Pretty Boy

Chapter 36

Bill Weasley learns the truth

Hogwarts had started back up; Harry had sat next to Severus watching everything during the Welcoming Feast. He'd felt rather melancholy watching, he could remember his own excitement like it happened only yesterday. Being away from the Dursley's, making his first friend, learning something truly wonderful. He'd been such an ignorant child, despite the abuse the Dursley's heaped upon him. Two weeks of wonderful bliss before his life had irrevocably changed. He wasn't sure what had led him to overhearing Dumbledore and Moody. He'd gotten lost, and before he knew it he was stuck behind some sort of statue.

Harry was unaware that Hogwarts herself had helped, concealing him both magically and physically from Dumbledore's powers and Moody's magical eye. She had even weakened the bonds, allowing him to use as much magic as he was. He was the heir after all, it recognized him as much. And the heir's were more important than even the Headmaster, the school, the sentient that she was, had been borne through the founders of Hogwarts. He would be able to go into places that the Headmaster didn't know existed. As sentient as she was, she couldn't remove the bonds completely.

Now they were sitting at dinner after the first day was finally over, Harry couldn't help but think the food wasn't as good as he remembered it. It's funny that, he'd dreamed of Hogwarts food for so long, yet it wasn't what he expected. His disappointment as always didn't show, right now he was biting his lip to stop himself laughing. Severus was complaining about the students.

"They never listen to the simplest instructions," hissed Severus his black eyes flashing with fury. He hated teaching, always had done, and he couldn't wait until he no longer had to do so. He'd be celebrating the day he no longer had to teach stupid dunderheads.

"With you breathing down their neck waiting on them messing up I wonder why?" said Hadrian amused.

"I'd like to see you try," said Severus refraining from scoffing, since he did not scoff, it would mean he actually cared what someone else said. Evidently others did care what he said, since Minerva and Filius who were on either side of him and Harry were listening intently.

"I probably could," said Hadrian arrogantly. At least he'd be able to give both a break, Severus and the students. Severus couldn't be nice to them, he was a spy, but he could if the students would be willing to listen. If not well he could put one down to Severus being right, although it would be difficult to admit.

Severus grinned maliciously; the teachers looked at them warily. Wondering if they would have to stop to teachers, or rather Severus and his apprentice from fighting. "Really?" asked Severus with deceptive mildness. The students stared at their teacher with dread. The Slytherins who'd noticed were gazing at their Head of House with interest. He didn't normally speak to anyone, well except with Dumbledore, and it always looked forced. They still weren't sure what to make of the new Apprentice.

"Yes," said Hadrian staring blankly, not rising to Severus' bait.

"Then you can take my classes for the week, we shall see what you have to say then." said Severus vindictively, maybe then Harry would realize why he taught the way he did. He was so sure in his convictions that without fear, the students would slack off, and cause accidents. That was exactly how Slughorn had ran his classes, and many had been hurt, and a two had died if he remembered correctly. They had been rumours when he first entered Hogwarts, but he didn't know for sure.

"Ten galleons that I succeed," said Hadrian, it was pocket change to him now.

"Indeed," said Severus his dark eyes twinkling.

Hadrian nodded wryly, unsure if Severus was pissed off or amused. Either way he'd find out soon enough. As he continued eating his dinner, he wondered if he'd be sleeping in the spare room for the week. Oh he could change his mind, eventually…might take a few days to wear him down. He noticed Dumbledore's twinkling blue eyes as he plated some dessert for himself. Dumbledore looked too happy, or maybe it was the fact he had pissed Severus of. So it looked like Dumbledore was still furious at Hadrian for his words. Man, Dumbledore sure could hold a grudge.

Harry swore that if it was the last thing he ever did, would be to dispose of Dumbledore. In the most violent and painful manner possible.

After dinner Harry couldn't get away quick enough, seeing Dumbledore even remotely happy turned his stomach. He hadn't been able to enjoy his dessert, once inside he removed the potion and gratefully sat down at his normal self. Despite how long he'd been taking it, and spent in his aged form it was still odd. If he ever got used to it then he could worry he supposed.

"Dumbledore was too happy for my liking," said Harry, scowling at the thought of making the old fool marginally pleased.

"You shouldn't have started anything in public then," smirked Severus wryly, not as worried as Harry was.

"What I said was the truth though." said Harry, "I knew I was looking forward to your class, how many others have been put of by the vitriol coming out your mouth? You say there's no Potions Masters, you are in the only magical school in Britain…doesn't that tell you something? You are responsible for the degradation of students not willing to put up with Potions." Harry was nothing if not honest.

Severus just stared at Harry disbelievingly; nobody liked his class before they came. If they did then they'd know the answer to his questions. Questions that were in the first few chapters of the book! If they liked it they'd pay attention.

Harry seeing the look on Severus' face went through to the bedroom, unshrinking his trunk and raided around in it. Finding it after a few minutes he wandered back through. Passing the paper to Severus, an impassive look on his face.

Severus took the paper confused, his eyebrows began to climb after that, he could barely believe it. He flashed back towards his first class; he's started on Harry while he was writing that. Accusing him of not paying attention, well more fool him it seemed.

You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making.

As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic.

I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death.

"Then of course you singled me out, how many others do you reckon have gone through the same thing?" said Harry. "Admittedly I preferred that to the other teachers, they looked at me as if they were expecting miracles, while the students couldn't care less."

"If I had been more like the others I probably would have," said Severus admittedly, still clutching the piece of paper tightly.

"What's do you mean by that?" asked Harry, wondering if he really wanted to know.

"Your mother was fantastic at charms, a real natural, your father was brilliant at Transfiguration." explained Severus. "Lily was good at potions as well, that's because my passion for the subject was all she knew for years."

