Most Evil Plan
Chapter 13
Congratulations, it's…
The minute Snape set foot in the Great Hall, causing the students to temporarily become mute, he knew that Albus Dumbledore was wrong again. The students hadn't found something more interesting to discuss.
As the students regained their voice, laughter started to echo across the room. He could catch a glimpse of something floating over his head, but unfortunately, due to the angle, he was unable to identify it. Potter! He silently grumbled as he glanced around the hall and noticed that the boy wasn't present. Even if he didn't do it, Snape had no doubt that whatever was following him was somehow connected to the announcement the headmaster shared at dinner the previous night.
Ignoring the laugh and snickers and scowling at students as he passed, Snape trekked up to his seat where he found a small box wrapped in blue, placed on his chair. He stared at it suspiciously. Thinking that it would be best to open it later, in private, he quietly pocketed it.
With a glare around the Great Hall, Severus decided that the best thing to do would be to quickly eat and then leave. At least the day wouldn't be a total loss. Most likely there would be ample opportunity to deduct points and punish students who are enjoying themselves due to his predicament.
"Congratulations, it's a boy," Minerva leaned over and whispered to him.
More like a disaster, Severus thought, especially when you factor in the Dark Lord, the headmaster and Potter into the equation.
"You have already congratulated me," Severus snidely reminded his colleague, "Last night after the headmaster so kindly shared the news."
"Oh, I'm not congratulating you again," Minerva denied, continuing after Severus gave a snort of disbelief. "I just thought you might like to know what the banner said."
"What banner?" Severus snarled as he suspiciously looked around the Great Hall. He couldn't see any banner other than the house banners that hung over each table.
"The one flying over your head," Minerva answered with a slight chuckle.
"A banner," the potions master repeated in disgust as he took out his wand and silently began casting spells to banish said object. "What fool came up with that idea?"
Watching his useless efforts, Minerva smiled, "Probably a Ravenclaw if the difficulty you're having trying to remove it is any indication."
"Rather than cheerfully chirping at my predicament, you could help," Severus snarled. After all, it was rather difficult casting spells on an object you couldn't see. Every time he moved his head the banner followed. "And most likely a Ravenclaw found the spells, but I sincerely doubt that one was creative enough to think of it in the first place. However, I am just as positive that it wasn't a Ravenclaw that cast the spell, either."
"It's no use, Severus," Minerva stated a few minutes later as she tucked her wand back into her robe. "Most likely the spell is timed and will just have to wear off. Perhaps a Slytherin then?"
"Wouldn't surprise me in the least that a Slytherin would think of this concept," Severus admitted, half proud of what his students could accomplish, even if it was, in this case, against him. "But again, none of them would be foolhardy enough to cast it," at least not against their head of house, Severus silently completed. "Most likely they just conceived of the idea and made sure that the 'right' people overheard them discussing it. This way, they get the satisfaction of their plan coming to fruition, without the risk of getting caught and losing house points or gaining a detention."
"Hufflepuff?"
Snape snorted at Minerva's attempt to keep her house out of the situation. Hufflepuff? Honestly now, who was she trying to kid.
"Please," Severus snorted. "They are afraid of their own shadows," to prove his point he glared in their direction, causing most of the Hufflepuffs to either lose their appetite, jump up in alarm, or drop their silverware in surprise. "Though given their loyalty and kindness, they probably know who is involved and most likely were on the lookout to make sure the guilty culprits weren't caught. After all, they wouldn't want anyone to get hurt.
"No, only one house is foolish and stupid enough to actually cast a spell on a professor," Severus snarled, speaking from personal experience when three students simultaneously aimed their wands in his direction.
"Surely you don't mean my Gryffindors," Minerva asked in shock. "I can't imagine that they would turn against one of their own that way."
Snape raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "They have before," he reminded her, "many times actually, and all in connection to him."
"But that was different," Minerva denied.
"Yes," Snape agreed dryly. "Before they did so based on rumors about Potter, this time," he continued with a glare in the headmaster's direction, "they received confirmation that it's not just a rumor."
