Chapter 8: Amongst… friends?

A/N: J.K Rowling was an absolute genius. I am not. Therefor I cannot be the wonderful J.K Rowling.

A/N2: Please please please review. I need reviews to make me happy :(

"Harry…" A soft knock woke Harry and he jolted awake, frowning and noticing the sun was already past the window. How long had he slept? He rubbed his neck and sat up, crossing the floor to the door. He opened it and looked at Snape. The elder man had a tired, worn out look one would expect of someone who had probably spent the previous night in too much thought with too much alcohol.

"G'morning." Harry said and rubbed the back of his neck, watching the potions Master, trying to figure out what he wanted.

"You were listening last night." Snape said, not accusing, but not questioning either.

"I was." Harry said with a frown. What did Snape want him to say?

"I was wondering if you would be ok with me being your gaurdian. I will not pull something that Dumbledore would pull. I want to ask what you want Potter. If you don't want me as a guardian, we can find someone you trust and want to be your guardian. I want this to be in your hands. Dumbledore doesn't need to know who it is until you decide and you don't even need to decide right now." He placed a hand on the back of his neck in a similar fashion to Harry, not noticing the other's stature.

Harry frowned. "What if I don't know what I want yet?" He bit his lip and shrugged, not sure what he wanted. He put his hands to his side.

"You can decide later." Snape said with a shrug, but a look of pain crossed his face.

"It's not that I don't want you to be." Harry assured him. "It's just… I am used to not having my own choice. I have always been sent to the Dursleys. Brought to school. Picked by the cup. I… I just want time to think."

"It's no rush Harry. I would like to be able to claim at least temporary guardianship until you decide. Would that be alright?" Harry nodded, which calmed Snape a bit. He was glad they at least had a plan that helped calm his nerves for now. Honestly, Dumbledore had him on edge since the night before and the small nod helped him feel a little more at east. Even now he could have a small plan for himself that didn't revolve around Dumbledore's orders. He'd not really cared about what his future held til now. For the short term, he had a goal in mind. He wanted to give Harry a decent place to live until school.

"Did you feel like going out today? We can go get your school supplies?" Snape suggested. It was little less than a week before most people's letters would be sent out, but Snape was able to get a copy since he was right there at the school. "I would be able to help you get all the things you need and then if you wanted to get away for a bit on your own, you could go to some stores on your own."

Harry bit his lip but nodded. "That sounds like a plan. It could be nice to get out again." Or it could be a disaster, but who could say? He knew he couldn't just trap them both in the castle because he'd had a bad day the night before. In fact, he needed to make things right and get out to show he could. If he took Snape up on his offer for guardianship, this would be something they'd normally do together. If not, well, he'd be able to get his school shopping done. It was only a few days from his birthday and he wanted to get himself a new book or two anyways.

Snape smiled, looking a bit more sure of himself. "Alright. Shall we meet downstairs in an hour to take the floo?"

Harry nodded, but dreaded flooing again. He couldn't avoid all things that made him uncomfortable though. If he did that, he knew he'd think of himself as weak. "See you in an hour Professor."

The elder man's face fell but he nodded and then turned to walk back downstairs. Snape sighed and made his way to the kitchen. He was glad to get Potter to agree to go out, but he was unsure what the day would have in mind for them. Would Potter be up for what he had in mind? He wanted to bring Potter out, get him to open up some. Maybe even make him smile. It had been far too long since he'd seen Potter smile in a way that meant he was happy. He just hoped they could find some peace in the day.

Snape was waiting on the couch when Harry finally got ready and made his way downstairs. "I figured we'd get some food while out today." Snape said, noting the other boy's stomach grumble. "Anywhere you'd want to go?"

"Maybe the pub?" Harry suggested. He'd not really given much thought to food, but as long as he could have some butterbeers on the side, he'd probably be able to eat some.

Snape nodded. "Alright. We'll floo near there then."

