Beyond midnight Snape traversed the freezing cold corridors of Hogwarts, his cloudy breath and the cruel shadows created by the flaming torches his silent companions as even the ghosts gave him a wide berth. Tonight his mind and body were restless. Contrary to popular belief he did not stalk the halls determined to find rule breakers. Instead he used the freedom to distance himself from the claustrophobia of the Slytherin domain, the physical exertion to exhaust his body and the solitude to organise his brain, which was why he was usually so venomous if a wandering student stumbled across his path.
Tonight the reality of change was responsible for his restlessness. It was only a fortnight since his wife's dramatic return to his life, she'd only left that morning from her second overnight stay and already his chambers felt a little bereft without her, the little personal tokens she was starting to leave behind making it difficult to be there without her.
On the surface no one would recognise the changes but he knew. Potter carried himself a little taller and talked more instead of just listening. Granger relaxed slightly and involved herself more in school life outside of academic pursuits. But apart from these differences something else was happening, he had caught the three of them, Weasley included, looking at him in strange ways. Granger seemed concerned, Weasley suspicious and Potter anxious. It did not make sense. When he had somehow found himself sharing his observations with his wife, she dismissed them as simple reactions to the recent changes but Snapes instincts told him differently especially as he was convinced they were sometimes following him.
Bella had been more interested in finding out if he had spoken with the Headmaster about his anger issues, how they were all coping with their new silent communication and how he was feeling now. None of which he was comfortable discussing. He was not proud to admit that he had used physical methods to distract her the first week but that hadn't worked so well last night which was why, despite his infected leg, he was pacing around the castle. Previously life had been complex, but complex was at least black and white, now it was complicated and complicated meant blurred lines and messy shades of grey.
Since the beginning of November he had found himself using the warming charm a number of times, usually during lessons when he had either verbally diminished Harrys practical efforts or deliberately ignored Hermiones perfect cauldrons, and judging from the pained looks on Weasleys face as one or other, and sometimes both, either poked or prodded him they were including their friend in his message.
But sometimes he didn't and he felt their silent accusations follow him around the room. There were days when the anger still boiled strongly in his veins and the venom burned his thoughts, times when he saw only Potter and Granger, the son of his enemy and the annoying know it all muggle born. Moments such as that afternoon when he had cut across the courtyard to shake Quirrell and found the trio huddled against the cold. Convinced they were mocking him he felt the need to make an example of them. The book had seemed the perfect tool to punish them for existing, Potters precious quidditch combined with Grangers reverence of the written word. But he hadn't expected the boy to risk asking for it back, that had thrown him. His alliance with Filch had long since been a necessary evil, and since he had no intention of the details of his injury being relayed to his wife he was unable to ask the medi witch to treat it, which was why his Godson had found him in such a compromising position in the staff room. The shock of seeing Harry had caused the viciousness to resurface.
So now he was pacing, the pain in his leg a reminder of what was at stake. But he still had other concerns, Hagrid was preparing the Quidditch pitch, the first game of the season was on Saturday, Slytherin versus Gryffindor. It was a dirty game, no place for a first year, that rule was there for a reason and yet Prince Potter had found a way around it. He knew it would happen, just like Lily, Bella had fallen under the arrogant Potter spell and couldn't say no. He conveniently forgot, during his internal rant, that Harry had nothing to do with McGonagalls idea, that he hadn't asked to be on the team, that it was his wife who had agreed in a fit of pique because she was mad at him. All he could see was that once again a Gryffindor, a golden boy Potter had disobeyed a teacher and yet been rewarded.
With a snarl and determined to put a stop to the situation Snape spun on his heel and stalked back towards the dungeons.
Quirrell emerged from the shadows holding his throbbing head. When he had stumbled across Snape a few moments ago he had been certain the man would be heading somewhere interesting, maybe even something to do with stone. But instead he seemed to be suffering from some kind of internal struggle, something Quirrell knew all about. He whimpered in pain as he turned back towards his own quarters.
HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP
Just over thirty six hours later Snape stormed the same corridors. He was beyond furious and tearing strips off his complaining quidditch team had done nothing to improve his mood. He didn't know who he was most apoplectic at, McGonagall for pushing for Potter to be part of the Gyffindor team or Dumbledore for allowing it and putting him in a position where he could have exposed them all by needing to save the boys neck. As a school governor and staunch Slytherin Lucious Malfoy of all people had been watching the first match of the season, sitting a scant three seats from him, luckily for everyone concerned it appeared he had, like everyone else in the stadium, been too focused on Potters predicament to notice Snapes actions. And to add insult to injury someone had set him on fire, the smell still lingered long after he had put himself out and he could still smell the burnt fabric of his discarded cloak as he charged towards the Headmasters office.
Even the inanimate stone gargoyle quelled under his ferocious glare and let him through without the sugary sweet password. And whether it was by the sheer determination of his will power or the Headmasters interference the office door swung open as soon as Snape stepped menacingly towards it.
Both targets of his wrath were already waiting for him, Dumbledore sat serenely behind his desk stroking his beard while McGonagall occupied her usual chair looking a little more cautious. Snape initially ignored them both as he searched the pockets of his robes but he knew that they would know he wasn't reaching for his wand. Finally he withdrew a handful of coins and tossed them into McGonagall lap.
"Never let it be said that I do not settle my bets." He sneered.
Snape swivelled to encapsulate both Gryffindors in his cold stare. "I told you no good would come of this. You made him a visible target. He could have been killed!"
"But he wasn't you were there to save him." Commented Dumbledore softly as if it was a pupil nearly dying was an everyday occurrence.
"If he had not of been on that infernal broom he would not have needed saving. Lucius Malfoy was sat with me. You could have risked everything for a game." Snapes contempt was obvious.
"So what do you suggest Severus?" Dumbledore sat back in his chair.
"Remove him from the team, he is vulnerable out there, exposed for anyone to attack. They used dark magic today, next time it will be more powerful." Snape paced.
"Be careful Severus." McGonagall cautioned. "Nurture is responsible for an awful lot but you cannot deny natures part, he is Lily and James son as much as yours and Bella's, don't deny him their legacy. He soared out there today, he out flew James in his first match. If you take that achievement away from him, if you pull him off that team he will hate you."
He chose to ignore her warning. "And! Better alive and hating me than dead." To Snape it was that black and white.
"Minevra is right he deserves the chance to be more than his name and scar."
"He has a target on his back."
"He has that no matter what, you shield him away how will he learn to dodge the arrows. We all know you can't stop what is to happen, he and Voldemort are linked but we can prepare him. And besides a public attack is easier to prevent than a private one as today proved."
Snape recognised a loosing battle when he saw one but it did not stop him fighting until the bitter end.
"Fine on your head be it Headmaster but I insist on refereeing the next match. If you are determined to put him in the sky again I demand to be there too."
"You will make yourself very unpopular, your motives will be questioned." Albus observed.
"Because everyone thinks so highly of me now." He retorted sarcastically. "And in case you haven't noticed my motives have been questioned since the day the dark lord vanished and you brought me here." He finally sank into his usual chair, some of his aggression spent.
"Aright, as you wish." Dumbledore reached for a sweet from the large bowl on his desk and considered it carefully. "Do you have any idea who cursed the broom?"
"Do you think we would be sitting here having this conversation if I did?" Snape retorted back.
Dumbledore inclined his head in acceptance of his potion masters comment. "There were a number of guests invited for the first match of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin is always a crowd pleaser." He offered a small smile. "Do you believe Lucius to be capable of this?"
Snape closed his eyes for a few moments and tried to push the images of the atrocities he'd seen his comrade perform back in to his scarred mental box.
"Capable ... yes. But responsible ...no. Malfoy would not show his hand unless he believes it to be the winning side. It is too early for him to risk his public position."
Dumbledore looked benevolently at his spy. "I agree. So do you think he saw anything?" He asked before popping the candy into his mouth.
But before Snape could answer McGonagall hauled herself tiredly from her chair. "I'll let Rolanda know you'll replace her at the next match." She collected the pile of coins and slipped them back into her colleagues limp hand. "I don't think this is appropriate anymore, your loyalties are already divided enough." She patted the younger man on the shoulder. "Good afternoon Albus, Severus."
