I am so sorry for keep my readers waiting. <3 My Laptop had stopped working, so I couldn't continue writing. <3 :( A friend of mine helped me get a used laptop, so that I can continue working on my fanfics. <3 I just got my laptop a few days ago, so I can now continue working on my fanfics. :) <3 I hope you all enjoy my 2nd chapter. ^_^ <3
The next day after lunch, he has McGonagall watch Harry while he goes to see Dumbledore. He had some words to say to him. He knew Dumbledore was manipulative, but this was taking it too far! To allow the boy to grow up in an abusive home and expect the boy to be the hero of the wizarding world, was madness! The boy would be mentally scarred for the rest of his life, if he wasn't scarred already! He was not going to have the boy go throw what he went through. Not if he had anything to say about it. He reaches the gargoyle and mutters, "Licorice Wands." The gargoyle leaps aside, revealing the moving spiral staircase. Snape steps onto the staircase, as soon as he steps on it, the staircase begins to move upwards in a spiral fashion. Once he reaches the top, he goes up to the door and knocks with the griffin knocker. Dumbledore's voice can be heard on the other side of the door, as he said, "Enter." Snape enters Dumbledore's office and walks right up to his desk. Without preamble, he said, "You have a lot to answer for, Albus!" Dumbledore looks calmly at Snape and said, "What do you mean, Severus?" Snape said, "You know full well what I mean." Dumbledore said, "I'm afraid that I don't understand you, Severus." Snape was now angry as he said, "How can you allow Potter to live with the Dursleys?! Have you any idea how the Dursleys have been treating him?!" Dumbledore said calmly, "I know only this, Severus. They took him in and raised him. Did I know he may not be loved there? Yes, but I highly doubt he is being abused by them." Snape was looking murderous, "Are you blind, Albus?! They neglected him! They never bought him any toys and allowed their son to assault him, leaving him with broken bones, cuts and bruises! They never bought him any clothes! They starved him and locked him in the cupboard under the stairs for weeks at a time, without food or water! He actually slept there for most of his life! They verbally abused the boy and worked him like a house elf! HOW CAN YOU ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN?!" Dumbledore may have looked calm, but Snape felt the man's magic coming at him in waves. Dumbledore was angry, thankfully not with him, but with the Dursleys. Dumbledore said in a serious but calm tone, "The boy slept in a broom cupboard under the stairs and have been kept locked there with no food or water for weeks at a time?" Snape said, "Yes, Albus he was. He told me so himself. He doesn't want to go back there. I, for one, agree with the boy." Dumbledore sighs, "I will have a word with them, but the boy must stay there. The blood wards protect him, Severus." Snape was livid, "ARE YOU SERIOUS ALBUS?! THE BOY DOES NOT WANT TO GO BACK TO THEM! TO HELL WITH THE BLOOD WARDS!" Albus raises a hand and said, with his eyes twinkling slightly, "Calm yourself, Severus. If you wish for the boy not to go back to his aunt and uncle, where do you suggest we put him then?" Snape said, "I can't think of anyone who would raise him properly." Snape pauses for a moment. Albus' eyes glitter as he smiles, knowing where this was going. Snape knew what he had to do. He had to be the boy's guardian. He couldn't trust anyone else to raise the boy. Snape sighs, " But if I must, then I will volunteer to be his guardian, I will do it for Lily." Albus smiles, "I was hoping you would say that, Severus, thank you." Snape bows slightly to Dumbledore, then said, "I would also like to punish the Dursleys, when the time is right." Dumbledore was about to object, but Snape smirks,"Nothing harmful, just something to teach them a lesson. With your permission of course, Albus." Albus sat thoughtfully, as much as he wanted to keep Harry there, he knew Snape was right. With Snape as the boy's guardian, they will learn about each other. He only hopes that Snape will open up to the boy and show him that they have more in common than they realized. The Dursleys on the under hand... He hopes Snape doesn't do too much damage to them. After a minute or 2, Albus said, "Permission granted, Severus. I will also allow you to be Harry's guardian. The boy is your responsibility now. I will take care of the legal matters, and will summon you and the boy, so that you both can sign the paperwork." Snape bows slightly again, "Thank you, Albus." Dumbledore smiles, "If that is all, Severus. I will alert the ministry about your interest in becoming Harry's guardian. I will also have to go to the Dursleys and have them sign Harry over to me. I will alert you when the time comes to sign the paperwork, Severus." Snape bows slightly again, then turns on his heels and leaves the office.
Snape arrives at McGonagall's office. He knocks and hears McGonagall's voice as she said, "Come in." Snape enters the office to find Harry drinking pumpkin juice and eating some cookies. Harry smiles as he sees Snape, "How did it go, sir?" Snape said, "It went well, Mr. Potter. I convinced Dumbledore not to send you back to the Dursleys." Harry grins, "Thank you so much professor!" Harry went thoughtful, then said a little worried, "Since I'm not going back to the Dursleys, who will I live with now?" Snape said, "You will be living with me, Mr. Potter. I volunteered to be your guardian." Harry grins, "Brilliant! Anything is better than the Dursleys!" McGongall looking relieved, said, "I am so happy he doesn't have to go back there anymore. I told Dumbledore that they were the worst sort of muggles imaginable." Snape said, "Indeed they are, Minerva." McGonagall looks over her spectacles at Snape and said, "You had better treat Harry well, Severus." Snape raises his eyebrow, "Of course, Minerva. Do you not trust me with the boy?" McGonagall said, "You're not father material, Severus. I am unsure if you will able to take care of Harry." Snape's eyes flash, "I am more than capable of raising the boy. Better than the Durselys, at the very least." McGonagall sighs, "Alright, Severus. I trust that you will take care of him. As long as he is ok with this arrangement." Snape and McGongall look at Harry. Harry who was listening intently, said." I am, Professor McGonagall. I'm safe with Professor Snape. He won't hurt me, or let anyone hurt me." Snape said, "I think that is sufficient, Minerva. Now, it's time for Harry to go. He and I have much to do. I need to give him a tour of Hogwarts. I don't want to have to search for him if he gets lost." McGonagall said, " I understand, Severus." Harry finished eating and stands up, "Thank you, Professor McGonagall for the juice and cookies." McGonagall smiles, "You're welcome, Harry. You may come and visit me as often as you like." Harry smiles in response and walks over to Snape, "I'm ready to go, sir." Snape nods and said, "Follow me, Mr. Potter." Harry nods and follows Snape out of the office and down the corridor. Snape had to slow down as Harry was having a hard time keeping up with his long strides. Snape shows him where the Great Hall was located, where the hospital wing was, in case he got sick or hurt. He would introduce Harry to Madam Pomfrey, when the staff return from their summer break. He showed them where the Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Gryffindor Common Rooms were located. He showed Harry where the classrooms were and the offices of the other professsors were located. He even showed Harry the staff room, kitchen and Owlery. As Snape walks passed the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy, (who was trying to teach the troll how to do ballet), he stops and turns around to face Harry as if an idea sprung into his mind. Harry stops walking and looks up at Snape. Snape said, "Across from this tapestry is the Room of Requirements." Harry looks at the blank wall across from the tapestry, then looks back at Snape. Harry said, "There's only a wall there, sir." Snape smirks, "Watch closely Mr. Potter." Snape walks back and forth 3 times. On his 3rd time walking pass, a door appears. Harry looks on in shock as the door takes shape. Snape stops and looks at the door. The door was arched with an iron door handle. Snape looks at Harry and said, "Come, Mr. Potter." Snape walks towards the door and opens it. He steps aside to allow Harry to enter. Snape enters soon after and shuts the door. Harry watches as the door disappears. Snape said, "The door will reappear when we are ready to leave." Harry looks back to see a large room with shelves upon shelves of books. A stone fireplace was to Harry's left. The shelves of books were to his right. There was a few tables and chairs here and there and an armchair by the fireplace. Harry gaped as he looks around.
