Antiquity's Corollary by gonnabefamous
Past Featured StorySummary: At Lily's request, Albus Dumbledore has kept a secret from Severus Snape for 17 years. When Dumbledore learns that this secret plays a vital role in the war, however, it is Snape who is left to deal with the consequences. As Harry's true parentage is revealed, both his and Snape's futures become uncertain. The two must learn to work together in order to survive. PreHBP.
Categories: Parental Snape > Biological Father Snape Main Characters: .Snape and Harry (required), Draco, Dumbledore, Ginny, Hermione, Ron
Snape Flavour: Canon Snape
Genres: Action/Adventure, Angst, Drama, Family
Media Type: None
Tags: None
Takes Place: 6th summer
Warnings: Alcohol Use, Torture, Violence
Challenges: None
Series: None
Chapters: 58 Completed: No Word count: 401010 Read: 379367 Published: 28 Jun 2005 Updated: 11 Oct 2015
Hope by gonnabefamous
Author's Notes:
My everlasting thanks to Rlmess and Cithara.

Chapter 27

Hope

xxx

At first glance, the note received from Draco Malfoy seemed suspicious. What could he possibly have to say to Harry that he couldn't say during the day? And if it was something so secret, why would he be so keen to let Harry in on it? Secondly, meeting Malfoy had never turned out well before; in years past, it had always been a trap of some sort. Curiosity got the best of Harry, however; the idea of meeting Draco Malfoy became more and more appealing as the night wore on. Every once in a while he unwrinkled the note again and stared at the words Malfoy had written on the parchment, contemplating the best course of action. If he were going to meet him, he decided, he would have to tell someone. It wouldn't do to go running off without a backup plan… but whom would he tell?

His answer arrived late that night, as Ginny Weasley climbed through the portrait hole.

"Oh, hello Harry," she said slightly breathlessly, pulling a leaf from her long, messy hair.

"Where were you?" Harry queried, sounding somewhat amused. Was this the same quiet girl that'd been scared of him during his second year, sneaking out late at night?

Ginny smiled sheepishly and sat in the chair across from him, scooting closer to the hearth and warming her hands in the heat emanating from the brightly burning fire. "Oh, you know, wandering the grounds…" she said evasively, fixing her eyes on the glowing embers. She looked over at Harry, who was feigning a reproachful expression, trying to look as though he disapproved. "Oh, don't give me that," Ginny snipped in response. "You've been doing it since first year, and I'm in my fifth."

"Well, I didn't go alone," he answered back, looking down at his book to hide his smile.

"Neither did I," Ginny contested, and Harry looked up at her. Their eyes met for a moment; she looked away, finger combing her hair. "What are you doing up so late?"

"Homework," replied Harry, indicating the book in his lap.

"Looks like you got far," Ginny said flatly, glancing at his blank parchment. He gave her a dramatic glare, and she smirked back at him. "What subject?"

"Potions," he said, rolling his eyes.

"Mmm," Ginny murmured, nodding and trying in jest to look sympathetic.

"Yeah," Harry agreed, smiling and closing the book. He set it on the table in front of him and turned to Ginny. "Tell me, can I trust you?"

"What?" Ginny responded, looking confused.

"Just answer the question."

"Well, yeah..." she tailed off, narrowing her eyes.

"So if I told you something just because I need to tell someone- I mean…" Harry paused and took a breath. "I have to do something tomorrow morning, and I'm going alone- but I think someone should know where I am…" he broke off, not knowing how to explain the situation without giving it all away.

"Harry, forget trying to explain what you're asking, I know what kind of question you're asking," said Ginny, waving at him to be quiet. "Yes, you can trust me."

"Alright," Harry said, hardly surprised by her response. "I'm meeting Draco Malfoy in the Potions classroom at six-thirty tomorrow morning. I expect to be back by a quarter past seven… if I'm not, get your brother or Hermione and come look for me. If you can't find me…"

"We'll find you, Harry," Ginny said, though she still looked puzzled, "Don't worry about it. I know what to do."

"Thanks," Harry said, relieved.

"Don't mention it," Ginny said, getting up and setting the pillow back on the chair. "But if you'll excuse me, it's been a long day, and I think Filch might have gone to McGonagall about me… so if she comes up here, I've been in bed the whole time, alright?"

