Hey everyone,
So now we reached a chapter that I am a little happier about, but I also need to address a little something. I am planning to create a character that is almost on the same levels of "hateable" as Dolores Umbridge. Yeah, I know, but it's something I have planned and Redemerald6 will know exactly why I want to do this.
No spoilers,

Venquine1990
PS. Yes, I am a tease. Sue me! (please don't).


Chapter 64
Connections And Fears

3rd of July 1994
Ballroom, Beast's Castle
Remus' POV

I am definitely glad that I am past my Heat. Sirius is obviously not ready to have kids and this really bothered Moony throughout the period we were alone together. Sirius may think that we didn't notice how magic was affecting him, but there is nothing that escapes the notice of a Werewolf seeking to bond with his mate.
Still, everything that happened in these last week and a half has also made it easy for Moony and me to understand why the man isn't ready. It's not just because he is still suffering from the after effects of having spent twelve years in Azkaban. It's also because he really needs to be there for the cub we have right now.
And while I am definitely glad that, with Sora's help, we are getting more and more people and other beings that are willing to help, care for and befriend Harry, do I also know that a boy like him needs stability. And that's where, especially now that we adopted him, Sirius and I come in. Yet at the same time I wonder something.

"The adoption we performed should have started affecting Harry by now. He should have started showing signs of physically being our son. Why hasn't his hair lengthened or turned another color? Why haven't his eyes gained specks of amber or silver? Why is he still such a carbon copy of James and Lily? It doesn't make sense."
I think to myself, yet I don't voice this as I don't want to give Harry any reason to worry over this. As by now, I know the boy well enough to know he will feel guilty and start blaming himself over it, even if it might be something in his genes or is being instinctively held back by powers within him that he has no control over.
"No, best to try and figure this out for myself and see if I can't find a solution. Before then, I better just keep quiet about this. Besides, with the latest news on what those two were up to last year, my cub has more than enough to worry about." And while this concerns me, do I then take the book from Blaise and start to read.

Boggart in the Wardrobe

And instantly I feel glad that I am the one reading this chapter and that Severus is still busy on that antidote for Arthur. The students who were in that class also start to either cheer in happiness over the memory of it or show appreciative smiles. And while I hope that won't change when they remember the full class, do I start to read.

Malfoy didn't … dreadful battle.

And finally I get the answer to something I have been wondering about for a long, long time. Poppy looks at this shocked and astounded and then turns a stern glare at the Malfoy parents as she asks: "So, how is House Malfoy going to repay me for their son ruining my reputation behind my back?" Making the two wince.
"Wait, Madam Pomfrey, you – you didn't –?" A Ravenclaw asks in shock and the woman shakes her head and says: "No, Mss. Edgecombe, I was not aware that Mr. Malfoy had been pretending to still be injured after visiting my wing. I can only assume that that horrid duo cursed me to make me blind to it or something.
However, his parents know just fine and well that I take my reputation just as serious as they take theirs. So Lord Malfoy, what compensation will I be able to expect for this?" The man sighs and says: "We will discuss the compensation after this chapter, you have my word." And the Mediwitch nods as I continue reading.

Harry tried not to feel too insulted about this, yet he couldn't help but think: "Just wait until he actually faces what I did. Then we'll see if he still walks around like that.""How is … looked away.

This makes Poppy hum and she turns to the red-faced boy as she asks: "Mr. Malfoy, let me ask you something. Was this faked injury plan your idea – or theirs?" And the boy answers: "I admit, Ma'am, I did want to milk this for all it was worth, but it was Goyle that suggested I pretend to still be injured and it was Crabbe, who got the sling."
At this, while his words obviously don't make the woman any happier, does she still nod and turn to Lucius, who nods and says: "I will make sure that both their fathers will meet with you at the end of this reading to compensate you for their Heir's contribution in this ridiculous plan of theirs." The woman nods and I read on.

"Settle down … all others. Harry himself had seen firsthand evidence of how bad that went when last year Malfoy voiced a desire of wanting other students dead without Snape doing anything about this, it still pissed him off even though he got back at Malfoy for saying that about his friend.

