The Harry Potter Universe belongs to the brilliant mind J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 35

Nightmares and Detentions

It was hot and muggy outside, but he had chores to complete. Freaks needed to earn their keep; freaks should be grateful that they were even permitted inside the house. Harry had been outside for hours, and the baggy clothes he had on were sticking to him, rubbing him, irritating his skin. As usual, the clothes were not only sticking to him from sweat, but from the open wounds on his back. They were partially healed, but still leaked and were hot from infection. He desperately wanted to pull the shirt off, but knew he shouldn't because he had no sunscreen, his arms were already aching from the burn, and he did not want to expose his wounds.

Harry could feel the hunger pangs in his stomach, oh what he would do for just one scrap of food. He desperately longed to go through the rubbish, just for one crumb. He could make it last. Hold it in his mouth, savor it, and pretend it was a feast fit for a king. He had been locked in his cupboard since his trip to the zoo. He had only been allowed out to prepare meals, use the loo once a day, and if Vernon had a bad day at work, he served as a punching bag. The visit to the zoo was four days ago. The three days of confinement to the cupboard had been terrible, so Harry did not want to complain about being outside. It was more than he deserved.

After checking to make sure no one was around, Harry filled his stomach with water from the garden hose causing the hunger pangs to retreat for a while. He was forever grateful he had learned that trick.

"BOY! What are you doing you unappreciative freak! Drinking our water! Water you have not earned! Water no one said you could have! SPIT IT OUT NOW!" Vernon bellowed.

Harry didn't know what to think. Where did he come from?He wasn't there a moment ago!

Instinctively, Harry swallowed the water. It was a reflex. It was a mistake. A very dangerous mistake, and he was scared. As soon as he had swallowed the water Harry began stuttering out, "I-I-I'm sorry Uncle, I'm Sorry! Please don't be angry. I-I-I was j-j-just th-thirsty."

That appeared to be the wrong thing to say. Vernon began closing the distance in the back yard between himself and Harry, "Thirsty! Freaks don't get thirsty! But you'll soon learn what happens to freaks who steal! And how dare you swallow that water! I told you to SPIT IT OUT!"

Harry was back peddling, and as Harry's luck was, he tripped over the garden hose and fell to the ground.

Vernon laughed, and with his heavy foot he stomped Harry's stomach, causing him to expel the water. Harry did not make a sound other than the water leaving his empty stomach. He struggled to his hands and knees, weak from the lack of food and hurt from the shot to his stomach, and inadvertently his ribs. While taunting and laughing at Harry, Vernon kicked him a second time, this time in the rear causing him to sprawl all over the ground. Vernon continued to laugh while humiliating Harry; nothing made him happier.

Harry, the fighter he was, still made no sound and again struggled to get up. "Weak! Nothing more than an ungrateful drain on our family. I should have taken you to an orphanage or drown you like a stray dog years ago boy."

Vernon took his beefy hand and picked Harry up by the neck of his shirt. He wadded the shirt up so it was tight enough to pick Harry up by the neck.

It was cutting off Harry's air, and Harry began clawing at his throat, trying to rip the shirt, kicking his feet madly while in the air. Luckily the shirt was almost threads anyhow, and just as they entered into the kitchen Harry was able to tear the shirt and his small form fell to the kitchen floor unceremoniously leaving the shirt in Vernon's hand.

This pushed Vernon over the edge, as if he weren't already there. He clouted Harry in the head as the young boy was sitting on his knees, holding his throat, gasping for air. Harry flew backwards, hitting the hard tile face first. It split his lip which was bleeding freely from the impact. "Boy how dare you destroy the clothes we give you!"

Harry looked in Vernon's direction to discover there were two of them, and they were conversing with each other. Harry was baffled, this was worse than his worst nightmare. "He's already gotten blood the floor. It has to be cleaned anyway. What's a little more?" one of the Vernon's asked.

"Right you are? What do you say we give the bloody freak what he deserves for a change? No more going easy on him eh?" the other Vernon said.

Just when Harry thought it couldn't get any worse, a third Vernon walked up from behind him, "I think that's a stellar idea. I'm not sure why we haven't thought of this before."

Harry then heard several cracks, and felt a sharp pain in his hand as one of the Vernon's stomped on his fingers. Harry whimpered, but did not cry out.

Another Vernon removed his belt, this Harry was all too familiar with and braced himself for the blows, and they came. All three of the Vernons were slowly killing Harry. Harry looked up but saw there were definitely more than three now.

