DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter. Harry Potter is the creative works of JK Rowling.

Many thanks to juliedecarson for beta'ing this chapter.

Italics: Journal/Communication between Dark Lord & Harry's father, oops, I mean Snape

The Most Evil Plan
Chapter 9
Say the words

After making sure that no one was around, Severus unlocked the desk drawer and lifted the Dark Lord's Journal out. Tapping it with his wand he muttered the ridiculous password "Harry, my beloved son," while he inwardly cursed Voldemort's sense of humor.

'My Lord,' he wrote, waiting for a response before putting anything else in writing.

'Severus. I've been waiting to hear from you. You had the sixth year NEWT class before lunch, did you not?'

Severus groaned. Even though the words were written, he knew that tone. The Dark Lord was angry. Once more, Severus prayed that Voldemort did not find a way to send curses through the journal

'Yes, my lord. Unfortunately Mr. Potter wasn't easy to convince. He refused to leave class until his potion showed other results.'

'And did it?' Voldemort wrote

'No, my lord. He tested his potion numerous times, each time the results were the same.'

'And young Malfoy?' The Dark Lord inquired. 'I trust he was Potter's partner today and of great assistance at revealing the results?'

With a smirk, Severus responded back truthfully, partially wishing he could be at the next meeting to see Lucius take the punishment for his son's actions, or rather, lack of actions. 'He was Potter's partner as you instructed, my Lord. He was the first to view Potter's results, however, other than to say that Potter's potion was incorrect, he did not disclose the results. I can only suspect that he did not wish to anger his professor, head of house, or one of your fellow servants.'

'Then how were the results revealed? Severus, you know in order for this plan to succeed, others have to learn of the results. If it is kept quiet, then Potter will be able to ignore it, thus limiting his emotional turmoil.'

Emotional Turmoil? Severus though. That was the reason why he was the talk of speculation and gossip all afternoon? Once more Snape was determined to bring Voldemort down. He would hate to have to go through more of the mad man's plan that might ruin his reputation.

Taking a deep sigh, Severus once more put his quill to parchment and began to write about the events that transpired in his sixth year NEWT potion class, including Potter's insistence that someone or something interfered, and Granger's request of validating a results by different means.

'What!' Voldemort's words seemed to scream off the page. 'How could you lose such control of your class like that?'

Snape snorted in disgust, like Voldemort had better control over his Death Eaters.

'I expected better of you.' Voldemort continued.

'My Lord,' Severus wrote, glad that Voldemort's opinion of him didn't matter. At least, not as long as the Dark Lord thought he was loyal. 'I expected and planned for such a contingency. The potion I created to warp the results of the Amevi potion, will also work on another potion. That is the potion that I just finished brewing with Potter, Granger and Malfoy.'

'Granger?' Snape could practically feel Voldemort's disgust at writing the muggleborn's name. 'Isn't that the mudblood that caused this problem in the first place? You shouldn't have let her become more involved.'

'I apologize my Lord, that you are disappointed in how I handled the situation.' So, disappointed, Severus thought sarcastically, however would he sleep tonight? 'I felt that it was best that she was present. Not only was it her idea, but Potter trusts her implicitly. If it was just myself or Malfoy, he never would've believed the results. With Granger present and presiding over the potion, he cannot deny the results unless he wishes to insult one of his best friends. He knows that Granger would not cheat on a test, much less misbrew a potion that would have such an effect on his life.'

'Very well, Severus,' Voldemort wrote and Severus knew that that was as close as he would get as an apology from Voldemort. 'And what about Dumbledore? Does he know?'

Severus sidestepped this question easily. After all, he couldn't tell Voldemort that not only did Dumbledore know that a potion revealed Potter as his son, but that he had been in on the plan since the beginning. 'I believe the entire school knows that one of the sixth year students was identified as my child. Apparently Malfoy felt comfortable enough in a crowd and announced the news at lunch. I believe that the majority of the student population knows who that child is. However, I have been plagued with visits from the other professors all day regarding the identity of the child.'