The men waited for her to close the door.
"I do not believe he saw what I was doing but people have under estimated him before and have ended up poorer for it"
"Well if he does say anything I think sticking as closely as possible to the truth would be best."
"Albus what are you suggesting?" Demanded Snape, his temper ignited again.
"Your school boy feud with James is well known but if you take Lucius into your confidence over the life debt you owe him then I think he will be convinced of your motives."
Snape had to accept that what the Headmaster said made sense, Malfoy would certainly be swayed by such an explanation but that did nothing to sooth the still raw nerve over the past events that led to Potter 'saving his life' or the Headmasters role in the injustice.
"Of course." He agreed dully and rose from his chair. "I must go and explain to Bella what happened this afternoon, I do not want her to find out from anyone else."
Dumbledore stood up too. "I'm afraid it may be too late for that my dear boy."
Snape raised his eyebrow as he frowned.
"Minevra mentioned that she was going to pop over and watch the match with Poppy in the infirmary."
Snape swore loudly and rushed from the room, the clatter of his boots drowning out the Headmasters heartfelt words. "I'm sorry Severus I wish things could be different."
HPHPHPHPHPHP
Meanwhile across the other side of Hogwarts Harry, Hermione and Ron were leaving Hagrids. Having no idea how close he had just come to never playing Quidditch again, Harry was still buzzing from his first victory. He'd never really won anything before, at his relatives he'd not been allowed to do anything better than his cousin and he'd just been average at most things at his other school. But there was nothing like the feeling of flying, the freedom of the sky and the cheers from the crowd. The other stuff had been scary though, normally his broom felt like his best friend, like it understood his every thought but then it had changed, it felt wrong, as if it hated him. But the scariest thing had been what Hermione and Ron told him afterwards about Uncle Sev. As they walked back to the castle he found himself nervously playing with his watch, praying desperately for it to warm up. No matter what Hagrid said Harry believed Hermione because they knew something about Snape that the gamekeeper didn't.
Ron glanced around nervously at his unusually quiet friends, he made sure no one else was around and then blurted out what had been bothering him since the game.
"But he's your dad."
"Godfather."
"Uncle."
Harry and Hermione automatically corrected.
"Ok whatever." Ron wafted away their comments. "But do you really think he would do that to you." This was his problem, while he had no doubt Snape could curse someones broom stick, he couldn't imagine a parent doing it.
Harry just shrugged, his relatives had hit, starved and locked him in a cupboard, what did he know.
Hermione frowned, she understood where Ron was coming from but she also remembered something. "Come on let's go back to the common room, I need to show you something." And without any further explanation she ran back to the castle.
Ron shrugged. "At least its not the library!"
Harry grinned back and they ran to catch up.
Their usual corner was free and the boys set up a game of wizards chess while they waited for Hermione to reappear. Harry had just lost spectacularly when she came to join them carrying a decorative wooden box that he recognised.
The rest of the Gryffindors were still noisily celebrating their win over Slytherin but out of habit Harry looked around before he started talking.
"Didn't Aunty Bella get you that for your birthday this year?" He asked remembering the small family pre-birthday party they'd had for her just before they'd left for school. He had no idea what her jewellery box had to do with Snape trying to jinx him off his broom.
"Yes its gots an undetectable extension charm on." She announced proudly then lowered her voice. "Uncle Severus helped me do it." She pulled out her wand and tapped the lid. "Media Nox. Its protected, only my wand and password can open it." She explained. "I know its in here somewhere." She searched through a stack of letters.
Harry leaned in closer. "Are those our letters?" He reached out to touch them but his sister slapped his hand away.
"Yes, I kept them all. He answered a lot of my questions, I thought I might need them." Triumphantly she pulled two out. "Here look."
3rd November
Hi Uncle Sev,
As 'mione used Aunty Bella's wand to mend my glasses when she wasn't around does that mean I can go flying on my own?
Love Harry
Tuesday 4th November
Harry,
Only if you wish me to jinx my broomstick to unseat you and throw you off once you are in the air.
Until tomorrow.
Uncle Severus
"I forgot about that." Harry passed the letters back to his sister and grimaced. "And we all know what he's like about going through with a punishment"
"But do you even need permission to play on the house team?"