Snape said, "Mr. Potter, the Room of Requirements equips the room for the seeker's need. For example, if you needed to use the bathroom, but the bathroom is several floors below you, all you need to do is to walk back and forth 3 times as you have seen me do, think precisely what you want the room to become and the Room of Requirements will provide you with what you need." Harry said, "So, if I wanted to, say, hide from a bully..." Snape sighs, If only the boy knew that he himself have done that, many times when he was a student here. Snape said, "Then the room will equip itself for what you need, Mr. Potter." Snape sighs, "Mr. Potter, come here." Harry walks over until he is standing before Snape. Snape grabs a chair and sets it in front of the armchair. He has Harry sits in the chair, while he sits in the armchair. Harry looks at Snape, waiting. Snape said, "Mr. Potter, how often were you bullied and by whom?" Harry said, "My cousin Dudley and his friends. They made sure I didn't have any friends.... They bullied me everyday. Everyone at school was scared of him and his friends. They bullied me for as long as I can remember, sir." Snape sighs, how much did he have in common with the boy? Anger rose within him at the thought of that fat dolt of a boy, Dudley, bullying Harry to no end. Using the boy as a punching bag. That boy and his parents will pay! Snape sighs, he needs to focus on Harry for now. He knew that Harry had the right to know. That he is not alone in what he went through. He doubt the boy will like what he had to say about his father, but he had to know. Snape said, "I know what it feels like to be bullied on a daily basis, Mr. Potter." Harry looks surprised at Snape, "You do, sir?" Snape nods, "Yes, Mr. Potter, I too was bullied whilst I was a student here. In fact, I myself, have used the Room of Requirements to hide from them. What you see here, is what it became, whenever I needed to hide from them." Harry said, "Who bullied you, sir?" Snape said, "You won't like what I have to say, but it is the truth. I must ask you, not to think ill of your father and his friends, understood? Even if I tend to feel that way about them at times. You must understand that my rivalry with my bullies go as far as back as to when we met on the train." Harry nods, "I understand, sir." Snape stares at Harry, "You look so much like the boy that bullied me when I was a boy, Mr. Potter.... But your behavior is nothing like his...." Harry said, "I look that much like my dad, sir?" Snape nods, "Almost identical, Mr. Potter." Harry looks thoughtful, then said, "My dad bullied you, didn't he?" Snape looks slightly surprise at what the boy said. The boy is clever! Snape said, "Indeed, your father and his friend Sirius Black were my bullies." Snape said bitterly, "His friend, Peter Pettigrew, egged them on. Remus Lupin, another friend of your father's, did nothing to stop them. He was too afraid to stand up to them. Those 2 hated me from the moment they saw me on the train with your... mother. I was trying to comfort her, because of how cruel your aunt treated her. They began to call me Snivellus and bullied me mercilessly on a daily basis." Snape sighs, he hopes the boy will understand him as he continues, "I am no saint, Mr. Potter, but they were the ones who started to bully me in the first place." Harry asks, "Why, sir? Why did they start bullying you?" Snape said bitterly, "Because I exist. That was what your father told your mother.... They thought that since I knew I would be sorted to Slytherin, that they had the right to bully me." Harry expression was not a happy one. Harry said, "That's not fair! They didn't even know you, sir!" Snape said, "Calm yourself, Mr. Potter. You are correct. It wasn't fair. I defended myself, the only way I could. It was always 2 against 1, when we dueled." Snape sighs, "Your mother always came to my defense, when that happened..." Harry notices that Snape had a far away look in his eyes as he talks. Harry said, "You care about my mother, don't you sir?" Snape stares at him. How much should he tell him? The boy was very observant. He decided to tell enough to help him understand. Snape said, "Yes, I do, Mr. Potter. Very much so. I still do, to this day. She was the only person who understood me and liked me for who I truly was. She was the only one who made my life worth living and the only one who truly made me happy...." Snape looks away from the boy and stares into the fireplace. He had a lump in his throat, which he always got when he talked of her. Dumbledore was the only person who knew and now Harry knew.
Harry said, "Are you ok, sir?" Snape looks at the boy for a moment then back at the fireplace. Snape said, "My apologies, Mr. Potter. It is difficult to talk of your mother." Harry slides off his chair and walks over to Snape. He wraps his arms around him and hugs him. Snape looks back in surprise at Harry. Snape said, "Why are you hugging me?" Harry said, "You look like you needed it, sir. You miss her don't you?" Snape swallows, that lump was still there, "Yes I do, Mr. Potter. She was the light in my darkness.... And the only friend I ever had." Snape then decided on something, "Do you know what her patronus was, Mr. Potter?" Harry lets go and shakes his head." Snape's eyes glitters as he said, "I'll show you." Snape pulls out his wand and said, "Expecto Patronum!" A bright silver doe bursts forth from his wand and lands on the floor. The doe looks at Snape for a moment, then turns to Harry. Harry looks at the patronus in awe. Harry said, "Wow...." Snape said, "You won't learn how to do this until your 6th year, but I will tell you what a patronus is. A patronus works as a shield between you and a creature called a dementor. In order to produce one, you must have a happy memory. The happiest you ever felt. The happier your memory is, the more likely that you will produce a corporeal patronus. Each patronus is different to the person who conjures it. Dementors are creatures that suck the happiness out of you. If you have a particular memory that happens to be very traumatic for you, the dementor latches on to that and makes you its target. It will eventually suck out your soul, if they aren't stopped. I say this not to scare you, but to prepare you." Harry said, "I understand, dad." Harry goes thoughtful, then said, "So, if this patronus was my mum's, why is it that your patronus is the same as mum's?" Snape stares at his patronus and said, "Because, I cared about her so much. Having her patronus is a symbol of how much I care for her." Snape sighs, then said, "It devastated me so much, when I found out that she was.... murdered by the dark lord himself." Harry said, "Why do you call him that? I've only heard other wizards call him You-Know-Who or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, sir?" Snape sighs, Dumbledore will kill him for this, but the boy must know. If ever Dumbledore ever refuses to tell Harry what he should know, then he will make damn sure that the boy knew. Snape, still looking at his patronus, finally said, "Death eaters call him the dark lord, Mr. Potter. Death eaters are witches and wizards who agree with his insane ideas for purebloods to rule the wizarding world. They join him as his supporters and do terrible, almost unspeakable things in his name." He hopes the boy would put 2 and 2 together. Harry did exactly that as he looks at Snape slightly afraid and said, "Are....Are you a death eater, sir?" Snape looks at his doe and said, "Yes, I was a death eater. I am no longer one now." Harry starts to look even more afraid. Snape said, "Know this: I would never hurt you, Mr. Potter. I never harmed a child and never will. I....." Snape sighs and continues, "I switched sides after he murdered your mother...." Harry said, still looking a bit afraid, "So, does that make you something like a spy, sir?" Snape nods, "Yes I am exactly that, Mr. Potter." Harry asks, "Why are you telling me all this, sir?" Snape finally looks at Harry and said, "Because I want you to understand why I am the way I am, Mr. Potter." Harry looks thoughtful, then hesitantly asks, "How do you know when someone is a death eater, sir?" Snape said, "I'll show you." Snape sets his wand