-129 - Just Another Day

Harry followed Severus up the staircase, looking forward to returning to class after being stuck in the dungeon with an ill-tempered Snape. He was a bit reluctant to see his friends since he still wasn't feeling very forgiving towards them. He never thought Ginny or Ron would condone having sleeping potion added to his drink without his knowledge. As a matter of fact, he had always thought they would watch his back in situations like that, and even warn him. The only thing keeping him from getting outraged at their deception was the fact that they had thought they were doing the right thing.

He wasn't surprised when Severus swept into his potion's classroom without a backward glance towards him. He tried not to let his dad's cold demeanor effect him. Hopefully it wouldn't be long before his dad got his memory fully back.

He heaved his heavy rucksack up to his shoulder and almost ran to Transfiguration class, quite aware of being followed by an invisible auror. He hated the idea of walking into class late, especially after already missing the first two days back from Christmas holiday. By the time he stepped into class, McGonagall was already done taking roll call and was right in the middle of lecturing. He tried to sneak in and sit in the back but as soon as the few students sitting by the door saw him, they began to whisper. McGonagall stopped lecturing, giving him an stern look .

"You are late, but it is good to have you back, Mr. Potter."

Every head in the room immediately swiveled to look at him.

"Please see me after class," McGonagall firmly requested.

Harry dropped his rucksack next to the nearest desk, then slunk down in the chair without looking at anyone.

"Shall I resume, or would you all like to continue to stare at our resident hero until class ends?" McGonagall dryly remarked. She continued her lecture on transfiguring a wooden chair into a ladder.

The students reluctantly turned their attention back to the teacher. Ron kept looking back over his shoulder to get Harry's attention. Harry purposely ignored him. This really wasn't the place to get into any sort of argument.

When class ended, Ron pointed to the door, indicating that he would wait outside. Harry waited for everyone to leave before walking up to the teacher's desk.

McGonagall balanced her spectacles on the end of her nose, giving him a long stare. "If that fever gets any worse, I want you to go see Poppy," at his nod, she continued, "Now, tell me, how is Severus doing?"

Harry shrugged, "Okay, I guess. He still doesn't remember much though."

"How are you dealing with everything, Harry?"

Harry shrugged again, "It's not anything I haven't already been through. I'm good."

"Harry, what you went through was very traumatic. You need to speak with someone about it. I'm still your head of house. My door is always open to you."

"I'm dealing with everything just fine." Harry looked towards the door, searching for the easiest way to say he didn't need anyone's help. "Can I go? I can't be late for potions."

"Harry, I'm worried about you," the tone McGonagall used was abnormally soft, almost motherly, that alone was alarming to Harry. She raised her wand and sent several silencing spells at the door before looking back at Harry and squeezing his shoulder.

"I know how much the down fall of Voldemort effected you … I can only imagine how you must be feeling since Vespa Snape's death."

Harry wasn't prepared for being confronted so blatantly with Vespa's death. He stepped back out of his teacher's grasp. "I had to do it, she was killing him!" He answered sharply. "I can't really talk about it,"

His voice was so filled with guilt that Minerva felt she needed to address the situation with Severus.

"No one is blaming you, least of all me. You had every right to do what you did."

A worry that had been plaguing Harry, finally just burst out of his mouth, "What did the ministry say? I mean what's going to happen now that I used an Unforgivable curse?"

"The ministry is under the impression that one of the death eaters killed Vespa. They can't trace it back to you, because you used her wand. I'm sure the Headmaster has warned you not to speak with your friends about this?"

"Yeah, he did. I haven't even had a chance to see them yet," he looked towards the door again. "I don't really feel comfortable about lying … not just to my friends but to the ministry as well."

"Harry," McGonagall said, placing a hand on his shoulder again, "You've been through so much. We all thought it useless for you to have to face the Wizengamot for something that had to be done."

Harry stepped further back, forcing Minerva to remove her hand. She could see him struggling with that answer. She finally asked, "Is Severus helping you through this?"

