Snape's dark gaze took on an irritated cast. 'I would have hoped so. But . . . no matter. You are here now. This way.' Once more he led the way, this time across several rows of plain white markers, and then some taller, marble affairs, one with an angel with outspread wings, and then a wide obelisk with a star on top.
Finally, the professor stopped, in front of some marble headstones that seemed at first glance like many of the others. His face went unnaturally still as he stared at the marker.
Harry followed his gaze to see what he had never imagined to see on an outing with his Head of House: His parents' gravestone. It had their names, and the date they died, and an inscription on the bottom that read:
His parents lay beneath this cold and unforgiving ground. His parents, whom he could not even remember, except in dreams or nightmares. He had never been here before, and could not understand why he was here now. 'Why . . .' Harry swallowed thickly. 'Why'd you bring me here?'
Snape's voice was very low as he said, 'I thought you might want to see where they were laid to rest.'
Harry could not meet his gaze. 'You've been here before?'
'Only once. For their funeral. To say good bye.'
'To my parents?' He frowned and glanced over at Snape. 'I thought you hated them.'
'No, Harry,' the professor said quietly. There was an edge to his voice that had not been there before, but Harry could not figure what it could mean. 'I did not get along with you father, it is true. But I did not hate your mother.' The tall man shook his head and turned away from the gravestone and his dark eyes were bright, almost shiny. 'Far from it, in fact.'
Harry drew in a sharp breath. 'You were friends? With my Mum?'
Snape nodded again, and Harry, hardly daring to hope, could feel his heartbeat thudding in his chest. 'I was.'
TBC . . .
A/N: Thank you to everyone who continues to read and give support on this story! Your reviews are all wonderful, and are both humbling and awe inspiring. Since some people have asked, yes, I do write my own stories and novels, and have even sold a few of the former -- see my bibliography via my webpage for more information, if you're so inclined. Naturlich, my ambition is to sell my novels, too, and eventually rest comfortably on my laurels. Lol
Meantime, spiced pumpkin lattes all around! For those trying to cut back on those caffeinated holiday treats, I've got these one-of-a-kind Harry hugs, fresh off the presses. . . .
*Chapter 30*: Chapter 30
Better Be Slytherin! – Chapter 30
By jharad17
Disclaimer: Not mine. I imagine I'll get over it.
Warning for spoilers from Deathly Hallows. But then, if you haven't read book seven yet, what are you doing reading my fic? Go now! Come back when you're done. I'll wait. . . .
Updated to correct a horribly stupid mistake. Yikes.
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Previously:
Severus watched the play of emotions over Harry's face, and thought for the first time about how unfair it was that the boy had never had a chance to know his mother. Lily had been a beautiful person, not just fair of face, but full of life and joy and . . .
And the boy was speaking. Severus gave him his attention in time to hear the end of his request, '. . . me about her?'
For a long moment, Severus stared at Harry, his heart in his throat, almost literally. How could he have thought this was a good idea? His own emotions were a mess; it had been years, many years, since he had so devotedly thought about Lily, her life and her death, and about their friendship, about how much he loved her, even after it was clear she no longer wanted him near her.
How could he explain any of that to a child? To
And yet . . . and yet the boy was gazing up at him with such hope in his eyes that it took Severus' breath away.
'We were friends,' he said at last. Then he cleared his throat, embarrassed at the thickness of his voice. He looked away, in the direction of far off Spinner's End, and the neighborhood park where he had first seen his first -- and only -- love. 'We knew each other even before we went to Hogwarts. I met her . . . on a playground near where we both lived.'
'Really?' Harry's voice was breathless, his eyes wide, as if Severus was imparting unto him the secrets of the universe. In a way, he supposed, he was.
He managed a sardonic smile. 'Really. Do you imagine I would lie about such a thing?'
The boy's already pink cheeks darkened to a deeper red as he looked down. 'No! No, sir. Sorry. I just . . . I never thought . . .'
