Soul Pieces

Soul Pieces

Chapter 19: April's answers

Harry couldn't believe it. What the hell was HE doing here? To be frank, the young wizard wanted to raise his wand and shout Unforgivables, one certain lethal curse in particular ran through his mind.

However, his reverie was interrupted by a small cry. A baby's cry, his son's cry. And then, he realized that he couldn't do things without thinking anymore. He couldn't act without regard for others -without pondering the consequences. From now on, someone needed him. Okay, okay, the whole Wizarding World needed him, but this was different. James was his son. His son...Merlin, it was so amazing-scary for sure; but amazing nonetheless. That-that little boy, his baby, so fragile; innocent. His son's life depended on him- depended on how he would face everything from now on.

Harry's thoughts were interrupted by Lupin's voice. "Severus, what are you doing here?"
The former Potions Master didn't seem afraid or nervous.

"I must see Granger," he said calmly but firm.

"What?" Ron cried, "What do you want with Hermione? Do you want to kill her like you killed Professor Dumbledore?"

"Don't speak about things you don't know, Weasley! I must see Granger!"

The room was very tense. No one seemed to know what to do. Harry only stared at the man.

"What do you want with Miss Granger, Severus?" asked the Headmistress in a calm voice.

"You know very well what I'm doing here, Minerva," he said in an impatient voice, showing to her a little bottle. "You know very well what this is. You saw this-"

"I saw that almost eighteen years ago. But why? Severus, forgive me, but you killed Dumbledore and now you are here to save a Muggleborn's life? And may I add, not an ordinary one!"

"You don't know anything, Minerva. I am here because Albus asked me to."

"Oh, that's wonderful! Who do you think will believe that? Albus asked you to? I saw you killing Professor Dumbledore!" Harry shouted, finally losing his temper.

"Potter! Always a thick head! You talk as you really miss Dumbledore, don't you? But Granger's child is the proof of how much you suffered! What did you do? Did you fuck her after the burial? Tsk, Tsk... What would Miss Weasley say about this?" Snape replied in a mock voice, a devious glint in his dark eyes.

"Severus!" McGonagall cried. "Harry's personal life isn't anyone's business!"

"No, Potter's life is everybody's business and you know that! For now, the Dark Lord thinks Granger and the baby are dead but- Minerva, I must see Granger! The time is running short!" he said, locking gazes with the Headmistress.

To everyone's (except Madam Pomfrey's) surprise, the Headmistress nodded.

"Harry, I need your permission to let Severus give this potion to Hermione. This is the same potion that saved your mother's life."

Harry looked at the Headmistress in surprise. Okay, Snape had a potion that could save Hermione's life but why did they need his permission?

"Er, Professor, I have many questions but for now- why do you need my permission?"

"Harry, Hermione isn't a Hogwarts student anymore and her parents- well, you know her circumstances. However you two have had a child together. You two share a very special bond now, even if you two aren't married."

"Oh," said Harry, flushing.

"Harry," interrupted Luna, "I was in Hogsmeade and Prof- Snape saved us. It was him who told me to send the patronus. Now I understand why he didn't send the patronus himself. He couldn't. He knew that if he sent the patronus the Order would know it was him and perhaps-"

"And perhaps wouldn't send help. I understand," Harry said.

He had to think fast- he had to make a serious decision. No, he didn't trust Snape and maybe never would but- but what other choice did he have? And Hermione- she was dying- that was a fact and maybe the man he hated could save her. Harry knew it wasn't the moment to be haughty. He needed to put aside any differences he had with the man in front of him. It was time to grow up. Harry then took a deep breath, looked at Snape and said, "Go, give this potion to Hermione."

Severus Snape nodded and left.

Headmistress' Office

Harry's POV

I couldn't believe it, Hermione would be okay. She hadn't woken up, but Madame Pomfrey said she was okay. Thank Merlin! I hated to admit it, but Snape had saved her life. Right, I am still a little confused. I really don't understand what that slimy git is doing here. I may be a little thick headed but I know that Snape isn't stupid. Why did he return to Hogwarts knowing he could be arrested or killed?

We were in the Headmistress' office. Everyone was there- well, not everyone. Madame Pomfrey was in the Hospital Wing and Tonks hadn't returned from the Ministry (she had arrested one of the Death Eaters in Hogsmeade....). To everyone's surprise, Professor Dumbledore seemed very pleased to see Snape. Knowing that Snape wasn't a very pleasant person, and that maybe we-me and the others in the room- didn't believe him, Dumbledore suggested that we use a Pensieve...

PENSIEVE

1980

Hogwarts

Dumbledore's office

A young and nervous Severus Snape was talking with Professor Dumbledore.

"I am sorry, Professor, but I had to tell the Dark Lord what I heard in that bar. He is a powerful Legilimens and my Occlumency isn't very strong. I am sorry."

Dumbledore looked at the young Snape Pensively. . He knew that the one who would defeat the Dark Lord had not been born yet. He would probably be a Longbottom, or a Potter. The future of the Wizard World was in the hands of one of those two families.