Harry was now watching this scene unfold below him. He was looking down on himself in the kitchen as the Vernons continued to torture him. One had turned the stove on, one had a lighter in his hand, one was making his way to the knife block, one was raining down blows on his bare back with the belt, one kicking him, one punching him, one throwing hot water on his open wounds…There were too many Vernons to count. Almost every horrible thing Harry had ever endured at the hands of Vernon was happening to him at once.

Then Harry remembered. He remembered his dark man. His Professor. His Sev. His Dad. And he yelled. For all that he was worth, and as loud as he could, Harry yelled, "SEV! SEEEVVVV! DAD! DAAAAAAD! HELP ME! COME GET ME! DAAAAAAAAD!"

The Vernons laughed. "You have no dad."

"No one would want you."

"We are doing the world a favor by ridding it of you."

"Dad. Ha! Boy your Dad died just to get away from you!"

"Yes call your Daddy boy. Call him and watch! No one will come!"

Harry refused to listen to those words that cut him like a knife; he believed. He knew there was someone who loved him, who would protect him. He felt it. "DAAAAAAD!" Harry called again.

Just then Severus appeared. There were no words spoken. Severus began hexing the Vernons one by one. They tried to run but to no avail. As each hex and curse struck the fleeing Vernons they screamed. Some fell through a hole in the floor, some exploded into Vernon confetti, some fell to the ground withering in pain before disappearing, and some burst into flames leaving only ashes behind.

For the first time in his nightmares, Harry knew, and now so did Vernon, that there wassomeone who cared about him, loved him, and would protect him. And Vernon's knowledge of this, albeit a in a dream, was the greatest comfort to Harry.

Then something unexpected happened…

Severus went into a restful sleep that night almost immediately after Dumbledore's departure. It annoyed him at times that he still needed reassurance from the old man, and it bothered him to no end that the old man somehow knew when he needed it. However, as much as it annoyed him, it comforted him twice as much, for Severus had accepted many years ago as a young child that he would never have what he had found in the old man.

Around five o'clock in the morning, an hour before Severus was due to be up, he was alerted by the wards from Harry's room.

Severus jumped from his bed and sprinted to the room to find Ron trying to wake Harry, and Harry was clearly pleading for him, Severus.

Noticing Severus, Ron moved out of the way and Severus took a seat on the bed, placing his hand on his son's chest. "Harry, Son wake up. You are in your rooms at Hogwarts. You are safe. No one will hurt you here. Wake up Son."

Severus lifted Harry, and positioned him so Harry's head and upper body was in his lap. Cradling his upper body and gently shaking him by the shoulders Severus continued, "Come on Son, wake up. Dad is here. You are safe. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Harry began to stir, obviously coming out of his nightmare and back to reality. Severus began brushing Harry's fringe as a means to calm him, "That's it son, open your eyes. That's it Harry, come on. Wake up for Dad. It was only a night mare. It wasn't real you are safe."

Finally Harry opened his eyes, "Dad?"

"Yes son?"

"You came for me. You came for me again. He's gone now and he knows you love me. You made him go away. All of them," Harry said.

Severus was confused now. All of who? I was in his nightmare? Merlin'sballs!

"Son, I know you won't be able to sleep before you are due to get up for classes, as it is after five in the morning, why don't we go into the kitchen and talk. Ronald?" Severus said.

Ron clearly confused at everything, "Yes sir?"

"Do you think you could go to sleep? You may sleep for another hour and a half," Severus said.

Ron, used to being woken in the middle of the night by his siblings, yawned, "Yes sir. Is Harry alright?"

Harry was still half in his lap with his face turned into his stomach. Severus sighed, "He will be. There is no need for you to worry. I'll take care of him."

Ron was climbing into his bed and shocked Severus with his words, "I know you will. I know Harry was having a nightmare and he called for you." Ron yawned again and snuggled beneath the covers, "Harry trusts you, so I do too."

Severus stood holding Harry with his right arm, and with his left hand he ruffled Ron's hair. Severus blamed that action on the early morning hour, not having his tea yet, and determined that his thoughts were not yet appropriately organized. "You're a good friend Mr. Weasley. I'll wake you in time for breakfast."

Ron's eyes remained closed and Severus' only response was the slight smile that crossed the young boy's face. Before Severus was able to make it out of the room, it was clear that Ron had fallen asleep. Severus had to admit he was a bit envious the child could fall asleep so easily after being awoken abruptly. It was something he and Harry would never be able to experience without the aid of a potion.

