A Chance at Life
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
15
Views:
13,616
Reviews:
76
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
15
Views:
13,616
Reviews:
76
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter; None of the original stories and/or characters are mine in any way nor do I make any money from these writings.
Ch 9: Eileen’s Confession
AN: I know that in cannon Lucius would be 14 but I need him to be younger for plot purposes….Sorry for the short chapter but it didn’t really feel like an interlude to me.
A Chance at Life
Chapter 9: Eileen’s Confession
January 29 (Malfoy Manor)
Lucius Malfoy didn’t know what to think about their latest visitor. Even at 10 years old he knew that this ‘Harry Potter’ was unlike anyone he’d ever met. When his parents had received the letter from this self-proclaimed muggle-born they had sneered and scoffed at his effrontery, insulted that such a guttersnipe had even dared contact them at all.
His family, his father especially, made no secret of their disdain for mudbloods, including most half-bloods. At first, Lucius had thought the mudblood a bloody fool to openly declare himself as such to known blood purists as the Malfoys. He knew his parents would never lower themselves to meet with such rubbish, thus it came as no surprise when he was told to deal with him. It was an obvious (to purebloods at least) demonstration of contempt, sending a child to deal with an inferior, unwanted guest.
But Potter had not reacted like he (or his parents) had expected him to. Potter had greeted him as if Lucius were an adult. He had gotten straight to business but never ignored pureblood customs. He always maintained his wand arm behind his back as was proper for a new acquaintance or unknown guest and never gawked at the mansion’s luxury or grandeur. He didn’t even ask for a seat when Lucius denied him that small courtesy, though Lucius had taken a seat himself with classic Malfoy superiority.
Anyone else in Potter’s position would have wasted time and energy trying to arrange another meeting with his parents. Nor would they have respected his decision not to offer him a seat and would have sat anyway, just because Lucius was a child, regardless of his status.
He confused Lucius.
Potter obviously knew pureblood customs; therefore he was aware of the insult his family was dealing him when they had sent Lucius to deal with him. So why had Potter completely ignored the slight? Also, why had he come to purchase that particular elf? Other than his parent’s personal elfs he didn’t know any of the creatures’ names and they owned several.
Lucius had asked a ridiculously high sum for the elf thinking Potter would refuse and that that would be the end of it; but Potter hadn’t even batted an eyelash, maintaining his cool expression and never giving a single clue as to what he was thinking. Since Lucius had not refused to sell but had simply named a price, the Malfoys had had no choice but to finalize the sale and allow the transfer of ownership. Abraxas had been obviously displeased the supposed mudblood had gotten what he wanted and though he would never admit it Lucius knew Abraxas was a mystefied by Potter as the rest of them.
He acted too much like a pureblood to be a mudblood as he proclaimed. In a way Lucius felt sorry for Potter, Abraxas was not one for mysteries, especially one had already managed to outwit him.
Also, to be able to spend such a large amount of money without care, just how affluent was he? Where did he come from? If he truly wasn’t related to the Potters why did he bear such a strong resemblance to them?
Who was this…Harry Potter?
HPSSHPSSHPSSHPSS
February 3
Harry found Eileen at the kitchen table, Noodle patting her hand comfortingly. It was clear why as well, she had obviously been crying recently, if her still red eyes and the wet handkerchief in her hands were any indication.
“Eileen, are you all right? Can I help you?” Harry asked her concerned. He had noticed her becoming a little more reserved towards him, she also seemed sad about something but the few times he’d tried to ask her about it she had pulled away, saying she was fine and that there was nothing to worry about.
“Eileen, please, I know I’m young but at least give me the chance to help you with whatever is bothering you…”
“Harry, you’re always so sweet,” she said with a watery smile and then a deep sigh. “I just…” she stopped, not really sure how to start. Harry took the chance to take a seat beside Noodle, though the elf didn’t stay, he just nodded at him solemnly and silently popped away.
“It’s not just one thing…” she began hesitantly. “When my son and I first came here we were so happy…” Harry was really starting to get nervous now, even feeling a bit fearful. He could already hear the big ‘but’ coming up next.
“But - I soon realized I was losing my son-No, that came out wrong, I mean…” She stopped again, a distressed grimace darkening her face.
“What was it that made you feel you were losing him?” Harry asked gently. He still didn’t truly understand but something was bothering her, therefore he wanted to help her. She was family now.