Harry laughed. "Sure thing."

"Good," Ginny said, smiling back from the bottom of the stairs. "Well, night."

"Night," Harry called after her as she disappeared from sight.

xxx

Getting out of Gryffindor tower unnoticed the next morning was not such an easy task. Harry had already anticipated having to leave his dorm room in absolute silence, but he hadn't expected Hermione to be sitting down in the common room, working away on Arithmancy.

"Harry," Hermione said, sounding pleased as she looked up and saw him descend from the stairs. "You're up early. No more dreams, I hope?"

"No, I slept fine," Harry said, pulling on his shoes.

Hermione frowned slightly, looking offended at his dismissive tone. "Where are you going?" She asked inquisitively, setting down her quill.

"Oh, I need to… talk to Dumbledore about something," Harry said, wincing inwardly; he knew he was caught. Thinking it would be wise to leave before Hermione had time to work out what was going on, he turned and headed for the portrait hole.

"Oh," Hermione said awkwardly, nodding and looking off to the side. She didn't seem to notice that he was walking away from her. "Harry, are you going to tell me what's going on?"

Harry froze for a moment, cursing silently, and then turned his head to look at her. Her warm brown eyes, sitting under her brow wrinkled with worry, were almost pleading with him now. He looked at her with a pained expression for a moment, and she drew a breath to speak.

"Listen, I-"

"Don't mean to pry?" Harry cut her off, raising his eyebrows.

Her mouth was still open, half formed around the word she'd been about to say. She looked at him for a moment, and then closed it. "I was going to say I care about you…" she said softly, looking down again. "It's just- things haven't been the same this year. I knew th- that after last year… what I mean to say is-" she stopped again, looking completely at a loss to explain what she was feeling. "I'm worried. I understand you're going through something… really awful this year and… well, I want you to know I'm here. If you need to talk…"

"I think," Harry said softly, "That I'm having a much better time now, dealing with his- his death. What I'm dealing with now is… completely different."

"Oh…"

"Listen, I've really got to go, but I'll be back soon." Harry considered Hermione for a moment, who was still looking down at her hands. "There's a lot I have to tell you."

Receiving an understanding nod from Hermione, Harry then disappeared out the portrait hole, hoping he wasn't too late to meet Malfoy. He pulled out his map and glanced over it quickly. Filch was out on the grounds, near Hagrid's hut. Dumbledore was sitting in his office, and Severus was in his room. Harry rushed forward towards the dungeons, hoping none of them would change positions before he could get there.

Malfoy was sitting atop a desk in the Potions classroom, waiting there as promised. He sat with a bored expression on his face, leaning against the wall with his hands behind his head. His feet were kicked out in front of him, one ankle crossed over the other; it was an almost poised look of relaxed arrogance.

"You're late," Malfoy commented, failing to move a muscle as Harry came through the door.

"I noticed," Harry replied dryly, observing Malfoy in annoyance.

Malfoy slowly turned his head, looking Harry up and down in apparent distaste. "I have to ask myself," he said coldly, "Why I keep doing this. What is this now, the second time I've helped you?"

Harry narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "How're you planning to help me now?"

"Well, I'm not really doing it to help you…" Malfoy said thoughtfully, nodding his head to the side. "It's more to do with Professor Snape… but then, that does concern you, now doesn't it?"

Harry was sure he felt his heart skip a beat. "What do you mean?" he asked, keeping his voice as even and neutral as possible.

Malfoy smirked gloatingly, gazing at Harry with his grey eyes full of amusement and contempt. He fixed Harry with this stare for a few more seconds, and then slowly pushed himself off the desk.

"I know your secret," Malfoy said, taking a few steps towards Harry as he spoke. "And I'm not the only one."

"What secret?" Harry asked in a low, calm voice, his pulse quickening now.

"You're not really a Potter," Malfoy said in a low, almost delighted voice. He was standing directly in front of Harry now.

"How do you know that?" asked Harry accusatorily; he could tell by the look in Malfoy's eyes that he wasn't lying.

"My father told me," Malfoy said, his smirk widening now.

"You- your father?" Harry stammered, his eyes widening into an expression of fierce anxiety.

