Chapter 6
Harry was once again in shock as his jaw dropped at the majestic bird nuzzling his sister.
“I missed you too Nixie.” Cecilia whispered softly to the bird. "I want to introduce you to someone.” Nixie the phoenix pulled back from Cecilia and looked at Harry and Rigel with curious eyes.
“This is my brother Harry Potter, and my best friend Rigel Smith. They are unique, just like me.” The bird let out some more trills and nipped at Cecilia’s hair affectionately before taking to the skies and disappearing.
Cecilia gave them both a happy smile. “There, that should be all my animals. What did you think?”
“What did I think?” Rigel repeated, hands coming up and grabbing Cecilia by the shoulders, “I think you are awesome.”
Cecilia giggled while Rigel shook her slightly. “How did you manage to get all these creatures? This is amazing.”
Harry’s brain was finally working again, and he spoke. “You have a fucking Pheonix?! That is so cool!”
Cecilia just smiled even brighter. “I really enjoyed my care of magical creatures' class and really fell in love with these animals. I wanted to protect them the best I could.” Together they made their way out of the Vivarium and down the stairs to the tables.
“There actually is something I wanted to discuss with you before we head back to our common rooms.” Cecilia said as she walked toward her magical plants. She stopped at a mandrake and carefully cut two leaves. “I am going to attempt to become an Animagus, it might be useful. Will you attempt with me?”
Harry was surprised but quickly reached out a hand to grab one of the leaves. “Hell yea.”
Rigel just nodded at them. “It will be useful I agree. Do you mind if I continue using your study for my research and inventions?”
“Not at all, you can do whatever you like here, as long as you keep this place a secret.” She answered.
Rigel nodded once and continued organizing his parchments.
Cecilia turned to Harry. “We could also practice magic in the area, so whenever you want to duel or just practice something new, we could come here and use this space.”
Harry nodded as he placed the leaf into his mouth, it was uncomfortable, but he would have to get used to it for at least the month that he needs to have it in.
A few minutes later they were leaving the ROR together and making their way back slowly. They parted with Rigel near the great hall and Harry said goodbye to Cecilia as she went a separate way near the grand staircase.
As Harry neared the Fat Lady Portrait and entered his common room, Ron was the first to see him.
“Harry! There you are! I thought you got lost or something.” Ron said as Harry sat himself next to Ron.
“I guess we did, Cecilia, Rigel and I went exploring.”
“That sounds like fun, maybe next time I could go with you?” Ron asked hopefully.
“Sure.”
Harry watched as Neville attempted a spell with Seamus and Sally nearby and frowned. “Hey Neville?” When Harry had his attention, he continued. “I don't think that wand is right for you.”
Nevilles eyebrow shot up in surprise. “My Gran gave me this wand to use, told me it belonged to my dad.”
“Well, don’t you know that the wand chooses the wizard? That wand might have been right for your dad, but you aren’t him, you are also half your mom. That might be why spells aren’t working for you.” Harry said.
Neville twiddled his fingers together before speaking. “It is only the first day of classes Harry, maybe I'll just do better with time.”
Harry sent Neville a smile. “Yea alright, but if time passes and it is still hard for you to do magic, remember my advice.”
Neville nodded eagerly and turned back to Seamus right when the goblet they were trying to spell blew up in their faces.
“Wanna play chess?” Ron asked and Harry spent the rest of the night just relaxing with the baby Gryffindors before going to bed.
The next day after lunch was when they had their first potions class. Harry had to admit he was excited for this class. He wondered how it would be like to have his dad be his teacher and he got to the potions class as soon as it was lunch time. He knocked on the door to the classroom and waited patiently.
When the door opened to reveal a scowling Severus Harry embraced him.
“Harry? Is something wrong?” Severus asked, putting a hand on Harry’s head. Harry shook his head no and mumbled ‘I miss you’ into his robes. “Come inside.” Severus said, prying Harry’s hand off and stepping out of the way to let Harry in.
“To my office.” Severus directed as he shut the door behind them.
