Severus's Secrets

Chapter 1

"I can't believe all this Transfiguration homework!" Ron said, slamming down his used copy of An Advanced Guide to Transfiguration.

"Don't forget about all that homework Snape gave us too," Harry replied. The two boys plopped themselves down in two of the squishy armchair Gryffindor common room. All of a sudden, a girl with bushy brown hair came rushing through the portrait hole.

This girl was Hermione Granger. She was the smartest girl in all of Hogwarts. She was Head Girl, and got full marks on every assignment she completed, not to mention, over the summer she became exceptionally pretty. Out of breath, she called to the boys; "Malfoy was just got snogging with Eloise!"

"What?!" Harry said astonished. Ron was on the floor laughing.

"You heard me. Madam Pince caught them behind a bookcase! Can you believe Malfoy would do that?" Hermione was grinning from ear to ear. She loved when she was the gossip queen. Ron was laughing so hard that his face was as read as cherry that could pop any second.

"I--reckon--that--is--the--funniest-thing-I--ever --heard!" Ron said gasping for breath. By the look on Hermione's face, Harry could tell she has more to say. Harry elbowed Ron, and Hermione continued.

"But while I was at the library, I found the coolest book," Hermione said. Ron and Harry groaned. "Be quiet, Harry, you would appreciate it, it was in the restricted section." Harry took the book and red the gold peeling letters on the cover.

THE HISTORY OF
THE POTTER FAMILY

"Wow! Now I can find out if I have any relatives besides the Dursley's!" Harry felt so happy inside. He opened the big scarlet and gold book, and began thumbing through the pages until he came to a diagram of a family tree. At the top of the tree was the name Godric Gryffindor.

"Harry! You're the heir of Gryffindor!" Ron said

However, Hermione interrupted and said, "Keep reading, it gets better." Harry read all sorts of names from Amadeus Potter to Zeppelin Potter, until he got to the bottom. There was the name James Potter. Harry did not know what Hermione thought was so great about that. She motioned him to read next to James' name. There was the name Severus Potter.

"Your dad had a brother!" Ron said in loud whisper.

"I know," Hermione said, and began flipping through the pages of the book, until she stopped near the back. She had Harry read the page aloud.

"Severus Potter was born on April 14th 1965 at 12:04 a.m. His older brother James was born on April 13 1965, at 11:59 p.m. They were twins. James and Severus both attended Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. James excelled at Quidditch and academics. He became Head Boy like most members of the Potter family.

"Severus, was very separated from his family and spent most of his childhood learning forbidden spells, curses, and dark magic. Oddly enough, Severus was placed in Slytherin. All Potters in history have been placed in Gryffindor. There, while in Slytherin, Severus, became extremely involved in dark magic, and became a servant of Lord Voldemort. Little is known about Severus today. Some say he has changed his name and is a still a big supporter of the Dark Lord."

There was a long pause. Then Ron spoke, "Can we find out who he is?"

"I've sort of already done some research on it," Hermione began, "and he's here at Hogwarts, and umm, Harry, Snape is your uncle."

"SNAPE? MY UNCLE?!" Harry roared.

"Keep it down, I'm still not completely sure," Hermione whispered.

"That jerk in the dungeons, is my own flesh and blood when he treats me so awful?"

"Harry, calm down! At least you're related to Gryffindor himself!" Ron consoled.

"Yeah, I suppose that's okay," Harry began, "Uh, I promised Cho I'd meet her now. I have to go." Harry walked out of the portrait hole, just as Hermione and Ron realized, that Cho graduated last year.

"What does he think he's doing?" Ron said.

"I hope he's not going to Snape," Hermione replied. However, Harry was heading to Snape's office. He climbed down the stairs to the dungeons, the whole way thinking. It was still early, so he did not have to avoid Filch, and his cat Mrs. Norris. After about 10 minutes of walking, Harry had reached Snape's office.

He had only been inside twice before, once, in his second year when Ron and him had flown the flying car to school. He laughed, remembering that the Ford Angelina was still in the Forbidden Forest. The other time was in his third year, when he was caught sneaking into Hogsmede. Luckily, Professor Lupin saved him so he did not get in trouble. . Harry placed his hand on the huge rusted knocker, yet suddenly changed his mind remembering that Hermione was not sure that Snape was his uncle. However, before he could change his mind, the door swung open, and there was Severus Snape standing in front of him.

"What are you doing here Potter?" Snape said in his usual cold voice.

"AhÂ…What are you doing here Potter?" Harry replied. Snape gave Harry an odd look. He looked almost confused.

"What? This is my office. Potter, what are you doing?"

"I don't know, what are you doing here Potter?" Harry retorted.

