Saturday morning dawned hot and muggy, with Mrs. Weasley having a list of chores for everyone to do. The Shrieking Shack was cleaned and repaired. The tunnel underneath was cleared out. Protective charms were put into place on both these and the tunnel into Honeydukes.
Hot, sweaty and dirty, the four teens were dismissed in the early afternoon. Grabbing their swimming suits, they ran down to the lake to swim. Splashing and dunking each other, all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Harry was sitting on the bank with Ginny, laughing as Ron chased Hermione into the water.
“Harry.” Ginny leaned over and covered his hand with hers. “I just wanted you to know that…that I…I care too.” She looked down, her cheeks red, but did not remove her hand.
Harry felt his own cheeks grow hot, but he turned his hand over and clasped Ginny’s. “I…I…uh, me too.” He cleared his throat. “Ginny, if there is a Yule Ball or anything this year, will you…will you go with me?”
“Yeah, that would be fun.” And they sat there, hand in hand for several long minutes, until Ron and Hermione returned, spraying them with water.
Dark clouds began to gather in the distance as the four of them made their way back up to the castle. They needed to get cleaned up for dinner, as it was Mrs. Wesley’s last night and they had all decided to put on their dress robes on for the occasion.
Outside the wind has picked up and lightening could be seen through the enchanted ceiling, but no rain fell. The atmosphere was heavy and humid, dark clouds obscuring the stars, the lightening illuminating the landscape. Some of the teachers had started to return to Hogwarts in preparation of the start of term, now just a week away. Professor McGonagall was already sitting with Molly Weasley when Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny entered the Great Hall. Professor Flitwick, Madam Hooch, Professor Sprout, and Madam Pomfrey filtered in over the next few minutes. Remus Lupin took a seat beside Harry just as the first course was being served.
A lively discussion ensued about the DA classes that Harry had taught the previous term. Ron teased Hermione about her Patronus, an otter, as Harry laughed at him. Remus leaned forward,
“Are you telling me that you taught the entire Defensive Arts class to do the Patronus Charm, Harry?”
“Yeah, not everyone had learned it, but Hermione, Cho, and Seamus were all able to produce patronus', but everyone else at least was producing silver stuff.”
“Amazing.” Remus looked at Harry. “That is absolutely amazing, when you know that 7th years in NEWT levels have trouble with the Patronus Charm!”
“I think it was because the professor who taught me was so good.” Harry smiled at his godfather. Remus reached over and gripped Harry’s arm, a great smile on his face. Harry studied the face of the man beside him, pleased with how much better Remus was looking.
A brilliant flash of lightening had everyone’s attention as it lit the Great Hall, Professor Dumbledore choosing that moment to appear in the doorway haloed in the light, and was welcomed warmly. Professor Snape came in towards the end of dinner. Harry looked down at the table, pushing back the hatred, trying to repress the thoughts. This was Mrs. Weasley’s last night and he didn’t want anything to spoil it for her.
It was late when everyone finally got up from the table, stuffed full of fine food. Mrs. Weasley sent each of them up the stairs with a hug, as she was leaving first thing in the morning. Harry looked back at her from the top of the stairs, taken back by the terribly sad look on her face as she watched her youngest children go. He hesitated, but could think of no word that might comfort her, and continued up the stairs.
*
It was very early the next morning when Harry awoke, the faint hint of gold light just coming in to the dormitory. He quietly got up and dressed without waking Ron, and went downstairs. There was no one else around, and the Great Hall was unlit, so he just continued out the front doors. The grass was wet with dew as Harry headed down towards Hagrid’s cabin. They had not seen much of the large man in the time they had been back at Hogwarts, as he seemed very busy.
Harry strolled down the sloping lawn to the cabin door. There was no smoke coming out of the chimney, nor could he hear Fang barking. Unsure whether Hagrid was still asleep or simply not home, Harry sat on the steps leading up to the front door to wait awhile. It was a fine warm morning, all traces of last night’s storm were gone.
Harry sat in the sunlight, staring out at the forest, his thoughts drifting to Sirius. He remembered the time he saw the great black dog at the edge of the grass where he sat and how it had frightened him in the middle of a Quidditch game. Trying to keep his thoughts light, Harry thought of the other times the Snuffles had bounded towards him.