"And considering how some of you take advantage of that and make fun of a subject you know I take very, very seriously, you can expect that privilege to be gone until you have proven worthy of my class once again." Severus then says, making me wince as I had hoped he would be missing out on this chapter as well.
The man then turns to me and asks: "Where are we exactly?" And I answer: "The day after the Hippogriff incident, which was apparently orchestrated and reported by – well, those two." And the man turns grim before he says: "I see. Arthur, you are not to drink or eat for four hours. If you can manage that, I can give you the antidote."
The man nods and thanks Severus, who then turns around and says: "I will go back and see if I can make other antidotes as well. If she is willing to poison you with Love potion, I can only imagine what else she has been brewing up. You will see me when the four hours are up." And while this relieves me, does he leave as I read on.

They were … Shrinking Solution. Harry had practiced this one and a few others last night to get over the shock of how Hagrid shouted at him and push past his anger over what Malfoy was causing his friend. Malfoy set … brick red and Harry needed to force himself not to react to this. There had been plenty of times, in his youth, where Harry would come home from school after having fallen victim to Dudley's Harry Hunting and the Dursleys would still force him to cook dinner. Harry had learned to do this years ago and hated anyone who used injuries – especially fake injuries like Malfoy's – to get special treatment. Snape already treated Malfoy better than he did others, this was completely unnecessary in Harry's eyes.
"There's nothing … roots, sir."
And just like when they first met in Diagon Alley, did Harry have trouble seeing Malfoy for Malfoy and not for his despicable cousin. Snape approached … black hair. At this Harry wondered if Malfoy coming in late and going to sit with him and Ron wasn't something he had planned ahead with his Head of House.

At this everyone in that year turns to the lad, but he shakes his head and says: "I just played on his well-known hatred for both Gryffindors and Harry in person. He had no idea what I was planning, but I knew he would love to join in if I gave him the chance." Which makes a lot of people shake their heads at him as I read on.

"Change roots … malicious laughter.
Harry put both his feet firmly on the floor and focused with all his might on the weak link he still had to Hogwarts. It had lessened greatly thanks to his two months not being at the castle, but it was still strong enough that he felt the castle's incredible magic calming him down, allowing him to keep his mind sharp and focused.
"Potter, you … without speaking, focusing on the spells that Hogwarts was now showing him, potions that can help one in regards to rare or powerful ingredients as well as a potion Hogwarts herself seemed to think they would be working on next. Malfoy was … snarled Ron.

"Am I the only one who is starting to wonder who the actual rivalry is between? I mean, it sounds a lot more as if the real feud is between Ron and Draco and that Harry is just caught in the crossfire and interacts with it from time to time." Auron suddenly says, standing against a pillar near the Weasley blanket and having a raised eyebrow.
Everyone looks at this shocked and he says: "Think about it. When Draco voiced his desire to see Hermione dead, it was Ron who responded violently. Whenever his name is mentioned Ron is the first to start insulting him. And now again he is the one Draco forces as a House-Elf to do the dirty work for him. Am I the only one seeing this?"
And apparently this is indeed the case as a lot of those around the ballroom are looking at each other shocked. And then my son proves that I might not need to worry after all as he turns to Ron and says: "Hey, do me a favor. Keep me out of this lover's spat of yours, will you?" And while Ron splutters, do others laugh and I read on.

"– he's complained … same again?"

At this Sirius rolls his eyes and then starts to smirk at Lucius as he says: "A lot of influence? Really? Then I wonder something. Are you ready to get competition for that influence? For that role in high society? Cause we both know when you started your campaign that got you where you are today. Don't we Lucius?"
And while Lucius frowns at this does my mate then actually take on a high society pose as he turns to our son and says: "After all, Harry is still underage, even if he is the last of his line. So as long as your wife gives him his lessons, it'll be up to me to keep his family name strong in your circles. Combine that with my title as Lord Black –."
And he sends Lucius another challenging smirk, which seems to calm the man down and he grins back in the same way as he says: "Challenge accepted, Lord Black. I will see you on the battlefield." Yet this makes Harry look between the two worriedly, until Sirius whispers: "He means the Wizengamot, pup." At which I read on.

