Hello Lovely readers. It's been a hot minute and wow am I blown away. Life has a way of slapping you in the face sometimes, but seeing that so many of you seemed to enjoy the story enough to follow and favorite and review has a way of easing the sting. A big thank you to all of you and please keep showing this story love! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

The Prophecy

Curious it is that despite being creatures of the night, raccoons always hold the appearance of having hardly gotten a wink of sleep. With that thought, Albus gazed down at his Potion's Master. Asleep, the harsh lines on the man's skin slipped away and the taut angles of his face softened. Despite having transfigured the armchair to recline and despite the relaxed state of his features, the man appeared exhausted at rest. Albus frowned, the man was trembling. He summoned a quilt draped over a sofa and quietly began to cover the younger wizard. His fingers grazed the collar of the man's shirt. Severus hissed.

Blue eyes narrowed. Severus slept on. Gently, Albus pressed two fingers on the same spot. A pained noise fell from the young man's lips. The old wizard hesitated a moment before gently pushing the collar of the shirt to the side. He spotted a bandage across his shoulder that traveled down to his torso. The area near his collar was lightly stained. Albus frowned. A wave of his wand and Severus' shirt came off. With another wave, he vanished the bandages. Three open wounds sliced his upper body. The grip on his wand tightened as he glanced up at Severus' scrunched face. The old wizard took two staggered steps back. His entire face morphed into worry.

Upon Voldemort's return, Severus had returned to his ranks as Albus had requested. The man had relayed the details of each encounter from there and onward. By details, it should specified that 'details' pertains to information of interest to the Order of the Phoenix and their leader. Although Severus had stated Voldemort was less than pleased with his arrival, he hadn't mentioned much in regards to repercussions other than: I got what I expected, Headmaster. Which truly, Albus could very well imagine the implications, but chose not to and simple accept it as a natural course to their plan. However, looking down at the wounded man, he had no choice. He knew what he was sending Severus to. He understood the kind of sacrifice he was asking of the man. Yet, seeing it for himself was tormenting. Albus sighed, Severus made it so easy to forget. It was easy to just take.

Over the years, from an alliance that formed out necessity rather than trust, a friendship bloomed. Albus Dumbledore had not trusted Severus Snape immediately. Yes, love is a powerful force, but as much as it could empower, love could and would destroy. Gellert Grindelwald had known as much. In the beginning, Severus had been nothing more than a despicable being who understood nothing but self-interest. An arrogant tool he would use to fool Voldemort. Whether the boy had been honest in his intention, Albus cared not. He was not a man to dump all his biscuits into one basket.

Albus had miscalculated.

Severus was a strange man. He could easily be described as bitter and vindictive. As a child, he had proved to be quite talented academically. As an adult, his knowledge on potions and the dark arts proved to be rather extensive. It was impressive and more than a bit disturbing concerning the latter. However, upon closer observation, Severus was a fiercely loyal person. After Lily Potter's death, it became quite clear to him that Severus had indeed loved the young woman. One would think that after all these years, he may have come to terms with those feelings. Looking down at the man, light blue eyes were sad.

When a silver doe had peaked her head into the kitchen after a trembling Mundungus had left. His breath had caught in his throat. Relief had filled him warmly. Despite his nagging and constant exclamations of expulsion for Harry, Severus would look after the boy. Tears had brimmed his eyes when the doe vanished. 'After all this time, Severus?' He couldn't help wonder. He had known it all those years ago when he had broken the news and it slapped him in the face again today. Severus Snape would never be loyal to Lord Voldemort again.

Initially, he had been surprised when Severus agreed to return to his work as a spy with little resistance. He hadn't doubted the man's loyalties because he understood Severus. Returning to Voldemort would be his last wish. However, Severus had a way of surprising him still. At times it was disappointing and others, much like that time, it had been a bitter joy. Somewhere along the way, Albus had gained the stoic man's unyielding loyalty. It filled him with pleasant warmth as much as it sickened him.

The Potion's Master despite having shown him so much vulnerability all those years ago, was not a man to be coddled, not that Albus had ever attempted to. Albus had been determined to not to be lenient. It was an alliance, not a friendship. Severus had understood as much and he had not allowed himself the vulnerability again. Despite it, Albus made a mistake. It was slow and gradual. Albus wouldn't be able to say when it began. Perhaps, it'd begun over tea and lemon drops (the latter, it should be noted, Severus still refused to consume).

