A/N: Hey everyone. I would like to thank you all for your support. Well, there's only one person that I don't want to thank, but I'll get to that. The people who gave me good reviews instead of flaming me, you really helped me. Now, there is one person who I can honestly say pissed me off. See; look at what this person wrote:
The Usenet Oracle ()
Re:
Reluctantly, Harry let go of Snape's robes. Snape got up, and went into the dining room with Dumbledore. Dumbledore looked very grave. "What is it, Albus?" Snape said. Dumbledore sighed. "I noticed that you and Harry have gotten very close." "A little bit, why?" "Well, there's no since in me beating around the bush. Severus, I have very grave news. For you and Harry, both. Especially Harry."
Thisth mighth soundth ath littleth betterth ifth theth secondth 'grave' wasth "serious" orth somethingth ofth theth liketh, besidesth 'grave': it'sth anth uncommonth wordth, andth thusth, musn'th beth overusedth, lesth yeth soundth liketh ath youngth whoith justh learnth ath newth wordth!
Cornflake.
The Usenet Oracle
A/N: Now, to translate it, just take off the 'th' stuff. God, what's this person's problem? I can write my story any way I want. Yeah, maybe I should've used a different word instead of 'grave', but I was too intent on posting this chapter up and getting out of the living room to be thinking clearly. I didn't see anyone else complaining. Does this person go around regularly flaming people, or just the 13 year olds? My God, I'm not a prodigy. I do make mistakes. And see, this person was anonymous, so I couldn't go search for him/her later. There are some other things that I'd like to say to that person, but I won't give him/her the satisfaction.
Ok, the author's notes today might be a little long, cuz I gots to thank some of the peoples that reviewed:
Snivellus' friend: Yeah, I know I'm not the only one whose mom complains, and yes it's hard to ignore sometimes. Thanks for the support, and I'll try to keep my chin up.
A frind (): I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I hope that you feel better. Don't worry, I'm not gonna try to kill myself. I know I have my friends and story to live for. Thank you so much for comparing me to J.K. Rowling. I think that J.K. is an excellent writer, and to be compared to her is like…well, I can't express it in words. I'd be willing to take that offer to be friends, and thank you so much!
Fairygirl1131129: Lol, yeah, I'm the same way. I just love unhappy, torture, and suicide fics. Lol. It's weird. Thanks for liking my story!
Narcissa-Malfoy-22: I'm glad that you're enjoying my story. I don't like cliffhangers much, either, but sometimes you just gotta write them!
Hpfan: You'll just have to wait and see what the bad news is. You might have it half correct. Thanks for the complement!
PrincessSkywalkerOrgana: Thank you so much for the offer! Please don't be sorry. It's not your fault. If I need help, then I'll tell you. You don't know how much I appreciate that!
Ruth: Thank you! I'm glad that you like my story! I'll try not to listen to the bad things that people say about my story, but I do realize that my chapters are a little short compared to other stories.
Hahaha: Lol. Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm glad that you like the story so far. I really hope I'm not offending anyone, but I really don't like slash, either. I don't know, I just can't picture Harry and Draco…well, I'll let you get back to the story. Lol.
Tatil: You don't have to be sorry. I mean, none of it is your fault, so no need to be sorry. Btw, I always sound stupid when I review stories. I actually like getting those kinds of reviews because they're funny. I'm sorry for your loss, and are you okay? I'm fine, so no need to worry.
Riley: :::Blushes::: Wow, what a wonderful review. Such nice things to say to me. I'm afraid I must be blushing now from head to foot. Oh, wait, that's not possible, is it? Heh, well, I'm blushing as red as Ron's hair. Thank you for saying such nice things!
The things at home are getting better. I've been dealing with a lot for a very long time, now. If only I had enough room to say all the things that I've been dealing with all my life, but I'd only feel that I was rambling and that I was trying to get people to feel sorry for me. Which of course, is not the case.
Thanks for caring. I'm not being sarcastic. I mean it. It's pretty hard not to believe what people tell me, especially my mom. Then again, she's always been a bit…psychotic at times. And yes, you did make me feel better. Thanks!
No, I don't think you're being nosey. I'm a bit…er, make that highly nosey at times, so I don't consider you to be nosey. Plus, I was the one that mentioned my mom. It's only natural that someone ask something, y'know.
