A/N: woohoo another chapter done and dusted… I'm still so shocked by the amazing reception this story has received and thank you all for reading! x

I realised that I mixed up nargles and wrackspurts in the last chapter but I have corrected my mistake…

So enjoy and let me know what you think! xoxo

Harry was all too fortunate and for that he was eternally grateful but it seemed that he lacked a lot of it when it came to lying to his friends, well at least with Hermione.

When he had got back to the common room after his encounter with Snape, Hermione and Ron were still awake and apparently awaiting his narration of how things went.

Thankfully Ron had accepted his answer of: "Those things are private, do you really want to hear about what Snape and I got up to?"

Hermione however was a different story. She hadn't accepted any of Harrys' excuses and looked all too suspicious when his exhaustion won out and forced him to reply with a bleak: "I know what I'm doing Hermione!"

So it was with a long suffering sigh that Harry looked up at Draco the next morning; the Slytherin had sat down 'Oh so casually' once more at the Gryffindor table, across from Harry, and started to question Harry on his progress from last night.

"Everything is going fine," said Harry for, what felt to him, the hundredth time.

"I'm not asking you for the morning weather Potter," sneered Draco, "We're talking about Severus here," his voice had dropped in volume, "and nothing is ever fine with him- well especially the first few times."

Harry glared at Draco, "Before you raise your voice, let me just remind you that I am doing all of this for your benefit so see that you-"

"That I what?" asked Draco as he stood up suddenly.

"That you-" Harry was cut off and a hand was placed on his arm, halting his attempt of also standing up.

"Boys!" scolded Hermione, although her voice was hushed due to the stares they were receiving from around the hall; even the teachers were glaring at them although Snape seemed to have a smirk on his face.

"Sit," commanded Hermione to Draco, "You two are unbelievable! How do you expect to get anything done if you can't keep from baiting each other every two seconds?" she looked around the hall and spotted that a few students were still studying them, "Well we can't talk here anymore, can we? We have DADA after lunch so we can talk then."

Harry wrenched his hand from Hermiones' grip and then looked pointedly at Draco, "There isn't anything to talk about; you gave me a job and I'm doing it so quit complaining!"

Harry stood up and walked out of the hall, leaving behind an indecisive Ron, a glaring Draco, a furious Hermione and one very inquisitive hall of students.

Xxx

Harrys' irritation subsided through the first class of the day and by the end of their second class, he was ready to go offer up an apology to Hermione.

"Hermione listen," she brushed past him, "please just listen, I'm sorry."

She stopped and turned around, "That's all you needed to say Harry, and I suppose you'll be doing the same for Draco now?"

Harry scoffed, "Yeah right, he had it coming."

"Harry," Hermione walked up to him, "I meant what I said, we can't work together if we're going to fight all the time."

"We wouldn't be fighting if Malfoy had just kept his bloody trap shut and let me do what I need to!"

"Yeah, bloody ferret thinks he's too good, that's what the problem is!" said Ron as he joined them.

"We spoke about name-calling, Ron," said Hermione as she glared at the red-head.

Ron broke out in a full-on grin, "Yeah well a man doesn't retain information that well during a snog."

Hermione turned bright red and Harry grimaced, "You guys talk about Malfoy while you're snogging?"

Hermione huffed and looked like she wanted to stamp her foot on the ground in frustration, "I was talking and Ron was well-"

Harry held up a hand, "I don't want to know."

The three friends looked at each other for a few seconds before bursting out in laughter.

"This sounds jolly," said Draco as he approached.

Hermione recovered first and said, "Yes well Harry was just saying that he needed to tell you something."

Harry glared at Hermione before taking in Dracos' smug smile, "Finally got the stick out of your arse then Potter?"

Harry narrowed his eyes before taking a deep breath and steeling his temper, "I wanted to say that I'm still willing to help you even though you're an arrogant prick at times."

"That's not what-" tried Hermione.

Draco actually snorted in amusement before he replied, "You're the one who said three months is all you have to invest in getting Severus then it's game over; I'm just making sure that you keep your end of the bargain and that you're doing your best- for everyone's interest of course."

Harry rolled his eyes, "Wow didn't know you cared Malfoy."