Personality wise, it was undeniable Severus was in fact bitter and vindictive. Yet, looking at him now; he saw courage, determination, and love. There lie the problem. He began to understand who Severus was. He began to see the prickly man and appreciate his austere nature. In some degree, he admired his taciturn ways. It certainly helped alleviate the guilt that crushed him at random times for what he asked from the man.

Albus' wrinkled hand tucked a long strand of dark hair behind the man's ear like his father had often done for his sister, Ariana. Albus not only trusted the man now, he cared. Yes, Albus had miscalculated indeed. Softly, he began to murmur. His wand hovered over the wounds as he did so, almost in melody. His wand was hovering above Severus' healed abdomen, when a knock came followed by the soft sound of the door opening. Molly Weasley's head peeked inside, she opened her mouth as if to speak, but shut it when the headmaster raised a hand. Albus blocked most of the Potion Master's form from the woman. He spelled the shirt back on the man and gently slipped the quilt over him. Quietly, he lead Molly out, closing the door behind them. She stared at the door looking conflicted, "Why is he here?"

Albus calmly walked to the kitchen, "Perhaps later, when Severus awakens, I shall know."

Molly had closed the door behind them and sat on a chair across from him. Her eyes were surprised, "You mean, you don't know?"

Albus couldn't help smiled, "I am not all knowing dear."

She gave him a disbelieving glance and scowled, "Surely, you two spoke."

"Afraid not," the man answered. There was a hint of admonishment in his voice that made the woman blush. Then he said, "I thought best Severus sleep. I do believe he's had quite the day. Not unlike Harry. How is he?

"He didn't say much. He seemed happy to see, Hedwig." Molly smiled and continued, "I checked on him again a couple minutes ago and he's sleeping like an angel."

"Good. Good." Nodded Albus, "I'm afraid whatever news Severus has for us, it won't be pleasant."

Her face clearly expressed: when is anything related to or by Severus Snape pleasant. Albus tapped his fingers on the table. Molly pressed her lips, "That little exchange between them was strange, you must at least agree with me there."

He inclined his head. When he made no further comment, she sighed, "Harry was attacked by dementors and Severus shows up with him all of the sudden . . . Did you put him up to that?"

The wizard looked at her, "What are you trying to say Molly?"

"Well, I–" Molly struggled to find her words, "The man admitted to using questionable magic on Harry!"

"Legilimacy." Albus sighed, "It's an obscure branch of magic and I trust Severus would use it only in Harry's best interest."

"Forgive me for saying so, but it didn't appear so when Harry first mentioned it."

He gazed down at the table, "I am unsure as to how I appear outwardly, but I am still rather high strung from the day's events."

The man sagged in his seat. Molly was shocked by his figure. She leaned over the table to clutch his hand, "I'm sorry, Albus. Why don't you get some shut eye, it'll be a bit before breakfast still."

Albus shook his head, "Thank you, dear. I must decline your lovely suggestion. If I know Severus at all, he won't be asleep for long and I would like to speak with him and Harry before then."

Molly sighed, "As you wish, would you care for some tea then?"

His eyes twinkled.

The clock signaled quarter past eight above the door. The room was quiet save for a lump on the transfigured recliner. The lump groaned and turned. Strands of black greasy hair peaked from under the quilt over it. The quilt fell as Severus sat upright. His eyes snapped open. His body felt sore and bruised. He was painfully aware this was not his room, not even his house. The man blinked. Severus covered his face, his fingers rubbed his eyes. He yawned. Suddenly, his eyes darted around the room. He glared at a clock above the door. Two fingers pressed to his temple as he growled, "Albus, you old coot."

Suddenly, the door opened. Dumbledore stepped through and closed the door behind him. The man claimed to not be all knowing and Severus believed him, but sometimes even he doubted.

Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling, "Did you sleep well, my boy?"

Cheeky old man, Severus scowled, "You made sure of it."

"You were rather . . . " Dumbledore paused. His blue eyes pierced through him. Severus avoided his gaze. The embarrassing memory of the moments before his sleep came rushing to him. As mortified as he was, there were more important matters to discuss than his moment of weakness.