down next to him and begins to roll up his left sleeve as his patronus disappears. He rolls his sleeve all the way up to his elbow and shows the boy his forearm. Snape said, "Look closely and tell me what you see, Mr. Potter." Harry looks carefully on Snape's forearm, until he suddenly sees what looks like a skull with a snake protruding from its mouth. It took up most, if not, the entire forearm. It was red from what he could see. Harry said, "I see a skull with a snake coming out of its mouth, sir." Snape nods, "That is how you know. Death eaters have this burned into their forearms, in order to become his followers." Harry asks, "Can I touch it, sir?" Snape looks at Harry for a moment, then said, "You may, but do not press on it, understood?" Harry nods, "Yes, sir. Why?" Snape said, "This is called the dark mark. The dark lord uses it to summon his followers. All he has to do is touch it, and the mark burns, alerting deatheaters to go to him at once." Harry gulps, then said, "I'll be careful, sir." Snape nods, giving him permission to touch it. Harry runs a finger lightly down Snape's forearm, feeling the ridges of the dark mark as he looks at it. Snape watches as he hisses slightly, the dark mark burning every so slightly on his forearm. Harry saw the dark mark darken slightly and said, "Oh. The mark turned darker, sir. When I touched it." Snape said, "That is because, the mark was burning, hence why I hissed. The more you press into it, the darker it becomes and the more it will burn, Mr. Potter." Harry lowers his hand as Snape rolls his sleeve back down and buttons it. Snape said, "I want you to understand, Mr. Potter, that despite that I once was a death eater. I am no longer one now." Harry nods, "I understand, sir. Can I ask you something, professor?" Snape nods in response. Harry said, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to, sir. Why did you become spy?" Snape sighs, this was going to be difficult to explain, but the boy needs to know. He must gain the boy's trust. He knew, thanks to the Dursleys, that the boy didn't trust adults. That will change today. Snape said, "Before I answer your question, and yes I will answer you, understand this: I was a young lad, stupid, and naive. You must understand that I sought out acceptance. After losing the friendship I had with your mother...." Snape pauses then said, bitterly " I had called her a name that I shouldn't have uttered, thanks to the humiliation I endured in the hands of your father and his friend. I had no one else to turn to." Snape sighs, though his face remain somewhat blank and alert, his dark eyes betrayed the remorse and regret he felt. Snape continues, "I was alone, full of remorse and regret. I was physically, verbally and emotionally abused by my father as a child. I never felt accepted by him. He would call me the very same names your uncle calls you. I craved acceptance and your mother gave me that. However, after losing the only person, who would accept me as I am. I had nothing to live for. The light that once gave me hope, was now gone. I caved in to peer pressure from my fellow Slytherins in my year and above. I was told that the dark lord would accept me as I am and never abandon me. I was fool to believe it... I repeat, I was naive, but I also craved acceptance. I believed them."
Harry felt sorry for Snape. He was so full of remorse and regret. He can only hope that he can help him not feel that way anymore. Snape continues, with bitterness once again heard in his voice, "I became a death eater soon after I finished Hogwarts....." Snape stops and said, "One decision, I will later regret making, Mr. Potter...." Harry asks, "Why do you regret that decision, sir?" Snape said, "Because of what I did that ultimately ended in the death of your parents, Mr. Potter..." Harry said, "Please tell me, sir." Snape sighs, the boy was so innocent, so curious. It wasn't going to be easy, but he sure wasn't going to sugar-coat it for the boy. The boy needs to understand why he became a spy. Snape said, "I was ordered by the dark lord to spy on Dumbledore. A death eater had told him that Dumbledore was interviewing a witch who claims to be a seer. That the interview was being held in the Hog's Head pub, in the village of Hogsmeade. The dark lord dispatched me at once. My orders were to spy on him and then to come back and tell him what I had heard." Snape continues bitterly, "I left immediately to Hogsmeade. I quietly entered Hog's Head and quietly went upstairs. I stood by the door and listened in on the interview that was being held. I heard Dumbledore speaking to a witch with a wispy voice. The wispy voice suddenly went harsh as she spoke of a prophecy concerning a boy born at the end July, that he has the power to defeat the dark lord. Whose parents have thrice defied him. That he has powers the dark lord knows not. That the dark lord will mark him as his equal. I never got to finish hearing the entire prophecy, because the owner of the establishment, caught me and threw me out. I immediately went back to the dark lord and told him all I knew. He was pleased with me and allow me to be in his innermost circle of deatheaters. The dark lord trusted only those in the inner circle...." Snape stops for a moment as he looks into the fireplace, "The next part will be very difficult for me to tell, Mr. Potter, but I feel that you should know this.... To know why your mother and father were murder that night....." Harry nods. still staying quiet as he looks at his guardian. Snape said, still staring into the fireplace, "Some time after that meeting, the dark lord had understood what the prophecy meant. He had a list of boys that would be born that month, but once he properly understood the prophecy, he narrowed that list down to 2 boys." Harry said, "I was one of the 2, wasn't I, sir?" Snape nods, "Yes, Mr. Potter. The other one was a boy name Neville Longbottom. Both your parents and the Longbottoms were due to have a boy by the end of July. Both your parents and the Longbottoms have thriced defied him. The dark lord eventually chose you... He chose you, because you were a half-blood wizard, just like him...." Snape takes a few deep breaths, he must get through this, "The dark lord summoned us. We immediately went to his side. The dark lord announced which boy the prophecy meant. When I heard that he chose you, I fell to my knees and begged him not to kill your mother. I was naive and a fool. I was also selfish. At the time, I didn't care of what became of you or your father. All that mattered..... was your mother...." Snape was still looking at the fireplace, not wanting to look at Harry. Harry on the other hand was pensive but alert and was listening intently. Snape continues, bitterly, "The dark lord eventually promised not to kill her. I was relieved, but only temporarily. I knew he wouldn't keep that promise for too long, so I did the only thing I could. I went to Dumbledore and pleaded with him to hide her.... To hide them all, if it meant that she would be safe...." Harry could almost hear the slight pain in Snape's voice. He knew Snape was fighting to keep his emotions under control. Snape said, "Dumbledore asked what I would give in return. I told him I would give him anything..... He seemed satisfied with my answer and told me that he would do what he could to keep them safe. I thanked him on bended knee and left. Only to find out, that all the precautions Dumbledore took, was for naught. Dumbledore explained to me that he had done a Fidelus Charm to keep them safe." Harry said, "Sir? What's a Fidelus Charm?" Snape said, "The Fidelus Charm is a charm that is set upon a house and only the secret keeper knows of its location. Meaning no one would know of the location except the one intrusted with the information. Not even I knew where they were hidden. James had chosen his friend Sirius as the secret keeper for them. Dumbledore said it wasn't wise, that perhaps he himself should be secret keeper, but James was adamant that Sirius should be secret keeper. Dumbledore relented and perform the Fidelus Charm." Harry said, "That didn't last long, did it, sir?" Snape shakes his head, "No, the protection they had did not last long. Someone had told