Bloody Hell!

Chapter Three

Harry flinched and his whole body curled into a ball. He awaited his Uncle's fists to come on him. For a moment, he forgot, he was at Hogwarts. That he was safe.

'Harry?' he heard Remus's shocked voice. Harry sighed and uncurled. He looked at Remus and then at Snape, who was watching him cautiously.

'Sorry,' he sheepishly whispered.

'Thought it was my Uncle.'

Remus took a deep breath to calm himself. Then he asked,

'Did your Uncle beat you often? Tell me everything, Harry. Don't be scared, or ashamed. It's not your fault.'

Harry looked at his hands, then he said,

'Yes, he did. I can't remember for how long, all I know is that I was beaten even before I came to Hogwarts. Since I went here, it decreased a little. A slap here, a kick there. They didn't want you to know what they did to me. Vernon was especially angered at the threat you did on the Station.'

Remus shook his head and pulled Harry on his lap. He was unpleasantly surprised to find out how light Harry was.

Then he quietly said,

'Harry, are you prepared to tell me everything. Your whole life at the Dursleys...'

Harry shuddered and also took a deep breath. Then he nodded numbly and started.

#FLASHBACK#

Harry was two years old. He just woke up to his Aunt continual shrieking,

'Wake up, wake up you lazy boy!'

He still couldn't walk really good, but he tried not to knock something when he made his way in the kitchen. He wasn't that lucky. Just as he stepped into it, he tripped and fell on the floor. That wasn't it. When he fell to the floor, he hit a table with some papers and a vase on it. The papers and the vase went with him and the last thing Harry remembered was his body thrown in the cupboard under the stairs, after his Uncle punched him and yelled at him.

***

A four-year-old Harry's first day at kindergarten. He was in the same group as Dudley and he was all alone in a corner. He started to play with a car when a shadow fell upon him. He looked up and saw a red-faced Dudley and his little friends. Dudley stated,

'I want that car.'

Harry shook his head and said,

'Why? I'm playing with it.'

Dudley's little face contorted in rage,

'Yes, that's why I want it. Now give it here, or I'll beat you up.'

Harry pulled the car to him and tried to protect himself, when Dudley started his little tirade.

***

A five-year-old... neighbour's cat liked him... neighbours sold the cat, Vernon said, Dudley was allergic... got beaten up for crying for a lost friend...

***

Harry Hunting was one of Dudley's favourite games. If they caught him, he got kicked...

...

...

...

#END OF FLASHBACKS#

It went on and on. Harry told them about his visit to the Zoo, about the boa constrictor he set free, his long punishment. He was so deep into the story, he forgot, he was on Remus's lap, forgot about Snape. All he did was retell his memories. He told them about bars on his windows in his second year, Aunt Marge's visit in his third, how they always locked all his magical things in the cupboard, how he barely rescued Hedwig from receiving the same fate this year. When he finished, there was a dead silence in the room. Harry put his head on Remus's shoulder, thoroughly exhausted. Remus slowly rocked him and slowly he fell asleep. When Remus was completely sure, Harry was fast asleep; he turned his sad eyes at Severus. Snape still stood there, making no movement. His eyes were glued to the floor and his hands were trembling.

'I was such an idiot,' he whispered to himself. Remus put Harry down on the bed and walked to Snape, putting his hand on his shoulder. He made sure he had the other man's full attention, before he said,

'Yes, you were, but you can still make up to him. You heard him. He desperately needs someone who will love him, love him unconditionally.'

Snape nodded and started trembling again. Remus asked him,

'What's wrong?'

'I'm afraid, I'm afraid that he'll never forgive me for being so horrible to him. I'm afraid I couldn't love him as much as he deserves. I'm a greasy git, Remus.'

Remus smiled inwardly at the scared voice of his soon-to-be colleague. He did the only thing, he could think of. He pulled Snape in his arms and whispered,

'Don't worry. You don't know Harry as I do. He will forgive you. All you have to do, is to tell him the truth, to let him know you didn't know he was your son, to let him know why you behaved as you did. You don't have to tell him you love him, if you aren't sure. Just be nice to him. And give him time to understand.'