"Yeah," Malfoy said. "And you know who told him?"

Harry eyes widened; his breath caught in his throat, and a wave of fear rolled over him. And he couldn't quite explain this to himself. He knew he didn't want Severus to be harmed, and he knew why he felt that way- but the strength of his reaction surprised him.

Malfoy watched Harry's face for a moment, inwardly appreciating the horror he was making his adversary face. Maybe now he would know what it felt like to have the imminent prospect of losing a father hovering over him, even if it was only for a moment.

"No, I'm only joking, Potter," Malfoy said in a sardonically sweet voice. "The Dark Lord doesn't know. Well, not yet, anyways. But my father does, and he's just waiting for yours to slip up."

Harry closed his eyes briefly, waiting for his heartbeat to steady. He hated Malfoy; he hated him for this. But as of that moment, he had no other option but to accept Malfoy's behavior, or he would be risking the loss of any hope for information. "So you think," Harry said slowly, "That if I just warn him to be careful-"

Malfoy looked doubtful at that, and shook his head. "I'd keep him close to home, if I were you."

Harry considered Malfoy for a moment as he began erasing evidence of their being there, clearly planning to leave. "I thought Snape and your father were good friends," Harry said, keeping his eyes on the other boy. "Umbridge said last year that he always spoke very highly of Snape at the ministry..."

"Yeah, they get along fine," Malfoy said casually, heading for the door. "But you he's not so fond of... to be honest, Potter, I don't think he cares what he has to sacrifice to get rid of you."

"And you?" Harry challenged, following Malfoy as he walked towards the door. "Why don't you feel the same way?"

"Haven't we been over this, Potter?" Malfoy asked, turning around and glaring irritably at Harry. "I'd rather not discuss it again."

And with that, Malfoy turned and headed out the door, disappearing from sight.

xxx

Harry's mind was still reeling when he entered the common room, but he was somewhat calmed by the sight of Hermione and Ginny sitting together, clearly waiting for him.

The common room was quiet, and they were the only ones awake. The two girls had been engaging in light conversation, but it immediately ceased when Harry arrived.

Without a word of greeting, Harry moved to where they were sitting, taking a seat in a chair across from them. He was acting on an impulse, he knew, but they were going to find out eventually. "You've been wondering what's going on with me lately," Harry said as he sat down. Hermione and Ginny exchanged shocked glances and looked back at him. "I'm going to tell you… but this is something that I need your word you'll keep quiet."

They nodded, frowning slightly. ""Of course, Harry," said Hermione, as Ginny continued nodding.

"Ok," Harry said, drawing a breath. "You have to understand, I would have told you sooner… but I've still been dealing with this on my own.

"James Potter was not the first person to marry my mother."

Gasps escaped from both girls, and they instantly looked ashamed at that. He waved his hand dismissively, thinking that their reactions were hardly surprising.

"Apparently," Harry said, half sighing in distress. Though he'd come to terms with these abstruse insights on his life, he hardly enjoyed reprising them to his friends. "She began seeing someone else during her time at Hogwarts- she was only good friends with James..." he paused, glimpsing the calculating look on Hermione's face. He had an idea that she was slowly beginning to work his story out.

"You keep saying 'James'," Hermione murmured, eyeing Harry carefully. He nodded, averting his gaze from both her and Ginny, who had their gazes locked on him. "Harry, do you mean to say that he's not… James wasn't your father?"

"Not in the biological sense," Harry replied uneasily, feeling his breath catch in his throat.

"Do- do you know who it is?" Ginny apprehensively pressed after a short silence.

"It's... Snape," Harry uttered quietly, his voice so muted by anxiety that it was surprising the two girls had even been able to hear. By their expressions, however, it was apparent that they had. Both their jaws had dropped. Hermione had closed her eyes, seemingly at a loss for words. Ginny looked to be trying to sort the facts inside her head, making sense of everything.

"But he's always been so mean to you-" Ginny said, but she trailed off, not completing the thought.

"That's not all of it," Harry said then, somewhat comforted by her easy tone; unlike Ron's, it held no notes of accusation. "See, she became pregnant while married to Snape- pregnant with me. But before she could tell him… well, they ended their relationship. She begged Dumbledore to keep her secret, which he always has- until this summer.