“Severus had always been a very self-sufficient, independent child, very private…quiet. When we came to live with you I was so very happy when I saw him acting more like a child: running around, throwing tantrums, demanding attention – But then I realized…he always goes to You. If he has a question, he asks you. If he’s hurt he goes to you to get healed. If he wants to take a nap he cuddles next to you or goes to your room to sleep if you’re not here. He only comes to me with questions if you are not present and he’s unsuccessful at finding the answer on his own. He never looks for Me to take a nap. He doesn’t like it when 'I' call him Sev…he hasn’t let me touch his hair since he was four…”
Silent tears were streaming down her face as she talked, looking at Harry with pain filled eyes that tore at his soul more and more with each word she uttered. Harry was shaken, he’d had no idea she felt this way and it just made him feel guilty that not only had he failed to notice her pain, but he was the main cause of it.
He reached across the table to grasp her hands, trying to convey his feeling through touch, for he knew no matter what he said his words will still be lacking. “Eileen, I - It wasn’t my intention to harm your relationship with Sev-Severus.”
“I know that…just like I know that I wouldn’t have you be any other way. It just…hurts to realize that you son doesn’t look to you first when looking for answers or even comfort-” She shifted her gaze, looking off to the garden through the open backdoor.
“I saw you last night. I woke up when I heard Severus having another nightmare about those spiders…I stood outside his room and watched through the slightly open door. Severus didn’t even hesitate for a second once you sat on the edge of his bed. He scrambled to curl up in your lap like he belonged there, burrowing under your nightshirt without even asking and pushing his face to your neck like if his life depended on it.” Harry was blushing bright red by now, knowing what she had seen…and heard. She turned to look at him then, a gentle, sad smile on her face.
“You looked so flummoxed when he did that I had trouble keeping myself from laughing, it was so cute…and then you did it again without even trying. You didn’t tense up or pull away because you were uncomfortable – you hugged him to you and kissed his forehead. I saw him smile then, the v-neck of your shirt barely low enough to allow me to see his satisfied smile; as if he had known you would do that all along…How did you do it? How did you give him such confidence, such complete certainty..? I tried so hard to be a good mother, to show him that he could rely on me, that I loved him and would never turn him away…I tried to show him that he could believe in me…” Another tear fell on the table and Harry remained silent, knowing there was nothing he could say at the moment.
“How…How did you manage to do in one month what I could not do in 8 years?” But she shook her head; not really asking for an answer, for it wasn’t one that could truly be articulated.
“What was that song you sang to him last night?”
Harry blinked at her for a second, not expecting the question.
“Ummm… ‘We are One,’ it is a muggle one, one of my best friends used to sing it to me…” He trailed off, not ready to talk about Hermione yet.
“It is a beautiful one and even at a distance I could still see how much Severus enjoyed it…I had not seen him fall asleep so peacefully content since he was a baby.” She sighed softly, looking calmer but still depressed.
“Eileen…I know that I’m not really your husband, but I consider you my family as much as Severus. And I wish I could cast a spell and just open my mouth to say whatever you need to hear, but I can’t. I care for you and it hurts me that I have hurt you like this…even if I didn’t mean to… hurt is hurt, no matter the how or why of it…”
“Oh Harry, you are the best thing to have ever happened to us…I suppose the truth is I have never seen Severus so happy – but part of me can’t help but be jealous that I’m not part of the cause of his happiness. I realize that I can’t really blame him; after all, he suffered 8 years of hell because of my weakness…because I couldn’t bring my self to leave Tobias. If it wasn’t for you, we’d probably still be in that hellhole...”
She closed her eyes, squeezing Harry’s hands tightly.
“I’m scared about tomorrow…I had thought I would never see him again and now with this and then that letter from the Ministry, I–” She choked, unable to continue.
“Young or not, I protect my family with my life, you have nothing to fear from tomorrow… I promise you I will do everything in my power to keep you both safe – no matter what the Ministry says…”
AN: The song he sang was this one: (The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride; We are one lyrics by Marty Panzer & Mark Feldman)
Lyrics:
As you go through life you'll see
There is so much that we
Don't understand
And the only thing we know
Is things don't always go
The way we planned
But you'll see every day
That we'll never turn away
When it seems all your dreams come undone
We will stand by your side
Filled with hope and filled with pride
We are more than we are
We are one
Even those who are gone
Are with us as we go on
Your journey has only begun
Tears of pain, tears of joy
One thing nothing can destroy
Is our pride, deep inside
We are one
We are one, you and I
We are like the earth and sky
One family under the sun
All the wisdom to lead
All the courage that you need
You will find when you see
We are one
A Chance at Life
Chapter 9: Eileen’s Confession
January 29 (Malfoy Manor)
Lucius Malfoy didn’t know what to think about their latest visitor. Even at 10 years old he knew that this ‘Harry Potter’ was unlike anyone he’d ever met. When his parents had received the letter from this self-proclaimed muggle-born they had sneered and scoffed at his effrontery, insulted that such a guttersnipe had even dared contact them at all.
