Yikes, this chapter got long! I feel like my chapter length is a bit inconsistent, but sometimes I can't help it... I want to address a few things, by the way:
1. I have credit to give to someone for an idea, but that's at the end of the chapter.
2. My traffic stats have been frozen for a week now, so I can't really see the number of views/comments/follows, or anything. I've reached out to , but they haven't replied yet. If anyone knows how to fix this, please let me know via email.
3. This chapter was innitially part of a single chapter, but when I edit I usually add a bunch of stuff and I end up splitting the whole thing.
Anyways, that's it! I hope you enjoy!
Ch.25 - Have You Ever Seen An Xray?
It was early the next day that two cracks resounded in Claremont Park, causing a flock of birds to startle. Two figures wasted no time hiding themselves behind some bushes, wands drawn just in case.
The sight of the old building brought memories of the past battle to Harry's mind, making him suddenly feel very self-conscious. He felt a shiver crawl down his spine remembrance of the cruciatus Curse, as though thousands of knives were slowly tearing him apart. But a small movement beside him made him push those thoughts aside and focus on the task at hand.
In a way, Harry wasn't afraid of experiencing anything similar again… Though, not because there were no Death Eaters in Grimmauld Place, but because he knew that Severus wouldn't allow for it.
They had a decent view of Grimmauld Place, and Harry spotted several Aurors stationed around the house, disguised as muggles. They seemed to be keeping a close eye on the property. It was just as they had expected.
One of the aurors, dressed in a simple button-down shirt and black jeans, was stationed at the front door, pretending to be reading a muggle newspaper. The other suspected Aurors were chatting while walking up and down the street. Harry had to admit, their muggle disguises had improved.
The plan he and Severus had discussed earlier was a risky one, but with a bit of luck, it should work.
Severus, who was less than thrilled about returning to Grimmauld Place, was currently invisible under Harry's cloak, crouched somewhere beside him. It was quite ironic that Severus Snape was using the same cloak that had once belonged to not only James Potter, but the Marauders and a whole generation of Potters…but Harry chose not to comment on it.
"Sir, are you here?" whispered Harry, glancing around. He nearly jumped out of his skin when a low, deep voice sounded from his other side.
"It would do you well to be more attentive of your surroundings" admonished Severus lightly. "Naive idiots," he went on. "The wards set around the house are so predictable. A seventh-year could perform them," spat the man incredulously, a sneer evident in his voice. Harry was a little surprised at that — why hadn't the Aurors bothered much with warding the place? Obviously, things at the Ministry hadn't changed much, even with Kingsley, and Harry felt his lip curl.
Wait, since when did my lip curl? Living with Sn– Severus must be having a bigger influence on me than I thought…
"So, taking them down won't be a problem? And you said you can do it without setting them off?" Harry asked, peering through the leaves.
"Yes, although there is no other way inside. It would arouse suspicion and put everyone on high alert if an Auror were found unconscious on the doorstep," explained Severus shortly. "You will have to get them to lower the wards, and we shall slip inside."
Harry frowned and turned his head in Severus' direction. "Brilliant. And just how am I supposed to do that?" He asked sarcastically. "Won't it be a bit suspicious?"
"Fortunately, you and I do not share a mind, so I couldn't possibly know what sort of excuse your Gryffindor head would come up with that wouldn't be too...out of character for you." His tone was light, but sarcasm lined it. Harry rolled his eyes. More seriously, he said, "Last time I checked, this property is legally yours. That should serve as a bout of inspiration to you."
The boy considered things for a moment, worrying his lip, and then finally ahrugged."Alright. Fine. Stay close, I guess." mumbled Harry. Without waiting for a reply, he rose to his feet and began to walk towards the ancient and noble house of Black.
He could faintly make out the Slytherin following behind him, the man's footfalls against the pavement path barely audible. As he approached the Auror, he wasn't really sure how to get the man's attention, therefore, he settled on a short, awkward wave.
"How may I help– Mr. Potter!" greeted the Auror, lowering the paper he had been reading. From the man's stance, Harry could tell that the wizard was prepared to reach for his wand in an instant. "What an honour!"
"Er, hi," Harry greeted back somewhat lamely. "I want to enter Grimmauld."