"Whatever Potter anyway, I'm already late for class and you three look like you have no care in the world for getting to your own."

"Free period," said Ron.

Draco nodded, "Nice, so I'll see you guys at dinner; thought I might make an appearance at the Ravenclaw table for lunch."

All three Gryffindors smirked knowingly as they watched Draco walk away.

Xxx

Draco and Luna were already at the Gryffindor table when Harry, Hermione and Ron arrived for dinner.

Thankfully, no one mentioned anything about Harrys' 'mission' throughout dinner; even when Snape walked past their table and shot a half-hearted glare at Harry.

Then finally when Harry was getting up to leave, Draco spoke, "Potter, just in case you decide to bite my head off again; I'm not lecturing, I just think you should organise your next meeting with Snape sooner rather than later."

Harry smirked, "As a matter of fact, I'm just on my way to one right now."

Draco shot a look up at the head table, "Severus is still busy up there."

Harry leaned in as if he was giving away his most prized secret and whispered just loud enough for their group to hear "Let's just say that this is an impromptu one."

Ron patted Harry on the back, "Good on you mate, just make sure that the old git doesn't get a heart attack- that'll definitely put a kink in the plan."

Hermione smacked Ron on the back of his head while Draco groaned as if Harrys' idea pained him, "Severus doesn't like being hit with surprises Potter, this better be good!"

Harry looked up to the ceiling and then gave a heavy sigh as he said, "Alright, so can I go now?"

Xxx

Harry had been pacing outside Snapes' office door for the past ten minutes and he was gradually growing frustrated.

In all the years that he had known the man, Snape never stayed at any meal for longer than was required- not that he was watching Snape but the flurry of black robes when the man arrived or left were quite hard to ignore- and it was just his luck that Snape decided to linger around tonight of all nights.

Harry was on the verge of giving up- alright he was imagining just how convenient it would be if he wasn't as determined and hadn't vowed that he would camp outside the mans door until he arrived- when he heard the sound of footsteps about to round the corner; he passed a hand through his hair and straightened his robes just in time to hear the deep drawl.

"Potter, what are you doing here?"

Harry took a deep breath and steeled himself; he was not going to back down, "I was just wondering if you maybe needed help with anything."

Snape eyed Harry suspiciously before he said, "I did not assign you any detention today nor did any of the teachers pass on their students to me so what is this about Potter?"

Harry flushed but his steady gaze on the man didn't waver, "Is it that hard for you to believe that I really just want to help you?"

Snape raised an eyebrow and replied quite plainly, "Yes," before he walked around Harry and unlocked his door, moving inside and about to slam the door on Harrys' face.

"Wait," Harry stuck his foot between the door and the frame, "Please just give me a chance; I have actually thought about what you said to me yesterday and I'm willing to do anything."

Harry realised that 'anything' may not have been a wise word to use when negotiating with a man like Snape as soon as the man began to smirk.

"Interesting Potter, however I have neither the time nor patience to deal with the likes of you tonight; there are potions that require my attention so if you will kindly remove yourself from my doorway otherwise there is always the option of deducting points which manages to spring even the tardiest of students into action."

"I could help with those," suggested Harry immediately.

"I do not require-"

"Please," pleaded Harry, who had managed to lodge himself in the space between the door and frame.

"No."

"I'm better- I'm better at potions now… you know- your book helped and now- now my friends are helping and I promise I'm better… Just please give me a chance."

Reality hit Harry hard; he had been reduced to begging and for some reason, it didn't actually make him feel as disgusted with himself as he expected.

Snape looked down on Harry with a hard look in his eyes, "Why are you being so insistent Potter?"

Now or never, thought Harry, "I'm trying Professor, all I'm doing is trying…"

Harry was surprised that he actually meant that. Before Draco approached him, it had been on his agenda to try to sort things out with Snape and it suddenly struck him that all this would not only be for Draco but now this all meant something to him as well, and he was certain that that was his incentive to do his best.

Snape sighed and finally opened the door wider, "Get in then."

Harry beamed and stepped into the office but his smile faltered slightly when Snape spoke again, "One wrong move Mr Potter and you will be out of here, is that clear?"

Harry nodded and then said, "Yes sir."

