Chapter Text
Chapter 8: Third Year
The third-year seems to begin at the end. Ron is shown being dragged down a dark hole as Harry and Hermione try to get to him. Hidden away in the shrieking shack, Sirius Black appears, still in his prison garb covered in dirt and grime, clearly underweight.
Harry’s voice screams out "You killed my parents”
"I don't deny it,"
Professor Lupin bursts through the door demanding "Where is he, Sirius?"
"That's not a rat," croaked Sirius Black "An Animagus, by the name of Peter Pettigrew."
Lupin transfigures Scabbers the rat into Peter Pettigrew. Who tries to prove his innocence.
The scenes swirl into a pool of darkness. Only voices can be heard from the cube.
"Lily and James only made you Secret-Keeper because I suggested it"
"Believe me, Harry. I never betrayed James and Lily”
"Then you should have died. Died rather than betray your friends, As we would have done for you.”
The darkness begins to turn lighter until it is uneven shades of white light. It is the moon, shining bright and in fullness as Lupin transforms. Suffering through pain, as screams rip out of his mouth, only ending once the man is long gone and the madness seems in as the monster takes his place. A fully-fledged werewolf stands in place as Peter Pettigrew uses the opportunity to escape. The scene shifts to a truly terrifying sight. A wraithlike dark creature that could only be a dementor appeared. Despite not being present in the room it still seemed to cause a chill in the air as everyone’s happiness slowly slipped away. It glides closer and closer to Harry until the memory goes black as he loses consciousness.
Harry and Hermione are shown in the hospital wing talking to Dumbeldore trying to convince him of Sirius’ innocence as Ron lays unconscious.
"What we need… is more time," Dumbledore spoke.
"Sirius is locked in Professor Flitwick's office on the seventh floor. Miss Granger, you know the law -- you know what is at stake... You -- must -- not -- be -- seen."
The memories spin in circles as Hermione uses her secret time turner. The memories view quickly how Harry and Hermione go back in time and follow their other-selves. Saving a hippogriff along the way. Hundreds of dementors swarm.
“Expecto Patronum” is echoed as a Patronus, a stag of blue light drives away the creeping darkness.
The memory faded as Sirius and the hippogriff disappeared through the clouds.
“Hermione, how could you?” David asked as he looked with tears in his eyes as he looked at his daughter. Everyone is wondering if they should give the family some privacy.
“Oh now you’ve bloody done it,” Jean Granger said as she put her head into her hand preparing herself for the onslaught.
“How could you never tell me that you knew time travel was real and that you’ve done it,”
“Dad, I didn’t think it was that big of a deal,” Hermione defended.
“Not that big of a deal, I have read every theory on time travel ever published, we have watched every Back to the Future film ever produced over ten times. I have every line memorized and you think it wasn’t a big deal. You know what. I don’t want to hear it. You are grounded for two weeks, missy.” Both father and daughter sat back in their chairs with their arms crossed over their chests refusing to look at one another since the conversation was clearly not up for discussion. Leaving an awkward silence in its wake. It was strange seeing Hermione and her family interact. She never really talked about them that much and seeing them interact Harry couldn’t understand why. They were a supportive and loving family. And seeing Hermione interact with them brought out a playful side to her that is rarely seen. He didn’t understand why this was really the first time he had ever met them.
“Alright everyone,” Fred began before letting George finish his sentence.
“Carrying on to our regularly scheduled broadcast.” The twins snickered at the humor of the situation.
“I know that these particular memories do not directly relate to the Dark Lord, but they are important sets of events that can be learned from. This was also a demonstration to prove Black’s innocence to any of you who continue to doubt,” Severus spoke, gathering everyone's rapt attention. “Not only did the escape of Pettigrew lead to disastrous consequences. It was also entirely avoidable if not for our incompetence.” He raised up his hand to halt any talk. “And before you intervene, I will admit that I played a part in this as well.”
“So shall we begin analyzing our mistakes?” He asked sarcastically, not expecting an answer. “No volunteers very well I shall begin.”
“You Dumbeldore were completely out of line. You believed Black’s story and his innocence and did nothing about it. Why not try to get him a trial? This was before when you still held power over the Minister and Wizengamot. And even though you didn’t do that you could have helped instead of sending Potter and Granger back in time, you should have done it yourself. A grown man, instead of two teenagers. You should have never put that type of pressure and risk on them.” Drawing attention to the passive man as he ate a lemon drop.
