Author's note: Thanks for the feedback guys=) Ye, I guess "I'm back", though I was only gone for a week, hehe;))
I actually forgot the Disclaimer: so ye, I don't own Harry Potter, if anyone was in doubt;)
#-&-HP-&-#
Snape was sitting at the teacher's desk in the classroom, fidgeting nervously and playing with the loose strand of his hair. Any minute now the students will come in and his first ever teaching lesson will begin. They were 7th-year Gryffindor&Ravenclaw N.E.W.T. students, so it should technically be one of the easiest, most pleasant classes he will be teaching. Not only he will be dealing with adults, but also those that managed to pass their O.W.L.s so there should be no braindead people in this class, hopefully. Severus went over the students' preparation essays for the potion today, and most were satisfactory. Well some better, some worse, some barely plausible, but also some really good ones. He decided to start the class by giving the students their marked works back so that he also has a chance to remember their names as he calls them.
The doors opened and a couple of Ravenclaws entered the classroom, giving Severus curious looks. Snape felt awkward, was he supposed to smile at them, make himself likable and have them feel at ease? But wasn't that counterproductive in the long run? Did he even want to become friendly with the students? He was already mistaken for one of them the previous day, it's better to draw a clear line. Snape acquired a stern expression and crossed his arms on the chest. Nevertheless, the Ravenclaw girls seemed quite happy for some reason. He was sure he heard the word "Hot" coming somewhere from the third row.
The class was filling fast and Snape willed himself to remain calm under students' intense scrutiny. And then...Fuck!...the doppelganger entered the classroom. When she noticed Severus, her eyes widened in shock and then she blushed deep red and cast her eyes on the floor. Snape couldn't help the satisfied smile appearing on his face, enjoying the girl's embarrassment. Now, that's better! So the ballsy Lily was in N.E.W.T. Potions class, interesting.
"Good morning. My name is Severus Snape and I will be your Potions Professor for the foreseeable future," Snape stood up introducing himself, trying to keep the tremble out of his voice. The last thing he needed was to show the teenagers, how nervous he actually was. He scanned the class with a strict gaze before continuing, "This is your final year, I guess I don't have to remind you of the importance of N.E.W.T. exams or the necessity of class preparation, etc. You are not kids anymore so I'll skip that. Anyway, I assume that Head... I mean Professor Dumbledore told you, that you will also be required to work on a personal project of potion design. A want a project proposal by the end of the month. I don't have office hours yet, but my quarters are next door from here, so if you need help, you know where to find me."
The class was in polite silence as he spoke, students listening intently. Severus was happy that everyone seemed to be paying attention. Whether it was because they understood the importance of the year, or because Severus was a new teacher, was not important. Though Snape had a gut feeling, that some of the girls will not remember a word of what he was saying, cause they were too busy undressing him in their minds.
"I will give out your preparation essays now. They were quite ok. I went over all your work this year, there are some issues, but we will address them. So... Terry Ganders?" he called out and the tall Ravenclaw boy stood up and went to fetch his work.
"Rosemary Wolpers?" another Ravenclaw stood up and gave Severus a shy smile as she took her essay.
Snape kept giving out the essays trying to remember the names and how well did they do, but by the time the fifth student fetched his work, he didn't remember the first one's name already. Perhaps he should just tell them to write the name tags for now.
"Kathryn Riley?" he was about to compliment the work for being the best one when he saw the redhead standing up. So the smartest one among all the Ravenclaws was the Gryffindor? And it was his ballsy Lily, on top. Well, not his... and not Lily. Kathryn. The girl approached him apprehensively, waiting to be reprimanded for her daring comment, no doubt.
He didn't let go of her essay when she grabbed it, catching her gaze he said quietly, "I DID see something I like... right there. Very good work, Miss Riley." Kathryn blushed at the subtle scolding and a compliment aimed only for her ears.
"Thank you, Sir," she said carefully meeting his eyes and giving him a small genuine smile. Snape couldn't help but notice, how charming she looked with the rosy blush on her cheeks and amiable attitude.
The lesson went surprisingly well. Severus questioned the students on the material from the previous years and got some more or less coherent answers. It was soon evident, that Riley was a go-to person, whenever the question seemed too demanding. If she didn't know, then probably nobody did and he should pay more attention to the topic.
When they finally got to potion-making, Snape ignored Kathryn completely, knowing she will do just fine, instead he focused on those whose essays were weaker. During Hogwarts' final year no one worked in pairs anymore, there were fewer people in the class and everyone was responsible for their own potion. Just as he expected, Kathryn delivered one of the best potion samples. He didn't comment on it, the girl already knew she did well, he didn't have to spoil her with unnecessary flattery... although seeing that shy smile would probably be worth it... Oh, for god's sake, get a grip, Snape! She is a student!
