Takes place the summer after fifth-year
Chapter One
Severus Snape was lost in thought as he rose up the spiral staircase to the headmaster's office. He was going to see Albus about forcing students to get a perfect score on their potions OWL before he allowed them into his sixth year potions class, but he knew that the headmaster would never allow it. "Come in Severus," Albus sad as the potions-master approached the door. "How does he do that?" Severus thought briefly before entering the office.
"Good afternoon Severus," Albus said with a twinkle in his eye. "Would you care for a lemon drop?" "No thank you," Severus said coldly. "I have come-" "You may not raise the bar on the OWL examinations again Severus," Albus interrupted. "As a matter of fact, I have decided that you are going to have to accept students that get an E. There would be only three students in your class otherwise, and I simply cannot allow that."
"But-" "I am sorry Severus, but all of the students need an equal opportunity to learn. You may continue to reject students who get an A or below, but the exceptional students must be allowed to stay."
"Meddling old coot," Severus thought bitterly. He started to stand before Albus could make any more demands.
"Before you go Severus, I would like to talk to you about Harry."
"That is the last thing I need," Severus thought. "What is it about the Potter brat that we need to discuss this time?"
"I need you to check up on Harry. The death of his godfather has shaken him, and his aunt and uncle might not be as supportive as they should be."
"I am sure that the spoiled brat is fine. You pamper him far too much Albus. And why can't someone else check on Potter?"
"You have said this before Severus. I do not think that he is the arrogant brat you take him to be. Besides, all of the other order members are working to bring down Voldemort. It has to be you."
"I would almost rather be risking my life," Severus muttered. "All right, I will do it. But I cetainlly hope that this is not another misguided attempt to get Potter and I to be freindly."
"Of course not Severus", he said, but the twinkle in his eye gave him away.
Harry Potter was on the Hogwarts express, trying not to feel the gut-wrenching sorrow that was threatening to overtake him. It had been only about a month since the incident at the ministry, and the loss of Sirius was weighing heavily on his shoulders. His friends could tell that he did not want to talk, and he said nothing to discourage them of this notion.