“I am at fault for not believing the students or willing to hear them out. I allowed my emotions, particularly my anger to get the best of me. However, I had a valid excuse, I was under the impression that a mass murder was on school grounds due to the help of a fellow teacher who was threatening three students.“
“You Lupin did not.” He directed his attention to the scarred man. “You did not have a good reason for not taking your Wolfsbane that night. Your recklessness endangered us all. You could have killed three children or at least left them suffering the same illness that pains you. For someone who has spent years wallowing in self-pity over his condition and the fear of infecting others, you got pretty relaxed and careless in your preventative measures.” Then he turned his attention to the man beside him. A man he was notorious for his dislike for.
“Now Black your actions are understandable, you’ve spent the past 12 years in Azkaban, starving, being slowly driven insane, for a crime you didn’t commit while the man who did pose a threat. But you were immature when you went into that prison and you are immature now. You need to think through your actions and the consequences they have. I am not talking about this instance. You know what I refer to.” And Sirius wouldn’t admit especially out loud. But he knew Snape wasn’t only referring to the shrieking shack incident. But also his attempt to kill Pettigrew when he first discovered his betrayal. He then turned his attention to the three children on the couch.
“And now you three children. That is what you are, children. All of you are for that matter. You three ran straight into danger again. You put your lives in mortal peril, again. You three constantly find trouble.”
“I don’t find trouble, trouble finds me.” Harry said as he tried to defend himself against his most hated teacher or the future version of him.
“Well next time trouble finds you, don’t encourage it and follow it. Whenever something occurs it is always you three. You three take it upon yourselves to get involved. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but take a leaf out of Longbottom’s book and stay out of it.” Shocking Neville by what could be the closest thing to a compliment the man has ever given him.
“We all have faults. And under normal circumstances it is acceptable but right now it is a liability.”
“The Weasley Twins are inventive and smart but you two, hide behind pranks and don't take in the seriousness of a situation.” He began to rant, concerning the rest about what he would say about them since he had full reign of the floor as he spoke freely. Not that he hasn’t before. But this time he was leaving no survivors.
“Despite being the greatest wizard to live, you have a power complex and are manipulating in your pursuit of the greater good, Dumbeldore.” Then he turned.
“And Longbottom.”
“Oh no!” Neville said, sinking into his seat hoping to not endure such a verbal lashing.
“Longbottom underestimates his strengths, which overshadow just how hardworking you are.”
“And you three.” He returned to his position facing Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
“You can go ahead and skip us,” Ron said meekly, while Harry glared at Snape.
“Potter can be considered brave, noble, self-sacrificing, and determined. But none of that means a damn when you wear your heart on your sleeve and you can't control your emotions, especially your anger. This makes you impulsive. All of which can be exploited. Weasley here is courageous, loyal, and a good strategist, but all anyone can see is your temper and your low self-esteem as you whine about being a sidekick. If you were more confident you wouldn't have much of a problem being useful and contributing. Granger is obviously Intelligence, ambitious and resourceful. But you can come across as bossy and intimidating. You have a fear of failing and lack confidence so you hide behind your intelligence as a shield since you have difficulties connecting with people on an emotional level.” He turned to each in turn as he spoke to them.
“You may all think that I am erroneous in my analysis of you but make no mistake if you don’t correct your flaws, you might not be the only one who will suffer from it. It may seem harsh, however, I am telling you all of this to help you. I am being completely honest if not brutal in my delivery.” He then left the room in a dramatic flair, however, it was missing the billowing of his teacher's robes. And yet it still looked impressive. Leaving everyone in contemplative silence. Until Tonks spoke out.
“You know, besides him tearing us apart and admitting all our faults and possible insecurities. I think that was the nicest thing he has ever said to us.”
No one noticed as a dark figure slipped out through the shadows.
“I have been expecting you” Severus’ voice rang out as he turned to look at the man creeping along the shadows into his bedroom. A piece of knowledge the man sought out quickly once it became apparent who Severus was and that he would be staying.
“Have you now?” The man stepped into the light revealing the surly face of Professor Snape.
“I am you, after all, nothing will change that” A strange concept in itself. Two versions of Severus Snape stood in that room. One younger than the other. One who held the title of the professor while the other, not being made known, did not.