The auror's eyes narrowed slightly. "I require identification, Mr. Potter." It was clear that he suspected Harry of being a wolf in sheep's clothing, judging by his tone.
Harry bristled at that. This was legally HIS house! He shouldn't need to present identification! He breathed in deeply through his nose, trying to quell his anger. "Will my wand do?" he asked tersely, slowly withdrawing his phoenix feather wand from his invisible wrist holster.
The Auror noded shortly, but eyed Harry and the wand warily. Withdrawing his own wand, the Auror pointed it at Harry's and muttered a complex incantation.
"All seems to be in order, then," announced the man, his features relaxing slightly. He looked a little sheepishly at Harry, and offered a handshake. "Jack Blerry at your service," offered the Auror. "Apologies, Mr. Potter. Can't be too careful. Minister's orders."
Yeah, I see what you mean. Ironically, there's a wanted, invisible ex Death Eater just behind me, Harry mussed to himself, biting his tongue.
"S'fine." Harry brushed it off hastily. "Can you also take down the wards while I'm in there?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
Jack considered this for a moment. "I suppose…you are the legal owner of the premise, so I guess we could make the allowance," he conceded. Harry let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "May I have a reason, however?" The auror inquired, drawling his words a bit.
Uh, yeah, this is MY legal right, and I don't have to give you any damn reason! he thought savagely, though refrained from pulling that card, lest he wished to draw suspicion.
"Just… it would make me feel more comfortable without them…"
Okay, in Harry's defence, that had sounded more convincing in his head.
Jack cocked his head a little, his eyebrows furrowed, but apparently let it slide.
"I'll just need a time span, then." he added.
"Er. I think three hours should be good," answered Harryafter a second. The Auror silently allowed for this, and began to mutter incantations, flourishing his wand. After a few, short moments, Harry could strongly feel the atmosphere around them change, remembering what Severus had once lectured him about being able to sense wards during one of their lessons.
Jack then muttered another spell at the front door. There was an audible click.
Before stepping through, Harry deliberately paused at the entrance, holding the door a little wider than necessary, and took his time holstering his wand. The Auror didn't seem to become suspicious of this, though.
Once the door behind them closed, Severus reappeared, neatly folding Harry's Cloak and draping it over his arm. The shrieks of Sirius' mother filled the old building but they was ignored.
"It would make you 'feel more comfortable'…? Yes, that is certainly not out of character for you." drawled Severus, cocking an eyebrow at Harry with a smirk. Harry blushed.
"Hey! No complaining! I got us in, didn't I?" he defended indignantly, crossing his arms. "Where should we start?" asked Harry, changing the subject quickly.
The man brandished his wand and nonverbally switched on the lights in the corridor. The entrance hall they were currently in showed no signs of the duel from a few days ago, and was back to it's old, dusty self. The Aurros must have cleaned up when they'd searched the place.
Before Severus could reply, however, the dust on the floor began to swirl and take the form of a ghostly, screaming Albus Dumbledore. Harry stiffened at the familiar sight, having once encountered it a year ago.
The Slytherin's already pale and drawn face suddenly lost whatever colour it had, turning the colour of parchment. He stood stock still, too shocked to move and unable to move his wand. His eyes grew wider than Harry had ever seen them, horrified gaze fixated on the ghostly Dumbledore, which was now gliding towards them with outstretched hands.
"Snape!" it rasped "Traitor!" pointing a ghostly finger at him.
But then, just like last time, the jinx suddenly dispersed, a mere foot away from the pair. Neither moved, neither spoke, silence reigning over them. Severus looked like he was inwardly hyperventilating, and continued to stand statuesquely, staring at the spot the curse had been a mere moment ago.
"Sir, are you alright?" Harry asked carefully, walking around to stand in front of the man. Slowly, his eyes became more focused, and his shoulders sagged when he finally fixed his gaze on Harry. With a few, shaky breaths to recompose himself, Severus hoarsely answered Harry's previous question.
"The basement would be most logical," was his only reply. With that, the man was already moving towards the stairway, his dark cloak trailing behind him.