"Severus, I understand but I need you to prove your loyalty," the Headmaster finally said, his eyes boring into Snape's.

"Everything, Professor." Snape bowed his head. Dumbledore could see that the young man in front of him was nervous but still had a certain air of determination in his voice.

"You know that Lily Potter is pregnant, right?"

"Yes, how such a brilliant witch could marry that - that-"

"Severus."

"Sorry, Professor."

"Continuing, she is pregnant but she's having problems."

"The Muggleborn's disease," Snape replied without emotion.

"Yes, the Muggleborn's disease. You know that is fatal."

"Yes."

"And I know you discovered the cure when you were a student here." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at Snape, a slight smile formed at the corner of his mouth.

Snape looked at Dumbledore in surprise. No one knew that!

"How-"

"I was observing you. I know you have a great future and I knew that you couldn't show what you have discovered."

"The Dark Lord would kill me. A Death Eater who saves Muggleborn witches!" Snape hissed with a grin. "But, do you want-"

"I want you to save Lily Potter's life. No one will know the truth; only me, Professor McGonagall, Madame Pomfrey and the Potters. Severus, Lily is a very powerful witch and she can't be lost, and if she dies we will lose James too. I know you don't like him but you know how much he loves her."

James Potter! Severus Snape didn't give a damn for that-that- arrogant git! He hated James Potter and those little friends of his. How Evans could- argh! That was beyond his comprehension.

Evans, she's a great girl-woman. Pretty, smart, intelligent. A Mudblood, yes but...Severus didn't love her- at least, not in the romantic sense of the word. He felt grateful for what she had done- for how she had helped him.

She and the Hogwarts Headmaster.

They had rescued him from the darkness.

"I will do the potion," Severus Snape finally answered.

1996

Dumbledore's Office

"Headmaster, what should we do about Draco Malfoy?" asked Snape. "I made the vow. You know this can't be broken."

"Yes, Severus, I know," said Dumbledore in a very calm voice.

"Albus! His mission is to kill you!" He couldn't understand how Dumbledore could stay so calm.

"I don't think he- well, I don't think Mister Malfoy will become a murderer."

"Headmaster, if he doesn't kill you, the Dark Lord-"

"Tom will kill him. I know. You know what you have to do, Severus."

"What?" Severus Snape seemed a little confused.

"You. You will have to kill me."

"Sir!"

"Severus, we both know that I am dying. I am old and since the Sorcerer's Stone was destroyed my health isn't the same. And I can't let Draco become a murderer. He still has hope. But let's talk about this later. Now, I need to ask you a favor." Dumbledore's tone was calm and serene but Snape knew that it was firm and without re-considerations. There wasn't room for arguments or denials.

Feeling an uneasy sensation of defeat, Snape nodded and then asked, "What is it?"

"It's about Miss Granger."

"What about her?" he asked without even trying to hide his displeasure.

"I know you don't like her or perhaps you don't like her because she is Harry's friend. It doesn't matter. We know she is a very powerful witch but she is a Muggleborn like-"

"Like Evans. I know. I am not blind or stupid; Granger is even more powerful than Evans. But, why- oh!"

"Yes, I want you to give her the potion when she needs it."

"I am not aware that she and Potter have a thing," Snape snorted, saying the last word like it was something grotesque, repulsive.

"They don't. They are only friends but I have a feeling this will change. Maybe not soon but this will change. I may be wrong but I don't want to risk it."

Dumbledore's Office

Snape burst in the Headmaster's office.

"Headmaster! It's tonight! Draco Malfoy will try to kill you tonight!"

"I know, Severus," Dumbledore replied calmly, "but I have to leave now." He smiled, a little sadly. "The time is short."

"Sir!" Snape cried without -entirely-accepting the Headmaster's attitude. He could understand-yes- he could understand the old man's motives but-

"You know what you have to do, Severus."

Astronomy Tower

Severus Snape pointed his wand to Dumbledore. He couldn't believe what was happening. He couldn't kill Dumbledore. Oh, how he hated Harry Potter! Everything was happening because of him!

"Severus, you must do this."

"No, Albus! Why? I can hide Draco and Narcissa and-"

"This isn't only about Draco, Severus and you know it! You must prove your loyalty to Voldemort. We need your services. Harry needs-"

"Potter! Why is everything about him? Why is he so important? He is only an arrogant kid!"

"Severus, I can't tell you the entire truth but you know he is important. Please, kill me. I am already dying," Dumbledore was pleading and Snape never felt so much hate- so much disgust for anyone else like he was feeling that moment.

I hate you, Potter.

"Thank you, Albus, for everything. I am sorry- AVADA KEDAVRA!"

And Albus Dumbledore was dead.

END PENSIEVE

Headmistress' Office

April 1997

After we returned everyone seemed a little shocked. I didn't know what to say-or to think. It was hard to believe it. Dumbledore asked to be killed! I couldn't believe that Snape-Snape!- had saved my mum's life. Merlin, it was so much information- so much to consider.

