Fragments
Harry needed to talk to his friends, though that was easier said than done. How was he supposed to explain what Snape had told him, what he'd seen and heard or what it all meant? How, when he'd hardly begun to figure that out for himself?
"Are you all right?"
"What? Oh yeah, I'm fine."
Snape raised an eyebrow, his eyes dropping to the banister. Harry was clinging to it like a lifeline, knuckles white from the force of his grip. Hastily, he let go, clearing his throat self-consciously.
"I'm okay, really. Just a bit…"
"You're overwhelmed," Snape said, "which is only to be expected. Perhaps we should wait…"
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"Ron, Hermione… they have no idea what's going on. They've got to be worried and scared, and… I can't just stay up here and let them suffer."
"Suffer?" Snape echoed. "What exactly are they suffering from other than their own foolishness?"
"They don't know…"
"Precisely my point."
"What do you mean?"
"The three of you are in no danger," Snape said. "Not from me, which should be blatantly obvious by now. If they insist on believing otherwise? That's hardly my problem."
"Yeah, I guess you would say that."
Something flashed in Snape's eyes, his lips compressing into a tight line. Several endless moments passed until finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Given the circumstances, I'm far more concerned with your feelings than theirs. If that makes me selfish? So be it."
"I didn't mean…"
The truth was, Harry had meant it, at least in that moment. Both of them knew exactly what he'd been thinking, remembering all those years of coldness, insensitivity, even downright callousness. Back then, it had been so easy to assume the worst. But now…
"It's all right," Snape said, sounding much more composed. "You don't need to explain yourself."
Those assumptions didn't work anymore. Not with this version of Snape, who really did seem to care about Harry's well-being. And yet that other Snape still lingered, echoes of harsh words and unfair punishments. Harry couldn't begin to reconcile the two, struggling to move forward only to fall back on his heels when he least expected it.
"I don't know how…"
"I know."
He did know. Harry could see it in his eyes, regret mingled with shame. That was enough to chase away his inner conflict, at least for the time being, distant memories replaced by more immediate concerns.
"Oi," Ron called. "What's going on up there?"
"Nothing," Harry said, taking a deep breath as he descended the stairs. "Where's Hermione?"
"Kitchen."
He nodded. "Come on."
Soon enough, they'd gathered around the table, followed by a heavy, oppressive silence that made Harry squirm in his chair. He cleared his throat several times, realizing he had no idea what to say. It was all too much, decades worth of memories, letters, and pictures floating around in his head. How was he supposed to fit all that into a single conversation?
"So I…"
"Harry, are you…"
"All right, mate? You look…"
The three of them trailed off, Hermione's self-conscious laugh mingling with an unintelligible mutter from Ron. Only Snape was silent, his expression unreadable.
"I'm fine," Harry said, forcing himself to smile. "Just a bit…" Confused? Bewildered? Scattered? He shook his head, struggling to find the words he needed.
"Harry?"
He blinked, turning his attention to Snape. "Yeah?"
"If you'll allow me…"
"Would you stop calling him that?" Ron said. "It's creepy."
"It's my name, Ron."
"Right, the name your friends use. He's not…"
"My name," Harry interrupted, "which means I get to decide who uses it. Anyway, it's better than 'Potter'."
"What's wrong with Potter?"
"Everything."
"Everything? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Mr. Weasley…" Snape sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is difficult enough without you quibbling over minor details. As I was saying…or intended to say before I was rudely interrupted… secrecy is of the utmost importance. I will not allow this conversation to proceed if I believe, even for a second, that it could put Harry at risk."
"Professor Snape, we wouldn't…"
"We've got no problem keeping his secrets," Ron interrupted. "We've been doing it for years, long before you started sticking your nose…"
"He's not saying you guys can't be trusted," Harry said hastily. "Right?"
"This isn't about trust," Snape said. "It's about vulnerability. Even if neither of you would betray him intentionally…"
"Torture?" Ron scoffed. "I'd still keep my mouth shut."
