Forsaken
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
50
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Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
50
Views:
2,152
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Birthday Memories
Chapter 19- Birthday Memories
Harry apparated back to the bridge in Liverpool and immediately lifted the hood of his cloak, searching the surrounding brush for spies. He made his way as
quickly as he could back to the house. He glanced in the front window before he unlocked the door and went inside.
“Severus?” said Harry hesitantly. Seeing the staircase door cracked slightly, he climbed the stairs and knocked softly on Severus’s bedroom door. He
pushed it open, stopping at the sight of Severus’s wand drawn and aimed at his face. Severus exhaled in relief.
“Did you lock the front door?” asked Severus quietly.
“I always lock the door,” muttered Harry as he walked over to the empty side of the bed. “I’m not a complete idiot.”
“I didn’t say you were,” said Severus, watching as Harry sat down. “At least, not today I didn’t.” The corner of Harry’s mouth twitched.
“Are you alright?” asked Harry, eyeing the man worriedly.
“Just a bit sore,” said Severus, giving him a small grin. “The Dark Lord decided that I made a very good football, but he didn’t break anything vital. From
what I can tell, he suspects nothing of me. But then again, I’ve been wrong about that before.” Harry unclasped his cloak and flopped tiredly back on the
bed.
“Great,” he muttered, rubbing his eyes underneath his glasses. “By the way, did you know that swearing Unbreakable Vows is illegal?” Severus chuckled,
but quickly stopped, wincing in pain.
“Yes,” gasped Severus, “I do recall some statue from around 1875 that says something to that effect. I can’t remember the exact name of it at the moment.
History was never a favorite subject of mine.” They laid there in silence, listening to the wind blow through the open window and make the curtains
flap.
“Why aren’t you at Headquarters, Harry?” asked Severus. “I’m sure the Weasleys will want to see you, especially today.” Harry shrugged.
“Oh yes,” said Harry sarcastically, shocking Severus with his bitterness. “Let’s go to a house I hate almost as much as my uncle’s and let everyone fawn
over the bloody Boy Who Saved the Day Again. Thanks, but I’ve had as much human interaction for one day as I can stand. I might go to sleep for a
while.”
“Then I’m glad I cancelled that surprise party for you,” said Severus evenly, having planned nothing of the sort. “You would have hexed me into oblivion.”
Harry sighed softly.
“I’ve only ever had one birthday party,” said Harry honestly. “And it doubled as a good-job-for-making-prefect party for Ron and Hermione two years ago.
I’m used to not getting all worked up about it. I don’t enjoy being the center of attention.” Severus raised an eyebrow at him, getting an exasperated
expression in return. “Contrary to popular belief.”
“Indeed,” muttered Severus. He slowly reached over to his bedside table and pulled open the drawer. He lifted out a small box wrapped in dark red
wrapping paper and set it on Harry’s stomach.
“I assume you still like getting presents despite your anti-social leanings,” said Severus in a mock-serious tone. Harry sat up, knocking the present to his lap.
He hesitantly picked up the box, glancing up at Severus’s blank face. “And you’ve had two birthday parties - the one you just described, and your very first
birthday.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” mumbled Harry, his embarrassment showing itself in his downcast face.
“Well,” said Severus, “you should have said something. I would have waited until Christmas.” He laughed silently as Harry’s cheeks got redder. “Just open
it, Harry, before I poke at a sore spot and you get bloody pissed at me.”
“Alright, alright,” said Harry, ripping off the paper. He lifted the lid and froze in shock. Severus pulled up his right sleeve, silently showing him how to strap
the wand sheath on. Harry said nothing as he slid the cool material over his thin wrist and secured it firmly to the inside of his arm.
“It has Anti-Summoning charms interwoven with the dragonhide,” Severus explained, “so if your wand is in the holster, no one can summon it to them. You
will probably need to practice with it a bit, as it takes a little getting used to.” Harry slid his wand into it and flicked his wrist as he’d seen Severus do countless
times, quickly grabbing at the handle of his wand. The wand shot out of his hand and hit the head board. Severus flinched, raising his hand to keep the
wand from hitting his face.
“Perhaps you should practice elsewhere,” said Severus coolly. “I don’t fancy losing an eye.”
“Right,” said Harry, swiftly picking up his wand and sheathing it. “Sorry.” He swallowed his embarrassment. “Thank you. It’s - uh - yeah. I like it a lot.”
