Chapter Eleven: Losing Friends

A/N: Sorry for the long wait, I was in an accident and was in a trauma hospital.

Thanks for reading and all of your support,

Savoren.

Stifling a yawn, Harry re-read the last essay. It took a couple hours to get the two essays finished but now that they all are, Harry couldn't help but feel proud at all the hard work he has put into his homework assignments.

He also couldn't help but feel surprised that Snape was still napping. Part of him wondered if maybe he should wake him but the other part reminded him not to wake a napping bear. Luckily he didn't have to contemplate on this very long because moments later Harry heard a door opening.

Upon entering the kitchen Severus looked at the pile of essays. "Are they completed?" At Harry's nod, he couldn't help but feel surprised. He thought for sure the brat wouldn't have even one essay finished by the time he woke from his much needed nap. Trying to keep the surprise off his face, Severus gave a firm nod of his head. "That is good to hear."

They fell into a comfortable silence as Severus took a seat at the table and poured two cups of hot tea. He pushed one in front of his yawning ward. "There is about an hour before the students begin to arrive. You have time for a nap if you so desire."

Harry immediately shook his head, "I think I will pass on that."

Severus gave a small nod, He probably thinks naps are for babies. "What are you going to do to pass the time?"

Harry gave a small shrug of his shoulders. "I don't know."

Again, Severus gave a small nod. "Do you know what is expected of you this school year?"

Harry sighed. He nodded his head and gave his guardian a tired look, "Of course I do. How could I not? You've said it multiple times now."

Severus leveled him with a firm look. "I repeated it in an attempt to drill it into that thick skull of yours. Since you insist that you know what is expected of you then I am going to expect you to not get into trouble."

Fidgeting a little in his seat, Harry muttered, "Trouble tends to find me."

Severus couldn't help but smirk, "Yes well, you will need to do your best to hide from trouble then, won't you?" At Harry's unsure look, Severus added, "Trouble would not easily find you if you did not put your nose in places where it does not belong."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Well I wouldn't have to do that if people would just tell me everything I need to know."

Severus frowned. "You are told everything that you need to know. I am aware that you believe that you should know everything but I disagree. You are a teenager. Your main concerns should be your social life, education and dreams."

Harry snorted. "You're joking, right?" Before Severus could respond, Harry continued speaking. "If you hadn't noticed, I'm not a normal teenager. If I was normal I wouldn't have a Dark Lord hunting me. If I was normal I wouldn't have a lightning bolt scar. If I was normal I wouldn't be me. You realize that, right?"

Sighing softly, Severus forced himself to not call his ward dramatic. "You would have more normalcy in your life if you let the grown ups deal with everything. You do not have to deal with any of this until you are older. Every year you have made the choice to put your life in harms way. Your first year here, Potter, you had the choice to tell an adult or go after the stone. In your second year you had the choice to tell an adult or go into the Chamber of Secrets. In your third year you had the choice to trust an adult or go after Black (thus, putting your life in danger). I understand that you did not have the choice in your fourth year. However, last year you had the choice of trusting me when you told me about your Godfather and you chose to not do so. What are you going to do this year?" He eyed Harry closely. He could tell part of what he had just said upset the boy.

Harry struggled internally as he looked anywhere but at Snape. I already know Sirius' death was my fault.

As the silence ticked by Severus started to regret some of his words. He could see the battle inside his ward and he wondered which words hurt him the most. "Mr. Potter?"

Harry finally looked up at him, "You're right."

Severus immediately felt taken back by Harry's agreement. "Parden?"

Sirius' death truly was my fault - I've already known that. What I didn't know was that other people agreed with his death being my fault. . . He basically just said that, didn't he? Harry repeated himself, "You're right. Sirius' death was my fault - I have already known that."

Severus furrowed his brow, he definitely had not expected those words to come out of Harry's mouth. "What? That's not what I said, Potter."

Harry rolled his eyes, "It's okay. It's not as if it is something I didn't already know."

Severus sighed softly, "That's not what I said, Potter."

Harry waved it off, "Whatever. Anyway, you're right. This year I'm not going to run head-first into things."

"Well, that is good to hear. I consider running head-first into things to be reckless endangerment of yourself and you should be well-aware that I will not put up with that," Severus told him firmly. Does he truly believe that his Dogfather's death was his fault? Sirius had the choice to go to the Ministry - we told him not to go. Should I tell Harry that?

Harry gave a small nod of his head and dropped his eyes.