Snape narrowed his eyes at Harry one last time before gesturing for Harry to follow him as he walked through a door just to the side of his desk.

"Do not touch anything," said Snape just as Harry realised that they were in the Potions Masters' personal quarters.

Snape led him through another door directly opposite the one they had just entered through; this one was next to an unlit fire place.

Harry used the few seconds that it took to walk across the room to take in Snapes' quarters; it was strangely homely and inviting. There wasn't necessarily a colour scheme however it seemed that dark colours dominated. Harry also managed to notice an extremely soft looking rug in front of the fireplace before he looked forward again and entered what seemed to be Snapes' personal lab.

Xxx

Harry stood at the door awkwardly as he watched Snape gather ingredients and check on potions that had been under stasis until the man suddenly turned his attention to Harry.

"As much confidence as you may seem to have in your brewing abilities, I simply do not take you for your word so gather the required ingredients and brew me a batch of pepper-up. If it is to my standard, then only will I allow you to brew the draught of peace which Madam Pomphrey has asked for."

Harry nodded and set to his task immediately; after all Snape had said, Harry was still confident in his abilities and he knew that this could be his chance to impress Snape however the fear of messing up seated itself firmly in his mind.

Xxx

After thirty minutes of preparing ingredients, brewing and occasionally watching Snapes' movement while he brewed, Harry finally had a finished potion.

He presented it to the older man and despite it being perfect, he only received a grunt and a remark of: "It's acceptable."

Harry didn't mind though, to him it seemed like a glowing compliment and besides, now he had to worry about brewing a much more complicated potion.

The preparation of ingredients had gone well; Harry was thankful that Draco had decided to start instructing him all the way from the beginning which entailed the dynamics of proper dicing, slicing and mincing.

At the end of the first stage, his potion was the way it was meant to be but he couldn't seem to remember exactly which ingredient the heat needed to be on for when adding and for which it needed to be off.

Harry looked up and noticed that Snape had retreated to a small desk and chair in the front and was currently watching Harry brew.

He knew that asking the man for help was as good as buying himself a ticket out of Snapes' good graces- or whatever he was currently on- so he wracked his brain some more and tried to remember; this was a fifth year potion, Snape was going to kill him if he got it wrong.

Harry noticed that despite being perfect, his potion was starting to bubble signalling that he was about to lose his work if he fumbled for much longer without moving on to the next stage. He glanced up one final time and noticed that Snape was still watching him so he did the first thing that came to his mind and turned the heat on high before adding the next ingredient.

The potion calmed immediately and Harry dared to let out a sigh of relief; looking up, he caught Snapes' eye and the raised eyebrow and barely there smirk was all he got before his potion acted up again.

The bubbling resumed but now it bubbled until thick goo formed with some sloshing over the sides.

Harry barely had time to think about whether that was all his now destroyed potion was going to do before it suddenly disappeared.

Snape stood beside his worktable, wand in hand and a decidedly smug expression on his face, "This potion is made on varying heats, Mr Potter. You do not just turn up the heat and hope for the best rather you pay attention when the potion is taught to you in class and do as is required. That will be 15 points for wasting my time and ingredients, now get out!"

Snapes' voice was calm and his expression wasn't nasty either but Harry knew that it was a bit too calm.

"Professor I-"

"Out. Now"

And Harry couldn't find any reason to stay at this point; so without another look at the older wizard, Harry sped through the mans quarters and office before shutting the door behind him and sprinting up the stairs away from the dungeons.

Xxx

Harry couldn't face his friends questions, especially not after he had made it seem as if he had a winning plan for tonight and ended up getting kicked out on his arse.

He had already walked through several corridors in the castle; the corridors that led of to their classrooms, the empty deserted ones and the more than creepy ones. He had also spent a fair amount of time brooding in the astronomy tower when he realised that curfew had come and gone.

After another thirty minutes of lurking in the corridors, Harry decided to make his way back to Gryffindor tower.

In hindsight, he was grateful for the hand that covered his mouth when he was pulled into a dark corner for he was fairly sure he would have screamed murder.

He struggled free from his captor only to realise that it was Draco. And Hermione. And Ron. And of course Luna.

"What the actual fuck do you think you're doing?" asked Harry, addressing no one in particular.

