Chapter Text
Harry traipsed down the stairs with his friends, all of whom were quite subdued now that they knew it had been the wraith of Voldemort all along after the Sorcerer’s stone.
Parvati, surprisingly, had been already brought up to speed by Hermione about what Harry had done to protect the Stone prior to actually coming face to face with Voldemort. He found out that it had been Parvati who Ron had found first and she, along with Ron, had stumbled into Professor Snape, who had taken one look at them and ran to bring Harry back from the west wing.
Harry was yet to see Professor Snape and he gathered that even if he did, he would be at the end of a well deserved scolding, in school or not.
The Great Hall was full of students eating and talking with each other. There were green and silver banners with the Slytherin symbol above their heads, already indicating the house with the most points. Dumbledore gave a slight nod to Professor McGonagall, as Harry and his friends, the last students to turn up, took their seats.
McGonagall clicked her spoon to her glass to ask attention from the students. The crowd fell silent.
Dumbledore stood up. “Another year gone. And now, as I understand it, the house cup needs awarding. And the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor with 412 points. Third place, Hufflepuff with 426 points.”
There was a slight applause for Hufflepuff.
“In second place, Ravenclaw with 456 points. And in first place, with 472 points, Slytherin house.”
A loud roar rose from the Slytherin table, as students stood up and clapped for themselves. Hermione scowled with her hand to her cheek; Snape was applauding for the students of his house.
“Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin. However, recent events must be taken into account. And I have a few last-minute points to award.”
Harry could feel people turning to zone in on him. “To Mr. Ronald Weasley, for the best played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years, 30 points.”
Ron looked surprised and Hermione stared at him bemusedly. Fred and George were heard screaming, “Our brother! Won against McGonagall’s chess set!”
The Gryffindor table was applauding.
“And to Mr. Harry Potter, for the cool use of intellect while others were in grave peril, 30 points.”
Harry smiled softly.
“We're tied with Slytherin!” Hermione gasped.
“Also to Mr Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house 50 points.”
That, Harry had not expected.
“Assuming that my calculations are correct, I believe that a change of decoration is in order.” Dumbledore clapped and motioned his hands towards the Slytherin banners, where they flap heavily, until the banners changed completely to red and gold with the Gryffindor symbol. “Gryffindor wins the House Cup.”
The Great Hall exploded with applause, not only from the Gryffindors, but also from the Ravenclaws and the Hufflepuffs because they were glad that for the first time in seven years, despite Snape picking off points as if they were peanuts, someone other than Slytherin had won the House Cup. Harry heard even Hagrid cheer. Professor McGonagall smiled at him and Snape looked to have swallowed a sour lemon. He finally grinned.
“We won! We won!” Parvati and Lavender were screaming.
Ron seemed to be looking past Harry's shoulders and Harry turned to find Draco Malfoy looking at him in a calculated manner. Harry rolled his eyes, he didn't care about Malfoy right now.
***
Why don't you just Floo home?
Harry remembered Dudley's latest idea to get home fast.
“Come on, now. Hurry up, you'll be late. Train's leaving. Go on." Hagrid was herding all of them in. "Go on. Come on, hurry up.”
Harry handed Hedwig to Ron, who was already in and walked in behind him, his trunk had been pushed in earlier with all of theirs by Percy and the twins. Hermione waved to Hagrid from behind him, Hagrid waved back. Hermione got on the train.
“Come on, Harry.”
“One minute.” He sidestepped and hurried to Hagrid.
“Thought you were leaving without saying goodbye, didja?”
“What happened with Fluffy-”
“Wasn' your fault.” Hagrid shook his head. “You're a good boy, Harry.”
“We didn't start this properly, Hagrid.” Harry pushed himself to say. He had waited long enough. “I know it was you who brought me to Aunt Petunia’s.”
Hagrid looked ready to cry.
“Don't.” Harry shook his head. “What I mean to say is, thank you. I have a proper home because of you.”
Hagrid nodded, pulling him into a bear hug. “Oh. Go on. On with you. On with you now.”
Harry smiled, glad to have cleared his head. Whatever Aunt Petunia felt about the situation, that was her opinion. But, truly, Hagrid had brought him home that night.
Hermione smiled at him as he got back into the train. “Feels strange to be going home, doesn't it?”
