There was another shift, and Snape once again stood before Voldemort. It seemed several days had passed. The Death Eater looked, if possible, even worse than he had before.
'Are you certain, my lord?' he asked timidly.
'I'm afraid so, Severus,' Voldemort drawled. 'There is no doubt in my mind that the child of James and Lily Potter is the child referred to in the prophecy. They will be killed, and Lord Voldemort will reign supreme forever.' He smirked at his Death Eater. 'Why so glum, Severus? I should think you would be happy to hear the news. Your long-standing enmity with James Potter is known even to myself.'
'I'd like nothing more than to see that arrogant fool get what he deserves,' Snape spat. 'But Lily...' He paused. 'I've always...wanted her.'
'The Mudblood?' Voldemort retorted. 'Surely you can find a more worthy candidate for your...affections?'
'I've always wanted her,' Snape repeated, his voice cracking. 'But Potter...he took her from me. My lord, I beg you, kill Potter and the child, but leave me Lily.'
Voldemort paused for a long moment, then nodded graciously.
'I shall grant you this boon, Severus,' he said. 'I shall kill James Potter and his child, and then I shall give you the Mudblood to make use of as you will.'
'Th-thank you, my lord,' Snape whispered.
'Lord Voldemort rewards his faithful followers, Severus,' his master replied. 'You may go.'
The memories faded, and Harry once more found himself standing on the rocky island. He felt terribly sick. Voldemort had come after him because of that prophecy, and Snivellus Snape had been the traitorous rat who passed along the information.
Harry took a deep breath. At least he now knew his real purpose. This was the reason he had been given Parseltongue, this was the reason for his unique insight into Voldemort's mind. He was not destined to be the next Dark Lord after all, but rather to destroy the last one. Harry's eyes glinted angrily. That was one burden he would take up with pleasure.
....
Harry opened his eyes slowly. He was lying atop his bed in Regulus's old room. He sat up and stretched his arms. He felt remarkably well-rested. At his feet, an enormous black dog lay lengthwise across the bed. Harry smirked, and looked around for his wand. It was lying beside the lamp on the side table. He reached over quietly and snatched it up before turning it on the dog.
'Aguamenti,' he whispered, and water spurted out of the tip of his wand, splashing into the dog's face.
Sirius jumped up with a start. He looked at Harry reproachfully for a moment, then a doggy grin spread across his face. He transformed and grabbed Harry in a fierce hug.
'Harry, you're awake!' he exclaimed. 'Thank God. Andromeda said you were just sleeping and needed the rest, but I was scared you mightn't wake up.'
'How long was I out, Dad?' Harry asked.
'Three days,' Sirius said.
Harry grinned mischievously. 'At least it wasn't three weeks.'
'Honestly, Harry,' Sirius said, shaking his head. 'This is starting to turn into a bad habit. Can't you manage through one school year without falling unconscious or having to be pulled out and taken home?'
'What can I say?' Harry replied cheekily. 'I really don't like exams.'
Sirius let out a short, bark-like laugh. 'Well, you'll have to take them this year. You and Draco are going back to school on Monday.'
'What's the point?' Harry asked, rolling his eyes. 'We've only got a few weeks left.'
'True,' Sirius said with a smile. 'But I've received an owl from Oliver Wood, threatening me with bodily harm if you're not there to play for the last Quidditch game.'
Harry laughed. 'You could take him.' He paused, and looked up at Sirius anxiously. 'I brought down Riddle's wards, and I sensed that he was attacked. I presume we won?'
Sirius nodded and ruffled Harry's hair. 'That's right, thanks to you. We got Cissy out and killed Lucius and Quirrell. I understand that Aunt Cassie and her crew completely slaughtered the Death Eaters outside the house.'
'Lucius is dead?' Harry couldn't believe it. 'Poor Draco.'
Sirius grimaced. 'It's actually even worse than that,' he said. 'Draco made a Portkey and came over to help. Lucius was possessed by Riddle and nearly killed Draco before I stepped in.'
'That's awful,' Harry said quietly. 'He and Narcissa must be having a hard time.'
'I'd say so,' Sirius said nonchalantly, but Harry could see the worry in his eyes. 'There's more too.' He Conjured a handheld mirror and held it up for Harry to see. The boy gasped at the sight of the angry red scar on his forehead. His hand shot up instantly to feel it.
'How did this happen?' he asked.
'I don't know,' Sirius replied. 'It was like that when we got back from the rescue mission. It must have had something to do with your spending all that time in Riddle's mind.' He frowned. 'Do you want to tell me what happened?'
.....
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