“It’s useful, at any rate,” murmured Severus as he rested his hands lightly on his stomach. He had lost count the number of times that split second speed had
literally saved his life. He shifted his gaze to the boy sitting beside him - young man, he mentally corrected. Child, another part of his mind said,
watching Harry readjust the sheath on his arm with an expression akin to wonder on his face.
“Go get your pensieve,” said Severus softly. “I want to show you something.” Harry frowned but got up and left the room, coming back with the small bowl
cradled in his hands. He gave it to Severus, who had already placed the tip of his wand to his temple. Severus took the bowl and flicked a long, silver stand
into it. He held it out for Harry to take.
“What is it?” asked Harry, setting the pensieve on the bed. Severus chuckled softly.
“You’ll see,” said Severus mischievously. Harry frowned at him, but stuck his finger into the memory.
A tall man stood before a mirror, running his hands over a thin, long-sleeved button down that was tucked into a pair of khaki trousers. He turned his
head, checking to make sure his shoulder-length black hair was tied back neatly. He jumped slightly at the sound of a knock on the door in the other
room.
“Come in,” said Severus tersely. Sighing, he walked over to his enormous walk-in closet, squatting down to look for his pair of black shoes.
“Aren’t you ready yet, Severus?” asked Albus, a huge grin on his face and a package in his arms. “Harry’s not going to care if you’re dressed nicely.
We’re already very late, child.”
“Just give me half a minute,” said Severus curtly. Growling, he pushed aside an empty trunk and grabbed his shoes from behind it. He tossed them down
in front of him and slipped his feet into them, blowing at the strand of hair that had escaped the band holding the rest of it back off his face. He hurried back
over to the mirror, ignoring the amused look on Albus’s face in the mirror’s reflection.
“There,” said Severus softly, rebinding his hair. “I’m done. We can go now.”
“Then let’s go,” said Albus excitedly. He spun on his heel in a whirl of purple robes, leaving the slightly sullen man behind him to shuffle along
reluctantly.
The white cottage was completely covered by huge shade trees. Albus walked briskly to the front door, knocking as Severus stepped up on the porch
behind him. James opened the door and smiled at Albus. His face tightened involuntarily at the sight of Severus.
“Albus, we said no gifts,” said James as he stepped back from the door. “Harry doesn’t have room for all of the junk he has now, let alone for all of the
stuff everyone’s bringing today.”
“Oh come now, James,” said Albus merrily. “It’s a birthday party. There must be gifts.” Albus walked quickly through the house to the backyard, setting
his package on the dining room table. James rolled his eyes as he held out his hand to Severus.
“What do you say to a one-day truce, Severus?” asked James. “Just for Lily and Harry’s sake.” Severus eyed him for a moment before grabbing his
hand.
“Agreed,” said Severus softly. “But only for their sakes. I haven’t forgotten about last weekend.” James burst out laughing. Severus scowled at him,
already cursing the stupid agreement as his wand hand twitched.
“If it makes you feel any better, Sirius was worse off than you were,” said James. “Unfortunately, Lily found him sprawled on the sofa before I got
up.”
“Idiot,” muttered Severus hatefully. “He can’t even be drunk properly. Although I must admit his punishment for losing that final hand was much more
amusing than mine was.”
“Yes,” said James. “And Remus is being nauseatingly smug in reminding him about it, since he really doesn’t remember anything. Come on,” he
said, walking towards the kitchen. “Lily will want to know you’re here. And you didn’t bring a gift. She’ll be thrilled.” He waved his hand at the dining room
table as they passed, stacked high with presents. “As you can see, no one else actually read their invitations.” Severus smirked at him.
“James, do we have any more drinks?” asked a beautiful dark-headed woman as she stuck her head inside the back door. At seeing the other man, she
stepped inside, a seductive smile crossing her face. “Hey Severus.”
“Hello, Emmeline,” said Severus wearily, ignoring the look she gave him. James’s lips twitched as he opened the icebox and pulled out a case of
butterbeers, handing it to her. He rolled his eyes and forced it into her hands when she didn’t take them. She blinked rapidly and gave James a grin.
“Thanks,” said Emmeline, still eyeing Severus greedily. She jumped slightly at the sound of Sirius calling her name loudly. She quickly ran out the
door.
“Whore,” muttered Severus angrily. James snorted softly as he led Severus out into the backyard.