“We'll be back.” Harry smiled. “There's a lot left to explore.”
Hermione chuckled, finding the compartment where Ron and Neville sat. “So, why didn't you Floo home?”
“And miss claiming all the Chocolate Frog Cards from you lot?” Harry teased.
Hermione shook her head. “You're a strange one, Potter.”
“Stranger danger.” Harry nodded. “Now, who wants to help me set up a good prank?”
***
Harry disembarked the train at King's Cross. It was close to five in the evening.
“I swear, once I tell mum what you did-” Harry tuned out Percy's latest warning to the twins in favour of searching for his family.
“Potter!” Harry froze at the silver haired blue eyed menace his best friend despised.
“Malfoy.” He nodded at the pink face the boy sported.
“Was it really the no-good twins?”
“They'll eventually admit it.” Harry said. “Have a good summer.”
“How do I get it off?” Malfoy called.
Harry kept walking.
“You're a menace, Potter!”
“What did you do?” He heard Sirius ask of the group as they approached.
“They-”
Sirius cut Percy off. “Not Fred and George. Harry, what did you do?”
“We knew it!” The twins grinned.
Ron groaned. “How did you know?”
“Harry, fix it before they start leaving.” Aunt Petunia ordered.
“Alright. Trace doesn't work here, right?” Harry asked just out of caution.
Remus shook his head, smirking.
Harry took out his wand for show. He waved it once, twice, then thrice.
“Finally!” Several of the Slytherins yelled in relief.
“Nice work.” Dudley grinned.
Hermione whined. “Only you would find this funny.” She stomped off to walk through the barrier.
***
The first week of summer flew by extremely fast. Catching up with Dudley seemed to pass too quickly, “and then, Samantha from West Tower, goes- Mrs Twilfitt, it was Dudley!” Stories of pranks and detentions were traded quite skillfully under the guise of gaming marathons, Padfoot at their feet sneezing in appreciation. God help if Petunia Dursley had the list of what her child had been up to.
Harry's year was quite transparent to the family now, Harry had no cause or point to keep anything. Every incident, small or big, was laid out in a timeline, referencing his headache journal by Remus Lupin by the end of the first day back. Looking back, Harry thought of exactly how stupid he had been keeping the snowball affair out of the journal. They'd have figured it out at Christmas had he not discarded the event. He solidified his promise to never lie to his friends or family regarding his scar, after a long and widened conversation as he prepared for bed on the very last night of June.
Severus Snape had finally wrapped up his responsibilities at the castle and earned a night off, which he utilised by knocking on the Dursleys door at a quarter past six that evening.
Padfoot had greeted him, to his shock and disdain. A warning bark had Petunia Dursley emerging from the living room.
“Severus, how have you been?” She smiled at the man.
“Well enough.” Severus shook his head at the dog. “I didn't know you had adopted a stray.”
“Just recently. Shaggy.” Her voice held warning and the rascal dog stopped growling. “Do come in, Sev. Is this about Harry?”
“In a way.” Severus stepped into the hall, taking off his coat. He hung it on the side and relaxed. “Is Harry home?”
“Upstairs with Dudley. They'll be down soon.” Petunia moved to the kitchen and Severus followed. “Tea?”
“That would be nice.” Severus took a seat at the table, Shaggy following in his footsteps and laying down mere feet from him. “Why a dog?”
“Sorry?”
“Why a dog for a pet?” Severus clarified.
“Safer to have a dog than a Kneazle, Remus said.” Petunia smiled. “And moreover, he is very friendly and loyal. Aren't you Shaggy?”
The dog looked up at Petunia and whined. Severus felt distinctly that Petunia was smirking, but let it be. If Remus Lupin had no qualms about this, he wasn't going to go push his opinion on the Dursleys. They did live in a Muggle neighbourhood.
“Professor!” The voice made him spin in his chair. Smiling, and partially terrified, the nearly twelve year old form of his nemesis James Potter was standing in front of him, staring through the eyes of his late best friend.
“You!” Severus rounded on him. “Sit.”
Harry Potter, to his credit, did not smile anymore. “I'm sorry-”
“SORRY?” Severus bellowed. “Do you have any idea how terrified I was- we all were- when Ron Weasley- Weasley of all students- came seeking my assistance?”
Harry looked down in shame now.