"The Dark Lord was quite pleased." Severus stated. He better had been with all the damage he'd done to his body in a show of mercy. He lowered his hand to his stomach. Frowning, he asked, "You healed me?"

"I only realized accidently," Dumbledore told him gently, "Tell me, how did you sustain those injuries."

Severus muttered, "The Dark Lord was over the moon. I spoke with him as I told you I would and though he doesn't completely buy my unyielding loyalty, I do believe that with time he will."

Dumbledore held him with his gaze, "Then what is this about? Severus, you looked positively like death. I should say, your wounds are healed, but if you don't want scarring, I might suggest you use dittany."

Severus stood from the chair unfazed, "Scarring is the least of our problems."

Dumbledore sighed knowing that was the end of that conversation, "Harry was quite distraught."

The wizard's face became blank, "You talked to the boy."

"I am referring to when you arrived." Dumbledore eyed Severus critically. The other man watched him boldly. He spoke after a beat.

"Albus, you must inform the boy of his surroundings." Severus didn't allow an ounce of expression on his face, "Lucius, as we suspected, has in fact relayed to the dark lord of your special relationship with the boy. Thankfully, I had the foresight to plant your devious tendencies upon my return."

"Devious tendencies, Severus?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, suddenly amused despite the severe atmosphere. Severus waved his hand nonchalantly, "The Dark Lord is under the impression you see Potter as a strategic move."

Dumbledore watched him with something akin to pride. Severus may have blushed if he didn't have much to discuss with him still, "I have let it slip the the mutt cares for the boy, when placing him as the decoy secret keeper . . . "

Albus frowned, "He must know or would have deduced regardless with Peter in his hand. You did well, Severus."

Severus crossed his arms. His face didn't give away the feeling of warmth in his chest, "I thought as much, but it worries me. Black is very reckless. No, listen to me Albus. The Dark Lord plans on rebuilding his forces in secrecy, so you can forget about convincing the ministry before it's too late. That aside, he wants to hear the entire prophecy."

"There's more, isn't there?"

"It's like the first time," Severus said distantly, "He will stop at nothing to get it."

Severus began to pace, "I hadn't planned to bring him with me, but the boy had an odd dream."

Dumbledore's eyebrows raised into his forehead, his eyes peeking over his half moon lenses. Severus scowled, "Don't look at me like that! The boy dreamt the department of mysteries."

The old man straightened at the hiss. Severus stopped pacing before saying softly, "He had been having a nightmare of the third task and before I could wake him, he began to clutch the scar. It almost looked as if it were fresh Albus."

"Severus-"

"No, Albus." The man said firmly, "He needs to know. If you do not involve him, he will go looking on his own. The boy has a habit of sticking his nose where does not belong. Never mind he is in a rather fragile state, couple it with Gryffindor foolishness, I can only imagine the resulting stupidity that is bound to occur."

"Do you care for the boy, Severus?"

Severus sneered, "You should know well where my sentiments are."

He noted with satisfaction the headmaster had the decency to look reprimanded. Severus glanced at his hands, "I have barely anymore secrets to hide from boy at this point. He doesn't know the specifics, but I won't foolishly hold the hope he will keep his mouth shut. It's only a matter of time before it spreads and I won't have a moment of peace."

"What exactly happened, Severus. I am not one to leave things fester, but you were hardly in a state to speak and your mind was far too muddled for me to understand what you were showing me."

"What happened, Albus." Severus sneered, "Mundungus left the boy on his own and dementors made their attempt to feed their hunger."

"I am well aware of that much." Blue eyes flashed coldly. Severus suspected some it was directed toward Mundungus. "How did you reach Harry? I am predisposed to believe Voldemort sent them."

Severus shivered at the name. It was one thing to hate the monster. It was another curse the name in his head. More than anything, fear drizzled upon him because even if death was welcome, torture was not.

"I do not believe they were sent by the Dark Lord and you know well enough the reasons. Do not insult my intelligence by attempting to maneuver me. I am aware of my mind's condition and well attuned to your mental abilities. If you have something to say, say it."

"Severus, we could talk circles all day. I'll ask Molly to bring us tea. What happened? " Dumbledore warned.

