Harry woke up with mixed feelings. It probably was the best holiday he ever had. Christmas and the new year's eve had been perfect as far as he was concerned. Everyone had such a wonderful time. The twins had played a lot of jokes and were reprimanded because Mrs Weasley said it was inappropriate. Even Percy had laughed a lot, probably because Fred had put too much alcohol in his drink. Harry stayed in bed his eyes opened, his sheet were still warm. He could hear Ron who was still asleep. He wished he had knew this kind of joy earlier in his life. Christmas with his family were awful. He was always outside when the Dursley had it at home and he was staying with Mrs Figg when they were away. If anything he had preferred the second option. At least he wasn't seeing Dudley opening his presents while he had nothing.
No, this year he had been spoiled. Both for his birthday and Christmas. He suddenly remembered. Even Snape had sent him a present. One of his jigsaw puzzle. Harry had no idea what was Snape playing. Did he feel concern about him yes or no? He was messing with his head, that was for sure. Then he remembered, in his first year. Snape had tried to protect him from Quirell. Whys was he so hard to understand? Well he wasn't give him an excuse to scold him. He will give a present as a thank, and that would be it. Nothing less. Though he had no idea what.
He got up and felt sick all of the sudden. At first, he thought because he ate a lot but that wasn't it. It was deeper. Something was missing, like a part of him and it hurt. He went to the lavatory. After putting some water on his face, he looked at his reflection. He looked tired. For the first time since the holiday, he thought about Morgane. She had showed him something. He had rejected with all his heart and soul. He remember being terrified of his memories. Well, in all fairness she had warned him. Maybe he should try to call her later. He shook his head. He didn't need that. He was finally happy. He sighed and went outside to take some fresh air.
The wind was calm, no human sound could be heard. It was relaxing, peaceful. He wanted to stay like that forever. They would go back to Hogwarts next day. He didn't want to.
"Harry, up so early?"
Harry turned, Neptuna was there. She seemed ready to go.
"Oh, I forgot you had sleep here.
-Well, that what usually happens in the new year's eve. Unfortunately, I had to work. I don't think Sirius Black is resting."
Harry nodded. He hadn't think about him too. Reality was coming back.
"Why would he do that? I know the facts. But I don't understand the reasons."
Neptuna sighed and came close to him.
"People change, not always in the good way. You have every right to be angry. I won't let him hurt you, Harry. I... do care about you. Not just because you are the boy who lived. Because you are a nice boy, who deserved better. I really mean it Harry."
She hugged him. So did Harry.
"Can you... stay a little while like this?
-Of course."
Harry felt her hand stroking his hair gently. He never had thought he would be so good. He felt he could sleep again, like this, in her arm.
"Can I ask you something?
-What is it Harry?
-The other day, you seemed to know Neville. He told me about his parents.
-I see. Well, you two have a lot of common.
-I felt so angry. It's not fair. Our parents were doing the right things! While Malfoy he still has his parents and they were for Voldemort!"
She broke from his and stared at him.
"Harry sometimes life will be unfair. You know who wanted a life of fear and hate. Show him you are better than him.
-it's easy to say...
-Than done. I know. But you are not alone anymore Harry. You have your friends, you have me."
Harry felt his tears were rolling done. She hugged him again.
"You'll be fine Harry. I promise."
She then kissed him on his forehead.
"Stay in touch Harry. Write me whenever you feel the need."
Harry nodded. She smiled. Harry saw her walked away and when she was a few miles, she disappeared with pop sound. He stayed a minute or two before hearing his stomach groaning.
He went to the kitchen and saw Mrs Weasley making breakfast.
"She finally left? I didn't want to interrupt."
Harry said nothing and sat.
"Are you all right Harry?
-Yeah, just sad the holiday are over.
-Understandable. Here, have some eggs."
While Harry was eating, the rest of the family joined him.
"Great! said Ron. I'm hungry. Thank you mum.
-You welcome dear.
-Now, back to the prison, said Fred.
-Fred! School is very important! By the way, I hope that you two will have all your O.W.L!"
Harry never saw the twins being so worried suddenly. They stayed quiet a while.
"Don't worry Mother, added Percy. I'll help them study.