"Even if that's true…" Snape paused, not bothering to hide his skeptical expression. "There are other ways."
"Yeah? Like what?"
"Legilimens."
It happened fast, too fast for Ron to look away. He sat stiffly in his chair, eyes locked on Snape's, his expression shifting several times before Snape lowered his wand.
"Bloody hell, you have no right…"
"The Dark Lord won't ask for your permission," Snape said. "Nor will his followers. They'll plunder through your mind as freely as they wish, unhindered by your feeble resistance."
"They'll have to catch me first."
"Yes, which we'll do everything we can to prevent. Still, we must be prepared for all possibilities."
"We?"
"Indeed, Mr. Weasley. I'm here to assist you, prepare you, tip the scales in your favor to the best of my ability. I do not intend…"
"Since when are you in charge?" Ron interrupted. "You're not our teacher anymore, and besides, Dumbledore said…"
"Dumbledore is dead."
"Right, and whose fault is that?"
Snape's eyes narrowed, his nostrils flaring as he glared at Ron.
"Foolish boy. You have no idea…"
"He didn't kill Dumbledore," Harry said. "I already told you that."
"You told me lots of things. I still don't believe…"
"Look, I know you don't trust him. I get it, okay? But you trust me, don't you?"
Ron jerked his head. "Course I do. I just…"
"I know," Harry said. "But if you'll just listen… I swear all of this will make a lot more sense."
"If you say so."
Frustrating though it was, Harry couldn't blame him for his skepticism. He'd only seen the bad version of Snape, who'd gone out of his way to make their lives miserable. Really, what was he supposed to think? He had yet to see the other side, one that even Harry himself could hardly believe was real.
"Shall I continue?" Snape said.
Harry nodded.
"Your defenses must be strengthened. That's the point I was trying to make."
"Strengthened how?" Hermione said. "What would you like us to do?"
"Nonverbals," Snape said. "Wandless magic. Aggressive spells, yes, though I also want you to work on defensive strategy. You'll practice every day, without fail… I'll test you periodically to ensure you're making progress."
"What happens if we don't?" Ron said. "You gonna take House Points?"
"This isn't Hogwarts, you dolt. It's a matter of life and death. If you can't wrap your feeble mind around…"
"I'll do it," Hermione said hastily. "How about you, Harry?"
"I'm in. Ron?"
Ron still looked peeved, though he was clearly outnumbered. He sighed heavily, slumping back in his chair.
"Fine," he said. "What else?"
"Occlumency lessons. As I demonstrated earlier, your mind is far too vulnerable."
"I can teach him."
"You?" Snape glanced at Hermione, his expression skeptical.
She nodded. "I've been studying Occlumency for more than a year."
"Books?"
"Mostly, though I've practiced a bit with…"
"Legilimens."
Again, Snape struck without warning, Hermione's gasp echoing off the walls as he invaded her mind. One minute, perhaps two, and he leaned back, wand still held aloft.
"Better than expected," he said, "though still insufficient."
"Insufficient?" Hermione frowned. "I didn't know you were going to test me."
"Precisely, Miss Granger. You must learn to anticipate the unexpected."
"So who's going to teach us?" Ron said. "You?"
Snape nodded. "Whenever I can find the time to do so."
"Right, because that worked so well with Harry. Bang up job, really."
"Mr. Weasley…" Anger flashed in Snape's eyes, though his expression remained impassive. "While I don't appreciate your sarcasm, you raise a valid point. Those lessons were indeed a failure… for that, I take full responsibility."
"It was my fault, too," Harry said.
"No, it wasn't."
"I could've tried harder. I could've…"
"Without trust, it was a doomed effort. That's a mistake I don't intend to repeat."
"I'll do my best to trust you," Harry said. "Well, that, and I'll make more of an effort this time."
"That's all I ask." Snape's eyes met Harry's, lingering for a moment before he turned his attention to Hermione. She nodded, her expression almost eager.
"Weasley?"
"No, thanks."
"This isn't optional."
