.

#Tlcatlady:

Lol, you might be right but then again, Severus can be hard to read. What if that horror was seeing something else entirely?

#Evelyn Harrison:

I'm trying to update every second day but sometimes work and life get in the way.

#Onyx:

Paramedics are on the way darling!

#Vadimmom:

Hey there! I saw your comment about Ch10. I understand what you're saying but I thought of Severus commenting it in jest, using a sarcastic tone to show Harry that there were really only two options he could choose from. I know the real issue isn't a laughing matter, so if I offended you I do apologise! Hopefully you're sticking with the story :D

#i-am-siriusly-sherlocked:

Hmm, do I want to make it that easy for them? **spoiler** I've actually loosely planned out the scene where they work things out, so I'll see if your suggestion fits in there somewhere.

. . .

Anxiety.

Harry was no stranger to this emotion, this crippling and cruel illness that plagued him almost religiously since he'd arrived back at Hogwarts. There had been a brief stint, a few weeks where the debilitating sensation left him but that was only due to one person, who, unfortunately was the cause of his anxiety this time. And it was bad, unable to sleep, not wanting to eat – not that he ate a lot anyway – and unable to concentrate. The image of the two of them burnt into his retinas, there was no way he would ever forget what it looked like; and the worst part of it all… He knew it was all one sided.

Tossing and turning, unwilling to close his eyes in case the image popped up again, Harry had done a lot of thinking and analysing. He was starting to drive himself mad with the thoughts. The biggest impact had been in class, lack of food and sleep had led to a constant battle for staying awake and the worst class was that of Defence. He knew his Professor could see something was wrong, anyone could see that, but nothing had been said. It was as if Professor Snape was avoiding him; not that it was completely unwelcome but the stomach dropping realisation was that the man had worked out what had been seen and was trying to stay away because of it. It wasn't as though he'd be completely surprised.

The hurt however, that's what caused him pain alongside the anxiousness. Somewhere in his mind he thought that the man might pick up on his discomfort and pull him aside to alleviate it… But nothing had come and as he remembered, the man appeared to be avoiding him at all costs. I wish I could talk to someone about this… He sighed, unable to look up at his Head of House as he sat numbly between his friends at dinner.

"Harry, you've been moping around since Wednesday. Has something happened?" Hermione leaned over and whispered.

"I'm fine." He replied, looking into the empty plate in front.

"You're really not fooling anyone." She continued, "Did something happen with Professor Snape?" She looked up to the head table and saw the man watching them, but promptly turned his head away when they made eye contact.

"Why would you even say that?"

"Because you were fine at dinner, went to see him and from then on you look as though you haven't slept – when was the last time you ate anything?"

Sighing, Harry pushed his plate away and ran both hands through his hair, placing both elbows on the table, "Wednesday."

"Exactly, so something happened." Grumbling, he tugged on his bangs before dropping his head onto the table with a thud.

"You don't think it might have something to do with the Mandrake leaves?" Draco leaned into Harry also so he could whisper, also trying to change the subject for his friend.

"Quite possibly, but I know how Harry operates and when something is on his mind he doesn't eat."

Frowning, Harry sat up, "I'm right here you know."

Standing, he looked down at his friends with sore, tired eyes. They were about to say something when he turned and walked away from the hall; anything would be better than how he was feeling now but the only problem was finding comfort in a man who was avoiding him. That's all he wanted, he just wanted to be touched… embraced in a hug or something. The ache was painful, it hurt his chest and coupled with the anxiety he felt over it all, he was really a mess.

Dreamless sleep, that's what I need, he thought but knew he would not be able to get any without going to see his Professor. He refused to look up at the man but knowing he'd still have a few minutes before he even thought about leaving dinner the thought occurred that he could sneak into his Professor's room and grab some. No one needed to know, not one single person. He had been given the opportunity to enter the room without really having to be let in so why not use it to his advantage?