the dark lord where they were hidden. None of us knew who it was, since the dark lord never told us who told him. All we knew is that he knew where they were and that he would go there personally. That was all we knew. I on the other hand, suspected Sirius. Since he was the only one who knew where they were kept hidden.... On Halloween night, Dumbledore summoned me. I went to him and asked why I was summoned. Dumbledore said he had grave news to tell me..... He told me that James and Lily were dead..." Snape stops to take another deep breath, before continuing, "He told me you were the lone survivor.... He told me to fetch you. I did what he asked of me..." Snape was now talking in an almost monotone voice, though the sound of the pain he felt, was still there. His eyes had far away look to them. Harry may be 11 years old, but he was very mature for his age, thanks to the Dursleys. Harry lays a hand on his arm, being careful not to touch the dark mark and said, "It's ok if you don't want to continue, sir. I understand." Snape shakes his head, "I must continue, for you to understand me fully, Mr. Potter." Harry sighs, "If you're sure, sir." Snape nods, "I am, Mr. Potter." Harry nods but keeps his hand on his arm as Snape continues, "I arrived at Godric's Hollow, where your parents were hidden. I found their cottage since the Fidelus was now gone. I was dreading what I would find inside. I entered the cottage and searched the first floor. I found nothing there. I suddenly heard an infant crying. It was coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs. I found your father dead on the landing. He had died in hopes that your mother would escape with you.... I stepped over his body and continued down the hall, following the sound of the crying. The door at the end of the hall was blasted open. The sound of the infant crying, was coming from in there. I cautiously held my wand at the ready as I entered the room. It was a nursery from what I could see.... There was your mother.... On the floor.... Dead.... There you were, sitting up in your crib, crying....." Snape was clenching the arm rest of the armchair he was sitting in as he spoke. Harry's heart was pounding in his chest. He couldn't imagine what Snape had gone through. Snape has been through so much from what he had told him so far. Harry decides to take a risk and look at his face, and was surprised to see that Snape's eyes were red, but no tears fell. Harry squeezes Snape's upper arm lightly, which makes Snape look at him. Harry said, "You don't have to tell me anymore, I can tell that it's making you upset, sir." Snape shakes his head, "I must finish my story, Mr. Potter. Allow me to finish telling it." Harry sighs, "Ok, sir." Snape looks back at the fireplace, and continues, "I was devastated to see that what Dumbledore said, was true. She was murdered.... My world fell apart.... She was gone.... I did what anyone else would do, I fell to my knees, held her close to me and cried. For how long I cried, I did not know. Eventually I was able to control myself and remembered why I was there. To fetch you and bring you to Dumbledore, before the aurors arrived. I laid her back down on the floor and looked over to you. I got back to my feet and went to your crib. You looked up at me crying. I could see your scar, red and inflamed. I grabbed your blanket and wrapped you in it to keep you warm, then picked you up. I swore right then and there that I would do all within my power to protect you. You were James' son but you were also Lily's.... Your eyes were my constant reminder that you were her son, too.... I felt the need to redeem myself in her eyes... To hope that she will forgive me.... That is why I am the way I am and why I am a spy." Snape's looks down slightly, as he takes a few deep breaths. He was relieved that he was able to master his emotions through all that. At least for now. He hopes that the boy understands now.
Snape heard sniffing, which made him turn his head to Harry. Harry was silently crying, his head bowed and his hands in his lap. Snape said, with a slight concern in his voice, "Mr. Potter?" Harry looks up and wipes his eyes, "Yes, sir?" Snape asks, still with that slight concern in his voice, "Why are you crying?" Harry said, "You've been through way more than I have, sir.... I don't know what I would do if it was me.... I feel so bad for you." Snape said, "There is no need to pity me, Mr. Potter. I will redeem myself, for her..." Harry said, "But it wasn't your fault , sir! You didn't know he would pick me! You can't blame yourself for what you couldn't control, sir! It's not your fault! It was never your fault! You didn't kill my parents, he did!" Snape said, "Calm yourself, Mr. Potter. I will not say it again." Harry went quiet, heeding Snape's warning. Snape sighs, "I as good as killed them, Mr. Potter. If I hadn't told him of the prophecy, he wouldn't have targeted you." Harry said with feeling, "It wasn't your fault, sir. You didn't do anything wrong. Stop blaming yourself, sir, please." Snape looks curiously at Harry, "You don't blame me for their deaths, Mr. Potter?" Harry shakes his head, "The only one I do blame is You-Know-Who. He killed my parents, not you, sir. Please stop blaming yourself." Snape stares at Harry, not quite believing what he had just heard the boy say. The boy didn't blame him! The boy blamed Voldemort! Snape stares into the boys green eyes, which were identical to Lily's. He saw kindness, sympathy and understanding in those green eyes. He saw no hatred whatsoever. Snape thought to himself, 'The boy doesn't hate me. Thank Merlin!' Snape looks at Harry and said, "Do you understand me better now, Mr, Potter?" Harry nods, "Yeah I do, sir." Snape looks at him and said, "What do you think of me now, Mr. Potter? Now that you know my story." Harry takes a deep breath and said, "You've been through a lot, sir. More than what I went through. You lost the only friend you ever had. You're still grieving for the friend you lost. You were bullied like me and was abused like I was, only much worse. Most of all sir, you're alone and sad. You need a friend that you can talk to and trust. One that won't judge you, but will accept you for who you are, sir. I understand you now." Harry smiles, "You may come off has mean and cold, but that's only because you won't let anyone get close to you. It explains why I felt that you hated me, sir. It was because I look just like my dad, that it reminded you of all the mean things he did to you. But then, you see my eyes and it suddenly reminds you of the promise you made to my mum and to Dumbledore." Snape had to admit, he was amazed by how observant the boy really was. Harry continues, "I may be a kid, but I'm a good listener, sir. I won't judge you. I accept you for who you are, sir." Snape sighs inwardly in relief. He can finally feel accepted for who he is. He had been wanting to feel accepted for so long!Harry continues, "I'm nothing like my dad. I'm not a bully." Snape said, "I know that now, Mr. Potter. Tell me, can you trust a man like me, Mr. Potter? After everything that I have told you?" Harry knew the answer to that one, "Yeah I do, professor. I trust you." Snape said, "You and Dumbledore are the only one that do, unfortunately. Professor McGonagall trusts me, but not to the extent that you and Dumbledore do." Harry said, "Because we know the truth, don't we, sir?" Snape nods, "Indeed, Mr. Potter. You and Dumbledore are the only ones who know." Snape pauses for a moment, then continues, "What we have discussed, will not leave this room. Is that clear?" Harry nods, "You're secret is safe me with, sir. I won't tell anyone, I promise." Snape said, "Not even Dumbledore." Harry agrees, he didn't want to get Snape in trouble with Dumbledore. Harry said, "Not even Dumbledore will know what we said, sir." Snape nods, seemingly satisfied with Harry's answer. Snape said, "We had better get going, Mr. Potter. I don't want to worry the other staff members, most especially, Dumbledore." Harry nods and stands up. Snape stands up and heads to where the door should be. As they come closer, the door reappears. Snape opens the door and allows Harry to walk out, with Snape following soon after.
