Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Chapter 13: Harry's Surprise!
Tina woke Harry up at dawn the next day. All he wanted to do was go back to sleep but Tina wouldn't allow him to. It was a tired and reluctant Harry that showed up at breakfast. Snape looked as if he had been up for awhile now. He was dressed and looked impatient to get going. After they ate breakfast, Harry went upstairs to take a shower and get dressed. Snape wanted him to wear his robes, which confused Harry more. He couldn't figure out where they were going that he would need his robes. The only place he knew was Diagon Alley but he couldn't see Snape walking around there with him. He could be seen by anyone and it could be reported to Voldemort. He went back downstairs once he was ready to find a very annoyed Snape waiting for him.
"Hurry up, Potter. We should have left hours ago." Severus snapped angrily.
"Sorry, sir." Harry said, trying not to yawn.
Severus opened the door and waited for Harry to precede him through it. Once they were both out, Harry followed Severus in silence. Severus stopped before the wards ended and turned to Harry.
" Your mind must be clear. You are to keep your guard up. Do not let it down for a second. That is all He needs to enter it. Understood, Potter?" Severus said sternly.
"Yes, sir." Harry said, feeling a little nervous.
"Are you ready?" Severus said impatiently.
"Yes, sir." Harry said, trying to keep his mind clear.
"We are taking a portkey that will bring us close to our destination. I don't want any arguments. Let's go." Severus said, watching Harry closely.
Harry tried to hide his fear of the portkey from Snape. He was concentrating on keeping his mind clear and his emotions in check. He followed Snape reluctantly past the wards. He could feel when they passed the wards. It was like a great weight had been lifted off of him. He had never realized how heavily warded the house was. No wonder they thought he would be safe here.
"Potter, pay attention." Severus snapped.
"Sorry, sir." Harry said quickly.
Harry hadn't realized they had stopped walking until he ran into Snape. He picked himself up off the ground and brushed his robes off. He tried to ignore the glare that Snape was giving him. Snape was holding out an old sock that Harry figured had to be the portkey. Harry didn't really want to touch it. Not after his last experience.
"We do not have time for this, Potter." Severus said angrily.
Harry took a step back as Snape made to grab his hand. He wasn't fast enough and Snape had his hand pressed onto the sock before he could react. He felt the familiar tug behind his navel. He could feel Snape next to him as his feet left the ground. He could hear the wind blown. He could also hear a high pitched laugh and see a green light. Then his feet hit the ground and he fell forward onto his hands and knees. He stayed there trying to bring his breathing under control. Snape reached down and dragged him up by his arm, pushing him ahead of him.
"Move it, Potter. We don't have time to waste." Severus said coldly.
Harry was pushed towards an all too familiar place. He tried to pull away but Snape wouldn't allow it. He was pushed down the darkened street towards the grimy, unwelcome looking houses. He tried not thinking of the house he was being pushed towards in the hope that it wouldn't appear. Unfortunately, it didn't work. Much sooner then he would have liked, Harry found himself at the door to Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. Severus opened the door and pushed Harry inside.
"Stay here." Severus said then headed towards the kitchen.
Harry stood stiffly where Snape had left him by the door. He reluctantly let his eyes look around him. It hadn't changed much since he was here last time. It smelled cleaner and more lived in, but that was the only difference. Harry shivered from the memories that came rushing back. He sank to his knees trying to hold back his tears. He never noticed when Snape came back in the room or the others that followed.
Severus took one look at Harry and went over to him. He knelt in front of him and grabbed his chin forcing him to look at him. He could see the fear and anger in his eyes.
"Potter, focus. Clear your mind. Unless you wish to allow the Dark Lord to know where we are. Are you so angry with me that you wish for Him to know I'm here? To know that I have more then betrayed him, but have been helping his sworn enemy to learn to defeat Him?" Severus said sternly.
"Severus, don't frighten him." Molly said quickly.
"Let him be, Molly." Dumbledore said softly.
Arthur put a hand on Molly's shoulder to try and comfort her. Ron and Hermione looked surprised that Dumbledore wasn't stopping Snape. Remus watched on nervously, trying not to interfere even though he wanted to protect Harry. Fred and George looked shocked that no one was going to help Harry.
"Do you wish to see me dead so much, Potter?" Severus said softly, ignoring everyone else in the room.
"No, sir. I don't want anyone else to die." Harry said softly, trying to look away but Snape wouldn't allow it.
"Then concentrate. Control your emotions. You are leaving yourself open to Him." Severus snapped, looking Harry in the eye.
"Yes, sir." Harry said quietly.