Desperately, when he turned the corner he broke into a run. He hadn't thought this plan through quite fully and there was only a short period of time that he knew he would be safe. Being good all year, the only time he'd broken into somewhere had been the man's office and this was a similar situation, wasn't it? Besides, Professor Snape had forgiven him that time after some explaining.

Feeling faint when he arrived outside the door to his Professor's private rooms, he hesitated. Dragging breath into his lungs, the lack of nutrition over the past couple of days had him blinking with disorientation and he stumbled back against the cold wall to calm himself. What am I doing? He thought suddenly, looking at the door warily, you want to break into his rooms… Take a potion… and then hope he doesn't find out? He was barking mad.

Admitting defeat, he slid down the wall and hung his head between both knees. He was weak and vulnerable, just like Voldemort said.

"Why did I have to turn out like my father?" He sighed.

"Because apparently, the Potter genes were very strong."

Startled, Harry looked up and found his Professor standing two meters away, leaning against the wall. How long the man had been there, Harry didn't know but he hadn't even heard a thing. The Dungeons were a noisy place when one was trying to walk down the corridor, the closed in spaces made every noise echo and amplify.

"S-Sir…"

"I think you should come inside, Potter. We need to talk."

Harry froze where he was and looked at the outstretched hand in fear. He hadn't particularly wanted to deal with the man so soon whilst the memories of the mirror were so fresh. However, he knew that by not complying with his Head of House, it would make him more suspicious that something was wrong and less likely for Harry to lie. Not that lying ever proved to be successful when it came to Professor Snape.

Taking the hand, he was hoisted up and all but dragged across the hall and into the warm room that had become sanctuary to him. Taking in a deep breath, he let it out slowly and felt some of the tension leave his shoulders, however the moment a warm pair of hands on them he tensed again.

"Do you think I am a fool, Mr. Potter?"

Oh no… It's his teaching voice, Harry realised, closing his eyes in shame.

"No, sir."

"Blind, perhaps?"

"No, sir."

"Interesting." Severus patted the shoulders and then moved away.

Not wanting to move just yet, Harry stayed where he was and watched as his Professor disappeared into the laboratory for a moment, coming out with a vial in his hand and motioned for the couch. It seemed that he wasn't going to be as lucky as he thought and started thinking of different things he could use to tell the man anything but the truth. He made sure to sit as far away from the older Wizard as he could on the couch and eyed him warily. Of course, Severus could tell there was something wrong, he had been avoided at all costs and this was quite possibly the first time they had made eye contact since Wednesday. It was now Saturday evening. The red rimmed eyes looked tired and that was precisely what he had in his hand, thinking that dreams or nightmares were plaguing him once more.

"I assume there is a very good reason as to why you were sitting outside my room?"

A loaded question that could have gone either way for him. Did he tell the man a truth, that he was there to steal a potion but lost his nerve once realising? Or lie and say… what? If he said he wanted comfort then he would be asked why. If he said he wanted to talk, then they would talk but what would he even discuss? He was a fool for having thought he could do any of this and grumbled internally. All he really wanted, when it all boiled down was for the anxiety to go away enough for him to sleep. He wanted things to go back to how they were between the two of them, he didn't want to know that after everything he had been through, Professor Snape was the one he wanted to spend all his time with. He never should have gone to the mirror.

"I was going to steal a dreamless sleep potion." He felt honesty was the best answer in all this.

Severus's face softened, mostly from surprise. The teen was in such a state that he thought stealing was the only option? No, something definitely spooked him from the mirror, he saw an image that he didn't want to discuss with anyone and was leading him to act out irrationally. It was the only thing that he could think of at that moment which could have had something to change his Slytherin's behaviour. Still concerned about his students well-being, he sat up and held out the vial for Harry to take.

"Here you are then."

"H-How did you – "

"Harry, you look dog tired. I would not be surprised if you collapse with exhaustion soon. Whilst not eating for three days is a main contributor it appears a good sleep would be beneficial. However; I would like to know why it has ended up this way."

"You want to know what I saw." Harry said solemnly.