Snape closes the door behind him and as they turn to look at the door, the door disappears. Snape leads him down the moving staircases, then down to his quarters in the dungeon. Snape unwards his door and opens it. He steps aside and allows Harry to enter. Snape enters his quarters and closes his door. Snape sits Harry down and said, "That room you saw in the Room of Requirements, was the room I always hid myself in, whenever James and Sirius came looking for me." Harry said, "Oh wow! There were so many books, professor!" Snape said, "I spent the time there reading, while I waited for them to stop looking for me." Harry nods, "When I first saw you, professor, you were scary and very intimidating. Now though, you're not so scary, but you're still intimidating, sir." Snape said, "Most students are still afraid of me. I rather keep it that way, to keep my classes under control." Harry nods in response. Harry then said, "So, you're my guardian now, sir?" Snape nods, "I am. As I have said before, Dumbledore will talk to the Ministry to make it official." Harry said, "I can't wait for when you're officially my guardian, sir." Snape said, "Indeed. I look forward to being your guardian as well. The sooner it's done, the better." Harry nods, he understood. He was keeping his promise to his mom, Lily. As well as his promise to Dumbledore to protect the boy for her. Snape said, "With me being a former death eater, becoming your guardian will be a bit more difficult, Mr. Potter." Harry said, "Because you were a death eater before you switched sides, they will think you will hand me over to You-Know-Who, if he comes back. Right sir?" Snape thought, 'Potter is cleverer than I thought.' He nods, "Yes, that is exactly why it will be difficult to make it official". Harry said, "I hope Dumbledore will make it official then, professor." Snape nods. "I hope so too, Mr. Potter." Harry starts heading to his room to read. Snape stops him and said, "Dinner is at 5pm. We will be going to the Great Hall, understood Mr. Potter?" Harry nods, "I understand, sir." Harry heads to his room to read while Snape prepares his lessons for when term begins. Term will begin soon. He will need to be prepared. Harry reads a book called: 1000 Magical Herbs and Fungi. He figures since term starts in a week, he might as well be prepared.
Snape knocks at Harry's door. Harry said, "Come in." Snape opens the door and said, "It's time for dinner, Mr. Potter." Harry nods and said, "Great! I'm starving, sir!" He puts down his Standard Book of Spells Grade 1. He gets off his bed and goes to Snape, "I'm ready sir." Snape moves aside to allow Harry to leave his room. He closes the door and follows Harry to the living room. Snape and Harry leave the quarters and heads up to Great Hall. They enter the great hall and head up to the staff table. Dumbledore sat in the center of the staff table. McGonagall sat on his right. Hagrid sat at the end of the staff table. He spots Harry and waves, "Alright there, Harry?" Harry grins, "I'm doing good, Hagrid, thanks!" Hagrid smiles back in return. Flitwick sat near Hagrid on a small pile of books, that were on his chair. Snape leads Harry around the staff table and has the boy sit next to him, as he sits down next to Dumbledore and begins to eat. Dumbledore smiles, "Hello there young Harry, how are you this evening?" Harry smiles, "I'm doing good, Professor Dumbledore." Dumbledore smiles then looks at Snape, "And you Severus?" Snape looks at Dumbledore and said, "I'm doing fine, Albus. Must you ask me every evening?" Dumbledore chuckles, "Of course, Severus. I am responsible for my staff aren't I?" Snape rolls his eyes and sighs. Snape nods and said, "Yes, of course, Albus." Dumbledore chuckles, then turns to McGonagall and strikes up a conversation with her. Snape said, "Eat up, Mr. Potter. You will need a full stomach to take a nutrient potion." Harry looks at his plate and saw chicken, broccoli mixed with rice, and some corn. The goblet in front of him was full of pumpkin juice. Harry nods, "Yes sir." He starts to eat, being careful not to eat too quickly. Harry swallows, then sips some juice. Harry said as he sets his goblet down, "Sir?" Snape said, "Yes, Mr. Potter?" Harry said, "What's a nutrient potion?" Snape said, "A nutrient potion is a potion that gives you the nutrition and vitamins that your body needs. Damn Dursleys have been starving your body of what it needs, hence your height." Harry mutters, "I hate the Dursleys..." Snape said, "You and I both, Mr. Potter. You have every right to." Harry nods and resumes eating. After they finish eating, they bade farewell to the rest of the staff and left for the dungeons. Harry enters the quarters with Snape following behind. Snape thought for a moment. Perhaps he could teach him a potion in his Potions Lab. He will of course keep an eye on him the entire time there. He didn't want the boy to blow up his lab. Since he is the boy's guardian, he might as well act like one. Maybe the boy will show how skilled he can be in potions. Since the boy's mother was exceptionally skilled in potion, much like himself. He hopes the boy inherited something from his mother, other than her eyes. Snape said, "Mr. Potter?" Harry who was heading to his room, turns to look at him and said, "Yes, sir?" Snape walks over to him and said, "Wash up whilst I prepare some things in my potions lab. I will be teaching you how to brew a simple potion. One you will learn on your first day of potions class." Harry looks shocked, his mouth open. He said, "You're going to teach me how to brew a potion, sir?" Snape nods, "I believe that is what I said, Mr. Potter. As your guardian, it is my job is to make sure that you are cared for. As well as teaching you all that I know. To prepare you for the real world, when you graduate from Hogwarts." Harry smiles, he wanted to learn everything there is to know about the wizarding world. He said, "I don't know anything about the wizarding world apart from what I already know now. My aunt and uncle told me not to ask them about it. They would get angry and throw me into the cupboard whenever I tried, so I learned not to ask them about anything. Now that I'm here, I want to learn as much as I can, sir." Snape raises an eyebrow. Inside he was seething at the Dursleys for not telling the boy anything about this world. Hell! Petunia knew this world existed, yet she never told her own nephew about it! Then again, she hated magic, ever since her sister showed signs of magic. She was jealous that her sister had magic and she didn't. Outside, on the other hand, to hear that the boy was interested in learning and was willing to be taught by him, surprised him. The boy's thirst for knowledge was as big as his mother's. He sensed something warm beginning to stir in his heart. Where is that warmth coming from? He brushes it off for the time being. Snape said, "Your willingness to learn intrigues me, we'll see how well you do in my potions lab. I will be watching you closely, understood?" Harry nods smiling, "I'll do my best. I don't want to disappoint you, sir." Snape said, "We shall see, Mr. Potter. Though I doubt that you will. Now go wash up and wait outside my potions lab." Harry nods and heads to the bathroom to wash up, while Snape enters his potions lab and begins to set up 2 work stations. After washing up, Harry dries himself off, gets dressed and combs his hair the best he could. He walks out of the bathroom and waits by the door of the potions lab, just as Snape had told him to. Once Snape was done, he opens the door and said, "Everything is ready, come inside, Mr. Potter." Snape stands back and allows Harry to enter his