But, for reasons unfathomable, Harry chose to probably at the ex-Death Eater. The sight of Albus Dumbledore had seriously shaken the man, it was clear as day, and it made Harry think back to how Severus had talked to him in the sitting room about his problems. Who did Seveus Snape have to return that favour?
Down in the damp and baren basement, Severus also lit the place, and Harry shivered a little, though it wasn't from the chill. Trying not to look at the spot where he had been nearly tortured to insanity, he turned his attention back to Severus.
"Sir, are you alright?" he asked once more, tentatively putting a hand on his shoulder. Severus turned his head to look at him, a careful neutral expression on his face, but his dark eyes glimmering with emotions the Gryffindor couldn't identify.
"Yes," he answered dismissively. "Now, we need—"
"Sir. Severus. please. It's okay if you were—"
"If I was what, Mr. Potter?" hissed Severus coldly and harshly. "If I was too shocked to move my wand to defend ourselves, let alone a single muscle? That the pathetic little jinx the Order has placed here still haunts me to this day, regardless of whether it was real or not? That it was I who had killed him, regardless of whether it was on his orders!? That I had MURDERED him!"
Severus was breathing deeply, and his eyes widened slightly in shock, as if only just realising what he'd just admitted. So, he sneered at Harry, and turned away.
Harry was silent for a moment, suddenly filled with pain at what he was about to admit. "I think I would have had the same reaction if I had seen Sirius like that," he mumbled In a low voice, rapidly blinking the image out of his head. He probably would have broken down, for that matter.
His efforts were repaid, however, when the dark-cloaked man suddenly turned back to his, their eyes meeting with something akin to deep understanding. Even without saying anything, a million words seemed to pass between them, one of pain, grief, and remorse.
Severus sighed. "I suppose we both have much to work on."
Harry shrugged. "You're setting a fine example, sir," he remarked sarcastically. Inwardly, though, he was once again reminded of their sitting room conversation. He and Severus were probably the only people they could trust to understand. Both were scarred from the war with sorrow, grief, and the whole mix of conflicted emotions. And if Severus was willing to help Harry, then the boy was willing to return the favour. it would simply take time to crack the ex-professor's hard, outer shell.
"Have you ever heard of x-ray spells, Harry?" asked Severus abruptly, still looking at him. Harry's curiosity piqued.
"No, sir," he answered honestly.
"Have you ever seen an x-ray?"
"No..."
Harry knew of x-rays, but had never actually seen one. As a kid, the Dursleys had almost never taken him to the doctor's, Merlin forbid, the hospital. They would say it was too expensive, so any injuries he sustained had to rely solely on his magic.
Severus stared at him strangely before schooling his expression. "X-ray spells enable the caster to see through objects and view their surroundings in greater detail, revealing hidden or obscured things not visible with the naked eye," he explained in his lecture tone. Harry had never heard of such spells. He nodded at him to continue, intrigued.
"Watch closely, then." Severus pressed the tip of his ebony wand to his temple, though his eyes remained open, fixated on a spot somewhere above Harry.
"Lustrare Oculus obscurata!" Snape incanted. For a brief moment, Harry saw a white haze briefly glaze over his obsidian eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
"Your turn, Mr. Potter."
Harry pulled out his own wand from the invisible wrist holster, and mimicked the ex-professor's demonstration. He loved the feel of the smooth wood in his hand — the feeling of safety. Harry struggled to remember the incantation, however.
"Lustrare Oculus Obscurata," Severus reminded him wryly. "And keep your eyes open!"
Harry repeated after him, eyes fixated on a spot on the stone floor. "Lustrare oculus obscurata!" he incanted.
Suddenly, a shimmering curtain of white passed through his vision, leaving in its wake a whole new view of the world around him. The world around him now had a green-greyish tint and appeared in a grid pattern, as if he were looking through a transparent, coloured sheet of plastic.
"Brilliant," breathed Harry, beaming and looking around. He felt like no secrets could hide from him — it was an amazing sensation. He looked back at Severus, and was surprised to see looking at him with something between amusement and… something else in his eyes, despite his expression remaining stoic, his head cocked to the side.
