Disclaimer: I have all the hardcover Harry Potter books! I have posters! I have all the DVDs! I OWN them! –looks around- What? Oh. I don't own them they said. O-o
A/N: Harry's going to flip once he was told that he's going to stay with Snape after he graduates. Remember, Voldie exists in this story! Muwahahahaha…
Draco sees Harry for the first time after the Potions accident. He's got a dirty little secret ;D
Chapter 3: The Proposal
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all walked into the Great Hall, where students were already inside eating their breakfast. Ron took hold of Harry's arm and guided the green eyed teen towards the Gryffindor table. Chattering became hushes as Harry walked by the Slytherins. Harry felt their gazes on him as he passed by them. The quietness and the weight of the silence suffocated him. Harry quickened his pace and was actually dragging Ron to the table. The redhead turned back to look at Hermione with surprise written on his face. Hermione scowled and jerked her head at the Slytherin table. Ron turned his head at the snakes as he and Harry walked by. Some were pointing, some whispering with concerned looks, while others were just sneering at them.
"Come on Ron, don't pay them any mind," Harry whispered, "Let them say whatever, I could care less."
"Alright…" Ron grounded out and continued walking.
As they neared the Gryffindor table, a seventh year Slytherin, Charlotte Cheval, got off her seat and stood in front of Harry and Ron, blocking their path. She threw her long, brown hair behind her shoulders and placed her hands on her hips, sneering at the trio.
"Well well, what do we have here?" Charlotte smirked; Ron and Harry stopped while Hermione stood next to the redhead, "Is it true that Potter can't see anymore?" Some of the Slytherins laughed rudely as she said that.
"Move aside Cheval," Ron growled; he snaked his hand into his robe and was about to take out his wand. Hermione stopped him by grabbing his hand.
"What would you do if I don't Weasley?" Charlotte spat, "Are you going to hex me in front of the teachers? I dare you to." Her teal eyes flashed with hatred.
Ron let go of Harry's arm and took a step toward the girl. Harry quickly grabbed his friend and pulled Ron back.
"Don't Ron," Harry said firmly, "You'll get expelled."
"That bitch was--"
"Let's go Ronald." Hermione gritted out; she took the redhead's arm and dragged him with her, Harry following closely behind.
Charlotte sneered and didn't move from their way. Ron snarled and shook Hermione off of him.
"Get. Out. Of. The. Way." Ron grounded out. Charlotte let out a cold, bitter laugh.
"Make me Weasley."
"Why you fuckin'--"
"Leave them alone and let them pass Cheval," a silky voice drawled somewhere from the table, "Sit your arse down and eat."
Harry's ears recognized the voice. Even though he couldn't see who it was, only one person he knew had that voice.
Malfoy.
Harry turned his head in the direction where Draco's voice came from.
"Malfoy?" Harry asked hesitantly. The blond looked at the brunet and smirked, but dropped it when he remembered Harry couldn't see anymore.
"Just take Weasley and Granger and leave Potter," Malfoy said uncaringly, "Before Cheval and Weasley hex each other's arses off."
"Thanks Malfoy…" Harry mumbled and pulled Ron with him, who was still glaring daggers at Charlotte, "Come on Ron, let's go."
Ron snarled one last time at Cheval before he followed Harry and walked away from the Slytherins. Hermione turned back to look at Malfoy, only to find the blond looking back. He sneered at her and turned away; Hermione frowned at Draco and went after her friends.
Charlotte sat back down, and glared at the Slytherin Head Boy, "Why did you help them Malfoy? You should've just let me continue have my fun."
"Shut up Cheval and just leave them alone from now on," Draco snapped; he pushed his plate away and threw down his napkin. "They did nothing to you."
"They're Gryffindors," Cheval sneered, "And what's with you? You never liked them either."
"Just mind your own damn business Charlotte!" Draco growled; Charlotte shrugged and continued with her neglected breakfast. Draco looked at the side of Charlotte's head with distain before he turned away.
The blond let out a suffering sigh. He glanced over to where Harry and his other two friends sat, finally eating.
'Who said I was helping the other two…?'