With Harry still clinging to Severus, Severus took a seat at the kitchen table. Severus summoned Slinky, then requested a cup of tea, and some pumpkin juice.

Slinky brought back a tall cold glass of pumpkin juice for Harry, and a hot bitter cup of tea for Severus.

"Harry we need to talk about your nightmare," Severus calmly said.

"Do I have to?"

"It will help if you do. Besides you already began talking about it in the bedroom. I know you can do it even if it is uncomfortable for you," Severus coaxed trying to encourage him.

Harry nodded detached himself from Severus taking his glass of pumpkin juice, and seated himself beside the man.

"It started out as a memory. I had gone to the zoo with them and I accidentally set a snake, a boa constrictor, on Dudley," Harry laughed a little at this, "He bloody well deserved it."

Severus did not correct the language and just allowed Harry to continue.

"After we made it home, Vernon did what he did best and used me as a punching bag for my freakishness and then threw me in the cupboard. He told me I would not have food for a week. I was only allowed out to cook meals, use the loo once a day, and serve as an outlet for Vernon's anger. This went on for three days. On the fourth day, which is when the nightmare actually began, I was allowed out of my cupboard to do the outside chores…" Harry trialed off. Severus could see him struggling.

Harry sighed and said, "Dad, can you just do that Legilimens thing? It would be easier for me."

"Are you sure that's what you want?" Severus asked.

Harry nodded.

"Look at me Harry." Bright eyes met the dark, "Legilimens."

Harry had brought the memory/dream/nightmare, to the front of his mind. Severus could almost feel the hunger in his young charge. It made him sick that Harry was looking forward to an opportunity to pilfer through the rubbish for a crumb or two. Severus watched as he drank from the hose, Vernon discovering his transgression, and Harry back peddling and falling to the ground.

He watched as Vernon drove his foot into Harry's midsection causing him to lose the content in his stomach. Severus forced himself to watch the oaf taunt and humiliate Harry then pick him up, strangling him with his own shirt, while Harry silently pleaded for the air he was being deprived of by clawing relentlessly at his throat.

Severus saw Harry fall out of the shirt onto the floor in the kitchen, then Vernon strike him with such force it sent Harry flying backwards causing him to strike his face on the hard tile floor. Harry's lip was now bleeding, spilling blood onto the floor.

Harry looked up and saw there were now two Vernon's conversing in a tone as if they were discussing the weather. A third Vernon appeared and crushed Harry's fingers with his boot. One Vernon removed his belt and began violently striking his boy, but Harry did not make a sound. Several more Vernons appeared and began maliciously attacking him. One even threw hot water on him.

Severus stared at the horror before him and looked at Harry as he was lying on the floor. He looked into those eyes and saw something that resembled hope. Just then he heard Harry yell, "SEV! SEEEVVVV! DAD! DAAAAAAD! HELP ME! COME GET ME! DAAAAAAAAD!"

Severus wanted nothing more at that moment to be able to reach out and grab his son. There was a desperation, but also hope in those cries. A lump suddenly formed in Severus throat, he felt something hot stinging his eyes, but quickly blinked it away and he heard Harry again yell, "DAAAAAAD!"

Helpless. That is what he felt at the moment. He desired nothing more than to put his bare hands on those bastards and do everything they were doing to Harry tenfold. It was then that Severus was looking directly at himself. His dreamself moved stealthily and silently, hexing and cursing the Vernons with experienced ease. He watched as they fell through the floor, burst into pieces, dissolved while withering in pain, and erupted into flames only leaving ashes behind.

Dream Severus walked over to where Harry was lying on the floor and silently offered him his hand to help him to his feet. Severus watched as Harry stood beside his dreamself, shirtless, bloody, bruised, malnourished, and beaten down in those baggy pants. Dream Severus did not say a word, he cupped Harry's chin in his hand both holding each other's gaze. There appeared to be a silent agreement of sorts, for his dreamself smiled and nodded gently, and a ghost of a smile, one of understanding, crossed the battered young boy's face.

Dream Severus, with a wave of his wand he sealed the holes in the floor, and the belt marks, burns from the water, bruises from the beatings, all disappeared from Harry's body. He banished the confetti like pieces of the Vernons that littered the floor, and Harry filled out, the broken bones mended, and they no longer protruded through his skin. Most importantly he was no longer hungry. With a final flick of his wand, the door leading to the back yard opened and the ashes blew out the door. All the scars that covered Harry left one by one, leaving his golden skin flawless.

