AUTHOR'S NOTES: Not quite sure how to write the next chapter so I thought I'd go with a flashback chapter. Also, I've made Percy Weasley proficcient with the sign language for reasons which will make sense later in this chapter.

And in this story, Snape doesn't hate Harry which has more to do with Harry's eyes and disability than anything else.

Read, review, and show your love!

Chapter 8

3 Years Ago

'Harry… you've got a letter,' Camille said with surprise as she brought the mail into the kitchen.

Harry took the letter and spotted a second one at the bottom of the stack of mail. 'So do you,' Harry pointed out.

Looking at the letter, Camille turned it over and noticed that it was sealed with a wax stamp. 'Odd,' she thought, starting to open the letter. 'Parchment and a wax seal. Who would be sending—?"

The letters were snatched out of Camille and Harry's hands by Camille's brother, Dudley, who proceeded to shout at him parents, "Mum, Dad! Harry and Camille got letters!"

"Give them back!" Camille shouted. "Those are ours!"

"Who would be writing to the two of you?" Vernon Dursley laughed, turning the letters over and gasping when he saw the seal.

Petunia saw it was well and she felt a stab of panic when she saw the Hogwarts seal.

Soon those freaks would be coming for the children and the neighbors would find out what kinds of people Petunia was related to.

"Dudley, get rid of the letters," Petunia said, quickly. Looking at her daughter and nephew, she said, "It's merely a joke from people not to be trusted," Petunia added.

--

The letters still came.

Even days after Vernon set up bunk-beds in Dudley's second bedroom letters seemed poured in through every available crack in the house and Harry couldn't help but wonder if the letters from no one were somehow connected to the flocks of owl which now seemed to shadow #4 Privet Drive.

Finally getting fed up with it all, Vernon decided to get everyone out of the house and away from all the freaky nonsense that had been hounding them for the past few weeks.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Under ordinary circumstances, Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, would have send his gamekeeper, Rubeus Hagrid to fetch Harry Potter and Camille Dursley.

But from the report from Arabella Figg these were not ordinary circumstances.

Arabella had stated that Harry was mute and Camille was completely deaf.

And while this certainly did not mean that the two would not be welcome at Hogwarts, the situation did require a change in who would go to the two prospective 1st years.

--

"Severus, I need you to run an important errand for me tonight," Albus Dumbledore said with smile.

"And what sort of errand might this be?" Snape asked, not trusting the mischievous look on the headmaster's face. Nothing good happened when the man smiled like that.

"It seems there has been some trouble getting Harry Potter's Hogwarts letter to him. He and his cousin, Camille Dursley have been temporarily relocated," Dumbledore replied, holding out two letters, a small key, and a money bag. "If you would be so kind as to give Harry his key and Camille her funds for this year I would be most grateful."

"Perhaps… you could send Hagrid instead," Snape suggested. "I'm sure he would gladly fetch Potter."

"Yes, but I have sent Hagrid to handle another matter. Besides…" the headmaster added, still smiling. "I have a feeling you are more suited to fetch the two children." Seeing that Snape was still resisting his assignment, Dumbledore relented a bit. "If you do happen to run across Hagrid in Diagon Alley, I will understand if you should choose to pass on the task of taking the children to get their school things."

Snape nodded and left after pocketing the key, money, and letters. "As you wish, Headmaster."

In a dark, dusty cove Snape found himself standing before a dilapidated house. Going to the door, he decided against pleasantries and raised his wand. "Bombarda!" The door flew into the house and crashed against the wall, making a scrawny boy with black hair jump to his feet along with a heavier boy who looked petrified.

"Who are you, sir, and why are you breaking and entering?" Vernon screamed as he came down the stairs holding a shotgun.

"I am Professor Snape of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and I'm here to collect Mr. Potter and Miss Dursley."

Vernon pointed a trembling finger at Harry and a girl who looked like she was still sleeping. "Take them! Take those freaky brats away!"

Harry looked petrified but after a moment, he knelt down next to the sleeping girl and shook her shoulder.

