Disclaimer – I own nothing

A huge thank you to my beta, SeverusLovesUs, for correcting my many mistakes.

Making Friends or Being Civil

Harry was a bit disheveled by the time he was able to get Ron calm enough that he would listen to the explanations of the group. His black, usually messy hair was so tasseled about that he looked like he just woke up. He shuffled over to the Potions master and stared at him thinking, trying to verbalize his appreciation. Yet, every time something would come to mind, he would open his mouth to speak and quickly close it again.

For Severus's part, he just stared at the boy, scowl firmly in place. No man, or man-boy, he will be of age soon. Snape's black eyes penetrated Potter's green eyes, almost as if looking into his soul. Potter briefly wondered if he was performing Legilimency.

"What is it, Potter? Are you going to just stand there gaping, or do you actually have something to say? Perhaps some words of wisdom from the "Chosen One?" he sneered. Then he took a more thoughtful tone as he continued, "Maybe that is why your gaping while you would like to bestow me with your wise words. Potter and wise is quite the oxymoron."

Ron Weasley approached from behind "Merlin's dirty knickers!" He gaped at the professor, chin practically hitting the floor. "Your nose is not even crooked anymore. Mind you, it's still big."

"Why, thank you, Mr. Weasley. As articulate as ever I see. Is there a reason the two of you are still here? Maybe you're attracted to my newly acquired younger look, hmmm?"

Harry snickered at the insinuation and interrupted. "Actually, sir, I wanted to thank you. Mad-Eye and McGonagall explained everything that happened, and well, with the state of the Ministry, I'm sure Hermione would have been sent to Azkaban for using magic against Muggles." He paused, taking a deep breath, gathering strength to continue. "Hermione is like a sister to me, and I can't thank you enough for saving her… and I am glad you are okay."

"Potter, you are babbling," Snape interrupted.

"Um, Yes, Sir, sorry 'bout that. I was just wondering, now that you are no longer a spy, maybewecouldstartover," Potter quickly sputtered out.

"Excuse me?" Snape raised an eyebrow at him, knowing full well what he said. Might as well make him sweat it out for a bit.

"Well, sir, I said maybe we can start over." He extended his hand to the professor. "I'm Harry Potter. It's nice to meet you, professor."

Snape reluctantly extended his hand to the boy. "Do not think this means that I want to play Exploding Snap with you or even chat about Quidditch over tea. I will try to be civil, and I will try to control my instinctive flinch when you walk into a room." There was a hint of distain in his voice.

Ron extended his hand to the professor after Harry was done. "Thank you for helping Hermione, sir."

The professor accepted his hand "You, Mr. Weasley, may be able to convince me to play a game of chess. I was always curious to whether or not you are really as good as they say you are.

"Now, both of you get out. I would like to go back to my quarters and get some rest."

Both boys jumped at his abrupt tone. "Yes, sir." A "goodnight, sir" was barley heard, as the young men scurried out of the infirmary.

What in the blazes have I got myself into? friends with a Potter, indeed.

Bloody secret desire. How did Miss Granger phrase it… Ah, yes, a bloody do-over. His expression turned from a scowl to a smirk, as he thought to himself, wait until Black sees me.

"Toodles!"

A young house-elf popped into existence, her large ears pulled back, large, eager eyes looking up at her master. "Yes, sir, what is master needing, sir?"

"Please retrieve a set of clothing from my chambers, and bring them to me."

"Yes sir, Toodles is happy to be helping you." The elf popped out of existence and quickly returned with his clothes. After getting dressed, he realized his clothes were a bit snug on him. Ah, yes, side-effect from living a double life. It's not very good for the appetite or digestive system.

As he entered his room, he thought of Miss Granger blubbering all over Potter. Poor chit, I hope the headmaster gives her sometime to deal with this mess.

"Toddles!" When the house-elf appeared, he handed her a vile of potion. "Please take this to Miss Granger. Tell her it will help her sleep."

As he laid in his bed, his last thought before drifting off to sleep was, hopefully tomorrow will be less eventful.

A/N the idea for the name "Toodles" actually comes from the Mickey Mouse Club House cartoon that both of my little ones are addicted to.