"That is something only you can determine. Will it benefit you to keep it bottled up or to speak out? Your friends are concerned, I am concerned, and the Headmistress will also be concerned when she learns that one of her closely monitored students looks dead on his feet."

He's not going to outright ask me, Harry realised looking up I surprise.

Whilst not directly asking, the younger Wizard felt like there was something he could say; so ambivalent that it would throw off suspicion enough for him to process what was happening. It was worth a shot, if anything to get everyone else off his back and the twisty, tightening in his stomach to disappear. There was a lot going on in his head, there was hunger, tiredness, Animagus requirements, mirror epiphanies, sexual preferences and romance. Hermione mentioned Ron had the emotional range of a teaspoon, well in Harry's experience he most likely had a thousand-mile ruler as his range. It was a rollercoaster, up and down, twisting and turning, nauseating, tiring… The works.

Waking with a start, he hadn't even realised he'd closed his eyes until he felt something running through his hair. Now that he was more aware, he was actually lying down and something heavy was pressing down on him, creating a safe cocoon. Taking a deep breath, he went to move his head but the hand combing his hair wouldn't allow this action to happen. He was propped up on something warm and relatively solid; tensing his muscles as he stretched and opening his eyes fully it was a thigh he was resting on.

"Wha – Where…"

"You are safe, Harry. I did not realise my words bored you entirely into unconsciousness but I see my predictions were correct."

What in Merlin's balls does that mean? Harry thought, blinked several times and focussing on the fire dancing in the hearth. Damn, he'd really fallen asleep… Well, that was one way of getting out of talking things through, wasn't it? But the next question was how long had he been out for and what day was it? He felt like he'd slept an entire week.

"Time?" He asked, stifling a yawn by burying his face into the blanket that was draped across him.

"Very late."

Oh.

"Uh… I-I should go, then." This time when Harry went to sit up it went uncontested and the blanket fell away from his shoulder, "Did you offer me a Dreamless Sleep potion… Or did I dream that up?" He asked, confused..

When he looked at his Professor, the man was shutting his book and placing it beside him. Wary black eyes then made contact with his, causing both of them to frown simultaneously.

"That is the last thing you remember?"

"Er, yes?" A sinking feeling started developing in his stomach.

"Then, yes. It is on the table."

Oh no, what have I said? What did I do? Panicking, Harry sat up properly and took the vial off the table before putting it in his pocket and standing. He bent down to take the blanket and started folding it up, his hands shaking gently which caused him to fluster about and his head swimming with the sudden upright movement. Severus saw this happening and stood also, every intention was to let the teen continue but nothing about any of it made sense. Instead, he came up behind Harry and took both hands, the black material slipping from between his fingers and falling in a pile onto the couch.

"Leave it. Take the potion and get some rest. Your body needs it."

"Why is none of this making sense?" His vision distorted and all he could see was the plush couch in front of him.

"Because you are overtired."

All Harry wanted to do was close his eyes and go to sleep but moving seemed like such an arduous task. If only he could rest his eyes for a moment before he went, have those strong arms hold him up for only a little while. Giving him some warmth and safety…

"I am aware of what is going on. You have been warned."

"But, sir…"

"It is dangerous and reckless. You should know better."

"We haven't been hurt."

"Yet. I should be informing the Headmistress of this, she will deal the consequences."

"Will he be okay?"

"That remains to be seen."

[… Everything was foggy. Harry's mind felt light but confused, his limbs heavy and unmoving. It was as if he was trapped in his mind with no way out. Oh, no, there is a light that shines bright. It calls to him, through the tree branches, high up in the sky. The moon, in all its bright white glory, looks down upon the earth so innocent and light. It brings peace to the area, everything settles, even the trees calm their sway out of respect for the man in the moon…]

Shit, Harry thought when he came to. The scent of his dormitory was the only thing grounding him the moment he realised where he was because he had no recollection of how he had managed to get there. The room was dark, or the lighting was dimmed, from what he could tell and he stretched out his limbs, rolling onto his front. The familiar comforts from his pillow provided enough distraction from the previous few days of sickening anxiety.