When the girl started to stir, Snape's eyes widened in surprise as Harry's hands started moving. 'Wake up, Cami! It's someone from that school!'

Snape stood, dumbfounded. 'Albus Dumbledore, you manipulative bastard!' Now Snape understood why the headmaster had insisted upon him coming here.

The girl stood and stared at Snape, uncertainly. Turning to Harry, she signed, 'Is he a vampire or something?'

Frowning, Snape spoke as he signed. 'No, I am not a vampire. Now… if you don't mind, we are on a tight schedule.'

--

The sun was starting to rise over London when Snape led Harry and Camille to a tiny, grubby pub called the Leaky Cauldron. Pulling two pieces of paper out of his pocket, Snape handed one to each of the children. "These lists contain the materials and wardrobe required at Hogwarts," Snape said simply, waiting until Camille was looking at him before speaking.

'What about money?' Harry asked, looking over the list. 'You've met my uncle and aunt. They'd never pay for all this. And certainly not for the both of us.'

Snape pulled out a leather money bag out of another pocket of his robes and handed it to Camille. "Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, set up a fund years ago to assist those who are in need of financial assistance. You do not need to worry about repaying this money," Snape added, seeing that Camille was about to ask the question.

"Thanks," Camille said, loudly.

"While we are discussing magical matters," Snape cautioned. "Please sign." After a moment, he added, "You can still talk?" At Camille's nod, he replied, "That will serve you well in your classes."

Inside the pub, Snape moved briskly through, not looking at anyone, although he felt a strangely familiar prickling on his arm when he walked passed Cecil Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

Once in the small back lot, Snape withdrew his wand and tapped a brick above an old trash can. Within moments, a gateway opened and Camille and Harry gaped as they entered a packed market street lined with shops. "Do not stray off," Snape snapped. "It is incredibly easy to get lost." Glancing at Harry and Camille, Snape noticed that Harry was repeating the warning in sign language. "Our first stop, Mr. Potter, is Gringotts wizarding bank so as to obtain your funds for the coming school year." Feeling one of the children poke his arm, Snape stopped and turned, annoyance on his face. "Yes?"

'Thank you,' Harry and Camille both said together. 'Thanks for coming to get us,' Harry added, gratefully.

Snape wanted to simply sneer and turn away but he didn't. 'You are welcome,' he signed before leading the kids through the crowds and towards a large building.

Inside, Snape strolled up to one of the goblins and pulled the key out of his pocket. "We wish to visit Harry Potter's vault."

The goblin looked down at Harry who took a few steps back. "I see…"

Harry could feel the beast's gaze even after he looked away and only looked up again when he felt Camille touch his arm. 'What the hell are these things?'

"Goblins," Snape murmured, indicating that they were to move towards a door. "Unfriendly creatures… but their minds are as sharp as their teeth. Only the most foolhardy would dare cross them."

--

After a bumpy cart ride, Harry had a money bag loaded with golden galleons, silver sickles and bronze knuts.

"Hello, Professor!" Said a gruff yet jovial voice as Snape led Harry and Camille back into the lobby of Gringotts. "Harry Potter! Haven't seen you since you was a baby. Took you from your parents' house myself. Ahhh, their death was a shame. Still, you survived, eh?"

Snape frowned and after telling Harry and Camille to stay put, he led Hagrid off and started whispering something that Neither Camille not Harry could make out.

'What do you reckon?' Harry asked, looking over at Snape. 'He's an odd one. I thought at first he didn't like me, but…'

'I like him,' Camille admitted. At Harry's astonished look, she went on. 'He actually looks at me when he talks for the most part. He doesn't treat us like we're stupid… he signs. Most adults aren't like that, you know that.'

'True,' Harry admitted, wondering what Snape was saying to the rather large man.

When the two men came back, Snape asked, "Do the two of you wish to go with Hagrid… or me?"

'If you don't mind, Professor Snape,' Camille said getting a confirming nod from Harry. 'We would rather stay with you.' Looking at Hagrid she added, "Sorry, sir."