"Why this summer?" asked Hermione. "Why not earlier, before-"

"He didn't think Snape would make a good father, from what I can gather."

Hermione shook her head. "But couldn't he have tried to give him a chance? Surely growing up with a somewhat brusque father is better than having none at all!"

"But you don't understand," Harry reasoned gently. "Believe me, I've been angry about it too… but I know why he did it. Snape and my mum didn't just split for no good reason-" He broke off, wondering if this was something he ought to be sharing with his friends. He sensed that Severus would be infuriated if he had any idea how much Harry was revealing to his friends.

"Why did they, then?" Ginny asked, and Hermione instantly shot a hard glare at her, one that clearly said the word, tactless.

Harry hesitated for a moment. He knew he ought not to answer truthfully… but something about their beseeching gazes and tones made him trust them. And so he began, launching into the story of how his Mother had woven a lie that had changed the course of his life, all owed to Snape's entry into Voldemort's service.

When he had finished, there was a long silence. Hermione and Ginny looked somewhat shocked, still, but it was fading from their expressions now. They seemed to be contemplating everything they'd just heard- Harry didn't blame them; it was quite a lot to absorb. And although it had been difficult, reiterating all of this to them, it was somewhat relieving. He felt a vague relief from the pressure of keeping this secret- it was no longer such a burden.

"That's a… very well put together story," Hermione commented.

Harry inclined his head in agreement, though he felt this was an odd thing for her to say at this moment. "Quoted almost directly from Snape and Dumbledore."

"So then, Dumbledore has affirmed the validity of this recalling of events?" Hermione questioned, apparently trying for subtlety.

Harry smiled appreciatively. It was heartening, for some reason, to see that his friends were thinking along the exact same lines he had been when he'd first heard this story. "It's true," Harry said, and his voice wasn't as mournful as he would have expected.

Hermione shook her head. "I still don't understand why Dumbledore would tell you now, of all times…"

Ginny nodded. "Yeah, why wouldn't he have told you earlier?"

"Like I said…" Harry started. "My mother didn't see Severus-" he stopped himself again, but this time Ginny interrupted impatiently.

"You can call him Severus in front of us, you know," she said, and Hermione nodded in agreement. "That's your second time now, it's not as if we don't already know you're thinking it."

Hermione frowned. "I don't know why you seem to think it would offend us."

"Even if it is a bit strange…" Ginny offered, and Hermione shook her head again.

Harry considered them for a moment, assessing the truth of this statement. They seemed sincere, he decided. "From what Dumbledore had been told, Severus wasn't father material, and he was in complete agreement with my Mother that he would be horrible to me. He didn't know enough about him, he says. Not until I was about eight did he actually begin to trust and know Severus- but he thought I would be unstable if taken away from my family. He decided to wait till I came to Hogwarts… but given that we didn't react well to each other, he seemed to think it best if we didn't know.

"But now they've discovered there's this potion- I haven't even really been told what it does yet, apart from the fact that it will help me defeat Voldemort- but it requires the blood of a Death Eater who is also an intimate family member, such as a father- Snape's the only person that fills the category. He told Dumbledore about the potion, thinking it useless information, and then he was told… and then I found out in Occlumency lessons several weeks ago."

"Oh, Harry," Hermione whispered. "You mean he didn't even tell you?"

Harry shook his head, trying to keep his face blank. "He claims he was planning to."

"Do you think he would have?"

"Oddly," Harry said, pondering the peculiarity of his answer. "Yes."

"Well, this might be a good thing, right?" Ginny asked, looking unsure. "I mean, now you have a father…"

"How can he have found this out and still be awful to you?" Hermione questioned dolefully, shaking her head.

"Actually…" Harry said, thinking. "He hasn't been."

"But in Potions-"

"It's very important that no one finds out," Harry said. "If he suddenly changed his behavior towards me, there would be too many questions."

There was silence.

"Well, if he's your real father…" Ginny said thoughtfully. "Then why do you look so much like James?"

"Haven't asked," Harry admitted. "There haven't been any chances to, actually."

"You don't just… sit and talk sometimes?" Hermione asked.

"Not really…" Harry said. "You think I should?"