"Potter." Draco growled from across the room.

Lifting his head and looking over his shoulder, Harry squinted across the room, "Draco."

"I hope you're happy, Professor Snape had to carry you like a child to bed last night. Everyone saw it."

Harry groaned, "Fuck."

"And people are talking about it."

Even better, the brunette thought.

"And he wants you to report directly to him when you're awake."

"Did he say why?" Rolling onto his back, he slid up so he was sitting and ran both hands across his face, rubbing harshly at both eyes.

Distantly aware that there had been a weird conversation he thought he'd dreamt, it occurred to him that perhaps it had actually happened. For some reason, there was a sinking feeling that he was in trouble but it was merely a distant memory and couldn't for the life of him picture it properly.

"Draco?" Harry prompted, realising he hadn't had an answer.

The blonde looked nervous, he was sitting on his bed like a little child, hugging both legs to his chest. There was a book open in front of him, like he had been studying prior to the conversation. The brunette still had no time reference for how long he slept but considering his friend wasn't in school robes he had a good mind to assume it was still the weekend.

"He knows about our Animagus transformations."

All the blood drained from Harry's face before it morphed into all-consuming dread. It was as if Draco had scooped up a bucket full of lake water and dumped it straight over his head. There was no way of backing out of this, Professor Snape knew and they were going to be expelled, there was no other way around it. They hadn't told anyone about becoming Animagi, it was going to go straight to the Headmistress before being expelled and marched off to Azkaban. Oh, this was so bad.

"He, uh – I mean we, er – "

"I assume he hasn't told the Headmistress yet." Draco said softly.

"Wha – How did he find – " Clapping a hand over his mouth he realised the leaf wasn't in his mouth and again, terror infiltrated his slender frame, causing his bones to sear in pain.

"I swallowed mine before he could pry it from my mouth…"

"Hermione!"

"He doesn't know, well at least I don't think he knows about her."

"He'll know." Harry vaulted from the bed, stumbled around and picked clothes up off the floor only to realise he was still dressed.

Where's my wand… He looked around and then patted his pockets to find the length. Pulling it free he waved it around and a snake appeared in front of him.

"Hermione, Snape knows."

The snake disappeared through the ceiling at lightning speed before Harry flopped back down onto the bed. Damn, he covered his face with both hands again to block out the light and decided that he could well have done with not waking up today.

"Will she even know what that means?"

"She'll know." Harry replied, looking bitterly at the floor.

. . .

Knocking on the large wooden door, it opened and Harry stepped in before stilling when he saw the dining table. With a newspaper propped up and opened, his Professor was sitting casually at the head but didn't turn his way at the sound of a visitor. Wondering if he had just walked in on the man spending Sunday morning by himself, he remained frozen in place.

"Good morning, Potter. Come and sit."

Blinking incredulously before him, Harry hesitantly walked forward, still confused. He took a seat, carefully, and then took stock of what was actually on the table in front of him. It was breakfast, a rather lavish one at that, with handmade hash browns, eggs, bacon, toast… everything. There was fruit and juice, even a mug of hot chocolate that materialised when he pulled his chair in.

"Uh, sir?"

Harry looked at the front cover of the paper and waited to be addressed. It came soon enough when the rustling of paper was heard and the Daily Prophet closed, folded in half and placed to the side. Unable to hold the man's gaze, he looked down at his lap with a gentle frown.

"Since you are incapable of eating a nutritious meal unsupervised, I have been forced to undertake the task of ensuring you do not perish. So, please help yourself."

Seriously? Harry thought, worrying his bottom lip.

"Oh, and take your time. There are things I am extremely interested in asking you later." At this, Severus picked up the paper once more and opened it out, hiding Harry's face from view.

Up in the higher levels of the castle, Hermione was staring at the large stone in front of her blankly. Draco was ambling up towards her but she made no effort to acknowledge him as he plonked down beside her. She had received Harry's message a while ago but felt numb all over, expecting any moment to receive an owl from the Headmistress.