Hagrid nodded. "I understand. See you September 1st, Harry."

The first stop in Diagon Alley after Gringotts was Ollivander's and as Harry and Camille entered the dusty shop they could feel the hidden magic that lay just under the surface, humming… waiting…

"I wondered when I'd be seeing you again, Mr. Potter," said a soft, yet slightly raspy voice. An old man stepped out of the shadows and silently circled Harry and Camille. Looking at Harry, Ollivander said, "You may look like your father… but I see your mother in you more… and not just in the fact that you have her eyes." Looking over Camille, Ollivander smiled. "You have your aunt's face."

'How did he know your mum is my aunt?' Camille mouthed to Harry.

Ollivander chuckled. "I knew your parents well," he said to Harry. "Before she went into hiding, your mother apprenticed with me."

Standing by the door, Snape watched the eccentric wandmaker as he bustled about the store pulling prospective wands off the shelves. It was strange… he hadn't known that Lily was studying to be a wandmaker.

Harry waited until Ollivander held out a wand and told him to give it a wave. Giving it a flick, nothing happened and Ollivander immediately snatched it out of his hand and handing him another. On the 7th wand, Harry felt a warm tingle and when he flicked it, red and gold sparks flew out of it. "Excellent," Ollivander said, happily. "15 inches, applewood. The core is the feather of a snidget. Quite uncommon, to be able to make that combination into a workable wand… Excellent for nonverbal spells." Turning to Camille, he smiled. "Now you, my dear."

Camille didn't take as long to find her wand but Harry noticed the peculiar look on Ollivander's face as he looked at Camille's new wand.

"Curious..." Ollivander said, his eyes fixed on Camille and the wand she held. "Very curious…"

'What's curious?' Harry mouthed.

Ollivander gently took Camille's wand and waited until both kids were looking at him before he spoke. "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. The phoenix whose tailfeather resides in your cousin's wand gave another feather... just one other. It is curious," he said, looking at Camille. "—that you should be destined for this wand when it's brother—" Ollivander pointed at Harry's forehead where a lightning-shaped scar was visible. "—gave you that scar."

Camille looked apprehensive as she took her wand back. "Who… who owned that wand?"

Ollivander looked over at Snape who had cleared his throat. "We do not speak his name," Ollivander said, evasively. "The wand chooses the wizard. It's not always clear why. But it is clear… we can expect great things from the both of you." Leaning closer, he added, quietly, "After all, He Who Must Not Be Named did great things. Terrible, yes… But great."

After paying for their wands, Harry and Camille were grateful to be away from Ollivander's shop. 'He's weird,' Camille said, glancing back.

Snape couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped him. "Yes, I admit he is rather unusual. But there's no better wandmaker anywhere in the world. Now… let's get your school uniforms."

Entering Madame Malkin's Snape spotted Draco Malfoy being fitted for his robes. Glancing at Harry and Camille who were looking at the different robes hanging up, Snape decided to intercede only if it looked like the two couldn't handle the Malfoy heir.

"Does she actually talk?" Malfoy said, looking at Harry curiously. When Malfoy only received an odd look, he gestured at Camille. "Or is she some dumb mudblood?"

"That will do, Mr. Malfoy," Snape said, calmly. "No need for profanity."

Malfoy scoffed but his interest was piqued as he saw Camille's hands moving. So... the girl was either mute, deaf, or both. When he was done being fitted for robes, Malfoy decided to test which as he walked out of the store, snapping his fingers right near the girl's ear. Seeing no reaction, Malfoy filed this information away in his mind for later.

'Who was that boy?' Harry asked as a witch took his measurements.

"That was… the son of a former friend," Snape replied, slowly. "When you meet him at school, be on your guard. Not all students obey the rule about no magic in the hallways."

Harry nodded and looked out the window where the boy was pointing him out to a tall man with white-blonde hair. Something about that boy made his hair stand on end… and what was a 'mudblood' anyway?