Harry concentrated on bringing his emotions in. He started taking deep, calming breaths. After a few minutes he was able to gain control again even though he still felt sadness from being in his godfathers house. He nodded his head slightly at Snape to show he was fine. Harry could tell Snape was trying to enter his mind to test him. He wasn't leaving anything to chance.
"Are you done with your mellow drama for the day, Potter?" Severus said with a hint of a grin, letting Harry go and standing up.
"It wouldn't have happened if I knew where we were going, sir. You always have to keep things secret. Who was I going to tell? Tina? And what is with having to wear my robes. There are muggles that live around here." Harry snapped coldly.
"It wouldn't have been a test if you knew, would it? The whole idea was to see if you could keep your blocks up no matter what. Obviously, you can't. We have to work on that more. And as we were supposed to be here earlier, before dawn, we didn't need to worry about muggles. It is not my fault you couldn't get up when Tina tried to wake you the first time." Severus said as if he could care less.
Harry glared at him, not sure of what he could say to that.
"Harry?" Hermione said a little uncertainly.
Harry looked at the doorway to the kitchen for the first time. He was a little surprised to see everyone there. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Remus, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Fred, George, and Dumbledore.
"What is everyone doing here?" Harry said sounding confused.
"Perhaps you should ask Professor Snape that." Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Professor Snape?" Harry said uncertainly.
Severus wouldn't answer. He just went into the kitchen without another word to anyone. Everyone else went in after him, talking among themselves. Remus walked a little behind everyone with Harry.
"How have you been holding up? He's not being too hard on you?" Remus asked quietly.
"I'm fine. He's still a little hard on me on some things, but not as bad as before. He does not accept failure of any kind. He keeps at it for hours until he is satisfied I can't go on. There are times I barely make it into bed I'm so tired." Harry said quietly, not wanting anyone to over hear.
Remus stopped him and looked at Harry very seriously.
"I know he is a hard person to get along with and even harder to understand. He has been through a lot. More then anyone I know. We didn't help any in our school days. He is a hard person for a reason. I've known him for a long time, even before school, and I still don't really know him. He is a very proud person and determined to do better then is expected of him. He will except nothing but the best from any of his students. In school or out. He's not a bad person. If you are ever lucky enough to get past all those barriers he has around him, you'll see a totally different person. Or, so I'm told. I would not have been able to handle half of the things he's seen and done. It would of drove me insane. You just have to be patient. I know you have it in you. After all, your mother was Lily." Remus said with a smile.
"I know." Harry said a little sadly.
Harry went into the kitchen and was surprised to see presents on a table in the corner. There was a cake on the table. He never noticed the look of surprise on Remus's face at his last statement. Remus joined them all at the table. They all talked and caught up on things. Ron wanted to know if he was really fine and if Snape had done anything to him. He was amazed that Harry had survived his stay so far. Hermione wanted to know if all his homework was done. She was very pleased to hear that it was done. Harry glanced at Snape in the corner of the room. He was talking to Dumbledore. Harry figured they were talking about him. He went back to talking to everyone else. They talked for about an hour. Harry started opening his gifts from everyone. Ron gave him some Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. Hermione gave him a book on Advanced Defensive Spells so he could learn new ones to use against Voldemort. Fred and George gave him a box of their latest Weasley's Wizard's Weazes. They told him their store was doing great and these were there best sellers. They both winked and smiled at him and he tried not to look guilty. Ginny gave him a book called, 'Quidditch: More then Just A Game.' It had some new moves they could try in the next year. Mrs. Weasley gave him a knitted green sweater with his initial on it. Remus gave him a book on defensive spells and there uses against the Dark Arts. Dumbledore gave him a Wizards Chess set of his own. And Hagrid sent some homemade cakes for him.
Ron and Harry decided to try out Harry's new chess set. Everyone was watching them and talking amongst themselves. They played three games. Ron won two. Mrs. Weasley made lunch, so they all sat down to eat. Snape ate with them reluctantly. He sat next to Harry, much to his annoyance, and completely ignored everyone except Dumbledore. After lunch they had cake and ice cream. Snape refused any of it. It got to be around suppertime before they decided to leave.
"Potter, get your stuff together. We are going." Severus said sounding a little annoyed.
Harry started to gather his presents up. Fred and George helped him.
"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger, you have everything you need?" Severus said with narrowed eyes, looking at Ron and Hermione.
"Yes, sir." Ron and Hermione said together.
"Do not make me regret this decision. I will not hesitate to send you back. If you keep Potter from his studies or in anyway try to interfere, you will be removed from the house and sent straight back here. Understood?" Severus said sternly.
"Yes, sir." Ron and Hermione said, Ron a little nervously.
"Good." Severus said coldly.
Severus went over to the door and waited for Harry. Harry walked over to Snape with Ron and Hermione following. He noticed there were bags by the door already. He looked at Snape in confusing.