When Harry opened the door to Severus’ office, he was surprised to see Cecilia sitting at the only table in the room and eating. He had never been inside Severus’ office before, so he took the time to look around. It looked the way a muggle office looked except with cauldrons stacked in one corner and jars filled with either potions or ingredients scattered around. There was a desk in the back with a simmering cauldron on it and some opened books. Cecilia was sitting at a small table in the middle of the room that had food on it.
“Did you two plan this?” Severus asked as he sat in a chair at the table and transfigured another one for Harry to sit on.
“No.” Was Cecilia’s innocent reply as she cleaned her mouth with a napkin. “I just missed you was all.”
“Same.” Harry said as he sat and started serving himself some food. “I have your class next dad.”
“I am aware; however, I will not be going easy on you just because you are my child. I still expect you to behave while in my class and pay attention in all your classes. Every Sunday I would like to check in with you both to make sure you are doing what you are supposed to.” Severus said strictly.
Of course that is how he will be.
“Daddy is a crazy strict teacher Harry, you better listen.” Harry nodded at Cecilia; this was something he knew well enough.
“I will also expect nothing but the best from you both.” Severus said as he took a sip of his drink.
There was no way out of being a good scholar. His school life was definitely going to be different from his last life for sure.
“I look forward to it.” Harry said as he bit into his food.
The three of them enjoyed their meal and Severus listened to both kids as they went off about the classes they had so far. Severus even mentioned how the teachers are already talking about how well they are doing in their classes. Cecilia asked Severus how he felt with them being in different houses and Severus surprised them both by saying, “I am proud you two have found the appropriate houses for yourselves. Even if Slytherin was the obvious best choice.” Severus then sent them both a pleased smirk that had Cecilia and Harry both giggling.
When lunch was ending Cecilia gave them both hugs and left to catch up with her possible new friends while Harry left Severus to tend to the potion on his desk. When Harry stepped out into the classroom, he was surprised to see Hermione already there sitting near the front and her eyes wide with surprise as she noticed Harry.
Harry sent her a smile and walked towards her. “Hello, here early too huh?”
“You just walked out the teacher's office! Why where you in there?” she demanded instead, crossing her arms and huffing.
Harry held up his hands. “I was just visiting the professor; we know each other rather well. How was lunch?”
Hermione looked at him in surprise before answering slowly. “It was good, I didn’t see you there though. Were you here the whole time?”
“I had lunch with Cecilia.” Harry answered instead.
“I heard that girl is actually the daughter of the professor, do you suppose it is true? Is that why she does so well in magic? She is cheating?” Hermione asked quickly
“Cheating?”
“Yes, I heard that she charmed all the teachers beforehand and that is why she has it easy in classes.”
Harry frowned. “That is not true at all. She works as hard as every student Hermione.” Harry said sternly.
Hermione, however, rolled her eyes. “Please, I heard she barely tries and that-”
“Hermione why are you being so rude? I am trying to be your friend and then you go and talk shit about my si-best friend when you know nothing about her. You are not going to learn everything by yourself nor will anyone like you if you don’t look past those books you have up your nose.” Harry yelled out. “You make it very difficult to like you when you are like this.” Harry added one last time as the door opened and some Slytherins walked in.
“Harry? You are here early.” Daco commented and frowned at Hermione behind him but otherwise did not say anything to her.
“Hey Draco.” Harry said tiredly, guilt already forming in his stomach.
Draco stared at him for a bit before turning to the other Slytherins and then asking Harry the most bizarre question. “Want to be my potions partner?”
Harry honestly never imagined such a thing, ever. “Okay.” Harry said still in shock and together they sat at a station.
“Listen Harry.” Draco started to say, playing with the quill in his hand nervously. “Ceci told me something on the train that I wanted to ask you.”
Now fully curious, Harry tilted his head in confusion. Draco took a breath and looked Harry in the eyes. “Do I... make you uncomfortable?”
Huh?