When he finished this little speech, there was a small sob and Snape finally released all his feelings that he was bottling up so long. He cried for Lily, for him being a Death Eater, for his stupid behaviour, for his parents who mistreated him, for Harry, for Dumbledore, who gave him a second chance when he found out what he became,... for a lot of things. When he almost put himself together, there was a piercing pain on his left arm. He hissed and grabbed it with his right arm. He pulled himself up and harshly said,

'He's calling. I have to go.'

Remus just nodded and said,

'Good luck, Severus. Come back in one piece.'

Snape grimly nodded and left the ward.

~8~8~8~8~

#THE DREAM SEQUENCE#

When Snape arrived to the meeting spot, he noticed, there were some new recruits. He sighed inwardly. He placed himself on his usual spot and waited for his 'master' to come. He didn't have to wait long. Lord Voldemort appeared on throne, smiling in a cruel way. Snape had to persuade himself not to shiver from the look in the Dark Lord's blood red eyes. There was an immediate silence and all the Death Eaters awaited their master to start speaking.

'Welcome, my most faithful. Today, I am pleased to announce, we have gained several new Death Eaters. Come forward, novices.'

The masked men came forward and crouched on their knees, kissing the Dark Lord's hem. Voldemort laughed and continued,

'As you all know, the Ministry finally knows, I'm back... and Harry Potter has escaped me again. The prophecy was smashed and I don't know what was in it.'

Bellatrix Lestrange shivered and fell on her knees, begging,

'Please, my Lord, forgive me! I couldn't do anything! I tried, but...'

'CRUCIO!' was all Voldemort said and Bellatrix started squirming on the floor. When he lifted the spell, she was left gasping on the floor. He turned his attention on the new Death Eaters.

'Hold out you left arm.' he commanded sharply. The six people held their left arms and waited for their branding. Voldemort went to the far right end of the line. He put his wand on the gentle skin, saying those horrible words,

'MORSMORDRE!'

The man clutched his hand and tried hard not to scream, instead he started whimpering. The Dark Lord continued his was through the remaining five novices, each one of them screaming from pain as they were branded. Voldemort went back to his throne like chair and said,

'Have you researched the wards, which were made to keep Potter safe?'

A Death Eater stumbled forward and started stuttering,

'Y-Yes, m-my Lo-Lord. H-He lives at n-number four, P-Privet Drive. It has come to my a-attention that his muggle u-uncle beats him. W-When I got to the h-house to explore, he wasn't-wasn't there anymore. Someone has c-come to pick h-him u-up.'

The Dark Lord chucked venomously and thought to himself, So, the boy-who-lived has an almost exact life as I had. Muggles are torturing him.

'Where is he now, Wormtail?

'H-He's a-at H-Hogwarts, m-my L-Lord.'

Voldemort sneered and said,

'He's even more protected now. Snape!' he barked.

'Keep an eye on the boy and report to me when he goes to Diagon Alley, report to me when Dumbledore goes away and report to me when he's alone. Got that, my dear Snape?'

Severus bowed and responded,

'Yes, my Lord. I will report to you when something happens,'

His inside froze when he saw Voldemort raising his wand and putting a curse to him. He bit his lip to not scream out loud. The Dark lord didn't lift the spell for five minutes and Snape was slowly going mad from the pain it inflicted. Suddenly there was a bright flash of gold and he wasn't there anymore. He lay on his back at the gates of Hogwarts. He tried to stand up, but failed disastrously. He couldn't do nothing, just whimper in pain that Voldemort inflicted in him, when his Mark burned constantly.

#END DREAM SEQUENCE#

Harry snapped his eyes open and sit abruptly on his bed. He was alone in the infirmary and he knew Madam Pomfrey was at a convention of Healers in Dublin. There wasn't a soul near him now, since Remus went to his quarters to find some sleep, as he didn't sleep for the past forty-eight hours. Harry knew he had to get to Snape as soon as possible. He still didn't have any idea how he could transport his Potions Master from the meeting, but he knew, if he didn't get at Hogwarts gates soon, Snape might die. He stood up and put his shoes on. Then he ran out of the Hospital Wing, through corridors and to the Entrance Hall. He blasted the Front Door open and ran out as fast as he could. When he approached the cloaked figure, he had to stiffen a horrified scream. Snape was covered in blood, his face was paler than he could imagine and his legs were in a strange position. When Harry recovered from the shock, he stumbled to Snape's side and kneeled over him.