Both girls nodded, and Harry sighed to himself. They were probably right… he just hated the thought of the awkwardness of showing up at his door, suggesting a talk… but then, he did have a valid reason to talk to the man, now.

xxx

Quidditch tryouts were long and hard, and to make matters worse, Harry had to endure watching and sometimes playing with three positions worth of people who, frankly, did not know how to play Quidditch. Six people tried out for the position of Beater, only three of which managed to actually hit a Bludger. Seven people tried out for the position of Chaser, and only two spots were open, Katie Bell having already filled one position as captain and Chaser for the team.

Ginny was a shoe in, scoring almost every goal she attempted and performing nearly perfect passes in coordination with Katie Bell. The next two applicants, however, were not so wonderful. Alex Genero scored only three goals out of the ten attempts he made, and was finally put out of his misery when Dennis Creevey performed a horrific pass and broke his nose, sending him to the hospital wing. Creevey was sent off the field as well. In the end, Katie selected a fourth year named Mark Thomas. He wasn't a wonderful Chaser, but his effort was great- or at least that was what she had muttered to Harry.

Once the Beaters, George Sky and Carmen Mennot, had been chosen and were lined up with the Chasers, it was time for the Keeper to be tried. Only three other Gryffindors showed up to try out for this position, but Harry still feared that this would not help Ron. He'd performed wonderfully the previous year, but his bad set of nerves was more than likely to botch his show today.

Harry observed the three potential Keepers as they ran through drills, and saw competition for his friend in Simone Newell, a small, lightweight fifth year. Once Katie had narrowed her selection down to Ron and her, however, the choice was obvious. Simone was petite and soft spoken- which were perhaps more bearable qualities in a team member than were Ron's up and down measures of low confidence and over cockiness- but nevertheless, she seemed less of the Keeper material. Though her broom maneuvering skills were excellent and her attitude was great, she was no match to Ron's larger build and use of brute strength. If all else failed, Katie admitted in an undertone to Harry, whom she has seemed to accept as her assistant captain, Ron could bodily block the quaffle- Simone was likely to be cleared right off her broom in such an event.

Ron had not been openly hostile towards Harry, but he had been giving him the cold shoulder. They'd exchanged only a few words in the locker rooms, and Ron hadn't glanced in Harry's direction once in the entire duration of their tryouts. Now it was Harry's turn, and Ron gave him no more than a small nod as he left the field.

A bit stung and slightly nervous, Harry swung his leg over his Firebolt as Katie called the order to mount brooms. Waiting for his signal to kick off, he inspected his opponent. His name was Matthew, and he was very plain looking. He was average sized for a boy his age- he was a third year- but he was still smaller than Harry, which worried him. It was much easier to dive, speed, and maneuver at a moment's notice when you carried less weight on your broom, and that was a fact.

Katie blew the whistle, and Harry immediately rose up into the air, kicking off at that moment as though on instinct. His adversary watched him carefully and matched his height, hovering a short way across the field and eyeing the small gold ball that Katie had in between her fingers. With another blast of the whistle, she released it, and it sped off in the direction of the mountains. Harry immediately began circling the pitch, and was annoyed to find that the other boy was following closely on his tail. Harry rolled his eyes and sped up; Mark did the same.

Why, this child was mimicking his every move! Well, Harry thought to himself, if he wants to play that game… and after speeding once around the pitch, he pulled up sharply on his broom, shooting up much higher into the air. Of course Mark copied this as well, and had no idea that Harry had already spied the snitch very close to the ground. Once Harry had reached a height he knew to be too far for his opponent, he abruptly dove towards the ground, and just to see the look on Mark's face, glanced over his shoulder. The younger boy had tried to do this as well, but such a steep dive from such a high height appeared to have been more than he could handle, and he had resorted to a steadier descent. Harry laughed to himself and continued speeding towards the snitch, which had now changed directions. Mark tried half-heartedly to follow, still green from the previous move.

Unbeknownst to Harry, or anyone else on the pitch, however, an uninvited spectator was watching this whole performance a short way away, standing sheltered beneath the stands. He observed, with his hooded eyes, that this boy was actually very talented… not an observation he hadn't already made before. The difference now, however, was that he found himself marveling at it… almost proud of it.