A loud “crack” near by in the woods startled him, Harry knew it was the sound of someone Apparating close by. His hand went to the wand he carried stuffed in his jeans. His eye scanned the front of the Forbidden Forest, waiting. A rustle of undergrowth nearby alerted him, but he was still surprised when Severus Snape strolled out of the forest moments later. Harry quickly looked away, hoping Snape would just pretend that he wasn’t there.
“Potter! What are you doing here?” Snape stopped at the foot of the stairs.
Harry almost ignored the question. “Waiting for Hagrid.”
“Don’t you use that tone with me, Potter! You will watch yourself.”
Slamming the wall up to block the incredible feeling of hate that surged through him, Harry looked up in the into Snape’s eyes. “Term hasn’t started yet.”
“You go too far, Potter! Poor pitiful Potter, be nice to him, poor thing! You are pathetic!” Snape snarled at him.
Images came to mind as Harry continued to make eye contact. “And my mum was nice to you? Why? Or is that the reason you hate me so? My mum picked my dad and not you?”
Harry watched curiously as the rage surged into Snape’s face, turning it red. “What would you know of your mother? How dare you speak to me of her!”
“I have heard her death more times than I can tell you! Heard her begging your Dark Lord for mercy, heard her screams over and over!”
“If it hadn’t been for your father, you would never have been born, Potter! And you are the reason she is dead! You and your Prophecy killed her! How many people have to die for you, Potter, before you take your equal power and destiny to its fruition? Why don’t you spare the next innocent victim, and just go fulfill your Prophecy!” Snape spat at him, enraged.
The words hit Harry in the face like a slap, and he was overwhelmed with anger, all walls crumbled in the on slot. He never saw Snape sail away from him, head over heels through the air to land 30 feet away, unconscious. He was too flooded with the rage he felt to care. In the back of his mind came the thought that if he could feel Voldemort’s rages, could Voldemort feel his? Harry struggled to put the walls back up, to contain the anger and despair, as deep as the night he lost Sirius. He tried to concentrate on the smooth stone walls, but he knew it had been his fault Sirius died, and now he had to contend with this view of his parents’ death.
Harry had no idea how long he sat there, how long it took to work through the rush of emotion and get the walls firmly in place. He tried to fill his mind full of happy thoughts of his parents and Sirius, not realizing that tears streamed down his face. Oblivious to his surroundings, he sealed off his hurt and anger, smoothed the walls repeatedly, ruthlessly clamping down on any stray thought.
“Harry.”
Opening his eyes, Harry looked into the worried eyes of Remus Lupin. The next moment Harry found himself telling his godfather what had happened in a rush. He felt Lupin’s arm encircle his shoulders and finished on a sob he couldn’t stifle. Remus held on to him until he ran out of steam, and sat with his head down.
“Do you remember what happened after that, Harry?”
“No, I was so angry that I guess I just felt overwhelmed. I didn’t see Snape leave.”
“Well, he didn’t actually leave, Harry. I was coming back from seeing Molly off at the Shrieking Shack about an hour and a half ago, and found Professor Snape on the grass about 30 feet up from here.” Lupin tightened his arm around Harry’s shoulder. “It gave me quite a scare, to find Snape, unconscious, on the lawn and then not be able to find you. We searched the castle looking for you and I finally saw you from the top of the Owlery. Everyone has been quite worried, I have to tell you.”
Harry looked up at Remus. “What happened to Snape?”
“I think it was either a Blasting Curse or a Stunner, but I’m not sure which.”
“What…what do you mean?”
“You blasted Snape, Harry, don’t you remember?”
Harry stared at him a moment, patted his wand in his jeans, and shook his head. “If I did, it was because of what he said to me, and I don’t remember doing anything. I just remember wishing that he far away from me!” He exclaimed, defiantly.
“I believe you, Harry, and Severus should have learned by now not to push you to that degree, as you have responded the same way before.” Lupin looked at him intently. “You do know that none of this is your fault, don’t you? The very last people, who would want you to think you were to blame for a Prophecy made before you were born, were Lily and James. Your parents loved each other and they loved you, Harry. Your mum was nice to everyone, and made a special effort to be nice to Severus, but make no mistake, she loved your dad.”
Remus stood and held his hand out to Harry, helping him up. A glance at the sun told Harry that he had been on the steps for a couple hours, and he was suddenly apprehensive.
“Remus, is Snape okay? I just wanted to visit Hagrid, where is he?”
“Yes, Madam Pomfrey is patching Severus up, a mild concussion I think and Hagrid off on an errand for Professor Dumbledore. He should be back in the next day or so.”