"We needed to talk strategy Potter," replied Draco.

Harry looked at him like he was insane, "And you chose to do that now?"

Hermione popped her head out of their little hiding spot and said, "The Great Hall is just off to the side here, we should go there."

All except Harry agreed, "We'll get caught!"

"No ones gonna see us in there mate, its all dark," assured Ron.

"But this is still insane-"

Harry shut his mouth as he was dragged the few steps it took to get to the Great Hall, which was indeed dark as night.

Hermione, who was at the front, took out her wand and cast Lumos, guiding them all to sit nearest to the Head table and away from the doors.

Once they were all seated, Harry asked, "How did you guys find me anyway?"

Draco looked a bit sheepish and Harry instantly knew that he was not going to like the answer.

"We did actually stay out to talk to you after you met with Severus but when you were no where to be found minutes before curfew, I went to Severus to ask for you."

"You did WHAT!?"

"Calm yourself scar head, he didn't suspect a thing- he thinks we're bosom buddies now anyway. So he was furious and in not as many words said what a pain in the arse you are and that he'll skin you alive if you ever set foot in his office unexpected again."

"He said that?" asked Harry in astonishment.

Draco held a hand up to silence Harry, "In an attempt to make sure your scrawny arse was safe, Potter, I've been reduced to a rule-breaking Gryffindor skulking around the corridors after curfew trying to find you and luckily we did so your excuse had better be good."

Harry pointed an accusing finger at Draco who was perched opposite him, "I didn't ask for your-"

Draco smacked Harrys' finger away from him, "What did you do to my Godfather, Potter?"

Harry huffed and looked away, refusing to answer.

Hermione placed her hand on Harrys', "What happened Harry? Tell us, please."

Harry sighed and made a point of addressing Hermione only while he spoke, "I thought that if I offered my help to him that he'd maybe appreciate it but he asked me to help him brew potions and I made a mistake and-"

"Potions!" exclaimed Draco.

Lunas' prompt for him to lower his voice caused his next words to come out in an irritated hiss, "What part of your brain registered that as a good idea when you know that you need tutoring in even the most basic of aspects?"

"I fucked up, I know!" Harry retaliated.

"I think," came Lunas' delicate voice, "that we should focus on what the professor likes and dislikes; that's the only way Harry will know how to fix his mistake."

Dracos' irritation dissipated as he addressed Luna, "Well we've already ruled Potions out Luna."

"Maybe we should get the git away from school- probably wouldn't be as uptight in a more relaxed setting," suggested Ron.

Hermione beamed at her boyfriend and said, "That's brilliant Ron! Like a date."

"Whoa!" said Harry as he raised both his hands, "Aren't we moving a bit too fast here; Snape doesn't even want me in his office let alone to go out with me!"

"As much as I hate to say it," said Draco, "I honestly have no idea how to rectify this. Asking him out might be your only shot Potter."

"The plan was to get to know him first," argued Harry.

"Clearly the plan isn't working," Draco shot back.

"That's it!" exclaimed Ron.

"Shhhh!" was the response from the other four.

"Okay, okay," responded Ron before he continued, "That new place in Hogsmeade is opening next month; ask him out for the grand opening."

"But that's only next month Ron," said Hermione.

Luna seemed to be in deep thought when she said, "It does look like the professor might need that much time to calm down."

Draco sighed, "That's going to be weeks wasted though!"

Harry shook his head, "No, I agree with Luna; maybe if I give him time to cool off, he'd be much more open to the idea when I finally ask."

There was a few moments of silence before Draco spoke, "Fine then, we give Severus space and then kick-start our plan," he looked directly at Harry, "No more mistakes this time Potter."

Harry nodded, "Fine, I'll do my best."

Xxx

Hermione once again provided the light as she led the group out of the Great Hall which was why when Hermione released a soft "Oh," and stopped dead in her tracks, the rest of the group stumbled into her back.

There were various disgruntled mumblings coming from the others but they all snapped their mouths shut when a sixth and very distinct voice reached them.

"My my my… what have we here?" drawled Snape as he flicked his wand causing light to flare from a nearby torch.