Heh, that makes both of us that have a bad temper problem. I swear mine could also rival Snape's. It's eerie. Lol.
Gingerbread: Lol. Yup, everything bad happens to Harry. What would we do if it weren't that way? Of course, I'll probably never stop torturing Harry, but at least he gets some happy times. Notice the 'some'.
Kyo88: Wow, is my story really that good? Thanks for your support!
Gingerbread (again): Lol. I absolutely love sad stories, also. I'm glad that you like my story!
GT: It's okay, and please don't be sorry. Thank you, though, for adding me to your prayers! That's really nice.
Heather Snape: I'm glad you like my story! Yeah, you're right, there are barely any of these kinds of stories left. I'm glad my story touches you. I'm afraid, though, that the next chapter has some very bad news for Harry. Heh, heh. Oh, I mean, poor Harry. J
Dragon Lady: Okay, um, no offense or anything, but I can turn this story into anything that I want to. I mean, although I love Severitus Challenge fics, I'm not gonna turn this into one. Plus, I don't write the story just for the reviews. Even if I didn't have any reviews I'd still continue on. If I lose a fan, then I lose a fan. That's it. Now with a lighter note. I'm glad that my chapter was touching to you!
AJ-Wolf_AJ: I'm glad that you like my story. Don't worry I will continue writing. I'm happy to know that you think my story is good!
Corbin Slate: Thanks for the compliment. I'm trying to update as often as I can. I'll try to keep up the good work, though!
Okay, that's all the ones that were long enough to reply to. I'd also like to thank these people for reviewing:
Palanmenel, Kaoru_hikari, Lady Lily3, Noraseyes, ccc, Denise, Nickianglefier, Lady Phoenix Slytherin, Lolo, Seto and Serena, Duke999, Andromeda's kitty, Rosaleen, Gaull, and of course, someone who sent me an e-mail, Denise Hutkai
If I didn't put your name in here, then I'm really sorry. I get confused a lot, and I had so many reviews that I was getting mixed up.
Now, since I've spent a lot of time writing responses to the reviews, I can start with the story!
Chapter 14: Trials and Flashbacks
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Reluctantly, Harry let go of Snape's robes. Snape got up, and went into the dining room with Dumbledore. Dumbledore looked very grave. "What is it, Albus?" Snape said. Dumbledore sighed. "I noticed that you and Harry have gotten very close." "A little bit, why?" "Well, there's no since in me beating around the bush. Severus, I have very grave news. For you and Harry, both. Especially Harry."
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Snape was fuming. The news that he just heard was unbelievable. "Albus, are you trying to say that Harry has to go back to those retched people?" Snape asked, his voice dangerously low. Dumbledore sighed. "If they win the trial, then he'll have to." "But how can they win? The boy was abused, for Gods sake! How can they send him back to them?" Snape asked, almost screaming. "Severus, the Dursley's can say things about Harry. They've already said that Harry has been going to St. Brutus. They will also probably say that Harry gave himself the injuries for attention. There are dozens of things that they can say to win custody over Harry." Dumbledore explained.
Snape sat down in a chair close to him, and put his head in his hands. "The trial is in 2 weeks?" Snape asked; his voice muffled by his hands. "I'm afraid it is." Dumbledore said. "Damn it! Couldn't they give him any more time to recover?" Snape said, exasperated. "Severus, I know that you're both having a hard time, but we can think of a way to stop Harry from going back there. He wasn't destined to be abused to death. I remember something similar to his case, don't you? I remember a young lad, about his age, that had one of the worst cases of child abuse, don't you? When he had a wizard's trial, everyone thought that he would have to go back to his father, but he didn't. Don't you remember, Severus?" Snape looked up into Dumbledore's eyes. "Yes Albus, I remember very clearly." Snape said in a cold voice. So cold it could've frozen water.
"That's the exact reason why I don't want him going back to those horrible people. I don't want him to become me! I don't want him to be like me at all!" Snape said, tracing a finger over his Dark Mark. "Severus, if you hadn't noticed, he is already becoming you. If we're not careful, he might just end up being exactly like you. That's why we need to win the trial. Also, Severus, you can't tell me that that's the only reason why you don't want him to go back to the Dursley's. You care about Harry, don't you? In the past few days, you've gotten close to him. I can see it in your eyes." Dumbledore said, talking in a serious voice. Snape jumped out of his chair. "I believe this conversation is over, Albus. Is there anything else you need to torment me with? Perhaps bring back another child memory of mine?" Snape said sarcastically.