Emerald eyes met the obsidian once more, and Harry reached up to take Dream Severus' hand and Severus watched as the larger hand enveloped the smaller one. He followed the two of them through the sitting room and out the front door only to see Buckbeak waiting on them. Severus watched as Harry turned to look back at Number Four Privet Drive then up at Dream Severus. Judging by the look in Harry's eyes he needed confirmation, reassurance of the unspoken promise.

Dream Severus turned Harry to face him, and knelt in front of the small child so they were eye to eye, placing a hand on each of his arms. Dream Severus then spoke, only two words, but they were powerful, and full of promise, "Never Again."

Harry nodded once in understanding, and a single tear leaked from Harry's eye. Dream Severus, still kneeling, reached up and tenderly wiped the tear away with his thumb. He stood and placed Harry on Buckbeak, then seated himself behind Harry. Severus watched as the three of them disappeared into the sky line.

The Potions Master found himself seated in the kitchen once more looking at Harry. "Don't you see Dad? He was wrong, and he can never hurt me again. Never again."

Severus just pulled Harry out of his seat, into his lap, burying Harry's face into the chest of his robes, "I promise Son, Never Again."

As Severus held Harry in that position he did not want to let him go. He held onto him much longer than usual, for several minutes actually. He then heard Harry giggling, "And what pray tell do you find so amusing Mr. Potter?"

Harry muttered something, but it was inaudible as Severus still had not released his head from his chest.

He loosened his grip on Harry so the child could speak with clarity, "It's usually me who won't let you go. Now who's the impertinent primate?"

Severus' only response was to Hmphf,call Harry a cheeky brat , and pull him back into his chest once more.

Severus finally released Harry, "You said that dream began as a memory. At what point did the memory end?" Severus was hoping before he was brought into the kitchen.

"When the second Vernon appeared. Up until that point, everything happened," Harry explained.

Severus growled to himself. So he did have to fight to breathe, to live ,to survive.

"This was the result of an act of accidental magic?" Severus asked.

Harry nodded. He had grown so much over the past several months. He was no longer embarrassed to talk to Severus about his past. It was still difficult for Harry at times, and rightfully so, but no longer embarrassing. "Yeah, that's what usually brought those types of reactions on. It just seemed so…so real."

Harry then had a thought. Maybe it was real. Severus was watching Harry curiously as Harry lifted his shirt and his face fell in disappointment.

"I guess it wasn't. I still have them," Harry said tracing a scar with his finger down his chest.

Severus placed his hand on Harry's that was tracing the scar with one hand and cupped Harry's chin with the other, "Son, you may still bear those scars, but I assure you, the promise was real. Never again."

Severus and Harry talked until it was time for Harry to wake Ron. The two then headed to the Great Hall where they met with Hermione.

"Harry! Ron! Are you ok? Where were you last night? I was so worried when you didn't come back to the tower!" Hermione exclaimed.

The three of them sat down at the table and began eating breakfast.

Ron said, "Mum sent a howler, and Professor Snape…errr, well he gave us a smacking."

Hermione gasped.

Harry nodded, "I know. It's horrible, no biscuits until the next full moon."

"No Harry. That's not what I meant. Professor Snape can't do that. It's against the rules at Hogwarts," Hermione said appalled.

Ron with his mouth full, "Sure he can Mione, he's Harry's Dad, and Mum told him to tend to me too. He was acting as a parent not a teacher." Ron then smiled to himself, "Ha! Did you hear that mate? I knew something Mione didn't!"

Harry rolled his eyes and nodded in the affirmative then directed his attention to Hermione, "Have your parents responded to the letter yet?"

Hermione sighed, "Not yet. Professor McGonagall explained to me that they left the part about the werewolf out since they would not understand the facts behind the potion and transformation. My parents know that I broke curfew and left the school grounds without permission with you two."

Harry and Ron nodded just as Hedwig landed on the table beside Harry's plate. Harry picked up the letter and gave Hedwig a bite of toast and bacon.

"It's from Professor Lupin," Harry said.

"Well go on mate open it," Ron prodded.

"No sense in delaying the inevitable. I need to know how to arrange my schedule for the week," Hermione added.