“What possessed you to go down in the bowels when I had explicitly told you not to?”
“You had?” Petunia asked.
“The very same day Petunia.” Severus nodded. “Merely minutes from me warning him to get back to the dormitories, he went after Quirrell!”
“Harry, is this true?” Petunia stepped away from the stove and glared at the boy. “Why would you disregard Severus’ instructions so blatantly?”
“I just- I just wanted to know…” Harry almost whispered.
“Mum, who's being so- oh, Professor Snape!” Dudley entered the kitchen.
“Dudley, would you please Floo Shaggy to Remus'?” Petunia requested out of the blue. “Have him come over, would you?”
“Er- alright.” Dudley looked around, confused at the command. “Come on?” The dog appeared to be thinking, turning to look at Severus and Harry once. Then, as if shrugging, he lifted up and trotted out.
Severus looked at Petunia in question. “He's well trained.” Severus heard the signs off a Floo station engaging before he shook his head. “Harry, you already had the Stone, it was well protected, and so was everyone. Why did you go down there?”
Harry looked defeated. “I sensed someone there.”
***
“Moony!”
Remus Lupin startled out of his imagination and turned away from the book at hand. He was supposed to be having a lie in, the full moon being the very next day. What had possessed Sirius to be shouting, and being back at this unexpected hour was anyone's guess.
He dog-eared the page and kept the book on his bed, getting out from the comfort of his quilts.
“Moony! Snape's come over!”
“Not so loud!” He heard Dudley on the way down.
“Hello boys.” He smiled at Dudley. “Snape is where?”
“At home.” Dudley provided. “Mum asked me to bring him over so we could trade for you.”
Remus grinned. “A safe choice.”
“Remus.” Sirius growled at him.
“Please tell me you didn't make a spectacle of yourself?” Remus asked.
“No. I stayed down like a good dog.” Sirius snapped.
“You are free and registered.”
“Doesn't mean I should want to be in the same room as him.” Sirius explained. “And to know Harry went to him for emotional support-”
“Harry did?” Remus was surprised. The boy hadn't talked or told them anything about what had happened at Hogwarts except that he had found a way through the enchantments and found out it was a Voldemort-possessed Quirrell after the Philosopher's Stone.
Remus noticed Dudley looking sideways. Years of pranking and lying had given him at least the observation skills to identify when someone was choosing to lie down.
“Dudley, what do you know?”
The boy started, and looked at both the adults. “Nothing.”
“You know we'll find out anyway.” Sirius warned the boy. “Out with it. Now.”
Dudley looked defeated. “It's not anything unexpected. At least to me.”
“But it was unexpected to some others?” Remus asked. “What is it?”
“Harry, he told me a couple of times last year that Professor Snape seemed to enjoy teasing him in classes.” Dudley looked at them furtively. “Nothing major, small things to take points off or about his parents. But whenever he served the detentions for talking back to him, Professor Snape would just coach him in Potions.”
“Who else knows about this?” Sirius asked.
“None of his friends.” Dudely shook his head. “They don't like Professor Snape on account of his having been a Death Eater. Harry, he practically enjoys teasing Snape. He says those detentions, time with Snape in private, are worth a few points here and there.”
“He's grown to trust him, then?” Sirius wrangled Remus' thought, too.
“I believe so. With the Stone… When Ron wrote to me a few days after it happened, he said he was surprised when Harry said to get any teacher for help, even if it was Snape. And Ron said he didn't have to even tell Snape what the matter was when they bumped into each in search of teachers. Snape just somehow knew where Harry would have gone.” Dudley breathed. “I mean, with having the Stone falling into his hands and then being so stubborn about keeping it, it's just like Harry reaching out to an adult for some support.”
Remus and Sirius were now looking at Dudley with a sort of understanding. “I guess it's not bad, when you put it that way.”
“Moony, Snape is scolding my godson like he was his.” Sirius Black shot back.
“I will handle this.” Remus sighed. “You stay here unless you wish Snape to know you heard all of that.”
Sirius pushed himself into a couch, a pout on his face, and Remus reached for some Floor Powder. “Come on, Dudley.”
***
“You have known for a year!?”
Remus Lupin took quick steps to the kitchen. Severus Snape sounded shocked. Whatever had Harry said?