"He's going through his own problems, he really doesn't need to deal with any of mine. I don't mean to be rude but I have to go. If I'm late for potions …" he didn't finish the sentence.

Minerva waved her hand towards the door as a dismissal, "Go, but please be sure to talk to someone. You are far to young to deal with this alone. Perhaps Sirius is a good alternative."

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I'll think about it." He knew he wouldn't talk with anyone but thought his teacher would feel better if he said he would. The only person he could even think about talking to would be his father, but that wasn't going to happen for awhile.

Once he reached the hallway he ran down to the dungeons knowing he would be late. He could hear heavy panting and footsteps coming from the auror trying to keep up with him. Whatever auror was on duty needed to get into better shape, he thought.

As soon as he walked into the potion's classroom, Severus stopped lecturing. Harry quickly sat in the first seat he could reach, fully aware of the sharp glare his dad was giving him.

"Potter, out! I'll not have students traipsing in whenever they please. Get here on time or cease from attending," Severus heard a few students snigger and several begin to whisper. His glare circled around the room until the students were silent once more.

Harry stood up, gathering his rucksack, "Sorry to have disturbed your class, sir. Professor McGonagall just wanted to …" he was abruptly cut off.

"I said OUT," Snape snapped, having run out of patience with Potter long ago, "I, unlike all the rest of your fan club, do not wish to hear your pathetic excuses." He looked back at the students to continue his lecture but was confused by their expressions of shock. He wondered just how much he had changed over the past six months.

Harry walked out the door, trying not to let his anger towards Severus get out of hand. He stood out in the hallway, wondering what he should do for the next two hours until lunch. The hallway looked to be deserted but he could hear someone chewing gum.

Tonks dropped the invisibility charm she was using and stood before Harry. "Wotcher, Harry."

"Hi Tonks. So, you're on duty today? I heard someone trying to keep up with me, wasn't you was it?'

"Just got here. Mundungus was here before me. Why are you out of class?" Tonks straightened her robe then ran a hand through her bright blue hair.

"McGonagall kept me after class, Severus didn't want to hear any excuses, so… here I am." He walked towards the library, thinking he could use some extra time with the books.

"He kicked you out?"

"Yup."

"He's not the same anymore, is he?" Tonks asked, hoping to get Harry to open up a bit.

"He's being a bastard. I have to keep reminding myself that it's not forever."

They walked in silence up the winding staircase.

"Are you ready for the return of the Slytherins tomorrow?" Tonks was well aware of how much security would be increasing starting tomorrow, once the kids of the death eaters returned.

Harry shrugged, "I didn't think they should have been kicked out in the first place. Severus was just being over cautious…" He missed that feeling of security, he'd never had anyone watch out for him like that. He'd never experienced the feeling of being treasured and cared for, until this past summer.

"Harry, are you alright?"

Harry could hear the concern in her voice, "I'm fine."

"You okay with what happened at the cottage?"

"Yes!" he said a little too forcefully. He didn't mean for it to come out that way. "Sorry, Tonks. I've just been trying to forget about all that and you're the third person to ask me about it," he said, thinking about Dumbledore coming in to talk with him this morning.

"Wait a minute," he stopped to look at Tonks as a thought occurred to him. "Did you guys have a discussion about me at the Order meeting the other night? Did you talk about how I've probably turned into some sort of mental case?" Bloody hell, this was just so typical of Dumbledore!

Tonks pushed her hair back behind her ears as it turned a dark green, "I don't want to lie to you, Harry. Everyone was pretty concerned about how this whole thing has effected you. Especially since you can't really go to Severus with your problems right now."

"Well, you can just go back and tell them all that I'm fine! I don't need anyone bringing up Vespa … as a matter of fact, tell them to just let me work this out on my own."

Tonks picked up her pace to keep up with Harry, "I think you need to loosen up a little, Harry. You know everyone is just trying to help?"

"See, that's just it, Tonks … I don't need anyone's help. I just need my dad to get better." He pushed the heavy doors to the library open, letting Tonks go in before him. They found a secluded table between the books on goblins and gremlins. They sat down before Harry whispered out, "Just do me a favor … tell everyone to back off."