Snape strode out of the room, and went back into the living room where Harry was currently eating. Dumbledore came out almost immediately after Snape, wearing an exhausted look. "Poppy, I think that it's time to go. Severus has a lot of things on his mind, and he obviously doesn't need to be bothered." Dumbledore said, hurt a little evident in his voice. Dumbledore disapparated in and instant. "Albus, wait!" Snape called after him, but he was long gone. Pomphrey eyed him with curiosity, before she, too, disapparated.
Snape sat at the edge of the couch, unconsciously biting his nails. He felt extremely guilty about his reaction to Dumbledore's words. He knew he shouldn't have been so harsh, but those memories were extremely painful to him. Snape looked over at Harry with cold eyes. "Harry, you will not make the same mistake that I did! You got that? If you do, you will be in a hell of a lot of trouble with me!" Snape yelled so suddenly that the spoon that Harry was currently holding fell into his lap. The liquid splashed on his pants, but he didn't notice. Harry looked up at Snape with wide eyes. Snape got up, went over to Harry, and roughly grabbed his chin. Harry winced as Snape's tight grip on his jaw had a crushing effect. "Have you got that, Potter? Are you even listening to me?" Snape still yelled, shaking Harry's head. Harry suddenly cried out. It felt like his jaw was being smashed in two. "Professor, you're hurting me." Harry yelled in pain.
Snape immediately let go him. Harry brought his hand up to rub his jaw painfully, where red fingerprints were starting to turn into bruises. Snape didn't notice the marks he left, as he turned on his heel and marched up the stairs into his room. Harry was scared out of his mind. Snape had never physically hurt him before. He was so confused. He thought that he could trust Snape. Even though he hadn't been there very long, he had grown a little close to Snape. Harry was still sitting on the couch, shaking like a leaf. His jaw ached pretty badly, as pain and shock was etched onto Harry's face. He shakily put the bowl down on the table, and just sat back on the couch. He eventually fell into a rare dreamless sleep.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Snape's POV ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He was so mad. Mad at Dumbledore, mad at Potter, and mad at himself. He didn't realize that he was even touching Potter until he said something. He didn't know what Potter said, but he immediately let go, and stormed off to his room. Why did Dumbledore have to bring up such memories. Severus knew that Dumbledore was only trying to help, but he knew that the subject of his childhood was a very touchy subject, no matter how brief. Severus sat down against the wall at the far end of the room. He curled his knees up to his chest, and rested his head on them. He thought that he would close his eyes for a moment.
A moment too long.
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Seven-year-old Severus heard the screams from his room. It was the middle of the night, but he was still awake, despite what his father told him. The screams got louder, and tears started to well up in Severus' eyes. He knew what his father was doing to his mum, and he also knew that he was next. After Severus finally couldn't take it anymore, he jumped out of his bed, and slowly crept down the hall next to his parents' bedroom. He opened the door a crack, and gasped. His mum was lying on the floor blood everywhere.
"Mummy." Severus cried aloud. He ran into the bedroom, and over to his mum. His father wasn't in the room. He figured that he was in the bathroom. "Mummy, what has he done to you?" Whispered Severus. "G-Go back t-to bed, Sev. I'll be all right. Hurry, before he catches you." His mum whispered back. Severus shook his head. "No, mummy. I want to be with you! What if he-what if he…" "Shhh. It's okay, mummy will be fine. Just go back to-" She was cut off as the bathroom door opened, and Severus' father stepped out.
"Severus, what are you doing out of bed." His father asked in a forced calm voice. "Father, what have you done to mummy?" Severus asked, surprisingly bold. "Damn it, boy! Why don't you mind your own damn business?" "Mummy is my business, father! I lover her, and you can't take her away!" Severus yelled. Severus' father strode over to him, his fist rising into the air. "No, William! Don't hurt him!" His mum yelled, grabbing his father's leg. "Get off me, woman! Don't make this worse for him, or you!" William yelled. He then focused his attention back on Severus.
