"Two rolls of parchment on Werewolves, that's so wicked of him", said Ron.
"Yeah, and it's Quidditch tomorrow.", said Harry.
"What are you doing with that big book Hermione? ", asked Ron.
"I am reading about a Maledictus. You know, you understand something really well when you compare it with something similar, but much different. Werewolves, when in their wolf form, have no clue about who they are, but once the full moon night is over, they are back to their normal self. Point is, they don't remain wolves forever. Maledictuses initially can turn back to their usual self but later at some point, they are permanently trapped in the animal or bird body." , Hermione answered.
"You have to write two rolls of parchment Hermione, not an entire book.", teased Ron.
"What exactly is a Maledictus ?", asked Harry, half curious, half smiling.
"A Maledictus is a female individual who carries a blood curse that eventually turns her into a type of beast, an animal or a bird. The curse is carried from birth and passed down from mother to daughter.", read Hermione.
"Bloody hell !", exclaimed Ron.
"So, what makes a Werewolf different from a Maledictus ?", Harry asked.
"They're different conditions. Maledictuses are always women, whereas werewolves can be either sex. The Maledictus carries a blood curse from birth, which is passed down from mother to daughter.", continued Hermione.
"Are there any known Maledictuses ?"
"Well, yes, one of them is umm...", Hermione paused abruptly.
"Go on", said Harry.
"Well, it's Nagini, You-Know-Who's snake.", replied Hermione.
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It wasn't a very bright day though the sun shone in the sky. Hogwarts was still in mourning. Harry sat in the Gryffindor common room still not believing that Dumbledore was no more. He was equally burning with anger with the memory of Snape killing Dumbledore. Murderer, that's what Snape was, thought Harry.
"Harry," , called Hermione.
Harry only looked in her direction to acknowledge that she and Ron were also there in the room.
"I was in the library again recently and I finally came upon something about Eileen Prince." , said Hermione just to distract Harry for a moment.
"And what ?", Harry asked only to seem involved.
"She was his mother. Eileen Prince was a pure blood witch who later married a muggle named Tobias Snape. There was also a news about the marriage in the Daily Prophet and another one about her son's birth. And Harry—"
"Murderer, Snape was a murderer." , Harry interrupted.
Hermione didn't go any further since Harry wasn't in the mood.
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Harry had only few minutes left. There were many questions in his mind. He didn't think further and emptied the vial containing a silvery liquid in the pensive. Soon, Harry saw a girl with bright green eyes talking to a boy with a sallow face. They were being watched. It was a snowy owl perched on a tree near them, who seemed familiar to Harry. It was clearly an Animagus as it was keenly observing them.
The scene dissolved. Harry was now standing in the living room of a house. A man was yelling at his wife and abusing her. Snape was hiding behind the door, scared and crying . Soon, the man went out and Snape and his mother hugged each other. It was weird for Harry to see Snape crying in his mother's arms and wanting her motherly affection. Eileen cheered him up.
She asked Snape, "Who was the girl with you today, Severus ? She is a muggle born, isn't she ?"
"Yes mother, she is Lily Evans. She is a muggle born but a really good witch. She is different. She is very kind and understanding, unlike everyone. She too got her letter recently. Her sister though is a very mean muggle.", Snape took a pause and then asked again, "Will you look after me , as you always do ?"
"Yes, my dear, always.", Eileen replied.
The scene dissolved and Harry was again in that house. Snape looked older. He probably was in his sixth year.
"I love you a lot Severus." , Eileen said calmly.
"Please don't leave me mother. I will really miss you.", Snape was crying again.
"I am not leaving you Severus. I won't be Eileen Snape anymore but I will still be alive. I will now be an owl forever, but I will be watching you." , Eileen consoled him.
"It won't be the same." , said Snape.
The scene dissolved again.
Harry was now in Diagon Alley. Snape stood in front of Eeylops Owl Emporium. He was talking to the same snowy owl.
"I am assigning you an important task. Within a few days, Hagrid will bring Harry Potter here to buy his school stuff. I have already asked Hagrid to gift you to Harry as his birthday present. You will be his best companion. Protect Harry for me."
Harry now realised why the snowy owl seemed familiar. It was Hedwig.
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Harry didn't know how he managed to reach the Entrance Hall by climbing down the changing stairs. He spotted Ron and Hermione sitting together with tension brimming on their faces. They were relieved to see him.
"Where were you ?", Hermione asked.
"Never mind that. Last year when you searched about Eileen Prince, what did you come across ?", asked Harry.
"That she was Snape's mother.", replied Hermione.
"What apart from that ?", asked Harry, now a little impatient.
"She...she was a pure blood witch. She was a Maledictus. Some say she died, but actually she was trapped in her bird form permanently. But why are you asking that now ?", asked a confused Hermione.
"We almost thought that you went to the Forest.", said Ron.
"I am going now.", Harry said emphatically.
"Are you nuts ?", exclaimed Ron.
"I think you must have guessed it by now. I have somewhere felt it myself. The Prophecy says that one of us must kill each other", Harry was now prepared.
"We will come with you.", said Hermione.
"No, kill the snake and then it's just him. It's time. It's time to do what I was chosen to do. It's really important that I face Voldemort in the Forest right now. If I don't, then everyone who sacrificed their lives for this cause, died for nothing. Everyone who protected me, helped me or stood by my side even in the worst of times, they did it for nothing. I am the Chosen One. In the end, it shouldn't be you or Ron, it should be me.", Harry had made the decision.
In the few hours to come, the Wizarding World's peace would be restored.
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"What if I get Slytherin ?", asked Albus.
"You can ask the Sorting Hat, it considers your choice." , replied Harry.
"Really ?", beamed Albus.
"Yes. Albus Severus, you were named after two great wizards. One of them was in Slytherin. He was the best person I knew. He and his mother did a lot for me then." , Harry said affectionately.
It was time for the train to leave for Hogwarts.
Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione, all with teary eyes and nostalgic faces bid their kids farewell.
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