--

'What really happened to my parents that night?' Harry asked Snape as the professor dropped Harry and Camille off at the Leaky Cauldron before returning to Hogwarts.

Snape looked at the clock on the wall and signaled to the barman, Tom, to bring three dinners over to one of the tables. Sitting opposite Harry and Camille, Snape waited until they all had plates in front of them before speaking. "First of all…" he said, quietly. "Understand that not all wizards are good." Looking at Camille he said, "Just like not all muggles—nonmagical people—are good. Some years ago a wizard named Lord Voldemort rose to power and he and his followers tried to take over the wizarding world destroying those who he believed were tainting wizarding blood with muggle blood."

'But… my parents were a witch and wizard, right?' Harry asked, confused. 'So wouldn't Voldemort have wanted to spare them?'

"Your father was a pureblood wizard, yes," Snape replied. "But you're mother's parents were muggles. They stood against the Dark Lord and paid for their defiance with their blood. Your mother…died to protect you. And somehow, her sacrifice protected you when the Dark Lord turned his wand on you."

Harry sat in silence, thinking about all this.

Camille asked, 'What does the word 'mudblood' mean? Why did that boy call me that?'

Snape took a bite of his potatoes before responding. "It means dirty blood. In our world it is considered a great profanity and refers to someone who is muggleborn—someone with nonmagical parents." After taking a sip of his butterbeer, he went on. "The Malfoy pride themselves on being purebloods. They consider anyone of muggle decent lower class." Thinking momentarily of Lily Potter, Snape added, "But blood only dictates whether or not you have magical abilities. It says nothing about your skill as a witch or wizard."

Arriving back at Hogwarts, Snape was keen to go to his room and have a nightcap before turning in for the night but as always, Dumbledore had other plans.

"Did you have an interesting time with Mr. Potter and Miss Dursley?" Dumbledore asked, smiling.

"You should have told me about Potter's condition," Snape replied. "He will need to focus on channeling his magic through his wand since he has no voice. Miss Dursley… she won't have a difficult a time." Looking at the headmaster, he added, "Do the other professors know about them?"

"I have indeed informed the staff," Dumbledore replied. "And I believe we are adequately prepared. Tell me, Severus… What do you think of Lily's son?"

Snape thought for a moment. In truth, he… well, not liked the boy but… "He's tolerable," Snape replied, vaguely.

"That's about all I had hoped for," Dumbledore said, smirking.

As Snape headed for the dungeons, he thought to himself, 'You're still a manipulative bastard, Dumbledore.'

The morning of September 1st, Harry and Camille walked down the train station until they came to Platform 9. 'The ticket says 9 ¾. But… where's that?' Camille asked, confused.

'And we can't ask because we don't know if the conductors can sign,' Harry added, looking around.

"Are you lost, dear?" said a kindly voice behind Harry. Turning, he saw a plump woman standing with 4 boys, all of whom had flaming red hair and two of whom were obviously twins.

Harry nodded, and when he pointed at himself and Camille he was surprised when the oldest boy smiled. Deciding to try signing, Harry asked, 'How do you get onto the platform?'

The woman's brow furrowed slightly and she turned to the older boy who replied, 'It's very simple, really. Just walk straight at the barrier between platforms 9 and 10.'

Harry nodded and turned his cart so he was facing the right way and started at the barrier Camille right behind him. After a moment, Harry stopped, staring at a magnificent scarlet steam engine. 'Wow,' he mouthed, looking at all the witches and wizards and the kids getting on board.

"Want some help with the trunk?" The redheaded twins asked, coming behind Harry.

Harry nodded and pointed to Camille's trunk, hoping they'd understand.

"Fred can get her trunk," one boy said as he led the way down to the luggage compartment. Once the trunks were loaded, the twins, Harry, and Camille got on the train. "I'm George. George Weasley. This is my twin, Fred."

"Camille Dursley," Camille said, aloud. "This is my cousin, Harry." Harry gave a small wave.

"Nice to meet you," Fred replied. "See you at school."

'This is weird,' Harry said, wondering why every once in a while, someone seemed to be watching him.