Draco reached for his goblet and took a sip of his pumpkin juice. He peeked at Potter above the rim of his goblet. From what Draco saw, Harry didn't seem any different; the teen was laughing and joking around with the other Gryffindors. It was as if the accident never took place.
Draco smiled behind his cup.
"I wonder why Malfoy helped us…" Hermione murmured as she reached for some pancakes. She took a pitcher of pumpkin juice and poured Harry a cup, "He's the last person I expected to stop Cheval."
Harry thanked the girl and drank from his goblet. His hand felt around for his fork. When his fingers touched the cool metal, Harry picked it up and began eating his hash browns.
"I was surprised too…" Harry mumbled through a mouthful of hash browns; Hermione clucked her tongue and Harry quickly swallowed, "Sorry. Anyways, I thought my ears were playing tricks on me when I heard his voice."
"I'm not thankful that Malfoy stopped me from hexing that bitch," Ron said darkly; he took his knife and fork and began sawing his sausage, "I hate to say this, but Cheval is worse than Malfoy, and that's saying something."
"Oh Ron, if you really hexed Cheval, you'll be expelled," Hermione chided, "We really don't need to cause a scene."
"She was the one that started it!" Ron cried out, bits of sausage flew out from his mouth.
"Ron, Hermione's right." Harry said and ate a forkful of eggs.
"Yeah yeah, whatever," Ron mumbled; he grabbed a plate of ham, "Do you want some ham Harry?"
Harry shook his head, "I can get it myself Ron. Thanks."
The redhead shrugged and heaped two slices of ham onto his plate. Harry sighed and continued spearing his scrambled eggs. With his more acute hearing, the brunet picked up random conversations around the table. He heard Seamus and Dean arguing about who can drink more Firewhiskey; to Harry's left, he heard some fourth years talking about him. Harry rolled his non-seeing eyes lazily stabbed his sausage. As he bit into his smoky sausage, Harry caught a whiff of perfume that was not Hermione's. The scent got stronger and Harry smiled at the owner of the scent.
"Ginny, you finally woke up for breakfast." Harry grinned at Ron's little sister.
Ginny, who had just sat down and was about to ask about Harry's well being, was stunned. She blinked her blue eyes at Harry.
"How'd you know it was me?" Ginny queried; she reached for some pancakes and put two on her plate, "I didn't even say anything."
"I could smell your perfume," Harry smiled, "I recognized it was yours."
"Oh." Ginny muttered; she looked into Harry's emerald eyes and found that they were duller than before the accident. "So uhm… Hermione told me last night that Madame Pomfrey couldn't do anything with the scarring huh?" She sliced her pancake into small pieces and jabbed one onto her fork.
"Ginny!" Ron yelled at his sister, "Shut up." Ginny glared at her brother and stuffed the fork into her mouth.
Harry shook his head at Ron and turned his face at Ginny, "Nothing can be done about it. Pomfrey told me that spells might actually make my eyes worse."
"That sucks," Ginny pouted, "Your eyes don't seem as bright as before… Or is that just because they're still healing?"
"Well yes, they are healing…" Harry chuckled, "And I never knew that my eyes were bright."
"She notices everything about you," Ron scoffed; he then cried out in pain when Ginny kicked him from under the table.
"Ron you blabbermouth! Shut up!" Ginny snapped; she looked at Harry and found his green eyes trained on her, "I care about you Harry… I--"
Harry smiled sadly at the girl in front of him, "I know you care about me, but I told you last year it's not going to work out. Our relationship wouldn't work."
Hermione, who had been listening to the conversation the whole time, stole a glance at Ron. Ron looked back at her and shook his head. He understood that the relationship between Harry and his sister wouldn't last.
"I know that Harry," Ginny said tiredly, "I got over it. I know. But that doesn't stop me from worrying about you right? I guess… I see you as my surrogate brother. At the end of last year, I realized then that I only love you as a brother."
"So you do understand," Harry said softly, "I also told you my preference."
"Yeah… I was shocked back then," Ginny shrugged, "But as long as you're happy, then I'm good."
"You knew that Harry preferred guys?" Hermione asked the youngest Weasley; Ginny nodded to Hermione's question.
