Chapter XXI

Harry yawned widely as he made his way up the stairs towards the Great Hall. He had decided to breakfast in the Great Hall today, despite the reaction he knew would be coming. It would be nice to have the chatter of other voices, and not the tense air between Draco and Sora.

“Is there a particular reason why we have to go down?” Sora said in a cross voice.

Unfortunately, Sora and Draco didn’t look at this abrupt change of routine very positively. And it was only nearing the end of the first week of Christmas holidays. “Yes. I want to. And you two,” he glanced between the both of them. “Can humour me for once.”

“We could have just stayed-” Draco began.

“No. I would have dragged the both of you kicking and screaming,” Harry said. “Since I can’t leave the two of you alone, the only other option was to bring you. And I wasn’t about to eat in your room again, Draco.”

Harry continued walking up, while Draco started muttering something about being doomed, trapped between a Potter and a de Vyns. Harry decided to torture them a bit and gave them a disgustingly cheery smile. Both Sora and Draco pegged him with a dirty look. They entered the Great Hall and made their way over to the Slytherin table. Already Harry could see the other people occupying the other three house tables looking their way. A few Slytherins looked up, a first year waving in greeting, and then paid attention to their first meal of the day. Not a word uttered from them; quite different from the animated chatter from the other three tables. Harry started filling his plate, noticing the rolled up newspaper. Once his plate, he picked up a piece of toast and opened the newspaper. It looked like no one had read it yet. Of course, he wasn’t expecting the front page headline that greeted him as he swallowed a piece of toast.

‘YOU-KNOW-WHO ATTACKS!! – Ministry of Magic has fallen!!’

Apparently his choking sounds drew a small crowd of Slytherins, who were attempting to dislodge the toast from his throat. Once his throat was clear and he had gulped down a goodly amount of air he glanced up, seeing everyone still clustered around him. Then he looked down and starting reading over the paper intently. It wasn’t until someone punched him on the shoulder that he looked up.

“Some of us have trouble reading around your big head!” a first year Slytherin quipped. “Read it aloud, you bleedin’ moron!”

Harry now found himself facing a daunting task of reading the weighty article. But he cleared his throat and started.

‘The Ministry of Magic was attacked in the early morning hours today and seized a considerable degree of control in Britain; in a surprising move by You-Know-Who. Initial counts are still uncertain, but it is generally known that the causalities are very high. Still missing are, the Minister himself, Cornelius Fudge, notable Aurors, Kingsley Shaklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks and Lucien Carter, as well as other prominent Ministry figures.

However, this is not the first time that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has struck. His first major attack was on the affluent de Vyns family, where he obliterated their 899 year old ancestral home of Whytemoor Manor. Dead from that tragic massacre are Leiko de Vyns, Dai de Vyns and Ken de Vyns, whose remains were never found. The sole survivors are Sora de Vyns, famous author of ‘Magical Beasts: Their Hidden World’, who is currently attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived and cousin to Sora de Vyns, who has been living with them since the summer when the de Vyns family was granted custody of him.

Alexandre de Vyns, the family patriarch, has been spotted from time to time in the English countryside, rallying support to fight against Voldemort. From eyewitness accounts, he has been very successful in stirring up resistance and convincing people to fight against Voldemort. Accounts say that he has mobilized a good force and is more than ready to give Voldemort a hard time when needed.’

Harry could hear the faint sigh of relief from Sora, as well as the disapproving noise she made in clearing her throat. He continued reading.

‘This attack on the de Vyns family occurred a full week before the Dark Lord attacked the Ministry and yet this information was suppressed and withheld from the public by the Ministry itself. This leaves very little to the imagination, in wondering how He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was so easily able to topple the Ministry. His spies were strategically placed in the Ministry in order for his attack and quick ascent to power to be made more rapidly and easily.

In a confidential report received by the Daily Prophet not long after these attacks, it has come to our attention that there is a group of people who have been fighting Voldemort from the very beginning. A group called “Order of the Phoenix”, with many spies in Voldemort’s ranks. For their sake, as well as Britain’s and quite possibly the world’s, their names are not published here and will be Oblivated from the minds of the staff here at the Daily Prophet as soon as this publication has been printed and sent off. Hopefully, it will reach you, our reading public.’