'Good, Good. Glad to hear that young Malfoy did not let me down. It is now time to incorporate the next stage of my plan. First of all, you need to tell Dumbledore the identity of your child.'

First of all? Severus thought with a grimace. Merlin only knows what the remainder of the next stage of this plan was.

"Ah, Severus," Albus greeted as the door to his office opened, "So delightful to see you, please have a seat."

Reluctantly Severus sat across from the headmaster. "I just finished communicating with the Dark Lord. He informed me that I was to tell you the identity of my child."

Albus looked at Severus as if waiting for something. After a few moments, he asked, "Would you like some tea while we talk?"

"Albus!" Severus exclaimed in exasperation, "What is there to talk about?"

The headmaster peered at Snape over his half-moon spectacles, eyes merrily twinkling. "Why, the identity of your son, of course."

"I don't have a son!"

"Rumor says otherwise," Albus stated with a smile, a he handed the potions master a cup of tea. "Please, tell me more about your child."

"Fine," Severus huffed. After all, two could play at this game. "He's an obnoxious, spoile-"

"Severus, please, give me facts, not opinions."

"Very well. He's a Gryffindor," Severus sneered. "Always getting into trouble, an average student, though I suspect that is because of assistance he gets from his friend, without which, he most likely would have failed most of his classes, definitely potions, to say the least."

"Facts, Severus, facts," Albus reminded gleefully.

Severus grimaced, wondering how long the headmaster would keep him here talking about his 'son'. Especially when he wasn't allowed to disparage the boy's character, Severus thought in disgust. "He's sixteen, plays Quidditch, raised by Muggles, never goes home for holidays - though I suspect that is most likely at his family's request. Merlin knows I wouldn't want him around to ruin my holiday if I had the opportunity to keep him away."

"Facts, Severus, facts," the headmaster admonished Severus.

"There's nothing else to say," at least not until I have proof to backup my opinions, Severus completed silently.

Taking a sip of his tea, Albus stated quietly, "What about his name?"

Severus put his teacup down with a loud 'clang'. Even if he knew it wasn't true, he wasn't going to say it out loud. He has had enough of Albus's games for today. "Headmaster, do you wish to hear more about my communication with the Dark Lord or do you want to persist in these games of yours?"

"Games? Severus, my boy, we are not playing any games. However, if you like, I would be more than happy to indulge you. You know, during my years at Hogwart's I was champion of-"

"Headmaster, the Dark Lord?" Severus interrupted. He had no wish to miss dinner and hear about Albus Dumbledore's golden days.

"Very well, Severus. Tell me what the Dark Lord had to say."

"Only that I was to confirm the events of the sixth year NEWT potion class and inform you of the identity of my child. I was then to note your reaction and pass it on to him."

"I see," Albus stated, his eyes still twinkling.

"You see the problem, don't you?" Severus asked. "You already know everything that is going on in this castle. I can't very well tell the Dark Lord that we had tea and lemon drops, while you turned this whole thing into a game."

"I told you before, Severus, there is no game."

When Severus went to refute that statement, Albus held up a hand to keep him from speaking.

"However, you tell me who your child is and I'll do my best to portray a genuine reaction."

"Albus," Severus said with a groan. "You know who my 'child' is."

"So, I do. However, I cannot help but wonder if you do."

"What do you mean by that?" Snape inquired, his curiosity taking over his common sense. All he wanted right now was for this conversation to be finished.

"I asked you about your child," Albus answered. "The only thing you were able to tell me were superficial facts that everyone knows."

"Forgive me for not being part of his fan club and knowing more information," Severus drawled sarcastically.

"Severus," Albus stated, not commenting on the potions master sarcastic tone. "You weren't even able to state his name. Only vague details that could apply to half of the students in this school."