"I was worried you might kill Harry for telling you," Ron mumbled; Harry punched Ron's arm lightly with great accuracy.
Ginny giggled, "No, I had a feeling that Harry fancied guys more than girls."
"Well, now that everything is cleared up, let's finish breakfast and then Ron can show me what changes were done to the dormitory. We still have an hour before Potions."
The other three agreed and continued their breakfast.
"Dean, Neville, and Seamus helped me moved the beds," Ron told Harry; he walked beside his friend as they went up the stairs to their dorms.
"So… my bed's not near the window anymore?" Harry asked; he was counting how many steps there were in his head. There were twenty four in total.
"Nah, it's near the bathroom so that during the night when you have to go, you don't have to walk too much to get there," Ron answered; they reached the dorm and Ron opened the door, "You know how cluttered our room can be."
"Mmm… all the clothes and books," Harry grinned, "I tripped multiple times before…" Harry pointed at his eyes, "this happened."
Ron looked over at Hermione, who was standing on the other side of Harry, and exchanged worried looks. Hermione chewed her bottom lip and shook her bushy head at Ron. The redhead understood and didn't comment. They both dropped their wariness before Harry could question them.
"Come on Harry," Ron tugged at the brunet's arm, "I'll show you where your bed is now."
Harry nodded at the redhead and let Ron pull him around the room. Hermione leaned against the doorway and watched as Ron told Harry where everything was. Ron pointed out that the bathroom was now at the right of Harry's bed; the drawers and wardrobes were placed between Neville's bed and Harry's (Neville's bed was placed on the left of Harry's); and Harry's trunk was placed underneath his bed. Ron also assured the brunet that they cleaned up the floor so there were no books, clothes, or any other bulky things left on the ground. Hermione giggled and covered her mouth to stifle her laugh.
"I must say Ronald, this is my first time seeing the boys' room so clean," Hermione pushed away from the doorway and sat on the bed next to Harry, who was smoothing his bed sheets.
"I have to thank the other three later," Harry murmured, "Let me find my book bag and we can leave for Potions." Harry bent down and waved his arms around to search for his book bag.
Ron, who promised himself that he would help Harry whenever the green eyed teen needed help, walked over to Harry and was about to grab Harry's book bag when Hermione stopped him. With a firm shake of her head, Ron sighed and let Harry find the bag on his own.
Harry had heard the rustling of trousers as Ron walked to him; his hearing was keener than before. He kept his head down and pretended to be searching for his bag. Harry knew Ron wanted to help him but he couldn't rely on his friends forever. Harry smiled secretly when the rustling stopped a few feet away from him.
'Hermione must've stopped him; she understands.'
After a few more waves, his hand came in contact with the bag strap. Harry picked up his book bag and heaved it onto his shoulder.
"Ron, don't worry, Hermione's going to accompany me to the dungeons," Harry smiled at the redhead.
Ron's eyes widened when Harry actually smiled at his direction. Then he remembered Harry said something about better hearing and whatnot.
"Erm… I'm not worried, I bet you can walk there yourself," Ron said; he scratched the back of his head. In truth, he was sort of nervous for leaving Harry's side for at least half of the day.
"Relax Ron, Harry will be fine," Hermione said; she stood up from Harry's bed and hooked her arm with the brunet's, "Let's go Harry, before Ron starts freaking out."
"I'm not freaking out!"
Harry and Hermione both chuckled; Ron huffed and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"We'll see you at lunch Ron," Harry turned back and waved goodbye. Ron waved back but once he saw Hermione's glare, he stopped waving.
Harry couldn't see it.
"Oh yeah, I'll see you at lunch!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and pulled Harry along with her, "We should get moving. Don't want to be late for Snape's class do we?"
"No, of course not!" Harry feigned shock; Hermione smacked Harry on the arm and both left the boys' dormitory.
Ron stood in the middle of the room, watching the door slowly closed. A small smile spread across his face and Ron went to get his book bag and got ready for History of Magic.
Harry and Hermione brisk walked all the way to the dungeons when they heard the clock chimed, indicating that it was nine o' clock. Hermione pushed the heavy black doors opened and ushered Harry inside before stepping in herself. Chattering inside the classroom died down as the Ravenclaws and fellow Gryffindors turned to look at the two teens. Harry heard whisperings started from the right side of the room. Soon the whole class was murmuring.