“Ceci said that you see me in a certain way because of the way I act, and the view isn’t a nice one. She says I remind you of everything you hated in your muggle relatives. That I um, bully you and the people around you because I can’t see past your background.” Draco put down the quill and turned to face Harry fully. “I know that you are not the type of person my father says you are. I just...” Draco looked like he was on the edge of bursting into tears.
Harry put a hand on Draco’s shoulder. “Draco, you are not your father, you don’t need to believe the same things he does. If you don’t judge someone based on who or what they are, me and you can become great friends.” Harry sent him a small smile which Draco returned.
Soon enough, more and more students entered the classroom and class started. Harry noticed how Ron and Neville sat next to each other but kept shooting him curious glances.
As the lesson started his dad made the same scary entrance and took roll call. Draco and Harry sent each other eyerolls and small smiles as Severus did the same speech as last time. For some reason it was funny this time.
Severus seemed to have noticed this because he called them both out.
“Mr. Potter, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”
Hermione shot her hand straight into the air.
Harry almost laughed. “That would be a sleeping potion sir, called the Draught of Living Death.”
Severus mouth twitched.
“Mr. Malfoy, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?”
Hermione was almost out of her seat with her hand raised even higher.
“The stomach of a goat sir.” Draco answered.
“Let's try this one more time, what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?”
“They are the same plant sir.” Draco answered first.
Harry then said. "It is also known as aconite.”
“Correct, five points to Slytherin.”
Harry felt his jaw drop; did Severus just give points to Draco and not him? Most of the Gryffindor's were shocked, until Severus sent him a smirk and said, “And five points to Gryffindor.”
This asshole.
The lesson continued much more normally, and Severus was even able to stop Ron and Neville from causing an accident this time around. By the time they were allowed to leave Harry was very satisfied. Severus actually taught them this time and made sure that everyone understood him and the steps clearly before letting them attempt on their own.
Draco said bye to Harry and even Ron and Neville before separating to get to his next class while the Gryffindors made their way to the astronomy tower.
“I was so scared. I thought Professor Snape was going to yell at me when I almost messed up that potion.” Neville whimpered and clutched his textbook closer.
“I thought he really wasn’t going to give Harry any of the points he gave Malfoy.” Ron said as he opened the door to the classroom.
“I thought he was brilliant.” Harry said as they entered the classroom. Harry noticed Rigel already sitting in the corner surrounded by a few Hufflepuffs and Rigel waved to the seats in front of them.
“Oh, hello! Nice to meet you. My name is Hannah, and this is Susan, and over there is Justin.” One of the Hufflepuffs said as Harry sat down with his Gryffindors. She was a small child with blonde hair done up and freckles covering her pale face.
Susan, who had big eyes and red hair waved from her spot next to Rigel. Justin, a tall skinny boy with sandy brown hair squinted in Harry’s direction. “I feel like I have met you before.”
“Justin! Don’t be rude.” Susan said as she hit him slightly with her hand.
“Hello, I am Harry just Harry.” After introducing himself Ron sent them a wave and said, “Ron Weasley, nice to meet you.”
“I'm Neville.” Neville said nervously when they all looked at him. Harry patted his shoulders comfortingly.
“So, second day of classes, how are you liking them?” Susan asked.
“It’s ok, I liked Potions.” Harry answered
Rigel rolled his eyes and teased Harry, “Of course you do. You and Ceci might be the only students who love his class.”
“Say’s the momma's boy, you are literally no better than I.” Harry retorted which only made Rigel laugh in response.
“I fucking love my mom.”
“You two are really close friends huh?” Hannah said with a smile on her face.
Rigel and Harry shared a look.
“No, I hate him.” Harry said with a smirk.
“He is the bane of my existence.” Rigel said right after.
The door opened then and Professor Sinistra walked in, shushing the class and starting the lesson.
Bu the time it was over Harry and Rigel both attempted to excuse themselves from their friends to go to the ROR. Rigel probably wanted to work on his own project, but Harry was much more looking forward to seeing the creatures again, however both Harry and Rigel were caught off guard when Ron and Susan both screamed ‘NO!’