"It says we are to have detention with him tonight and Wednesday night. We are to report to the library tonight directly after dinner," Harry said.

"So much for the chess game with the twins tonight," Ron grumbled.

It was now lunch time, and Severus took his seat at the Head Table beside the wolf. Lupin looked worse for wear, and Severus couldn't mask the smirk that crossed his face when Remus had to all but use both hands to fold his robes in half at the waist just so he could sit semi-comfortably.

"Something wrong Lupin?" Severus asked.

Lupin glared, "I don't exactly know what is wrong, but my robes are extra stiff and I can't seem to get a decent cup of tea."

"I know what you mean my boy," Dumbledore said. Severus could not stifle the chuckle that escaped when he looked at the Headmaster. His wizarding cap which was usually purposefully drooped eloquently to the back was sticking straight up and the tip was pointed.

Remus' eyes went wide, "Headmaster…Errr…" Remus began and just pointed to his own head, then touched the fingers of both hands together forming a point, then pointed the Headmaster's head.

McGonagall who was seated on the other side of Severus was snickering too.

"Ahhh yes, Slinky has taken extra care of my complete wardrobe as well Remus. It seems that he is most displeased with our Harry having consequences for his actions. I never knew how truly frustrating this was for you until now Severus," Dumbledore said.

Haha! Karma is a bitch and she is Slinky's mother! All those jokes about the stiff underwear and my disgusted face because of bitter tea… Two words, PAY BACK! The doting grandfather and his precious puppy… HA! You finally got yours! Yes, Karma is a bitch, and I love her at this moment!

Severus refrained from standing and doing a happy dance and simply drawled sarcastically, "Welcome to my world Headmaster. It is filled with insolent brats and disrespectful elves. Congratulations, you have finally made the cut."

Minerva elbowed Severus now snickering even louder as Dumbledore turned to leave the Great Hall, pointing at the at the back of the Headmaster's robes, there were three distinct creases that ran from his shoulders to the floor. The one in the center would have been most uncomfortable should the Headmaster have decided to have a seat.

Minerva whispered, "I believe we now know why Albus did not join us for breakfast and is missing lunch. He hasn't missed a meal in the Great Hall since before you were a student." Apparently Minerva's laughter was contagious because Severus, being used to this treatment, was fully enjoying everyone else's discomfort, and he could no longer suppress his laughter.

Severus baritone laughter filled the Great Hall, and this did two things. One, it caused Remus to glare at him with a Snape-approved glare then leave the Great Hall, and two, it scared the students. They stopped eating, and looked at Severus. Never, EVER had any of the students heard the evil Potions Master Severus Snape laugh. They had never seen the man smile, let alone laugh like that.

Severus and Minerva finally regained control of themselves and they could hear the students muttering,

Why is he laughing? He never laughs. I'll bet he tortured someone this morning.

I heard he took 300 points from Gryffindor, that's why he's laughing.

I bet the Weasley twins put something in his tea to make him laugh.

I think I'm skipping class today. That was just scary.

Listening to the students, Severus smirked and rolled his eyes very much satisfied. He could even have a good laugh and instill fear into the student body.

The rest of the day passed too quickly for the trio. They had now finished dinner in the Great Hall, and began making their way to the library.

Once in the library, the trio was greeted by Lupin. He was not his normal jovial self. Harry wondered how long Lupin would be this way towards him. It cut him to the quick to know that his actions had solicited this reaction from his godfather.

"You three take a seat at the table. Take out three feet of parchment and your quill," Remus instructed in a very detached manner.

The three did as they were asked and awaited further instruction.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all seated on the same side of the table. Lupin had disappeared into his office for a moment and when he returned he took a seat across from the three of them.

"As Severus has already explained to you three in great detail while in the Headmaster's office why you are being punished, I see no need to repeat him; however, for your first detention you will write four feet on the dangers of werewolves and explain why your actions were so reckless," Remus said.

"You are here for two hours; do not waste any time. If it is incomplete before you leave tonight, I expect it first thing Wednesday when you report to me for your second detention for the week. No excuses. My instructions were quite clear, but if you have any questions ask them now. There is no need for you three to converse as this is an individual assignment, the books you will need are on the table," Remus finished.

The trio just looked at him. This is not the man they were used to seeking out in the library. Harry wasn't sure where that man went, he wanted him back.

Remus took their silence as understanding, "You may begin. I will let you know when you are free to leave."

