Back to classes
"Harry, wake up!" These words and a knock on his door startled Harry out of his dreams.
Sleepily, he blinked and then asked "What time is it?"
"Time to get out of bed. We have a lot to discuss before I can let you go to your classes," Severus replied without entering Harry's room.
Classes! Harry's eyes snapped open wide. He was allowed to go back to his classes. Hurriedly, he got dressed and met Severus in the kitchen. They had arranged to have breakfast in private before Harry was released to the public.
"As soon as you feel strange, don't hesitate to come back here or ask someone from the club to help you. Through the club room you can get back here whenever you feel the need. The club room's password is 'Black Moon Hunters'," Severus paused to watch his ward making sure that the boy was listening to what he was saying.
The boy was excited and nodded enthusiastically.
"Well," Severus went on, "Starting today you also will sleep in your dorm again. If you need me then call me," he tapped Harry's forehead with his finger, "with that."
Again, Harry nodded but this time his smile vanished getting replaced with a sad and apprehensive expression, "I will miss staying here."
Severus smiled warmly, "You can visit me whenever you want to."
"But it wont be the same," Harry pointed out.
"Now you know how most of the first years feel. If your homesickness gets too bad I'm sure we can find an excuse, why you would need to stay here for a night."
Homesickness Harry repeated in his mind. Never before did he imagine that he would ever suffer from homesickness but now that Severus said the word Harry realised that that was exactly what he was feeling. He was homesick even before he left, how crazy was that?
"Oh," Severus interrupted Harry's musing, "don't forget to stick to our story if someone should ask. You got bitten by a stray dog and suffered from rabies. Don't go into details, if they pester you just play embarrassed and tell them that you don't want to talk about it. Can you do that?"
"Yes, of course," Harry answered a little offended.
"This is important, Harry. Nobody must find out what really happened," Severus insisted sternly.
"I know," Harry pointed out. "I won't tell anyone."
"Well then, the breakfast in the Great Hall should be over soon. Your first class is Transfiguration. I'm sure Professor McGonagall will be glad to have you back in classes." With these words, Severus handed over Harry's timetable. "We will see each other in the fourth class. Behave yourself!"
"Yes, Dad!" Harry said and rolled his eyes but then his eyes widened. Did he really just called Snape 'Dad'? "I…" he stuttered, casting a nervous glance at his professor, "I said that aloud, didn't I?"
Amused, Severus grinned, "You did indeed."
Biting his lips while scratching the back of his neck, Harry asked carefully, "And… erm… is it okay if I call you that?"
"If you feel like calling me that, I'm okay with it as long as you don't let your tongue slip in classes. As much as I would like to recognise you as my son in the open, I fear it would cause too many dangerous questions."
A warm feeling spread inside Harry's chest. Professor Snape would want him as a son? How did that happen?
"I never would have thought that a mere few weeks could change so much but our bond is strong although it isn't complete and yes, I have started to see you as my son," Severus admitted. He stood up and Harry followed his example to throw himself into the man's arms.
"There, there. It's time for the classes. You don't want to be late on your first day, do you?" Severus finally said and patted Harry's back.
Harry didn't release the man he just smiled up cheekily.
"Behave, Meadow Moon!"
"I will, Dad, I promise," Harry said and finally let go.
"We will talk after your classes, okay?" Severus asked.
"Okay" Harry nodded but then he snuggled up against the man's chest one more time before he stepped back and turned to leave.
-xox-
As he stepped out into the corridor he sighed heavily. It felt strange to be free again and Harry wondered if he really was ready to face the other students. His heart beat fast in his chest and he felt very nervous.
He considered to turn and head back into Snape's quarters but a dreamy voice stopped him.
"Hi Harry." It was Luna.
"Hi," Harry said with a nervous smile.
"Afraid?" the girl asked.
"Erm… well… yes, a bit. Maybe even a bit more," Harry admitted, feeling heat rising to his cheeks.
"That's okay, Harry. You will see it's not so bad," Luna said confidently, squeezing Harry's hand in reassurance.
Harry nodded trying to reassure himself. He was a Gryffindor after all, surely he wouldn't be afraid to meet his friends. Ron and Hermione knew already what had happened to him, that was a big relief.
"Thank you, Luna," he said and together with the girl he went towards the Great Hall. Ron and Hermione waited there for him so they could head to their first class together.
"Harry!" Hermione yelled excitedly upon seeing her friend approaching. She embraced the surprised boy. "It's so good to see you."
"Erm… well… thanks," Harry answered, returning the hug with a big smile. It felt so good, so normal, like nothing had changed.
"Hi, mate. Good you are back!" Ron said and clapped Harry onto the back as soon as Hermione released him again, "It was boring without you. No one to talk to during classes."
"Ron!" Hermione yelled scandalised while Harry and Ron grinned at each other.
