THIS IS A SEQUEL! I highly recommend reading WAITING FOR DEATH before you read this story, or it may become very confusing! But for those who don't feel like it, or those who just want a refresher, here is a quick little summary for you:

Harry tells Ron he loves him. Ron sleeps with Harry, says some mean things to him, then starts a relationship with Hermione to prove he's "straight" hurting both of his friends in the process. Ginny suggests to Harry to start a rebound relationship with Draco. He does, and it progresses rather quickly. Lucius (and of course Voldie) use the relationship to gain Harry's trust (which doesn't go so well!). Lucius helps Harry master occlumency, causing Snape to gain some respect for Harry. They slowly become friends..and a little more! Draco breaks up with Harry because he didn't feel he was one of Harry's priority. Harry then turned to good ol' Professor Snape for a little comfort (fluffy smutty goodness in one). But of course the two boys get back together when Draco gains a wicked injury from a fight, starting over jealous, with Blaise Zabini. Snape pushes Harry away and gives him a very powerful book written in parseltongue. Harry then discovers a spell that gave him the ability to control anyone without their knowledge of being put under a spell (it even worked on Dumbledore!). Harry and Draco then plan to take the Dark Mark in an attempt to get close enough to use the spell on Voldemort. All was going find until during a Death Eater meeting, Harry discovered Ron and Hermione were captured. In his wacky attempt to save his two best friends, Hermione ended up being raped by Lucius Malfoy and Draco was put into a coma. (The spell didn't work as well as he planned!) Snape gave up his position as a spy to save Harry, forced to leave Draco behind, causing much Drama in the life of Harry. The story ends with both Harry and Snape being forced to spend their summer at Number 12 Grimmuald Place. This story will be picking up right where it left off.

-

-

I originally posted this as a Harry/Draco fic, but I'm now changing it to Harry/Severus. There are both pairings in this story, but I find more Snarry fans are okay with some Drarry than Drarry fans are with Snarry. (If that makes sense..lol)

Oh, and don't forget to REVIEW!!!!

-

-

Finding Redemption

-

-

Coming Of Age

"Happy Birthday Harry!" Remus beams as I entered the kitchen. Today, Remus was throwing me a birthday party to help cheer me up. In reality, it was only making me more miserable, but I kept that to myself. I've been living at number 12 all summer with Remus. I guess he was awfully lonely after Sirius' death, so having me here made him happy. I've been so miserable since Draco's, for lack of a better word, accident, that I wasn't much of a house guest. Then again, Remus always had Severus.

Severus was forced to live here on Dumbledore's orders. Ever since he saved me two months ago, he had to give up in position as a spy. So he was living, as I liked to call it, the Harry Potter lifestyle. Where Dumbledore tells you when you can or can't do something, and your constantly stuck inside a house with people you'd rather not be around.

He was the least of my worries today. Around five o'clock tonight, this house would be packed with Weasleys. I haven't spoken to anyone in the family besides Ginny, who wrote me a few times. We never talked of anything serious, and she didn't dare to mention Draco. Mr. And Mrs. Weasley sometimes stopped by here doing order business, but I would lock myself in my room avoiding them. I wasn't ready to deal with the questionable looks. I didn't have a choice tonight.

"So, are you excited for tonight?" Remus pulled me away from my thoughts.

"Yeah." I lied, and Snape snorted.

"You seem almost more excited then me Potter." He retorted sarcastically.

"Well I think a party would do wonders for both of your attitudes. Seriously all you two do is mope around all day. You both need to lighten up." There was no chance I was going to lighten up anytime soon. It has only been two months since Draco's accident and the healers said he had made no improvements. Of course, I never got a chance to see for myself, because I wasn't allowed to leave the house.

Because of the raid on headquarters, which resulted in the kidnapping of Ron, Hermione, and Tonks, Dumbledore didn't want me to leave until I was able to apparate. Now that I'm seventeen, I can get tested anytime, but I can't leave without an escort, so I'd have to wait till I find someone willing to take me.

"Remus, I know you're only trying to help, but it's just.."

"You can't really make up for your fiancée being put into a coma by throwing a party with a group full of eager red heads you'd rather not see." Snape finished my thoughts. Obviously I wasn't going to say it like that, but he wasn't wrong.

"Honestly Severus, you are not helping!" Lupin scowled at his former schoolmate and colleague.

"I never once claimed I was trying to help." Snape smirked, almost as if he was flirting with the man I considered as an uncle. I couldn't help the tinge of jealousy creeping up. Things with Severus and myself have been weird to say the least. Besides when I first arrived, we hardly talked. We would share some casual conversation during meals with Remus, but that was about it. I wasn't sure if anything would be normal between us again.

"Severus, please don't make this harder than it already is." Remus begged before addressing me again. "Can't you just try and have a good time tonight? It is your birthday after all."

