Disclaimer: See chapter 1
Chapter 9: Surprise Visitor
The next few days went by slowly. Harry had the days to himself, except for meals. Snape didn't pay any attention to him other then in the lessons. Harry was sort of grateful. At least he didn't have to put up with Snape putting him down all the time. But it was lonely with no one to talk to. He spent some time in the library reading the book that Hermione sent him. It was helping him understand Occlumency better. He still couldn't fully block Snape from his mind, but he was getting better. It was also helping him to write down the memories that Snape made him relive. Snape always made him talk to him after writing it. He really could be helpful when he wanted to. Harry wasn't as angry all the time and was learning to control his anger, although he still had a long way to go according to Snape. He had to admit, staying with Snape wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. As long as he looked busy whenever Snape saw him, he was left to do what he wanted. If he was caught doing nothing, Snape would give him something to do. Usually something that Harry wished not to do. Mostly, helping to slice or crush his potion ingredients. Some of them Harry never even heard of. He wondered if they were even legal, but then remembering that it was Snape he figured he didn't want to know. He hadn't had any more nightmares since his first night here and that was just fine by Harry. As long as he didn't think of anything bad before bed, he didn't have any nightmares. He just had normal dreams. Usually he couldn't remember what they were about. He figured that was a good thing because it wasn't bad enough to wake him up.
Harry had been here for about a week. He was wondering around in the library, looking for a book to read. There were a lot about Potions and Dark Arts. A few were kids storybooks. He figured that they were from when Snape was a kid. He bent down to pull out one about counter curses on the bottom shelf and saw a book hidden underneath the shelf. It looked like it had been kicked under and forgotten about. He pulled it out and found it to be a photo album. He forgot about the other book and took the album over to the chairs. He set it down on the table trying to decide if he should look at it or not. His curiosity got the better of him and he picked it up. He sat back in the chair and opened it to the first page.
The first few pages were at a wedding with a pale, hook nosed man who was looking rather serious for his wedding day and a woman with long, dark, shiny hair. She had fair skin and green eyes. She was smiling and looked happy. Then there were pictures of the same women, Harry assumed it was Snape's mother, and she looked like she was pregnant. There were pictures of two baby boys. They looked to be twins except that one was paler then the other and one had a smaller nose. As Harry looked at the pictures of the two boys growing older, he noticed that one of them looked like him when he was little. Not that he had many pictures of himself. Only the ones he managed to squeeze into. The other one reminded him of Snape. He had a sneer that could almost match the one Snape always had when in Harry's presence. While the one that looked like him seemed to be happy all the time, the one that looked like Snape always seemed to be scowling. Harry took out one of the pictures to see if there were any names on the back. In faded letters that he could barely make out, were the names. James Potter and Severus Snape. Eighth birthday. Harry put it back feeling confused. Why were his father and Snape in baby pictures together? He decided to ask Snape about it when he was in a good mood.
"That's Master Snape and Master Potter. Master Snape was mad at Master Potter for getting more attention. Master Potter was always getting the attention. Poor Master Snape was left to watch alone. Tina always tried to help. Master Snape was a good boy. So was Master Potter. Master Snape was often overlooked. Tina never forgot Master Snape." Tina said from Harry's side.
Harry jumped at her voice. He hadn't heard her enter. He watched her as she ran a finger tenderly down the picture of Snape scowling. She looked sadly at the picture. Slowly, she closed the book and set it back on the table.
"Master Snape wants you down in the study. You have guest's." Tina said, sounding a little distracted.
Harry just nodded his head before getting up to go see who had come. He was trying to figure out what Tina had said as he went down the stairs. As he got near the door to the study, he was pulled from his thoughts by arguing. He could hear Snape, Dumbledore, and what sounded like Lupin.
"He is here to learn how to control exactly that. He must learn control or he'll never learn Occlumency. If he can't keep me out, what makes you think he can keep the Dark Lord out?" Severus said coldly.