Harry stopped his narration and found himself wondering who was stupid enough to expose the whole Order like that. He was still dwelling on this when he was hit on the shoulder again, this time by a third year Slytherin. Harry started reading aloud again.

‘We implore our readers to brush up on their defensive spells, hexes, jinxes and curses. You will find a small booklet enclosed in this edition of the Daily Prophet, with many useful spells, though some of them are obscure, they have been tested by us here at the Daily Prophet and we assure you, our readers of their usefulness. Replicate as many copies as needed and distribute them as required. Use this booklet to drill one another and so you have some manner with which to protect yourself.

It is only a matter of time before You-Know-Who spreads his reach further. We must be prepared to fight back and win, no matter the sacrifice and cost. And perhaps, when this is all said and done, we shall elect a much more competent and knowledgeable Minister of Magic.

As this shall undoubtedly be our last issue for quite a while, we thank you for your patronage and hope you find the booklet useful. There is nothing more important that protecting yourself from the Dark Lord’s menace and we all must fight together to prevent tragedies, like as what happened to the de Vyns family, and to end You-Know-Who’s reign of terror once and for all.’

Harry didn’t say anything after those last words, the contents of the article sinking into his head. This was certainly a far cry from the regular articles printed in the Daily Prophet. He glanced around, seeing a similar look of apprehension and anxiousness on everyone’s face.

“Holy Merlin’s ghost…” the first year breathed in a rush.

“Did anyone else catch that?” Draco mused. “The whole thing sounded…rushed, as if they were scrambling to get it off the presses as soon as possible? It’s like it was slapped together at the last moment.”

A general ripple of agreement passed through the small crowd, and the whispers started. What about friends who had gone home for Christmas? Or family that didn’t have the protection of Hogwarts to shield them from who knew what?

“Attention!”

Every student looked up to see Dumbledore standing at the high table. He had the rapt attention of every student in the Great Hall.

“By now it has to come to everyone’s attention of recent and very tragic events,” Dumbledore began in a calm voice. “And it is only a matter of time before we find ourselves under attack here at Hogwarts. Therefore,” Dumbledore raised his voice, cutting through the fresh outburst of worried mutterings. “Starting today, after breakfast, we will be holding seminars in groups of ten in various spots throughout the school at various times. This is a list of all the seminars and locations.”

Dumbledore waved his wand and parchment appeared on the tables. Harry’s eyes widened in surprise; it was a fairly lengthy list.

“The most crucial and basic ones are mandatory. Professor Snape shall be teaching Medical Potions,”

Harry hadn’t even noticed that Snape was sitting in his usual spot, scowling down at the students in his usual manner. Harry looked back down at the parchment quickly, feeling a stabbing sensation in his gut.

“Remus Lupin, whom many of our seventh years will know, is here and will teaching Defensive Duelling in conjunction with Professor Beecham who will be teaching Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts. Professor Flitwick will be teaching Defensive and Offensive Charms, while Professor McGonagall will be teaching practical Transfiguration.”

There was a definite buzz filling the hall now and Dumbledore allowed a few minutes for it to settle down.

“Those are the basic seminars, but there are many more being offered. I suggest that you focus on your weaker areas. In spite of these events, we will try to have as merry a holiday season as we can.”

Dumbledore sat back down and the students started whispering among themselves. Harry looked at the paper once more before he folded it up. He would definitely be attending the Defensive Duelling seminar. Everything else, he’d pop in when he got the chance. He looked up, over the bent heads, to look at Snape up at the high table. When his eyes met the potions professor’s, Harry looked away feeling as if he honestly was the world’s biggest and selfish prat.

“Harry, is there a reason why you’re making me come with you to see Dumbledore?” Sora demanded as they walked up the stairs.

They had just finished the Defensive Duelling seminar that went rather well in Harry’s opinion. Professor Beecham and Lupin really knew how to teach a joint class.

“Yes.” Harry said simply as they reached the second floor and started for the empty hallway.

“And it would be…” Sora waited for a response.

“You’ll see.” Harry replied.

“Argh! That’s all you’ve been saying! I could be in Medical Potions right now! Do you know just how little I know about that!?”

“I know. And that’s why I do appreciate you coming with me.” Harry paused in front of the gargoyle. “Swedish berries.”