“How much trouble am I in, Remus?” Harry asked in a low voice.
“Actually, Harry, I don’t think that you are in any trouble. The Headmaster specifically told Snape to leave you alone and made particular reference to these kinds of statements. I think it will be he who needs to explain what happened.” Lupin reassured Harry as they walked up towards castle. “I do want you to promise me, though, that you will not take a walk outside without at least leaving a note for me, or taking someone with you. Snape could have easily been a Death Eater Apparating into the Forbidden Forest.”
“Alright, Remus, I’m sorry, guess I thought I was safe here.” Harry mumbled.
Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were pacing the entrance hall as they walked and both girls flung themselves at Harry, giving him hugs and talking at once. Ron just stood looking at him reproachfully, like it was Harry’s fault they could not find him. Professor McGonagall hurried their way from the Great Hall.
“Potter! Are you all right?” She grasped his arm, as if to reassure her.
Yeah, I think so, Professor.”
“Then go in and get something to eat, you look terrible! And you lot go with him.”
As they made their way across the Hall, Harry could hear a brief whispered conversation between the two adults, and McGonagall sounded furious. Harry sat down at the table, a wave of apprehension flooded over him.
“I think I’m in trouble.” He told the others, and relayed to them what had happened. “All I did was wish that Snape would go away and leave me alone.” He said in a very quiet voice. “I didn’t mean to hurt him.”
Hermione looked at him hesitantly, as if delivering bad news. “Dumbledore arrived just before you came in, Harry, and he was very angry! He was a bit scary, he was so furious, didn’t even say a word to us and swept upstairs.”
“Great. Sounds like I’ve really done it this time.” Harry had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, the food on the table nauseating him. He took a piece of toast, but couldn’t bring it to his mouth fresh grief churned his stomach.
“Harry.”
Professor Dumbledore’s voice held a tone that Harry hadn’t heard before, and looking up, he saw the Headmaster escorting Snape in front of him to the table. Dumbledore’s eyes were stormy. Harry stood up, not sure he was up to facing what was coming. He met the light blue eyes without flinching.
“Harry, Professor Snape has something he wants to say to you.”
Harry drug his eyes up to meet the dark eyes of the Potion Master’s surprised to see wariness mingled with the loathing. Harry tightened the walls firmly and continued to maintain eye contact. He felt Remus’ presence beside him.
“I wish to apologize, Potter, for my comments earlier, they were…unfortunate, and I am sorry.” Snape sounded less apologetic then apprehensive.
Harry gave a slight nod of his head, not trusting his voice. It must have been enough, as Snape swept away with swish of robes. He looked back up at Dumbledore, whose eyes were narrowed as they followed Snape’s departure. He turned back and met Harry’s eyes, the anger still evident in the depths of his.
“I’m sorry, Professor, I didn’t mean to do anything to him! I was just trying to visit Hagrid! I…”
“Harry, it is alright!” Dumbledore put his arm around Harry’s shoulder and steered him back to the table. “Sit down.”
Harry sat in his chair, he saw that Ron, Hermione, Ginny, were still sitting with Professor McGonagall and Remus. Dumbledore sat down beside him.
“Do you remember what you did, Harry?
Meeting Dumbledore’s eye, Harry opened his defenses, lifting the walls. “No, after…after what he said, I was just trying to control my anger, as I…I just wished that he would go away.”
Dumbledore nodding slowly, a twinkle coming in to his eyes. “I should not like to make you angry, Harry.” He studied Harry for a long moment. “You have a question.”
“Yes, two actually, one is how much trouble am I in for…for what I did to Professor Snape?”
“And?”
“And do you think Voldemort feels it when I am angry like I feel his anger?”
Dumbledore was thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t believe that Voldemort has your sensitivity, Harry, as he has always been rather emotionless. I think the scar makes you especially sensitive to his outbursts, but it doesn’t seem that he senses yours.”
Harry nodded, reassured by the quiet words. “And…the other?”
Dumbledore sighed heavily. “I have told you before, Harry, that I trust Severus Snape. I have continued to underestimate the depth of his emotion where your father is concerned. I never thought he would…do what he did this morning. It won’t happen again, Harry, I promise you. You have no blame in what has happened, now or before you were born. You are not yet ready to fulfill your destiny, and it is our job to make you ready, and keep you safe until that time.” He took in the others in the room. “I know Remus has already told you that you need to make sure we know your whereabouts, or take one of us with you. Those of us here want what is best for you, Harry.” His eyes twinkled as Harry eyes shot to Transfiguration teacher. “Professor McGonagall has watched over you as long as I have, Harry, and she was with me the night we left you at Privet Drive.”