Harry shrugged and they both looked at Ron.
"Don't think so, Fred and George never said anything."
"But first years aren't supposed to play." Hermione reminded them.
"She's right and Snapes a stickler for the rules." Admitted Harry. "On our first trip to Diagon Alley he told me I could have my own broom when I was a second year. If he thinks I shouldn't be on the team..."
"And if he is what we think he is ..." Added Ron.
"Possessed." Reminded Hermione gloomily.
They sat quietly for a few minutes.
"Maybe you ought to resign." Suggested Hermione timidly.
Ron looked outraged. "He can't do that, Gryffindor haven't won against Slytherin in years." He waved his hand towards their still celebrating housemates. "They'd lynch him."
"Maybe it was just because we were playing Slytherin." Harry muttered hopefully but Hermione didn't look convinced. "Oh come on 'mione, I could be really good at this. It'd be like you never reading again after you got into trouble for touching his restricted books at home"
Hermione blushed an unflattering shade of red and folded her arms. "Maybe you should try and talk to him about it."
Ron laughed nervously. "That'll be a fun conversation... I know you tried to kill me the other day and I think you're possessed but if you're going to try again can you not do it while I'm trying to play quidditch."
"What about talking to Aunty Bella?"
But Harry shook his head. "I don't want to, at least she's safe at home, away from him."
"Do you think he'd hurt her?" Asked Ron.
"They do argue." Admitted Hermione.
"A lot." Added Harry. "I didn't think he'd hurt me either, but look at what happened today. If someone else is controlling him he could do anything which is why we need to keep them apart."
"That might be abit hard." At Harrys confused face Hermione looked frustrated. "Didn't you read the letter she sent you this morning?"
Harry felt guilty, he'd just shoved it in his astronomy book and forgotten about it. "I was too nervous about the match this morning."
"She was talking about the Christmas holidays, its his turn to supervise the students that are staying at the castle, so she wants to have christmas here in his chambers again like last time."
"Oh great." Interrupted Ron. "That'll be a fun christmas for us then."
"Are you staying?" Asked Hermione, surprised.
"Yeah Mum and Dad are going to Romania to see Charlie and we can't all go so me, Percy and the twins are staying here." He explained glumily leaving out that they couldn't afford for them all to go. It had been alright when he thought Harry had no money either but now he knew different and he didn't want them feeling sorry for him.
"At least you'll be with the rest of your brothers." Said Hermione trying to cheer him up.
Ron smiled weakly. "I guess so, Percys boring but the twins can be a right laugh."
Harry suddenly had an idea. "Why don't I stay too."
Hermiones face fell so he tried to explain. "Look everyone knows I don't get on with my relatives so it won't be a surprise if I choose stay here, you can go back to keep her away from him and I can make sure he doesn't try to go after whatevers under the trapdoor again. At least you'll both be safe."
"She's going to be really upset Harry, she was so looking forward to it."
Hermione didn't need to add how upset she was, he knew. "We'll just tell them we want to stick with our cover stories, they can't argue with that as they're the ones going on about how important it all is. Maybe you could say you want to go away somewhere together, that'd cheer you both up."
Hermione tried not to cry. "We do want to go skiing." Harry pulled a face, they'd both tried to convince him and Uncle Sev to go last christmas but Snape had put his foot down, he'd said that he got all the snow he wanted and more at Hogwarts. "I suppose we ought to write and tell her."
"We'll do it together, tomorrow ok."
Hermione nodded. "What do you think about what Hagrid told us?" She asked, trying to change the subject.
"Well ..."
But before Harry could say anymore Oliver Wood and the Weasley twins came bounding over. Wood clapped Harry hard on the back.
"What are you doing hiding yourself away over here, this party's for you as well, can't believe you got the snitch with your mouth, the house cups ours this year. Come on, the twins have raided the kitchens."
Harry couldn't resist grinning stupidly, he was finally more than just a scar and name. He looked at his friends. "We can talk about it tomorrow, let's go join the rest."
Harrys happiness was infectious and for an evening the trio forgot about three headed dogs, possessed teachers and cursed brooms and enjoyed the celebrations.