"Hi?" Draco said lamely.

"Hi, Draco." She responded in a defeated tone.

"What are you doing out here?"

"Fresh air. I think you know why."

"There's always a chance he hasn't told her yet."

"And if he does, Draco we are as good as gone. I doubt even senior students, let alone the war students are going to be given any leeway with this. The last thing the Ministry wants are people who are unregistered wandering around. I looked into it a while back, Minister Shacklebolt is bound by the law and we should have started the paperwork before we started."

"Harry's with Professor Snape now… If there's anything Harry's good at, it's getting under his skin and stopping him."

"How did Professor Snape even find out? It seems bizarre."

"I don't know precisely, but he carried Harry to bed last night, said he went to give him a potion and noticed the leaf on Harry's tongue. I was so taken back that I instinctively swallowed mine in case he tried to take it from me."

"You'll have to start again."

"I know… It was almost four weeks too. I was hoping that Harry and I could meditate one night under the full moon."

"You know…" Hermione folded her arms and looked at the sky for inspiration, "There is always a possibility that the moon could boost your transformation. There isn't anything that says you have to swallow the leaf directly at the time of transforming. With it processing and breaking down in your stomach acids, you have a slim chance of being able to draw out the animal. If that's so, tonight would be your best bet."

"What if I get stuck?"

"I'll walk you through it. But for now… I think we should try and do something else because I find myself starting to get nervous about being approached by the Headmistress."

Harry eyed the breakfast hungrily, his stomach protesting suddenly at having been abused the past few days. He had a history of doing this to himself, mostly due to being conditioned by his Aunt and Uncle for so many years. He often wondered how well he was able to get away with no food, he instinctively knew it wasn't right.

He wolfed down the hot chocolate in record time, but bit his lip as he placed it back down on the table. Everything smelled incredible and his mouth continued to water as he helped himself to bacon and hash browns. He started small, taking only a little but that was soon consumed and he went in for more. He wasn't sure why, but everything tasted as it should be and was delicious. A bitter pill to swallow however when he realised that he and Draco had been so close to finishing up their month.

At this he stopped, placing his cutlery down and propping his head up on one hand, glancing down at the left overs. Was this his fault? If he hadn't gotten so tired and fallen asleep, would he be in this position or be working towards his transformation? He was an idiot, and continued to remind himself of such as he picked up the fork and played with the half eaten hash brown. Tonight would have been the perfect night, after studying the moon cycles it was going to be a large full moon.

Severus finished what he was reading and methodically folded his paper back up, placing it beside him and reaching out for the mug of coffee that had instantly refilled itself. Leaning back in the chair lazily, he watched the myriad of emotions and expressions that adorned his Slytherin's face, admiring it for only a moment longer.

"What do you remember from last night, Harry?"

"Good question." Harry replied solemnly, seemingly unaware of how much trouble he should have been in.

"I should not be surprised." Severus sighed, watching his student closely.

"Everything is a blur, I was so tired and…" He trailed off, running a hand through is bangs, "I know you want me to explain why but I don't think I can."

"Can't, or won't?"

"A bit of both, I suppose."

"We are referring back to the Mirror of Erised?" Severus confirmed, and Harry nodded.

"Please don't ask me what I saw."

"I was not intending on doing so, as I said last night that is purely up to you if you wish to divulge such information."

A little stress left Harry at the man's words and he relaxed his shoulders, but he supposed, there was something he could say about it. He just had to be careful how he worded it. Why do I have this weird sense of déjà vu? He thought.

When he first looked in the mirror, back when he was eleven, it showed him something he could never have. If he were honest, it still showed him that didn't it? He could never be that way with his Professor no matter how many times he fantasized or dreamt it to happen. Perhaps that was the angle he could use. Sighing, he prepared himself to speak and Severus gave him his full attention.

"It… It still shows me something that I can't have. It threw me, made me realise that after everything that's happened, I still long for something that I'll never get."

Something, or someone? Severus wondered, remembering Harry talking about his parents.