Severus watched Harry closely for a few minutes before saying in a gentle voice, "Everyone makes decisions every single day that affect their lives and the lives of others. Ultimately no one has control of what another person chooses (unless, of course, they are under the Imperius curse). You did not force your godfather to go to the Ministry of Magic - he made that decision on his own." He watched as Harry fidgeted a little in his seat, knowing that his words were making an internal impact on the boy. "The decisions you make always have a consequence. This was a difficult lesson for me," Severus admitted.

Harry looked up at him in surprise. He nibbled on his bottom lip before finally asking his question, "H-how long did it take for you to learn it?"

Severus couldn't help but feel good about their current conversation. Finally I feel like I'm teaching him something that he cannot learn in a classroom or over my lap. This is nice. . . I am making a difference for him. "Honestly, Harry? This lesson probably took me about five years to learn."

Harry sighed softly, "So it's gonna take a little while longer?"

Severus gave him a comforting look, "It's alright. You could easily learn it a lot faster than I. You have a guardian to direct you, I was all alone."

Harry nibbled on his bottom lip for a second before asking, "Don't you hate being my guardian?"

Severus frowned and looked away from his ward, "There are times when I find this tiring but no, I do not hate being your guardian nor do I regret it."

Harry felt his insides warm a little at hearing that. He stayed silent, not really knowing what to say.

They fell into a comfortable silence for a little while before Severus interrupted it. "Are you looking forward to seeing your friends?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah." Changing the subject, Harry asked, "Are you going to act like a total jerk to me in class like you did in Potions?"

Severus looked a little offended at first but pushed it to the side. "I am not going to baby you or give you special treatment, Potter."

Harry sighed, "Duh. No, I mean, will you still pick me out of everyone to give hell to?"

Severus frowned, "I never picked you specifically."

Harry's eyes went wide, "Liar."

Severus' frown deepened, "I will not single you out unless you do something to warrant it."

Harry gave a small nod, accepting it. "And will you act like a guardian in front of class?"

Severus furrowed his brow, "What do you mean by that? As in, will I reprimand you or support you?"

Harry sighed. "Well, I don't mind if you're supportive in front of people. I just don't want to get threatened in front of class."

Severus gave a nod of understanding. "If I feel as if you deserve threatened during class I will find another means of doing so that way you are not embarrassed." A little bit of embarrassment is healthy though.

Harry eyed him suspiciously, "Fine. . ." Glancing at the clock on the wall, he smiled when he realized his peers should be arriving soon. "May I go to meet my friends?"

Severus gave a small nod of his head, "You may. Just do not leave the Hogwarts grounds to do so."

Harry nodded, already knowing he wasn't allowed to actually go to King's Cross. "Thank you."

Again, Severus nodded and watched as Harry left to go wait for his friends. I think that was a nice conversation we had. We are making progress. Smiling softly, Severus took a sip of his hot tea before standing and heading toward the Great Hall.

Harry stood near a pillar by the Great Hall, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his peers. His guardian had entered the Great Hall shortly after Harry arrived at his waiting spot, he had reminded him to behave and then he disappeared into the Great Hall. Harry had found that a little annoying but he let it slide.

Is he going to constantly remind me to behave like I'm a five-year old? His thoughts came to an abrupt end as he watched the Great Hall doors open. He felt a little giddy as he watched the students file into the Castle. He started to feel a little impatient as he waited for a familiar face.

For the umpteenth time a stranger gave him an ugly look as they passed by. Fed-up, Harry called them out on it. "What's your problem? I don't even know you!"

The student wearing Ravenclaw robes leveled Harry with a hideous sneer. "I know you. How could I not? You're the bloody Chosen One, after all."

Harry felt his annoyance grow, "What's your problem? I'm not going to ask you again."

The Ravenclaw smirked, "Feeling tough are we?" The boy stepped closer to Harry and jabbed his finger against Harry's chest. "Gonna tattle to your daddy on me?" His smirk darkened as he looked at his friends.

Harry glared at him and shoved him away from himself, "I don't have a dad and I can handle prats like you by myself."

Laughing, the Ravenclaw stepped closer to Harry again and gave him another rough shove. "Don't try to lie. Everyone knows Snape is your daddy. Ya know, that explains so much. I knew you had evil in you - knew it ever since we all learned about your snake tongue."

Growing angrier, Harry went to shove the boy back only to see Professor Flitwick stomping his way in their direction. He stepped back, balling his hands into fists.

"He's even too pussy to hit me back!" The Ravenclaw snickered to his friends.

"What in Merlin's name is going on here? Is there a problem?" Professor Flitwick demanded to know as he leveled Harry and his students with a stern glare.

Harry stayed silent, knowing better than to tattle on someone - it would only bring more fury next time.

Professor Flitwick turned his stern look on the main Ravenclaw boy. "Mr. Vlademier, tell me what happened."