“Harry! You can’t skip dinner today as well! Come to the great hall with us and eat!”
“Rigel, you can’t just go! I want to get to know you more and become friends!”
Rigel frowned. “But I have something important to do.”
“Can’t it wait?” Susan asked.
Rigel looked at Harry then, eyes pleading.
“We kinda made a promise to eat with Ceci today.” Harry tried.
“Then can’t we just tag along?” Ron quickly asked.
“Ron, I-”
“What if we all go look for Snape together?” Justin interrupted and then squinted at Harry, “I swear I know you from somewhere.”
“We can all head to the Great Hall together then, start there.” Hannah said and hooked both her arms with Neville and Rigel before starting to head out of the room.
Were kids always this pushy?
Harry started the walk to the Great Hall for dinner and once they arrived Harry spotted Cecilia with some Ravenclaw girls over at their table. Now he felt bad because he was going to really bother Ceci over a lie he told.
As they approached the Ravenclaw table Cecilia also caught sight of them and smiled brightly at them. “Hi Harry, RG, and everyone else?” Cecilia sent them curious glances.
Susan spoke up first. “You must be Cecilia Snape? Hello.”
“Hi?”
“We were just wondering if we could have lunch together?” Ron then asked.
Cecilia sent Harry and Rigel an amused look, finally catching up on what was going on. “Yes, the more the merrier!” As Cecilia got up, she grew as loud as she dared. “First years having lunch together, let's go!!”
Cecilia led the now full group of first years into an abandoned classroom that was free of dust but had boxes of junk and other items cluttered around. She started connecting the desks together to create a huge table while Rigel started dragging chairs to the desk table. At some point the door opened and more first years who either heard Cecilia or saw the group walk out joined them.
Soon enough there were four Gryffindors, four Hufflepuffs, Three Ravenclaws and Two Slytherins all sitting at the desk table.
“So, what is this about?” Draco asked once everyone sat down. “Why were you all leaving the Hall?”
“We all are going to spend time together and eat some food while we get to know one another. Deek!” Cecilia called. “Can you get us all some food?” Three seconds later the desk table was filled with the same food from the Great Hall.
Many kids gasped in amazement while those who knew sent Cecilia curious glances. “You know the house elves here?” Alice asked.
“Well, she is Professor Snapes daughter, she has to know some secrets.” one of the Ravenclaw girls named Lisa Turpin said.
“Oh my god I do know you!” Justin suddenly said out loud, pointing a finger at Harry and Cecilia Both. “We met at that park in Spinners End! I remember playing Freeze tag with you guys!”
Harry could kind of remember a boy who looked like Justin asking them to join in a game of fun a couple of years back.
“How do you even remember that?” Harry asked. Really struggling to remember himself.
“I just have that good a memory dude.”
“Is that like eidetic Memory?” The other Ravenclaw girl named Mandy Brocklehurst asked in curiosity.
“No, I don’t think so?” Justin answered and then turned to Harry. “Although I could’ve swore that you had different colored hair.”
Harry gave him a wry smile, “I did yes, I had dark brown hair around two to three years ago.” Harry smoothed his red locks over his forehead.
“Did you perhaps happen to use the Hair Gene Potion?” Theodore Nott asked as he took careful sips of his pumpkin juice.
“He did.” Cecilia answered. “I thought it would look good on him.”
As they continued eating their dinner together and chatting away Harry realized exactly how small his friend circle really was. He only really had Ron, Hermione, and the other Gryffindors. Looking around the table he smiled at the different colored ties slowly mingling with one another.
After they finished eating Cecilia took out some cards and invited everyone to play. Most of the Pureblooded students were hesitant to play Uno at first, however once Harry teased them and they watched how intense the first game got they also played a round.
Many plus fours and threats later did Lisa mentioned how it was getting closer to Curfew and the group of students packed up with a promise to do this again this weekend.
Once everyone except Rigel, Harry and Cecilia left, Rigel turned amused eyes to Cecilia. “You are quite smart when you want to be Ceci. You planned that out pretty well.”