"So that's … in anger and because he had just found a spell that he quickly stored in the back of his mind as he felt he could use it later to get back at the blonde for all of this. "To try … times worse. Harry really wanted to sit with the boy as he felt the bond they had and the trust they shared could, potentially, negate that fear a little, allowing Neville a better chance to focus on his actions.

At this all teachers share a look and Minerva says: "Mr. Longbottom, if Professor Snape agrees, we would like you to implement that idea starting next year." At which my son and his closest – yet until recently also most secretive – friend share a warm smile of trust and while I feel very happy for both of them, do I read on.

His potion … of tears. Harry was glaring holes and daggers into Snape's back as he had been on the other side of the classroom when he spoke of this and his voice had been low enough even Harry, who was in the middle of the classroom, had had trouble hearing him. Basically Snape was blaming himself, but voicing it in such a way he was lying the blame with Neville and traumatizing him to booth. Harry really wondered what Neville ever did, other than existing, to make Snape treat him like this. Did he have the same bad history with Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom as he had with Harry's father, James? And why was this man so determined to bully kids that, other than their parentage, had never done anything to him?

At this both Sirius and other adults want to comment, but then I read ahead and Moony howls in rage as I say: "Don't. Severus is about to prove himself as heartless as Draco did last book. This is just too low, even for his standards. I can only think of three others who would sink this low." And I read on, trying to keep back my own rage.

"Please, sir … it properly."

At this pandemonium breaks out and I growl: "That was deliberate. Severus just ordered Hermione not to help Neville and he knew Neville would never be able to fix his mistake, sorry Neville. He wanted to poison his toad. There is punishment and then there is this. This is unacceptable." And everyone nods as I read on.

Snape moved … to Hermione. But Harry caught both of their eyes as Snape turned back to grin at his snakes – even if some of their work was on the same level as Neville's – and he soundlessly told Hermione: "Don't." And told Neville: "Trust me."
And while both looked at him strangely, did he send them a reassuring wink. He had found the Shrinking Solution in the information Hogwarts was providing him and found spells that actually fixed that as well as other potions.
And with his connection growing back to its former strength and Neville having his cauldron on the floor, he could send the spells into the potion, even from where he sat. Hogwarts was back to helping him and it felt great.

And all of the anger that was felt over Severus' heartless actions are now replaced by pride and happiness over Harry and the fact that he is once more connected to the place he loves so much. Yet then Sora seems to worry over something and asks: "But wait, doesn't traveling back and forth so much hurt the connection?"
But Harry looks down and says: "I – I didn't get to restore the connection this year. I – I think Dumbledore caught onto me sometime in Third and used his – his horrible magic to keep Hogwarts from restoring the connection. It made last year even worse. I felt – so alone." And Sirius pulls the boy closer against him as I read on.

"Hey, Harry … at Harry, who was now trying to focus on both his own work and helping to fix Neville's. He turned … Harry offhandedly.
He needed to focus and if satiating Malfoy's sick desire to see him hurt shut the boy up, Harry would provide. He had bigger things to worry about and focus on anyway.
Malfoy's thin … down myself."

At this both of the boy's parents glare at their son, but then Sirius says: "I'm sorry, Lucius, but I must ask you to leave punishment of this one to me. Draco knew of my reputation, knew what Azkaban is like, knew what it takes to end up there – and still thought he could make my, at the time, godson risk his neck. That is unacceptable."
And while Lucius is obviously against this, does Narcissa lie a hand on his arm and whisper something in his ear. At this Lucius nods and Sirius moves Harry over to me before he moves over to the boy. And whatever he whispers in the boy's ear seems to do the trick perfectly as Draco looks horrified and is now trembling in self-disgust.
Sirius then smirks at his relatives before going back to sit with us. And as he does, does Draco mutter: "I will never do something like that again." And the emphasis he puts in this statement almost makes it sound like a solemn vow. This makes me look at Sirius with a raised eyebrow, but my mate keeps quiet and so I just read on.

AN. What do you think Sirius told Draco? Leave me your suggestions. I might post the answer in next month's update.