"There is a first time for everything, as the saying goes, I suppose," Severus said. "Let us not waste any more time. Search the basement, but DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING!" warned Severus menacingly. "Stay vigilant, for Merlin's sake, you Gryffindor."
Harry rolled his eyes at him, amused. "Of course, O' lord of cunning and caution," he mumbled under his breath.
Several minutes passed as the two wizards searched around the basement, but were unsuccessful in finding anything. There were no concealment spells on the old cabinets, drawers or any of the walls, and Harry was starting to grow a little hopeless.
After about 10 minutes, he and Severus went back up to the ground floor.
"To cancel the spell, simply encant Finite Incantatem." The older wizard informed Harry, lifting the spell off himself. Harry followed. He had to blink a few times from all the sudden colours around him. The world didn't seem as bleek when you had seen a green-grey version of it for a while.
"Searching the rest of the house would exceed our time limit. If I recall correctly, there is a house elf that lives here — Kreacher, was his name? I'm interested in what he knows."
Harry's breath suddenly caught in his throat. In all the recent commotion, he had completely forgotten about Kreacher! Was he even alright? He felt horrible! "Kreacher!"
There was a small pop and, to Harry's, the old house elf appeared before them, seemingly in one piece. The creature bowed, and Severus visibly scowled in distaste.
"What can Kreacher do for Master Harry Potter, sir?" Kreacher croaked out.
"Kreacher, are you alright? What happened? Did the Death Eaters do anything to you? Or the Aurors?"
Kreacher scratched his bald head. "Dark witches and wizards were here, Master Harry Potter," he said darkly. "They is were looking for master, and they is found Kreacher. Kreacher told he dosen't know anything. They tortured Kreacher, saying they is wanting information, but Kreacher is loyal to Master Harry Potter."
Harry expelled a sigh of relief.
"Do you recall said witches and wizards hiding anything here? Or maybe you had overheard one of their conversations?" inquired Severus briskly, clearly annoyed at Harry's sentimentality towards the elf.
Kreacher turned to look at him, as if noticing the tall man for the first time, and visibly grimaced. "Kreacher can sense the presence of something dark… Master Harry Potter's friend is a bad person. He is one of them." His round, wrinkled eyes were fixated on the ex-Death Eater's left hand, which the man quickly moved behind himself, looking uncomfortable.
"Enough of your impertinence!" the man hissed. "It was a direct question, creature. Answer it, lest you wish me to resort to forceful methods. I strongly advise you to choose wisely," he sneered coldly down at the elf.
"Answer him, Kreacher," allowed Harry.
Kreacher returned the glare, and somewhat nastily said, "Kreacher is old, and Kreacher's memory is bad. Kreacher cannot remember…" he rasped out.
Severus' eyes gleamed with impotent anger, but then a small, slightly evil, smirk slid over his face, and he addressed Harry. "I'm sure a little Legilimency won't do the little miscreant any…permanent harm."
Harry suddenly remembered the horrible sensation of someone sifting through your memories in your head. It sent a shiver down his spine. What effect would it have on the old house elf? After Harry's experience, he wouldn't wish it for anyone.
Severus must have noticed Harry's uncertain look, for he then added, "I see no reason to be concerned over the vile-mouthed creature. However, rest assured that the experience for him will not be so… as intense as you may remember..." He suddenly faltered, trailing off, his mouth thinning as he caught Harry's gaze, guilt shining in his eyes.
The boy furrowed his eyebrows at him. "So you were making those lessons so unpleasant and painful for me on purpose!" he accused scathingly, not able to help himself. A small pang of hurt suddenly ached in his chest. He had already known it — it wasn't anything new. Yet, after everything they'd been through, the friendship and mutual respect they'd established… It hurt to know that Severus had wished him, a child, such harm.
Severus ran his hand through his hair, a conflicted and ashamed look upon his face. He hesitated for a moment, then expelled a deep sigh, averting his gaze. "I… I am not proud to admit that I could have been more careful. It was unjust, cruel and unprofessional on my part." His eyes softened at the corners and his eyebrows knitted together. "There is no excuse that could possibly justify my actions. For what it is worth…I...apologise," he finished quietly, remorse evident in his voice.
