Strange, Chapter Four: "Thinking"

Rating: M

Summary: This is HPSS SLASH, so if you don't like, don't read. Set after Harry is out of school, and no, HBP has NOT happened.

Disclaimer: No, I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters; I just like to play with them a little. Grins

Hello once again!!!! Yes, I am back. You thought that I had left for good, didn't you? Well, that's all right, I'll forgive you. I haven't had much time to update so...Here's the next chapter. Enjoy!!!! Much thanks to my part-time editor for her contributions!!!!

Chapter Four: "Thinking"

Harry had gone to one of the only places where he was fairly certain that no one would ever look for him: Sirius's closet. Or what had once been Sirius's closet. It was a walk-in, filled with clothes and shoes that he was positive he had never seen his godfather wear. It was comforting to be in a place where he could still feel Sirius's presence. It still smelled like Sirius too; as no one went in there but Harry.

The closet had a little niche that was perfect for sitting and thinking. When simply thinking couldn't lift Harry's mood, trying on clothes would. Sirius had owned the oddest things- most of the clothes were what Sirius had worn when he was still in school.

Today was a thinking day, not a clothes day though. Harry settled down in his normal spot, in the middle of the winter clothes, between two coats.

Severus Snape. His father's old nemesis, a man nearly twice his own age. Known as the greasy old git to the Trio and Snivellus to the Marauders. And now he wanted to have a relationship with Harry.

This was going to take awhile.

Severus had decided to give Harry his space for now, so he found another book in the library, sat down in a chair, and started to read. Pretty soon he was so engrossed in his book that he did not notice when someone, or rather two someone's, walked into the library.

"Hey git!"

"Ron! How many times have I told you to keep your opinions to yourself? I apologize, Professor," Hermione added hastily. Severus did not look up, but he nodded his head to show that he was listening.

"Well, I'm not obligated to be nice to him, so I choose not to. Since we've found you, now we can't find Harry. Any idea where he might have gone?"

"Well, I haven't seen him for several hours, so I can't help you," said Severus, still not looking up from his book. As Ron and Hermione started to leave, however, he spoke up again. "However, you might try Black's old room if you haven't already. I would advise, however, that you give him a little more time before you go get him. The last time I saw him, he looked troubled by something." Which, of course, was very true, but Severus didn't think that Weasley and Granger needed to know what had been troubling Harry.

"How do you know where Harry is?" Ron demanded. Hermione elbowed him sharply and dragged him out of the library. Ron rubbed his now sore ribs and asked, "How does he know where Harry is?"

"He doesn't," Hermione told him. "He was speculating for our benefit. Let's go."

When they reached Sirius's old room, they found it disappointingly empty.

"Maybe he's in the closet," Hermione suggested. Ron gave her a sideway's glance.

"He's claustrophobic, 'Mione. He would not hide in a closet." Hermione shrugged and opened the closet door.

"Yet there he is," she said, pointing to the sleeping Gryffindor.

"Well I'll be. How'd that git know where to look, though?"

"Ron, give it a rest. Snape was only making a guess; I highly doubt that he actually knew for a fact that we'd find Harry here." She smiled and then knelt beside the sleeping Harry. Ever so slightly, she nudged Harry. He stirred, stretched, and slowly opened one eye. He saw who it was, closed his eye again, rolled over, and went back to sleep. Hermione laughed softly.

"I think we should leave him alone for now," she said as she stood up. She turned around and gently shoved Ron out of the closet.

Later, Hermione decided to find Snape and ask him a question. Or several, depending on Snape's answer. She found him sitting outside, leaning up against a tree. He looked up from his book as Hermione approached.

"Granger," Snape said by way of greeting.

"Professor," Hermione replied.

"What is it?"

"How did you know that we might find Harry in Sirius' room?"

"I didn't really; it was just a guess. I assume that means that you found him," Snape said, going back to his book.

"Yes, we found him. You said that when you had seen him earlier in the day that Harry looked troubled. Any idea why?"

"Not a clue. Is there anything else I can help you with, Miss Granger?" Hermione seemed to study Snape for several minutes before deciding that he wasn't going to tell her anything else. He regarded her for a minute before going back to his book.

Hermione left feeling more confused than when she had entered. It was obvious that Snape knew something that she didn't, and for some reason, he didn't see fit to tell her. What could he be hiding? And why?

Harry woke in the closet to find someone staring at him. He yawned stretched, rubbed his eyes, and then turned his attention towards his observer.

"Whaddaya want 'Mione?" he mumbled.

"Answers," Hermione answered.

"Answers to what?"

Hermione sighed. "That's just it. I don't even know what the question is yet, but something's going on Harry, and I want to know what."

Harry stood slowly and stretched again. "Hermione, I love you, but it's none of your business. Please, just leave it be."

Hermione's mouth dropped open and she wordlessly watched her friend go. The conversation had been enlightening– it was obvious now that the 'situation' involved Harry and he didn't want anyone to know...but he'd told her– albeit politely– to butt out. Although she hated to do it, she was going to have to resort to a tactic that only the Weasley twins would use. Hermione was going to follow Harry around and spy on him.

"Ah, Harry. To what do I owe this surprise?"

"I'm confused about some things, and you're the only person that I felt I could trust to not say anything to anyone," said Harry, smiling sheepishly. Remus laughed.

"Harry, you look like a puppy with his tail between his legs. I highly doubt that what you have to say could be that bad."

"Well, see, I'm not straight, and I haven't been for several years now." Harry stopped and looked at Remus to gage his reaction. Surprisingly, Remus was smiling.

"Harry, I've known that for awhile now. You honestly didn't think that Sirius and I wouldn't notice, did you? We knew that you hadn't told anyone about your sexuality, so we didn't say anything to you. Your secret is safe with me. Please continue." Harry smiled sadly and shook his head.

"Anyway, I like someone, really like him, but I'm not sure how to handle it. He's not exactly the kind of person to always express how he feels, but when he told me that he liked me, it kind of freaked me out. I'm confused as to where I should take the relationship and how I should talk to him, and could I possibly be anymore unclear with what I'm saying?" Remus laughed.

"Don't worry, Harry. I understand what you're talking about. I went through the same thing when I found out that Sirius loved me. I have no idea what happened between you and this person, but I can guess. I can also guess at who you are referring to, but I won't ever say anything to anyone. I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you this much. Just think about what you want, Harry. That's usually the best course of action." Harry smiled and stood up.

"Thanks a lot, Remus. I knew I could count on you." Harry turned to leave.

"Oh, and Harry? Good luck with him. That man can be a handful if you're not too careful. I hope, however, that he's the one for you and that you can be happy with him. Also, beware of Hermione. I do believe that she is trying to find out what's going on. If you don't want her to know, be careful what you say and where you say it," said Remus with a twinkle in his eyes.

Harry nodded in understanding and gave his friend a quick hug before leaving.

Well, what did you think? This is the extent of my typing for tonight, so I hope that you enjoy this chapter. My fingers and wrists are killing me. Please tell me what you think!!!! No flames, please. Constructive criticism is welcome, though. Bai-bai!!!!