"You can't force…"
"I most certainly could, though that would be a waste of time. Without your willing participation…"
"No."
"Very well." Snape paused, giving Ron a measuring look. "You may wait for us upstairs."
"What?"
"Necessary precautions, Mr. Weasley. If you refuse to take them, we cannot include you in this discussion."
"He's right," Harry said quietly. "It's too much of a risk."
"You don't think I can keep a secret on my own?" Ron said, his expression hurt.
"Of course I do. But this isn't just about me, Ron. It's him, too. If Voldemort…"
Snape flinched. "Don't use that name."
"If You-Know-Who found out…"
"He'd kill me," Snape said. "Without hesitation."
"Kill you?" Ron frowned. "For what? What's this all about?"
"We can't tell you," Harry said, "not unless you agree to the Occlumency lessons."
Ron's expression shifted, suspicion mingled with curiosity. Gradually, the former gave way to the latter, followed by a muttered curse.
"I'll do the bloody lessons, all right? Just tell me what the hell's going on."
Stubborn, insufferable boy. Why must he be so self-centered, so defiant, creating unnecessary conflict at every possible turn?
Taking a deep breath, Severus rose to make some tea. He knew he was to blame for Weasley's suspicions, at least in part, but did that excuse his behavior? Granger had plenty of reasons to be skeptical, too, yet she managed to treat him with respect. Why couldn't Weasley do the same?
Either way, he needed to show restraint. He had to be patient, ignoring even the most deliberate provocation. To do otherwise would be foolish, to say the least. He was here to mend relationships, not damage them further.
Reconciling with Harry was one thing. Severus could handle the awkwardness, the discomfort, even harsh criticisms, all of which were entirely justified. Considering what Harry had suffered, much of it from Severus himself…
Indeed, he had every right to lash out every now and again.
But that wasn't true for Weasley, was it? No, the boy was simply obstinate by nature, determined to…
Severus lost his train of thought, distracted by a hazy memory of a sunlit backyard. Wide green eyes surrounded by a halo of red hair…
"Why do you defend her?"
"She's my sister, Sev."
"That doesn't excuse it. If anything, it makes it worse!"
"How do you think she feels, watching me head off to Hogwarts every year? Knowing she's missing out on all the wonderful things we get to learn…"
"She's a Muggle, Lily. That's how it's supposed to be."
"So she's not allowed to feel sad or disappointed or jealous?"
Severus hadn't given a damn how Petunia felt. All that mattered was that she'd taken it out on Lily, which to him, was inexcusable. He'd said as much, utterly convinced he was in the right.
"That's not fair."
"Not wanting you to get hurt is unfair?"
"No, I mean only seeing the worst in people. That's what happens when you don't stop to consider how they feel or why they act the way they do."
At the time, he hadn't understood what she'd meant. All that registered was the disappointment in her voice, stinging him with the realization that yet again, he'd let her down. That feeling had become a constant by then, right before fifth year when their friendship had become so fragile.
Now? He knew what she'd been talking about. He even had a word for it, though empathy had never been one of his strengths. Granted, he felt it deeply toward those he cared about. Those he didn't? Not so much.
Of course, he'd paid a heavy price for that shortcoming. He'd spent years alienating his own son, unwilling or perhaps unable to see what now seemed obvious. How wrong he'd been, all the damage he'd done…
"Try to understand where she's coming from, Sev. That's all I'm saying."
He didn't have it in him to sympathize with Petunia. He hadn't back then, and he certainly didn't now. Nonetheless, that memory had come to him for a reason. It gnawed at his subconscious, urging him to follow Lily's guidance as he returned to the table.
"Tea?"
Granger nodded, murmuring her thanks as he filled her a cup. He did the same for Harry, taking a deep breath before he turned his attention to Weasley.
"I'll pass."
It wasn't just the words. Weasley's eyes narrowed as he glared at the teapot, like he expected it to grow fangs or some such nonsense. What a foolish, overdramatic…
Then again, was it so foolish? Severus hesitated, remembering that Weasley had been poisoned just the year before. Indeed, it made sense that he'd be suspicious, all the more so considering who Severus was. Potions Master. Adept with poisons. A powerful wizard he clearly didn't trust.
