Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Giving A Chance	By : Leania07 Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 17354 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 9
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor do I make money from this fic.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
A/N: Thanks for the reviews ^.^ Here's the mysterious letters.
Chapter 8: Letters Speak, Eyes Watch
Severus had remembered the letter Harry gave him yesterday, which he never got a chance to read before everything else that happened. He had put it off, still a bit wary over what Lily could say in that letter, and so did some brewing for Poppy. Then supper came, then Dumbledore called him up to discuss things, then…nothing. He knew Dumbledore gave them the potion, and Merlin knew how often it happened before; however he would ensure that the others, especially Harry, knew to be careful and not accept any food or drink from the Headmaster.
Especially Harry; Merlin he couldn’t believe how things crept up on him. He knew his feelings on the Brat of Gryffindor had changed, but until today he thought it was just tolerance. He had thought when he was younger, foolish adolescent he was, that he was in love with Lily Evans. He found out one night that he fancied males and his love for Lily was that as one would feel for a sister. It made it hurt no less the night she died, but he eventually understood why it was just painful that she was dead and not life-ending. He fingered the unopened letter in his inner pocket of his robe as he turned down the final hall towards his labs. The male in the painting that guards his door had returned, Severus noted.
“Severus, I would speak with you if you will; it is important.” Severus raised an eyebrow and nodded as he walked closer.
“Inside would be best, with the wards up and fireplace locked.” That really got Severus’ attention; seems there was some delicate information.
“Of course, Endurance.” The door opened and Severus went through; he locked down his Floo and set the wards before turning back to the painting above the mantle. The scene was wooded with a fallen log and a tree stump, a trickling stream in the background that only became animated when there was a figure in the painting. The figure entered in and once more, Severus wondered who this man was. The only information he was given was that the person was a Slytherin and excellent at potions.
“I have seen things over the past few years, even more over the last two days, and I feel myself greatly concerned. You wear robes of a Slytherin and often times I see those children come to you for aide. We do not have much interaction, however I think it is time to do so. What is your title besides Potions Professor here at Hogwarts, Severus?”
Severus sat and looked back at the green eyes; eyes so much like Lily and Harry’s. He mentally shook his head to get his mind back on track. “I am Head of Slytherin House, Potions Professor, and I also hold the title of Potion Master.”
“Potion Master, you say; yet I have seen you fall prey to a potion laced cup year after year. I am uncertain of which one it is, but the near translucent color is indicative of a potion to befuddle the mind. I can only assume the smell and taste of the tea inhibits any odor of the potion.”
“Yes, I have recently discovered that I have been under the Compulsion potion for an undetermined amount of time. Tell me how is it you knew of this, as the only one who could do so is the Headmaster?” Severus watched as the image flicked back long raven-black hair, greying at the temples, before sitting down. A snake slithered over, the same one from the door painting and hissed. The figure smirked at Severus before hissing back to the snake. Severus felt his mouth dry and his eyes widen; so few he has heard of that spoke that language.
“I have a hidden painting in the office of the Headmaster, as do my fellow Founders. I am sure you realize now who I am.” It doesn’t take long for Severus to nod, “Good. I have been silently watching for a while now, gleaming what information I can as it seems the current Headmaster has forgotten about my painting there. The only thing that would be more perfect was if it was un-silenced. No, I would also like to be able to speak with the other Founders, but their paintings are hidden somewhere, possibly locked in their frames.”
“What made you decide to speak up now?” Severus pushed back the thoughts of what he could learn from Salazar Slytherin himself, focusing on what was going on now.
“Because he has used that potion on the young lad with green eyes; even in my day it was illegal to use a mind potion or spell on an under aged witch or wizard. Worse for it to have been the Headmaster of the school, he whom is trusted with the safety, education, and care of the students. I can tell that young man has immense power, and if that old fool is aware of it, he may try to use the young man to do his bidding. It must not be allowed to happen; I’ve already seen two young lads harmed by that man, I do not wish a third to fall prey.”
“Two others?” Severus already decided to help Harry, but he wondered if it was too late for the other young men.