He shrugged his shoulders and leveled Harry with a nasty look, "Potter here started it. I don't know what his beef is but I'm not gonna just let someone push me."

Professor Flitwick sighed and looked at Harry, "Why did you push him, Mr. Potter?"

Harry glared at the boy, "That's not true!"

Vlademier's friends all started arguing at the same time, demanding that Harry was the first to push their friend.

Professor Flitwick raised his hands to make them all go silent. "Enough!" Looking at his Ravenclaws, he demanded them, "I don't want to see you pushing anyone again, Mr. Vlademier. Go sit yourselves at the House table - we will speak more on this issue again later." He watched as his students followed his directions before turning and giving Harry a stern look, "This is very unlike you, Mr. Potter. You know very well that your guardian will not like hearing about this incident."

Harry's jaw dared to drop. "But it's not true!"

Filius sighed, "I don't know what the truth is, Mr. Potter, but either way I will have to inform him of your transgressions. Just like I will have to write a letter to Mr. Vlademier's parents. It is in your best interest to keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Potter." He gave him one last stern look before turning and making his way into the Great Hall.

Harry felt like he could scream. This is so unfair! I didn't even do anything to Vlademier! Snape is going to kill me over something I didn't even start! His thoughts came to an end at the sight of Neville, Dean and Seamus. He smiled at them, despite the burning anger inside him over the unfairness of life.

His smile slowly turned to a frown as Neville dropped his eyes and glares came from Dean and Seamus. Now what? It's not like I could have pissed everyone off! I wasn't even on the train!

"Don't smile at us, Potter! You can no longer be our friend. Ya know, of all the people I thought you would never do this to Gryffindor," Dean snapped.

Harry frowned, confused. "Do what? I haven't done anything!" Harry exclaimed.

Seamus rolled his eyes, "So being the son of our greatest enemy isn't doing anything? How can we even trust you anymore? We've always known you were a Slytherin at heart, we just didn't know how deep it went."

Harry gave a hurried shake of his head, "That doesn't even make sense! You realize he's not my biological father, right? He's not even my fucking father! Just because he's my guardian doesn't mean I'm suddenly against Gryffindor! Besides, it's not like I chose who the fuck got my guardianship! Do you seriously think I would have chosen him?! Have you lost your marbles?"

Seamus glared at him, "Ya know what, mini-Snape? I don't bloody think I care! You're accepting this which means we can no longer accept you."

Harry felt as if he's trapped in some nightmare. "Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound?"

Dean pulled Seamus away, "Come on, let's not waste our time on the Slytherin wannabe." They started to walk away before pausing and turning to snap at Neville, "Come on!"

Harry leveled Neville with a hurt look, "Do you agree with them?"

Neville looked visibly uncomfortable as he glanced between all of his friends. Hearing Dean yell at him again, Neville dropped his head and walked off, not answering Harry.

Harry watched them go with a look of confusion and sadness. Before he was about to give up and hide somewhere for the rest of his school career, Ginny and Luna appeared with smiles on their faces. Harry looked at them with uncertainty, "So, you don't hate me like everyone else?"

Ginny rolled her eyes as she looked at Dean's retreating back. "Just ignore them. Their idiots anyway."

Luna nodded in agreement, "It's not like you chose who your guardian is. I think everyone is just ridiculous."

Harry paled, "Everyone? Wait, does everyone think like them?"

Ginny nibbled on her bottom lip and looked away from him, "Basically everyone in Gryffindor. . . They all feel betrayed."

Harry threw his arms up in the air, annoyed. "This doesn't make any sense!"

Luna nodded in agreement. "We know."

"Ron? Hermione?" Harry looked at them with a desperate hope in his eyes.

Ginny uncomfortably looked away, "Ron's pissed and you know Hermione. . . She's so far up his butt lately she'd blindly follow him into a hole."

Harry frowned at that statement.

Luna nodded, "Did you know they're together?"

Harry sighed, "I've seen that coming a mile away. But what I didn't see coming is that everyone would be so stupid and ridiculous. None of this makes sense!" A thought came to him and he looked at Ginny, "What about the rest of your family? Do they think I'm some traitor too?"

Ginny shook her head, "Fred and George are happy for you - so are mum and dad. Percy doesn't care, nor does Charlie. Dad's just disappointed in you."

Harry frowned, "Why?"

Ginny gave a small shrug of her shoulders, "You know, I'm not entirely sure. He won't say. He just says that he's disappointed in your actions."

Harry felt surprised by how guilty and sad this made him feel. I bet he knows about my arrest and the reasoning behind it. That's probably what he's disappointed in. Noticing Luna and Ginny's faces fall, he held in his groan and turned to see who was standing behind him. He forced himself not to huff at the sight of his guardian.