“James!” cried a loud voice. “Get over here!” James took off jogging towards Sirius and Remus, who were bent over something. Severus squinted up at
the hot sun and walked casually over to where several others were standing in the shade.
“Severus!” cried Lily, making her way over to him with a small child in her arms. “I’m so glad you decided to come!”
“Apparently, it was decided for me,” said Severus, giving her a kiss on the cheek. He ruffled Harry’s messy hair. “Happy birthday, Harry.” Harry buried
his face against Lily’s neck, peeping out at Severus with huge green eyes.
“Harry, what’s the matter with you?” said Lily, gently poking his tummy. “You know Severus.” Harry threw his arms around her neck, hiding his
face.
“Sorry, Severus,” said Lily, bending down to look Harry in the face. “For some reason, he’s being awfully shy today.” She touched her finger to Harry’s
nose. “Aren’t you, my love?” She sighed and brushed Harry’s jet black hair back from his slightly flushed face. “Well, do you want some cake,
Severus?”
“What kind is it?” asked Severus, glancing over to where James, Sirius and Remus were still talking in a huddle and back to Lily.
“Stop it, Severus,” said Lily quietly as she walked over to a small table laden with snacks and the remnants of a huge cake. She sat Harry on the ground
in the shade and handed him a few toys. “You stay here while Mama gives Severus some cake.”
“Ca!” cried Harry, raising his hands towards her. She shook her head as she sliced a huge piece of chocolate cake and placed it on a plate.
“You’ve already had enough cake, Harry,” said Lily sternly.
“Lily,” said Severus warningly as he took the plate. “I don’t need that much.”
“Of course you do,” said Lily. “You’re entirely too thin, Severus. And besides, I need to get rid of all this cake. Now eat. And have seconds, while you’re
at it. I know chocolate’s your favorite.” She smiled at him as she walked over to where Emmeline and Minerva were talking softly. Severus sighed and
walked past Harry to sit against one of the trees.
He ate a bit of his cake in thoughtful silence, watching people walking around the yard. He saw Sirius shove James playfully, Remus shove Sirius back,
and James pull something out of Sirius’s hand. He held his plate in his hand and looked over at another group of people that clustered around Albus. He
didn’t see Harry crawl slowly over towards his plate until Harry had reached his hand into it and grabbed a handful of cake.
“Why, you little thief,” murmured Severus, watching Harry happily lick the icing off his hand. Harry sat down on the ground and pulled the plate towards
him.
“You’re going to get me into trouble, you know that,” said Severus, raising an eyebrow at the baby. Harry grinned at him, holding up a fistful of smashed
cake. Severus chuckled softly as Harry sucked the cake out of his tiny hand and got it all over his face. Severus picked up his fork and took some off
the part that Harry hadn’t mutilated, raising it to his mouth as Harry continued to munch on the other half. They both jumped at a loud shriek.
“What in the world?” shouted Lily, standing above Severus with her hands on her hips and glaring at Harry. “Harry James Potter!”
“Mama,” said Harry, standing up and raising his dirty hands towards her.
“I see it, Harry,” said Lily, frustrated. She angrily grabbed a napkin and knelt down next to Harry. “After all the trouble I went through today to keep you
presentable.” She began hastily wiping his hand. Harry wiped his other hand down his shirt, causing Lily to growl in frustration. Severus chuckled at her
muggleness as he scraped some frosting off his plate. Harry whined as she attacked his face, and pulled out of her grip. He quickly ran over to Severus,
who caught him before he could put his messy hands around his neck.
“You’re not getting me dirty,” said Severus around his fork, holding Harry at arm’s length. Lily threw some clean napkins at his face.
“Clean him up, Severus,” said Lily sternly. Severus rolled his eyes as she stormed off towards Minerva.
“Sheesh,” said Severus softly. He set Harry down in front of him and flicked his wand into his hand. He pulled the fork out of his mouth and tossed it over
onto the plate “See what you did?” Harry giggled at him and raised his other hand to lick some frosting off.
“Brat,” muttered Severus. He waved his wand in front of Harry, casting gentle cleansing charms on the baby’s hands, face and clothes. Harry’s eyes got
big as Severus replaced his wand inside the sheath strapped to his right arm. He climbed over Severus’s leg and pulled at his arm. He fumbled with the
dark green buttons on Severus’s cuff before whining and looking up at Severus.