Snape dismissed the class with such time demanding assignments that he got a couple of groans and glares out of the students. That's right, suckers. There will be no slacking in MY class. Severus was sure that next time he sees them, he won't be hearing any inappropriate remarks about his "hotness".
Kathryn remained sitting, taking her sweet time to collect her things. When the last student left, she approached Snape's desk warily.
"Sir? I wanted to apologize for yesterday," she said biting her lip nervously. Snape let the girl fidget, masking his face of any emotion. "I didn't know, you were a Professor. It was totally inappropriate..." she trailed off, hoping he will help her out. Severus held her gaze for a couple of moments, before finally taking pity on her.
"As long, as it doesn't happen again, Miss Riley..." he commented, willing his tone to be stern, despite feeling an odd mix of satisfaction and excitement.
"Oh, I'm afraid I can't promise that, Sir," she smirked, her attitude suddenly changing from the guilty submissive to a cheeky brat, which totally caught Snape off guard.
"I beg your pardon?" he asked bewildered. But she didn't answer. Instead, she winked at him, giving him a suggestive smile, which only grew wider, when Snape blushed AGAIN. The girl left the class giggling, while Severus wanted the floor to just swallow him. It was the second time the girl acted completely inappropriately, and for some reason, Severus reacted like a hormonal teenager to it.
The rest of the day went as well (or as bad) as expected. Snape had 4th-year Hufflepuff&Gryffindor class which had apparently an ongoing prank war between Nymphadora Tonks and Charles Weasley. Neither seemed affected by the fact, that they had a new teacher and somehow, despite Snape's careful watch, both their cauldrons ended up blowing up. Thankfully it didn't injure anyone, but Snape was furious. His first day and already not one but two explosions! When he found out, that both explosions were intentional, he felt like revising some dark spells from his Death Eater days! Well, Weasley and Tonks did seem quite frightened... till Snape sent them to Dumbledore for punishment. By the relief that appeared on their faces, Severus quickly realized his blunder. Dumbledore's detentions apparently haven't changed over the years, since he has been sent there himself.
Snape entered his private quarters and sunk to the sofa with a groan. Teenagers were driving him crazy. He really wanted to punch somebody, preferably Dumbledore, for forcing the teaching position onto him. If he was still in Azkaban, he would go and pick up a fight, let go of some steam. Severus undressed down to the waist and dropped on the floor for his usual work out routine. Physical exercise always helped to take the edge off.
After properly exhausting himself he stepped into the shower and let the streams of hot water wash away all the sweat and tension of the day. His mind wandered to the beautiful redhead. How cute she looked all blushing an embarrassed. Lily never looked at him this way. He was only ever a friend... and later on not even that. Kathryn, on the other hand, was quite frank in her interest. She was playful, straightforward and just outright daring. Snape will enjoy putting her in her place. He had to, she was a student after all. But there was also something undeniably pleasurable in forcing her into submission. He imagined her on her knees sitting in front of him with her eyes cast on the floor submissively. Oh, don't go there! She is a student, a STUDENT! But Snape was already hard and his mind was already rolling in steamy scenarios involving the bratty girl. He grabbed his bulging erection and helped himself to the peak. It's been a while since he indulged himself in something like this. Azkaban didn't really inspire people to get excited in this way. He should be ashamed for his thoughts, but surprisingly enough, he wasn't. He was provoked, after all, and he would never really act on it, so what did it matter?
#-&-HP-&-#
Snape leaned on the tree, watching through the window a small 6-year-old setting up the dinner table. Severus used obscurity charms to hide his presence from the muggles. He wasn't sure, what made him check on the boy. Dumbledore seemed content with his report, so there was no reason for him to be in Privet Drive again. But somehow Snape just couldn't forget the look the child gave him when he was leaving.
For some reason, the table was set only for 3 people, despite all of the Dursleys being at home. Harry ran around the kitchen, putting on the kettle for tea, lowering the heat on the stove, setting the napkins and salt and pepper on the table. When Dursleys emerged in the kitchen, the boy was about to start pouring the tea. Severus felt like the child was too small to handle the big kettle and was soon proved right when the boy burned his hand with scalding water and with a loud yelp dropped the kettle on the floor.
What happened next both surprised and disconcerted Snape. Instead of treating the wounded hand, Petunia grabbed the boy and shook him violently while screaming something about how wickedly malicious and utterly ungrateful he was. Snape frowned at the scene. True, Potter shouldn't have handled such a big kettle on his own, but surely the boy didn't burn himself on purpose? Petunia then threw the child in some cellar or cupboard under the stairs and locked it from the outside. That was... harsh. Even by Snape's standards, it was a rather cruel treatment for such a small child, or any child for that matter. Surprisingly enough, he didn't hear any crying. Did the boy fake the injury? Was Petunia angry because he did it many times before?