And why should he?
Until now, Severus had ignored the question. He'd been too focused on gaining Weasley's compliance, frustrated by what seemed like a pointless struggle. He hadn't realized…
Weasley wasn't being obstinate. He was reacting to a threat. As long as he believed that Severus might do them harm…
Well, perhaps a bit of paranoia was understandable.
"Very well," he said, his tone courteous as he set the teapot down. "Let me know if you change your mind."
"I won't."
He let that pass, his eyes meeting Harry's over the rim of his cup. Was he ready? Severus certainly wasn't. Just the thought of revealing his secrets, exposing his weaknesses and vulnerabilities…
His instincts fought against it, all the more so as his gaze shifted to a different face. Would Weasley laugh at him? Mock him for his pain? Scoff at his regrets, insisting that he'd gotten exactly what he deserved?
It didn't matter. He was doing this for Harry, after all, knowing that his son needed the outlet. Continued secrecy would only serve as punishment, a cruel isolation during what had to be the most bewildering time of his life.
With that thought, Severus drained the last of his tea, setting the cup on the table.
"Shall we begin?"
"I'm not sure how, I…" Harry trailed off, shooting him a helpless look.
"You can tell us anything. Harry, you know that."
"I already tried, Hermione. That's the problem. I told you, and you didn't believe me."
"It's not that we didn't believe you,. We just…"
"You still think he's your…" Weasley snorted, not bothering to hide his amusement. "Come on, mate, that's ridiculous!"
"No, it isn't," Harry said. "I mean, I thought so too at first, but after what I saw upstairs…"
"Haven't we been through this already? You look just like your dad. You know, James Potter? You have his Patronus, you…
"Ron?"
"Yeah?"
"Shut up and let him talk."
"Geez, Hermione, you don't have to be rude."
Rude? If they'd been at Hogwarts, Severus would've given her 50 points.
"Go on, Harry," she said. "Tell us the rest."
"Right, well, I guess it all started when my mum went to Hogwarts. Her and…" Harry paused, glancing at Severus. "They were friends back then."
"Best friends," Severus said. "Until I ruined it."
"What happened?"
"I fell prey to a certain mindset, Miss Granger, swayed by empty promises and outright lies. I was led to believe that joining him would solve all my problems, so that is the path I followed."
"You chose You-Know-Who over Harry's mum?"
Severus couldn't bring himself to talk about the Mudblood incident. He hesitated, searching for a somewhat less painful explanation.
"I didn't realize I was pushing her away. Not until it was too late to change it."
"Did you hate people like me?"
"You, Miss Granger?"
"Muggle-borns."
He shook his head. "Lily herself was Muggle-born. That never had any bearing on my feelings toward her."
"If that's true, then why would you want to join You-Know-Who?" Granger said. "Knowing what he stood for…"
"Because I was an idiot. Is that what you want to hear? I was stupidly naive, dismissing anything I didn't want to hear as idle gossip. Yes, I ignored the warnings, but I never thought… never had any intention…"
"You wanted to be a Death Eater," Weasley said. "A bloody Death Eater. With a name like that… what the hell did you expect?"
As much as it pained Severus to admit it, Weasley was right. He had known, at least on some level, that there was quite a bit of darkness in the path he'd chosen. Of course, knowing and caring were two different things.
"Ron, you don't understand," Harry said.
"And you do? Harry, your own parents…"
"James bullied him. Not just James, but Sirius and Peter Pettigrew, too."
"So?"
"It went on for years," Harry said. "Ganging up on him, ambushing him in the halls, the woods… there was nothing he could do to stop it. What I saw… it was brutal, Ron. Not saying that makes it all right, but I can see why he…"
"Joined up with a bloody madman?"
"I think he felt like that was his only option. He couldn't have known how bad it would be."