The potion's master scowled, "I overlooked my body's limitations, alright! I was pleased to find the Dark Lord holds some trust in me yet. I told you I may try to actively deceive him. I know, against your recommendation. However, you were hardly complaining earlier. He was so pleased, he rewarded me with his forgiveness by exacting punishment and in my eagerness to reach you, I nearly splinched myself. It was a damn stroke of luck I landed where I did. Are you pleased with my explanation yet, Albus."

"Not quite. What about Harry?"

"What about the boy?" Severus hissed. Of course. All the old man cared about was his golden boy. He slammed a firm shield over his mind. Dumbledore wasn't attempting to read him, but he would notice the difference and Severus could care less.

"Why did you help him?"

"Why, Albus." Severus said silkily, "Did you want me to leave him to die? I will gladly take him back if you would prefer that course."

The old man stared at him impassively, "I am referring to the other kind of help."

Severus paused. What other help did he give the boy? He saved his sorry arse from being kissed, that is all. What else had he done? Absolutely nothing. Reigning in his temper, he said, "I do not have energy for your mind games."

"It would be easier to keep the boy in the dark for you."

"You mean for you." Snipped Severus.

Albus nodded, "I do not deny that. However, him knowing even as much as he does know, is deadly for you if Voldemort hears, if you do not have a proper story set up for yourself."

"I consider myself warned." Severus stated plainly, "If I die, I can be saved the humiliation the boy will put me through with his big mouth."

"You are underestimating Harry." Dumbledore told him kindly. Severus scoffed, but said nothing.

"Have you realized that he is rather like Lily Potter?"

"Lily Potter is dead." Severus told him coldly. Then, he grumbled meekly, "But perhaps, he is not so much like James Potter."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. Severus snarled, "Do not digress, Albus! I took a look into his head, with his consent mind you, and it's a mess. His mind is scattered. All of these little things, if you let them fester, they will come back and bite us in the arse."

"What would you suggest I do?"

Severus hadn't thought that far. He had assumed Dumbledore would just do his thing. If Potter could hear his thoughts, he'd never hear the end of it. Resting one hand over the other, he said after es a pause, "Teach him Occlumency."

Dumbledore looked him with disbelief. Severus shifted uncomfortable, "You're always going on about how talented the boy is and he can supposedly throw off the Imperius curse . . . "

Calculating. That was how Dumbledore was watching him. Severus shivered. Things never went well for him when that happened. Albus finally said, "You are right. I will tell him, when he learns Occlumency. And, if my theories concern their connection are correct, he will have to learn it anyway."

Severus narrowed his eyes. That was easy. The man's eyes twinkled. There it was, "You must teach him."

"You cannot be serious, Albus!" Severus exclaimed, "The boy will never-"

"Ah, but there is where you are wrong," Dumbledore tutted, "The boy looked to you specifically, for answers only hours ago."

Severus frowned, "I don't know what game he is playing, or you for the matter. . . but I refuse to teach a boy that will simply throw back my biggest weakness in face."

"I rather thought Lily was the source of your greatest strength."

"You understand perfectly what I meant," Severus hissed, "Do not twist my words."

"If Harry can keep what he knows to himself, would you consider?"

"You mean he hasn't already blabbed to the entire house?" Severus muttered, "He would respond better to you. Not that I care, but the boy would take the training personally. If he should bother to even try."

"But would you consider?"

Severus said nothing. Albus grinned, "It's good to see you aren't completely set in your ways, Severus."

"You are awfully cheery for someone who just received unpleasant news."

Twinkling light blue eyes smiled, "I must make up for your lack of faith."

Why did Severus seek approval from this old fool for, he wondered.

Harry opened his eyes tiredly to the gentle pressure on his shoulder, "Harry, dear. Wake up."

He blinked, once. Twice.

Mrs. Weasley sighed. Dumbledore and Snape stood at the door. Dumbledore was no longer radiating magic and Snape looked every bit nasty as he always did. Harry noticed he had changed back into his usual black robes. Groggily, he reached for his glasses that had somehow ended up on the nightstand beside the bed. Dumbledore smiled gently, "If we could join you, Harry. We would like to speak with you."