Severus leveled him with a stern look, "Miss. Weasley and Miss. Lovegood, please find your seats in the Great Hall."

Seeing Ginny's nervous look, Harry motioned for her to leave.

As soon as the girls were inside the Great Hall Severus took a threatening step towards his ward. "What is your problem, Harry James? Getting into a fight already? Do I need to keep you by my side and not let you out of my sight?"

Harry glared off into the distance, noticing Professor McGonagall nearing with the first years. "I didn't start it!"

Snatching out, Severus gripped Harry's chin and forced him to look at him. "I do not care who started it, Potter!"

Harry tried to pull free from his grip, "Leave me go!"

Severus clenched his jaw but let the boy's chin go. "Your actions are unacceptable!"

Harry couldn't stop himself before he rolled his eyes, "I pushed him! It's not like I gave him a bloody nose!"

Severus snarled at him, "Still unacceptable, Potter!"

Seeing Professor McGonagall come to a stop far enough away so the first years could not hear, Harry blushed as he realized they were holding up the feast.

Turning, Severus too noticed Minerva. He sighed and took a step away from Harry, "You will go to sleep early for the next few days as punishment for your actions."

Harry's jaw dropped, "You can't be serious! I bloody pushed him!"

"I am well aware what you did, Harry James, and if you know what is best for you shut your trap and get inside the Great Hall!" Severus threatened.

Huffing, Harry stomped off. Upon entrance to the Great Hall he immediately felt glares on him. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Ginny waving him over. He quickly sat down beside her, feeling highly uncomfortable with all of the glares on him. He noticed his guardian walk up the center of the tables to get to the Head Table.

Noticing how uncomfortable Harry is, Ginny glared at all the people around them. Her glare made most of them stop looking at Harry.

Harry noticed Ron and Hermione halfway down the table. Ron gave him a deadly look before turning back to talking to Hermione. He sighed and dropped his head. This year is going to suck. What did I do to deserve this kind of treatment?

Trying to think of something to cheer him up, Ginny smiled mischievously and asked. "Would you like to go night flying with me?"

Harry smiled but gave a small disappointed shake of his head. "I'd love to but I can't. I have to stay the night in Snape's quarters tonight. . ."

Curious, Ginny chanced a glance up at the dark DADA professor. "I bet his quarters are all black and his bed is a coffin."

Harry let out a small laugh, appreciating her humor. "No, unfortunately. He has normal quarters on the professor's wing. I mean, I've never seen his bed so he very well could sleep in a coffin."

Laughing, Ginny said, "I bet he does. It'd make sense, after all. Ya know, he's so pale!"

Shaking his head in amusement, Harry chuckled. "Well, I'll let you know if I ever go into his room. I doubt I will though because it's off-limits."

Ginny nodded in understanding. "My parents' bedroom is off-limits in our house too." Changing the subject, Ginny got serious and dropped her eyes a little. "Can I ask you a question?"

A little nervous about what her question would be, Harry gave a tiny nod. "Yeah, go for it."

She nibbled on her bottom lip and whispered, "How is it? Ya know, living with Snape?"

Harry sighed softly and glanced up at his guardian. "For the most part he's kind of awful but he has his moments where he's alright. He even got me a birthday present! It's just, he's crazy strict. . ."

Ginny nodded in understanding. "I assumed he'd be strict, especially after you said he's not letting you stay in the Tower."

Harry gave a small shrug of his shoulders, "Maybe not staying in the Tower is for the best right now." He glanced at his ex-friends down the table and let out a sad sigh. Changing the subject, Harry asked, "How was your summer?"

Ginny sighed softly. "Honestly I'm glad it's over. I was grounded for the most of it." Seeing Harry's surprised look, she explained, "Luna and I took a trip to North America. She was looking for an invisible owl. It was a story her father was working on. I asked if I could go with her and, obviously, my parents said no. So, I made the poor decision to go anyway."

Harry cringed, Snape would've made sure I could never sit again!

She continued, nodding at Harry's cringe. "Mum came after me and found us in Pennsylvania. We were in a city called Lancaster. We were told that the owl was rumored to be in the farmlands of Lancaster where all the Amish live."

Harry frowned, not knowing what an Amish is. He didn't ask though knowing Ginny wasn't finished with her story.

"We never did find that owl. Mum made us come back to England," She looked a little disappointed by the end of her story.

Harry still couldn't get over what Snape would've done to him if that had been him. "I bet you got into loads of trouble."

Ginny nodded, "You have no idea. It was worth it though, I had never been to America before. Have you?"

Harry shook his head, "I've never even been out of England."