His father's fist came crashing down on his nose, breaking it. Severus fell to the ground under the impact. His father's fist fell down several more times onto Severus' limbs. He, like his mother, was beginning to get covered with blood. But he didn't scream. He had already been taught not to scream out loud when he was getting beaten.
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"Professor, please wake up! Please!" Harry yelled. Snape woke up with a start, looking around the room wildly. "Professor, it's okay. You're in your room." Harry said softly. Snape jumped, and then looked at Harry. Snape breathed a sigh of relief. For a minute, he actually thought that he was back in his old house. He hadn't had a flashback in a very long time. "Are you okay, professor?" Harry asked; concern edged in his voice. "I'm fine." Snape said coldly. Harry looked down at the carpet. "I was just trying to help, you know." Harry mumbled.
Harry's head shot up as he felt cold fingers touch the new-formed bruises on his jaw. "God, Harry. Do you realize how sorry I am?" Snape asked. Harry just continued to stare at the ground. Snape could tell that Harry had a look at hurt on his face. Snape got up, and walked over to his bed. He sat down, and put his head into his hands. "I'm becoming more like my father everyday." He mumbled. Harry shuddered. He could tell by Snape's tone that that wasn't a good thing at all. "Although I didn't know your father, I'm sure that you're not. I can tell that he was awful, and you're…well, you're not all that bad. I understand why you act the way you do towards most people because that's how you were brought up. You were brought up to hate everyone. The same way that I was brought up. Did you realize that we have a few things in common?" Harry said all this meaningfully.
"Yes, I did realize. That's what I'm most scared of. I don't want anyone else to become me. I don't want you to become me." Harry just sighed. Him and Snape really had some issues to work out. Both of them. He didn't see how he was going to help an adult, though.
"Harry, I have some really bad news." Snape suddenly said, pulling his head up to look at Harry. "I have to go back there, don't I?" Harry whispered. Snape sighed. "You might. You're going to have a trial in 2 weeks. Not enough bloody time, if you ask me. I mean, you just got injured. They should give you time to heal." Snape said. "No rest for the murderers." Harry mumbled to himself. Snape, however, had heard what he said.
"Harry, you're not a murderer. We've had this talk before, remember?" Harry just nodded his head, showing that he did indeed remember. He, of course, still didn't believe that it wasn't his fault that Cedric died. In fact, he knew that it was his fault. Harry immediately cut the train of thoughts off. He would think of them when he was in his room. When he could actually do something to release his pain.
Suddenly, a thought struck Harry. What had Snape been screaming about? It was obviously a nightmare, but he didn't know that Snape had nightmares. He had never really thought about it before. Maybe he could ask Snape what it was about. "Professor, if you don't mind me asking, but why were you screaming in your sleep?" "It was just a nightmare, Potter. Nothing else." Snape snapped. Harry jumped. He knew that he was taking a big risk in asking this question, but he really wanted to know. "What was it about?" Harry asked timidly.
Snape glared at Harry. He actually had the nerve to ask him that. He didn't think that he was actually about to tell Harry what is was about. "It was just a normal nightmare, Potter. Just like yours." Snape said, before walking out of the room. Harry paled a bit. He didn't have normal nightmares.
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A/N: Well, that's it for today. Didja like it? I'm sorry it took so long, and I'm sorry that the chapter itself isn't very long. I intended to write more, but I have to get ready for Halloween. Yes, it took me that long to write this. I would've written a lot more, but I can't stay up that late writing it, y'know. Yes, I am going trick-or-treating. You're never too old for candy! I know exactly what I'm gonna be, too. I'm gonna be a Deatheater. Lol. Talk about Harry Potter obsessed. I'm gonna put a Dark Mark on my arm, and everything. The Dark Mark is pretty easy to draw, so yeah…
Hey, is anyone else goin' somewhere for Halloween? Haunted Houses, maybe? Again, thanks for the reviews! You all helped me so much. I hope this chapter meets your needs. Harry is probably gonna be very dark next chapter. Hey, I'm also making a website for all of my fanfiction. I currently only have this story posted there, and a bit of music. It has the same amount of chapters as this one, but if you want to visit is, go here:
There might be a few problems with the site, but I'm still working on it, of course. Well, gotta go. See you all later!