"Can you find your seat Harry?" Hermione whispered, trying her best to ignore the whispers; she glanced up and found Snape glaring at them.
"Yeah I can--"
"Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger you're both five minutes late!" Snape snapped; the two Gryffindors stopped whispering to each other and looked straight at their Professor. In Harry's case, it was sort of a blank stare.
"Sorry Sir… Ron and I were showing Harry how the Gryffindor boys' dormitory was changed," Hermione explained.
"It was my fault Professor," Harry added, "Hermione had to walk slower because of my… condition." Harry said the last word in a whisper.
Snape sneered at them, "Take your seats; I'll let it go this time Potter. Don't expect me to be as lenient next time you are late."
Even though Harry could not see Snape's face, he saw the sneer in his head as his teacher spoke. The Potions Master's voice dripped with disdain. Hermione unhooked her arm from Harry and moved to her seat. Harry turned right, his arms in front of him, and slowly made his way to his table. A small hand grabbed him and helped him to his seat. Harry turned his attention to his helper; he smiled when he realized who it was.
"Ashley?" The person stiffened and then Harry heard a small sob, "Ashley are you alright?"
Ashley pulled out a stool and Harry sat down; her hand never left his.
"How can you still act like nothing happened?" Ashley whispered; Harry heard sadness and regret behind her voice, "I did this to you… and yet, you're still being nice to me."
Harry smiled wanly and dropped his book bag on the floor. He cocked his head to the side; Snape had started his lecture and wasn't near where he and Ashley sat. With his unoccupied hand, Harry laid it on top of Ashley's and patted it.
"It wasn't your fault," Harry said soothingly, "It was an honest accident. You didn't do it on purpose and I don't blame you." Harry then let out a small chuckle, "Hell, I blew up tons of potions and cauldrons. Slytherins and Gryffindors alike got hurt because of me."
"But none of them became blind!" Ashley sobbed; Harry frowned when he felt the girl shaking.
"Ashley, stop blaming yourself," Harry reached out and touched her cheek, "You probably didn't get much sleep because of the accident am I correct? You sound so tired."
"I've been super worried for the past two days," Ashley sniffed, "You probably saved my life Harry… And you took the hit instead."
"It was a natural reaction," Harry shrugged, "After I pushed you off the chair, I went for cover too, but I just wasn't quick enough and got hit."
"So how are your eyes?" Ashley murmured; she leaned closer and peered into the emerald orbs. She bit her lip when she saw the small cuts across his eyes.
Harry released his hold on the Ravenclaw's hand and touched the corner of his right eye. The area around it was still sore and tender to the touch. Harry dropped his hands and made a motion to smooth out his trousers.
"Madame Pomfrey said no spell can get rid of the scar tissues," Harry told her, "I lost my eyesight permanently."
Ashley gasped and covered her mouth and let out a trembling breath, "No… No you're lying…"
Harry shook his head slowly, "I'm not and I accepted this. Nothing can change what happened."
"I'm so sorry…" Ashley sounded she was on the verge of crying, "You don't deserve this… You're such a nice person Harry… I-"
Harry leaned forward and embraced the shaken girl, "Stop blaming yourself. You're alright, I'm alright. We're both still alive aren't we?"
The rustling of hair on cloth told Harry that Ashley nodded. He smiled warmly and pushed himself away from Ashley and brushed the girl's tears away.
"Now, we should really listen to Snape talking about brewing some… headache reliever or whatever," Harry spun on the stool until he was facing the front of the class; Ashley giggled quietly beside him.
"He's talking about Fever Reducer Harry."
Harry pouted and Ashley shook her head with a small smile and began to take notes.
Harry had just placed his essay on Snape's desk when the Professor cleared his throat. Severus had told Harry, after the lecture, that all he needed to do in class was to write an essay of all the properties of Belladonna and what potions needed that ingredient. Harry merely shrugged his shoulders and took out three pages of parchment and began writing. Forty minutes later, Harry turned in a three page essay to Snape.