'Yeah, well, you did defeat what's-his-name,' Camille replied. 'Maybe it's because of that.'

Finding an empty compartment and sitting opposite each other, Harry and Camille were soon discussing their upcoming classes. Snape had warned them of the possibility of a pop quiz the first day so they also talked about the different potions and ingredients.

"Hi…"

Harry gestured to the door and Camille turned to see the young redheaded boy from the platform standing in the doorway to the compartment. "Hi," Camille said, gesturing to the seat beside Harry. "Come in."

"Thanks," The boy replied, sitting down. "I'm Ron. Ron Weasley. You met my brothers Fred, George, and Percy."

'Percy must have been the one who could sign,' Harry said, thinking.

"So…" Ron said, uneasy. "Are both of you… deaf, or…"

Harry pointed to himself and covered his mouth before pointing to Camille and covering his ears.

"I can speak," Camille added, loudly. "But I can't hear."

Ron nodded and looked at Camille. "Can you… read lips?"

Camille nodded. "As long as you're facing me."

"Has anyone seen a toad?" said a girl with bushy brown hair as she skipped up to the doorway. "A boy named Neville's lost one." Seeing Harry signing to Camille, the girl looked delighted. 'Are the two of you deaf? My aunt lost her hearing years ago. I learned sign language from her.'

'I'm deaf,' Camille said as the girl came in and sat down next to her. 'My cousin, Harry, is mute. He can hear just fine.'

Looking at Harry, the girl's eyes widened. "Holy cricket! You're Harry Potter! I'm Hermione Granger. I've read all about you and how you stopped You-Know-Who. I never knew you were mute, though. How did that happen? Was it a side effect from that night or something else?"

Harry had never heard anyone talk as quickly as Hermione but he didn't mind. It was nice to hear someone talk to him like he was a normal person. 'I was… attacked by a muggle when I was 9. My throat was crushed. And my cousin, Camille, lost her hearing to a bad ear infection.'

As Harry and Camille conversed with Ron and Hermione they were happy to at last have found friends.

Sitting up at the staff table, Dumbledore watched as his deputy headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, led the first years into the Great Hall. Harry and Camille seemed to be sticking close to each other which was not surprising, nor was the signed conversation going on as they walked down the length of the hall and stood before the Sorting Hat.

"When I call your name," McGonagall said, briskly. "You will sit on the stool and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head."

Watching as Harry translated for Camille, Dumbledore was eager to see what house the two would be placed in.

Harry watched as the students were called forward. Draco Malfoy was immediately Sorted into Slytherin and Harry could swear that the Hat hadn't even touched Malfoy's head before calling the house out. "There's not a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin," Ron whispered in Harry's ear as Hermione's name was called.

After both Hermione and Ron were sorted into Gryffindor, Camille was called.

Sitting on the stool and wondering what was supposed to happen, she started when she actually heard a voice in her ear. "Interesting…" the Hat said, amused. "You're the first witch I've had who was deaf to begin with. An interesting quality and a useful one. You will find it hard for others to put you down when you can't hear them. You protect your cousin and are eager to defend others who may be bullied. GRYFFINDOR!"

Camille removed the Hat and was confused as where to go until she saw Percy and Hermione waving her over to a table which had a red and gold banner depicting a lion above it.

Sitting opposite Hermione, Camille watched as Harry was called next.

Sitting on the stool, the hat on his head, Harry heard the Hat talking to itself. "Difficult… very difficult… Plenty of courage… not a bad mind, either… And a quiet strength coupled with a thirst to prove yourself… Yes, you'd do well anywhere. But I think you'd do best in S—"

'Not Slytherin!' Harry thought as loudly as he could.

"Not Slytherin, eh?" The Hat said, amused. "Are you sure? They could help you on the way to greatness." Hearing Harry's silent pleas the Hat finally said, "Well, if you're sure… Better be GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry gratefully removed the hat and went to join Camille, swearing never to tell a soul that he was almost in the most evil house in Hogwarts.