Remus went back to his office and sat at his desk. He hated being that way towards his Pup and his friends, but damn it he could have killed them. He would have to have a talk with Harry, perhaps tonight before he sent him back to the tower.

The trio was most definitely used to a calm reassuring Remus. The one that told bad jokes, the one that snuck them biscuits when Professor Snape wasn't looking, the one who sat and conversed amiably with them in the library. But this was not Remus, no this was Professor Lupin, the one who was disappointed in the three of them for doing something so incredibly stupid, and was punishing them as if they were his cubs.

The trio sat there miserably and wrote, and wrote, and wrote. They expected Severus to be cold with his words but not Remus. It made them realize just how upset their professor was with them, which made writing the essay all the harder.

Harry was well versed in the dangerous traits of the werewolf as he had already done extensive research about them. He also knew that because Remus did look at him as his Pup, it would not be long before he adopted a similar protective nature for Hermione and Ron as well. With each line Harry wrote about werewolves, he began to feel smaller and smaller until he felt as small as a single speck of dust that coated the library shelves.

Two hours later, Remus appeared before the three. He looked at Ron first, "Did you finish the essay Mr. Weasley?"

Ron flinched a bit at Lupin using his last name so formally, "I'm going to need to give it to you Wednesday after dinner Professor."

Lupin nodded, "Ms. Granger?"

Hermione nodded and handed Remus her parchment.

Remus accepted it and turned to Harry, "Mr. Potter?"

"Yes sir," Harry nodded and turned the parchment over to his godfather.

"Very well Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger you are dismissed. I shall escort Mr. Potter to the Gryffindor Tower shortly," Remus instructed.

Harry gave Ron and Hermione what he hoped was a reassuring nod.

After Ron and Hermione had left the library, Remus turned to look at Harry who was studying his feet.

"Harry, Pup, look at me," Remus said.

Harry looked up at Remus, and felt ashamed that he had to blink back the tears that were threatening to spill over.

This did not escape Remus' notice. Remus knelt down in front of Harry, much like Severus had done on several occasions, "What's wrong Pup?"

Harry successfully managed to blink the tears away and swallow the lump in his throat, "You were just so different. I guess I was just not expecting that. I-I…well…"

Remus understood what Harry was trying to say then explained, "Harry this is a punishment. I can't very well sit down with you at the table and act as if you are here on your own accord to visit your godfather. I addressed you as a professor does his students so there was no mistaking the reason for your presence here."

Harry nodded in understanding. After all, his Dad did the same thing with him. It was just the first time his godfather had been in a position to punish him and unfortunately Harry could blame no one but himself.

"Are you…Well do you hate me now?" Harry asked.

"No! Harry I could never hate you. You never have to ask me that question, ever. I love you Pup, and it is not conditional. You are forgiven for what you did, but you of all people should know what the dangers of werewolves are. I bet you didn't even need to use a single one of those books to complete the essay. I was angry the night of the transformation and I was extremely disappointed in your poor decision to seek me out after Severus expressly forbade you to do so, but hate you Harry? Never! Believe that Pup if you never believe another word I say," Remus drew Harry in and hugged him.

Harry didn't bother to blink the tears back and let them fall from his eyes onto Remus' robes. Remus guided Harry back to look at him, "Why the tears Pup?"

Harry's only response was, "I love you too," causing Remus to hug him again even tighter.

On the way back to the Gryffindor Tower that night, Harry had convinced Remus that even if he called them by their given names they would understand they were still being punished and would not contest any punishment he handed out. He also questioned if Remus was being a professor or his pack alpha.

Remus was going to have to think on that one. He wasn't sure himself. Perhaps he was acting as a pack alpha.

Wednesday came all too soon, but this time the atmosphere was more comfortable than before, even if the work was not.

Remus had the trio start on one side of the library and begin removing the books cleaning the dust from each shelf without magic. They would be doing this for the next three detentions. Harry, as natural a leader as James ever was without the arrogance, suggested like with the caldrons, they work together to make the work flow smoother.

Harry removed the books from the shelf and stacked them in order, Hermione showered the shelves with cleaner and wiped them down, and Ron followed behind her placing the books back on the shelf in proper order. Remus shook his head, but like Severus, he did not interrupt them. The three got into trouble together, served the punishments together, and so long as they completed the task without magic, he could see no reason they could not complete it together.

Saturday arrived. It would be their first detention with Severus since the incident, and it would be three hours. Severus scheduled the detention to coincide with quidditch practice. Harry accepted that because he knew it would do no good to contest the punishment.

