Harry was happy, to get back into classes, and quidditch, normal life as he'd put it. He loved the time he got to spend with Moony that summer, and hadn't even minded his time with Severus, but still. He had come to peace with Severus, perhaps more, in the potions lab and out. He could admit he hoped it would continue, even with the others back. Well he had to live with the man, until the war was over at least, and it would make it more bearable if they could. At least that was what he kept telling himself as an excuse.

His first class of the day and year was herbology, a double and double potions in the afternoon. It was the only class he had with Ron now, kind of odd considering even Neville was in defense and charms with him. In fairness Neville in fact passed seven, Ron only four.

He and Neville walked down to the greenhouses together. "Well at least it isn't potions first thing in the morning."

Neville smiled a little and reminded him. "I don't have potions any more. I only have this, charms and defense."

Harry put a hand on his arm. "You know that is nothing to be ashamed of, they are tough classes. And you're top of herbology."

Neville shrugged. "Tell that to Gran, she is disappointed I can't do transfiguration."

Harry shrugged and nodded in the direction of Ron. "Well she should be far more proud of you, then his mum."

In reality his Gran was extremely proud. She was a bit hard on him some times, she compared him to her son which wasn't fair, Neville's dad was an auror. Both of Neville's parents had been aurors, and while Harry's had as well as Sirius, the Longbottoms were said to have put Moody to shame. The woman was reminded by Minerva, or so their head of house said at breakfast, that was charms was no less a difficult class than her own. She had told Neville the old woman had failed it in school herself. Harry just reminded his friend of his new wand, and owl, both gifts for his performance in the ministry. He had no doubt, if Neville followed his dream and one day took over for Madam Sprout, no one would be more proud of Neville than the old woman. She was stern, and scared adults, but Neville adored her. His parents had been driven insane when he was a baby, and she had raised him, she was really the mother he knew.

Ron was alone, no one would walk with him, he had pissed off the entire house already. Neville said Ron had been threatened with hexes, and had warded his bed the night before, not trusting them. He had even tried to get Minerva to let him have his prefect room back.

Ron plopped down angrily at their table. "Great."

Harry pointed at an empty table. "You can go sit over there if you are in such a good mood."

Neville whispered to Harry. "Then who would he be able to get to do the work for him."

Ron shot him a nasty look. "You? No self-respecting wizard would have you do their work for them."

Harry cut in. "Neville did a hell of a lot better then you did on your exams Ron. I wouldn't be talking if I were you."

Even Hermione would be happy to be paired with Neville, and she did when she came in late. Harry was surprised when she went on with the class, she decided only to take six including runes, surprised she gave up arithmancy. Hermione may have been top over all, but even the best students had specialties, and herbology was not one of them. Neville was always top of the class, ever since they started.

They were a good way through the class when Ron began to stroke the mimbulus. "This is a farce."

Neville looked anxious. "Stop stroking it so hard or it will spray all over."

Ron just stroked it harder as he sneered. "Like I'd take advice from a sniveling little squib like you."

Hermione avoided it, but Harry and Ron were covered in sap. "He warned you."

Neville was more anxious. "We need to get it off of them now, it will burn."

Sure enough Harry and Ron were soon practically screaming, and even though Madam Sprout got it off, the pain continued. Neville didn't have another class, and with Hermione helped take Harry to the infirmary, Ron had to find his own way. As Poppy saw to them, Neville explained like Mandrakes, certain types of the species got more dangerous. His one on the train had been small, and a milder strain. Harry was furious when he was told he'd have to stay overnight, missing his first day of classes, due to Ron. Neville decided to stay, since he had no classes.

Hermione stood up. "I will tell Professor Snape what happened, when I am in potions class later."

Severus had not been in the hall for lunch, he often avoided it during the week. He was busy cleaning up after one class, could never trust the kids to, and getting ready for the next. He had some food sent down, and he nibbled on it, while he was busy working. His mind went to Harry for a moment, unsure why, other than having spent most of the summer with him. He was considering pairing him with Draco, a move he knew would cause a stir with both boys. He loved Draco, and he knew his godson had no intention to take the mark, and he'd be a good partner for Harry.

He was surprised when the class came in, and he could see no sign of Harry. Technically the kids didn't choose their classes until breakfast, but he knew Harry intended to take his class, in case he wanted to be an auror. Severus had of course made the exception, to allow him to continue.

Hermione stopped at the table. "Professor I'm not sure if Madam Pomfrey told you, but Harry is in the hospital wing."

Severus stopped what he was doing. "What do you mean he is in the infirmary?"

Hermione explained about what had happened in class. "He was told he will have to stay overnight. I told him I'd tell you where he was."

Severus motioned her to her table. "Thank you."

He put the potion on the board, and headed into his office, for the floo. He found Remus in his office, and Remus was already aware Harry was in the infirmary, Poppy had told him at lunch time. Remus didn't want Harry to have to spend the night there, but he knew Harry may need a healer, and made a pointed look at Severus. Severus agreed he would fetch the boy after his last class, and take him home, he had healer training after all. Not all potions masters did, but he took medic training, because of the war.

He didn't work on his own potion, and focused on the kids, during class. He could admit he was thinking of Harry again, and was furious at the little red head, for his stunt. He himself was often hard on Neville, but the boy knew plants, and he himself would trust Neville's advice on them.

He went into the infirmary later and he looked at Harry who had bandages over much of his upper body. "So this is where you are?"

Harry turned to look at him. "I thought Hermione was going to tell you. I'm sorry I missed the first class but…."

Severus shook his head. "Miss Granger did indeed. Now how about we get you back to our rooms."

Harry was surprised. "Madam Pomfrey said we had to stay overnight."

Severus handed him a robe. "If you were still in the dorms that may be true, but I have medic training. You can stay if you prefer."

Harry of course chose to come. Not only did he hate the hospital wing, he always had, but he was already sick of Ron's company. He could see Ron was already shooting him nasty looks, that he got to leave now, and not spend the night here. He was surprised Severus would take him, even if he had medic training, he was not one for playing nurse. For whatever reason, Harry was grateful he would, anxious to get out of that room.

Remus arrived soon after Harry was in bed, his last class went longer then Severus' had. He had been warned by Poppy what shape his cub was in, and was grateful that Severus was willing to take him, as he couldn't. Madam Pomfrey would not have released him, if not assured Severus would be on hand, if Harry needed care.

Remus came over to sit down with him. "You look much worse than I thought cub."

Harry smirked at him. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up Moony."

Severus called for dinner. "I am sure the three of us must be hungry."

Harry didn't have much of an appetite, but they slipped some potions in, and he soon drifted off to sleep. Severus was furious, Ron never thought about anyone but himself, and put his whole table in danger. He was grateful though it was nothing worse than a few minor burns. Harry would be back to class next week, as tomorrow was Friday, and he'd be in no shape.

Remus tried to brighten the mood. "Well the whole school should have a laugh tomorrow. I'm certain Molly will respond in her usual form."

Author note: And to answer, yes the truth of Harry's paternity is coming extremely soon. I really have no idea why it waited so long the first time I wrote this, I didn't realize it until I started the rewrite.