As they walked to their first class the other students stared at Harry with curious eyes but nobody said anything and so Harry tried his best to ignore them.
When Professor McGonagall entered her classroom, she gave a curt nod in Harry's direction. Her lips twitched a bit, which was the only indication of her smile while she strode to the front of the class and greeted everybody.
Harry was relieved to realise that he had no trouble following the class and managed to transfigure a shard of glass into a glassy jewel case on first try. The transfiguration professor expressed her delight as always with awarding points.
The next class was Divination. Ron told Harry how stupid and useless this class was and how crazy Professor Trelawney seemed to be. To Harry's biggest surprise this time Hermione didn't reprimanded Ron for his lack of respect towards a teacher.
As Harry finally reached the Divination classroom, he wanted to turn around and flee. The room was thick with heavy fumes that were really hard to stand for his sensitive sense of smell. He felt nauseated and asked "Does it always smell so horrible?"
"Yes," Ron rolled his eyes "The fumes are supposed to open our inner eye, you know?"
"But, I'm not sure I will survive the class," Harry said while he took a seat near the window and opened it a little bit. It didn't help in the least though.
As Professor Trelawney handed him a cub with rotten tea leaves Harry's stomach revolted. Harry barely manage not to throw up immediately. He had no idea that tea leaves could smell that foul. As soon as the class ended he ran to the nearest wash-room and emptied his stomach.
"You don't look good. Do you want to see Madam Pomfrey?" Hermione asked as they met again outside the wash-room.
"No. I'm better now but I'm not sure if I can step a foot inside this classroom again," Harry said, still a bit shaken up.
"Well next we have Defence Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin is cool. You will like him," Ron said excited.
Harry's stomach calmed down again during their walk to defence classroom. There he was hit with a new smell. It's wasn't so bad but it made Harry feel unsettled. It reminded Harry a little of a forest and a dog? No… more a wolf? Strange.
Suddenly the wolf scent intensified as Professor Lupin entered the room. Harry looked up at the professor as he passed his table and the professor stopped in his tracks. They both looked at each other in surprise and uncertainty.
Then the professor smiled and said, "Mr. Potter. I'm glad you are recovered and fit for classes again."
Harry smiled diffidently but as the professor turned around he frowned. Professor Lupin seems to be nice but the smell set him on alert. Why though, he didn't know.
Finally it was time for the fourth class. Harry was eager to see Professor Snape again. Even the potion classroom had his own smell but Harry found himself liking it. It was soothing and not even by half as penetrative as the smell from the Divination classroom.
Professor Snape cast a scrutinising look at Harry and the boy was tempted to grin cheekily back but he got a grip on himself in time. He knew he had to pretend that nothing had changed between them.
'Are you okay?' Severus voice sounded in Harry's mind. 'You look a little pale.'
'I'm okay now. I'll tell you later.'
Severus nodded hardly noticeable. Then his gaze wandered over the rest of the class until it settled back on Harry with a half sneer.
"Well, Well. Mr. Potter. How nice of you to finally grace us with your presence," he greeted Harry officially, continuing to use the sneering manner he had previously used to address the boy. "I'm sure during your recovery you had enough time to glance at your school books and therefore you should be able to answer this question easily: What are the similarities between Firethorngrass and Haghaulm and where are they used?"
Harry starred at the professor in disbelief. Was he seriously expecting Harry to know the answer?
'And how exactly am I supposed to know that?'
'It's in your potion book of course but I believe it's in the last half of the book.' Severus answered via the bond, aloud he said, "No? You didn't used your time to study? Just laid on your lazy hide?"
'Oh, very funny.' "I did study."
"Well then, what is the correct answer?" Professor Snape smirked evilly.
"I don't know," Harry snapped, "like nearly everyone in this classroom."
Snape eyes glowered dangerously. "Five Points from Gryffindor. I strongly advice to watch your tone, Mr. Potter, or you will find yourself in detention on your first day back."
Harry frowned deeply. He was about to answer back when he felt Hermione tugging at his sleeve. 'don't' she formed with her lips.
"It's just for show," Harry explained barley above a whisper.
"But the five points are gone, aren't they?" she whispered back.
"Ms. Granger, if you have to tell us something then please do it so, that we all can here you. Or cease your babbling this instance." Snape's voice interrupted.
"I'm sorry, Sir." Hermione apologised immediately blushing furiously.
Severus gave her a hard glare but didn't take any more points. Instead he turned at Harry again, "Mr. Potter, please take the seat next to Mr. Malfoy."
Angrily Harry stood up but he didn't made a move towards the blond-haired secret friend instead he reeled inside trying to find the right words to express this unfairness.
"Today, if you would, Mr. Potter." Severus said in a serious voice.
"But I want-" Harry started only to get interrupted.
