a/n: minor change in this chapter to reflect the truth of Snape's ancestry, including a short discussion that perhaps gives some insight to his feelings about muggles
Chapter 6
Tuesday, July 9, 1996
Harry woke up feeling rested for the first time all summer. He put on a dressing gown and entered his sitting room to find a table laden with food for breakfast. Remus said, "Good morning, Harry. Sleep well?"
Harry nodded, and sat down. He didn't really feel hungry, but he knew if he didn't try to eat something Remus would not be pleased. He managed to get a few pieces of toast down and half a glass of pumpkin juice. Remus said, "Is that all you're going to eat?"
Harry grunted, "Not used to eating much in the morning."
Remus said, "I'll accept that for now, but I expect you to eat some lunch."
Harry nodded and said quietly, "Do you still miss him?"
"Of course I do, Harry. Actually I still feel really sad about it. But Sirius and I made a pact before he died. We both knew it was very possible that one of us would get killed in this new war against Voldemort, and we both agreed that whoever was left would focus on taking care of you. So I'm honoring Padfoot's memory and keeping the promise. Would it help to talk discuss how you feel about Sirius' death right now?"
Harry shook his head. He felt like talking would just make him feel worse. He said, "I've got an assignment to finish and I think I'd better do it so the old Snape doesn't return."
Remus chuckled. "The old Snape?"
Harry said, "Yeah, the one who hates me." Then Harry got up and went to his room to get ready for the day.
It took Harry about an hour to think about and finish his writing assignment. He was looking over all the new items he had gotten in Diagon Alley when he came across the lock box his aunt had given him the day before. He decided now would be as good of time as any to see what its contents were.
Getting the key, Harry settled on the bed and opened the box. He took out several items which must have been have been his as a baby, including a stuffed dragon, some booties, and a baby's jumper. Beneath that he found letters addressed to Remus, Sirius, wormtail, and Snape! In addition he found a letter addressed to him. Harry's hand shook as he opened the letter.
My darling son,
If you are reading this then my premonitions were true and your father and I have passed on. Fearing that you would be raised by my sister, I have left you this lockbox. It contains a few items from your childhood, along with the letters, pictures, and detailed genealogical charts. Not many people know the truth about your heritage and this was the only way I knew I could ensure that you found out.
I know that if you have grown up with Petunia that your life has been hard. I am sorry, my son, that we cannot be there for you. There has been a prophecy made that might include you. If you have not been told of this, find Albus Dumbledore and ask him to tell you.
I know that one among us was a traitor. If you have found who the traitor is, then burn their letter. You should know at least one of the others. Give him the rest of the letters to be delivered.
Remember that your father and I have always loved you, and only wanted the best for you.
Your Mum forever,
Lily
Tears had formed in Harry's eyes as he read the letter. He drew his knees to his chest and allowed the grief he felt to come out. It was some time later that Remus found him in this position.
Remus sat down on the bed, and rubbed comforting circles on Harry's back until the crying had ceased. He said, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Harry just reached over and handed Remus the letters. He said, "We need to burn wormtail's letter, and I don't know what to do with the letter addressed to Sirius."
Remus took the letters from Harry and said, "Come on, it's time for lunch." He waited for Harry to rise and they walked into the sitting room. They stopped by the fireplace and burned wormtail's letter before leaving their rooms to go to lunch.
(a/n I ask the reader to be reminded of a passage from OOTP (American version p 113):
"You're related to the Malfoys!"
"The pure-blood families are all interrelated," said Sirius. If you're only going to let your sons and daughters marry purebloods your choice is very limited, there are hardly any of us left..."
Once they reached the dining room, Remus handed Severus his letter. Snape growled, "You're late. The food is getting cold."
Remus said, "Let it go, Severus. Harry is having a difficult morning. I think if you read that letter you will understand."
Snape just glared at Remus, opened his letter and began reading. His face paled. He looked at Harry and said, "Where are the charts she talks about?"
Harry said, "Upstairs."
Snape said, "Did you bring your assignment?"
Harry shook his head.
"Then once you have eaten you will go retrieve both items. Since I know you are probably quite distressed over what you have learned today, we will not study anything too taxing."
Harry was shocked. Professor Snape was actually being nice about him not remembering his homework. The old Snape sure wouldn't have been. He just said, "Yes, sir," and proceeded to force himself to eat a little.
After lunch, Harry went upstairs and grabbed the charts and his homework. He went downstairs and handed his homework to Snape. Severus said, "Pot--Harry, look at the charts while I go over your homework."