"His godfather died in front of him! His friends were almost killed! He has been through a lot already! You can't be so hard on him!" Lupin said heatedly.
"He has enough people pandering to his every need. He needs to learn to handle this on his own. He needs to come to terms with it. Not have everyone skirt around the issue and pretend everything is fine. If he had taken it seriously the first time, he wouldn't have any of that to deal with now." Severus snapped.
"Now calm down Remus and Severus. I know your upset Remus, but I honestly think this is best. Severus would never intentionally do Harry any harm." Dumbledore said calmly, "How is he doing in his lesson's, Severus?"
"He is getting better, but he has a long way to go in order to fool the Dark Lord. He has to learn how to control his thoughts and emotions. He needs to be able to think of things that are not necessarily true. And to make others believe that they are true. He has actually been studying to learn this. He has been reading a book that Granger sent him. There might be hope for him yet if he can keep it up." Severus said.
"That's good to hear. I'm sure that Remus would like to see Harry before we leave." Dumbledore said.
"Of course. Potter, get in here." Severus snapped, then went over and sat at his desk.
Harry walked in slowly, making sure not to look in Snape's direction, wondering how he knew that he was there. He walked over to where Dumbledore and Lupin were standing.
"Hello Professor Dumbledore, Professor Lupin." Harry said calmly.
"Hello Harry. You don't have to call me Professor anymore. I'm no longer your teacher." Remus said with a slight smile. "How are you doing?"
"I'm all right." Harry said softly.
"Severus tells me that you're doing better in your lessons now. That's good to hear. Have you had anymore nightmares?" Dumbledore said kindly.
"No, Professor." Harry said, not looking at Snape.
"Potter." Severus said in a warning tone.
"Well, I only had one. It wasn't anything. It was a normal one. Not like the ones I usually have." Harry said quietly, looking at the floor.
"Yes, well, that is as expected after the end of last year." Dumbledore said kindly.
"Professor, how are Ron and Hermione?" Harry said, trying to change the subject.
"They are fine, Harry. I almost forgot. They both sent letters along with me for you. Here you are." Dumbledore said, reaching into his pocket and handing two envelopes to him.
"Thank you, sir." Harry said, taking the letters.
"Albus, may I have a word with you?" Severus said.
"Of course, Severus." Dumbledore said, going to sit across from him.
"So, Harry, how are you holding up?" Remus said softly.
"It's getting a little better. I still miss him. It is still hard at times." Harry said sadly.
"I know. It's still hard for me, too. We have to go on though. It's what he would have wanted." Lupin said, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"I know. It's still hard though." Harry said softly.
They both went silent, neither knowing what else to say. Both thinking of Sirius and remembering things they had done with him. Neither one noticed when Dumbledore and Severus came over to stand beside them.
"Remus, we have to go now." Dumbledore said softly.
"You'll be all right, Harry." Remus said, lifting Harry's chin to look in his eyes.
"I know, sir." Harry said, his eyes glistening from unshed tears.
"Potter." Severus said.
"Bye, Remus, Professor Dumbledore." Harry said, wiping the tears from his eyes and moving towards Snape reluctantly.
"Bye, Harry. We'll come visit again." Dumbledore said with a slight smile.
"Bye, Harry." Remus said a little reluctantly.
Harry followed Snape to the door for the dungeons and preceded him down the stairs.
"Severus." Lupin said as they he went to go in.
Severus stopped just in the door but didn't turn.
"I know it won't mean much. It was a long time ago, but…I am sorry. I should have stopped them but I was to much of a coward to go against my friends." Remus said sadly.
Severus turned slowly and glared coldly at Lupin before answering.
"Of course. That makes everything right. Let's just forget the last 20 years ever happened. Let's forget that I was humiliated and almost killed." Severus said acidly. "It is a little late for apologies. You should have tried that a long time ago."
Not waiting for a reply, Severus turned and went down the stairs pushing past Harry, the door slamming shut with a resounding bang. Harry, who had stopped to listen, hurried after him.