“What?” asked Severus. He undid his sleeve and pushed it up, revealing the black dragonhide sheath. He watched as Harry fumbled with the tip of his
wand, trying to pull it out. Harry lifted his arm up and whined again.
“Oh hell,” said Severus wearily. “You’ve already gotten your mother bloody pissed at me. What’s a little more, hm?” Severus gently flicked his wand into
his hand and gave it to Harry, who took it with a chubby hand. He waved it around and squealed in laughter as Severus swept his eyes over the rest of the
party guests. He met Sirius’s gaze, who was staring at him hatefully. Severus sighed softly as Sirius stalked towards them.
“Give me that, Harry,” said Sirius, taking Severus’s wand out of his hand. Harry whined loudly as Severus’s jaw clenched.
“My wand, if you please,” said Severus calmly, holding out his hand. Harry started crying loudly, grabbing onto Severus’s shirt. He wobbled a little,
causing Severus to put a hand on his back to steady him.
“Get your filthy hands off my godson,” said Sirius dangerously. “Why is Harry over here with you anyway?”
“He’s fine,” growled Severus softly, making sure Harry was steady on his feet. “If you have a problem, maybe you should take it up with his mother. She
certainly had no qualms about leaving him with me.” Sirius narrowed his eyes as Harry pulled on Severus’s shirt, pointing at the wand in Sirius’s tightly
clenched hand and looking back at Severus.
“I know what you are,” said Sirius angrily, his voice getting louder as his temper rose. “I don’t know what you’re doing here, but I want you to leave.
Harry’s doesn’t need to be around someone like you. Get out!” Harry became very quiet, staring at Sirius with wide eyes.
“I’ll leave whenever I’m good and ready,” said Severus calmly, gently rubbing Harry’s back. Sirius growled loudly and pointed Severus’s own wand at
him. On reflex, Severus grabbed Harry and shielded him tightly with his body. Harry screamed, causing Lily to spin around.
“Sirius!” screamed Lily, running over to stand between them. James cursed under his breath and ran over as well.
“Padfoot, what’s going on here?” asked James warily, eyeing Harry in Severus’s arms.
“Sorry,” said Sirius unrepentantly. “Snivellus here was just leaving.” He bent down to get Harry, but Lily shoved him away.
“Why?” asked Lily sharply. “What in the hell is going on?”
“Let’s all just calm down,” said James easily. “Harry doesn’t need to hear all this shouting.” He bent down as Severus lifted the child up to James.
Severus stood up fluidly, dusting off his trousers.
“Now,” said James, as Harry wiggled in his arms, “if one of you would like to explain -“
“What did you do?” said Lily furiously, her vivid green eyes boring holes in Sirius’s face. He scoffed angrily.
“I didn’t do anything,” said Sirius loudly. “He was the one who was letting Harry play with his wand -“
James grunted slightly as Harry writhed and contorted in his grip as Lily and Sirius argued. Finally, he relented and put him down. Harry walked quickly
over to Severus, holding up his arms and clutching at his trousers. Sirius’s jaw dropped as Severus reached down and easily lifted Harry into his arms,
resting the boy on his hip. He growled and lunged at Severus, who simply wrapped his arm around Harry. James grabbed Sirius’s arm tightly, earning him
an incredulous look from his friend.
“Harry and I are going inside for a while to cool off,” said Severus silkily, smirking at Sirius’s irate face as he easily plucked his wand out of the shocked
man’s hand and handed it back to Harry. He practically sauntered towards the house, taking his precious sweet time despite the hair on his arms and the
back his neck standing on end. He pushed open the back door and shut it firmly, relaxing slightly. He quickly stepped past the table piled with boxes in shiny
paper and bows, slowing slightly as he turned down the hall. He paused and gazed at the first frame of pictures that hung on the wall.
“You are a very lucky boy,” murmured Severus, jealously gazing at the many pictures of Lily, James and their friends. Harry mumbled contently, tapping
Severus’s shirt buttons with the wand. Severus looked down at him and smiled softly. He walked into Harry’s room and set him down on the floor as he sat
against the wall. He watched Harry carefully, not wanting the baby to poke his eye out as he went about the room, tapping all of his toys. After a few minutes,
Harry walked over to Severus and sat down hard on his leg.
“Ow,” said Severus, repositioning Harry on his lap. Harry yanked back his sleeve and tried to stick the wand back into Severus’s sheath. Severus
gently turned it around and let Harry slide it back in. Harry yawned and leaned against Severus, playing with the buttons on his shirt. Eventually, Severus
noticed the baby wasn’t moving around any longer and glanced down. He grinned at the sight of Harry sound asleep. He wrapped his arms around him so
he wouldn’t fall over and closed his eyes.