Harry could tell his professor was really trying to be civil. He tried to quell the questions he had by perusing the charts. He started with his father's genealogy chart. It was pretty interesting. But the question in his mind that refused to go away was why in the world would his mum write Snape that letter? The question continued to burn inside of him until he couldn't stand it any more and said softly, "Professor?"
Snape did not answer, but gave Harry a look that clearly told him questions would not be welcomed at this time. "Never mind," said Harry as he looked down to avoid the gaze being leveled at him.
Snape sighed, and said, "Harry, there is obviously something on your mind. Out with it."
Harry didn't chance looking up, but said, "Why did my mum write you?"
Harry steeled himself for the inevitable rebuke he thought was about to come. But Snape simply said, "Do you have your father's genealogy charts in front of you?"
Harry nodded, and Snape said, "Do you see any one with the surname Prince?"
Harry looked for a moment, and then said, "Yeah. It looks like she was my great-great-great-grandmother."
Severus said, "Your mother wrote to inform me of this, as my mother's maiden name was Prince. I was once told a story about a member of our family who was a squib. She was disowned and then married and no one ever heard from her again. I will do some research, but I imagine I will find that she is the same person listed on your chart."
Severus gave Harry a few moments to digest the information.
Harry said, "So that means..."
"We are distant cousins, Potter. Surely you don't need me to explain that many families are related in the wizarding world."
"No, Sirius explained it to me last year."
Severus' face darkened at the mention of Harry's godfather.
Harry said, "Does this change anything?"
"Not really, Potter, other than the fact that if they contest the guardianship we can now argue for it on the basis of family, which is held in high regard in wizarding society."
"Did my dad know?" asked Harry.
"I am quite sure he had no knowledge of this. Very few people know of my heritage."
"How come?"
"Because it is unwise to share that your ancestry is not pureblood when you are a Slytherin."
Harry's eyes widened. He'd always assumed that Snape's ancestry was completely magical. The only other person he knew of that was in Slytherin that wasn't pureblood was Voldemort. He said, "I thought all..."
Snape interrupted him, saying, "That is a common misconception. And before you ask, Potter, my father was a muggle."
"But then why do you hate muggles?"
Snape said, "I'm sure you remember seeing one of my memories during your lessons with me last year." At Harry's nod, He continued, "That was the only muggle I was actually ever around. My mother was disowned for marrying the man. He was an abominable person, much like your uncle."
"Oh," said Harry. "Can I ask you something else, sir?"
"Go ahead, Potter."
"What is the big deal about family and purity...I mean why did they disown her for marrying him?"
"You really no nothing about the history of wizard culture, do you Potter?'
Harry shook his head. So Severus launched into a discussion on the history of the importance of family purity. Harry could tell that his professor was in his element. Severus didn't mind teaching when he had an interested audience. He allowed Harry to ask questions and took the time to explain to Harry some of the facets of wizarding culture. At the end of the discussion Harry said, "Why don't they offer a class on wizarding culture for muggleborns? It would help those of us not raised as wizards to understand things better."
"I see you can think when you put your mind to it. Why don't you write a letter and ask the headmaster. I will send it with the letter I am sending him about your dream last night. Just don't mention that you aren't at your aunt's house."
Severus showed Harry where he could get some parchment and quills, and while Harry completed his letter he went over Harry's list.
My mistakes last year
By Harry J. Potter
I did not tell anyone that I was having dreams last summer.
I didn't ask Dumbledore why he wouldn't so much as look at me even though it really bothered me.
I didn't tell any of the other teacher's about Umbridge's quill.
I lost my temper a lot
I didn't tell Professor Snape that my scar started hurting worse and more often after occlumency lessons.
I lied to Professor Snape about how many dreams I was having during occlumency lessons.
I violated Professor Snape's privacy by looking in his pensieve.
I didn't try to block my mind because I was curious about the dreams I was having of the department of mysteries.
I didn't go and talk to Professor Snape about resuming occlumency lessons like Remus told me to.
I forgot that Professor Snape was a member of the order when I had my dream about Sirius and thought there wasn't anyone else to tell.
I didn't go back and check if Snape understood my message before running off to save Sirius myself.
I didn't open Sirius' mirror until after he died.
Potter had been quite a bit more honest than Snape expected. Still yet each of these things needed to be discussed, and Potter needed to come to understand that it was imperative that he get a handle on his emotions. And Lupin's support would be invaluable in this endeavor. With that in mind he looked up at Harry and Remus and said, "I think the three of us should adjourn to the sitting room for a discussion."
Harry looked at Snape with dread. He knew this meant they were going to talk about his list, and he was sure Snape was just going to ream him for all his mistakes. He drug his feet as he followed Snape and Remus into the sitting room.