"What are … wouldn't see. Or so it seemed, but Harry was quite sure that it was all an act as he had managed to send every required spell into the cauldron and knew the two were just giving him a cover, to hide what he had done for them from Snape.
Harry and … something stupid..."
Neville came to join them at the last minute and whispered: "Tonight." To which Harry gave the slightest of nods.
The end … his cauldron. Harry wondered if this was to keep up the act or if Snape had terrorized Neville enough times to leave him traumatized. He sincerely hoped it was the former, but feared it might be either the latter or a combination of both.
"Everyone gather … watched fearfully. Harry was thinking back to the Dementors and how they made him feel to keep Snape from noticing how he was actually feeling. The Slytherins … into applause. Harry sensed Hogwarts reward him and sent his own happy emotions back to her to thank her for her help. Snape, looking … fully grown.

This calms me down and I mutter: "I guess he had both that growing potion and an antidote in case the potion had gone wrong ready. But that doesn't change that his method of motivation can see him arrested." And all the adults nod as Narcissa says: "I'll make sure he never does this again." And the woman leaves as I read on.

"Five points … turned, too. He had thought that Hermione had kept quiet because she wondered how he had managed to help Neville or because she wanted him to admit to this, but she was nowhere in sight. They were … Ron frowning. Harry wondered if she had stayed behind to plead her case, but then thought: "No, Hermione's smart enough to know that that's a lost cause."
Malfoy passed … and disappeared. Instantly Harry worried if he had done something to make Hermione lag behind, but he quickly got evidence proving the opposite which relieved him. Still, he had learned a special set of spells from Hogwarts and he was going to make sure to use it on Malfoy when the time was right.
"There she … asked Harry. Harry nodded, but didn't feel like investigating. He was hiding plenty enough from her and Ron and felt it was about time that his friends would hide something from him as well. Everyone deserved to have their secrets and their rights to privacy.

This makes Sirius, Hermione, Ron and I smile at the boy, yet he sighs and says: "Though as the year went on, you really made me second-guess and even doubt that decision. You worried me, even the few times you annoyed me." And while I can tell that the girl is confused about the latter, does she still nod as I read on.

Professor Lupin … square meals.
Harry again noticed the man shooting a quick look his way and while Lupin had his back to most of the students, did Harry spot the man's lips twitch upwards in relief for just a second before he focused on them. And Harry himself was also glad to see the man in good health as he was now sure that he had been friends with his parents.

"And yet, I let a cold-hearted, waste of human life keep me away from you. I trusted in the wrong people and it got you nothing but pain." I mutter, feeling horrible that Harry held me in such high regard so soon and yet Harry smirks and says: "And you have my whole life to make up for that." At which I read on, snickering.

"Good afternoon … his brooms."
Harry felt pretty impressed, yet also curious as he could hear an undertone to Lupin's voice. It sounded like he was disappointed, but not in the fact that Peeves was causing trouble like this.

At this I snicker and shake my head as I say: "I didn't think Peeves was being up to his usual standards. I, after all, grew up with pranksters myself that often worked alongside Peeves, so I knew he could do better." And while this makes the twins share an intrigued look and makes my son hold back snickers, do I read on.

Filch was … wand away. Harry himself stored the spell away in his mental inventory, determined to see where else he could add it to his punish the punishable repertoire.
They set … a snap. Yet Harry had noticed it. The entire time the two were talking, they were locked in gazes with each other. And knowing that Lupin had been friends with his father, made Harry know that Lupin had been part of the reason Snape hated his father – and now Harry. The look of loathing the man gave Lupin at the Opening Feast now made perfect sense.

And at this Sirius says: "And when he comes back and when I have regained a bit more health, I think I'm going to offer him a specialized contract. Showing favoritism is fine, but his level crosses the limit of that and I know that's because of his own issues with us. So if he's okay with it, the contract will allow him to release that on us."
This really worries me and Harry asks: "Why would you want him to do that?" And the man makes me know it's the right thing to do as he says: "Because that way, he can learn to divide his issues from his role as a teacher and a Head of House." Yet while Harry doesn't seem to accept this, does Lucius sigh and say:
"I'll make sure that Severus agrees to this one way or another. But he might try to add Lupin to that contract as well, considering he never did anything to stop you from your actions." Yet to this Sirius glares at him and snaps: "As long as you stay out of the contract, that's fine." And while Lucius flinches at this, do I read on.