Snape glared in a way that said that was the last thing he wanted to do. Harry nodded, now sitting upright against the headboard, as Mrs. Weasley stepped away, "Everyone had a late night yesterday and with everything going on . . . I imagine you have about an hour or so before it gets busy in here."

"Thank you, Molly." Said Dumbledore.

Mrs. Weasley gave have an inquisitive glance before slowly making her way out the door, past Snape. Snape stepped through and shut the door behind him. He drew his wand and began waving it, Dumbledore joined him.

"What are you doing?"

Dumbledore's eyes were serious, "Privacy spells, the walls have ears."

"Are you going to answer my questions?" Harry leaned forward, a flood of questions entering his man rapidly, "What is Voldemort is up to? What are you doing about it? Why is the ministry not doing anything? And the dementors? Am I really expelled and -"

"Potter!" Snape snapped, "Intelligence isn't your strongest suit, but you would do well to remember that one need opportunity of speech to answer questions."

Harry glared at him and turned to Dumbledore again, "Snape said-"

"Professor Snape, Harry."

"-he said that there was a prophecy about me and Voldemort." Harry paused. He waited for Dumbledore's response. The older man pierced his gaze and Harry wondered if he was performing some form of the same thing Snape did. Suddenly, the man turned to Snape.

"How much did you tell him?"

"I told him it exists and the Dark Lord wants it."

"That's all he need know then, for now." Said Dumbledore. Harry nearly began to protest. If there was a prophecy about him and Voldemort, then shouldn't he know what it said. Before he could however, Snape crossed his arms, "Do not forget my condition, Headmaster."

"He is boy, Severus."

"He is a reckless boy, Headmaster."

"Would you two stop talking about me as if I weren't here!" Yelled Harry. "If you know and Snape knows and Voldemort wants to know, then shouldn't I know it too? Why does everybody else get to know if it's about me?"

"Most people don't know, Potter." Uttered Snape coolly, "Those who do only know of its existence and not its content."

Dumbledore spoke quietly, "That dream you had, how often have you had it?"

Harry racked his brain, what dream? He couldn't mean the one Snape had gone nuts over? Harry said, "Er–a couple, I think, but . . ."

Dumbledore watched him encouragingly. Harry glanced at Snape, "I would have forgotten if it weren't for Snap—Professor Snape. It seems blurry to me now, I mean."

Light blue eyes pierced through him. Harry shifted uncomfortably. Vaguely, he wondered if he was reading his mind. He almost preferred Snape's intrusion, the man had made it clear both time that his mind was being read. Still, how many times had Snape read his mind and he had been none the wiser. Harry shuddered.

"You and Voldemort share a connection through that scar." Said Dumbledore heavily. His eyes briefly shifted to the lightning bolt on Harry's head. "At the end of last year, I asked Professor Snape to return to Voldemort's ranks as spy for me. He agreed."

Harry narrowed his eyes, "So it was him. He tortured you."

"Hardly," Snape scoffed, "That, Potter, was mercy."

Mercy? Harry was sure Snape was either genuinely working for Voldemort or just a lunatic, either was fairly plausible in his eyes. Dumbledore continued as if neither had said a word, "It is true that there is a prophecy concerning you two and Voldemort has expressed his desire to hear all of it."

"All of it? So, he knows some of it?"

Dumbledore nodded, "Indeed. Initially, I had been interviewing a young woman for the post of Divination professor. I had thought she didn't possess the gift, but then–"

"She made the prophecy he's obsessed with."

"Yes. Unfortunately, we were overheard by a young death eater." Dumbledore watched him intently. Harry didn't know what to think. "However, before he could hear all the entire thing, he was thrown out. Of course, said boy ran off to his master and spoke of what he'd heard."

"What did it say? Why is it so important?"

Dumbledore looked very old. His cheer was gone and he moved to sit on an armchair near. Harry clutched his oversized shirt.

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies ... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal."

Both Harry and Dumbledore turned to look at Snape. Green and blue eyes blinked in surprise. Snape had his arms crossed and Harry thought he saw anguish on his face.

"That, is what I heard and told the Dark Lord. Several months later, he began to hunt the Potter's and eventually, he marked you as his equal." The last words were said bitterly.