Severus sat silent, not trusting himself to speak. Listening to Harry defend him… Harry, who'd suffered more than the other two could ever dream of as a result of his poor decisions…
"If they were bullying you, why not tell a teacher? Why didn't you report it to Professor Dumbledore?"
"How naive you are, Miss Granger. Do you imagine I didn't try?"
"No one believed him," Harry said. "They always took James and Sirius's side, even though they were the ones who were lying."
"How do you know that?"
"I saw his memories, Ron. He showed me…"
"What he wanted you to see."
"I didn't tamper with my memories if that's what you're suggesting," Severus said.
"Yeah, and besides, Remus was there. He says it's all true."
"I believe it," Granger said. "The way Sirius always talked about Professor Snape… didn't he say something about bullying, too?"
Harry nodded.
"All right, fine," Weasley said. "But what about the rest of it? Your mum…"
"What about her?"
"She was friends with Snape until…"
"Fifth year," Severus said.
"Then they stop talking, he runs off to play Death Eater, and she marries your dad. Is that right?"
"Pretty much," Harry said. "Except James isn't my dad."
"Harry, she married him," Granger said. "She chose him to start a family with, not anyone else."
"Right, and how do you think it felt to be rejected like that?" Weasley glanced at Severus, his expression wary yet defiant. "Tosses him aside, then goes off and marries his enemy?"
The words stung, though not for the reason Weasley might've expected. Lily hadn't tossed Severus aside. He'd alienated her through his own foolishness, leaving her vulnerable to Potter's manipulations. To imagine he'd have any ill feelings toward her, as if that sham of a marriage had somehow been her fault…
"What is your point, Weasley?"
"If you felt like she betrayed you, which I'm sure you did…"
"I did not," Severus said stiffly.
"Ron, it wasn't like that," Harry said. "Him and my mum… he loved her, even after she married James."
"Right, because he's never been the type to hold a grudge."
Severus deserved that. He knew he did, recalling how spiteful he'd been toward Harry and his friends. Still, he didn't like where this was headed, taking several deep breaths before he allowed himself to speak.
"What are you suggesting, Weasley? That I would have wanted revenge?"
"Yeah, I mean, why wouldn't you?"
"Ron, I'm sure Professor Snape wouldn't have…" Granger trailed off, her expression uncertain.
"Wouldn't have what?" Severus said. "What exactly are you implying?"
Weasley swallowed hard, his face a shade paler than it had been before. His right hand disappeared beneath the table, a clear sign that he was reaching for his wand.
"The prophecy…"
Severus's blood turned cold. "What about it?"
"You gave it to You-Know-Who, didn't you?"
"Ron, he didn't know," Harry said quietly. "He had no idea what it meant or who it was about. Remember what Dumbledore said?"
"Doesn't mean he was right." Weasley hesitated, swallowing hard. "I mean, you have to admit, it's awfully convenient. If Snape wanted to get back at her, at both your parents…"
Severus shot to his feet, toppling the chair as he pulled out his wand. Slender black ropes emerged from the tip, binding Weasley in place.
"What the bloody hell…"
"SILENCIO!"
Retrieving his chair, Severus locked eyes with the terrified boy as he sat back down. "I have tolerated your insults," he said, his voice dangerously quiet. "I've overlooked your rudeness, your obstinance and disrespect, keeping in mind that this is a difficult situation. But to accuse me of… to even suggest…"
"Please," Harry said softly. "I'm sure he didn't mean it."
One look at those familiar green eyes was enough to calm him down somewhat. Hastily, he vanished the ropes, cringing as he noticed Granger's anxious expression. What was that about mending relationships? He was doing a miserable job, at least so far, cursing himself for his lack of restraint.
"Okay if I remove the Silencing Charm?"
"Of course. I shouldn't have…"
"It's all right," Harry said, pointing his wand at Weasley. "He really shouldn't have said…"
"Oi, what are you defending him for?"
"Ron, you just accused him of murder. How did you expect him to react?"