“Not even your wife,” Snape said, getting straight to the point of why he was here.
“I figured you would have something to say about that. I’m surprised you haven’t said anything to me before.”
“This isn’t something they need to hear or would understand.” Snape closed the door behind him and silenced the room. It was unlikely that anyone would come up here looking for him, after his little display. But he wasn’t still alive if he wasn’t overly cautious. “Who?” He stated simply.
“You don’t want to know.”
“That bad?” Snape asked fearing the worst. A marriage law or an unwanted pregnancy from a drunken one night stand.
“No, that good.” Putting a rest to the younger man’s fears. “I didn’t want it to come out since I didn’t want you to go and ruin it. I knew you would disapprove.”
“And you're not gonna tell me?” He said archly.
“I’m sure you have your suspicions, if not then you will find out with everyone else.” Severus Snape wasn’t the type of man who was capable of being open and honest with others. Apparently that included himself. Knowing that the other man perhaps had an idea of who the mystery woman was, Snape looked at his older self for a few moments before looking down dejectedly, seeming to confirm his suspicions. Something he wished was for once wrong. He wasn’t pleased by the idea of being married then on top of that it made him sick to his stomach.
“They won't take it well.” That was the understatement of the century.
“It’s gonna be absolute chaos,” Severus corrected. “I wasn’t planning for it to be public knowledge, it only came up because she is going to be coming here.“
“Why would you do this?”
“Not how?” Severus arched a brow as he said this.
“I don’t care how, I don’t want to know. I wanna know why I would be so stupid as to get married in the first place. I don’t believe in marriage.” The truth of that statement was evident that love makes people do crazy things.
“I didn’t until I fell in love with her.” A simple statement that meant much more to the both of them. The implication that he could fall in love and move on from Lily was either enlightening or concerning. Something the young professor did not want to think too much into right now.
“And is she worth it?”
“She is everything,” Severus said passionately.
“And is she aware of who you are?” The question wasn’t as simple as it was made out to be.
“She knows enough and is willing to wait until I’m ready to reveal more.” Despite which version was talking. Severus Snape was a man with secrets and a past full of horrors. He was also extremely closed off and guarded, which made opening up and letting someone share a life with him extremely difficult, if not impossible.
“For someone, you claim to love, don't you think she deserves more, deserves better?” Snape asked.
“I know she deserves more. But she chose me. The least I can do is make sure she doesn’t regret it.” Severus seemed to be reliving a memory as he said this. Apparently, something he has no doubt thought about on more than one occasion.
“How bad does it get?” Snape asked after a few minutes.
“For you, nothing you aren’t prepared for, and nothing you have ever experienced. I survived though. Barely.” The idea was daunting. Severus Snape has endured many things in his life. Many that caused him great pain over the years. Betrayal, heartache, death, torture, abuse, humiliation. If it gets worse then this then what was even the point of living. Something he has thought about once or twice.
“And is being with her enough. Enough to forget. Enough to be happy. Enough to erase 35 years of pain, misery and torture?” Snape asked finally.
“No, but it's definitely a start.”
Harry, Ron and Hermione were upstairs hanging out in the boys' room. They were supposed to be in bed, but no one could blame them if they were caught. It’s been a long and emotionally draining day. Harry was quiet and thinking quite loudly.
“You alright Harry?” Hermione asked in concern. She could see the furrow of his brows. He looked as though he was lost in his thoughts and with the recent events that were probably not a good thing.
“Ya, why wouldn’t I be?”
“I don’t know? Relieving these memories? The dementors?” Hermione said, listing a number of reasons as to why he wouldn’t be. She knew if she was in his place she would be flustered and freaking out.
“I had hoped after our third year and facing our boggarts I wouldn’t have to deal with them again. But it is just my luck,” he said referring to not only these memories but the events from this summer and getting attacked.
“Don’t remind me about the boggarts. I don’t need to think about spiders,” Ron said with a shudder.
“I’m good as well,” Hermione stated, not wanting to delve into that topic.
“At least yours was Professor McGonagall.”
“Don’t remind me,” Hermione said indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest. Harry knew that she did it when she felt uncomfortable. Harry realized that it was a bit of a sore spot for her. Snape’s voice rang out inside his head. She fears failing. McGonagall telling her she fails her classes means that she isn’t smart. And in her mind has no value in the group. He brushed a hand through his hair and almost signed in aspiration.
