Potter! It's past midnight," he hissed. "What is the problem?"
Catching his breath, Harry glanced back into the living area, still able to hear the voice.
"I… I… that voice, it's scaring me."
Snape simply looked at him, confused for a moment and then irritated. "What voice? What are you blathering about, boy?"
"LET ME KILL HIM, MASTER…"
It was right behind him again, and Harry stepped forward, reaching for the potions master and grabbing a fistful of the man's robes.
But Snape landed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him and forcing him backwards again.
"You are hysterical."
Harry shook his head. "No… no. I can still hear it. Why can't you hear it?!"
"You shouldn't be down here, Potter. Return to your dorm room immediately and desist from this nonsense!" Snape ordered.
"But… but it's Ch-Christmas," Harry stammered. "You… you said I could s-stay…"
"That was before you started to behave like a boundless toddler. Return to your tower, at once!" Snape told him, before retreating back into his room and moving to shut the door in Harry's face.
"N-no! Please!" he cried, reaching out a hand to stop the door from closing. "Dad!"
There was a horrible silence then – even the voice stopped for a moment.
Silently, the potions master leaned forward, until his eyes were level with Harry's. But there was nothing in them – they were cold, empty.
"I am not your father," he hissed.
And seconds later, the door slammed shut.
Harry continued to stare at it for several seconds, ignoring the hot tears running down his cheeks as he backed away, slowly.
"KILL…."
It was so close now.
He turned around, back towards the living area, and came face to face with the owner of the mysterious voice he had been hearing for months.
Opening his mouth, Harry began to scream.