Severus knew to plan better this time. He would have the three scrub sixty caldrons, and his all time favorite they would write lines. Before the month was over with they would complete several hundred lines.

When the three entered the dungeons, Severus smirked when their eyes widened at the mound of caldrons piled near the sinks. Severus was under no delusion that scrubbing caldrons was easy work, and he intended to give the three a potion to relax their muscles during their lunch, before they began writing lines.

The three took a seat, "I have spoke with Professor Lupin and he told me that you three have completed his tasks without complaint. I expect this behavior to continue for the next three weeks. Today, I believe you noticed upon entry that there are caldrons that require your attention. You may begin," Severus directed.

Just as before the three did what they did best, and completed the task as efficiently as possible. Slinky was still on the rampage, and so for their lunch the trio had warm ham, turkey, and cheese sandwiches with fruit and a slice of chocolate cake, while Severus had toast, dry toast…again.

After lunch it was back to the dungeons where they each wrote two hundred lines of I will not disobey a direct order from Professor Snape especially if there is a possibility I will be maimed, turned, or killed by a werewolf.

Yes it was rather long, but that was the point right?

Hermione received a letter back from her parents, apparently McGonagall had informed them of what a howler was and provided them with a few because they threatened to send one if she did something so foolish again. They said they believed the punishment the school handed out was sufficient, but also to expect to be grounded for the first week of the Summer Holiday. Furthermore, McGonagall suggested that Hermione have a magical guardian(s) during the school year, and it was something they would talk about over the summer holidays.

The next week was much the same, cleaning the shelves in the library Monday and Wednesday. Saturday arrived and instead of cleaning caldrons, they cleaned out the potions closet. Severus wanted to see if they would work together as they were in the library and with the caldrons, he was not disappointed, and again after Severus had toast and the Gryffindors a nice hot meal, he had them write lines.

Two weeks passed. They were no longer restricted to the tower, Harry could rejoin his team for quidditch. Slinky had mysteriously found the sugar once again, the Headmaster was at meals without fail, Severus no longer had to survive on toast when he decided to eat in his quarters, Remus was grateful his robes were comfortable once again, and the trio only had two weeks of detention left.

Remus had them clean the tables in the library the third week, while Severus had them do the same in the potions class room, and of course write lines.

Although I am a Gryffindor, contrary to popular belief I do have a brain, and I will endeavor to use it in the future.

The first day of the final week, Remus had them assist him in organizing the transfiguration section of the library. Apparently a duel broke out between an upper year Gryffindor and Slytherin earlier in the day and Remus did not want them near the library. He turned the students over to their Head of House.

It was during this time, while organizing the transfiguration section, that Remus had told Harry about James and another close friend of theirs learning to be animagi in order to be with him during his transformation. Remus held the attention of the trio during the entire two hours he had them recounting stories of his time together with James.

The final detention with Remus came and he wanted the three to remember exactly why they had been in detention with him over this past month. He instructed the three to write a letter to him explaining who would have been affected had he turned, injured, or killed any of the three of them. They were dismissed with the instruction to turn the letter into him no later than next Wednesday.

The final detention with Severus was the worst for the trio. They had to puree the eyes of newts, and Severus had acquired a barrel of troll bogies that needed to be placed into vials. He volunteered this service to a local apothecary with this detention in mind. The smell was horrible. The three set to task. Ron and Harry were trying to do most of the disgusting work, but to Hermione's credit, she jumped in hands first worked working right along side of the boys.

Harry dipped the vial into the barrel of bogies, handed it to Ron who cleaned it off, and passed it to Hermione who labeled the vial. Hermione did the dirty work with the newt eyes while Harry and Ron finished cleaning up the area where they were working with the toll bogies. Hermione placed the eyeballs into a large caldron and crushed them until the liquid was the same color and consistency through and through.

It was then they repeated the process as before. Harry dipped the vials in the bowl, Ron cleaned them, and Hermione labeled them.

After lunch Severus did not make them write lines. He brought them back into his classroom, and to their surprise Lupin was waiting on them with fresh biscuits from Mrs. Weasley. He placed them on the table before the three of them, and even Hermione took one.

"You three have accepted and handled your punishment very well. As much as it pains me to say this to Gryffindors, I am proud that not the first one of you voiced a complaint about any of the tasks you were required to complete. I understand there is a letter still outstanding for Professor Lupin and I would like you to take this time to complete it if it has not been already," Severus instructed.