Harry nodded and made his way towards the floo. He could feel his hands shaking some but he nodded. "You'll be right there?" He asked in a worried tone that made Snape question all his plans. He didn't like the fact that Harry looked white, scared of the day rather than looking forward to it. But he also had the determined look that said there was no talking him out of it. Snape nodded. "I'll be right behind you Harry. If it becomes too much, we'll floo right back."

Harry looked relieved to hear that and made his way in, calling out his destination. Snape made sure to be not even a step behind. When they arrived, the town was alive and bustling as usual, but at least there were fewer students around. Most of them wouldn't arrive til their supply lists came. Mostly Pure-blooded children were around, who had grown up being treated like adults. Some younger as well, but for the most part, it was a darker crowd Snape had grown used to. He'd need to keep his wand at the ready at all times.

In reality this was a test for Severus too. He'd been hiding away in the castle instead of facing the world in fear that some of the Death Eaters or even Voldemort himself would find and attack him. He put a hand on Harry's shoulder, trying to reassure the boy, but perhaps also to reassure himself.

Harry turned them towards the pub and they walked in, finding a table to the edge of the room. Harry made sure to sit very near Snape, so much so that it looked like he was hiding. "You know I wouldn't let anyone hurt you Potter."

Harry nodded and shrugged. "I-I know. I just don't want to risk..." He didn't know how to finish his sentence. Snape just nodded, a look of understanding that made Harry feel a bit more at ease.

The witch that came and took their order seemed very ditzy and didn't really notice the strange behavior of the two anyways. That helped put both of the wizard's minds at ease as well while they ate. Harry only ate a small portion of his food. It was something he got a lot of while he was here, but only ever tended to eat about half. Today not nearly that much. Snape watched with somewhat sad eyes, but did not press the issue. He'd make sure Harry ate more eventually, but you could only train someone to take care of themselves a bit at a time. Harry was going to take a lot of work to make him care about himself and his needs.

Snape ordered a few drinks as they sat there. Harry only had his butterbeer, which was enough for as much as he ate. Had he tried to get more to drink, Snape likely would have stepped in. Harry watched Snape as he finished his food, waiting patiently as the elder man finished his plate. For all Harry was, at least he was courteous. Snape paid the waitress and they left. They passed quite a few shops before they came to the bookstore. Harry allowed Snape to lead the way, staying very close to his Professor as if afraid one of the witches or wizards around them might attack. For all Snape knew, he was right, so he didn't fight the boy keeping close. When they entered the bookstore though, Snape pulled out the list and handed it to Harry. "Feel free to browse. I plan to do so myself. I have a few books on gardening I'd like to find." Harry looked at him wide-eyed, scared.

"C-couldn't I just come with you to look at books with you?"

Snape frowned and with a sigh, nodded. "Of course Potter. We'll just make our way towards my books while grabbing yours. Sound good?" Harry breathed in relief and nodded. Snape grabbed the list from Harry and looked at the books on the list. For the most part, the books were simple to find. A couple had been picked by teachers who had no ideas which books would actually teach their lessons, but that was on them to discover. Snape would enjoy watching them suffer through a year with useless books. He grabbed the books for his own class and handed them to Harry. At least his were in one section and pretty simple to find. He'd also read them all, so he knew exactly what he was getting.

When they got to the plants section he found three books and then made his way to the register with Harry at his side. "I'll get the books today. You can pay me back later."

Harry nodded, not once complaining. He watched Snape spell them to make them small enough to fit in his pocket. That made carrying them simple at the very least. As they made their way down the street, Harry noticed a broom shop. He didn't have to say anything for Snape to notice the look in his eyes. The wanting. He veered in the direction of the shop and they made their way in.

"Mr. Potter!" The man behind the counter said, his smile wide. "How good to see you! It's been in the papers that your place of residence was attacked. It is good to see you alive and well."