lab. Snape shuts the door as Harry looks around the lab. The lab was spacious, but not too big. There was a small lit fireplace across from where Harry stood. Harry saw 2 tables. Each table had a cauldron with a fire lit underneath. Beside both cauldrons were ingredients, vials, stirring rods, a knife, a cutting board, a sort of soup ladle, a funnel that was used to fill bottles and vials, a label, a quill and an ink bottle. Inside the cauldron was a little bit of water. Above them, a candelabra, with its candles lit, lit up the room. A few torches were also lit around the room. There was a shelf to the right of Harry full of books. Harry saw a chalkboard near one of the work tables. On the chalkboard was what looked like directions to a potion. Harry said, "This room is amazing, sir!" Snape smirks, "Are you ready, Mr. Potter" Harry nods in response. Snape said, "To your work station, over there." Snape points to one of the work tables. Harry heads over and stands by his work station. Snape stands by his work station and looks at Harry. He goes right into teacher mode as he begins speaking, "I want to see how skillful you are at potions before term begins. You will be brewing a simple potion, the Boil Cure. Simply put, a cure for boils. First years attempt to brew it in their first potions class. You will find the ingredients needed for the potion on your table. The directions are on the board. Let's see how well you fair, Mr. Potter. You may begin." Harry looks up at the board. If he is to get this potion right, he will have to follow the directions exactly. Snape added, "I will be brewing the same potion. To compare it with yours, understood?" Harry said, "Yes, sir." Snape nods and begins to brew the potion himself as Harry looks at the board again. He had on his table dried nettles, snake fangs, horned slugs and porcupine quills. The first direction was to crush the 6 snake fangs into a fine powder in the mortar, with a pestle. So Harry takes 6 snake fangs and puts it in the mortar. He starts crushing the snake fangs to as fine a powder as he could. He looks up at Snape who was crushing snake fangs as well. Harry looks back down and checks the consistency of the powder. There were no bigger pieces that he could find. After a few minutes of crushing, the fangs look like a fine powder now, almost like flour. Harry sets the pestle down and picks up the mortar. The next direction was to add 4 measurements of the powdered fangs into his cauldron. He did exactly as directed, then set the mortar down. The next direction was to heat the mixture to 250 for 10 seconds. Harry heated his cauldron to 250 and counted to 10. The next one was to wave your wand over the cauldron to decant it. Harry pulls his wand out and waves it once over his cauldron. Then pockets his wand and looks at the next direction. He had to let it brew and come back to it in 33 to 45 minutes. He decides to let it brew for 45 minutes. He hopes he did the right thing as he looks at his watch and see that it was 5:30 now. So by 6:15, he can go on to the next step. He'll have to keep an eye on his watch to make sure that he didn't mess up the potion. He looks up at Snape who had just waved his own wand over his cauldron, before putting his wand up his sleeve. He looks at Harry and walks over to look down into his cauldron. The boy was doing well so far. Harry's potion looks identical to his own. Snape said, "Hmmm, not bad Mr. Potter. It's nearly identical to my own potion. We'll see how well you did, when you are done brewing the potion." Harry smiles, looking relieved, "Thank you, sir." Snape nods and heads back to his work station. After 45 minutes have passed, Harry and Snape resumed brewing the Boil Cure Potion. Harry read the next step. He picks up 4 horned slugs and put them in the cauldron. He was to take the cauldron off the fire before adding the next ingredient. Harry did that and saw that he now had to add the 2 porcupine quills. He add the 2 quills to the cauldron. He looks at the board and saw that all he had to do was stir 5 times clockwise and wave his wand over the potion to complete it. Harry picks up the stirring rod and puts one end of the rod into the potion to stir. He stirs the contents of the potion clockwise, counting as he made one full turn. After the 5th turn, he stops and pulls the stirring rod out of the cauldron. The potion was now blue. He waves his wand over the cauldron once more to complete it. He hopes he brewed it correctly. He saw a pink smokey mist floating upwards from the cauldron. Snape said, without looking up as he was filling a vial of his potion, "If you are finished with your potion, you may fill a vial of it and label it, Mr. Potter." Harry said, "Ok, sir." Harry pick up the funnel and places it in the opening of the vial. He holds the funnel and vial with one hand, while with the other, he grabs the ladle and starts scooping the potion and carefully pouring it into the funnel, which guided the potion into the vial. He sets the ladle down carefully and takes out the funnel. He grabs a cork that he sees on the table and stoppers the vial, sealing the potion inside. He grabs his quill and writes the name of the potion on the label. He puts his name underneath it for good measure, then puts the label on the vial. At that moment, Snape comes around and peers into his cauldron. Snape raises an eyebrow as he looks from the potion to Harry. Harry smiles slightly at the look on Snape's face. Snape said, "Your vial, Mr. Potter." Harry hands over his vial, as Snape pulls out his own vial. He puts them both up to his eyes and starts to compare the 2. There was no difference between his brewed potion and Harry's. Harry brewed it exactly as the direction said to. Harry's potion and his own potion were identical! He lowers his hands and looks at Harry, his eyes glittering now. The boy definitely had skills in potions. He was impressed. Snape said, "Impressive, Mr. Potter. You brewed the potion perfectly. Tell me, why did you brew the potion for 45 minutes as I have done and not 33 minutes?" Harry said, "It was a gut feeling sir. Something told me to brew it for 45 minutes. To make sure it was brewed properly. I was scared that I might mess it up if I only brewed it for 33 minutes, sir." Snape was more impressed now. Harry has the same gut instincts as he did when it came to brewing! There was no doubt in his mind now, the boy had indeed inherited his mother's skills in potions. Snape said, "When I first brewed this potion in my first year, I had the same instinct as you. I too, brewed the potion for 45 minutes, as did you mother. She was my partner in potions class. She too had the same instinct, when it came to brewing potions. The others brewed it for 33 minutes. Our potion was perfect. I can't say the same for the others ..." Harry couldn't help but smile proudly up at his guardian. Harry said, "Let me guess, their potion didn't turn out so well did it, sir?" Snape shook his head with a smirk on his face. Harry then realized something, "Sir, my mum and dad were in the same year right?" Snape nods, "They were." Harry starts to chuckle, "That means dad and his friend Sirius messed up on their potions, didn't they, sir?" Snape smirks, "Indeed they did. They ended up covered in boils. They were sent up to the hospital wing by our potions professor at the time." Harry laughs then asks, "Who was your potions professor? If you don't mind me asking, sir." Snape said, "Not at all, Mr. Potter. My Potions professor was Professor Slughorn. He was also Head of Slytherin house, when I was at Hogwarts." Harry in awe, said, "Wow...!" Snape couldn't help but smirk a bit at Harry's expression.