“Of course, a young lad I discovered by the name of Tom Riddle, and yourself, Severus.” Salazar raised his eyebrow as Severus sputtered.
“How, pray tell, were the two of us harmed? You said you could not hear what was said, and as far as I know of no other action was taken but this use of Compulsion potion.” Severus knew how he was harmed, of course. Not by action, or rather by lack of action; the whole incident with Lupin and the Marauders being forefront in his mind.
“I was never just confined to this or that painting alone, Severus. I saw the way you were treated after speaking to the Headmaster about that group of Gryffindor boys. Riddle was constantly refused help in his quest to find a new home during schooling, and later denied to become a Professor not once, but twice. However I did want to clear something up for you, something I have heard you and the others of Slytherin house say. Those bullies are not the norm for Gryffindor House; Godric never would’ve stood for it. He ensured those of his house knew others were to be treated with respect and to offer help without recrimination of that person being weak. He always said his house was for those brave at heart, which had to learn the balance of kindness that was important to become a true defender of the Magical Realm.”
Severus nodded, it did sound like what he read in older books about the Founders. “However that is not how they are now; occasionally there is a few students that seem to know that balance, but most are not taught.”
“Then it is imperative that we find Godric’s painting and have him speak with the Head of Gryffindor House; just as I must straighten things out for you.” Severus looked at him with one brow raised.
“Yes we are cunning, using our intelligence to discover weaknesses and slip out of danger; however my House was not meant to be a pit of deceit and lies. We are the intelligence gatherers in many aspects of life, bringing forth knowledge of the world to those who can plan and act to better our world. However I see the children in the halls tormenting one another, pitting hate and lies against one another, tearing down our Realm from the inside! It must STOP!” The word was booming and Severus blinked.
“I thought that was the role of Slytherin House, exploiting others weaknesses to gain power for ourselves?” Severus cringed at the icy green glare he received; oh how his world was being turned upside down.
“No, it is not. We find the weakness of our fellow students to educate them, so that others in the world cannot exploit them. We do not taunt them or use them for our own benefit; how will we have powerful allies against those who seek to destroy us if we tear them down and expose that weakness for all to see? It is amazing the other Realms have not yet taken over and destroyed us.”
“What other Realms? Do you mean the other schools? Other countries?” Severus felt his mind stumble a bit; Slyterins were supposed to help the other Houses like that?
“No the other Realms; Realms of the Demons, Realms of the Fey, Realms of the Elves, and Realms of the Dragon-kin. Things have gone worse than I imagined; are you not taught of those Realms anymore? The dangers of approaching a portal and opening it?”
Severus shuddered before shaking his head, “No, nothing like that is mentioned. We have heard of creatures that are called Fey, like the Pixies and Leprechauns, but no demons. Summoning a Demon is considered the darkest of Dark Arts, and forbidden here at Hogwarts.”
“Merlin and Morgana alive, it is only a matter of time I fear. I must speak with Rowena and the others; classes must be changed at Hogwarts quickly. I fear the graduates before and the ones now will not know how to handle the dangers should those portals ever open. You must teach that green eyed lad, he at least has enough power to do something; others will need to learn as well.”
“Lord Slytherin, we already have a Dark Lord to face, one in which Harry is told he must face. That is the young man’s name; Harry Potter.”
Salazar nodded, “Yes however that would do little to stop the Demons; they would jump at the chance to strike while we are weak. Do you know where my Chamber is?”
Severus felt the urge to laugh and nearly did. “I only just learned of it, I am to go down tonight after dinner, with Harry and a few other students who insist on coming, to harvest the Basilisk.”
“Salana has perished? How long ago, do you know?” Sadness engulfed those green eyes as a hand stroked down the back of the serpent beside him.
“Four years ago, a near corporeal form of Tom Riddle let…Salana…loose to harm the students, specifically Muggle-born and half-blood.” He was cut off by Salazar’s snort.