"And it was this image that caused you the inability to eat or sleep."

Harry nodded.

"One often gets these symptoms when in love." Severus then proceeded to take a sip of coffee, looking over the rim to see Harry's startled face, "Just an observation."

"I'm not." Harry responded defiantly.

This time, Severus nodded. Taking the reply for what it was and decided to redirect their conversation.

"Then why don't we move onto matters on a more serious note. I assume by now you have realised something is missing, an item that was held in your mouth."

I didn't dream it. He really did talk to Draco, that's who I heard speaking last night.

"I don't know what you mean." Harry shrugged, but paled when he saw the dark look he was given, "I did it alone."

"Potter. Unlike your classmates, I, in fact do use my brain. Quite frequently, shockingly. Draco and yourself have broken not only school rules but the law as well. Now, whether you are aware of this or not, punishment at its most serious is Azkaban."

"We haven't found them yet, we were still only in the first phase. One could say that we are only researching it." The teen conceded.

"Regardless, the Headmistress will not be impressed to learn of this happening right under her nose."

"You haven't told her yet?" The relief was minor but it contrasted dramatically to the sickness he felt just before.

"I have not, your health was my main concern. Now that I know you have slept and eaten, my priorities have changed."

Harry felt that spiral of despair once more and pushed his plate away, covering his face with both hands. He felt the breakfast wanting to resurface. This was quite a confronting and confusing conversation; did it mean that his answers were going to decide his future? Technically, he couldn't be sent to Azkaban because they hadn't even found their forms yet, so that was the sliver of glinting hope that kept him from vomiting over them both.

"Please… sir, please don't tell her."

"And why should I refrain from informing her?" Severus put the mug down and leant forward so he could intimidate Harry a little.

"I…" Whatever the teen was going to say, it wouldn't leave his mouth.

Severus saw it clear as day, the teen was hurt and emotionally drained. Embarking on such an intense process quite possibly wasn't the best for him at that point. His mind and body were in a place of healing and recovery from a range of various events that had happened over the past year. They all were.

"I need a reason, Harry."

The younger Wizard couldn't take the pressure of it all, whether it be because he was still tired and feeling disorientated about everything that seemed to happen in a short period of time, he needed some space. At this he stood and walked over to the man's desk, just to physically get some distance between them. Why didn't he want the man to tell Professor McGonagall?

I feel like a failure, I was so close… She would be disappointed, and what if after this stress, she offered to help? Surely, she would allow us to do the paperwork with her?

No back to the question. If the Headmistress turned around and was angry about it, then he could be stood down or even expelled. He didn't particularly want to leave Hogwarts, not when Professor Snape was here because he felt like they still had things to work out. Pushing aside how he truly felt deep down about his teacher, he could shunt that to the back of his mind and just enjoy the calmness he gave. That was going to be his answer, it was really only the best one he had at the moment.

Taking in a deep breath, he refused to face the older Wizard and instead traced his finger along the edge of the desk he was standing in front of. His head bowed and body submitting to the fact that he and his friends had done something reckless and were only sorry that they had been caught.

"I'm not ready to leave yet." Harry spoke softly and down at the desk, "There's two ways she could take this, happy that we're trying to learn more or angry that we did this behind her back. If it's the latter… I know she won't be forgiving."

Severus nodded, understanding what the brunette was saying.

"There's… there's still things that we are working on too. If she expels me then I…" He shuddered, "I'd rather not think about where I'd be."

Guilt rushed through Severus's body.

"I won't lie to you, sir. Having you around has given me something to live for, given me a purpose. You might not realise it, but disappointing you is one of my major fears; to a point where I can assume I would have an angry Professor Snape Boggart; and it's not nice. I know I've let you down this year, several times. For that I'm really sorry. I just wish things didn't always end up in a mess." Catching him off guard, a tear ran down his cheek and he gasped out a sob, "I want to be better, a better person."

