Harry James Potter knew what he had assumed was wrong of him. However, he was going to choke on his pride when he swallowed it to apologize. Apologizing to his worst enemy, none other than Severus Snape, was one of the hardest things he had ever done in his eleven years of life. This was up there with dealing with Aunt Marge's visits.
It was the end of the year feast for the first year Hogwarts student. Through out the year Harry had been assuming that all the misdeeds were the product of the snarky potions master. However, the old saying that "assuming makes an ass out of you and me" had been very true, in this case. Harry's Gryffindor pride was screaming at him to not do what he was about to but his sense of morality and being true was winning over. Harry gave a heavy sigh that caught the attention of Hermione and Ron, his two best friends.
"What is the matter, Harry?" Hermione leaned over from across the table.
"It is nothing, 'Mione." He replied with another sigh. The feast was soon to end and this was the only chance he was going to get. This was the decision that was going to change the course of events for his life forever. "Here we go." Harry stood up from his spot at the table and started towards the teachers table.
"What is he doing?" Ron asked Hermione with an incredulous look on his face.
"I have no idea." She answered, with a similar look on her face.
Harry was too far now. There was no turning back from this. Nothing whatsoever could stop him now. The teachers were already looking at him; he had managed to catch the attention of half the student population by this point as well. He was most of the way there. Harry James Potter made b-line for a specific teacher. His breath was coming in harsh catches by this point and he could feel his face turning a shade of pink. He stepped up to the man with as dark hair as Harry himself. The man who hated him and had made the first year potions class miserable.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Potter?" Severus was giving Harry a skeptical look.
"I-I-" Harry took a breath to steady him. "I wanted to apologize for assuming such horrible things about you. I am sorry; I realize you are not particularly keen on my company. In fact I am almost positive you hate me. However, I still would like to apologize and I hope you accept." Harry said all of this quickly and did not give Snape much room to put a word in. The entire hall was silent. The look Professor Snape was giving Harry was completely priceless. It was a mix of horror, shock, and confusion. For once Snape did not have a smart comment to say.
As the apology rushed from Harry Potter's mouth, yes a Potter had just apologized; Snape was having trouble comprehending the statement. The first words that registered were "sorry" and "hate." The boy thought he hated him. Snape was not partial to him by any means but he certainly did not hate him. Severus looked into Harry's eyes and saw the complete determination in them. A Potter had just apologized to a Snape and he meant every word of it. Severus was uncertain of what to say. He stood up quickly and gestured for Harry to follow him trough the door behind the teachers table. Harry followed, giving off another sigh, although this one more quiet and personal.
Harry was not sure of what to make of this. He was expecting a rude comment and an abrupt dismissal. However, the green eyed eleven year old received neither. Instead he received and invitation. Harry followed without comment. He was led through the door, as he left the Great Hall and shut the door, he heard the whispers begin. Oh, the rumors that would stem from this. Snape led him to a smaller antechamber with little decoration and torches for lighting. The professor spun around to face Harry, who flinched a bit at the sudden movement.
"Mr. Potter, why do you assume that I hate you?" That was not what Harry was expecting.
"Uhm…I just assumed as much. I am certain you have never said a nice thing to me in the year that I have been here." Harry replied in an uncertain tone. There was that word again, the word that had gotten him into this mess in the first place. Assume.
"My interactions with you were nothing near kind. However, I do not think I have ever given you the right to assume that I hate you. Dislike, possibly, maybe even a complete lack of concern. But I do not hate you, Mr. Potter." Harry gave Snape a skeptical look and shrugged.
"Well, none the less. I wanted to apologize for thinking you were the one who was attempting to end my life."
"Well, I thank you, Mr. Potter. Was it necessary to say so in front of the entire school population?"
"Yes, if I didn't than no one would have believed me, and I still would have felt bad." Harry was attempting to convince himself that he had done the right thing, no matter how much pride he was currently choking on. Snape nodded at this statement.
"Well, I accept your apology. However, do not assume that I will be treating you any differently than I have in the past." Harry smiled at the man who he was beginning to understand, at least a small amount.
"I will not. Thank you Professor." Harry turned and began to leave to antechamber. It was the beginning of what was going to be an interesting mutual agreement.
AN: Tell me what you think. There will be more to come. A mentor fanfic, I think. I will keep you on your toes. I do not own HP characters. Read and Review. Please and Thank You. (Not meant to rhyme)