“Thank you. I think if we manage to unite our year early enough, we might have more people to turn to that we can trust.”
“So that’s what you were doing?” Harry asked with a raised eyebrow.
“There was plenty of house rivalry in my years at Hogwarts, but there was also plenty of interhouse friendships. Is that so strange?”
“Yes.”
“The year has only just started, why exactly are we already making plans?” Rigel asked as he helped put the chairs and desks back to where they were.
“We can never be too careful. Did you acquire the rat, Harry?” Cecilia asked as she looked at the items scattered around, carefully opening books and looking through the crates.
Shit. “No.” Harry said miserably. “What would we even do with him once we have him?”
“Maybe send him straight to the ministry?” Cecilia shrugged. “Just grab him tonight and leave him in the ROR for now.”
With that they each separated and made their way back to their own dormitories. Harry patted his pocket making sure the expandable bag was still there before entering the Gryffindor common rooms.
“Welcome back Harry.” Ron said, taking Alice’s rook from the wizard chess board.
Alice huffed but otherwise also looked at Harry. “Hey Harry, can I ask you a question?”
Harry took a seat next to Neville who sent him a wave and went back to the herbology book he was reading.
“Sure?”
“How come you and Cecilia know each other so well?”
Does everyone not know that he was adopted by Severus? Wouldn’t the daily prophet write about this? Instead of answering Harry gave her a question of his own. “Well, what do you think?”
Before Alice could answer Neville spoke up, “Isn’t it because you two meet before Hogwarts?”
“I think it’s weird that you happen to know the professor's daughter so well is all.” Alice responded as she moved her knight, only for Ron to take it a second later.
“Is she like your girlfriend?” Ron asked
“No.” Harry quickly said. “Not that she isn’t pretty or anything, it's just weird.”
“Isn’t she also friends with Draco Malfoy?” Alice asked as she frowned at the chess board.
“Yea, Harry you were sitting with Malfoy during Potions. Why?” Ron quickly asked and turned to face him.
“Draco is a brat, but he is trying to be better, and I gotta give him credit for that. He is not that bad.” Harry answered.
“Is it because you got adopted by Sirius Black? Aren't they cousins now?” Neville put his book to the side and asked.
“Sirius Black?” Harry questioned, why does he think that?
“Oh yea! I read about it in the daily Prophet. You were introduced to the wizarding world a few years ago because Sirius black finally adopted you and took you to your righteous place or something.” Ron said excitedly.
“What? No!” Harry said. “Let me say this once and for all. You-know-who is dead, my parents killed him, not me. Sirius Black is my uncle. I have no interest in being the boy who lived. And Cecilia is my sister.” Harry said this as carefully as he could. “Anyone saying otherwise is lying.”
Ron and Neville nodded slowly while Alice only perked up. “Sister? Cecilia is your sister?”
“Thats right. I was adopted by Professor Snape.”
“WHAT?” Four voices rang out in unison.
Hermione, who was sitting on a different couch, a huge library book on her lap, had her mouth agape as she stared at Harry.
Harry raised an eyebrow at her, and she quickly went back to her book.
“That actually makes sense now.” Neville mumbled.
“Your dad is the greasy bat of the dungeons?” Ron asked.
“I knew there was something strange going on.” Alice said with a smile.
A few minutes later Percy was directing all the first years to go to bed. This time, however, Harry got ready for bed and as he laid down with the curtains drawn shut, he waited awake while the other boys themself got ready for bed. A few hours later when he heard their snores and even breathing did he leave his bed slowly and approach Rons bed.
Once again curled up in his cage lay one Peter fucking Pettigrew. Without making a sound he opened the bag with the expandable charm and opened the cage. He reached a hand in taking ahold of it. The rat blinked its eyes open, looking at Harry.
“There is so much I want to say and do to you, but for now. Just know that you have finally been caught, Peter.”
The rat's eyes grew and just before it could start squeaking Harry dropped him into the bag and sealed it tight.