The gargoyle moved accordingly and Harry and Sora darted onto the first few steps. When the doorway to Dumbledore’s office appeared, Harry walked in easily, Sora following behind him hesitantly.

“Ah, Harry, you came at a good time. I have a few minutes to spare before I talk with Lucius and Severus. Lemon drop?” Dumbledore held the bowl out to him. Harry shook his head. “Sora?” Dumbledore swung the bowl her way.

“Actually, a blood flavoured lolly would be nice.”

Dumbledore reached into a desk drawer and produced five lollys. “Some for later.”

Sora took them, quickly popping one in her mouth and pocketing the rest. She sat down in a chair in a small corner of the room, effectively distancing herself from the conversation between Harry and Dumbledore.

“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” Dumbledore asked, peering at Harry as he pressed his fingertips together.

“I’ll keep my reasons to myself, but I am sure.” Harry replied easily.

Dumbledore nodded and disappeared up the flight of stairs. Harry found his gaze wandering around at the portraits of former Headmasters. Each time he had been here, they had been unusually silent. Today was no exception. Harry glanced back and saw Sora happily sucking away on the lolly as if she were a three year old again. He grinned at her, earning him a scowl and a defiant red tongue being stuck out momentarily.

“All right Harry,” Dumbledore said as he came back down, the Sorting Hat in his hands. “You know the procedure.”

Harry nodded as Dumbledore approached him and placed the Sorting Hat on his head.

‘Back again?’ the Hat’s genuinely surprised voice echoed through his head. ‘What ever for? I placed you in the House you wanted and what was appropriate for you.’

‘Funny thing about that, it’s not all that appropriate.’ Harry replied in a dry tone. ‘Not for me, and certainly not any more.’

‘No need to twist your knickers,’ the Hat said before lapsing into a momentary silence. ‘My, no wonder you’re asking to be Resorted. Something happened during a summer. Was it that particularly bad to make you change so much? I can at least see that was the stem of this…metamorphosis.’

Harry chose to not reply. If he hadn’t learned to do wandless magic then, he might very well not even be here today.

‘Very well,’ the Hat said in something of a resigned tone. ‘I think the time you spent in Gryffindor did serve you well. But in light of this…’

‘So?’ Harry queried.

‘So I think it is obvious that you should be Resorted. And perhaps you would have been there from the very beginning, had I not chosen to acknowledge your wish,’ the Hat didn’t say anything for a moment before making its quiet pronouncement. “Slytherin.”

The fire crackled cheerily in the hearth, and Harry looked around his new room for the umpteenth time this night. Once he had come back from Dumbledore’s office, Snape had taken a few minutes to escort him to his own private rooms before hurrying off to his next seminar to teach. Harry had made sure that he was far out of Snape’s reach. It was still unclear what was going to happen, and they were expecting a large, sudden influx of students in the coming days. So it had been deemed that Harry would receive private rooms of his own, much like Draco had in order to prevent shuffling around.

The rooms had obviously been a teacher’s quarters at some point. There had been a small antechamber before the main room, which was where he sat now. This room was just large enough to be warm from the fire and cozy. There was a large throw rug on the floor that was soft on bare feet, and two worn, but comfortable leather armchairs placed in front of the fireplace. Between them was a tea table. On the far wall was a small bookcase, its shelves filled with tomes.

The bed room in itself had been a delight. It was occupied by a set of drawers, which were now filled with his clothes and large four-poster bed, with thick green draperies to keep its occupant snug and warm. The bathroom was tiled in black and white with green accents, namely the large green tub built into the floor and frosted glass shower stall. Harry wasn’t too sure why they were separate, but he wasn’t exactly about to complain with it.

A loud ‘pop’ from the fire roused him from his thoughts and he looked back down at the book in his lap. He hadn’t been paying much attention to it, and had been drifting off in his own thoughts. He shifted a bit, looking back at the book, determined to get some way through it, when a light knock sounded on the door.

“Yes Sora?” he called; Draco was off at the Defensive and Offensive Charms, so it had to be her.

“Hi Harry,” Sora said as she entered the room. “I was wondering if I could leave Nyme with you. Atil has been eyeing him a bit hungrily, and I have to talk some sense into him. And then I have to go with Hagrid to check on the Thestrals in the Forbidden Forest.”