Severus was not a man who typically swelled with pride at the sight of his students performing extraordinary tasks- he never would have guessed he would have an instinctive desire to come to his son's tryouts, and he never would have guessed that his performance would please him so. He had been sitting up in the headmaster's office, forcibly engaging in light conversation over a cup of tea, when he'd spied the obnoxious maroon robes of the Gryffindor Quidditch team flying in a distance. An innate curiosity had taken hold of him, and he'd excused himself, making his way down to the Quidditch pitch. He had no idea what he was doing there now- he only knew that he was, in fact, there, and he was there to watch Harry. And he knew that he was enjoying himself.

Tryouts ended, and the unsurprising announcement was made that Harry would retain his position as Seeker. Severus smiled to himself as Harry struggled to hold back a blushing smile as Ginny Weasley threw her arms around him in what appeared to be an embrace of congratulations.

Ginny pulled away from Harry, smiling, and Harry smiled awkwardly back at her. He didn't trust himself to smile truly without beaming like an idiot. Hermione dragged a begrudged looking Ronald Weasley over, offering also her congratulations in an appropriate one-armed hug, and then gave Ron a small shove. Harry looked doubtfully at Ron, hesitant to speak first, and unsure of how Ron would react. It took a moment, but finally, Ron gave him a small clap on the back, saying, "You deserved it, mate."

And Harry could tell things were going to be fine between them, even if it took some time for complete normalcy to return.

Severus watched Harry for only a moment more, and then, seeing the boy heading in his direction, turned and started to walk back towards the castle. He didn't feel the need to hurry; no one would think it out of the ordinary that he was strolling on the grounds, but if he were rushing to get back to the castle unseen, it was likely to raise suspicion. He didn't look back over his shoulder, he simply held his gaze forward and continued walking.

A short way back, Harry and his friends had rounded the corner, and were now standing in the precise spot Severus had been watching from. Harry had stopped, rather suddenly, at the sight of his professor walking back towards the castle; he instantly knew what it meant.

"Harry?" Hermione questioned, examining his expression. "What-"

"He came to watch," Ginny said quietly, and Harry nodded.

"Probably came to get a look at what his Slytherins are in for this year," Ron muttered. Hermione shot him a very nasty glare and returned her attention to Harry.

"Go catch up with him," Hermione said encouragingly, and Harry turned to her in alarm.

"What would I do that for?"

Hermione and Ginny exchanged incredulous looks, and Ron just shook his head at them.

"You guys don't mind?" he asked after a moment, looking back at them. All three (including Ron, however grudgingly) shook their heads, and he nodded in response.

"I'll see you back in the common room a bit later," he said, before shouting, "Professor!" across the grounds. Severus stopped and turned, considering Harry as he came to meet him.

Harry opened his mouth, and then rethinking what he was about to say, closed it again. Severus considered him for another moment, and then flicked his wand. "Muffliato," he said quietly. "Our conversation is now private."

"You came to watch," Harry said quietly, more moved by this now that he was looking at the man than when he'd first realized it.

Severus gazed at him for a moment, and then nodded, ever so slightly. "I did," he said, resuming walking. Harry walked along side of him. "You did… very well," Severus admitted, grimacing as he said it.

"Thank you," Harry said, inwardly laughing at the pained look on Severus' face. "I was a little worried when I saw the other seeker, but I guess size isn't everything."

"No, experience counts for quite a bit," Severus agreed, opening the castle door. "Though you are getting a bit big for the position…"

"Well, I've only one more year, anyways," Harry said, shrugging. "And I'm not that big."

"No, you're actually quite small for a boy your age," Severus said, raising his eyebrows. Harry glared at him, though not with much malice behind it. "I simply stated that you're a bit large to play the position."

"Mmm," Harry murmured, raising an eyebrow.

Severus stopped in front of the stairs down to the dungeons. "I'm heading down to my office, if you'd like to come," he said, tone softer than it usually was.

Harry nodded. "I've got something to talk to you about, anyways."

"Something very serious?" Severus inquired, studying Harry's expression.