Before they could continue their quiet conversation, Albus stood and clapped his hands. Harry looked up at the Head Table and caught eyes with his guardian. Harry immediately looked down.

"Before the First years enter I just wanted to remind everyone to welcome their new Housemates with kindness. I hope everyone had a safe and happy summer." After his short and simple announcement was finished, he clapped his hands once more and the doors swung open.

Harry watched as Professor McGonagall led the first years to the front of the Great Hall.

"Is it true McGonagall and Dumbledore's grandson is here this year?" Ginny asked in a hushed tone.

Harry nodded and pointed to where Kendin stood in line. "That's Kendin."

Ginny stared at the boy for a second before giving her respect to the front of the room.

Harry could feel his guardian's eyes on him but he tried to ignore him as best as he could.

Hearing Kendin's name, Harry looked up and watched as Kendin climbed up and sat down on the stool. He smiled to himself as he remembered doing that six years ago.

"I bet he gets put in Gryffindor," Ginny whispered and Harry nodded his head in agreement.

Severus narrowed his eyes as he watched his ward and the female Weasley talk, once more, during the ceremony. Don't they know how to be respectful? He barely took notice as the Hat shouted out Gryffindor. I already knew he'd be a lion. He returned his gaze back to his ward, barely paying attention to the sorting and only clapping when he heard the word Slytherin. Instead of paying attention to the sorting he couldn't help but feel lost in his brain.

Why isn't he sitting with Mr. Weasley and Miss. Granger? Why does it look like he angered every Gryffindor except Miss. Weasley? Why does she keep touching his hand? Are they dating and I've just been blind? He watched as Kendin sat down beside Harry. He looks like he's forcing himself to be happy. I wonder when he had a falling out with his friends. I wonder if he's okay. He paused in his thinking as he half-halfheartedly clapped for a new Slytherin. Why am I so concerned? Forcing himself to stop his panicked thinking, Severus watched as the last first year timidly sat on the stool. Seconds later the Hat shouted out Hufflepuff and Severus felt his eyes wander back to his ward.

Severus barely noticed as Minerva sat down beside him until she said, "It looks like there is trouble stirring in the den."

Severus nodded in agreement. "It's a good thing Potter will be sleeping in my quarters tonight."

Minerva immediately frowned, "Why won't he be staying in the dorms?"

Severus gave her an annoyed look, "Being with friends is a reward."

Minerva gaped at him, "It's the first night back."

Leveling her with a glare, Severus snapped, "I don't care if he hasn't seem them in years. If he cannot behave himself then he does not deserve to be too far away from me. He should be happy he's sitting down there instead of next to me up here!"

Minerva sighed softly. "Do you really want your quarters to be a punishment?"

Severus rolled his eyes and glared down at his ward. "If you ask the brat, just me being his guardian is already punishment." Looking back at her, he added, "I'm not giving in, Minerva. He will learn to follow the rules."

Minerva gave up. "Fine, Severus. I'm not going to tell you how to parent your ward."

Glaring off into the distance, Severus muttered, "I'm not his parent."

Minerva smirked, "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Severus glared at her but didn't comment as he watched Albus stand and make his usual announcement. He immediately felt annoyed as he watched the three Gryffindors whispering to each other. I'm going to have to have a word with him about respect!

Harry could feel someone glaring at him as he whispered to Ginny about how he's being forced to take Potions. Looking up, his eyes locked with his guardian's and immediately felt his head being invaded. As he fought to kick him out of his head he heard his guardian's sharp voice snap, "You are being disrespectful to your Headmaster. Shut your trap or I will embarrass you!" Harry finally threw him out of his head and glared daggers at him.

"What's wrong, Harry?" Ginny whispered, concern evident on her face.

Harry gave a small shake of his head but knew better than to actually speak. He definitely didn't trust what his guardian meant by that threat. I can't bloody believe he just entered my head to yell at me! He ignored the small voice that told him that being yelled at through Legilimancy was better than being yelled at in front of the whole school!

He forced himself to listen to the rest of Dumbledore's speech (even though he's already heard it a few times). Once the speech was over and the food appeared on the tables, the Hall erupted in excited voices.

"I bet he's going to play for Slytherin this year, his daddy-poo probably wouldn't have it any other way!" One voice caught Harry's attention.

Another voice followed shortly after, "Is it true Potter found out his mum was a slut and fucked Snape while married to James Potter? I heard Potter found out Snape is his biological dad!"

"No, I heard he turned into a vampire over the summer and that's why he's under Snape's wing!"

Hearing all the different theories floating around him caused his stomach to turn with nausea and he no longer felt hungry.

"You need to eat, Harry." Ginny whispered to him.

Harry shook his head, "I'm not hungry. . ."