"Professor, why are there more bags? I have all my things here." Harry said curiously.
"We are to have guests for awhile. How long depends on them and you." Severus said looking at each of them pointedly.
"Thank you, sir." Harry said with a grin.
"Leave your belongings by the door. They will be brought later. Potter; stay ahead of me and head straight to where we came in. I assume you were paying attention?" Severus said looking intently at Harry.
"Not really, sir. Sorry." Harry said looking at the floor.
"I should have expected no less from you." Severus said coldly.
"Sorry, sir." Harry said softly still not looking at Snape.
"I trust we will not have a repeat of earlier, Potter." Severus said sternly.
"I'll try not to, sir." Harry said so quietly that Snape almost missed it.
Severus grabbed Harry by the chin and forced him to look him in the eye. Molly made to stop Severus but Arthur stopped her. Ron and Hermione watched a little apprehensively. Dumbledore and Remus talked quietly in the corner, seeming to ignore what was going on, though Remus kept glancing anxiously at them. Fred and George glared angrily at their parents for not helping.
"What have I told you about trying to do anything, Potter?" Severus said coldly.
"Not to try to do it. To do it no matter what. Sir." Harry said glaring at Snape.
"We will not have a repeat of earlier. Will we, Potter?" Severus said sternly.
"No, sir." Harry said through clenched teeth, trying to hold his temper.
"Very good, Potter." Severus said releasing Harry.
Ron and Hermione looked curiously between the two. It wasn't like Harry to except being threatened by Snape. He usually tried to argue about anything Snape said. Mrs. Weasley came over and hugged all of them in turn.
"Behave. All of you. Don't give Professor Snape a hard time." Mrs. Weasley said looking pointedly at Ron.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Weasley. We'll be fine." Hermione said assuredly.
"Yeah, Mum. We'll be fine." Ron said, not sounding too sure.
"Well, I'm not to sure if Ron will be all right, but Hermione and I will be." Harry said grinning at them all.
"As much as I hate to break this up, we really must be going." Severus said snidely.
Harry went over to Remus and hugged him.
"Bye." Harry said softly.
"Remember what I said, Harry." Remus said quietly.
"I will." Harry said, letting him go.
Harry walked back over to Snape. Severus opened the door and pushed Harry ahead of him. There wasn't anyone around and Harry wondered why the street was empty when it was still early.
"Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, stay close to us. We have no time to waste." Severus said, then headed out the door.
Ron and Hermione waved to everyone and hurried after Harry and Snape. Severus guided Harry to where they had came in. Harry noticed it was the same grassy area they had used the first time he came. Severus stopped and pulled out the same sock they had used earlier.
"I'm sure I don't have to tell you what to do." Severus said, looking at Ron and Hermione.
"No, sir." Ron and Hermione said together.
"Potter?" Severus said looking intently at Harry.
"I'm ready, sir." Harry said, eyeing the sock nervously.
"Let's go then." Severus said, holding the sock out.
Ron and Hermione each put a finger on it. Harry reached a little uncertainly towards it. Severus got irritated and grabbed his hand. He placed it on the sock and they all disappeared. Harry could feel Ron and Snape next to him. He tried to block out the screaming he could hear. Then they all hit the ground hard. Harry stumbled but Snape still had a hold of him and caught him. Ron took a step and tripped over Hermione causing him to fall. Hermione staggered back but stayed standing. Without waiting for any of them, Severus started towards where Harry knew his house was, pulling Harry along with him. Hermione helped Ron up and they hurried after them. Ron and Hermione shivered as they passed the wards around the house. They went up the steps and into the house. Tina was waiting for them as they came in.
"I trust you have the rooms I requested ready, Tina. " Severus said lightly.
"Yes, Master Snape." Tina said looking curiously at Ron and Hermione.
"Very good." Severus said heading for his office.
Harry pulled his arm away from Snape and followed with Ron and Hermione. Severus went and sat at his desk. Harry took the chair in front of it. Severus waved his hand and two more chairs appeared next to Harry. They both sat down nervously.
"I'm sure Potter will let you know all the rules. While Potter is in lessons you are to stay out of the house elves way. Is that understood." Severus said glaring at Ron and Hermione in turn.
"Yes, sir." Ron and Hermione said together.
Tina came in and stood beside Snape.
"You wanted me, Master Snape." Tina said looking at Ron and Hermione.
"Please show Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger to their rooms, Tina." Severus said glancing at Tina.
"Yes, Master Snape." Tina said, bowing a little.
Tina turned to Ron and Hermione.
"If you would follow me." Tina said, then walked out the door.
Harry sat waiting for Snape to dismiss him. Severus watched Harry closely to see if he was all right from the portkey. Harry felt a little uncomfortable to have Snape studying him so closely.