Even though Severus was a bitter man he did still have a heart. The words he was hearing pulled at those heartstrings but as his confidant and Professor, there was still a responsibility to ensure he was safe. Rushing forward and taking the teen into his arms wouldn't do either of them any good in the long run. However, reassurance might put the active mind at ease enough for rational thought to process once more.

"And you can be better, but only if you trust yourself to let me help you." At this he stood and walked over to his student, putting a hand on his shoulder only to have Harry half turn into his arm.

"My father managed to do this."

"That is the real reason behind it all, isn't it?"

"They were three Wizards, just like me… They were younger when they figured it out so… I thought I could too. Why can't I prove that I'm more than some weapon, I'm more than just that. People keep telling me I'm a strong Wizard, well I want to prove that. Even Peter Pettigrew managed to find his Animagus." Harry let his voice drop to a whisper.

"Pettigrew was a strong Wizard, do not get his demeanour confused with what truly lay within. Unfortunately, I have to admit, all four of them were immensely strong for their age."

"I bet they paled in comparison to you though." Harry commented and Severus puffed in amusement.

"Indeed," He agreed, before leaning forward, close to Harry's ear, "I would like to think so."

Harry managed a small smile at that but the overriding emotion was that of despair. What was he doing with his life? Where did he want to go? It seemed so up in the air. He wanted some stability with it all, common ground so things didn't randomly crop up and turn his life upside down. Going down to look at the Mirror of Erised wasn't the best thing he could have done, Professor Snape had been right to be cautious of it. I wish I could smash it to pieces, he thought, turning his body to cling onto the one holding him.

Severus wouldn't let them stay like this for long, he peeled Harry away from him and leaned down, looking right into those frightened green eyes. He took both hands and placed them on the defined jawline, his thumbs holding the head in place as he took control.

"You need structure, Harry. A routine for you to stick with will be good to ease your mind and take a little anxiety away from you. Having a solid plan will let you focus on what is important in the here and now."

"I wouldn't know what to do." The teen admitted.

"Which is precisely why I will be planning it for you. We will work through a plan and stick to it. I gave you a task of writing down your interests, which I have now read through and have some suggestions. You will attend meals, be present in the Great Hall for study periods and get yourself into bed at a consistent time."

Harry blinked in surprise.

"You do not need to be strong all of the time, it is not a sign of weakness. Your friends and classmates do not need to know about this, call it due diligence for wanting to graduate. Hopefully, you might even inspire a few students to do the same."

I really want to kiss him, Harry sighed and closed his eyes to top himself from doing it. This was not the time or place and he bitterly remembered the week prior. I really am a sucker for punishment, he concluded.

"Now, go and find Draco. Tell him that the two of you are by no means off the hook and I will be informing the Headmistress of what has happened. I was unable to take the Mandrake leaf from you last night before you, apparently, instinctively swallowed it. I wager your month is almost up and therefore anything that happens in the next week must be reported to myself. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir." Harry's mind reeled.

"I will not be having any of you expelled. I do believe that your reasons are enough to discuss constructively with the Headmistress that you were extending your practical knowledge. Do not be surprised if you are summoned to her office."

Harry nodded, suddenly making a connection as to how in Godric's name the man knew their timeline.

"If you do, remind yourself not to get worked up and think constructively."

Severus had directed Harry towards the door at this point, seeing the glazed eyes told him he hadn't really heard a word that had been said. Resigning himself to the fact his student was not in good shape, he pushed him out of the door and demanded he go back to bed. This was something that was understood and whether it be from the shock of their conversation or something deep rooted he didn't know about, he let it go for now.

Minerva wasn't going to be happy, but it was most likely her anger would be aimed in a different direction. One that could have appeared to be too coincidental to simply be an accident – and that wasn't a conversation he particularly wanted to have.

. . .

As a writer, I constantly have new thoughts and ideas running through my overactive brain. I've been watching the Lock Up series on Netflix and feel mad inspired to write a prison fic once this story is done.

What do people think about that?

Obviously, I'm asking here because it would be a Snarry. So hit me up if that's something you might like to read.