"Professor do you need something?" Harry asked, his head tilted to the side.
Severus walked around his desk and stood in front of Harry. He pinched the bridge of his nose before stooping and whispered in Harry's ear.
"Stay after class today Mr. Potter; I wish to speak to you privately." Harry nodded at his professor.
Snape stood up straight and turned on the balls of his feet when Harry reached out and grabbed his arm.
"Sir… I-I never quite thanked you for bringing me to the infirmary that day," Harry said uneasily, "So… Thanks."
Snape took Harry's hand and pried it off from his upper arm; he gently, but firmly, placed Harry's hand back at his side.
"You're welcome Potter. Come to my office after class. Alone."
"Yes Sir…" Harry said and walked back to his table.
Snape walked behind his desk and sat back down on his chair. He watched as Potter slowly and carefully made his way back to his lab table. The boy had his head down the whole time, as if he was avoiding people's stares, even though he couldn't see them. When Harry finally sat down, the boy supported his head with his right hand and just stared blankly ahead. Severus frowned at the empty look on Potter's face.
Half an hour later, Snape barked out at students and told them all to leave. Hermione shuffled her way over to Harry's table and waited patiently for the green eyed teen to finish putting his things away. Harry once again smelt the fresh scent of roses and smiled. He brought his head up and looked at where Hermione stood.
"You can go ahead 'Mione," Harry told the girl as he threw his quill inside his bag, "I have to stay behind and talk with Snape."
"You're not in trouble are you?" Hermione asked, concerned. Harry shook his head in the negative.
"No, he said just wanted to talk to me. I don't know about what though."
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows, but then relaxed. Snape wouldn't do anything to Harry; he was the one that had hurriedly brought Harry to the hospital wing. Even with the cold exterior, Hermione knew that deep down Professor Snape wasn't that cruel.
"Well, alright. I guess Professor Snape will give you a pass for being late to Charms," Hermione said after a few seconds of silence, "Tell me what happens okay?"
Harry chuckled at his concerned friend and nodded. He pushed playfully at Hermione to indicate that the girl should leave before she was late to Charms. Harry sighed and stayed seated until the last of the students were gone from the classroom. He heard the billowing of Snape's robes, smelled the scent of sandalwood, and then heard as Snape stopped right at his left side
"Stand Potter, I'll lead you to my private office," Snape drawled; Harry nodded and took his book bag with him and followed as the Potions Master led him to the office.
Once they were inside, Snape closed the door and pulled Harry to the fireplace.
"We're going to the Headmaster's office Potter," Snape told the teen, "He wants to speak with you."
Harry's eyes widened, "What does Dumbledore want? And are we Flooing to his office?" Harry gulped.
He hated the Floo.
"Yes Potter, we're Flooing to his office seeing how we can't Apparate ourselves there," Snape said boringly, "Grab a handful of powder and we shall leave."
Harry swallowed the lump in this throat. His hand shot out and came in contact with a pot. He dug his fingers into the grainy sand and grabbed what he knew was the Floo powder. Snape placed his hand at the small of Harry's back and pushed the teen into the fireplace. Harry frowned and threw down his fistful of powder.
"Dumbledore's office!"
With a 'whoosh', Harry was swallowed up by green flames and was gone.
Harry grumbled and hastily pushed himself off the ground. The one sole reason why he hated Flooing was because he never landed on his feet.
Not even once.
Harry stood up and brushed his robes; a small chuckle sounded and caused Harry to look up. He felt Dumbledore's presence as the old wizard strode over to Harry.
"Harry, my boy, how are you?" Dumbledore asked and took Harry's hand.
"Fine, but I really hate the Floo…" Harry grumbled; they walked over to Dumbledore's desk and the older wizard pulled out a chair for Harry to sit on.
"Sit down Harry," Dumbledore instructed; Harry complied and made himself comfortable in the wingback chair. "Lemon Drop?" the Headmaster offered; Harry shook his head.
Another 'whoosh' and Severus stepped out from the fireplace gracefully. He walked briskly to Dumbledore's desk and sat down next to Harry.
"Headmaster, if you would, tell the boy what you proposed this morning," Snape bit out, "I have a class in fifteen minutes and Potter here should be in Charms."