Snape. Snape. He had overheard the prophecy and told Voldemort and then, Voldemort had gone killed his parents . . . all because of a stupid prophecy, all because of Snape. Suddenly, he felt a gurgling in his stomach. His body began to shake and he was on his feet. He had pulled his wand out, but it had slid from his hand into Dumbledore's. Harry didn't pause, didn't break. He reached for the nearest thing, it was a picture frame. He threw it at Snape. The man hadn't tried to avoid the frame, but it still missed. Harry hadn't noticed.

No. Harry stalked to a book case and had begun chucking books at the potions master, "You! It's because of you."

He threw some pointed trinket that Snape flinched when it hit his shoulder. Anger blazed and consumed Harry. The ex-death eater said nothing. He merely stood stiffly.

"How can you—My father died because of what you told that monster! And you have the nerve—"

Harry launched a lamp and it slammed on the wall next to Snape's head.

"You and my Mom friends? How could I have possibly believed . . . How could she have possibly been friends with you?"

Green eyes met obsidian with hatred, "You killed her!"

Yes, tell him Harry. Let go. Make him pay. Hurt him like he deserves. Harry stormed to Snape and gripped the front of his robes aggressively. The man offered no resistance. If he'd been a bit more present, he may have noticed the agony flickering on his face. Lowly, Harry hissed, "Its your fault she's dead."

"ENOUGH!"

Harry bristled. The air on his neck stood against Dumbledore's fury, but he didn't let go of Snape. He glared. Green and black eyes locked. Harry snarled, "My father died protecting her . . . he is ten times better the man."

Snape, who had let him act as he was, suddenly shoved him back. His face twisted wildly, "Your father was an arrogant IMBECILE! HE DIED BECAUSE HE WAS TOO FOOLISH TO SEE THAT THERE WERE WIZARDS MORE CAPABLE THAN HE!"

"My father-"

"YOUR FATHER WANTED BLACK AS SECRET KEEPER! SIRIUS BLACK, EVER SO FOOLISH, EVER SO RECKLESS . . . OVER DUMBLEDORE, THE GREATEST WIZARD ALIVE, THE EPITOME OF GOOD! TELL ME POTTER, WHO COULD HAVE DONE BETTER?"

"Sirius would have DIED before betraying them!"

There were so many emotions on Snape's face, it took Harry by surprise. While he continued to argue with Snape, a part of him paused and attempted to center himself. Snape sounded possessed, "HOW TOUCHING, POTTER! HE WOULD HAVE DIED, YOU SAY? I'VE GOT NEWS FOR YOU, HE DIDNT! INSTEAD, HE SPENT TWELVE YEARS IN AZKABAN FOR HIS STUPIDITY! IT WAS BLACK'S IDEA TO SWITCH SECRET KEEPER AND IT WAS JAMES POTTER WHO AGREED TO IT! THEY RUINED EVERYTHING!"

"MY MOTHER AGREED TO IT! SHE TRUSTED-"

"YOUR MOTHER . . ." Snape breathed harshly. Suddenly, his voice softened, "Your mother . . . was very family oriented. She and Potter and you were a family. Family came over anything else to her."

Harry thought Snape looked sick by his words. Dumbledore looked at Snape with wonder. If Snape had more to say, he didn't. Dumbledore's voice cut through their ragged breaths, "Professor Snape was the man who told Voldemort of the prophecy. However, it was many months before Voldemort narrowed down the possible candidates."

Harry didn't have the energy to speak. Dumbledore continued, "You see, there was another boy born around the same time. You know him as Neville Longbottom. Yes, the very same. It was you he marked, however. When Professor Snape realized that he would hunt the Potters, he came to me."

"You hate my dad and you hate me." Harry told Snape, "There's no way my mom would continue being friends with you if she'd known you were a death eater."

"No one knew I was," said Snape blankly. "But at the time, we weren't friends, we hadn't been for a long time."

"Then why?"

Why was Snape telling him all of this? What did he gain? Harry desperately wanted to know what was going on and why Voldemort wanted him dead so badly, but now that he knew, it seemed the questions never ended. Snape's dark eyes stared intensely, "She was my childhood best friend."