"Well, what am I supposed to think? He shows up here making up all sorts of…"
"No one asked you to think," Severus interrupted. "You were asked to listen, which you've repeatedly refused to do. If you would just…"
He trailed off, realizing that Weasley's hands were shaking. It was a telltale sign of genuine fear, which the boy tried to disguise by thrusting them under the table.
Suddenly, he knew what he needed to do. Weasley's theories, his suspicions… offensive or not, he couldn't make them go away by shutting them down. No, he'd have to refute them, which he could hardly do without knowing what they were.
"Tell me the rest."
"What?"
"Clearly, you've made quite a few assumptions about me. I want to hear what they are."
"But you just said…" Weasley frowned.
"I've changed my mind."
"This is a trick."
"It's not a bloody…" Severus sighed, tempted to dose himself with a Calming Potion. Instead, he sipped at his tea, his eyes meeting Harry's.
"Are you sure you want to…"
"I am."
"Right," Harry said, turning his attention to Weasley. "It's okay, Ron. Go ahead and tell him."
"Why, so he can hex me again?" Weasley shook his head. "No way."
Severus snorted, pulling his wand from his sleeve. He passed it to Harry, leaning back in his chair with his arms folded over his chest.
"Satisfied?"
"There's still wandless magic. I bet you could…"
"Ron?" Granger said, her voice dripping with impatience.
"What?"
"Stop being a prat."
"I'm not," Weasley said, shooting her a glare. "Anyway, I already told you what I think."
"Yeah, you said some stuff about the prophecy," Harry said, "which isn't true, by the way. But what about the rest of it?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's been 16 years, Ron. If it was about revenge, wouldn't that have ended with their deaths?"
"You were supposed to die too, and you didn't. Maybe he's still mad about that."
"You're suggesting that I deliberately orchestrated the murder of an infant?" Severus said sourly. "Charming."
"Well, look at the way you've treated him!" Weasley said. "Hated him right from the minute he got to Hogwarts. All those nasty things you said, even the way you looked at him… it's because of his parents, isn't it? He looks just like them, and you can't stand it."
What could Severus say? In many ways, it was true. He'd despised Harry and everything he stood for, particularly his own failures. But to suggest that he'd ever wanted him dead…
"Contrary to your assumptions, I am capable of disliking someone without wishing them harm."
"Right," Harry said. "I mean, look at all the times he protected me. There was Quirrell, and…"
"He only did that because Dumbledore was around."
"Yeah, well, Dumbledore's gone, and he's still protecting me. What does that tell you?"
"He's right, Ron," Granger said. "If Professor Snape wanted to hurt him, he's had plenty of chances to do it. He wouldn't have brought him here, and he wouldn't have saved him from You-Know-Who. Why would he go to all that trouble if he wanted something bad to happen? It doesn't make sense."
"What, so you believe him now?"
"I'm not sure what I believe. I just don't think that Harry's in any danger."
"Then why is he lying to him? Why would he make up all this stuff about his parents, saying his dad isn't really his dad when we all know that's impossible? Just look at him, Hermione. Remember those pictures Sirius had?"
They were going in circles, though Severus knew better than to interfere. Every theory, every doubt, all of Weasley's accusations… better to let them rise to the surface, challenging Harry's beliefs from every possible angle. If he didn't permit it now, it was sure to happen when he wasn't around. And what then?
Oh, he knew what would happen. If Harry was still vulnerable, swayed into believing that he was lying…
He felt a chill in the pit of his stomach, remembering how close they'd come to catastrophe. The way Harry had fled from that safe house, only to be descended upon by a horde of Death Eaters…
No. Never again. Harry must be protected at all costs, and for that, he had to trust Severus completely. His defenses had to be strong, able to withstand even the most insistent pressure.
"My mum did it."
"What?" Weasley said.
"She changed my face right after I was born. That's why I look like James."
"Glamours?"
"I think so."
"Harry, that's not possible. Glamours only last for a few hours, maybe a couple days if you really know what you're doing. 16 years? No one can do that, and even if they could…" Granger pulled out her wand, pointing it at his face.
"What are you doing?"