~ A bit too late! Since he nearly ate me once! ~

Harry chuckled at the snake’s indignant words and rose. He slipped Nyme off of Sora’s arm; the snake came rather easily. “Not a problem. Don’t worry, I’ll feed him too.”

Sora gave him a grateful look before she disappeared in hurry and a flicker of her cloak. Harry shut the door, making his way back to the chair by the fireplace and sat down.

~ I haven’t seen you since the day we came to Hogwarts. ~ Harry said easily as he sat back comfortably in the chair.

~ You can understand me? ~ Nyme’s tongue flickered out as he curled up on Harry’s lap.

~ I am a Parseltongue. ~ Harry didn’t say anything for a moment. ~ You don’t get to talk to many humans do you? ~

~ What do you think? ~ Nyme sounded disgusted with Harry.

~ Sorry, I said that wrong. Not many humans understand you. ~

~ No, they don’t. Simply Sora and you more or less. That pale boy she insists on seeing, he infuriates me. ~

~ Why is that? ~

~ He just does. I have no need to explain it to you. ~ Nyme said haughtily.

Harry bit back a laugh that threatened to rise. ~ Perhaps you have it easier than me in some regards. ~

~ What makes you say that? ~

~ Never mind. ~ Harry said. ~ You do realize what is gong on between her and the pale boy, right? ~

Nyme flicked his tongue out once more, this time in disgust. ~ I can smell the lust from a mile away. Can you not smell it also? ~

~ It’s more a seeing thing. Subtle things like that. ~

~ Humans are far too strange. ~

Harry chuckled and stroked Nyme on the head gently. ~ Humans can be very strange indeed. ~

Nothing more was said between Harry and the snake as Harry found himself staring off into the fire again. He knew what he would have to eventually do, and he felt like a cad for what he’d done. Harry wasn’t too sure how long he sat there; stroking Nyme’s head but when a soft knock came from the door Harry peered around the side of the chair. Harry had a niggling feeling it wasn’t Sora but Snape. He stared at the door before staring at the fire once more. Nyme’s tongue flickered out as he made some low mumblings.

~ You know? ~ Harry watched Nyme, who was intently regarding the door.

~ Yes. It’s the dark haired one. ~

~ Dark haired? ~ Harry asked; that vague description covered a lot of people.

~ The dark haired pale one who makes the waters for her to drink. ~

~ Oh. ~ Harry didn’t say anything for a moment. “Go away, Severus.”

“For Merlin’s sake Harry, open the door. I’ve been standing out here like a fool for the past ten minutes!”

“I said go away. Or did you need that spelled out for you?” Harry said placing Nyme on the armrest and rising from his seat. He started for the door.

“Do you honestly expect me to listen to you?” Snape sounded mildly annoyed.

“Yes. Now go away.” Harry said entering the antechamber and reaching for the doorknob.

“If you think that I’m simply going to-”

That was all Harry heard since Snape opened the door quickly and the angled edge connected right with Harry’s nose and forehead with a loud crack. Harry reeled back with a hoarse gasp as pain split through his head and he staggered back to his seat. Snape seemed to have a knack of making his head hurt and in more ways than one. The soft creak of leather greeted Harry’s ears as he sat down, eyes screwed shut against the pain. When he felt cool fingers on his brow, he snapped his eyes open and jerked away from Snape’s touch. Snape crouched down in front of him and continued to run his fingers along Harry’s brow. Harry had to admit it was making him feel better, but the guilt inside was counteracting that a thousand times more. He had to do it.

“What part of ‘Go away’ did you not understand, you dunderhead?” Harry asked nastily.

Snape’s hand drew back instantaneously. The pang of guilt Harry felt sharpened, twisting in his gut. The brief look of hurt in Snape’s eyes wasn’t lost to him.

“Since I accidentally hit you with the door, I felt it was in your best interest that I made sure you were fine.” Snape said in a quiet voice.

“This wouldn’t have happened if you had listened to me.” Harry hissed.

“I wanted to see if you were all right.” Snape didn’t say anything for a moment. “I also wanted to see you.”

Harry didn’t reply, glowering into the fire. A tense silence descended through the room before Snape spoke again.

“I don’t think there’s anything more I can teach you concerning Occlumency. You are more than welcome to stop by if you want some company.”

Harry sat there stoically, not looking at Snape. He didn’t know how he managed it.

“Merlin’s beard,” Snape exploded a moment later. “Say something! Anything!”