Kendin frowned as he looked up from his full plate of food, "But you barely ate anything at lunch?"

Harry shrugged and remained silent.

"Are you not hungry because of the rumors?" Ginny asked.

Harry watched as Kendin started up a conversation with another first year before nodding his head.

Ginny glared at the staring students around them. "Do you want to leave?"

Harry forced himself not to chew on his bottom lip as he glanced up at the Head Table. Noticing that his guardian seemed deep in a conversation with Professor McGonagall, he nodded.

Ginny stood, ignoring her brother's glare and walked with Harry out of the Great Hall.

"And where do you think you are going?" Harry ignored his guardian's voice in his head and pushed him out. How the hell can he do that if I don't make eye-contact? Harry thought to himself as the doors swung shut behind him. "Where are we going?"

Ginny gave him a smirk and pulled him down the corridor. "Somewhere private. Obviously."

Harry obediently followed her to an abandoned classroom. He watched as she sat on top of the mahogany Professor's desk and swing her legs back and forth.

She patted the spot beside her and Harry hopped up, getting comfortable beside her.

"You can't let the rumors get to you, Harry, or this is where we will be eating all year," she told him.

Harry couldn't help but crack a small smile, "We?"

Ginny rolled her eyes, moving a little closer to her brother's ex-best mate. "Duh. It's not like I'm going to make you eat alone."

Harry felt his breath catch in his throat as their thighs touched. He refused to look at her, not trusting himself. "That's really nice. Thank you, Ginny."

She smiled, swinging her legs more. "Anytime."

They fell into a comfortable silence for a few moments with Harry glancing at their touching legs every now and then.

Ginny broke their silence after a short while, "So, are you hungry yet?"

Harry gave a small shrug of his shoulders, "Not really."

"That's okay. What do you want to talk about?" She asked, trying to pass the time.

He could feel her moving closer, their legs pressing tighter together. "Um. . . Uh well, what do you want to talk about?"

She stopped moving closer, laying her hand down on her thigh. "Are you excited for quidditch to start back up soon?"

Harry nodded, a small smile on his face. "Definitely."

"You know, Captain is up for the taking this year," Ginny told him in a soft voice.

Harry let out a small sigh, "I know but I don't think anyone would vote for me."

Moving her hand to his thigh, she whispered, "I would."

Harry felt his heart thump away in his chest as he felt her hand slowly move up his leg. "W-what are you doin'?"

Stopping between his legs, she leaned in and whispered, "What we should've done a long time ago." She paused and eyed him closely, "Is this okay?"

With her hand pressing against his crotch, Harry found it hard to think. He mentally fought with himself as he looked into her eyes. This is Ron's little sister. . . Throwing caution to the wind, Harry gave a nod of his head and leaned in to capture her lips in a soft kiss. He forced himself not to groan as he felt her slip her hand inside his trousers. He immediately deepened the kiss, gently moving her so she was laying on top of the desk. He gently straddled her and leaned down to re-capture her lips, easily parting them and slipping his tongue inside.

Severus glared at the empty seat that his ward abandoned about twenty minutes ago. He should be back by now. I'd go drag his butt back if I didn't have to go to the Slytherin common room soon for announcements. Feeling eyes on him, he looked toward his House table and noticed Draco whispering quickly to his two thugs. Severus sighed softly as he remembered that not only does he have a juvenile ward to take care of but he also has to keep an eye on Draco. He had already informed Albus about Draco's mission but he'd still feel more comfortable by watching the little shit.

After doing a head-count of her House, Minerva looked to her colleague and asked, "Are you aware that Mr. Potter is not at the table?"

Severus nodded, "Yes, he and Miss. Weasley left. I would have gone after him but the feast is almost over." Severus let out a deep sigh as he noticed her concerned look. "What?"

Minerva started slowly, "Well, I know my Gryffindors and I also know hormonal teenagers. Are you not in the least bit concerned?"

Severus visibly paled. Why didn't I think of that? He shook his head, his mind racing.

Minerva shrugged, realizing she had just instilled worry into her colleague's mind. "I'm sure it's fine but, Severus, you need to keep in mind that your ward is no longer a child. Perhaps you should have a talk with him?"

Severus glared at her, "That is quite enough, Minerva."

Seeing the flustered look on his face, Minerva smirked. "I'm sorry, Severus, but with a teenage ward you need to be concerned about these things."

Severus continued to glare at her, "Just because they take a walk does not mean they're off snogging in a broom closet!" Severus growled, catching the attention of most of his colleagues.

Minerva couldn't help but chuckle, "Whatever eases your mind, Severus. Just think about how you were at his age. I'm just saying, Severus. We already have one pregnant student."