"If you don't explain the meaning of this you will have detention for two whole weeks." Snape was now sweating, and looked extremely nervous.

"How can you give me a detention for not doing anything, Severus Potter?" That had done it. Snape's face turned completely white.

"Dumbledore's office now!" Snape looked terrified. Harry had never seen Snape look scared before. Harry followed him up to the familiar route to Dumbledore's office. When they got to the gargoyle, Snape said the password (Snickerdoodle) and both climbed the spiral staircase, until they got to a door and Snape knocked.

An amiable voice then said, "Please come in" Harry entered the easeful room, and sat in one of the chairs in front of the highly polished mahogany desk. Fawkes was in his cage, looking grand as usual, and the sorting hat was in its usual spot above Dumbledore's desk. There, behind the desk sat Albus Dumbledore. Boy, did he look old. Yet, he had the usual twinkle in his eye. His blue eyes still sparkled as if they were brand new, yet wrinkles framed every corner of them. "Severus, Harry, How may I help you?" He said calmly.

"Potter has made some very odd claims, he came to my office, and addressed me as 'Severus Potter,'"

"The boy deserves the truth Severus," Dumbledore replied. Harry hated being called a boy, he was seventeen and very stubborn.

Snape began to sweat again and then began, "Well, IÂ…I Â…guessÂ…"

"To the boy Snape, I already know," Dumbledore interrupted.

"Harry, I am your uncle. There is nothing more to say. Do not expect special treatment. I do not know how in the world you found out either. Not a soul can know," said Snape.

"You git, like I'd want any after all that crap you've done to me? I'm your own flesh and blood and look how you treat me you greasy b--!" Harry said.

"Dumbledore, Harry should be expelled for that language to a Professor!" Snape shouted.

"Mr. Potter please, watch your language," Dumbledore said.

"Do you have anything to say you oaf?" Harry said

"You have no idea you stupid little mindless boy. Just like your father to thick to apprehend."

Harry was fuming mad. He felt as though he could kill Snape. He was ready to take out his wand and kill Snape. After a moment of silence, Dumbledore spoke, "I believe, you should each write a letter to each other, and get out all of your feelings. In this time of trouble, with Lord Voldemort back in power, I don't have time to listen and make sure you two don't curse each other to death."

This was unusual for Dumbledore to speak in such a manor. He was usually kind, and offered good words of advice. Nevertheless, Harry could understand that he had much more on his mind than wanting to deal with Harry and his stupid little problem. Both quietly left the office, and parted ways as Harry headed back to Gryffindor Tower, and Snape headed to the dungeons.

Harry walked in the portrait hole, only to find Ron and Hermione snogging. He decided to go and work on his letter for Snape, since Ron and Hermione looked quite busy.

Harry knew he had to be a little more polite in his letter to Snape then he was in person. He had trouble starting his letter, every time he would start, he would end up cursing so bad it would make most people cringe. After about an hour, and a lot of wasted ink, Harry finally felt he finished his letter. It said:

Dear Snape,
I am sorry for being so rude to you; I was just very mad and confused. I think I need to know a couple of thins though-first of all, why do you hate me. Do all the teachers and my parents' friends know you are my uncle? I did not even know you and you hated me. Why did you hate my daddy? Did James do something to you, besides the Whomping Willow trick? I am just curious. You also always pick on Gryffindor students, when you are related to Godric him self! I would like to get to know you Severus, and maybe if you have to know me, we may actually like each other! If you are not to mad, maybe we can have tea someday.
Sincerely,
Harry

That looked good enough to Harry. He folded up the letter, put it with his things for potions class, and figured he would give it to Snape after class. He was finished around 10:00, when Ron came into the dorm room.

"Hey where'd you go?" asked Ron.

"JustÂ… ahÂ… to theÂ… library," Harry said, he was a pitiful liar. He decided not to tell anyone. "Oh, there I looked, and Hermione made a mistake, Snape isn't my uncle."

"Than who is?" Ron asked.

"He died I think. He went to Azkaban, and the Potter family disowned him," Harry said. It sounded convincing enough to him. Yet, he had never lied this much to Ron.

"Oh. Pity, I thought it would be somewhat cool if Snape was your uncle. You could find out why he hates you," Ron said.

"Yeah, I suppose," Harry began, "Saw you and Hermione snogging! You two must really like each other!" Harry did not want to talk about Snape, and his uncle anymore, so he changed the subject.

"I really like her Harry. I think we may be in love," Ron said dreamily.

"That's really great Ron, That's really great," Harry said, "Well it's late, and I'm tired. I think I'm going to turn in."

"Sounds like a good idea, I'm pretty tired myself," Ron said.