Harry looked at his head of house in surprise. She gave him a rare smile.
“Now, what do we have here for breakfast?”
Harry would have liked nothing better than to have hid in the dormitory by himself for the afternoon, but the others would not hear of it. They were determined not to let him dwell on the dreadful words that had been hurled at him this morning. Ron drug Harry back up to the dormitory to straighten up and put away the clean robes that Mrs. Weasley had left for them. Harry tried hard to ignore Ron’s obvious scrutiny while they cleaned.
“What!” Harry couldn’t stand it any more.
The tips of Ron’s ears went red. “I…I want to learn what ever it was that you used on Snape, no matter how hard it is! You have to teach me, Harry! I am your best mate!”
Harry had to laugh, of all the things that he had dreaded being asked, he had not thought of this. “Okay, Ron, I’ll teach you!”
Lunch was a happier affair than breakfast had been, although it was just Hermione, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Remus who appeared for the sandwiches and soup. Still somewhat subdued, Harry smiled faintly at the interplay between Ron and Hermione. Remus leaned towards Harry and draped an arm around Harry shoulder, meeting his eyes.
“All right, Harry?”
“Yeah, I’m okay.”
“What are you doing this afternoon?” Remus asked, still studying Harry’s face.
“We are going up to the Library, Remus.” Hermione announced. “Harry wanted to look up his family history, and we are going to help him.”
They did spend most of the afternoon in the quiet library, poring over books on wizarding families. They were concentrating on James Potter’ family, as Harry’s mum had been muggle born. Hermione seemed to be getting more and more excited as the afternoon went by, but would not tell them why. Ron and Harry tried to construct a family tree like the one on the tapestry that used to hang in Sirius’ house. Ginny took over the writing in disgust as the boys crossed out yet another name.
“Your dad’s family is another of the old pure-blood families, Harry.” Ron commented. “You might even be related to us.”
“Yeah, Sirius always said that all the pure-blood families where inter-related. It wouldn’t surprise me if we were.” Harry seemed to brighten at the idea. “And maybe I am actually related to Sirius on your dad’s side, Ron, not the Malfoy side!” Harry repressed a shutter. “Not sure I could handle that!”
“Uh oh.” Ginny sat back for a moment. “What would you do if I told you that you’re related to Snape, Harry?”
“What!” Harry roared. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“Would I do that? His is a pure-blood family too, you know, but the good news is that you’re related by marriage, not blood, I think, and a number of times removed.”
“Thank goodness.” Harry murmured in relief.
Hermione chose that moment to slam a huge, dusty volume on the table. The others jumped back and looked up at her.
“You are not going to believe this, Harry, you are just not going to believe it!”
“What?” Harry asked, not sure he wanted to know.
“Your mum and dad were living in Godric Hollow, when you were born, right?”
“Yeah.” Harry looked at her.
“I think that your grandparents lived there as well, in fact, I think your family has lived there for a very long time. It seems the Potters have been there for many generations, according to this book. If this is true, Harry, your family goes clear back to the founding family of Godric’s Hollow.”
Harry looked at her blankly, not quite sure what she was taking about.
“Harry, I think you maybe the last heir of Godric Gryffindor.”
A stun silence followed Hermione’s statement. Harry was speechless, remembering the sword he pulled from the Sorting Hat in the Chamber of Secrets, and Albus Dumbledore’s words afterward ‘only a true Gryffindor could have done that’. He looked at Hermione.
“Do you really think so?” He asked quietly.
Hermione nodded. “I will have to check on a few things, but yes, Harry, I think so. Do you remember what Sirius said to Wormtail that night in the Shrieking Shack? ‘Going to give your master the last Potter?’”
“I remember that.” Ron said. “I wondered about it too.”
Hermione looked thoughtful. “It makes sense, Harry, when you remember that Voldemort is the heir of Slytherin.”
It fell into place in Harry’s mind, the whole Prophecy and why Voldemort chose him. Why so many people in his father’s family had been killed.
“Well, I guess that is the answer to some of the questions I have had.”
“Let me make sure of the facts, Harry, but I am pretty well convinced.” Hermione told him.
By the end of the afternoon, they had pretty much established a direct line through James Potter’s family to the co-founder of Hogwarts.