"Performing the counterspell."
She flicked her wand several times, mumbling a series of incantations. Finally, she lowered her arm, her expression self-satisfied.
"Didn't work," Wesley said.
"Of course not. Didn't I just say it was impossible?"
Not for the first time, Granger's know-it-all attitude irritated Severus. True, she was uncommonly talented, but everyone who practiced magic had strengths and weaknesses. In her case…
"You fail to remove the spell, therefore you assume it doesn't exist?"
"Gwendolyn's Glossary of Glamours has a whole chapter on it, which specifically says…"
"Irrelevant," he said. "Lily invented countless spells, most of which you'll never read about in any book. Her magic was as unique as it was instinctual, not bound by typical rules or limitations."
"That's awfully convenient," Weasley said.
"Ron…"
"Well, look what he's saying! Claiming you look like your dad because of some spell, only no one knows what it is and it can't be removed? Sounds like bollocks to me."
"I never said that it couldn't be removed," Severus said. "Only that Miss Granger doesn't have the power to do it."
"Bollocks," Weasley repeated.
Granger was too polite to say so, though her expression made it clear that she agreed with him. Two pairs of eyes shifted from Severus to Harry, suspicion mingled with pity.
"Very well," Severus conceded. "Let's assume I'm lying. To what end? If I wanted to hurt Harry… or any of you… I could've easily done so without going to all this trouble. Would you agree?"
Granger nodded, followed by a grunt from Weasley.
"And why haven't I given you over to You-Know-Who if that was my plan? Why, when I had such a perfect opportunity?"
"He's right," Harry said. "I mean, I wouldn't even be here if he hadn't pulled me away from that duel."
"Okay, so he doesn't want you dead."
"I'm glad we've established that," Severus said dryly.
But Weasley wasn't finished. Of course he wasn't, brow furrowed in concentration as he searched for another theory. It didn't take him long to find one, eyes narrowing in renewed accusation.
"If he hated you… if he really wanted to get back at you and your parents…"
"He wouldn't lay a finger on me?" Harry said, not bothering to hide his amusement. "Yeah, that makes sense."
"No, I mean there are other ways to hurt you. Your mum and dad… they've always been your heroes, right? if he could change that, make you think the worst of them…"
Harry shook his head. "He's never said anything bad about my mum."
"No? According to him, she cheated on your dad with a bloody Death Eater!"
"He's not a Death Eater."
"You don't know that. Anyway, he was back then!"
"All right, so what's your point?" Harry said, clearly impatient now. "That he's trying to make me hate them?"
"I have another idea," Granger said quietly.
Severus nodded. "Go on, Miss Granger."
"Maybe…" She paused, shooting him an apologetic look. "If he really did care about Harry's mum, maybe he couldn't accept that she loved someone else. Of course, Harry is proof that she did, which is why he used to treat him like… well, you know."
"Okay, so what about now?" Weasley said. "Why is he acting so different all of a sudden, saying that Harry's his…"
"You can fool yourself into believing anything if you want it badly enough."
"So I'm delusional?" Severus smirked. "That's better than diabolical, I suppose."
"I'm sorry, Professor Snape. I only meant…"
"So he spends all these years hating Harry," Weasley said slowly. "Then he just turns around and decides that he's his dad? Come on, Hermione. That doesn't even make sense!"
"Yeah? Well you're not making any sense either!"
"No, you're just too stubborn…"
"Weasley."
"What?"
"I have neither the time or patience for pointless bickering," Severus said. "Do you have any other theories?"
"I just think… I mean, I know…" Weasley trailed off, cursing under his breath. "Look, I don't know why you're doing this, okay? All I know is what's true. Harry's parents were James and Lily Potter. They were both in Gryffindor, they fell in love and fought for the Order, and they… they were bloody heroes! You have no right…"
As he prattled on, Severus came to an abrupt realization. This wasn't about Harry. It was about Weasley. He was drawn to the legend of the Boy Who Lived, unwilling to even consider that parts of it might not be true. That would threaten his own identity, which was deeply entwined with Harry and everything he represented.