"Now, then … Hermione glowed.
His friend's words, however, brought a few vague memories to Harry's forefront, memories he as a kid, had suppressed out of fear. It had been a few nights when he was 3 to 5 years old and, as much as his uncle punished him for lying, he had been sure that, from time to time, he had actually had him inside his cupboard, screaming all kinds of things. "Had that been a Boggart back then? Where had it come from? And what made it disappear?" Harry wondered to himself.

Everyone looks at this shocked and Amelia says: "I'll make sure to have the Unspeakables aware of this. They'll check this out while watching those monsters. Hopefully we can find some kind of – why do I feel this is another of Dumbledore's twisted schemes?" And while I growl in rage at this, do I just focus back on the book after.

"So the … the air and trying not to think back to how he felt at that young age, was very … little disappointed.

This makes me look up and I say: "I will never pick just one person to answer all my questions, Hermione. It will take others the need to study, to challenge themselves and to do well in class." And while the girl looks mortified that she, unknowingly did this, do I send her a reassuring smile before I focus back on the book.

"It's always … the gallows.
Harry knew that Neville had great deals of courage when it came to supporting those he cared for and really hoped that, somehow or sometime, his friend's courage would expand beyond the emotional support he gave others.

"These books are really helping with that and so does meeting all these great people that Sora is friends with." Neville himself happily tells his friend and Harry smiles as he says: "It was just a matter of time, Neville. Time and the right motivation." And while the two share a great brotherly smile, do I read on, proud of them both.

"Right, Neville … usually wears?"

Here I turn to the Slytherins and say: "For the record, I know why Neville never has his parents with him at the platform and that this falls under his own rights of privacy and that is why I picked his grandmother and not his parents, who were more fashion-forward. It was simply for the sake of the class and Neville's rights."
The Snakes look shocked, yet I notice Harry and Neville share a look and I send my son a quick wink. "No chance that anyone still remembers what was said about Frank, Alice and their fate back in the very first chapter we read. Not with everything else that constantly came up. And with this knowledge, do I continue reading.

Neville looked … a Boggart-Voldemort or even the memory of what Marge had done to him only under a month ago, a horrible … like drowning...

This makes me look at my beloveds in great concern as they are both trying to offer each other comfort, but are also trying to repress their own fear for these monsters. And because there are others that are shivering thanks to the description, do I wait for everyone to calm down – or receive a draught for help – before I read on.

Harry shivered … their sleeves.

"There was no way you could have prepared for that, Harry. I'm just glad that, even though I didn't realize this at the time, I prevented this from happening." I mutter at my son, who nods at me in agreement and gives me a warm smile, his head tucked underneath his mother's chin as Sirius has his tightly in his lap as I read on.

"Neville, we're … cried Parvati and Harry spotted that she was trying to hold back tears.
A bandage … past Parvati who looked more relieved, yet also had a strangely haunted look that she was trying to hide by going to stand with her best friend.

At this everyone turns to the girl in question, who is red, but is apparently in the same state she was in back then. And while I feel horrible that I didn't notice it at the time, does the girl whisper: "Family Tradition. I – I can't tell." And her sister goes to sit with her and pulls her close, the look on her face proving she knows more.
"You're partially right there, Par. You can't tell them what the tradition is about, but you can tell them one thing. That father broke tradition and made you go through that way too soon. He expected more of you than he should and that is the reason he was cast out. Why mother is now the Head of the Family." She then tells her sister.
This makes me look at Sirius in concern and I hear him softly mumble: "The Patils are of Indian High Society. A Lord needs to do something equal to the Unforgivables for them to cast him out and have his Lady take his place. What kind of sick creep was their father?" And while this doesn't make me feel better, do I read on.

Crack! Where … a crab.

"I was stupid at age five and went into a haunted house that was actually meant for nine to ten year olds. I got frightened at the first turn, kept my eyes closed for most of the ride, but when I thought I was almost out, I opened them and saw that fall from the ceiling right on top of my cart. I fainted after seeing that."
Dean tells us, rubbing the back of his neck and a lot of those around him snicker and giggle at this. Parvati, luckily enough, is one of those people and Lavender and Padma send the boy a grateful smile. Dean nods and I can tell by the look in his eyes that that was the whole motivation behind him telling this as I read on.