Severus couldn't help but blush as he snapped dangerously, "Enough!" He could hear his colleagues laughing about him being flustered but he ignored them and forced his thoughts back on his sixteen-year old self. It didn't take long for him to mentally groan as he realized how correct Minerva was.

Attempting to interrupt Harry's mind (but not knowing if it'd actually work since he couldn't actually look at the boy), Severus demanded in his head, "Potter, get your backside back to the Great Hall immediately!" Hoping the boy heard, Severus glared at his still chuckling colleagues and then glared at his half-eaten apple pie.

Harry broke away from the kiss and whispered, "Did you hear something?" He wildly looked around the classroom for his guardian. I could've swore I heard him yelling. . .

Ginny immediately sat up and adjusted her clothing. She too looked around themselves. "I didn't hear anything, Harry."

Frowning, Harry zipped his trousers and jumped off the desk. He looked toward the clock and relaxed a little as he realized the feast wasn't over yet. "We need to get back to the Great Hall." He offered her his hand and helped her off the desk.

She smiled warmly at him and walked toward the classroom door. "Feel better now?" She turned and gave him an amused smile.

Harry couldn't help but laugh, "Actually, I do." He opened the door for her and waited for her to leave before closing the door to his new favorite classroom.

Watching the doors open, Severus immediately felt a rush of relief. He wondered if Harry had actually heard him. He glared at the boy as he sat down. "Where in Merlin's name were you?"

Harry turned and leveled him with a nasty glare, "Get the fuck out of my head!"

Severus felt his blood boil, "Don't you dare speak to me like that, Potter! I will come down there and drag your backside out of this hall!"

Harry didn't respond, instead he worked on forcing him out of his head. Once his mind was finally free of Snape, Harry picked up a piece of pumpkin pie and slowly ate it.

Ginny nodded to herself, satisfied that he was finally eating something.

They stayed silent, neither speaking about the events in the abandoned classroom. When the headmaster stood to give his goodnight speech, Harry said his goodbyes to Ginny and watched as she disappeared out of the Great Hall.

Seconds later he jumped as he felt a strong grip on his shoulder and the menacing voice of his guardian growl, "You will go to the quarters immediately. I will know if you are not where you are supposed to be. I will be back in twenty minutes and then we will discuss your language and disappearance." He growled dangerously as he noticed a look of defiance flash across his ward's face. "Don't even think about talking back to me or I will slap your disrespectful mouth right here!" He leveled Harry with another dangerous look as he saw Harry's face turn angry. "Go, Potter, and do not test me!" He watched as the angry teen stomped off, slamming the Great Hall doors shut behind him.

Severus sighed and glanced back at Minerva. Why did I ever agree to this?

Minerva walked up to him and said in a tired voice, "Let's get this over with." Severus couldn't agree more.

Harry paced back and forth in the living room, debating whether he should piss his guardian off more by leaving or if he should just be a good ward and wait to get reamed out. Part of him wanted to go find Ginny again but he knew that would be complicated. I wonder if she thinks we are dating. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that. I'd rather just be friends with benefits for now. . . He also couldn't help but feel surprised with Ginny, he didn't think she liked him that way.

Just as he thought about pissing his guardian off more by leaving and staying in the Gryffindor Tower, the door opened and in stepped his guardian.

Seeing his ward, Severus immediately grew tired.

Harry glared at him, "You can't just enter my head like that! It's an invasion of my privacy!"

Severus forced himself to not roll his eyes, "Do you deserve privacy? I'm not so sure if you do."

Harry silently fumed, biting his tongue to keep from cussing him out.

Severus continued, "It if bother you that much though, instead I can start yelling and threatening you in from of your peers?"

Harry glared at him, hating the fact that he has a point.

Taking his silence as an answer, Severus snapped, "Yeah, that is what I thought. What do I need to do to get you to stop swearing?" At Harry's furious look, Severus growled, "Yelling at you and washing your mouth out does not work. I could always do what some magical families do." He could see Harry's nervousness as he said, "If you do not start minding your mouth I am going to put a charm on you called Parental Control."

Harry clenched his jaw, "I'm not a bloody robot, you can't control me like one!"

Severus leveled him with an unamused look. "That is just the name, Potter. It is not a full-out controlling device. It's not the Unforgivable spell." He continued, ignoring his ward's distrusting glare. "The charm puts a censor on your brain. Every time you try to swear it will force you to say a different word. If you try it two times in a short amount of time then you will taste soap without physical soap being in your mouth. If you try it three times in a short amount of time then you will lose the ability to speak for five minutes." He went silent, watching his ward's reaction.

Harry silently fumed, not trusting himself to speak. I fucking hate him.