Really, it seemed so obvious now. A mediocre wizard from an unremarkable family, raised on tales of Gryffindor heroes? Naturally, he'd crave that sort of attention, attracted to Harry's fame, his celebrity…
Of course, it wasn't just that. They'd bonded over the years, forming what appeared to be a genuine friendship. But his need to feel special, his belief in that legend? That was certainly part of it, feeding his ego and shaping his sense of self.
"Are you finished?"
Weasley didn't respond, his expression mutinous.
"I could tell you everything," Severus said, "go through my story from beginning to present, leaving no question unanswered and no detail unexplained. I could refute all your theories, even provide evidence in my favor, and still, you wouldn't believe me."
"Nope."
Severus nodded. "Then you leave me with no other option. Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"Hand me my wand, please."
For the first time, Harry looked nervous, though he did as he was told. Granger's eyes widened, the room as silent as a tomb as Severus got to his feet.
"Weasley? Take out your wand."
"What?" Weasley stared at him, his expression caught between bafflement and fear. "If you're wanting to duel me, I'll have you know…"
Severus rolled his eyes. "Don't be stupid."
To his dismay, Harry also looked frightened, positioning himself as if to block Weasley from an attack. "Please," he said. "Don't hurt…"
"I'm not going to hurt him."
Reaching into his pocket, Severus withdrew a quill and parchment. Hastily, he scrawled a few lines, thrusting the note at Weasley.
"What's…"
"The Unbreakable Vow," he said. "You know how to perform the spell, I assume?"
"I… I guess so."
Harry tried to protest, though Severus wouldn't hear of it. He knew what he had to do, all the more so now that he'd seen his son's reaction. That glimpse of fear, a brief flicker of doubt…
No. It was time to put those feelings to rest, proving once and for all that he could be trusted.
"Take my arm."
"Are you sure…"
"Take it."
Hesitantly, Harry wrapped his fingers around Severus's forearm. Severus did the same, locking them firmly in place.
"You know this will kill you, right? Weasley said. "I mean, if you're lying…"
"Of course I know. Now do it."
Weasley took a deep breath, moving into position as he lifted his wand.
"Snape… I mean, Professor Snape…"
Severus shook his head. "My full name."
"Right, um, Severus Snape… everything you've told Harry about James and Lily Potter… do you swear it's true to the best of your knowledge?"
"I do."
A single tongue of flame shot out from Weasley's wand, winding its way around Severus and Harry's wrists.
"Do you swear that you didn't tamper with or attempt to falsify the memories, letters, and pictures you showed him?"
"I do."
Another lash of flame appeared, weaving around the first in a perfect figure 8.
"And will you swear that you mean no harm toward Harry, that you will help him and protect him to the best of your ability?"
"I swear it."
The final flame sprung forth, illuminating Harry's features in dazzling shades of gold. Gradually, the light faded, his eyes shimmering with tears.
"It's true," he whispered. "All of it."
"You didn't believe me?"
"No, I did, I just… this makes it real."
Severus nodded, swallowing past the lump in his throat as he glanced at Weasley. The boy looked dumbfounded, teetering on his feet before he dropped into the closest chair. Granger was in a similar state of shock, staring at him as if she'd never seen him before.
Some small, insidious part of him was tempted to mock their skepticism, jeer and laugh and say, 'I told you so'. He resisted the urge, however, determined to be polite as he fixed another pot of tea.
This time, he didn't bother to ask. He simply filled a trio of cups, sliding them across the table.
"Thanks," Weasley croaked. He drank deeply, clearly no longer concerned that Severus was trying to poison him.
"Professor Snape?"
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"Will you tell us… I mean, I know you're not lying, but how is this even possible? How did it happen? Did anyone else know? If they did, why didn't they say anything? Why was Harry led to believe that James Potter was his father, and why…"
"Too many questions," Severus interrupted. "Let's take them one at a time, shall we?"
The three of them nodded, waiting for him to continue.