After a moment, Snape said, "Its time to clean up your station, Mr. Potter." Harry said, " What about the potion in the cauldron, sir?" Snape looks at the cauldron and thought of something, the boy will have to learn how to banish the contents of the cauldron, if he's going to be brewing potions. Snape said, "I will teach you the banishing spell, Evanesco." Harry's eyes widen, he's going to learn a spell from Snape! Snape said, "Take out your wand, Mr. Potter and follow me." Harry takes out his wand and follows Snape to the work table nearest to the chalkboard. Snape takes his wand out and said, "Repeat after me and enunciate, Evanesco." Harry said, "Evanesco." Snape made him repeat it a few times to make sure he got it right. Then, Snape said, "You just simply wave your wand over the cauldron and say, Evanesco! When done correctly, the contents within the cauldron will banish. Watch closely, Mr. Potter." Harry watches as Snape said, "Like so." He waves his wand over the cauldron and said, "Evanesco!" The contents in the cauldron vanished. Snape said, "Now let's see you attempt it, Mr. Potter." Harry went to his cauldron with Snape following. Harry pulls his wand out and takes a deep breath. Harry looks at Snape who was standing beside him, watching him. Harry looks back at his cauldron and waves his wand over the cauldron. As he waves his wand he said, "Evanesco!" The contents in his cauldron vanished. Harry looks at Snape surprised, "I did it, sir!" Snape's eyes glitter again, "Well done, Mr. Potter. Clean up your work station." Harry nods and grabs everything he used to brew the potion and takes them to the sink. He cleans them up the best he could and puts them away in their appropriate place. He goes back to Snape and said, "Where can I find the soap, bucket and rag, so that I can clean the table, sir?" Snape said, "You won't be needing them to clean the tables, Mr. Potter." Harry looks confused as he said, "What do you mean sir?' Snape said, "There is a spell that cleans objects like tables. It is a spell of my own creation." Harry's jaw drops open, "You invented a spell, sir?" Snape said, "I did, Mr. Potter. I invented quite a few in my time at Hogwarts." Harry looks in awe at Snape. Snape said, "The second spell that I will teach you is Scourgify. Not only does the spell clean objects.." Snape smirks, "It can cause bubbles to come out of your opponents mouth." Snape's smirk fades as he added, "You father used it on me after I call your mother that word..." Harry lowers his head, "If it means anything, I'm sorry for what my dad and Sirius did to you, sir." Snape said, "It's alright, Mr. Potter. It's all in the past now. There is no need to apologize." Harry said, "I know, but you didn't deserve that, sir..." Once again Snape sensed that familiar warmth stirring in his heart again. He brushed it off yet again as Harry said, "Can you tell me what they did to you, sir? I understand if you don't want to tell me." Snape thought for a moment, then said, "Perhaps it's best that I show you." Harry looks curiously at Snape, "How, sir?" Snape said, "With a pensieve. A pensieve is an object, much like a bowl, that holds your memories for you to view. Professor Dumbledore uses it on occasion." Harry said, "How do you put a memory in a bowl?" Snape said, "You will see soon enough." Harry said, "Ok, professor." Snape said, "To use the spell, all you have to do is point your wand at the table and enunciate, Scourgify! Like so." Snape points his wand at his table and said, "Scourgify!" The table that was dirty from cutting up ingredients, was now clean. Snape said, "Now you attempt it, Mr. Potter?" Harry points his wand at his table and said, "Scourgify!" His table, which was dirty, was now clean. Snape said, "Well done, Mr. Potter. Everything is now clean." Harry smiles as Snape said, "Follow me, Mr. Potter." Snape leads Harry out of his potions lab. He extinguishes the light and fire, and closes the door, locking it. He, then, leads Harry to the living room. Snape said, "Wait here on the couch, while I fetch the pensieve. I will ask Professor Dumbledore if I can borrow it for a moment." Harry nods and sits on the couch. Snape said, "Do not touch anything. You may, however, read while you wait." Harry said, "Ok, sir." Harry grabs a book to read as Snape leaves his quarters. He returns 20 minutes later, looking a little irritated. Harry puts the book down and said, "Everything ok, sir?" Snape said, bitterly, "Meddlesome old coot. He tried to figure out why I needed to borrow his pensieve. I told him I wanted to look at my memories. He knows I do that, when I need to clear my mind for a few moments. There was no need for him to question me on why I needed it" Harry shakes his head in amusement, "Professor Dumbledore likes to know what you're up to, doesn't he?" Snape said, "Indeed he does, hence why I called him a meddlesome old coot." Harry chuckles in spite of himself. Snape placed the pensieve on the coffee table, then sits down on the couch with Harry. Snape pulls out his wand and said, "This is how we wizards extract memories, Mr. Potter." Snape closes his eyes to concentrate on pushing the memory of him being humiliated, to the forefront of his mind. Once he did, he puts the tip of his wand to his temple and begins to pull away, taking with it, a silvery, wispy strand from his temple. His brow furrows as he pulls the strand completely out of his temple. Snape shows the silver strand dangling from his wand. Snape said, "This, Mr. Potter, is a memory. Watch as I drop it into this pensieve." Harry watches as Snape holds his wand a foot above the peniseve and points his wand to the pensieve. The silvery strand releases itself from the wand and falls into the pensieve. Snape uses his wand to stir the pensieve. Snape said, "Look, Mr. Potter." Harry looks into the pensieve and sees Hogwarts and its grounds. He could just see the lake as well. It's as if he was looking through a window. Snape said, "Are you ready, Mr. Potter?" Harry said, "Ready for what, sir?" Snape said simply, "To jump into the pensieve, Mr. Potter." Harry's eyes widen, "We're going into the pensieve?" Snape nods, "Yes, and I'll be going with you. I said I would show you, Mr. Potter." Snape stands up and waits for Harry to stand. Harry stands up and said, timidly, "I'm ready, sir." Snape said, "You may go first, Mr. Potter. All you have to do is let your face touch the surface of the pensieve. The pensieve will do the rest." Harry said, hesitantly, "Ok, sir." As he steps up to the pensieve. Harry takes a deep breath and lets his face touch the surface of the pensieve. He immediately felt a tug on his navel. Before he knew it, he fell head first into the pensieve. Snape waits a minute or 2, then goes in after Harry.