"Riddikulus!" yelled … was gone.
This reminded Harry of the Boggart he was sure had haunted him in his younger years and while he wondered if something had caused the same to happen to that one, did he then remember how, shortly after the last time he told his uncle this, a neighbor from a few doors down had moved out, claiming his house to be haunted.
He also remembered that that was one house that, after this, never had an owner for long as all others also claimed the same and moved out. This made Harry frown and he thought: "If it was so happy in that other house, why did it stay with Harry for two years?" And he felt determined to find out, one day.

At this Amelia turns to her Aurors and one of them nods as he says: "The house at the far end of the street. It doesn't really look like the Shrieking Shack, but it obviously hasn't seen an owner in a few years." And Amelia makes us all smirk as she says: "See if you can move that Boggart to number four." The Auror nods and I read on.

"Excellent!" cried … feeling cheerful.
The memories of the Boggart when he was still young were hard to ignore. Also Professor Lupin … out again?

"Absolutely not, pup. Yes, I worried for you, because you looked as frail as I did, but I could easily see your inner strength. I just didn't think your fears – or what I thought were your fears – would be something the others could handle. Later chapter, everyone." And those that had wanted to ask, nod as I read the last bit.

But no … Lavender thoughtfully yet Harry had noticed how she had tried to sound like Parvati when mentioning the mummy as the girl herself was trying not to show that she was still shaken up by the mummy itself.
"That was … of ten?"

Yet I take the girl a lot more seriously and turn to Ron as I say: "More likely, Ron, do I think that she would have had either the Basilisk or a stone wall that would slowly have parts of it move closer as hers." And the boy in question winces as he mutters: "I – should have thought of that." And he apologizes to his friend.
"I will say this, Remus. Junior definitely knew how to impersonate Alastor and I told him some of what Junior taught the students. He definitely thinks Junior did a good job, which he's not happy with, but I personally think you did better than either of them could have." Minerva then tells me which makes me turn a deep shade of red.

In the mean time
Outside the ballroom
Snape's POV

The minute Lupin told me where they were, did I know why this was part of the story. It had annoyed me beyond reason, but I also knew this might be my only chance to hear the true story. And so I had left the hall, pretending to go back to my chambers, but I had stayed outside the doors and had cast a small listening charm.
I had heard it all, Potter restoring his connection with Hogwarts, him being the one to have helped Longbottom instead of Granger, Draco purposely leading Potter into a potential deadly threat, Potter respecting Granger's rights to privacy, Lupin's little stunt with Peeves and finally the reason I was still standing there.
And to hear that Lupin hadn't meant to dress me in those blasted robes, but hadn't wanted to expose the secret behind the state of the Longbottoms had made me feel a lot better. I had also silently agreed with Black and his idea for the contract, but decided to make it look as if Lucius was the one who told and convinced me.
"But I'm not going to make it easy on him. Lupin and Black have yet to forgive him for what happened back in Second and – to be honest – neither have I." And while I know just fine that I have a problem with holding onto grudges that are better off having been buried years ago, do I not care for this as I leave back to my station.

Give it time, Snape,
So I'm going to be honest, I had a BLAST writing this chapter. It's one of my favorites of the PoA content, even with part of it focused on Snape, Malfoy, the former's bias and the latter's careless behavior and personally I think I made it even better. Also, I think we all know who put that Boggart there and why, right?
Also, chapter 62 has a bit of text added to it. I know Harry actually had the armor made of Basilisk skin back during the Third Task – yeah, I forgot about that while writing chapter 62 – and I really hope the added bit of text that concerns Kettleburn will make it clear how it was possible for him to wear that that day.
Read and enjoy,

Venquine1990
PS. Yes, I will add the actual statement from Sirius in the AN of next chapter. That is a promise.
PPS. WHO HAS SEEN AVENGERS INFINITY WAR? I want to write a piece about Thanos and what I want to see happen to him, but I don't want to reveal spoilers. PLEASE LET ME KNOW!