His family, his father especially, made no secret of their disdain for mudbloods, including most half-bloods. At first, Lucius had thought the mudblood a bloody fool to openly declare himself as such to known blood purists as the Malfoys. He knew his parents would never lower themselves to meet with such rubbish, thus it came as no surprise when he was told to deal with him. It was an obvious (to purebloods at least) demonstration of contempt, sending a child to deal with an inferior, unwanted guest.
But Potter had not reacted like he (or his parents) had expected him to. Potter had greeted him as if Lucius were an adult. He had gotten straight to business but never ignored pureblood customs. He always maintained his wand arm behind his back as was proper for a new acquaintance or unknown guest and never gawked at the mansion’s luxury or grandeur. He didn’t even ask for a seat when Lucius denied him that small courtesy, though Lucius had taken a seat himself with classic Malfoy superiority.
Anyone else in Potter’s position would have wasted time and energy trying to arrange another meeting with his parents. Nor would they have respected his decision not to offer him a seat and would have sat anyway, just because Lucius was a child, regardless of his status.
He confused Lucius.
Potter obviously knew pureblood customs; therefore he was aware of the insult his family was dealing him when they had sent Lucius to deal with him. So why had Potter completely ignored the slight? Also, why had he come to purchase that particular elf? Other than his parent’s personal elfs he didn’t know any of the creatures’ names and they owned several.
Lucius had asked a ridiculously high sum for the elf thinking Potter would refuse and that that would be the end of it; but Potter hadn’t even batted an eyelash, maintaining his cool expression and never giving a single clue as to what he was thinking. Since Lucius had not refused to sell but had simply named a price, the Malfoys had had no choice but to finalize the sale and allow the transfer of ownership. Abraxas had been obviously displeased the supposed mudblood had gotten what he wanted and though he would never admit it Lucius knew Abraxas was a mystefied by Potter as the rest of them.
He acted too much like a pureblood to be a mudblood as he proclaimed. In a way Lucius felt sorry for Potter, Abraxas was not one for mysteries, especially one had already managed to outwit him.
Also, to be able to spend such a large amount of money without care, just how affluent was he? Where did he come from? If he truly wasn’t related to the Potters why did he bear such a strong resemblance to them?
Who was this…Harry Potter?
HPSSHPSSHPSSHPSS
February 3
Harry found Eileen at the kitchen table, Noodle patting her hand comfortingly. It was clear why as well, she had obviously been crying recently, if her still red eyes and the wet handkerchief in her hands were any indication.
“Eileen, are you all right? Can I help you?” Harry asked her concerned. He had noticed her becoming a little more reserved towards him, she also seemed sad about something but the few times he’d tried to ask her about it she had pulled away, saying she was fine and that there was nothing to worry about.
“Eileen, please, I know I’m young but at least give me the chance to help you with whatever is bothering you…”
“Harry, you’re always so sweet,” she said with a watery smile and then a deep sigh. “I just…” she stopped, not really sure how to start. Harry took the chance to take a seat beside Noodle, though the elf didn’t stay, he just nodded at him solemnly and silently popped away.
“It’s not just one thing…” she began hesitantly. “When my son and I first came here we were so happy…” Harry was really starting to get nervous now, even feeling a bit fearful. He could already hear the big ‘but’ coming up next.
“But - I soon realized I was losing my son-No, that came out wrong, I mean…” She stopped again, a distressed grimace darkening her face.
“What was it that made you feel you were losing him?” Harry asked gently. He still didn’t truly understand but something was bothering her, therefore he wanted to help her. She was family now.