"I know you can't change because of Voldemort, but I just had to prove my point Sev. People would like your classes if it was taught fairly." said Harry.

"Perhaps," said Severus nodding his head his eyes still never left the paper clutched in his hands. Severus felt detached, as if his entire world had been spun of its axis. He was contemplating everything he had just learned, wondering if it truly was him that stopped upcoming potions students from excelling in his class.

The doors of Severus' quarters opened abruptly; before they could react Harry was punched in the face by a very seemingly enraged werewolf. Severus had got up ready to curse Bill Weasley, but before he could Harry had taken a swing back. It seemed Harry wasn't unfamiliar with the means of Muggle fighting. Well of course not, the Muggle world was all he knew. Severus felt like he was having the oddest nightmare in his life. Two people fighting like common Muggles in his living room. With Harry looking like Harry! If anyone came down right now that would be it, the entire scheme will be blown to smithereens.

"ENOUGH!" roared Severus furiously; removing his wand aiming it at Bill Weasley but it was like he'd never spoken.

"Why didn't you leave me to die? You stupid, stupid idiot!" snarled Bill angrily. Landing a punch on Harry's nose, causing a loud crack to resonate around the room. Harry didn't even twitch, he just continued fighting as if his nose hadn't just been broken.

"Well excuse me! Maybe I should have you ungrateful buffoon!" snarled Harry just as furious. Kicking him as hard as possible, in a place that was guaranteed to hurt.

Suddenly two more forms were bursting into the room, grabbing the red head immediately. Restraining Weasley from attacking Harry further. Sirius and Remus had trouble keeping Bill still, he was still fighting against their hold. Severus helped Harry up, wincing at the state of his nose.

Harry spat the blood from his mouth, he winced at the feel of the bruises already forming on his face. For a guy that's always been in the wizarding world, he sure knew how to pack a bloody punch. Three times the buffoon had hit him; thankfully he had caused the worst damage. At least his ego hadn't been injured. Thank god he was in his normal form, he'd never had to fight older or bigger, it might have meant Weasley would have gotten the better of him.

Bill was clutching his groin, supporting black eye and a broken nose like him. Finally giving in and no longer trying to attack Harry. Sandwiched between a furious Sirius Black and an even angrier Remus Lupin. Bill came out of his anger and felt rather afraid, they were rather scary angry. He'd never seen them that way before.

Severus cupped Harry's face, removing his wand "This might hurt for a second," said Severus giving Harry a warning before he uttered the spell. "Episkey!" Harry didn't even twitch as his broken nose fixed itself. His green eyes filled with relief, no doubt at being able to breathe again. Removing his potion bag he removed a tub. Opening it he began spreading it across the injured face, with tenderness that had Bill gaping like an idiot.

"It will still be tender for a few days, try not to touch it too much." said Severus. Summoning a towel he wetted it before cleaning the residue left behind by the potion.

"What do we do with him?" said Harry, staring at him as if he wanted to gut him where he stood.

"We have no choice but to tell him, I think he's working it out on his own." said Severus grimacing, as much as he hated to admit it Bill was the smartest of all the Weasley's.

"Are you sure about this?" said Sirius he didn't trust others when it came to the safety of his godson.

"He's going to need us and this is the only way I can see it working." sighed Severus tiredly, plus Bill Weasley would be a good advantage to have at the end of the day.

"And if he tells?" snarled Remus angrily, how dare that bloody idiot touch his cub? After everything he had done to try and help him.

"He won't get that opportunity he will be making an unbreakable vow or he dies right here just like he wants." Severus said darkly, his lip curled. His black eyes glaring coldly at Bill as if shaping him up for a coffin.

Bill flinched at the look, despite his earlier words, he didn't really want to die. He just felt very bad about his life right now. His own family were ignoring him, afraid of him, and it hurt more than anyone could imagine. For once he wasn't thinking about that, no he was thinking about Snape. He was being extremely weird, he felt as though he was missing something. Probably something right in front of his eyes. He knew Snape was a spy for the Order but isn't that taking it a bit too far? Unbreakable vow just because he knew they were lovers? Way too serious.

"I know you are a spy for the Order Snape, but this is going to far making me swear a vow to keep him safe. It's not like I give a shit, I'm not going to tell anyone." said Bill it was the first time he had said anything that wasn't he wished he would die, or he wished Greyback had finished him off. So it was considered process at least, for all concerned.

"He's not just my lover Weasley, the man…young man you were hitting," said Severus carrying on regardless of Bills laugh or maybe it was a snort Severus couldn't really tell. "Is Harry Potter."

Bill burst out laughing; it made the scars on his once handsome face look worse. No one there even winced at the look; they knew it wasn't the looks that defined someone. Not that the scars were going to remain, Severus was making a potion to ensure that. It was being made with the tears from a phoenix and it was a very complex potion. It would make him two weeks to brew, it was one of two very important potions he had brewing. Wolfsbane potion, the potion that should get rid of the scars on Bill's face.

Severus just sighed and lifted up Harry's fringe, which had been concealing the scar.

The laughter got caught in Bill's throat as he once again gaped at the sight in front of him.

"I don't believe it, everyone's out looking for him and here he is hiding under their very noses. Why haven't you told Dumbledore Snape?" demanded Bill. There was something going on, there had to be. Snape wasn't one for acting without thinking it through.

"Dumbledore wants to use me as his tool; it's not something I'm prepared to be. You don't have to worry about your precious little life. I still plan on defeating Voldemort - just on my own terms." snapped Harry, his emerald eyes cold and unforgiving boring into Bill's brown ones.

Oooo another person finds out - for nobody knowing alot of people sure do know dont they? :P R&R