Minerva stayed silent as she processed her colleague's words. Was he right? Were things going to be even worse for Harry because of the headmaster's actions?
"Well," Flitwick injected, since the entire head table had heard the conversation "At least the houses are working together."
Oh, joy, Severus thought sarcastically with another glare at the banner above his head.
"Hermione," Harry hissed as they walked towards the Gryffindor table, "What is everyone laughing at?"
After looking between his friends and the door, Harry had finally decided that, as usual, Hermione was correct; it probably was best to just face everyone now. Besides, going in would show he was more Gryffindor than Slytherin, right?
As expected, the crowd went silent when they saw Harry in the doorway.
Harry immediately noticed the glare on Snape's face, when he saw what that look was aimed for and why, Harry was ready to turn around and head to the lake, Gryffindor or not. Unfortunately for him, Hermione and Ginny wouldn't let him, and instead pushed him into the Great Hall.
Silence continued to reign for a few seconds until a few Slytherin's started to snicker. It wasn't long before most of the students had joined in.
Harry looked around the Great Hall as he started to walk towards his seat, but he still couldn't see what was so funny. Granted, he would've thought that what they did to Snape was funny if he hadn't been involved.
"Don't worry about it," Hermione offered as a reply.
"Just pretend nothing is wrong," Ginny added.
Harry paused mid-step. Something was wrong? That wasn't good, he thought, especially since he didn't notice anything different or amusing in the great hall, except Snape. And if someone dared to do something to Snape, because of the newest revelation, then they probably did something to him as well. Without being obvious, Harry tilted his head back to see if he could catch a glimpse of something floating over his head. Nope, nothing, well that was lucky Harry thought, as he brought his hand to his forehead in relief, only to catch sight of something that wasn't normal.
Harry groaned. "Hermione, what is it? What did they do to me?"
"Oh dear," Minerva murmured a second after Harry stepped into the hall. "What did they do to the boy?"
"Hmm," Severus murmured as he lifted his head and looked at the Gryffindor Golden boy. "I don't see anything wrong."
"Severus!" Minerva scolded, "That's your son!"
"Don't remind me," Severus muttered too quietly to be heard by most of the occupants of the head table.
"Severus, I'm disappointed in you. I know that you and Mr. Pot-," Minerva paused as she looked back at one of her favorite students, "Mr. Sna,-" another pause as she caught the glare the potion master sent in her direction, "Harry haven't gotten along in the past, but I would hope that you would be able to put that behind you given recent events. Besides, most fathers and sons don't get along when they are so much alike, as you so often inform us."
"When have I ever" Severus snarled, "said that Mr. Potter," he continued bitterly, placing emphasis on the boy's last name, "and I were alike?"
"Only every opportunity you get," Minerva answered.
Severus lifted an eyebrow in silent inquiry, asking her give specific examples.
"Every meeting, every potions class, practically every time you see him," Minerva elaborated. "After all, I believe you love to point out the similarities between Harry and his father."
"You know who I meant," Severus snapped.
"Yes, I did," Minerva quietly admitted, "But even you have to realize that there is nothing of James Potter in that child. Heavens, the man died when Harry was fifteen months old, how much opportunity did he have, and I'm using your words here, not mine, to corrupt him? And obviously it can't be genetics since we know that Harry is your son, not his. Maybe this will help you realize that there is more to Harry than his appearance."
"He's still a Gryffindor," Severus quietly rebutted, upset that he couldn't deny his paternity, unless of course he wanted to be killed by the Dark Lord. "Speaking of that, ten points from Gryffindor for being out of uniform."
"Severus!" Minerva scolded, "You can't blame him for that. You know that his robes were perfectly normal before he stepped into the Great Hall."
"Do I?" Severus asked quietly.
"Yes," she hissed, "Just like that banner appeared over your head the minute you entered the room, likewise his entrance must have triggered the charms on his robes."
"Hmm, so you say," Severus answered, already tired of the debate. Somehow he had a feeling that this was going to be a very long day.
"Bats and Snakes!" Harry groaned, as he attempted to once more bang his head on the table in front of him.
