AN: Thanks to all who favorited, followed, and/or reviewed this story! Sorry it took so long to update. I'll try to keep updates more consistent. It really does encourage me to write when knowing people enjoy my story.
tatianaburelle: Thank you! :)
Harry's PoV:
It was hard adjusting to living with Snape.
Not only did Harry have to share his personal space with the man - he also had to let his Potions Professor into his mind. He saw Snape all the time: during lessons, at meals, around the house. The one good thing about Harry's living arrangements was that he was also living with Sirius. He and Sirius were quite close now, closer than they'd ever been before. They were even working on a project together - Harry was helping Sirius build a new motorbike.
Harry's Occlumency lessons continued as usual. In a few weeks, Snape would begin secretly teaching Harry advanced DADA. For now, though, they were just working on Occlumency.
This last set of memories was particularly painful - Snape was prying through his memories of the Dursleys. Harry didn't think Snape had known about the Dursleys - and as much was confirmed when the Potions Master's attack was over.
Snape was staring at him, a strange expression on his face. "You were living with Muggles?" he asked Harry.
"Where did you think I was living?" Harry said coolly. "And they're not my family."
"I thought you might have taken up residence at the Weasley house," Snape commented. "I...I didn't know." Snape suddenly looked almost embarrassed. "We'll continue then, Potter. Legilimens!"
The memories flew by again - Ron, Fred, and George helping him escape the Dursleys during his second year, Snape yelling at him about the Whomping Willow, defeating Tom Riddle and the basilisk...Harry tried to block out his mind from Snape, but it was useless.
"You're not trying hard enough, Potter," Snape said.
"You think I want you prying through my mind?" Harry spat at him. "You think I want to be here with you? I don't!" He snatched up his wand and stormed out of the room.
Snape's PoV:
"You wished to see me, Severus?" Albus said later that same day.
"Yes," Severus said harshly. "Do you mean to tell me, Albus, that you let Potter suffer with those Muggles for eleven years, and every summer after that up until this?"
"He told you?" Albus asked, surprised.
"No. I found it in his memories," said Severus sharply, "during Occlumency lessons."
Albus stared at him knowingly. "It was the best option for him, far away from the wizarding world," he insisted. "If I'm not mistaken, Severus, it seems as though you care for the boy."
"I do not care for Potter," Severus declared adamantly. "I was simply curious."
Albus's damned blue eyes twinkled. "You and Harry would make a great team, Severus," he said, "if you learned to put aside your differences. It's been five years. I do believe your...feud has gotten quite old."
Severus shook his head. All the times he'd treated the boy like his life was perfect...And all Severus did was make his life worse. Severus felt a pang that he hadn't felt in a long time.
"I don't think Harry wants to team up with me anytime soon," Severus said, not realizing that he called the boy by his first name. "He hates me."
"You know, Severus, Harry is not James," Albus pointed out.
And he's not the spoiled brat I thought he was, Severus added in his head. "I don't have many friends, Albus."
"Well, then maybe it's time you start making some," Albus said knowingly.
Harry's PoV:
Harry walked into the living room later that evening to find Snape sitting on the couch reading a book. "Where've you been?"
"At Hogwarts." Snape's voice was devoid of emotion. "I needed to speak with the Headmaster."
"Oh." Harry sat down on the opposite side of the couch as Snape and turned on the television.
"That television will rot your brain, Potter."
"And you care?" Harry retorted. He could have sworn Snape reddened just a bit. Harry stared - it made Snape look younger. Something inside Harry felt different. Warmer.
"I care because you could be studying," Snape replied. "As I recall, you seemed to have done quite poorly in Potions."
"It's summer! You're mad." Harry rolled his eyes at the man.
Snape snorted. "Foolish, bold Gryffindors."
"Unreasonable, stubborn Slytherins," Harry shot back. To his surprise, Snape actually chuckled. "You should laugh more often, Professor."
"Give me a reason to and I will," Snape said.
"You're impossible." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Funny, I think the same about you."
They stared at each other. Brown eyes met green ones, and Harry's heart skipped a beat. It seemed as though Snape was staring into his soul, and he suddenly felt uncomfortable.
"Finally talking, are we?"
Harry and Snape both looked towards the doorway, where Lupin stood watching them. "None of your business, Lupin," Snape said coolly.
"Professor," Harry protested. To Lupin, he said, "I am not becoming friends with this stubborn man, here."
"Oh, is that what I am?" Snape asked, an eyebrow raised. His tone sounded almost playful. "If you'll excuse me, Potter, I have a potion to brew. Occlumency lessons will start in an hour." With that, he left the room, black robes sweeping dramatically behind him. Harry and Lupin shared a look. This was going to be a long summer.
AN: I hope you all enjoyed Chapter 2! Please review for more updates soon :)