Unwanted Memories

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters used in this story, all recognizable names, locations, and characters are property of the wonderful JK Rowling, who was lovely enough to bless us with the Harry Potter books to become obsessed with as I have.

..............

Unwanted Memories

.............

Chapter 2

"NO! Please, Professor, I'll tell you, but I don't want to tell Professor Dumbledore!" Harry pleaded with Snape.

"And why would that be, Harry?" Snape questioned. He was going to bring the boy to Dumbledore anyway, but a full understanding of what happened at his relatives' house might help, so he decided to play along, for now.

"Well...I mean...how could he not know? Professor Dumbledore always has an order member guarding the house, and I've asked him to let me stay here before...I mean...he must know what happens there." Harry replied shyly.

"I assure you, Harry, Professor Dumbledore knew nothing of the goings on at that house. He would have taken you away from there in an instant, and probably hexed your relatives into oblivion, if he knew half of what I have seen." Snape responded. Harry didn't look reassured.

"And I think he and Professor McGonagall know about Umbridge's detentions, because Professor McGonagall told me to just keep my head down and push through them. And Dumbledore must know, I mean, he's the Headmaster." Harry pushed on.

Snape sighed and sat down behind his desk. "Sit, Harry." He motioned toward the chair across from his desk. Hesitantly, Harry sat down. "While Professor Dumbledore is the Headmaster, he does not know about everything that happens here, and, again, I assure you he knew nothing of the abuse you have encountered, whether it be here or at that house. And, believe me, Harry, if Professor McGonagall knew of the nature of your so-called detentions, that toad probably wouldn't be in any condition to teach. She would have hexed her into oblivion. Now, you said before you would tell me everything. I want to know what happened in each of the memories I witnessed, and please don't lie."

Harry tensed up and sighed. "Sir, I really don't want to talk about it..."

"Harry, please, I only want to help you." Snape cut him off.

Harry sighed and pulled at his tie (he had been putting his clothes on when he was explaining to Snape that he would tell him everything). "Alright, sir. Um...where to start..." Harry scratched at the back of his neck.

"How about the chores I saw you doing?" Snape offered.

"Right. Well, ever since I could walk, I've done all of the chores in the house. I have to cook, clean, weed, etc. And I don't actually get to eat what I cook. I get table scraps and food that is a week past the due date. That's why I'm so skinny." Harry replied shyly.

"Alright," Snape's anger toward the Dursleys was already bubbling inside him, and the rest of the memories were far worse. "What about watching that whale of a boy open presents.

"Right, well I was six, and it was Christmas. I don't get presents, ever. The first present I ever got was Hedwig, my owl, that Hagrid bought me on my eleventh birthday." Harry answered.

"And where were you when you were watching?" Snape asked, his rage still boiling, though he kept his voice as cool and calm as ever.

"My cupboard." Harry replied simply.

"Your cupboard? What do you mean by that?" Snape questioned, confusion in his voice.

"I didn't have a bedroom. I slept in the cupboard under the stairs until I got my first Hogwarts letter, then my aunt and uncle gave me Dudley's second bedroom. They were scared that someone was watching the house, because my letter was addressed to 'the cupboard under the stairs.' Not scared enough to stop hitting me though..." Harry slapped his hand over his mouth, his eyes wide. He had not meant to let that slip. "Uh...that's another reason I think Dumbledore knows. I mean, my letter was address to the cupboard under the stairs for Merlin's sake." Harry tried to deflect off what he had let slip, but it didn't seem Snape was so easily fooled.