Taking Harry's silence as acceptance, Severus changed the topic. "Where did you and Miss. Weasley go earlier?"

Harry looked at him like he was crazy, "Why do you need to know?"

Severus forced himself to not feel uneasy as he said, "Because you are a hormonal teenager and this school already has a pregnant student, we don't need another." He watched as Harry's cheeks flamed red with embarrassment. He honestly couldn't blame the boy, just talking to him was embarrassing even himself!

Harry hurried to shake his head, his ears burning. "Stop!"

Severus sighed, "Just answer the question, Potter. The more unwilling you are the more guilty you seem."

Harry gave a wild shake of his head, "For fucks-sake, Snape! Just stop! That's none of your business and the fact that you want it to be your business is wigging me out! You are not my father so stop! This is NOT a conversation I want to be having with you."

Severus pushed on, mentally take a side-note about his swearing. "You are right, Potter, I am not your father but I am your guardian and it is my job to make sure you are safe and informed." He could tell this conversation was killing the boy. Wanting it over as fast as possible, Severus rushed out, "Only have intercourse if you are really in love with someone and when you do so use protection (whether it be the muggle kind or the charm) because if you don't you can get a sexually transmitted disease or get the female pregnant. You, however, are too young and I don't feel as if you should be performing these actions-"

Having heard enough, Harry interrupted him. "For Merlin's sake please just stop talking! We went to the bloody friggin' kitchen for supper!"

Severus gave him a disbelieving look. "Why would you go there when there was tons of food on the tables?"

Harry could hear the disbelief in his voice and grew defensive, "Because!"

Severus huffed, "You need a better excuse than that for me to believe you."

Harry felt like screaming. "Fine! You want to know why I left the fucking Great Hall?!" He ignored the angry look on his guardian's face and continued on, "Because I'm being stared at and do you even realize all the bloody rumors floating around the fucking castle?! None of my friends will speak to me except Ginny and Luna! I can handle most of the fucking rumors but I can't handle the one about how my mum was a slut and had an affair with you! Everyone says you're my fucking biological father! So don't get on my damn back! You have no idea what I have been through today! Honestly I really don't want to add a sex talk with you on top of this list! Just because I go for a walk with a friend that just so happens to be a girl doesn't mean I'm fucking her in some damn closet!"

Severus didn't really know what to say about that. "You could have used different words than foul ones. I've warned you plenty, Harry James."

Harry felt like screaming. "Is that seriously the only thing you got out of that rant?!" At Severus' stern look Harry turned and headed toward the guest bedroom. "You know what? Screw you, Snape!"

Severus' patience snapped. He could tell something wasn't adding up about Harry's story but his mouth only caused him more anger. "Don't walk away from me, Potter!"

Harry ignored him and closed the bedroom door behind him.

Infuriated, Severus stormed into the bedroom and took hold of the boy. Dragging him toward the bed, Severus sat down and roughly forced him over his bony lap. He fought to keep the boy still as he removed the trousers and underpants. He lifted a knee, focusing the punishment only on the boy's sitting spots.

Harry yelped out as a hard hand slapped down against his sensitive spots. By the sixteenth smack, his eyes were red with tears.

Helping the boy off his lap, Severus watched as Harry struggled to compose himself. Severus' hand stung and he kicked himself for not accio'ing the paddle. "I am finished with warning you about your language." Waving his wand around the boy's head, Severus whispered, "Parentis Imperium." He could see the anger sparkling in the boy's sore eyes causing him to say, "I know this makes you angry but you obviously cannot break the habit alone." He went silent, "Do you want to talk about the rumors?"

Harry shook his head, fighting back more tears. How does he have such a hard hand? And why do I feel so guilty inside?! "No," he muttered.

Severus already knew he would say that. "Okay well if you decide you want to, you may." He could tell the boy wanted to rub his sore backside. "I. . ." Severus sighed and looked away. "I apologize for assuming you were having sexual relations with Miss. Weasley. As your guardian that is something I have to be concerned about."

Harry couldn't help but feel surprised. I can't believe he just apologized to me. Harry gave a nod of acceptance and followed his lead, "I'm sorry for saying hammer you." A surprised look came across his face and he couldn't help but laugh, despite the thumping in his backside. "I guess that charm works."

Severus gave an amused nod, "I forgive you." Looking at the clock on the wall, Severus tried not to yawn. "Alright, Harry. You need to shower and retire to bed. As I said earlier, you are to go to sleep early for a few days."

Not wanting to argue, Harry obediently did as he was told.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you liked this chapter. Should Ginny and Harry just be a fling or would you like it to blossom into something more than friends with benefits?

Remember, this story has a warning of OOC and AU – if you can't handle it, don't read it.

Savoren.