The man's blunt confession made Harry clench his fists tightly in his pockets. How could a person have tortured a child, had abused the power of their position to cause pain and discomfort knowingly? How could the man standing before him be the same same from a few years ago?
"Did you enjoy it?" he found himself suddenly asking, dreading the answer. He daren't look up to meet the man's eyes, though if he had, he would have caught the other's face turning a ghostly shade of white.
"I… " he choked on his words, and that was all the answer Harry needed. The boy felt a pit settle in his stomach. Finally Severus found his voice, so quiet and pained that Harry had barely missed it.
"I am not a good man, Harry. I have always been bitter and alone, and I have said this before, and I shall say it again: I am so sorry. I… " he shook his head in evident self loathing and disgust. "I was blinded by prejudice, though that is a pitiful excuse. But, Harry…" Severus made a move as if to place his hand on Harry's shoulder, but refrained in the end, causing the boy's green eyes to meet his dark ones. "If there were any way for me to take back all the pain I've caused you, I wouldn't hesitate."
Harry swallowed, regarding the man consideringly. His voice was sincere, and he was surprised to find so much regret and guilt in the obsidian orbs. He sighed and looked back at his sneakers, hugging himself as he suddenly longed for comfort.
It seems like everytime the two of them had this kind of conversation, either one of them got hurt, in a way. Or new things would be revealed, not those of innocence, either. Harry honestly wasn't how he felt about everything that Severus had just told him.
This was supposed to be a sort of trial for Severus, to see if Harry could really trust him… Well, honesty was a big aspect of trust, and Severus had been completely honest with him this entire time. He had already apologised for his wrongdoings. Harry knew he meant it. There was no point in crying over spilt milk, as the muggle saying went. They had to let bygones be bygones.
They had called a truce, after all, which meant no more animosity between them. Severus didn't hate him anymore...At least, Harry hoped so. Because he certainly didn't hate the Slytherin. Not anymore… Harry believed Fawkes had given Severus a second chance for a reason, that being a fresh start.
Besides, Harry had promised he wouldn't give up on him like his mum had.
The boy finally nodded. "Okay," he said, meeting Severus' eyes, which welled with relief before his face donned a stoic mask once more. "It's in the past. Let's give it a go, then. As long as it won't hurt him."
Secerus nodded once at him in acknowledgement. "Kreacher," he addressed the elf with obvious disdain in his voice. "Look at me."
The house elf only scratched its bald head and craned it to look at the tall figure, when he realised its mistake.
"Legilimens!"
Harry simply stood there, curiously observing the two for a moment. Elf and wizard stared into each other's eyes, but their gazes were unfocused. Both expressions were blank, void of any emotion. Harry wondered if that's how he looked during his Occlumency lessons with Severus.
But then, the older wizard's face contorted in pain and discomfort, and before Harry knew it, the mind connection between the two broke. Kreacher stumbled back, panting. The Slytherin, to Harry's shock and concern, stumbled and slid to the floor against the wall behind him. Kreacher recovered first, so Harry rushed over to the fallen wizard.
"Sir!" Harry exclaimed, helping the wizard up by his arm. His breathing was as though he had just run a tournament. "What happened?"
Severus shakily got to his feet and leaned against the wall. "Legilimency…can be…dangerous when performed…on…creatures or…animals." He explained.
"And you did it anyway!? Are you alright, sir?" Harry asked, unsure of what to do and offering his hand, which was batted away.
His breathing evening out. "Unquestionably." He waved Harry's concern off, adding dryly. "I'll live." He straightened up, and the two looked at Kreacher, who was glaring at the black-clad wizard with evident contempt. Severus returned the mutual glare.
"Are you okay, Kreacher?" asked Harry.
"Master's friend is a mind reader," Kreacher accused with a scathing tone, ignoring Harry's concern.
"Indeed, and you are a House Elf," retorted Severus dryly. He turned to Harry. "There is something hiden behind that insufferable painting of Walburga Black."
To give credit where credit is due, thank you so much to James Marshall for giving me the idea of using the painting/portrait of Sirius' mum! Much better than what I had originally written.
Expect the next chapter sometime mid-week (not entirely sure when exactly, because I have, like, three or four upcoming tests and a bunch of homework *rolls eyes*.)