"Yes, yes… I'll get to the point," Dumbledore said softly; Harry shifted in his chair and looked between Dumbledore and Snape.
"What happened? What proposal?" Harry shot out.
"Settle down and listen Potter, for once in your life." Snape snapped; Harry growled but quieted down.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and leaned forward, "I have a proposal to make Harry,"
Harry turned his attention to the elder wizard and nodded curtly.
"I have asked Severus here to take you for the summer after you graduated."
Harry jolted and shot up in his chair, "Why am I staying with Snape?!"
"You're staying with Professor Snape so that he can help you with your current condition," Dumbledore explained patiently. Harry let out a loud sigh and sat back down.
"My blindness you mean?" Harry spat, "What can Snape do for me? Torture me? Make fun of me?"
"Potter if you will just shut up and calm down!" Snape barked; Harry scowled.
"Severus will help you with reading Braille," Dumbledore told the agitated teen; Harry was about to retort when Dumbledore cut him off, "I know you're going to ask why Severus out of all people. Well, it's because he has a cousin that was blind and Severus had to learn Braille himself in order to teach his younger cousin. Severus knows what you're going through Harry for his cousin wasn't born blind. An accident cost Severus' cousin her eyesight."
"… Oh." Harry muttered; he had calmed down when Dumbledore was talking. Harry folded his hands on his legs and twirled his thumbs.
"How long did it take you to learn Braille Professor?" Harry asked, without looking up at the Potions Master.
"It took me a little over a year. But I had to learn extensively because I had to teach it back to my cousin. For you, it might not take as long. I will help you until you can read Braille without any troubles."
"I see…"
"Also Harry," Dumbledore started, "Severus will teach you how to battle with you wand."
"But I already know how!" Harry retorted; Snape scoffed next to him.
"I am going to train your senses Potter; your eyes cannot see for you anymore. You will have to rely on your sense of hearing more than ever. Your ears will become your eyes from now on. I'll teach you how to sense where a spell is coming from. You will have to concentrate on the air around you. Whenever someone casts a spell, if you concentrate enough, you can feel the rippling in the air, and then you will be able to tell where the curse is coming from and dodge it."
"I… I never tried that before," Harry said meekly.
"Then you will have to learn Potter, and I'm here to teach you." Snape sneered; Harry nodded mutely.
"Do you have any objections then my boy?" Dumbledore asked.
"No… No I don't. If I have to defeat Voldemort," Snape shuddered when Harry spoke the name, "I'll learn all of this. I'll train hard and kill that bastard." Harry turned in his chair and gave Snape a smile, "Thank you Professor."
"Not at all Potter," Snape said curtly; he turned to Dumbledore, "The next Death Eater meeting is next Tuesday, should I tell the Dark Lord what has happened to Potter?"
Harry didn't react for he already knew Snape was a spy for the Order. He knew since his fifth year.
"Voldemort would ask you about the things that are going on at Hogwarts wouldn't he?" Dumbledore asked, his blue eyes trained on Severus.
The Potions Master nodded, "He asks everytime and I have to tell him truthfully or he would know I'm not loyal to him."
"I know Severus… I think it is best you tell him… but say nothing on the matter that you are training Harry."
"I know Albus, I'll tell the Dark Lord during the meeting."
"Good…" Dumbledore murmured; he looked at Harry and smiled, "You can go now Harry, Severus will give you a pass for you to take to Flitwick."
Both dark haired wizards stood up from their chairs and Snape guided Harry back to the fireplace.
"Aww… Do we have to take the Floo back?" Harry whined; Severus clucked his tongue and threw some powder into the fire.
"Get in there Potter,"
Severus pushed Harry none too gently into the fireplace; Harry huffed and shouted 'Snape's office' and was gone. Before Severus stepped in, Dumbledore called from his desk.
"Take care of him Severus and teach him well."
"You know I will Albus, you don't have to worry." With a curt nod, Snape was gone.
A/N: A… long chapter? Okay! Now we know what they're doing! Next chapter, graduation, Harry going to Snape's house… yada yada yada :D Thanks for reading:)