“We never apologized to you did we?” Harry asked suddenly.
She looked confused for a moment before she realized what he was referring to. “It’s fine Harry.”
“No, it’s not. I am sorry that we stopped talking to you for months over something so stupid.” He never realized it before but he spent all of his time with Ron and she was left alone.
“He’s right, friendship means more to us than a broom. Or a cat.” Ron said teasingly. It was different for Ron. He and Hermione fought all the time most of the time over stupid things. They never held it against one another. They were both stubborn and together they could butt heads but that never diminished the fact that they did care about one another and that they were best friends.
“Did you guys know that you were the first friends I ever made?” Hermione stated. She didn’t say anymore but she didn't have to. Being as smart as she was, it made sense that she was most likely made fun of for it. Just like how Harry was by Dudley and Ron with his older brothers. They all weren’t the greatest when it came to socializing. And it made sense that there would be bumps in the road in trying to understand and bond with one another. Especially as they got older and their personalities changed.
“I know that you guys didn’t become friends with me because I am the boy who lived. But I can’t help but think that me being the boy who lived is going to ruin our friendship. I keep putting us in danger and life-threatening situations and my mood is affecting us all.” Harry wasn’t apologizing for current behaviour and he didn’t have to. Watching the man who killed his parents come back to live, getting kidnapped, and watching your classmate murdered in front of you was more than enough of a reason to be in a sour mood. Thankfully his friends were able to understand what he was thinking.
And right now they knew what he was trying to do.
Hermione was half tempted to slap him on the back of his head. But Ron was closer and just shoved his shoulder. This isn’t the first time they had this conversation. It usually happens once a year. But now it has become much more common. “We had a chance to turn back years ago. We are in this to the end.”
“Ya, you can’t get rid of us that easily,” Ron said reassuringly.
Down in the kitchen, a light was on. Five people were still up and sitting around the kitchen table going through the day's events from the living room.
“I still don’t believe Snape is married,” Sirius voiced.
“I will believe it when I see it.” Mad-eye barked out, sipping on some drink from his side flask. A drink that wasn’t polyjuice this time.
“You mean her, she is a person and not a mandrake to be dissected.” Lupin inquired.
“Well it might not be a she, it could be a Death Eater,” Mad-eye said, paranoid as ever.
“I don’t think so, after everything he has gone through to get here and to help us. You think he would endanger all of it?” Kinglsey said wisely from his spot.
“How do we know he even is helping us?”
“Sirius…..” Lupin said tiredly. A conversation that has been occurring over and over again. It was always the same thing. Sirius not trusting Snape and Lupin defending him, telling him to get over his grudge. It always ended with Sirius being scolded but it never lasts.
“No, I am with Black he hasn’t done anything that has been actually helpful yet,” Mad-eye said, agreeing. He was under the impression that once a Death Eater, always a Death Eater. There was nothing that could change that.
“Maybe not but you are forgetting that Hermione was involved in all of this. And she wouldn’t do something that could jeopardize her friends,” Tonks chipped in.
“Maybe not but Snape is a master manipulator,” Mad-eye pointed out.
“Hermione is too smart to be fooled by him and besides why else would Snape invite her to his wedding if he was just using her?” defended Lupin.
“That is true, I wonder what it would be like being married to Snape,” Tonks said, staring off into the distance.
“You really wanna know?” Sirius asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
“Actually I think I will pass,” Tonks said her hair turning a sour green colour as she realized what he was implying.
“Besides I can't help thinking that he is right,” Lupin said
“What are you talking about? He had no right to go off on you like that,” Sirius defended.
“Actually he did and he was right,” Lupin admitted. “I was careless and should have taken my wolfsbane potion. Maybe if I had Wormtail wouldn’t have escaped.” Lupin
“Maybe, but it was also my fault for not killing him 13 years like I sought out to,” Sirius muttered darkly. A thought that still haunts him.
“You can’t start thinking like that,” Tonks pleaded.
“I agree gentlemen, that is one path you don’t want to follow,” Kinglsey. If they were gonna go around in a circle going through all of the things they should have done. It was gonna take a long time and require a lot of firewhiskey.
“There is only one thing you can do and that is to remain constantly vigilant.” Mad-eye barked.