His best friend. He would die for Ron or Hermione. He understood that much, but if they hadn't been friends anymore. Why? Harry didn't understand. He opened his mouth and Dumbledore cut him off, "Harry, when Professor Snape agreed to help me protect you for the sake of your mother's memory many years ago-"

Snape glared at the man. So Dumbledore had asked him to protect Harry? Harry had heard most admitted by Snape to Aunt Petunia, but it felt different to have it put in that way. Dumbledore's blue eyes commanded his attention, "He made me promise one thing."

At this point, Snape turned his back to the both of them. Dumbledore looked at the potion's professor over his half-moon glasses briefly and back to Harry, "No one can know."

"Enough, Albus." Snape said gruffly.

Dumbledore ignored him. His eyes glued on Harry, "Today, he has revealed more than you can possibly understand. And so, I ask you Harry . . . What you have heard today, no one can know."

"Why shouldn't I tell everyone?" Harry said hotly, "To save Snape the embarrassment of having been friends with a mudblood."

"DO NOT SAY THAT WORD!"

Harry flinched back, surprised by the ferocity of Snape's voice. His heart nearly melted at Dumbledore's evident disappointment. Harry finally looked at Snape wondering what the man was thinking. Snape was ugly and nasty and dirty. If he and Remus were the same age, Snape looked significantly older. Yet, looking back on all he'd heard, it seemed the man himself was less straightforward than his appearance. He had switched side to protect his mom, but he hated his father. He was protecting him, but he hate Harry. Why was he sharing all of this if he had planned never to tell.

"Why are you telling me this?"

He wasn't sure if he was asking Dumbledore or Snape. Dumbledore answered, "It is my belief that the dream you had is a result of the connection you share with Voldemort through your scar. What you dreamed was a corridor in the department of mysteries, where the prophecy currently resides. I am afraid that Voldemort will try to use this connection to get to me, which is why initially, I had intended to keep you on a need to know basis."

Harry scowled, "I-"

Dumbledore raised his hand to silence him, "Professor Snape disagrees with that course of action based on what he saw in your mind and several other factors surrounding Voldemort and the Ministry."

"What-"

"Harry." Dumbledore said firmly, "If you are in fact having dreams as a result of that connection, it could be dangerous to tell you anything. Should the connection grow stronger, it is possible, Voldemort could try to extract information from your mind or even posses you."

"But, I-" He wasn't interrupted, but he found himself lost, "Then what can I do, I need to know, I can't just sit here and do nothing!"

"It would be in your best interest to learn Occlumency."

"What's that?"

"Occlumency, is an obscure, yet rather handy mind magic. It serves as a defense from Legilimancy."

"The mind reading thing Snape did to me."

Snape scowled.

"Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore admonished. "And yes, Occlumency allows you to protect your mind from outside influence or attacks on your mind."

"And you would teach me?"

Dumbledore looked at him in a way that told him he wouldn't like his next words, "I want you to learn from Professor Snape."

"HIM?" Harry blanched, "Why can't you teach me?"

Snape crossed his arms, "Finally something we can agree on."

"Severus . . . " Dumbledore sighed and sunk deeper into the armchair. Suddenly, he stood, "I trust Severus Snape, Harry. I don't need you to like him and I don't wish to burden you with information, but you wish to know and Severus believes you should know. I agreed to tell you the entirety of the prophecy and to keep you informed with the condition he teaches you and you learn to occlude effectively. He agreed with the condition that you not speak of everything you have learned about him. I should tell you that should any of this reach Voldemort, it will be deadly for Severus. We do not believe Voldemort is aware of the connection but if or when he is, he could very well see what we have spoken today."

Dumbledore finished gravely and it was obvious to Harry then that Voldemort hadn't understood or known about the level of affection Snape had for his mother. That sent a river of unease across his body. Snape had paled, but his expression was unreadable.

"What do you gain from this?"

Snape wasn't mocking for once, but he was serious and his words were harsh, "You mother sacrificed her life for you. I will be damned if I let your Gryffindor idiocy get you killed."

Unbelievably, Harry felt his chest soften just a bit among so much resentment, "You really cared for my mom."

Snape averted his gazed. Triumph shined for a split second on Dumbledore's face, "Do I have your word Harry?"

It didn't seem like he had much of a choice, but even if he had; there was nothing to lose in agreeing except maybe, his sanity.

"Yes, sir." He turned to Snape, "When do we start?"