"- You want what? Stay with your friend and talk during this class? I don't think so, get moving!"
Harry was shocked and confused not sure at all what was going on. 'Why are you doing this?' he called out in his desperation via the bond.
'Harry, please just go and sit with Draco.'
Huffing to himself he grabbed his bag and trudged over to the front row. Scowling he fell into the seat next to Draco.
Severus' eyes never left the boy. As soon as Harry sat he said, "Oh and... detention, Mr. Potter, this evening."
'Wow, what a surprise.'
'I told you we will meet each other in the evening.'
'You never said anything about detention.' Harry pointed out.
'This way your reaction was authentic.'
'Very funny.' Harry grimaced but kept his mouth shut.
Draco looked curiously to and fro between Harry and Severus and he was sure they were talking with each other although they are not saying anything. As soon as Severus turned towards the class he leaned towards Harry and whispered "How are you?"
Before Harry could answer Severus interrupted once more, "Mr. Malfoy I really want to start my class, so would you please cease talking?"
"Sorry, Sir. Of course," Draco clapped his mouth shut.
A few minutes later Harry scribbled his reply on a small piece of paper, "I'm fine."
The rest of the potion class went smoothly. Harry and Draco brewed a perfect example of the day's potion and Harry found himself surprised how easy it was to work with Draco together.
Harry was about to leave the class as Professor Snape called him back "Mr. Potter. Stay after."
Sighing Harry stopped in his tracks but he didn't turn around. As the last student left the class Severus placed his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, if I angered you. I hadn't counted on you taking my words so seriously," the man explained.
"It was kind of a shock to me. This whole day wasn't really easy and I was glad to see you and then you... How come you are so damn good in acting?"
"Training for years."
Harry's corner of his mouth twitched a little before he finally turned to face Severus again.
"How are you?" Severus asked softly.
"Fine," Harry replied and shrugged his shoulder. At Severus sceptical glance he explained, "I'm fine now. I was nauseated in Divination. The fumes in that class are horrible. I never smelled such foul tea leaves."
"When you said nauseated, do you mean you were sick?" Severus asked and placed a hand on Harry's forehead and the other at the boy's back of the neck.
Harry closed his eyes for a moment. The cool touch felt incredibly good. "I somehow managed it through the class but I vomited afterwards."
"I see," Severus said and pulled his hands back, "Maybe I have something I can give you to help with these classes later when you see me in your detention."
Frowning Harry repeated unhappily, "Detention, why detention? It is really cruel to give someone detention on his first day back."
"Yes, you are right. I hope it will dispel all possible rumours."
"Guess it will. Even Hermione was confused. She is worried about the five points you took."
Severus snorted amused. "Tell her she should not worry. On the one hand she is a bright witch and will win back the lost points in no time and on the other hand I will make sure to take at least five points from each of other houses, too."
"Okay," Harry said with a smile.
"And now head to lunch. See that you get some meat around your bones. We will see us later, after dinner."
"Yes, Dad." With that Harry went to left the room. As he was at the door Severus said, "Oh, Harry."
"Yes?"
"You did a good work with Malfoy today," Severus said and held up the boy's vial of the day's potion.
"Thank you!" Harry smiled happily.
"And please wash this stupid grin away from your face or this whole show today was for naught."
Harry relaxed his facial muscles and the smile faded. Trying to scowl Harry asked, "Better?"
"It will be sufficient," Severus said arrogantly.
And so Harry stormed out of the class. The perfect image of being very angry. Inwardly though Harry smiled about the compliment he earned from his dad.
Oxo
Nervously Harry stood at the entrance to the Great Hall. He knew as soon as he would open the door everyone would look at him. Was he ready for this? Classes went well enough but now there will be the whole student body to face and that without the distraction of a teaching professor.
Harry took a deep breath and with a shaking hand he opened the door and stepped through. As predicted everybody went silent in an instance. Harry gulped and scanned the room. Ron and Hermione left a place for him between them and were waving at him.
He hurried over to them and toot the safe-haven between his friends. As soon as he sat the acoustic level increased again as the others started talking again and soon nobody paid attention to Harry any longer. At least nobody from the other house tables.
Dean and Seamus bent their heads towards Harry and Dean asked if it was really a stray dog, that had bitten Harry and got him ill. Harry blushed and nodded but otherwise didn't response and so even the Gryffindors started with their meal.
Unnoticed by the Gryffindors a few tables away a blond-haired boy grumbled to himself. Now Harry was back with his friends Draco felt jealous. After he had the change to get to know Harry he didn't want to miss his new friend again.
Oxo
On his way towards Professor Snape's office the sudden smell of wolf startled Harry out of his daydreaming. He looked up and found himself in-front of Professor Lupin. Harry's heartbeat doubled and he felt uneasy in an instance. He didn't know why but as nice as the professor seemed to be something must be wrong with him.