"Yeah, Rem, I will. I do appreciate everything, and all, but I just don't know if I'm ready to be around big crowds." I fumbled for more excuses that wouldn't hurt his feelings. "But maybe this is just what I need to you know, help me move on." Remus smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"That's the spirit. Now Severus, when you're finished with your tea, I would appreciate if you would join me upstairs." Then he left, leaving me alone with Severus for the first time in a while.

"That was a load of crap." He said referring to my lame excuse.

"What does he want to see you for?" I said ignoring his comment, my jealousy creeping up on me again.

"He wants me to help set up for you party." He scowled and I couldn't help but snicker.

"And you're going to help him?" I mocked him.

"Hardly. I'll be returning to my room for the rest of the evening." He said matter-of-factly, and I couldn't help but feel a little upset.

"You're not going to be at the party?" I tried to hide the hurt in my voice.

"I was under the impression that you didn't want me to attend." I have been a little cold towards him lately. I still put some of the blame of Draco's state on him, but I still couldn't help being comforted by his presence.

"Oh, well, it doesn't really matter. I mean if you don't want to go, I won't hold it against you or anything." I glanced up at him, trying to see if I could get any type of reaction out of him but his mask of no emotions remained as strong as it always was.

"I'm sure all your friends would be more comfortable without me there." He didn't show it, but I'm sure there was some pain evident in those words. "You probably wouldn't even notice I was there."

I didn't say anything in response. We just sat in an awkward silence. I actually envied him for being able to just retreat in his room, ignoring the masses which were sure to arrive.

A few hours later, I sat in the sitting room with Remus as we heard people coming noisily down the hall (I was very thankful Remus found a way to put a permanent silencing charm around Mrs. Black's portrait). Then the room was suddenly filled with the whole Weasley bunch. A few other order members showed up, but I wasn't really concerned with any of them.

As far as I knew, there was only one person here who didn't resent me for the events that happened in the beginning of the summer and she was heading straight towards me, her long red hair flowing behind her.

"Harry!" She threw her arms around my shoulders. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, Gin, I'm fine." I didn't sound very convincing and she just held on tighter.

"Have you gone and seen him?" This was the first time she has mentioned Draco, even though we been writing all summer.

"I saw him the once, after it happened, but not since, no." She pulled away looking at me with sad eyes. "I'm fine, really."

"I don't even see why you would care, Ginny. You know what he is." Ron came up from behind, whispering so only we could hear.

"Shut up Ronald. He is not."

"Check it out for yourself if you don't believe me." He said smugly, getting a little louder as he continued. "Saw it with my own eyes just before he handed Hermione off.."

"Enough!" Mrs. Weasley chimed in from behind, obviously picking up on the hostility. "Harry! Happy Birthday!" She pulled me into a rib crushing hug. Even though she was acting her normal self towards me, I know she felt different about me. Everyone did. Not saying she hated me or anything, but our relationship has changed. Just like all my relationships have changed.

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley." It seemed more routine than genuine, but that didn't matter. I was thinking about what Ron said. I tried to ignore those thoughts while I went through the motions, greeting everyone, but as soon as I was alone with Ginny again, there they were once again.

"So do you want to tell me what really happened?" I knew what she was talking about without further explanation, and I really didn't feel like getting into it. "I only know what Ron said, and what we manage to hear from mum and dad using extendable ears."

"What are you looking for?" I spat angrily at her.

"I just wanted to know, you know."

"You looking for this." I lifted up my sleeve, allowing my dark mark to show. "There it is."

"Harry," she said sympathetically, "That's not what I want. I just want to know what happened. The truth, not what Ron says." I should of known she would never believe Ron's version of things, even if I sort of did myself. I explained pretty much the basics of the events that I hid from her, along with the rest of my friends, all last year. She listened tentatively, and then just slung her arm around my shoulder when I was finished.

"Draco will wake up, Harry. Don't even think otherwise." I tried to force a smile but it just wouldn't come. I wanted to have hope and believe Draco would wake up and my life would get back on track, but nothing ever worked out for me, what would make this any different?

Before I had a chance to respond, Mrs. Weasley entered the room announcing dinner was ready. When I made my way downstairs to the kitchen, I heard a familiar voice behind me. I turned to see Severus coming down the stairs, speaking with Kingsley. I offered him my first sincere smile of the night.

"What is he doing here?" Ginny groaned, and I forgot how much she didn't know about my relationship with the man. It did mildly surprise me that Ron never mentioned anything, since he seems to love spreading rumors about my life. I guess I would just have to be thankful for small favors. Last thing I need is the whole school thinking I slept with our hated Potions master.

Dinner went along pretty smoothly. Lots of small talk. Fred and George updated me on everything going on with their shop, Kingsley and Mr. Weasley kept us up to date on the Ministry, and Ginny told me all about her relationship with Dean, and how she wasn't sure if it was going to last.

"Why? I thought you guys were happy." I questioned, but in reality I couldn't say I was upset. If Ginny was with Dean all the time, I would pretty much have no one to talk to. She was the only friend I had left.