"I know," Hermione said, comfortingly rubbing a hand on his back. "The snakes I can understand, but who ever heard of a green bat? Then again," she continued after a moment's pause, "maybe it is a type of magical bat that we haven't learned about. I think a trip to the library is in order."
"Hermione," Harry hissed, "You're not helping. I could not care whether or not these animals are real or the product of some Slytherins imagination-"
"Harry," Hermione interrupted, "I really don't think Slytherins are behind this."
"How can you say that?" Ginny demanded. "Merlin knows that they would use any opportunity to embarrass Harry."
"Yes," Hermione agreed, "But snakes? They are too proud of their house and their house symbol."
"So?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Okay, let's talk about what they did and why. First, the bat: that is rather obvious, even if it is a bit cruel. Almost everyone refers to your father as a bat,"
"Don't call him that," Harry begged.
"I agree, it is disrespectful to a teacher to refer to him as such an animal,"
"No, not that," Harry explained, "I don't care if you call him a bat, a snake, or a greasy git-"
"Harry!" Hermione protested.
"Just don't refer to him as my f-f-fa-," Harry stuttered over the word, unwilling to say it out loud, "you know."
"Father," Ginny answered.
"Yeah, that."
"That's what he is," Hermione argued, before bringing the subject back to the original topic. "Regardless, the bats were used because of your connection to Professor Snape. Designating you as his so-" Hermione paused as Harry sent a glare in her direction, as if daring her to complete that sentence. Apparently not only did Harry not want the professor to be referred to as his father, but he didn't want to be referred to as his son either. "His progeny," she concluded with a grin.
"The snakes, however, were probably used to show that whoever set up this charm believes that you should be in a different house, Slytherin."
"Hermione," Ginny said after a moments pause, "Couldn't that also be why they used the color green? You know, Slytherin colors?"
Hermione blushed as she realized how true that statement probably was.
"What about the words on the back of his robe?"
"What?" Harry squealed in surprise. "There's something on the back of my robes? What is it? What does it say?"
"Harry calm down," Ginny suggested.
"Merlin," Harry groaned, "Please don't tell me that it's something lame like what is flying over Snape's head."
"Er, no," Ginny said, not meeting Harry's eyes. "It says 'Just call me Snape Jr."
"Oh, god, that's worse," Harry complained
, "That's all I need is to have everyone call me that."
"Don't worry, Harry," Hermione patiently explained. "I doubt that will happen. After all, you're not a junior."
Harry gave his friend a puzzled look. "I thought you believed that the potion results were true?"
"I do," Hermione agreed emphatically. "However, you're still not a junior. Technically to be classified asa junior you would need the same first and middle name as your father."
"I really don't think that will matter to everyone else," Ginny stated quietly.
Harry just groaned before turning to Hermione and asking. "Now that we've figured out why they did this and discussed the definition of junior, can you please help me out and undo this spell?"
"No," Hermione quietly answered.
"Please," Harry sang. "I'll do anything. I'll even promise to put homework in front of Quidditch practice. Just make this disappear. Especially the words. I really don't want people to be calling me that."
"I can't, Harry," Hermione said quietly. "I already tried. My guess is that they are timed and will wear off eventually."
"Eventually?" Harry asked in defeat. "How long is that?"
"I don't know," Hermione quietly admitted, "We'll just have to wait and see."
Harry had never been more thankful for a Friday than he was today. Not only because he didn't have potions today, which meant that he had a good chance of not talking to Snape, but it also meant that he could spend the next two days avoiding everyone.
The morning classes were just as bad as he imagined. Actually, Harry decided, they were worse. He expected to hear Slytherins, Ravenclaws, and even some Hufflepuffs taunting him about his situation, he even expected that some Gryffindors would do so as well, especially since his best friend, a Gryffindor, still wasn't talking to him. However, what really surprised him was the reactions of some of his professors.
--
As usual, Professor Flitwick began class by taking roll.
"Patil, Parvati…" the professor muttered as he looked up to confirm that she was there.