The family then ate their meal indulging in common chitchat as if nothing happened. Did Potter eat before? Or was he denied dinner as a punishment? After an hour or so Dursleys unlocked the cupboard and retired upstairs for the night. However, the door in the cupboard remained closed. Why did Potter stay there? Shouldn't he also be going to bed?
Sure enough, twenty minutes after the house quieten down, the door opened and a black mop of hair appeared peaking through. The boy stealthily tiptoed to the kitchen and opened the fridge. Hmm, looks like he didn't eat after all. Severus then apparated inside the kitchen, silently cast a couple of privacy spells and took a seat at the table. The boy was so preoccupied with his head in the fridge, he didn't notice, that he was not alone in the room anymore.
"Stealing Potter?" Snape hissed menacingly making the child jump in surprise.
"Oh... how? I... uhm... please don't tell my aunt and uncle," the boy stammered, the look of surprise soon replaced with the sheepish expression of being caught redhanded in the act. Snape snorted in response. How eloquent.
"And why shouldn't I? Don't you think they deserve to know, that they share a roof with a liar AND a thief?" Snape narrowed his eyes admonishingly expecting the boy to get defensive and clarify the situation. However, Potter cast his eyes on the floor and chewed on the lower lip looking incredibly guilty. Did he really fake the injury? But why?
"You do not deny it?"
The boy just shrugged his shoulders, his eyes glued on his shoes. Annoyed at the lack of desired response, Snape tapped the boy's chin firmly forcing him to look up.
"A verbal answer, boy!" he snapped.
"Yes Sir," Harry quickly nodded miserably, his lower lip trembling slightly. Snape mentally kicked himself. He wanted to get the truth out of the child, but instead only managed to scare him.
"Show me your hand," Snape said, willing his tone to lose the cutting edge. Alarm crossed Harry's features and he showed him his right hand while hiding his left behind his back.
Snape felt annoyed at the obvious attempt to hide the evidence. "The other hand!" he hissed pointing at the hand Harry was hiding. The child then reluctantly produced the other hand, his face twisting in shame. By Harry's reactions Severus fully expected to see a perfectly fine uninjured hand, but what he saw was a big red angry welt building up into a blister covering most of the boy's palm and wrist. Snape winced inwardly. That had to be very painful. Yet for some reason, Potter didn't show any sign of discomfort.
Snape took the boy's hand and examined it carefully. It was a nasty burn, no doubt about it. "Does it hurt?" he asked uncertainly. Severus didn't know many children, but he was pretty sure, that such burn would leave any 6-year-old bawling his eyes out.
Harry shook his head in response.
"Don't lie to me!"
"I'm not," Harry muttered biting his lip again. Snape studied the boy's face for a second and then simply pressed his thumb against the wound. The reaction was instant. Harry winced painfully and jerked his hand against Snape's grip, his eyes welling with tears. Snape would feel bad for the brat, except the boy just lied to his face. Repeatedly!
"Potter, I think we need to make something very clear here. You do not lie to me! Ever! Am I understood?!" he scolded the boy sternly.
By the look of slight confusion on the child's face, Severus realized, that Potter had a whole concept obviously messed up.
"When I tell you not to lie, I mean telling the actual truth, and not the one you think I want to hear! Are we clear?"
Potter fidgeted slightly and then nodded uncertainly in response.
"Then, let's try it again. Does it hurt?"
"Yes Sir, but only a bit! I will be able to do any work just fine," the boy clarified frantically, misinterpreting Snape's ire altogether.
"And what work would that be, Potter?" Snape asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, any that aunt Petunia assigns me to do," Harry muttered fidgeting.
"Like what?"
"Watering the flower beds, cutting grass, pulling weeds, hoovering, wiping the floor, washing the dishes, cooking, doing the laundry, ironing, changing the bedsheets," the boy suddenly fell silent, when he saw Snape narrow his eyes, "Well, just anything really," he added tentatively.
"I see," Snape replied impassively. He had no doubt the boy was exaggerating, surely a 6-year-old was not allowed anywhere near the iron.
"Well, since you have so much WORK to do, I guess we better take care of your hand," he said with slight amusement. He took out his wand and muttered a couple of healing spells, that should take the pain and blistering away. Unfortunately, he didn't have any salves or potions on him, so the rest will have to heal naturally. The boy stared at him in shock, examining his hand as if he had never seen it before.
"How did you do that?!"
"Just a couple of healing spells, Potter" Severus replied shaking his head. Honestly, it was too easy to impress a child.