Not true, Severus thought. He stated that the boy was sixteen, a Gryffindor and played Quidditch, technically that could only apply to two students at the current time. Add in the information about muggles, and it comes down to one.

"Albus, you know who I'm talking about," Snape snarled.

"Perhaps I do," Albus agreed. "However, will it kill you to say it out loud?"

"Perhaps not," Severus reluctantly agreed, "But are you willing to test that? After all, I know you know who I'm talking about."

"And as I said before, I'm not sure you do."

The two remained staring at each other, neither one willing to give in.

"Albus…" Snape finally muttered, not sure how to proceed.

"Severus, just say it out loud. I promise it won't kill you. However, if it will make you feel better, I can ask Poppy to come up, just in case."

"No!" Severus exclaimed. "There is no reason why the other staff members need to be informed of these events at this time."

"Severus," Albus pleaded, "Just say it."

Severus shook his head and crossed his arms, stubbornly refusing to obey the headmaster.

"Severus, it is just you and me in this room. No one else is here to hear you say it." Albus sighed as he watched Severus remain immovable. "As soon as you say it, you can leave, if you wish."

After another few minutes, the headmaster continued. "I wouldn't like for us to miss the feast. Imagine the speculation that that will cause.

"Both of us absent as rumors about your child spread throughout the school. Someone will most likely search for us-"

"Fine!" Severus agreed. "I'll say it."

Albus just looked at Severus, his eyes twinkling as he waited.

"Fine," Severus agreed again before taking a deep breath. "Harry Potter is my son."

As promised, the headmaster did his best to portray a genuine reaction. Unfortunately, that reaction was overshadowed by the gasp that came from the headmaster's doorway, followed by the stomp of feet as they ran down the stairs.

"You knew!" Severus exclaimed in anger, as he turned back to the headmaster. "You knew someone was there, yet you still made me say it out loud."

"Sev-"

"Don't say you didn't know," Severus warned. "You always know when someone is outside your office. You knew I didn't want anyone to know. You knew I didn't want to say it out loud, but you still tricked me into it. And you let someone hear me say it!"

"Severus, calm down. Trust me, it was for the best. It needed to be said. You cannot go around trying to convince everyone that he's your son if you cannot or will not say it out loud. I admit that I knew someone was there, and before you say anything, I assure you that they didn't hear anything about Voldemort's part in this. In fact, what they did hear will only convince them, and the rest of the school, that this rumor is true."

Even though Severus could see the truth in the headmaster's words, he still did not enjoy being played for a fool. Without another word, he turned and left the office, hoping he could catch some students doing something against school rules before dinner. After all, he had to improve his mood and release his anger somehow.

Entering the Great Hall to the rumbling of rumors and speculative glances, Severus groaned as he realized that the only chair available at the head table was the one next to the headmaster. The last thing Severus wanted was to sit next to the meddlesome man. Merlin only knew what that would do to his digestion.

No matter, Severus thought. He could still ignore Albus, even if he was sitting next to him. Taking his seat, Severus sneered at the students. Even with food in front of them, they were more interested in talking about him. Unfortunately, he was not allowed to deduct points, since talking during meal times was not against the rules.

"Severus," Madam Hooch stated, "Are you going to inform us of the identity of your child?"

"The rumors are…well," Professor Sprout trailed off, unsure how to vocalize what they were all thinking.

"Insane," a braver teacher concluded, only to be treated to Snape's famous glare.

"And why are they insane?" Severus coldly asked the new Defense professor. It wasn't that impossible to believe he might have a child, was it?

"No offense, Severus, but one of the most popular rumors is that your child, or rather, your children are triplets."

Outwardly, Severus raised an eyebrow, while silently groaning. That was all he, and the world needed. Three Potters.

"They are saying that Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter are your children and that they were separated at birth to keep them safe from You-know-who."

Interesting, Severus thought. The three students that returned to his lab after classes were the ones involved in the rumor.