Harry landed on his feet on the grassy ground. He looks around and is shocked to see Hogwarts. There was a big lake right next to the castle as well. Snape said, "Hogwarts as I remember it, Mr. Potter." Harry jumps and whirls around to find Snape standing next to him. Snape said, "Relax, Mr. Potter. It wasn't my intention to startle you." Harry relaxes and said, "It's ok, sir. I'm ok." Snape looks around and spots himself under the tree, near the lake. Snape said, "Look around, see if you can spot my younger self." Harry looks around for a moment. He spots a pallid and thin looking boy, with a hook nose and long jet-black hair. He was sitting under a tree, near the lake. Harry said, "Is that you sitting under the tree there, sir?" Snape nods, "Indeed, that is me. I was 15 and in my 5th year at Hogwarts. I had just taken my O.W.Ls for Defense Against the Dark Arts. O.W.L stands for Ordinary Wizarding Level. All students in their 5th year take a series of tests in the summer. Which ever subject they pass, those are the subjects they take in their 6th and 7th year at Hogwarts. I was looking over the questions I answered." Harry said, "So, you were just relaxing, sir. Looking over those questions and minding your own business." Snape nods in response. Harry looks around some more and spots 4 boys. One of them looks almost exactly like Harry. Harry said, "Sir? Who are they?" Snape looks to where Harry was pointing and said, "The Marauders as they called themselves. The boy that looks like you, is your father, James Potter. The long haired boy is his friend, Sirius Black. The boy with the scars on his face is his other friend, Remus Lupin. The short, pudgy boy, is his 3rd friend, Peter Pettigrew. They are known to go by their nicknames. James was Prongs, Sirius was Padfoot, Remus was Moony and Peter was Wormtail. It is believed that they had made a map of Hogwarts, whilst they were at school." Harry looks on in awe. Harry turns to see Snape's younger self stand up and stuff the papers away in his bag. As Snape's younger self begins to walk up to the school, Harry saw James and Sirius put their heads together, then stand up. They walk over and confront Snape's younger self. He saw as Snape's younger self whips out his wand. Everything happened so fast from there. One moment Snape's younger self was standing, the next moment he was on the ground trying to move. Harry was shocked at what he saw his dad doing to Snape. Students start to crowd around to watch. Harry heard Snape's younger self shout out a mixture of swear words, hexes and spells. A few students were snickering as they watch the scene unfold. Harry watched as the very spell Snape invented and taught Harry, was used against him, making his younger self cough and sputter. Then the next thing Harry knew, Snape's younger self was hanging upside down from his ankles. His underpants were revealed for the entire school to see! Harry was about to yell at them to leave him alone when he heard a girl yell out, "LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Harry looks over and sees a red-haired girl with green eyes march over to the 2 boys. Harry's jaw drops open. He was looking at his mother! Harry looks up at Snape and sees Snape staring at her with a look of pain and regret in his eyes. Harry said, "Sir?" Snape said almost hoarsely, "Keep watching, Potter..." Harry looking concern at Snape, did what he was told and turns back to the scene that was unfolding. He watches as Lily and James go back and forth for a few minute. It looks as if James agreed to do what the Lily said. He watches as James put Snape down on the ground. As Snape's younger self got up, Harry heard James tell Snape he was lucky Lily was here to defend him. Harry then heard Snape's younger self say he didn't need help from filthy mudbloods like her. Harry immediately knew that Snape had said it out of anger, that he didn't mean what he had said to her. Harry was surprised that Lily didn't see it that way, and was even more surprised when she called him Snivellus, like James and Sirius did, before walking off. He watches as Snape's younger self was hung by his ankles once more. Then a stern voice shouts, "PUT HIM DOWN AT ONCE!" It was Professor McGonagall. McGonagall marches up to the 2 boys. James did what McGonagall said and put Snape's younger self down on the ground. Snape said quietly, "It's time to go, now, Mr. Potter." Harry looks at Snape and nods, noticing that Snape looked a little sad to him. Both Snape and Harry left the pensieve and sit down on the couch. Snape retrieves the memory and puts it back into his temple.
Harry looks down, "That girl is my mum, isn't she?" Snape nods, "Yes, that was Lily." Harry said, "I remember you told me they bullied you, but I didn't know they bullied you this badly, sir..." Snape said, "That was what I meant when I said they humiliated me, causing me to take my anger out on Lily... Which in turn, caused me my friendship with her..." Harry said, "I'm so sorry for what my dad and his friend did to you, professor. Mum should have forgiven you for calling her that word. You never meant to call her that. Things are always said out of anger." Snape shakes his head, "She never did. I hope she has now.... Remember, Mr. Potter, she was a good friend to me, up to that point. She was a good mother to you, from what I was told. She sacrificed her life, to make sure you lived." Harry hugs Snape once again." I know. It'll be ok Professor. I'm sure she already forgave you." Snape looks at Harry. Harry's constant urge to comfort him was not something he was used to, as it has been so long since he was comforted by anyone. Harry has inherited Lily's kindness, along with potion skills and her eyes. What else has Harry inherited from Lily? Harry has obviously inherited James' looks. He wonders what else of James the boy inherited. After a moment, Snape said, "It's alright, Mr. Potter. I'll be fine. No need to worry." Harry said, "You're my guardian. So I worry about you." Snape sighs, the boy has a big heart, something his mother had as well. Snape thought, 'What am I going to do with you, Potter.' Snape said, "I know, Mr. Potter, but there is no need to worry." Harry lets go, "Ok, professor. If you're sure." Snape said, "I am, Mr. Potter." Harry smiles at him. Snape said, "I believe it's time for bed, Mr. Potter." Harry said, "Ok, sir." Harry heads to his room to change into his pajamas, while Snape returned the pensieve. Snape makes a stop at his office and picks up a vial of Nutrient Potion. He returns and checks on Harry and finds him in bed, reading. Snape said as he pulls out a vial, "It's time for you to take your Nutrient Potion, Mr. Potter." Harry looks at the vial. He knew Snape was doing his best to take care of him. To reverse the damage the Dursleys have done to him. Harry nods, "Ok, professor." Snape hands Harry the vial. Harry takes the vial and unstoppers it. He tips the content of the vial into his mouth and swallows it. It didn't taste too bad. It tasted herbal, yet minty. Harry hands the vial back to Snape and said, "Thank you, sir." Snape nods, "As you continue to take the Nutrient Potion, you will gradually regain what your body has been starved of." Snape pockets the now empty vial and said, "Sleep well, Mr. Potter. Tomorrow, after breakfast, we sign the paperwork. Hopefully, I will officially become your guardian." Harry said, "Ok, professor. I hope everything works out for us." Snape said, "I hope so too, Mr. Potter. Pleasant dreams." Harry said, "Good night, professor." Snape heads to his room and gets ready for bed. He puts the empty vial away and puts his wand on his bed side table. He gets into his night shirt and climbs into bed. After getting under the covers, he lays there thinking and hoping that all goes well after signing the paperwork. He eventually falls asleep soon after.