Remus turned to Dumbledore. Dumbledore shook his head sadly and turned to leave. Sighing, Remus followed him out the door that Tina had open for them.
"What was that, Potter?" Severus said with venom in his voice.
Harry was currently picking himself up off the cold floor. He looked at Snape wearily, not sure of what he would do next. He was in a dangerous mode and Harry was trying not to make it worse. He also knew full well what he was referring to. He had just seen the photos of his father and Snape again. He wasn't going to let Snape know that though.
"The box of dog bones, sir? That was my Christmas gift from my Aunt Marge." Harry said coldly.
"The photos, Potter. Where did you see them?" Severus snapped, taking deliberate steps towards Harry.
Harry stepped back away from Snape everytime he advanced a little. He was slowly going back until he ran into the wall behind him. Snape stopped directly in front of him. Harry was getting scared now. He was stuck in a room in the dungeons with a very angry Snape. He had never really realized how powerful Snape was until now. He could feel the magic crackling in the air around them.
"Where, Potter?" Severus hissed.
"I..In the L..Library, s..sir." Harry stuttered nervously.
"Try again, Potter. I had that book removed from there." Severus said icily, barely above a whisper.
"H..Honest, sir. It was under one of the bookshelves." Harry said quickly.
Severus glared at Harry through narrowed eyes. Harry knew he was trying to decide if he was telling the truth. He knew he was searching his mind to see the truth and allowed the memory to come forward. After what seemed like hours to Harry but was only a few minutes, Severus turned and stalked towards the door. Harry sighed in relief when Snape moved. The magical energy he had felt pressing in on him was gone as if it was never there.
"I suggest you keep out of things that don't concern you." Severus said as he walked away.
"Why are you in pictures with my father, sir?" Harry said, feeling braver now that Snape had moved.
Severus stopped suddenly and stood rigidly still.
"What makes you think it was your father and me?" Severus said softly without turning.
"On the back of one it said your names. It was your eighth birthday, sir." Harry said, walking towards Snape slowly.
Severus closed his eyes in defeat. He knew Harry was standing directly behind him. Severus hung his head and rubbed his eyes with one hand. Sighing, he lifted his head and headed for the door.
"Come on, Potter." Severus said off-handidly.
Harry, feeling slightly confused by Snape's behavior, followed a little behind him. They walked back up to the study in silence; both lost in their own thoughts.
"Sit." Severus said as they came into the study. Harry did as he was told and watched as Snape went over to a cabinet hidden in one of the walls. He took out a glass and a decanter of what Harry presumed was firewhiskey. After pouring some into the glass and returning the decanter, he went over and sat at the desk. Severus took a drink before turning his attention to Harry.
"If any of what is discussed in here right now leaves these walls, you'll wish that the Dark Lord had succeeded in destroying you. Is that clear, Potter?" Severus said in his voice that normally sent any first year running.
"Yes, sir." Harry said quickly, curious about what Snape was about to tell him.
"That includes Granger and Weasley." Severus added softly.
"Yes, sir." Harry said, a little less quickly.
Severus studied Harry's face for a minute, then stood up and went to the wall behind him. He touched a spot on the wall and it opened into a small cupboard. He pulled out an old looking book then waved his hand at the wall and it closed. Sitting back down, he set it on the desk and flipped through the pages until he found what he was looking for. He turned it around and pushed it at Harry. Harry, getting a little confused, took it and started reading it. It was a smaller version of the family tree that hung on the wall at Grimmauld Place. It was one name that drew his attention almost immediately. Harry Potter was towards the bottom of the tree. James Potter and Lily Evans-Potter were above him. What surprised him even more was the name directly above James Potter. Severus Snape-Potter. Harry looked up at Snape in surprise.
"But, how? You don't look alike." Harry said, sounding confused. "Sir." He added quickly before Snape could yell at him.
"Not all twins are identical like the Weasley twins. We were fraternal twins. Of which I am thankful. At least I didn't have to endure looking like him." Severus said bitterly.