"May I go, sir." Harry said softly.
"In a moment." Severus said, then stood up.
Severus walked around the desk and leaned against the front of it. He crossed his arms over his chest and watched Harry through narrowed eyes.
"You really must get over this fear you have of portkeys. It is just another thing the Dark Lord holds over you. Another weakness he can use. Even you must see that." Severus said softly.
"Yes, sir." Harry said looking at the front of the desk.
"You did better then I thought you would. Except for your slip in Headquarters, you did very well. You have to control your emotions and mind in all situations. The slightest slip up and the Dark Lord can attack." Severus said intently at Harry.
"Yes, sir. I wasn't expecting to go there. I won't let it happen again." Harry said looking directly at Snape.
"That would be advisable. Your lessons will continue tomorrow." Severus said softly.
"Yes, sir." Harry said reluctantly.
"Did He try to enter your mind at anytime?" Severus said looking Harry in the eye.
"Once, sir. But he didn't get past my block. You came before he could. He didn't see anything though, sir. I know he didn't." Harry said, the last part was hurried as he noticed the narrowing of Snape's eyes.
"Very good. You will have to learn to keep him out on your own." Severus said looking intently at Harry.
"Yes, sir." Harry said looking at the floor.
"We will be starting on wandless magic. You are not to say anything to anyone. Not Mr. Weasley or Ms. Granger. Not even the Headmaster must know. Is that clear, Potter?" Severus said sternly, watching Harry's reaction.
Harry looked up at him in surprise. He had never expected Snape to go against the Headmaster's wishes.
"Yes, sir, but why shouldn't the Headmaster know?" Harry said sounding confused.
"He doesn't see the need for you to learn it. I, on the other hand, think it is important. It has kept me alive more then once when the Dark Lord was…upset with me. Albus doesn't know that I am completely trained in it seeing as I taught myself before I was old enough to go to school and through out the rest of my school days. Never in the school grounds though. He would have found out then. Not even my own family knew of it. Don't get me wrong. He knows I can do some wandless magic. Just not how far I have actually taken it. Only two other's ever knew how far I went with it. One is no longer here and the other lives in ignorant bliss, choosing to believe magic doesn't exist. It may be the only thing that will keep you alive. The Dark Lord is very good at it also. That is another thing he has over you. It will give you more equal ground." Severus said off-handidly.
"Oh." Harry said, still as confused as before if not even more.
"Indeed. You may go join your little fan club. Don't be late for supper." Severus said. Standing to go back to his chair.
Harry got up and went over to Snape. Before he could lose his nerve, he pulled Snape into a hug. He could feel Snape stiffen from the contact.
"Thank you for today, Uncle Severus." Harry said softly.
Harry let Snape go and hurried out the door to go upstairs before Snape could react. Severus stood there in shock. He couldn't believe what just happened. Had Potter really willingly hugged him? Even dared to call him Uncle Severus? He hadn't had anyone show any kind of kindness since Lily and Petunia. Not even Dumbledore. Shaking his head, Severus sat in his chair and started grading the papers in front of him, trying to get the odd feeling the hug had given him out of his mind.
Tina was watching Severus and Harry from the shadows. She smiled as she saw Harry hug Severus, and survive it. Severus usually didn't let anyone touch him in a kind way. Usually it was a casual touch, like a handshake. Things were working out just fine. Severus was slowly opening up to Harry. Even if Harry didn't realize what it took for Severus to go against the White Wizard, Tina did. The White Wizard was the closest thing to a father that Severus had. He respected him more then anyone, even if he didn't show it in public. Tina went into the kitchen to start supper, a smile on her face that hadn't been there in a long time.
Xoxoxo
I hope this chapter is all right. I figured that it was about time that Harry was tested. And at the same time Severus did something nice without coming right out and saying anything. This chapter was easy to write. It practically wrote itself.
I know it seems strange that Remus wouldn't interfere when Severus is being, well being Snape. He only doesn't because Dumbledore told him to. It is hard for him but he does what Dumbledore wants even though it goes against what he feels.
Harry isn't as defiant as he usually is because he is realizing what Severus goes through to help the Order. He is also trying to see what he is really like because he is his Uncle. He has heard from Sirius and Remus about how bad Severus was in school. How nobody liked him and how he knew Dark magic that no first year should know. Now he is trying to see the real Severus, not the Death Eater Severus. Which was what Tina wanted.
The next chapter is about half done. It is taking a little while because I'm trying to get them in character as much as possible. I hope to have it finished soon.
As always, Thanx for the reviews. Thanx for all the support you have given me. It is really appreciated. I'll try to have the next chapter up within the next week. No guarantee though.
Rhi