"Pot…" Flitwick began to say before catching sight of Harry and pausing mid-word. When he continued to the next name rather than calling for 'Potter, Harry', most of the class looked around in confusion.
Harry looked towards Hermione, hoping that she would have some insight into the situation, but she only responded with a confused shrug and a shake of her head.
Even Ron momentarily forgot that he was mad at Harry since he looked at the dark-haired Gryffindor and asked what was going on.
It wasn't until Flitwick got to the S's that the mystery was solved.
"Snape, Harry…" Flitwick muttered, as he checked off that Harry was in class. The professor did not look up to confirm Harry's presence, since he already mentally noted that Harry was indeed present, therefore he missed the look of shock, alarm, and disgust on his student's face at being called by that name.
"Oh, no," Harry mumbled to himself, hoping he could hide his disgust. Harry could only hope that his charms professor would be the only one to follow the suggestion on the back of his robe. Harry wouldn't be surprised if McGonagall gave him a detention with Snape if she noticed how he reacted to his professor's words.
After a few moments, as well as a few snickers from his classmates, charms proceeded as normal. Well, except for the fact that Harry spent the entire class sulking in his chair.
--
Harry had been so glad to leave that class, after all, Transfiguration had to better, right?
Wrong, Harry thought.
At least McGonagall didn't take roll out loud, Harry thought as he took his seat next to Hermione.
"I hope that you all had ample time to review chapter four of your text," McGonagall began, "Today we will…"
At that point, Harry tuned her out as he started thinking about recent events. Just because the entire school knew about his situation, Harry thought, that was no reason why things had to change. In a few days, everyone would soon forget about this and things would go back to normal. With a glance at the green bats and snakes moving on his robes, Harry groaned, at least he hoped things would go back to normal. Maybe if he ignored it and pretended it wasn't true everyone else would follow his lead.
"Mr. Snape…Mr. Snape," McGonagall called, looking directly at Harry.
It wasn't until Hermione elbowed him in the ribs that Harry was roused from his thoughts.
"What?" He hissed at Hermione, as a hand automatically went to massage his injured ribs. Noticing the silence, Harry looked up to find the professor and all of his classmates staring at him.
"I asked you a question, Mr. Snape," McGonagall answered, his lips tightly pursed.
"My name is Potter," Harry stated, trying to keep a tight rein on his temper.
"When you didn't answer to Mr. Potter, I decided to follow the suggestion on your clothing," McGonagall replied.
"Oh," Harry said quietly, while behind him some students started to snicker at the mention of his charmed clothing, while others muttered 'Snape, Jr.'. Harry couldn't help but wonder how long she had been standing in front of him.
"As to your name," she continued, "We will discuss that later. Since you weren't paying attention, I can only assume that you feel comfortable demonstrating the technique described in chapter four."
Harry groaned as he picked up his wand and tried to focus on his transfiguration technique.
"I know you read that chapter, Harry," Hermione said as they left class. "Now what's the matter?"
Harry stopped and stared at his friend in disbelief.
"Other than that," Hermione muttered with a roll of her eyes. "You spent all of charms class sulking and were distracted and preoccupied in transfiguration. If you're like this in Care of Magical Creatures, you could really end up hurting yourself or someone else."
"I'm just tired," Harry replied, "I didn't sleep that well last night."
"Nightmare?" Hermione asked full of concern.
"Kind of," Harry answered, "But not the Voldemort variety. I spent most of the night tossing and turning, imagining how this day was going to be."
"Harry, it wasn't that bad."
"Not that bad?" Harry echoed. "The minute I walked into the Great Hall, my robes were charmed with green snakes and bats. The professors are all calling me Snape.
"Hardly any of my classmates are talking to me, unless of course it's to make some comment about him.
"Trust me," Harry said in conclusion, "I'd rather face Voldemort than have a day like this. This entire situation is a disaster."
END CHAPTER 13 Congratulations it's…
UPCOMING:
CHAPTER 14 Questions (Everybody has questions)
CHAPTER 15 Explanations
Thanks to everyone for reading & reviewing...Sorry this chapter took so long to post.
2/11/06