“No Basilisk can distinguish between Muggle-born and half-blood because there are no such things. They are Squib-born or Wizard-born, but no other.” Sadness took over his face again, “How many of you did it take to bring her down?”
For a while Severus felt his mouth dangle as he processed this new information. He snapped his jaw shut and composed himself once more.
“Actually one second year student did that; Harry Potter. He went down to your Chamber and had to battle the Basilisk; Fawkes, the Phoenix, had scratched out the eyes to render it’s…”
“Her, my Basilisk was a female.” Severus nodded and continued.
“Her killing stare harmless. Harry read about the lone weakness of a Basilisk, the spot in the upper jaw. Fawkes brought the Sorting Hat, and inside was Gryffindor’s sword. The boy took a fang to the arm, but luckily for him, Fawkes cried over the wound. How do you know there are only Squib-born and Wizard-born? Tales were that you fought to keep Muggle-borns out from Hogwarts and a supporter of blood purity.”
Salazar looked at him puzzled, “Where in the Realm would someone come to that conclusion? Blood purity, what sort of nonsense is that? Wizarding kind can only reproduce with other magical kind, so of course all blood would be ‘pure’ in that case. Magical and non-magical cannot reproduce, Magic has insured that so that Her gift cannot be lost. Do you not have to read Morgana’s Magica’s Laws? It was to be a standard for any first year, especially if their family did not own a copy.”
“I am afraid much is different now; History of Magic has not changed since I was a student. Still focusing on the Great Goblin Wars through all seven years of school.” Severus blinked at the sudden outburst of hissing from the portrait, violent and angry. Years of listening to the Dark Lord’s anger in hissed Parseltongue at least taught him the tone of the hissing to be wary of.
“Severus it is imperative that you teach any student willing to learn the truth; I must also ask you to search for the other Founder’s portraits, asking those of other Houses as well. So much needs to be fixed.”
Severus nodded and after informing him that he would be in the Chamber later, Salazar left. Feeling quite shaken with such information, Severus took a moment to calm himself, enlisting the aid of a Calming Draught, before he pulled out Lily’s letter. Taking a breath he opened the envelope and pulled out the letter; unfolding it, he began to read.
“Severus,
My friend, for yes I still consider you my friend even now, I wish to apologize for my cold shoulder in our last years of school. I admit it hurt to hear that foul word come from your mouth, he who I saw as brother, but worse was when you turned to those Death Eaters more. I realize now, looking down at Harry as he sleeps, that I was angrier at myself for the pain I caused you. Dear Severus, can you forgive me for not helping you when you needed it? I pushed you more in their grasp by keeping silent, I realize that now, and though I asked James, Sirius, and Peter to leave you alone, I wasn’t as firm about it. I could only watch as you withdrew further and further, knowing should I approach you James and the others would antagonize you more. I had tried to speak to you once, but the white rose returned to me withered and the leaves undisturbed.”
Severus recalled the rose, it had appeared in his home on Spinner’s End one day. He remembers almost picking it up but stopped, thinking it was a trap as he had begun regretting his choice to be a Death Eater more and more, and feared one of them knew. Lily always gave him a white rose once a year up until the day he called her a ‘mudblood.’ It had slowly wilted and then one day it was gone. Perhaps he should’ve trusted his initial thought to pluck it from the table; he looked back down at the letter and resumed reading.
“I cannot blame you for not wanting to speak to me; so I wrote this all down should I never get to speak to you before my death. I know it’s coming, Severus, you know I could ‘see’ small glimpses. I try at every Order meeting to catch you after, but between the Marauders and Harry being born I have not yet had the chance. Not to mention you slip out unawares, you slippery snake.”
Severus chuckled, he could almost hear her teasing voice; it never bothered Lily he was a Slytherin. He should’ve tried to speak to her, at least once, instead of avoiding her.