Tonks pressed her lips into a thin line shaking her head, "I think it's a mistake to push everyone away, and I also think it's a mistake to try and forget everything that happened at the cottage. I saw you, Harry, I saw the way you looked after you were tortured. Those bite marks…" her finger grazed the bite mark peeking out the edge of his collar.

"Stop it!" Harry snapped out, pulling away from her abruptly. Damn it, he couldn't stand to be reminded of that horrible time. He schooled his face back into one of composure, "I like you Tonks, but I'm not going to sit here and listen to this rubbish." He pulled his collar up to hide the bruise.

Madame Pince walked over to see who was causing a disturbance. As soon as she saw Harry she turned around without saying a word.

Harry grabbed up his rucksack, pulling a few books out, throwing them on the table with a loud thud.

Tonks took that as a sign that their little impromptu talk was over. She knew she would have to talk with Dumbledore and Sirius about Harry's denial. Someone had to help the poor kid, because if they didn't … he would surely self destruct.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Severus walked into the great hall for lunch, thinking how much things had changed over the past six months. He was not prepared for the way people now spoke to him. Most teachers were more relaxed and almost friendly. He found himself having to struggle with keeping this farce up as he felt much more comfortable keeping his usual distance from his fellow educators.

There was a terribly uncomfortable moment when Ginevra Weasley stopped him on his way up to the teacher's table, with a hand to his arm. She spoke in an overtly familiar tone of voice, as if she actually knew him .

"Glad you're safe, Professor," the girl alleged with a smile.

Severus pulled his arm out of her reach with a sharp yank. Her face flushed with embarrassment. He continued up to the teacher's table, ignoring the pointed look Dumbledore gave him as he passed by.

He sat down and scanned the large hall, noticing for the first time that another table had been added to the podium. Minister Fudge sat in the middle with a pompous look of righteousness. Seated next to him were several professional Quidditch players, along with a few reporters with their quills out. The students were talking excitedly, pointing up to the front table with enthusiasm.

Just then the side door opened and Potter stepped through, keeping his head down and walking quickly towards the Gryffindor table. Severus noticed the student's attention shift from the Quidditch players to Potter. Potter's gaze never lifted from the floor until he reached the table.

As soon as Harry sat down, Dumbledore stood up and called for everyone's attention. Harry was relieved to not have to deal with Ron or Ginny yet, since he felt like he was under a microscope with all these people looking at him. Both Weasley's were looking hurt that he had chosen to sit with Neville and Seamus instead of with them.

"May I have your attention please," Albus said, after casting a sonorus charm at his throat. The hall stilled as every student waited in anticipation.

"We have a very special treat in store for you. The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge has an announcement to make."

Fudge stood up, running a hand down the front of his robe, a haughty grin spread across his face, "The Ministry for Magic would like to show our gratitude for the exceptional feat Mr. Potter has accomplished! The United Confederation Of Quidditch Players has agreed to play a game of Quidditch against the students of Hogwarts!"

The entire student body broke out in loud cheers. Several people gave Harry pats on the back and thanked him for garnering such a great gift. Harry sat completely dumbfounded but quite happy. He looked up to the teacher's table to see his father's reaction. Severus kept his eyes on his own Slytherin table.

Minister Fudge cast another sonorus charm on his voice, making it much louder to gain everyone's attention. "Students, please listen to the rules!"

The students quieted down and the minister continued, "There will be one team of Hogwarts students, in which every position will be open to the most qualified player, regardless of what house they belong to. Try outs will be held weekend and the game will be held in three weeks time. Any student wishing to try out for a position must get a permission slip signed from your parent or guardian before try-outs. I warn you … this game is not for the faint of heart. Anyone interested in trying out should raise their hand for a permission slip."

Harry raised his hand and a permission slip appeared on top of his empty plate. He looked down the long table to see all the Gryffindor players were holding one as well. He carefully folded the parchment and put it in his front pocket.