Harry took a moment to walk around the room. He smiled at seeing the red and gold Quidditch players race around the walls. A flicker of green caught his
eye. He stepped closer and laughed out loud at noticing several green-cloaked players defending some of the painted hoops. His smile faded as the room
overwhelmed him. This was his room - the room where his father and godfather had spent countless hours decorating before he was born, the room
where his mother laid him down to sleep every night, the room where she had died defending him. For a moment, he morbidly wondered where his father
had died. Had it been in the living room? The hallway lined with frame after frame of people who would mourn their deaths?
They had all died because of him. Sirius - Dumbledore - Remus - even Emmeline had died. All of them fighting a war that was his. And one must die at
the hand of the other -
He turned towards the doorway, his heart leaping into his throat to choke him at seeing his parents standing together in the hallway.
“Shh,” whispered Lily softly, pressing her hand into James’s chest. “Poor things.” James rolled his eyes as she bent down in front of Severus and Harry.
Before she could shake Severus’s shoulder to wake him, his left eye popped open. He blinked slowly and shifted carefully, placing Harry into Lily’s waiting
arms. She gently lifted him up and placed him in his crib. Severus got up from the floor, his muscles stiff from sitting.
“I should get back,” said Severus as they all walked out of the room. “I’ve got some work to do.”
“Thanks for coming,” said Lily fervently. “And I’m sorry about Sirius. He’s - he just doesn’t think. He means well.” Severus bit back a nasty comment at
the look in James’s eyes.
“You don’t have to apologize for him,” said Severus, turning away from both of them. “I’m used to it by now. Oh, and, uh -“ he pulled out a tiny box from
his pocket and flicked his wand into his hand. He tapped it and restored a wrapped present to its original size. He handed it to Lily, smirking at James’s
slightly irritated expression.
“It’s a birthday party,” said Severus, looking at James in particular. “I hope I got the size right.” James frowned at his turned back as Lily quickly
unwrapped the box and lifted the lid.
“Aw, it’s so cute!” said Lily quietly, pulling out the miniature emerald green cloak and handing the empty box to James. She held it up against her robes,
noting how the colors matched exactly. She looked up and saw Severus’s smiling face looking back at her as he stepped out the front door.
The pensieve gently pushed Harry out of the memory. He blinked his eyes, the head board coming back into focus. Severus forced himself up on his
elbows, alarmed at the haunted look in the boy’s eyes. He quickly replaced the silvery liquid into his mind.
“Are you alright?” he asked softly. Harry tried to grasp at one of the thoughts flashing through his mind, but couldn’t. Severus sighed.
“Harry, I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t show you that to upset you.” He started slightly as Harry jumped up from the bed.
“I hate him,” growled Harry, clenching his fists tightly. Severus eyes widened at seeing Harry’s body visibly tremble in rage. “I hate him.” He spun
around, glaring daggers at Severus.
“Why did you show me that?” shouted Harry. “I didn’t ask to see it.” Severus frowned.
“I just thought -“
“Well, you thought wrong!” cried Harry, not noticing the tears streaming down his face or hearing the complete irrationality of his words. “Why would I want
to see a memory where every single person in it is dead?”
“I may be fair-skinned, but I’m not dead,” said Severus firmly. “I already told you I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I don’t care what you think!” yelled Harry. “Just -- just leave me alone!” Harry ran from the room. Severus clenched his jaw at the slamming of the door
across the hall, his expression darkening even further at the empty pensieve sitting innocently on the bed.
+HP+
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure, Mina. Potter told me with his own mouth that’s what they did. I almost arrested him myself.”
“I don’t like this, Alastor. It makes me nervous.”
“You and everyone else.”
“We already have one criminal to vouch for. We don’t need another.”
“Who says we have to even vouch for that one?”
“Alastor -“
“I’m not convinced, Minerva. He’s slick enough to wiggle around the Council edicts. Once he gets Potter completely reliant on him, we’ve lost. Plain and
simple. His brand only has to glow until Voldemort’s won. We’ve got to get the boy away from him before it’s too late.”
“Alright. Alright. We’ll wait a few days for things to calm down a bit. If I don’t get an owl from him soon, we’ll call them both in.”