I could even understand his hate towards me. Maybe, if I was him I would also hate myself. I don't know. I also realized that before- he only disliked me because of my father. However, now- now he hated me.

"Albus," said a trembling Minerva McGonagall, "you asked Severus to kill you! Why?"

"You saw why. I was already dying and we couldn't lose Severus."

"Snape, what did you do after you left Hogwarts?" asked Moody.

"I took Draco with me and we went to Malfoy's Manor. There, we took Narcissa and then we went to a secure house. Draco and Narcissa are in this house. I am their Secret Keeper."

"Right. What else?"

"I spend my time between there and Hog's Head." He looked around at the people in the room. "The Dark Lord isn't a fool. He is plotting...he's letting everyone resides in this false sense of security, he can control the fear within."

"Yes, we were wondering about this false peace that has occurred," McGonagall said. "But, Severus, if you have been in Hogshead-"

"Yes, Aberforth knows about me. Albus and him had an agreement. That's how I found out about Granger's condition. I must say it was luck that I was there today; like it was luck that Healer was there too. Yes, one more minute and Miss Weasley would have succeeded."

Miss Weasley? Ginny? What the hell he is talking about?

"What are you talking about?" I asked, noticing that Ginny's face was very pale.

"I am saying that it was Miss Weasley who almost killed Granger," he replied with a sarcastic grin.

"No! My daughter never-" cried Mrs. Weasley. "We know it was a Death Eater!"

"Oh, yes, Bellatrix performed that nasty spell but the final stroke was made by Miss Weasley's hands. Let me say, she has the responsibility for Hermione Granger's fall."

I looked at Snape and then at Ginny. Somehow I knew that Snape was telling the truth.

"Is this true, Ginny?" I asked, without emotion.

"Y-Y-Yes, Harry. I am sorry! I didn't think. Hermione was in the air, screaming and- and I just wanted it to stop! I am sorry!" she sobbed.

I couldn't say anything. I knew she didn't do anything with bad intentions but I couldn't say, "That's okay". I only closed my eyes briefly, taking a deep breath.

"Oh, but what about the words you said to Miss Granger before the attack?" asked Snape. I could see an evil glint in his eyes.

"W-What are you talking about?" Ginny sputtered and I wondered why she seemed even more nervous.

"Ah, Miss Weasley! You know very well what I am talking about! What were the words? Oh! Slut, Mudblood! Yes! Those were the words you called Granger!"

"What?!" Ron shouted. "Is he telling the truth?!"

But Ginny didn't say a word.

"Perhaps, you should ask Miss Lovegood. She was there too," said Snape.

I looked at Snape, then at Ginny, who looked down, not meeting my eyes, and then I turned to Luna finally asking, "Is what he's saying true?"

Luna grimaced, almost embarrassed and nodded.

I was speechless. I wanted to say something but nothing could get out of my mouth. I felt anger, disgust, pity.

"Ginevra Weasley!" cried Mr. and Mrs. Weasley at the same time. "How could you say those words?"

Ginny's face became red. She wasn't nervous anymore. She was angry.

"Yes! I called her that! Okay, I don't think she is a Mudblood but I still think she is a slut! A whore!"

"Gin!"

"No, Ron! You know I am right! She was supposed to be my friend. Our friend! She betrayed me. She betrayed us! She-" Then Ginny stopped as she seemed to understand something. "You knew! You knew about this! I can't believe it!"

"Yes, Gin, I knew and I don't care! You know why? Because I don't love her and I know you don't love Harry!"

"No! I love Harry! I would kill for him!" she shouted.

"Yes, you would kill but Hermione would die for Harry! They love each other, Ginny! You only love the image, the hero! You must let go!"

"No!"

"Ginny," said Mrs. Weasley, "Ron is right. You must let go."

"No. No- oh! You knew! You and dad knew! Great! Everybody knew that Harry and Hermione were fucking their brains out! I am done here!"

And she left the office, followed by her parents. To tell the truth I didn't want to stay there anymore. Okay, I knew I wanted to ask many things, discuss many things but not at that moment. I wanted to see James and Hermione. Voldemort and his evil plots could wait a little longer.

I excused myself and left.

Hospital Wing

I was there, sitting in a chair beside Hermione's bed. She hadn't awakened yet. James was sleeping too. I don't want to brag but my son is SO CUTE! Oh, yeah! I've never seen a baby more beautiful than him!

I closed my eyes thinking about him and Hermione. I know things weren't perfect but somehow I had hope. Unconsciously, I smiled thinking about Hermione and our son. Everything was going to be alright. Hermione and I have a family now.

Oh, I liked that word-family. With her by my side, I knew that my chances to win this war were bigger.

She and my son were my reason to live.

My thoughts were broken by a voice- a sweet voice! I opened my eyes. Hermione was waking up.

"H-Harry?" she whispered weakly.

The tears began to fall from my eyes. I didn't know what to say. So, I just whispered, "I love you, Hermione. I love you."