"Harry," Professor Lupin greeted him with a friendly smile.
"Professor," Harry replied.
"How are you? They say you got bitten by a wild animal?" Lupin went on.
Harry stepped nervously from one foot to the other, "Erm... yes."
Lupin nodded to himself and then smiled at Harry again, "I would really like to speak with you. I noticed something that I wish to talk with you about. You don't have time right now, do you?"
"Erm..." Harry started and pushed his hands into his pockets to hide their shaking, "No. I... have detention in a few minutes."
"I see. Maybe tomorrow then?" Lupin asked.
Biting his lip Harry gave a hesitant nod.
"You are not in trouble with me, if you fear that. I merely wish to speak with you," Lupin reassured friendly.
"Okay," Harry said and tried to smile on his own but he was sure he failed miserable.
Oxo
"Come in," Harry heard Snape's words calling after his knock on the door and he wasted no time to enter. He shut the door behind him and leans against it for a few seconds heaving a deep sigh.
Severus looked up from his desk. Worry written across his face, "What happened to you?"
"Nothing," Harry said and pushed himself away from the door. Heavily he let himself fall into the seat in-front of Professor Snape's desk, "I just met Professor Lupin. He wanted to talk with me. I don't know why but he is making me nervous."
Severus eyes darken suddenly and he hissed angrily, "I really wish to know what Professor Dumbledore was thinking as he hired him as a teacher."
"He seems to be competent and friendly but I don't know... I feel strange when he is near... nervous... somehow..."
"Threatened?" Severus asked and Harry looked up in surprise. That was exactly how he felt, threatened.
"Yes, but why? Is he dangerous? I mean he looks harmless to me."
"He can be dangerous and around the full moon I strongly advice you to stay away from him. The smell you noticed is worst on full moon nights. It is possible that his odour could wake up your vampire instincts."
Harry frowned confused, "What does that mean? What's wrong with him?"
Severus sighed unhappily, "He is a werewolf, Harry."
Now Harry eyes widened, "A werewolf?"
"Indeed. Werewolves segregated a strong odour around the full moon which allows them to find each other. Normal humans cannot smell it but vampires can. Although vampires and werewolves are no direct enemies we try to avoid each other. It is possible for a vampire who didn't get enough blood at the new moon to fall into a blood flush by the mere smell of a werewolf on a new moon night."
If possible Harry eyes widened even more at this information. Uncomfortably he wrapped his arms around his torso. "And..." he started, "Professor Dumbledore... he knows that Professor Lupin is a werewolf?"
"Yes, he is aware and he also has to be aware of the danger a werewolf can pose for new vampires," Severus confirmed.
"But, if he knows, why did he give Professor Lupin the job to teach in a school with more than one attending vampire?" Harry wondered aloud.
"That's the question, Harry, and I have no answer for that."
"Professor Lupin wants to speak with me. He asked me to see him tomorrow, shall I see him?" Harry wondered uncomfortably.
"I'm sure he noticed your condition, or at least, that something happened to you. I don't want you to face him alone. We will see him together. When should you meet with him?" Severus asked while stroking over his chin.
Harry shrugged. "I don't know. He didn't say a precise time. I guess after dinner."
"Okay, I will find out about it."
Harry smiled in relief.
"There is something else I wish to ask you," Severus said after some time and Harry looked up at him with a questioning expression. "Divination? What possessed you to take that subject? The studies of divination is a complete waste of time if you don't have the inner eye already."
Harry opened his mouth to defend himself but then he blushed, "Erm... well... It was Ron's idea. He said it would be easy and you don't have to learn much for this class."
Severus looked disapproving by this answer. "If you insist on keeping this subject I have a special balm you can smear under your nose to escape the fumes but really, Harry, you should consider to take something else. With Runes or Arithmetic you would be better off. You should not choose your optional subject by the amount of time you would have to put into the studies. Just lazybones do that. Are you lazy, Harry?"
Harry hung his head in shame. "No," he whispered.
"Speak with Professor McGonagall. Normally a student is allowed to drop or change one of his optional subjects after the first class in the case it doesn't meet their expectations. As you missed the first weeks I am sure you are allowed to do it now."
"Okay. I think I want to try Runes. I would have taken that if Ron wouldn't have insisted on Divination," Harry admitted still blushing.
"Runes is a very good choice," Severus agreed, "I hope in future you will not make your decisions concerning your future dependant on your friends. It's your career not that of the others."
"Yes, Dad," Harry said with a half smile.
Severus couldn't help but smile back. Harry had come a long way and he was very glad that things had worked out as they did.
The rest of the 'detention' was filled with small talk before Harry was send on his way to the Gryffindor Tower were he was supposed to spend the nights from now on.