Rating:: PG
House:: The Dark Arts
Characters:: Harry Potter Lily Evans Severus Snape
Genres:: Drama Suspense
Era:: Multiple Eras
Spoilers:: Order of the Phoenix
Stats:: Published: 08/09/2003

Updated: 08/09/2003

Words: 734

Chapters: 1

Hits: 925

The Best Kept Secret

alacmora

Story Summary:: Did you ever wonder why Snape hates Harry so much? Did you think it was because he was bullied and teased by James? Moaning Myrtle may hold the keys to unlocking "The Best Kept Secret." Future chapters will reveal insights into Malfoy's other side, who Mrs. Norris really is (or was), be introduced to a new character named Refus the Elve, and find out about the other dark wizard Dumbledore defeated.

Chapter 01

Chapter Summary:: Did you ever wonder why Snape hates Harry so much? Did you think it was because he was bullied and teased by James? Click here for the real story - and find out about Lily's former romantic interest. Moaning Myrtle may hold the keys to unlocking "The Best Kept Secret." Future chapter will reveal insights into Malfoy's other side, who Mrs. Norris really is (or was), be introduced to a new character named Refus the Elve, and find out about the other dark wizard Dumbledore defeated.

Posted:: 08/09/2003

Hits:: 925

Author's Note:: The story is dedicated to Admiel, you will always be remembered.

The Best Kept Secret

By Alacmora

[email protected]

Harry threw the cloak down on the ground and peeked outside Professor Snape's office. No one was there, he just had to know. He had to know what else his father did to Snape to make him hate him so much. Harry silently opened the cabinet. It's creaking made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He peered again over his shoulder as he leaned closer to the silvery bowl. He had to know...

Suddenly Harry was alone in a long empty corridor. Wait... he knew this place. This was where he had met Ron and Hermione when they were making the Polyjuice Potion. He heard the door click open to his right, Moaning Myrtle's bathroom! He couldn't see anyone but he could hear breathing, it was as if someone was in there waiting or watching. Harry started to walk over to take a closer look when from out behind him walked a girl, hurrying excitedly to the bathroom door. She stopped suddenly and turned around just before she reached the door. It was as if she were looking right at him. Her green eyes seemed to meet his, he knew those eyes! Suddenly the bathroom door burst open and a greasy haired kid called to her in a hushed voice, 'I've already checked, we're alone." Together they disappeared inside the bathroom. Why was Snape meeting his mother alone in the girl's bathroom?

Harry felt himself being pulled back. He was alone in Snape's office but he heard loud footsteps in the hall heading in his direction. He pulled the cloak on just as Snape entered his office. He didn't seem to notice his cabinet was open ajar. Harry held his breath, in his haste to pull on the cloak he forgot to shut it and return the key to Snape's top drawer. How could he have forgotten?

Snape didn't seem to notice, he seemed irritated and lost in thought. Malfoy followed him into the office. "But you gave Potter extra lessons!" he demanded. Snape whirled around.

"Well, I'm not any more." He said it dismissively as if this would make Malfoy give up and leave. Malfoy would not be dissuaded. Snape appeared to be making himself busy with the measuring instruments hanging on the wall by the door.

"Everyone feels sorry for Potter." Malfoy sneered. "They always bend over backwards for him. And now here is someone who really wants to know, really wants to learn and could be great and you're not even willing to give him a chance. Just like my father!"

That seemed to affect Snape in some strange way. He turned to Malfoy.

"I'll only be willing to give you a few lessons, and then only if you prove that you are serious."

Malfoy began nodding his head and excitedly reassuring Snape that he would. Snape held up a hand to silence him and closed his eyes. "If I see through these extra lessons that you are not studying and working hard the lessons are over." Snape slowly opened his eyes and peered down menacingly at Malfoy. His hook nosed seemed to grow even more crooked.

Malfoy smiled benevolently, "I'll prove myself to you, I'll be the greatest you've seen." and with that he disappeared hastily out of Snapes office leaving behind his bag. Snape reached down silently to pick it up. It was at the point Harry felt a tickle in his throat. He tried to hold his breath but it wasn't helping. Harry let out a slight cough. Snape suddenly stood up and whirled around looking with lowered eyes around the office. He began feeling along the walls with a slight smirk on his face. Harry felt himself panic, the tickle in his throat threatened to make him cough again. Harry leaned as far back against the window as he could. Snape was right across from him now about to reach the corner of the cloak when, "Professor, I forgot my bag." Malfoy noisily headed back into the office. Snape jumped back in surprise, shutting the cabinet with his back. He lurched forward suddenly looking at the cabinet, realizing it had been opened. In the commotion, Harry silently slipped pass Malfoy and ran down the hall. "That was close." he whispered as he reached the stair leading to the common room his mind full of new questions.