Harry changed into his pajamas, then climbed into his four poster bed and pulled the hangings shut. He fell into a sleep filled with nightmares. He dreamt that he was forced to live with Snape, and he was treated like a dog, and had to eat dog food. It was awful. For some odd reason, in Harry's dream, Snape lived on Privet Drive. Harry tossed and turned all night, and never really got into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Harry awoke to the sound of rain slamming down on the windowpanes of Gryffindor Tower. He got up, and dressed quickly, and walked down the stairs to see Ron and Hermione already awake, waiting to go down to breakfast.

"Morning, sleep well?" Hermione asked.

"AhÂ…not really. I was just thinking about last night," Harry replied.

"Ron told me that Snape isn't your uncle. Where did you find out he wasn't?" Hermione said inquisitively.

"The Library of course," Harry said. He was beginning to worry that Hermione was catching on to his lies.

"I know that silly, I mean what books?" Hermione said.

"OhÂ…I forgetÂ…yeahÂ…I forget," Harry knew that Hermione obviously was catching on to him lying.

"Right. Was it Family Trees of Famous Wizards?"

"Yeah, that was it," Harry said. He was obliged Hermione did not continue the conversation. All three headed down to breakfast, which was uneventful as usual. The post had not arrived, and Hedwig was missing for a week now. Ever since Voldemort's rise back to power, owls had difficulty getting to Hogwarts. Most were intercepted by Death Eaters, and annihilated. Harry had not received post for over two weeks. He was getting nervous about Sirius and Lupin, usually, Sirius found away to contact Harry, but he had not made any attempts. Harry figured he was busy with The Order of the Phoenix, but still Harry was getting nervous.

"Damn, I forgot to do the Divination essay!" Ron announced while leaving the Great Hall. Hermione shrugged her shoulders, gave Ron a peck on the cheek and went off to Arithmancy.

"Don't worry, Trelawney left yesterday. She said her 'inner eye' was being 'fogged' from all of the trouble here," Harry said, "that means we have a free class before lunch!"

"Great! I can catch up on my Transfiguration homework. We have Charms now," Ron said.

"Ron, are you out of it? Flitwick's lessons are canceled because he has to help Dumbledore," Harry replied.

"So we have a free morning?"

"Yes Ron, we have a free morning," Harry began, "Ron what's the matter with you?"

"I think its Hermione. I love her so much, Harry," Ron said.

"I wish I had someone to love," Harry said.

"I know someone who already does love you," Ron replied.

"Who? Moaning Myrtle?"

"Nah, My sister, Ginny," Ron said.

"She still does?" Harry said.

"Yeah man, totally. I looked at her defense against dark arts book, and she has, 'I love Harry' written all over it,"

"It's your sister though. How would you feel if I was kissing her?"

"UmÂ… I didn't think that far ahead," Ron said. Both boys started laughing. Just then, Draco Malfoy came running towards them.

"Potter, please help me. I accidentally told everyone that Crabbe and Goyle smoke fags in the bathroom between classes, now there after my blood. PLEASE HELP ME!"

"Why wouldn't they just tell everyone that you are a fag?" Ron said

"Very funny Weasley. Please help me!" Draco said.

"Okay, but just this once. Come up to the empty Divination classroom," Harry said. Ron gave him a look. Harry winked at him.

Harry and Ron lead Draco up seven floors to Professor Trelawney's old classroom. When they arrived at the trap door and ladder, they told Draco to go in the empty classroom and they would keep watch. As soon as they had Draco pull up the ladder, Crabbe and Goyle came running up the staircase.

"Where's Draco?" Goyle said threateningly.

"I didn't know you could talk! I am amazed. Harry aren't you amazed?" Ron said cunningly.

"Yeah, shocked. He's up there," Harry said pointing to the trap door, "We've been chasing after him, he called us some pretty nasty names," Ron winked at Harry and continued the lie.

"We're trying to figure out how the heck he got up their, Maybe you guys can help, you're tall. You can cream him for all of us," Ron said.

"Yeah, We'll do it. Is there a spell on it?" Crabbe said.

"Not sure. Well we better be going we have class, bye, and thanks," Ron said. Harry and Ron ran down the staircase, laughing the whole way.

"That'll keep them busy for hours!" Harry said.

"That's one of the best pranks we've played in awhile," Ron replied. The boys really had not been able to play to many jokes in awhile since Dumbledore liked the castle quiet so he could think.

After lunch, the boys had double potions. Harry knew he had to give Snape his letter. He was extremely nervous, and did not know what Snape's reply might be. He kept thinking of Snape's cold voice saying, "Mr. Potter, you think I'd actually spend the time to write you a letter? I wouldn't consume any of my time outside of class on you." Of course, Harry was thinking of worse case scenarios. He almost walked into a column, he kept thinking of what Snape's letter would say, and what Snape would think of Harry's.