Once again the minister asked for their attention, "The professional Quidditch players will be playing to win! Good luck to all and a special thank you to our own, Harry Potter!"

The applause was deafening, the shouts of thanks were washed out in all the noise. Harry was just glad he hadn't been required to go up to the front and speak. The food appeared and the room quieted down but was still buzzing with excitement.

The group of professional Quidditch players made their way over to Harry just as he was finishing his pasta. He stood up and turned around to thank them and shake their hands. He recognized most all of them from pictures in the newspaper and his Quidditch magazines. Fudge insisted on having the reporters take a group picture. Harry was hustled out through the Great Hall door and pushed to the base of the stairs, with all the players standing behind him. Fudge stood next to him throwing an arm over his shoulder when the flash went off.

Harry was invited to walk the Minister and Quidditch players down to the gates with Dumbledore. By the time he made it back to the castle, the next class was already underway. Once again he was late for class and once again he was able to avoid speaking to both Ginny and Ron. His anger towards them was pretty much gone by now.

He walked into DADA feeling like his mood was much improved. When he walked through the door, Remus gave him a nod, causing everyone's attention to shift to him.

Almost everyone, except a few Slytherin, boisterously congratulated him. Remus was very indulgent, letting the class have a few moments to talk about the upcoming match and try-outs.

Ron gave him a pat on the back saying, "Good job, Harry"

Harry smiled back at him, "I guess Fudge isn't so bad after all," he said with a shrug.

"Yeah, at least he knows how to celebrate," Ron said, a bit nervously. He leaned in a little closer, whispering out, "Listen, Harry, I'm sorry about …"

Harry quickly cut him off, "Forget it, Ron. Just don't let it happen again."

Ron nodded in agreement, glad to be on good terms with Harry once more.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Harry couldn't wait for the last class of the day to end. His fever was all but gone, only now he was more tired than he ever remembered being. He walked out the classroom door, stopping when he saw Ginny waiting for him in the hall.

"Hi Gin," he said, waving off his friends to go ahead without him.

Ginny stood by the wall nervously zipping and then unzipping her book bag, "Harry… I'm sorry."

The halls were crowded so Harry grabbed her hand and steered her to a quiet alcove by the stairs. He leaned up against the wall as she sat down on the bench. "Why'd you do it then?"

Ginny shook her head, "I don't know, I guess I just wanted to protect you. My mum and dad were going on and on about how dangerous Vespa was. They even said some of the death eaters were helping her. You understand how scared I was for you?"

"I understand you let Sirius drug me! Bloody hell Ginny, I can't stand to be controlled like that!"

A few students slowly drifted past, peering into the alcove to see who was yelling. Harry forced himself to calm down. Ginny had her head down but he could see tears on her cheeks.

"It's okay, Gin. I just need to know that I can trust you," Harry pulled her up off the bench into his arms, hugging her close.

"Harry, you can trust me," Ginny said in a muffled voice as her face was pressed against his shirt. A moment later they were kissing. "I missed you so much," Ginny said between kisses.

Harry tucked a stray hair behind her ear, "I missed you too. It's been hell the past few days."

Just then a sharp cough came from the hall. They looked up to see Severus scowling down at them.

Harry stepped away from Ginny but continued holding her hand.

"Sir," Harry acknowledged.

"Potter, get down to the dungeon," Severus harshly commanded.

Harry stood up straighter, fuming at being spoken to like that in front of his girlfriend. Severus glared back at him, challenging him to say anything further.

"Yes, sir, " he begrudgingly said, garnering an inquisitive look from Ginny. He squeezed her hand, then gave her a quick peck on the forehead, since Severus continued casting daggers at him.

Severus turned on his heel, robes billowing as he walked away. Harry followed behind, reminded of the way he felt this morning. His evening looked to be as dreary as he could imagine.