"Well…" Harry said slowly, avoiding Severus' eyes, which had narrowed. "See, I met Malfoy this morning- he had sent me a note saying he had something to tell me and to meet him-"

Severus' expression had hardened considerably, and he abruptly cut Harry off, speaking sharply. "Maybe my rooms would be more-"

"I think they would," Harry said quickly, and Severus instantly understood his concern. Theodore Nott and Draco Malfoy were standing shortly across the way, apparently having just come through the doors from outside, and were now watching Severus and Harry, talking quietly to each other.

"Be on your way, you two," Severus called warningly across the hall after he had subtly cancelled his spell, and then redirected his attention to Harry. "And you," he said harshly, making Harry flinch, "Move, now. I won't ask nicely again." He gave Harry a not so light smack on the back of the head, and Harry sent a dark glare his way before heading down the stairs.

When they reached Severus' rooms, Harry was surprised as he felt Severus roughly grab the back of his robes and thrust him inside. Severus slammed the door closed and instantly started on Harry, who took a few steps back. "You received a missive from Draco Malfoy and actually conceded to the request within it? Did you not stop to think of the consequences-"

"Well, I didn't think you would be so angry!" Harry argued, and Severus' eyes widened in disbelief.

"I'm not talking about those consequences, idiot boy. My reaction is hardly as severe a consequence as could have been inflicted on you; did it not cross your mind that he could have been trying to trap you? Or perhaps it wasn't really even Draco, but rather, someone disguised as him?"

Harry was stricken with the strong desire to roll his eyes and point out that these speculations were a touch fantastical, but he resisted. "Yes, I did think of these things," Harry replied restrainedly, having the sense to look somewhat ashamed, though he still thought Severus was overreacting.

"So you were acting despite the stupidity of your actions?" Severus sneered, looking at Harry with a controlled measure of disdain, though it was directed at his actions, not Harry himself.

"No- I-I- my actions weren't stupid!" Harry stammered out in protest. "I told someone where I was going!"

"Who?" Severus challenged, crossing his arms and giving Harry a skeptical look.

"Ginny," Harry said, unintentionally matching Severus' stance.

"Miss Weasley?" Severus scoffed. "And pray tell, what good would that have done you?"

"I gave her instructions to get Ron and Hermione and come looking for me if I wasn't back a quarter after seven," Harry said, though now that he voiced it, his plan did seem rather pathetic. By the time his friends would have been able to scour the castle from top to bottom in search of him, it might have been too late.

Severus was studying his impression, and raised his eyebrows. "Are you realizing now the inanity of your behavior?" He drawled, curling his lip slightly.

"I- yes, I suppose so," Harry grumbled reluctantly, sliding into a nearby chair and propping his head up with his palm.

Severus watched him for a moment, unable to understand just why he couldn't manage to feel quite as annoyed as he might have a year ago. He shook his head and sighed, and then moved to sit down on the couch. "Very well, Harry," he said, rolling his eyes. "I believe I've got my point across effectively enough. What was it you wanted to tell me?" His tone was still gruff and unforgiving, and perhaps a touch forced, but he was making an effort.

Harry threw him an annoyed look. "Oh yeah, now you want to know," he muttered as he sat up. "You're not going to like what I have to say."

"When do I?" Severus came back. "It's never stopped you before."

"No, I suppose it hasn't," Harry admitted, wishing Severus would lose the sarcastic edge to his voice and sound a bit more welcoming to this chat. "Listen," he said quietly, trying not to sound as desperate as he suddenly felt. The panicked feelings he'd felt back in the dungeons with Malfoy were returning now, and he felt rather queasy now that he was facing Severus, for he knew what the man's reaction would be. "You really can't go back to Voldemort."

"Don't-" Severus hissed, closing his eyes, "-say the name."

"Voldemort," Harry soundly pronounced, standing up. His irritation was swallowing his previous feelings of nausea, for which he was grateful. "You've worked under him before, and now you're working against him. You can say the name- what you've been doing is more dangerous than uttering those three syllables."

"Shut up," Severus spat irritably, and Harry huffed in frustration.

"Please," Harry said after a moment, and Severus looked back up at him, surprised at his imploring tone. It was an abrupt change. "Don't go back to him. He knows."

"He knows what?" Severus asked slowly, eyes narrowed.