"According to rumor, their birth mother thought that it would be best to place them in different environments. One as a pure blood, one as a half blood and one as a muggleborn. Apparently she was hoping that the three would become friends once they attended Hogwart's and would put an end to the pure-blood issue, by having all three get along."

Severus snorted. After reading essays by these he students, he knew how creative they could be, however, he definitely wasn't expecting anything like this. For once, 'truth' was not stranger than fiction.

"That's preposterous!" Minerva argued, apparently she hadn't heard the latest theory. "Two of those students are Gryffindors"

Ah, here it is, Severus thought, so much for 'any child being lucky to have him'.

"Maybe not," Vector observed. "Draco Malfoy was the most obvious choice. And it certainly explains Miss Granger's skill and intelligence."

Once more Snape raised a solitary eyebrow, yet didn't say a word. Was that a compliment on his intelligence and skills?

"Mr. Potter looks the most like you," Flitwick added.

"Yes, but he's a Gryffindor down to the bone," Minerva inserted.

Not if what he heard was true, Severus smirked. Oh how he would love to share that information with Minerva.

"Ah, but what's in his head?" Vector answered.

"Not much," Severus quietly answered while smirking, only to be ignored by the other professors. He knew that Vector wasn't referring to Potter's intelligence, but he couldn't resist responding to such a lead in.

"Other than the color of Mr. Potter's hair, none of them look like Severus. I wouldn't be surprised if these rumors were just that, rumors."

Oh, you'll be surprised, Severus thought, half in dismay and half in amusement. Hopefully he could keep the identity of his 'child' a secret. At least from the staff for a little bit longer.

"Quite possible," Sprout agreed. "Wouldn't be the first time school-round rumors were wrong."

"Ah, but who started it? If the Weasley twins were here, I wouldn't put it pass them. Who else would dare to play such a prank?"

"Severus, won't you at least confirm if the rumors are true?"

"And if they are, who your child, or rather, children are?"

"No," Severus answered succinctly, before any other professor could get a word in. "Don't you have better things to do than to speculate about my possible fatherhood?"

"Come now, Severus. It's not everyday a Hogwart's professor becomes a parent."

"Especially to a sixteen year old."

"Or three sixteen year olds." Apparently one of the professors really wanted to believe the story about triplets, Severus thought, as he tried to discover which professor said what. Since he tried not to talk to the other professors that much, the only voices he usually recognized were the headmaster's and the Heads of the other Houses.

"And apparently the child has inherited your skills in potions. After all, they are in your NEWT Class."

"There's only one child," Minerva stated confidently, earning a glare from Snape, "And it's a boy."

"He told you? Why didn't you tell us?"

"He didn't tell me, I figured it out. The taunting at lunch included a reference to 'Snape Jr.'. If more than one student had shown this result, then the Slytherins would have called for 'Snape Jr. A,' and 'Snape Jr. B' as well as 'Snapette'."

"Who is his son," all the professors demanded to know, after most of them acknowledged the truth about Minerva's observations.

"You sound like sixteen year olds," Severus sneered at his coworkers, "Or busy-body grandmothers with the way you are speculating and gossiping. Now, if you will excuse me," Snape concluded as he moved to leave his seat.

"Not yet, Severus," Albus spoke for the first time since the start of the evening meal.

A feeling of dread fell over Snape. "What are you going to do, Albus?"

Albus just smiled as he stood up to address the staff and students.

"No," Severus whispered to the headmaster, in an effort to stop him from doing something disastrous.

"Yes, Severus," Albus answered, "They have a right to know what's going on."

"No, they don't," Severus argued, "There are only two of us involved."

"No triplets, at least," one of the professor's murmured, before Severus sent a glare in that direction.

"Attention…Attention please," Albus said as he held his hand up for silence.

Snape could see Potter look at the headmaster in alarm before banging his head against the table.

END CHAPTER 9

Who heard Snape's confession?

Will Albus tell everyone?

11-14-05