He slowly passed his gaze over each face, "Lets see; three Gryffindors- everyone's favourite Golden Trio, a Ravenclaw- Oh aren't we being diverse this year- and-"

Snapes' gaze landed on Draco and his eyes narrowed dangerously, "Mr Malfoy; how very interesting."

"Sir," said Hermione, "I'm sorry but we were just-"

"10 points," Snape looked over the five students, "each and a detention with me tomorrow immediately after your last class of the day. Now, Get. To. Your. Dorms."

Snape turned around and motioned for Draco to follow while the others hurried in their respective directions- all except for Harry who was about to follow Snape when Draco turned around and shot him a dangerous look indicating that he let the man be.

Xxx

The next day turned out to be long and tiring and definitely not a day that you would want to be stuck in detention so it was with heavy hearts that Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco and Luna made their way down to the dungeons for their torture session.

Draco had firmly warned Harry that he shouldn't try anything with Snape during this detention and reminded him about their plan to stay away for a while.

When they arrived at the Potions classroom Snape showed them to the cauldrons that Slughorn had left to be scrubbed as well as Snapes own; he also let them know that Slughorns' mess of a supply cupboard needed a thorough makeover as well.

"Do not for one moment think that sorting ingredients is going to be easy, you all know Professor Slughorn and you all know that his system of order is non existent; so choose, shut your mouths and get to work."

Draco took one look at Luna and vouched for cauldrons, not wanting her to be on her knees on the stone floor, Ron did the same for Hermione and that left Harry who settled for the cauldrons.

"You'd think that being the DADA professor would produce fewer cauldrons," muttered Ron.

"Well Severus is one of the most trusted Potions masters in this country, no doubt that he's still brewing for everyone in the castle," replied Draco.

Harry just rolled his eyes and set to his task.

Xxx

It had been hours; Hermione and Luna had sorted through almost half of the supply cupboard but their fatigue and growling stomachs started to get the better of them as the time grew closer to dinner.

The boys had separated the cauldrons equally between themselves with just one extra which would be taken on by who ever finished their lot first.

Snape finally stood up from the desk where he was marking essays and did a round to check on the working students.

He said nothing to Harry, Ron and Draco instead his attention was focussed on Luna.

"Miss Lovegood, what do you think you are doing with that flower?"

Luna looked up at Snape and smiled, "Oh just admiring its beauty professor."

Snape took in a deep calming breath before he spoke again, "You are not down here to admire the ingredients Lovegood."

Luna didn't seem to hear what Snape said though as she stood up with a flower in her hand and raised it up in front of the older mans' face, "That's the thing about potions I guess; the beauty of nature doesn't really matter, just their usefulness… but I think that you should consider putting a flower in your hair sir, it really would look lovely."

Severus could not understand how someone could sound like they just walked out of a dream even while they were speaking such drivel.

He narrowed his eyes at Luna as she advanced on him, also aware that the four other students had stopped to watch the spectacle.

"There, there professor," said Luna as she tucked the tiny stem of the flower behind his left ear, "That's so much better."

Severus ground his teeth and clenched his fists; if he moved a single muscle, he was either going to strike the Ravenclaw or hex her into oblivion- both options were enticing so he chose to remain still.

"Detention is over. Get. Out!"

No one argued. There was a thirty second scramble as everyone rushed to get out of the door and Luna gave Snape one final smile before she dashed out as well.

Severus waited until he heard the snickers and fading footfalls before he turned around and none other than Harry Potter had stayed behind.

"Professor," said Harry before he stopped and glanced at the flower that was still in Snapes' hair.

Tiny specks of colour rose on the older mans' cheeks as he yanked the flower out and glared at Harry.

Harry rushed his words out before Snape could reprimand him.

"I'm sorry for last night- both times- and I'm sorry for now- about Luna, I guess she's just like that and I also wanted to say that I am still serious about getting to know you so I'll give you time but there's a launch party in Hogsmeade in a few weeks and I just wanted to tell you to please come to it."

Harry was about to rush out of the door when Snapes' voice stopped him, "I do not take orders from students Mr Potter, see that you close the door on your way out."

And so Harry did, and as much as he wanted to slam the door, he didn't.

I hate the way he talks to me…

Review Please :-)

Next Chapter: The party at Hogsmeade!