"We were. I do like him, but I just always feel so bored around him. I need someone more exciting. Maybe I'll date a Slytherin." I laughed a little reminiscing on the beginning of my relationship with Draco.

"You want to date a Death Eater too? Maybe get yourself a nice tattoo to match Harry's?" Ron jibed, obviously eavesdropping on our conversation. Ginny opened up her mouth to say something but I didn't give her a chance.

"Don't you ever say anything like that about Draco ever again!" Everyone just stared at us. When no one said anything, I was certain they were looking for some answers as to what really went on.

"Why not? It's true! Both of you guys. He let his father do that to Hermione but neither of you cared."

"I cared! And so did Draco! You don't understand!"

"I'm sure Malfoy really cared."

"He gave you his wand didn't he? He gave you his only means of protection to help get Hermione and Tonks to safety, or did you forget about that?" I had to stop myself from crying thinking maybe Draco would be with me here today if he would have had that wand. "He faced Voldemort wandless and now he's at St. Mungo's and might never wake up. How can you even say he didn't care?"

"Hey guys, calm down alright? We're all friends here." Tonks spoke up trying to ease some of the tension, but it didn't help much.

"Who's friends?" Mrs. Weasley gave her son a disapproving look. "I'm going home." Ron then stormed out of the kitchen, no one moving to bring him back.

"Well," Mr. Weasley spoke up. "I could go for some cake about now!" He said excitedly and I was thankful he changed the subject, gladly willing to ignore all thoughts of Ron.

We all ate cake, everyone keeping the conversation away from anything that would offend me. Then I opened my presents. Mostly it was just basic things. There was only one present which really seemed to grab my attention, and it was from Remus. It was a frame photograph of my dad, Sirius, and himself. Sirius stood in the center, with his arms wrapped around both of the other men. They were probably about fourteen in this picture, and Peter wasn't in it, which was nice. They were so happy, and it reminded me of my friendship with Ron and Hermione. How close we were, and now that's gone.

I don't think I could have been happier when the party came to an end and everyone left. I was alone with Remus, Snape must have escaped sometime earlier in the evening.

"I really loved your gift." He smiled and sat down on the arm chair. "Thanks."

"You're welcome Harry." He seemed uneasy, and I knew he was going to mention the events of the evening, especially those concerning Ron, but I didn't want to talk about it. "I know things are tough right now, but you guys will make up, I know it."

"I don't think so."

"You guys have had fights before?" He asked, knowing very well that we have. It was pretty common for Ron and me to fight.

"This is different. There's a whole lot more to it than what everyone else is seeing."

"Tell me then," he was almost pleading, "Let me in, Harry. You can trust me."

"I know I can, it's just there is so much going on. Too many secrets, I don't want to get anyone into trouble."

"Tell me what you feel comfortable with then." I didn't want to tell him I really didn't feel comfortable telling him anything, so I knew I had to give him something. I explained everything that happened between me and Ron last year. How I fell in love with him, how he hurt me, and then finally realized he felt the same way when I was in the middle of my relationship with Draco. Then I explained everything that happened on the night of Draco's accident.

"You guys sure have been through a lot, I won't deny that." That was clearly an understatement. "But Ron does love you, and will forgive you. Who knows? Maybe you could even start something new with him."

"WHAT?" I couldn't believe he would suggest that.

"I didn't mean to upset you. I know you love Draco, but you can't wait for him forever. Harry, the healers say.."

"I know what the healers say, but they're wrong." I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, willing myself to continue. "He has to wake up."

"Well, even still, would it be so bad to have a little love while you're waiting for him?" Actually no, I would love to be loved. I hated sleeping alone every night and having no one to share kisses with, It was a lonely life.

"Not Ron." Was all I said.

"Well, I'm sure once you get back to school, you'll find someone." I couldn't think of anyone at school I would even want to be with. Everyone in school thought of me as 'The Chosen One' and I would never know who I could trust. My entire time at Hogwarts I've only known two people who really could care less about that title. Draco and Severus. But those both weren't options anymore.

I said goodnight and headed up to my room. The door was open, which I knew for sure I kept closed, and wondered if Kreacher was sneaking around. "Lumos" I whispered, and didn't see a trace of the elf. Then I remembered I was seventeen and could use magic. I managed the fireplace flames to rise, lighting the room entirely, and thats when I noticed a package on my bed.

I walked over to it, eying it cautiously. It seemed safe enough, so I gently removed the wrappings. Inside was a small table mirror. I lifted it up closer and then I realized, it wasn't my reflection in it. It was Draco. There he was lying in his hospital bed, sleeping peacefully. My heart almost broke from the sight of it. I looked back down at the wrappings and saw a small piece of parchment laying where I picked the mirror up from. The familiar script stuck out at me.

Happy Birthday

That was all it said. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. This was truly the best birthday present I ever received.

-

-

A/N: So that's chapter one! Hope you like! Reviews are greatly appreciated! : )