“Go away.” Harry stated softly.

“No.” Snape countered.

“God damn it, Sev!” Harry snapped rising from his set. “I said to bloody well go!”

“Not until-”

“Damn it Sev,” Harry said angrily. “I was wrong, all right. I was wrong and stupid to even kiss you, to condemn you like this! I’m not going to continue this when I’m looking down the barrel of my death! I’m not going to hurt you like that!” Harry paused for a moment; his head was throbbing, it felt like it was going to spilt open. “So just get lost and forget we even kissed, much less barely contemplated the notion of being together!”

“Harry-” Snape began.

“I said get lost!” Harry roared his face red and fists clenched. “Get lost!”

Snape looked as if he’d been slapped a few times, his face drawn and ashen. Harry turned his back to him hastily, not wanting to see the look on his face. Harry really was an insufferable prat, cad, git, and whatever other words were out there. The pounding in his head didn’t lessen and he rubbed his temples, and screwed his eyes shut once more. When he felt a hand settle on his shoulder he didn’t look back.

“Just go, would you?” he said in a defeated voice; his head was till killing him. “We both know I have no chance in hell of surviving this.”

“Look Harry,” Snape began in a quiet voice.

“Just go!” Harry snarled; he felt like he was on the verge of tears. “Just go and don’t come back, you bloody stubborn fool. Will it help if I said I prefer girls? Look, I’ll even help. I prefer girls. I’m going to date Ginny. I’ll have a great big flock of fucking kids with some girl that everyone thinks is perfect for me and…”

Harry crumpled in the chair, holding his head in his hands as tears spilled down his face. He didn’t know what he was doing anymore. His only attempt to push Snape away once and for all failed dismally and now he was sitting here crying like baby.

“Harry-” Snape began yet again.

“Look, I’m not going to hold it to you to stay with me,” He mentally cringed when he sniffled, looking up at Snape from watery eyes. “You can go if you want. And, as sappy as this sounds, I do not want to hurt you. That will inevitably happen if you stay with me.”

Snape didn’t say anything as he scooped Harry up in his arms and sat down in the chair, cradling Harry on his lap, and stroking his hair. “I’m still here you insufferable brat.”

Harry gave a shaky laugh. “I’m at a loss as to why. You looked ready to leave a few moments go.”

“Indeed. Had you not said a thing about not wanting to hurt me, I would be gone.” Snape murmured.

“Bloody stubborn fool.” Harry said with a slight hiccough. “You bloody stubborn fool.”

Snape gave a slight smile and gently kissed away the tears falling down Harry’s cheeks. “It’s late. You should be getting to sleep.”

Harry didn’t say anything, watching the fire as he snuggled in close to Snape’s body. “Is there even an ‘us’?”

“I would like to think so.” Snape murmured in reply.

“You could be banned from teaching if anyone found out about us.” Harry said quietly. “I don’t want to cost you your job.”

Snape gave a dry snort but didn’t say anything for a moment. “The chances of someone finding out are much slimmer now, since you’ve been Resorted into Slytherin.”

“But still-” Harry began.

“Would you shut up with the noble ideals? Damned Gryffindor tendencies…” Snape muttered. “If it costs me my job, then so be it.”

“I’m not going to make you unemployed!” Harry exclaimed.

“I daresay my loving parents left me with more than enough money to live comfortably until I die along with the manor.” Snape said in mild distaste.

Harry simply lapsed into silence, content to stay in Snape’s arms. He felt a bit comforted by what Snape had said.

“Harry?” Snape said quietly after a few minutes.

“Yes?”

“You…don’t think we’re…moving too fast?”

Harry drew back and blinked in surprise before he started chuckling. “Sev, the only time we really saw one another was during class and the Occlumency lessons. I’d hardly call that private time. Plus I was busy with work, as were you. We both ended up in the infirmary for a while…needless to say, we don’t have a great record so far.”

Snape gave a slight smile. “Valid point.” He didn’t say anything for a moment. “Perhaps you would like to join me for a private dinner again? I can assure you of no interruptions this time.”

“I’d like that.” Harry said, resting his head in the crook of Snape’s neck. He closed his eyes. “I’d like that very much.”

When Darkness Comes - Chapter Twenty || When Darkness Comes - Chapter Twenty Two