Harry shrunk back slightly, embarrassed and fearful of what the papers might have said. If anyone had any clue that he had been the one to attack it, then they might not be as happy to see him. "Y-yeah, I'm fine." He said.

"Oh Potter, Potter, Potter, still getting attention wherever we go, eh?" Harry turned to see Draco, Crabbe and Goyle standing near a Quidditch supply display. "What about this time? Did the Quibbler come out proclaiming your love to Looney?"

Harry shook his head and frowned, not sure how to take Draco's comment, as an insult or not? He decided to just let it go. "Unlike you, I didn't have to make my presence known to get attention Malfoy." Harry said and stuck out his tongue.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Little do you know Potter. I'd keep that sharp tongue in your mouth if I were you. You never know who might want to use it against you."

"What do you mean Malfoy?" Harry asked, confusion in his voice.

"Nothing Potter. Where are the Weasels you hang out with?" Draco's attention turned to the teacher at Harry's side and he gave Snape a questioning look, asking a question Snape could not answer.

"Like you, I don't need them anymore." Harry said in the most confident tone.

"Oooh, things get heated once the littlest found out she wasn't your type?" Draco grinned.

Harry frowned, not sure why that was so transparent to the Slytherin. He decided to shrug it off. "Something like that."

"Good for you Potter." Draco said, nodding in a slightly satisfactory way. "You deserve better. You deserve someone who treats you like more than an idol."

Harry laughed, which caused Snape to look at him surprised. It wasn't too often lately Harry had enough sense to laugh, but he was able to talk to Malfoy in a civil tone. This could be a good development. "I appreciate your honesty Malfoy. Professor Snape and I were just doing some shopping, so perhaps we should get back to that and I'll... see you later?"

Draco nodded, no sense of tension between the two. "Sure potter. Feel free to write me whenever."

At these words Harry's face fell and although Snape caught on, Draco would have no clue why writing him might be an issue currently. Snape just nodded to Draco. "We'll keep in touch. Write to me if you want to contact either of us. Potter is currently unable to write anyone... Order's orders."

"Oh!" Draco nodded in understanding. "Alright then. I'll send you an owl later this week Severus. If you could respond for Potter..." He left the option open-ended and gave Harry an apologetic smile. "See you later Potter."

Harry gave Snape a grateful smile. "T-thanks."

"No problem Harry. However that brings me to something I wanted to do today." He put an arm around Harry's shoulder and ushered him down the street to a pet shop. Harry frowned and looked around. "No."

"Potter, let me talk."

"No Professor. I am not going to replace Hedwig."

Snape felt tension in his forehead. "It's not about replacing your friend Potter. You need an owl for post. We can get you one so that way when school starts you have a means of communication."

"I don't want another owl right now." Potter said, tension in his voice. "I cannot do this right now."

"Potter, can you just look at them for me. I- I want to get you a birthday gift that you can use. Right now, I know this is something you need."

"Professor..." Harry shuddered slightly and turned to face him. "Hedwig was a gift as well. I cannot get another one right now. It's only been one day."

Snape frowned and then realized the boy was right. He wasn't ready, but he likely never would be. He frowned though. He really did want to get Harry a bird he could use. But if he wasn't willing or able to pick one, then most of what Snape wanted to do today was worthless. He'd wanted to make Harry's birthday special. Now he had no ideas. Nothing that would make the boy happy. He just nodded, giving into the boy's statement. "Will you let me know when you are ready?"

Harry sighed. "If it makes you feel better, then yes, I will let you know. But right now I cannot think of looking at owls. May we please go?"

Snape nodded and they turned to leave. For the most part, the day had been uneventful. Getting some books and looking at things. He'd still do something for Harry's birthday, but now he had to make other plans. He let Harry hold tight to him as they made their way down the streets and as soon as they got to the floo, Harry seemed to let loose once more. It did make Snape feel good that at least Harry felt safe at the castle, despite the old coot being there.