“Snape.” He greeted, taking Severus' attention off the poor boy, who looked to be smirking.
“Lupin. You have some explaining to do.”
“Regarding what, may I ask?” He turned to nod at Petunia, who tapped her forehead with two fingers.
They were on the potion. Good. Remus breathed. It had been a tricky brew, but Sirius had perfected a potion for raising Occlumency shields in Muggles as well some time last year as Petunia had been accepted into the Circle. With more people knowing where they lived, the family had taken frequent doses during the past several months now, even Vernon.
“Were you aware that blood heirs can feel and manipulate the castle's magics?” Severus spat out.
“That hasn't come up.” Remus shook his head. “Harry?”
“Neville and I figured it out after we recovered from the incident last September.” Harry sighed. “We made a pact not to tell anyone.”
“Colour me surprised if your father didn't do the same with his friends.” Snape bit.
“James never told us anything about it, Severus.” Remus hummed. “But it would explain the incident in the sixth year, no?”
Severus stiffened. “You mean to say, Black actually-”
“He did make a mistake. A rather telling one.” Remus admitted and accepted. “But James’ timing was rather perfect for both our sakes.”
“What are we talking about?” Harry asked.
Remus swept a look at the whole audience before explaining himself. “The only time your father and Sirius had a proper argument was when Sirius made a very wrong choice, and it involved Severus here almost losing his life. It seems your father quickly- and rightly- used all the resources he had, possibly apparating within Hogwarts, and raising the wards that saved Severus' life.”
“Sirius wouldn't-”
“Harry.” Remus warned.
“Black has him wrapped around his finger, doesn't he?” Snape spat.
“He is a responsible godfather, Severus.” Remus sighed. “He's learned from his mistakes. As I'm sure you have when it comes to Draco Malfoy.”
“You're his godfather!?” Harry shrieked. “That makes so much sense!”
“Harry.” Remus turned on him. “Sirius has told me that Ron's opinion of Draco has influenced you much. But I think you should know something extremely illuminating.” This would have to do, to bridge the little gap of understanding between Severus and Sirius as well as Harry and Draco. “Draco's mother is Black by blood.”
Harry's eyes widened.
“And you know how Sirius feels about family. Draco is his family. And Severus is Draco's.”
“To think,” Petunia suddenly murmured, “had things played out differently in our time, Severus and Sirius might have switched godsons.”
Remus held in his smirk as Severus pressed his lips. “I think you might be onto something, Petunia. Harry, no one is angry or upset with you regarding what happened with the Philosopher's Stone. But you made everyone worry. Have you apologized to Severus?”
“I tried but he started scolding me.” Harry whined. “I am sorry, Professor.”
Snape nodded. “You attract too much trouble. First with the troll, and then the Stone…”
“About that.” Remus stepped in. “We would like to show you something, now that you are here.”
Remus had thought and argued with Sirius about the complexities of how to gain Severus' trust over the last week. One thing had always been constant. He simply had to know two facts, if not the myriad of other issues Harry was facing.
“Harry, would you please retrieve the letters you received last week?”
“Oh. Alright.” Harry took off.
“I have one question.” Severus spoke into the silence. “How could you not know that James Potter manipulated the castle's magics?”
“I knew he had some unique affinities with the castle." The Marauder's map came into mind. "He knew shortcuts and sneaked around often enough. But,” and it was a very telling excuse. “I only knew about it after they admitted to knowing my condition and using said shortcuts for my benefit in third year. I simply assumed they had canvassed the castle over the years.”
Snape shook his head. “Ever the loyal wolf.”
“Severus. Not in front of Harry. He doesn't know yet.” Remus warned.
Snape's lips curled but he nodded. And then he extracted a flask of medicine. “I was planning to ask Petunia to be the messenger. However-”
Remus accepted the flask with a smile. “Your gift is very much appreciated, Severus.”
He pocketed it quickly before Harry stumbled into the kitchen, a grinning Dudley with him.
“What did you do?” Snape asked.
“Magic.” Harry grinned. “Which one first?”
“Before you read this, I need to know one thing, Severus. If it came to choosing between Harry and Dumbledore, what would you do?” Remus asked, nose sniffing for any emotions out of place.
Confusion, dread, a spark of interest. “I would choose Harry's safety, of course.”
