snape. "The one who's wand you spelled…"
"Yes, Olivander?" Dumbledore interrupted. He knew precisely which wand the gentleman spoke of. The Head Master, himself had been the one to spell the wand to alert him in case of any emergency. "What has happened?"
"The alarms have just gone off! My entire workroom is aglow! The wand…something has happened to his wand!" said Olivander, fearfully.
Albus, although looking very nervous himself, quickly leapt into action. "Thank you, Ollie," he said to the wand maker. "Please alert the Order to be on guard. They may be needed at a moments notice."
"Severus, dear child; I must ask a favor of you that you will find most difficult," said the Head Master, turning to face the Potions Master once again.
"For several years now, I have had Ollie on the watch for any Alarm spells given from a certain wand. I, myself placed these spells on the wand, so that if any harm befell it, Ollie would be alerted immediately. Apparently, Fawkes, having given one of his tail feathers, could also feel the danger."
"I am, as always, ready to assist you in any way I can," stated Snape, forcefully.
"And I can depend upon you, no matter the task?" Dumbledore inquired.
"You know you can, Albus. Do I really need to prove myself?" snapped Severus. He had risked his life many times as a spy, something that Dumbledore knew, and had never questioned. Until now…
"Of course, of course. Severus, I must send you on a mission of the upmost importance. You must not fail." The head masters tone portrayed the magnitude of this mission, but Severus was confused. He had acted as a spy for the order for many years. Surely Albus knew that he, Severus, would never fail to do anything in his power to accommodate the needs of the Order.
The Dark Lord had destroyed his family. Severus believed that his father had been a good man before he was seduced by the darkness that was Voldemort. If not for the evil wizard, he might have had a decent home. He would have had a chance at a real life. Instead, he had pushed away any chance he had for love and life. He had willingly joined with Voldemort so that he could aid the side of Truth.
This was something that Albus had been well aware of before Severus cowered before the Dark Lord and accepted that heinous mark. Dumbledore knew about the unspeakable tortures Snape had endured, only to relay information to the Order. Yet, now, Albus doubted him? What could this mission be to cause the Head Master to question him?
"Severus, you must go and retrieve someone, who is, from all apparent signs, in very grave danger. I will entrust to you this task, my dear boy, although I know it may cause you pain to carry it out. In doing this, you will be forced to face your worst memories…but if you have the strength to face down these fears, you will come out with more than you have ever dreamed."
Severus leapt to his feet, not truly hearing the Head Master's words. It did not matter, as long as he was working to bring down the Dark Lord, he was willing.
"I am ready, Albus," Severus said coldly. "Whatever it is, I am ready."
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OK, ok…I know, but I have noticed that even slight cliffies warrant more reviews!laughs wickedly I've also noticed that I haven't received any in the past few days, so now you are ALL being punished! Tell your friends to R&R!
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Reviews
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Read300300 – Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it! Positive feedback feeds my little writing monster!
ShadowedHand – OHH! You guessed! Yea for you, but maybe I'm being a bit too obvious? Writes note to herself to be more Slytherin I TOTALLY agree, this abuse is completely unacceptable, but it DOES make for a good story…why is it that we seem to enjoy reading/writing things that we would normally rage against?
Lady Lily3 – Sorry! I had originally planned to tie all of the cliffies up in this chapter, but Snape is a bit long winded…Snape casts a glare at Aeowin Well, Sevie, you do tend to go on and on at times…Aeowin ducks as Snape hurls an empty potion flask at her head (you didn't think he'd actually waste a real potion, did you!)
whisky lullaby – OOHH! You bad, BAD girl! Aeowin casts a Scourgify spell on whisky lullaby to assist in her mother's discipline I hope this one helps…oops, I forgot…'nother cliffy…well anyway, I'm glad you like it!
Darak( ) – Two words…PRIVACY FENCE!
FroBoy - Thanks! I absolutely LOVE good reviews! When I checked out my last reviews, I grinned all night… (did kind of make my husband wonder what was up, though!)
Rubberduckie713 – My first beta offer! WEEEEEEEEEEEHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I would love for you to beta for me (I REALLY need it!) I am soo glad you like my story enough to help me to not only keep it going, but to improve it as well! I think I love you! grin
CokeFreak – Thanks! I was a bit unsure about the burning, but as I've said before, I just write what I see…does that mean I have voices in my head?
Pleione – Hooked? Really! Aeowin blushes
Darck Child of Earth – Oh, don't worry, punishment is on the way!
Susan Potter – You want it, you got it!
Fireraye – Harry is soo depressed over Sirius' death, that he feels he deserves any and all punishment, hence no accidental magic. Sorry, I thought that was clear, but then again, I know what I'm thinking/feeling when I write, so I might not always express it clearly. I'll work on it! BTW, thank you for your very detailed review. As I said, this is my first ff, but it is also my first STORY, so I really appreciate the constructive criticism. It helps me to (I hope) improve on the later chapters. Keep 'em coming!
Rosiegirl – Thank you for all of your reviews! I was giggling like a little girl when I was THREE reviews from you! Although it took me a bit longer to get this chapter done, I kept thinking guiltily of you whenever I wasn't writing. Just what I need, someone else (hubby) to ride my butt grin Keep R&R!
A girl avoiding homework( ) – Ooops! That makes 2 I've reduced to cursing…Damn my ….ahem…..you didn't see that, did you? I meant DARN my slowness! I promise to try to update more frequently (I can't be responsible for contributing to the delinquency of a minor! Bad, BAD Aeowin!)
n( ) – Errmm…I don't really know what to say, as I'm not sure if that was supposed to be 'perfect' Snape throws a glare towards Aeowin, while muttering something that sounds suspiciously like 'arrogant Gryffindor'or if it was 'pervert' Snape chuckles Aeowin glares at Snape ANYWAY, I think I'm gonna go with the 'perfect' idea and just say thank you!
Xylia Dark( ) – Ohh, you're good! But don't forget, the prophecy says a bit more than that!
Lady FoxFire – If I was too obvious, I apologize. As to the firefighters, the Dursley's have a privacy fence, so no one can see what is going on in their yard. (And let's not forget, that as the author, I have complete ruling over this world!) Ahhh….It's GOOD to be Queen! grin
: Ari-Griffin – Sorry that this update was so long in coming. I had a bit of trouble joining this chapter to JKR and my own previous chapters. Harry is suppressing his magic because he feels the need to be punished for Sirius' death. He feels responsible.