"Why do you have different last names, sir?" Harry asked, looking at the book again.
"My mother was the only child of the Snape's and didn't want the name lost forever. I was the first born so I got both names. Before we started Hogwart's I officially dropped the name Potter. I didn't want anyone to know I was related to that imbecile you know as your father." Severus said with a sneer.
"He was not an imbecile, sir." Harry said through clenched teeth, glaring at Snape.
Severus didn't say anything. He just watched and waited for Harry to realize what all of this meant. As it was, he didn't have too long to wait. Harry's face went from one of anger to one of disbelief in about 10 seconds. He looked quickly at the book again then at Snape.
"No." Harry said quietly, shaking his head. "It can't be. You can't be."
"Unfortunately, it can be and I am your Uncle. Don't think this changes anything though. I still loath you father and I still think you are arrogant. If you even dare to try calling me Uncle at anytime, you will know true agony." Severus said in a soft, deadly voice.
"As if I want anyone to know I'm related to you, sir." Harry said angrily.
"At least we agree on that. Is your curiosity satisfied now, Potter?" Severus said with a sneer.
"I wish I had never found that photo album now. Now I have to live with the knowledge that my own Uncle is a Death Eater. And that he is a loyal servant to the thing that killed my parents. I never thought that even you could sink that low, sir." Harry said angrily, standing and heading for the door.
Severus listened as Harry vented his anger, his own anger rising up. Severus stood up and the door to the study slammed shut before Harry could get to it. Severus came up behind Harry and grabbed his arm to turn him around.
"Do not presume to know me, Potter. You know nothing of the reason's I had for what I did. Your father was not the innocent that you seem to think. But even after all the things he did, or didn't do, I would never help kill my own twin. I had nothing to do with that night. I tried to warn him but he was just as arrogant as you are. He had more faith in that mutt you called a godfather then his own brother. It was not my fault and I refuse to let you blame me for something you know nothing about." Severus hissed.
Severus dropped Harry's arm and waved the door open.
"Get out." Severus said softly through clenched teeth.
Harry turned and hurried out the door rubbing his arm were Snape had grabbed him. He went upstairs to his room trying to figure things out. He laid down on the bed when he got in the room.
How could I be related to him? Harry thought angrily. It's bad enough to know that the Dursley's hate me, now to find out my only other living relative is Snape. Isn't my life bad enough with trying to dodge Voldemort? Can't I ever get a good break?
Harry stayed there through dinner trying to come to terms with all that he had just learned. Besides, he didn't want to face Snape right away. He eventually fell asleep with thoughts of it all running through his mind.
Severus went back to his desk and sat down. He put his head in his hands and sighed tiredly.
That could have went better. He thought to himself. Not that I wanted him to know. Dumbledore will be happy. The meddling old fool. Now there is even more reason to make sure that Potter learns Occlumency.
Tina watched sadly from the door, her ears down. She hated seeing her Master like this. No one ever gave him a chance. They always thought the worst of him and she knew he deserved more. He deserved to find some kind of happiness, even more then any other wizard she had ever known. Even as a child, he never got affection or kindness. She set her mouth into a determined line. She decided that before Master Potter left, he would see Master Snape as he really is. Not as everyone thought he should be. With that decided, she went out to make plans. Even if they didn't get along, at least Master Snape would have the respect he deserves from someone other then the Great White Wizard.
Xoxoxo
Sorry this took so long. It took awhile to figure out how to get Severus to tell Harry who he was. I hope it was okay. I didn't think that Severus would just come out and tell him or that Harry would just accept it. I hope that I had them react the way they should. I also thought that Lupin would apologize after everything that Harry saw in the Pensieve. I didn't think that Severus would except it though. It was a long time ago and he is too embittered by it now for it to make a difference. Tina is going to try and get Harry to at least respect Severus. Thanx for your patience with me. Thanx for all the reviews. Don't worry. I plan on finishing this story. It just may take awhile.
Rhi