"Spells?" Harry furrowed his brows.
"Yes, Potter. Spells, Charms, Magic," Snape sneered sarcastically.
"That's a bad word," the boy stated firmly.
"A bad word?"
"Magic," the boy whispered, glancing around as if afraid he will be overheard, "Only freaks use it."
Snape closed his eyes with a groan. Freaks. Of course. How could he ever forget Petunia's favorite word. Apparently, the hag DID hope, that Potter's magic abilities will somehow disappear if she forbids him as much as to even say the word. That's not, how it works though. You don't make somebody a squib on a whim. And any kid his age would show sparks of accidental magic by now.
"Do you get in trouble for saying the word?"
The boy nodded in response.
"How about performing magic?" he asked carefully.
Harry's eyes widened in fear and he shook his head fiercely, "I don't..."
"What did I just say about lying?!" Severus snapped sternly fixing the child with a glare.
Harry gulped and hung his head in shame, "I don't know why... stuff just happens. I never mean for it to..."
"It's called accidental magic, Potter. All wizarding children experience it," Snape explained matter-of-factly. The boy just stared at him in disbelief.
"Wizards and witches, Potter. Not freaks. And you are one of them. And no amount of denial from your aunt or uncle will change it."
Harry didn't look convinced, but it was not important now. What Severus wanted to know, was how far did Dursleys go in suppressing the child's magic.
"So, what happens, when you do accidental magic?" he asked, his tone holding a strict edge. The boy's shoulders slumped and he looked on the floor shamefaced. It was enough of an answer in itself.
"You get punished?" Severus pressed. The boy nodded without raising his eyes.
"How?"
A shrug.
"Potter, answer me!" Severus snapped, his temper rising. The child flinched and Snape had to remind himself, that it was not really Potter, but Dursleys, that he was angry with.
"Well, 'M sent to cupboard mostly," Harry muttered, winging his palms nervously.
And deprived meals. Snape thought, shaking his head disapprovingly.
"Are you hungry?"
Again the fearful look and fierce shaking of the head. Right, and that's why I found you with a nose buried in the fridge! Severus was growing increasingly irritated with the boy's incessant lying. It must have shown on his face because Harry suddenly blushed and bit his lower lip.
"Well, I mean maybe a little..." the boy offered, fidgeting.
"Potter, your aunt and uncle might put up with your constant lying, but I am not going to! Lie to me again and your backside will feel the full extent of my displeasure!" he hissed threateningly. Of course, he had absolutely no authority to discipline the child, but the brat didn't know that. "So I'm going to ask you again, are you hungry?"
Harry then nodded his head frantically and Snape had to suppress a chuckle. Eazy!
Severus took the leftover stew from the fridge and poured it in a plate. He cast a small multiplication spell to refill the bowl up to the original amount and then used a heating charm on the plate. The boy was watching him with supreme admiration. Apparently, Snape was the first wizard Harry has ever seen, so even such mundane spells triggered unconcealed joy from the boy.
Harry took the spoon and tasted the stew tentatively, then once he made sure that the food is in fact eatable, he dug into it munching with gusto. A small smile spread on Snape's face when he saw the enthusiasm with which the boy ate the stew. Definitely hungry.
"Sir, will you show me more magic tricks, please?" Harry asked him, his eyes shining exhilaratingly.
"Potter, I'm not a clown! I don't do tricks!" Severus snapped, his voice laced with annoyance, but seeing the pleading look the boy was giving him, he sighed and took the napkin from the table transforming it into a stuffed bunny toy. He then cast a couple of spells enlarging the rabbit, changing its color, amending its features and adding a carrot. Harry watched the bunny with such longing as if he had never seen a toy before. The boy touched the bunny carefully as if afraid it will disappear.
"Can I keep it?" the child asked him wide-eyed.
Snape was taken aback by the admiration Potter showed to the stuffed rabbit. He certainly didn't want to reward the kid for all the lying and was ready to undo the spell right there, but watching how gently the boy held the bunny, he just couldn't bring himself to do it.
"If you promise to be on your best behavior... I better not catch you lying again," he said, leveling the child with a stern glare. But Harry's face lit up like a Christmas tree and he hugged the bunny fiercely. Snape just shook his head. All that for a little toy...
Snape stood up ready to leave and Harry's joyful face was suddenly overshadowed with sadness.
"Will you come again?" the boy asked him, casting a pleading puppy-eyed look and grabbing Snape's sleeve in his little fist.
No. Maybe. I don't know. Why should I?
"Yes Harry, if I have time," Severus replied surprising himself. He patted the boy's shoulder gently and apparated away.
TBC
Let me know, what you think=)