'Professor? Professor Snape?'

He could jump from relief when he heard his Potions Master whimper quietly.

'Shh, It's alright, professor. You're home. Can you walk?'

Snape slowly shook his head and tried to tell him something, but Harry interrupted him,

'Save your strength professor. Do you think you could think at me and tell me what's wrong, so I would know what to do?'

Snape went rigid and tried to open his eyes. Harry put his hand on the older man's shoulder, thinking,

'Professor, could you tell me what hurts?'

He felt the person he talked to, stiffen, then he heard a response,

'It... it hurts everywhere... I was under cruciatus for more than five minutes.'

'I know, sir. Do you think you could trust me to get rid of your pain?'

Snape didn't have time to think how in the hell Harry knew what happened, but he did his best to nod his head to show the boy he does trust him. He felt more than saw, how Harry gently smiled and put his hands over his battered body. Harry closed his eyes and started to think the same as he did, when he healed himself earlier in the day. Snape felt a strange surge of power encircling him. It was warm and lovable. He enjoyed it more than he could imagine. He felt his bones repair, his pain started to lessen and he realised, Harry must have used his Healing powers he mentioned earlier in the day. When the pain was completely gone, he opened his eyes and concerned green stared in his own tired black.

'Thank you, Harry.' Snape whispered and saw Harry's surprise at calling him by his first name. He held his hand and helped the cursed man to stand. They went to the Hospital wing in a comfortable silence. When they arrived there, Snape flung himself on a near-by bed, closing his eyes. He was asleep in a matter of seconds. Harry only watched him in amusement, but then he covered his Potions Master with a warm blanket and heading to his bed himself.

~8~8~8~8~

When he opened his eyes the next morning, he felt someone watching him carefully. He turned his head in the direction he felt was right, he saw Snape sitting on his bed, watching him intently. When he noticed, Harry was awake he cleared his throat.

'Are you hungry?' he asked. Harry smiled slightly and nodded. Snape tentatively returned the smile and snapped his fingers. There were two pops and two house-elves appeared.

'Dobby!' exclaimed Harry. Dobby hurried over the ward to sit on Harry's bed. He started talking,

'Harry Potter, sir! What a surprise for Dobby! When did Harry Potter sir come here? If Dobby can ask, sir.'

Harry smiled and answered,

'I arrived three weeks ago. Dobby, could I ask you for a favour?'

'Anything for Harry Potter sir, Dobby will be delighted to do something for Harry Potter.'

Harry blushed when he saw Snape's amused eyes. He said,

'I'm hungry Dobby. Could you bring me and professor Snape something to eat, and hot chocolate for both of us, please?'

Dobby jumped off the bed and squealed,

'Of course, Harry Potter sir, Dobby is on his way!'

With that, he snapped his own fingers and disappeared. Harry stretched his hands above his head and yawned. He stood up and headed for the bathroom. When he splashed his face with cold water, he felt more awake then before. He picked up a towel and looked in the mirror. What he saw made him gasp in shock. In the mirror, he didn't see Harry Potter, he saw a complete stranger. He closed his eyes and hoped the image will go away when he opens his eyes. It didn't. he examined himself and noticed that he was also taller, skinnier, he didn't have the Potter knobbly knees, and his shoulders were broader. His face wasn't that of James Potter. It was more of Lily Potter and another person, Harry didn't put his mind on. He had higher cheekbones, his brows and eyelashes were thicker. With a shock he realised he could see without his glasses. When he turned a little, he could see red highlights in his dark hair. The hair reached his shoulders. They were straighter and curled a little on the end. What is going on here? Harry asked himself and scowled at the image in the mirror. What he saw made him retreat in shock. Did I just look like Snape, when I scowled? He scowled again and the face of Severus Snape was seen in the mirror. Luckily, he got a hold on the sink; otherwise he would fall on the floor. He breathed quickly and tried to composite himself. Then he turned and went back to the Ward. Snape was already eating his breakfast, when Harry came out of the bathroom. One glance at the boy told him, he knew something. He put his fork on the plate and watched the boy sitting on the bed next to his. When he was sure, he wouldn't say nothing he took a sip of pumpkin juice. What Harry said next, made him spill the juice out of his mouth and release the content of the glass he was holding down his front.