The trio shared a knowing look. They had finished it with the agreement that they wanted everything to be over after the detention on Saturday. Hermione reached in her bag and pulled out the three letters and handed them to Professor Lupin.

"They are finished Professor. We finished them last night," Hermione said.

Severus would like to say he was surprised, but he wasn't.

"You three have done well, and I trust this has been incentive enough not to make this same mistake again?" Lupin questioned.

The three nodded in agreement, and Ron spoke without thinking, "I'll say, between the smacking, the Howler, no biscuits, nearly losing my hand from writing, and going stir crazy in the Gryffindor Tower, it was as bad as being at home."

Severus and Remus chuckled, Hermione rolled her eyes, and Harry said, "I think what Ron was trying to say is that we will try and think before we do something so dunderheaded again."

Severus ruffled Harry's hair, "Alright you three. Sentence is over. Mark this down for this is the first time in the history of my teaching career I have let students leave before the detention was due to be over."

Ron looked at the clock and started to say something, but he found himself unable to do so as Harry and Hermione's hands were clasped over his mouth before he could speak.

Hermione spoke instead while she and Harry were ushering Ron towards the door, "Ronald was going to say thank you professor."

Harry nodded, "You know Ron, he likes to talk so we will just be going now."

Severus let the Gryffindors leave a whole seven minutes early.

As soon as the trio was out of earshot, Remus and Severus began laughing.

That night Severus found himself placing memories into vials. Since he had received his penseive for Christmas from Harry, Severus found himself making copies of memories and storing them away. He placed memories of his first encounter with Harry at Privet Drive, Kings Cross, the night of the troll incident, and finding their first Christmas tree amongst others. His collection had grown quite large. He never thought himself to be a sentimental old fool like his father, but no one else had to know he did these things.

Most recently Severus had removed the memory of the conversation with the Headmaster regarding Harry testing his boundaries, Harry's latest nightmare that chilled him to the core but strangely offered him comfort at the same time, and a few of the detentions. Severus found himself storing away most memories where Harry's antics mimicked his own. Severus just had to face it he was turning into a sap when it came to his son.

That night found Lupin reflecting on the past month with his godson and his friends. He realized he was indeed becoming attached to them in a very protective manner much like he was to Harry. Harry would always have that special place in his heart, and because those two held a special place in Harry's heart, they were beginning to make one in his as well. Perhaps he did look at the three as an alpha does his pack, but Remus could not see the harm in that.

That night found Quirrell in his quarters contemplating many different things he had witnessed since the start of the school year, and he was trying to put the pieces together.

He thought back to the quidditch match when he was jinxing Potter's broom. He could have sworn Snape had referred to someone as 'my son.' Quirrell knew Snape did not have any children of his own. Who was this son?

Quirrell recounted the night he let the troll into the castle. Snape had cornered him and threatened him, told him to figure out where his loyalties lied. Quirrell had suspected it to be an act since Lupin had been with him, but was it really? And why did Potter leave the Snape that night instead of his Head of House?

Quirrell had picked up on the fact that Snape discreetly looked to the Gryffindor table every meal when his only concern should be his snakes. Why was he doing that? Was this 'son' in Gryffindor?

And where was Potter at during the holidays? Quirrell had made it a point to frequent the Gryffindor Tower over the holidays. He knew Potter was on the list to stay at the school, but the only time he saw the boy he was headed towards the dungeons, why would a Gryffindor be headed to the dungeons? And why was he never near the Gryffindor Tower?

And this past month, Potter and his two sidekicks had gotten into trouble, but why was Snape handling the detentions and not their head of house. All three students were Gryffindors, yet the Slytherin Head was handling it. Why?

Quirrell, or rather Voldemort, was putting pieces together, for Quirrell was not intelligent enough to figure this out on his own, and he did not like picture this enigma was creating. Quirrell had received his instructions, Voldemort needed to know with whom the loyalties of his faithful spy lied.

Well Chapter 35 is complete I hope you enjoyed it.

GryffindorGirl made a suggestion I take you inside one of Harry's nightmares, I hope it was satisfactory.

FuryPossessed and SNHfvr thank you for the suggestions with the detentions.

What do you think about Hermione having a magical guardian? Who should it be if you think she should have one?

Thanks to everyone for reading and I especially appreciate the reviews and suggestions!