Harry and Ron walked into the dungeon and took a table near the back. Harry buried himself in a book, so he did not have to look Snape in the eye. Ron nudged him to pay attention, but Harry ignored him. Snape came into the dungeon, black robes trailing behind him. He sat in front of class at his desk, and said, "Today, we will not be making a potion," Half of the class let loose a sigh of relieve. Snape continued, "We will be identifying different potions by color, taste, and smell-where's Mr. Malfoy?"

"Hospital Wing," Goyle said.

"Do you know the reason that Mr. Malfoy is missing my class?"

"We creamed him," Crabbe said. Harry and Ron began to snigger. Usually Snape would end up taking 20 points from Gryffindor for Harry and Ron laughing at Malfoy. However, Snape was not being his usual self. What happened next not even Harry himself believed.

"Well, pity. I suppose today's lesson will be canceled. Fifty points from Slytherin for 'creaming' Malfoy. Class dismissed," Snape said.

The whole class sat staring at Snape with their jaws dropped. No one knew if this was a sick joke, or Snape had gone crazy. "Now go, class dismissed," Snape repeated. The class gathered their things and walked to the dungeon door. Harry waited until everyone had left, and walked towards the front of the classroom.

"UmÂ… Professor Snape, I have a letter for you, its about last night,"

"Oh yes, I have one for you too. It's in my office let me get it," Snape replied. Harry stood and waited while Snape went in his office and rummaged through some parchment. After a few minutes, he came back, "Here you go. You can go now," Snape said. Harry took the neatly folded letter. It was very thick. Harry dropped his letter on Snape's desk and ran back to Gryffindor Tower.
Harry ran straight up the stairs to the boys' dormitories. He pulled the hangings on his four poster bed shut and began to read the letter.

Dear Harry,

Where to begin? This is a letter I thought I would never have to write in my whole life. I was sure I made sure no one would ever find out about my real past. Madam Pince said she had placed any books regarding you and me being related in the restricted section. However, you always find a way to get what you want. I suppose you get that from your father.

You are probably wondering first off why I changed my name and left my past behind me. When I first got to Hogwarts, I was sorted into to Slytherin House. My parents were amazed. They insisted I was placed in Gryffindor, and there was a huge long altercation. I personally loathed my family; it was always, 'Look at James fly!' 'Look at James cast a spell!' I hated them. I never got attention. I just sat in my room, and learned curses, and potions. I guess I wasn't as handsome and nice as James was. Therefore, I was delighted about ruining the family veneration. They were enraged at my insubordination. I went to Professor Dumbledore, and asked him if I could be placed in an another home, and have my name changed from Potter to a name I did not cringe every time I perceived it. He agreed, which I thought was remarkable. Therefore, I began my life as Severus Snape. A name I picked, after a small town, here in England. I lived with a nice old lady; her last name I recall was Figg. She took care of me, but I dreaded my summers with her and her cats. Her house smelt faintly of cabbages, and she would always show me the same pictures of the cats. She was an Auror, and she was compassionate to me, she treated me as her own sonÂ…little did she know, she would later be chasing after me, because I foolishly became a servant of Lord Voldemort.

Why do I hate you though? Your mother is really the biggest reason I suppose. She was the only thing in my life I ever loved. I noticed her first, way before your stupid father. I loved her. Sure, I got other girlfriends, but I only loved Lily Evans. She toyed with my emotions, and told me numerous times she loved me, and wanted to be my bride. But that day, she caught James' eye, it was as if I didn't exist. I went through such a terrible time in my life. I became a Death Eater, and was eager to kill, which was probably the worst mistake of my whole life.

I turned my life around was when I heard The Dark Lord was after your mother. I couldn't bare to see Lily get killed. That is when I went to Professor Dumbledore, and became a spy. I tried my hardest to save themÂ…and I got to meet her again. She told me deep down she still loved me, and didn't know why she was with James. Of course I thought this meant she wanted to be with me. I thought finally that I defeated James at something. He got everything I ever wanted, To be Head Boy, Quidittch Captain, Praise from everyone, Friends who would die for him, (except that Peter Petigrew) and the girl I loved. But little did I know you were only nine months away from being born then.

I guess you remind me of James winning everything and me loosing. You are the only sign of defeat left. That is why I hate you Harry. And you look so much like James; it almost makes me feel as if you are trying to defeat ME. I know I'm being childish, but I really did love your mother. You will probably never understand, because you are just famous Harry Potter, and nothing can go wrong for you. I am sorry I never got to know you and just regarded you as your father's son.

Sincerely,
Severus Snape

Harry gaped at the letter sitting in front of him. He didn't know what to do, or what to sayÂ…