XXXXXXXXXXX

As soon as the door to the dungeon apartment closed, Severus turned his angry glare towards Potter once more. "No less than four teachers have spoken to me regarding your sorry state! I was forced into listening to both Pomfrey and McGonagall berate me regarding your fever. Then, as if that was not bad enough, I was accosted by Auror Tonks! She was quite adamant that I should bend my rules for you. Am I to understand you feel these rules of tardiness do not pertain to you?"

"No."

"That is NO SIR to you!" Snape could see the petulant teen struggling to hold back his usual cheeky retort. He pushed further, "You have absolutely no regard for rules, Potter … just like that idiot father of yours," then in an even darker voice he continued, "and look where it got him."

Harry clenched his hands into fists down by his sides. He swallowed the first words that came to mind, knowing Severus was just waiting for him to blow up. He refused to give him the satisfaction. He forced himself to calm down, then boldly stated, "Your words can't hurt me. You're not the same father I've come to love."

The professor took several steps back in utter shock, as if he'd been physically pushed.

He was stunned at the boy's audacity. He felt completely unseated over hearing the word love pertaining to anything to do with Potter. His first inclination was to throw out a cutting remark that would put the boy back in his place, but he found himself unable to form the words in his mouth. Somehow, he couldn't bring himself to say anything against that remark.

He felt the sharp pain of a strong memory returning. No, not now, he thought exasperatingly. He hated the thought of being so unguarded in front of Potter!

The memory unfurled with such a powerful surge that it brought him to his knees. The next thing he felt was strong hands directing his face up, then emerald green eyes swam into his vision. The memory slowed down, surrendering its painful grip.

Severus saw himself sitting on a sofa in Snape Manor with Potter by his side. The words he spoke in the memory felt as if they had been heartfelt at the moment they were said. He couldn't deny the memory was true:

"Harry, you have no idea what you mean to me, do you? The thought of you getting caught up in danger is the nightmare that I live with every night. I have this overwhelming desire to protect you from ever suffering again. I-I love you as if you were my own son."

Harry let the rest of the memory come slowly, keeping it from ripping into Severus' thoughts and hurting him further. The memory was one Harry would never forget. It was about the day he had tried to open that secret room at Snape Manor. He had used legilimens on his father without consent and seen the passage to Voldemort's stronghold. He remembered how angry Severus had been, angry enough to slap him across the face to break the link. Severus had come up to his room to talk with him once he had cooled off. The heartfelt talk was the result.

Harry felt the memory coming to an finish. Once it ended he stepped away, feeling quite embarrassed as the memory was so revealing.

Severus needed time to digest this latest remembrance. It was powerful and awkward, all at once. He stood up, clearing his throat as he straightened his robes, trying to gather as much dignity as he could.

Harry wasn't sure how to act. The whole situation had become very uncomfortable with that memory sitting between them, like an elephant in the room that no one wished to acknowledge.

Keeping his eyes firmly directed at his desk, in a strained voice, Severus managed to say,

"You should be studying. I believe you missed the entirety of chapter twenty three today in potions class. I will test you on the contents tomorrow during your free period."

"Yes, sir," Harry replied, glad for the reprieve. "I will see you at supper then."

"Supper will be late this evening. Draco Malfoy will be returning to school and I have invited the Malfoy's to dine with us." In actuality, Narcissa had invited herself, much to Severus' bewilderment.

Harry grimaced at the thought of having to sit through supper with Narcissa.

Severus mistook Harry's grimace for something else. He felt the strong desire to establish his authority once more, especially after being in such a vulnerable position just moments ago. "I expect you to conduct yourself with restraint whilst Draco is a guest in my home. I am well aware of the animosity you have towards my godson."

"Draco and I are actually friends now, so it shouldn't be a problem," Harry said casually, smiling at the shocked look the professor now wore.

"Well then, hell must have frozen over," Severus dryly commented, still doubting the truth to Potter's words. His remark earned him a chuckle from the Gryffindor.

XXXXXXXXXXTBC

Hi Friends,

I wasn't planning on finishing this tonight but I received a heartfelt plea from Respire. Just so you know …your reviews and notes really do help to motivate me, so keep them coming.

Thanks A bunch,

Rachel