“Don’t blame yourself, Sev. I know you think you must, but regardless what happened, you are not to blame. I know what you did, Sev, and it was what you felt you must do. Had you known I was to be targeted, I know you never would’ve told that high-and-mighty bastard. It’s why I hated Divination, Sev; people make the prophecies true by their own interpretations. It’s also why I dismissed anything I ‘saw’ unless I thought it could be prevented. I saw the path that must be taken, by you, by Harry, and the path you both travel. I could tell you, and you could go along with it or change it; however I will let you make your own path without incriminating knowledge. I knew our deaths would come while Harry was still a babe, and I wish I knew who he would be with.
“Oh, the Vandeshens’ came by a few days ago, I’ve been adopted into their family by Ministry rights. It’s not blood, full or partial, but it is still an adoption, a welcoming, into their family. Sev, don’t let Harry be put with my sister and her horrible husband. ‘Tuney has only gotten worse since our childhood, and her husband’s even more despicable. I fear the neglect Harry would face left to them; both magical education and basic needs. Take him yourself, if you can, or someone you trust; my boy will have enough to face without their degradation heaped upon his soul.
Severus cringed, Harry went to that house every summer, lived with them his whole life. He would speak with him later; claiming his titles so he could now live on his own, but Severus wanted to make sure he was all right.
“However, knowing Dumbledore, things will not be that way, so I ask you do not beat yourself up over it. What happens, happens, and I only ask you support my son. I know he looks a lot like Jamie, and the two of you never got along, but Harry is so different. He heard one of those stories, the pranks they pulled on you, and James learned never to tell them again. Sev, you’ll laugh I’m sure, but even before I could scold him for telling Harry those things, Harry wailed and climbed off James’ lap. For the whole day he refused to sit with his ‘daddy’; oh go ahead and laugh, I did. Told James it served him right; I won’t allow my son to think it’s ‘okay’ to be mean. Harry it seems doesn’t like anyone being mean. The next day he seemed to tolerate James until he apologized for the story; I could almost swear Harry had such intelligence even at that age to understand. Perhaps it was the tone of voice, or the feeling, but he seemed to know.
Severus did chuckle, imagining what Potter Senior looked like as his infant son refused to be around him. The smile slipped off his face however; if only he knew what his son had to go through…Perhaps he does.
“I have strayed from my topic, but there is so much I wish to tell you. My dear Severus, dear friend and brother, please let go of any guilt you feel. You are not to blame; I do not blame you, nor does James. I even spoke with him, letting him know what I saw. Even James says you are not to blame…there should also be another letter with this one; James wouldn’t let me see it but he swore upon his parent’s graves it was not a prank. Be at peace, Sev, and let what happiness comes you way happen.
Your sister of heart,
Lily Potter.”
His hands shook as he put the letter down; he found a smaller envelope inside the other that enlarged to full size when removed. Accepting whatever prank may be there, regardless of what Lily was told, he opened the envelope. He pulled out the letter after nothing happened and opened it. It wasn’t as long as Lily’s, but he was still shocked.
“Snape,
I know you hate me, Merlin knows I deserve it for all the shite I gave you. Lily told me of what she saw…man was finding out my wife had abilities like a Seer is shocking. Even though I would love to curse you for telling that bastard what you heard that night, I have to agree that it could’ve been about anyone. You-Know-Who decided who to target, you were a mere messenger that got the short stick. Damnit, makes me feel worse knowing I didn’t help with that. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry; I know, feeble words from a dead man, but hey I at least know I was wrong. Too many years too late as it may be, it still needs to be said. Take care of my son, Snape; Siri is too hot-headed right now and will no doubt do something stupid. Remmy, well you know why he can’t. Something just doesn’t sit well with me about Peter; why Dumbledore wanted us to make him Secret Keeper instead of Siri still baffles me. We did though. Be careful around Dumbledore, something about him just seems ‘off’.
Take care, Snape.
James Potter”
Severus folded both letters up and put them in a hidden drawer; he then sat in one of his chairs and thought for a long time, staring into the fire.

It wasn’t until he heard a chime that signaled near time for dinner that Severus was drawn out of his musings. It was with a lighter soul that the normally dour man made his way towards the Great Hall; things would need to be discussed, soon.
- 7
- 8
- 9
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Giving A Chance