'Are you my father?' Harry asked quietly. He saw Snape spluttering and smiled slightly at the mess his professor made on the bed. When Snape calmed himself, he looked Harry and thought of what he could say to him.

'I just want to hear the truth, professor. Please don't lie to me.'

Snape nodded and gazed out of the window. He started talking,

'Your mother and I were friends throughout the Hogwarts. She was the one that told me of some pranks, the Marauders thought to do to me. In our last year, we started dating. I loved her more than you can imagine. It broke my heart when she left me and married Potter. The night we broke up, she came to me to tell me something. Instead of telling me, she found out I was a Death Eater. She felt betrayed and ran off. I couldn't explain it, she ran away too fast and I couldn't stop her. Next week, I found out she was marrying Potter and I couldn't do nothing about it. I was a spy for Dumbledore at that time and I heard Voldemort saying that he heard of a prophecy. He was obsessed with killing the Potters. I could only warn them, they went into hiding. Several months later, you were born and when I first set my eyes on you, you looked so much like James that I lost hope, that you were my son. When they were killed and you were sent to your relatives, I still didn't know the whole truth. I only found it out yesterday myself. Remus told me Lily married James to give her child a father. She told him, who the father was, but then Obliviated him. He remembered the truth when you were constantly changing. He told me everything yesterday.'

Harry was quiet for several minutes and than he muttered,

'So, you are my father?'

Snape nodded and wanted to say something when Harry burst,

'What are you going to do now? You know that Voldemort can't find that out!'

Snape shook his head,

'The world mustn't know, but you and I, Remus, Dumbledore and if you want... your friends, must be the only ones that know. Nobody else.'

Harry put his head on his knees and stayed quiet. A few minutes later, he heard Severus speak again,

'But I will tell you one thing. You will never return to your relatives. Not if I have something to do about it.'

Harry gave him a weak smile and said,

'Thank you.'

Snape returned it and replied,

'Now, what about that breakfast of yours. You need to eat. If I heard you correctly, you were being starved.'

Harry blushed slightly and nodded. He pulled the tray with his breakfast near him and bit the warm toast. In the corner of his eye, he saw Snape... no, his father cleaning himself and afterwards doing the same. When they ate the breakfast, Harry said,

'What should I call you when we are alone?'

Snape stared at him in shock, then said,

'You're not angry with me?'

Harry shook his head and answered,

'You didn't know I'm your son when I came to Hogwarts and I know you are a spy for Dumbledore and a Death Eater. You are Head of Slytherin house. The house, which has the most Death Eater children, who report your behaviour to their fathers. I know now, you had to hate Gryffindors and me. But I didn't think it was an act.'

'Well, sometimes it wasn't...'

Snape confessed and Harry grimaced,

'I know. That day when I looked in the pensieve and saw your worst memory, am I right?'

Snape nodded and looked away, but Harry continued,

'I never told anyone about what I saw. I only confronted Remus and Sirius, but I think that Sirius and d- James were being idiots. Just as I think of it... doing that to you only out of boredom! That wasn't nice.'

Snape stared at his son in bewilderment. Did he just say, what he thought he said? He said, he didn't think it funny? That he hadn't told Weasley and Granger what he saw?

'Thank you, Harry, for telling me this.'

Harry chuckled and nodded,

'You know, that's the second time that you said 'thank you, Harry'.'

Snape smirked, but it wasn't as malicious as before. It was more like a smile. Harry suddenly remembered something,

'Do you know when the next full moon is?'

Snape glanced at him and replied,

'Yes, it's today.'

Harry's eyes widened in shock. Then he rushed out of the bed and went to open the door to the infirmary, when he stopped.

'Do you know, what happened to my things?'

Snape cringed at the look his son gave him. He sighed and answered,

'Remus went to retrieve it after we brought you here. He managed to get everything, but then that Dursley went and tried to shoot him with a gun...'

Harry's eyes almost fell out of their sockets.

'W-What!?!'

Snape avoided Harry's look when he continued,

'He didn't have the time to move out of the way when something flew before him and prevented Remus being shot. We buried her behind Hagrid's hut two weeks ago...'

Harry stared at his feet, tears flowing down his cheeks. He knew who died that night. He whispered,

'Hedwig!'