“Severus had always been a very self-sufficient, independent child, very private…quiet. When we came to live with you I was so very happy when I saw him acting more like a child: running around, throwing tantrums, demanding attention – But then I realized…he always goes to You. If he has a question, he asks you. If he’s hurt he goes to you to get healed. If he wants to take a nap he cuddles next to you or goes to your room to sleep if you’re not here. He only comes to me with questions if you are not present and he’s unsuccessful at finding the answer on his own. He never looks for Me to take a nap. He doesn’t like it when 'I' call him Sev…he hasn’t let me touch his hair since he was four…”
Silent tears were streaming down her face as she talked, looking at Harry with pain filled eyes that tore at his soul more and more with each word she uttered. Harry was shaken, he’d had no idea she felt this way and it just made him feel guilty that not only had he failed to notice her pain, but he was the main cause of it.
He reached across the table to grasp her hands, trying to convey his feeling through touch, for he knew no matter what he said his words will still be lacking. “Eileen, I - It wasn’t my intention to harm your relationship with Sev-Severus.”
“I know that…just like I know that I wouldn’t have you be any other way. It just…hurts to realize that you son doesn’t look to you first when looking for answers or even comfort-” She shifted her gaze, looking off to the garden through the open backdoor.
“I saw you last night. I woke up when I heard Severus having another nightmare about those spiders…I stood outside his room and watched through the slightly open door. Severus didn’t even hesitate for a second once you sat on the edge of his bed. He scrambled to curl up in your lap like he belonged there, burrowing under your nightshirt without even asking and pushing his face to your neck like if his life depended on it.” Harry was blushing bright red by now, knowing what she had seen…and heard. She turned to look at him then, a gentle, sad smile on her face.
“You looked so flummoxed when he did that I had trouble keeping myself from laughing, it was so cute…and then you did it again without even trying. You didn’t tense up or pull away because you were uncomfortable – you hugged him to you and kissed his forehead. I saw him smile then, the v-neck of your shirt barely low enough to allow me to see his satisfied smile; as if he had known you would do that all along…How did you do it? How did you give him such confidence, such complete certainty..? I tried so hard to be a good mother, to show him that he could rely on me, that I loved him and would never turn him away…I tried to show him that he could believe in me…” Another tear fell on the table and Harry remained silent, knowing there was nothing he could say at the moment.
“How…How did you manage to do in one month what I could not do in 8 years?” But she shook her head; not really asking for an answer, for it wasn’t one that could truly be articulated.
“What was that song you sang to him last night?”
Harry blinked at her for a second, not expecting the question.
“Ummm… ‘We are One,’ it is a muggle one, one of my best friends used to sing it to me…” He trailed off, not ready to talk about Hermione yet.
“It is a beautiful one and even at a distance I could still see how much Severus enjoyed it…I had not seen him fall asleep so peacefully content since he was a baby.” She sighed softly, looking calmer but still depressed.
“Eileen…I know that I’m not really your husband, but I consider you my family as much as Severus. And I wish I could cast a spell and just open my mouth to say whatever you need to hear, but I can’t. I care for you and it hurts me that I have hurt you like this…even if I didn’t mean to… hurt is hurt, no matter the how or why of it…”
“Oh Harry, you are the best thing to have ever happened to us…I suppose the truth is I have never seen Severus so happy – but part of me can’t help but be jealous that I’m not part of the cause of his happiness. I realize that I can’t really blame him; after all, he suffered 8 years of hell because of my weakness…because I couldn’t bring my self to leave Tobias. If it wasn’t for you, we’d probably still be in that hellhole...”
She closed her eyes, squeezing Harry’s hands tightly.
“I’m scared about tomorrow…I had thought I would never see him again and now with this and then that letter from the Ministry, I–” She choked, unable to continue.
“Young or not, I protect my family with my life, you have nothing to fear from tomorrow… I promise you I will do everything in my power to keep you both safe – no matter what the Ministry says…”
AN: The song he sang was this one: (The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride; We are one lyrics by Marty Panzer & Mark Feldman)
Lyrics:
As you go through life you'll see
There is so much that we
Don't understand
And the only thing we know
Is things don't always go
The way we planned
But you'll see every day
That we'll never turn away
When it seems all your dreams come undone
We will stand by your side
Filled with hope and filled with pride
We are more than we are
We are one
Even those who are gone
Are with us as we go on
Your journey has only begun
Tears of pain, tears of joy
One thing nothing can destroy
Is our pride, deep inside
We are one
We are one, you and I
We are like the earth and sky
One family under the sun
All the wisdom to lead
All the courage that you need
You will find when you see
We are one