Harry considered him for a moment. "Well… nothing yet… but Lucius Malfoy- he knows you're my father. Malfoy claims his dad is only waiting for you to slip up-"

"How would Lucius know about this?" Severus interrupted in a sharp, calculating tone, standing up as well.

"I don't know," Harry confessed. "But he does, and that's all that's important, right?"

"How did you react when Draco told you this?" Severus questioned, dark eyes narrowed.

"I- well, I- oh…" Harry came to a realization then. He should have acted as though he had no clue what Malfoy was talking about. Like an idiot, he hadn't realized that Malfoy could have been testing him- he'd foolishly given the other boy the perfect reaction. If there had been any doubt in his mind before he'd talked to Harry, there was none now.

Severus shook his head. "Child…" he groaned miserably, rubbing his forehead in distress.

"I'm sorry," Harry said quietly, feeling truly remorseful this time.

"Sorry doesn't even begin to comprise it," Severus said somewhat mournfully, pacing the room.

"Will you stay here then?" Harry asked hopefully, watching the other man.

"This upcoming mission is worth more information than you can possibly fathom, Harry," Severus growled. "And still your primary concern is something as trivial as having me here…" he paused, only then recognizing the significance of that. "Why do you want me here?"

Harry stared at him for a moment. "Are you really asking that?" he questioned, narrowing his eyes.

"Well, is it such a difficult question?" Severus demanded, successfully achieving a tone ridden with irritation.

Harry frowned deeply at that. Admittedly, it hurt that Severus would even think such a thing, and that he'd had the insensitivity to say it was worse.

Severus watched Harry for a moment, suspecting by his lack of response that his words were being taken straight to heart. It took a moment's reflection, but finally, he relented and moved towards Harry.

"Listen," he said with some difficulty, and Harry refused to make eye contact. Sighing, he gently grabbed hold of Harry's chin and aimed the boy's gaze towards his face. "If I did not feel certain that I would be able to get myself out of any scrape with Lucius Malfoy, I would by no means dare to return to the circle. This is my duty, to ensure your safety. Yes- this is for your safety," he added insistently at Harry's doubtful look. "I am moreinclined to do this now than before. The information I gather now is gathered for much more personal reasons, not just for the good of the Order. You have to understand, Harry, that I am doing this because I feel it a vital necessity to protect you. I would rather give my life now and ensure you some safety because of it, than I would to stay here and risk losing you in the future."

"Why is it that everyone I care about has to give their lives for me?" Harry croaked, losing control of his voice. Strong tumults of an awful feeling swelled and forced up into Harry's chest and into his throat, making it ache and throb with surges of varied emotions. He couldn't express in words how dearly he needed this man to stay here. He had lost every single person he'd admired and looked up to in his life- every single person he might have, at least, if given the chance. Even if they weren't close- even if they hardly knew each other- he couldn't bear to lose the small ray of hope he'd been blessed with. And he'd never thought of Severus like that before- as an accessible remedy to his hopeless future - but he was. He was the only anchor Harry had left to this world… his friends, the headmaster… they couldn't compare to the sentiment and value of having a father.

Severus stared down at Harry; for a moment, he thought of bringing the boy into his arms. And as he watched his son struggle to hold back tears, so clearly distraught by his memories of loss and the prospect of a new loss… as he took a moment to fully grasp the fact that the boy wanted him kept alive so much, when no one had worried so deeply about him since his wife… he decided it wasn't such an atrocious idea.

He was prepared for the fact that he might be shoved away… but he was ready to try and be the father… not just the adult. With a softened expression, he murmured his son's name quietly and placed his hands on his shoulders, folding his arms delicately around him and pulling him close. Harry's form went stiff for a moment, uneased by the sudden closeness; but grateful for the comfort, he relaxed into his father's tall frame and rested his head on his shoulder, wrapping his arms around him and holding tightly. Severus offered no more words, no assurances he couldn't honestly give, and no more soothing, parental gestures. But he stood there, and he held his son… and as he pulled back and looked at Harry's face, deep into his eyes, he saw his son, and he saw Harry- the two seemed one in the same now.

And in fact, they were.

xxx End Chapter 27 xxx

To be continued...


This story archived at http://www.potionsandsnitches.org/fanfiction/viewstory.php?sid=908