Typical of Snape to not answer a direct question. Remus still thought which one to go with first. “Gringotts first, Harry. Here you go, Severus, take your time.”
Severus unfolded the parchment.
Mr Harry James Potter,
I write to you to revert on our diagnostic session last week, the twenty third of June, and its results.
Core Magic: Fire
Core Alignment: Neutral
Core Stage: Wizard
“Wizard?” Snape looked up.
“Keep reading.” Remus insisted.
While we have thoroughly examined your practical and theoretical knowledge to understand the progress since removal of your blocks, we request you to book an appointment before September to assess any more changes before term starts again.
Sincerely,
Farlig
Senior Manager, Gringotts
“How, in the name of Merlin-” Snape shook his head. “Minerva and Filius have told me about your exceptional wand work but this… it's extraordinary.”
“Thanks.” Harry looked abashed.
“Did you ever see Harry's year end report, Severus?” Petunia was smirking with pride.
“I don't believe so.” Snape shook his head, then smirked himself. “Hermione Granger did not have the top scores, did she?”
“She wishes.” Harry smarted. “She can't always be the topper.”
“I know you received the E in Potions. And it was well deserved.” Snape nodded.
“Thanks, Professor.” Harry waited and continued. “I got an E in History of Magic, rest were O’s.”
“Remarkable.” Snape nodded. “You have tied your scores with Draco. Both top of the class.”
Harry grinned. “Maybe I'll give him a tougher competition next year.”
“As long as you don't take to the corridors, we'll live.” Snape warned.
“I would never.” Harry shook his head. “Ron has his issues with Draco, but Draco has been a good sport so far with me.”
“I do remember how you got into the Quidditch team, yes.” Snape nodded. “It seems your friends don't influence you as much as Lupin worries.”
“They influence me loads.” Harry stuck out a tongue. “Neville has helped me understand Draco's position.”
Snape looked sharply at Harry. “I see. I trust you will be discreet?”
“Founder's honour, sir.” Harry nodded.
“Should I even ask?” Remus broke in.
“It's not important.” Harry shook his head.
“Harry, what have we said about secrets?” Petunia warned.
“It's got nothing to do with me, Aunt Petunia.” Harry calmly explained. “Just- Neville had some information regarding how Malfoys have to handle politics. His Gran probably told him. Neville advised I should be careful not to get between Ron and Draco's spats as that is fairly political, too. And since Mr Malfoy was one of your votes in the Circle, Neville has the opinion I should not be seen in a spat with Draco. And I agree as Draco has never instigated me in any way. If anything, he is downright polite to me.”
“All very good advice.” Remus nodded.
“Indeed.” Snape nodded. “What's in the other letter, Lupin?”
“Are you not even going to ask why Harry's core was blocked?” Remus asked.
“While it is technically a crime, I assume Dumbledore had his reasons.” Snape said. “What's in the other letter, Lupin?”
“You have to understand that Harry did what he thought was best.”
“What's in the letter, Harry?” Snape turned to the boy.
Dudley placed a small hand on Harry's back for encouragement. “Go on. You did what you had to do.”
“Did Professor Dumbledore ever tell you what happened after I woke up in the Hospital Wing?” Harry asked tentatively. “What happened to the Stone?”
“He mentioned to the staff that he had handled the matter with the Flamels.” Snape looked curious. “Are you telling me you were involved in how it was handled?”
“In a way.” Harry handed the letter to him. “Dumbledore told me Flamel wished to destroy the Stone and asked for it back. All through the months, I somehow knew he couldn't take it from me. The castle chose me for being the ultimate protector. I had to be the one to hand it to him. So, I destroyed a stone in the Hospital Wing under Dumbledore’s eyes.”
Snape looked confused for a moment. “What happened to the real Stone?”
“Sirius contacted the Flamels.” Harry grinned. “Just read their reply.”
Dear Mr Potter,
We are delighted that you found a way around Albus' watchful eyes to deliver our property back to us. We will be forever grateful for your noble work.
Mr Black has informed us of Albus' recent wayward handling of your matters and it concerns us a great deal. Which is why, Perenelle, my wife, believes we should let the man believe his plan worked. It is for the best. We shall be moving and taking up new names, but should you wish any assistance in your matters, do not hesitate to reach out, young man.
Godspeed.
Nicholas Flamel