-You are such a good brother. I know you are Head Boy but be sure to have time to study.
-Oh, I forgot this is your last year Percy, said Harry.
-Yes, all good things have an end."
He had a little smile and Harry was sure he was very honest about it. Despite trying to be an adult, Harry was sure he had enjoy every bit of hour in Hogwarts.
"So, what do wizards do after school? Is there a university like the muggles?
-Not really, but there is formation depending on what you want to do. I'm going to work within the ministry of Magic. Father has a friend who is willing to take as his secretary next summer.
-Try not to scare him off, said George with a smile."
Percy didn't answer and drank his tea.
Harry never thought about the after Hogwarts. What could he do? Ron saw his worry look and shook off his head.
"We still have time Harry, you'll worry later.
-That's why it's good you have good grades" said Mrs Weasley.
Ron groaned. Harry smiled. Yes, he'll see later.
After the Weasley drop them at the strain station, they took off to the castle. The journey went well; Harry was surprised they hadn't been bother by Malfoy. He vaguely wandered why, though he was fine. They had been rejoined by their other Gryffindor classmates and had a fun trip.
When they arrived at the station, it was dark and cold. Fog was everywhere.
"Is it the winter fog or the one created by Dementors? Asked Neville.
-Probably both. Guess they hadn't captured Black yet"
They all turned to Harry. He said nothing and decided to change the subject.
"You know, it's the first time I had holyday outside Hogwarts. I was expected Hagrid to take the first year.
-Yea, let's go."
They took a carriage that was advancing in its own and went to the castle. The freeze was getting intense. Harry looked up by the window. He saw the dementors floating away. All but one was standing. Harry had the fierce impression he was looking at him but that couldn't right? They didn't have eyes as far as knew. And why would he look at him? Harry shook his head. The dementors was probably looking away, he had no interest in him.
Morgan was behind her body.
"Oh? Harry noticed? As expected, he still has some. Guess it won't be long now. Soon, we'll be joined my dear body."
She watched all the carriages and spotted the one who had Malfoy in it.
"Filthy little thing. Think he is better than anyone? I can't wait to teach him some manners."
She faded away, a smile on her face.
When they finally arrived at the castle, it began to rain. They all rushed inside and went for dinner.
"I'm starving! Said Ron.
-Why do you always think about food? Sighed Hermione.
-Because they are too poor to buy some Granger. It's a pity to see some of our member starving.
Of course, it wouldn't last. They all turned up too see Malfoy with a grin on his face.
"Guess there is no money left from summer. It usually what happens when poor people have too much of it. They spend it instead of putting it aside.
-Sat away from us Malfoy!
-With pleasure."
Harry felt a wave of anger going through him. He was going to hit him so hard he won't be recognizable. He moved toward Malfoy and suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Potter, are you trying to get into trouble already?"
Harry turned to see Snape.
"Come with me."
Harry followed him into his study. Malfoy looked happy. Ron had his fists closed.
"He won't just let go of hi does? I knew it was an act when he took Harry during the summer.
-Why is he like that to Harry? Asked Neville. It seems personal.
-According to Harry, his father and Snape hate each other.
-I see, added Dean. So he is taking advantage. Typical of Snape.
-There's nothing we can do, said Hermione putting her hand on Ron's shoulder. Let's go and asked Harry after."
They nodded and went in.
Harry was walking behind Snape. He wouldn't have mind being lectured if Malfoy had also a word. They encountered many ghosts who were going to the great hall to assist the dinner.
"Harry!"
It was Sir Nicholas. He lost his smile as soon as he saw Snape.
"Now, now, professor. No need to scold Harry right at the beginning at the semester, right?
-Sir Nicholas, as a ghost, you don't have a say in the matter of the living. Let me deal with this."
If Sir Nicholas could have gone whiter, it would have been the case. Harry never saw him being that offended. He nodded towards Harry and left.
They finally reached Snape's office. He sat down and looked at Harry.
"That was unnecessary sir.
-I beg your pardon Potter?
-What you said to Nicholas. Why did you have to say that?
-People should keep their nose out of other business.
-But you chose to say in such harsh way.
-People will always say bad things; you can't hit them anytime like you were going to do. Had you hit Malfoy, you would have gained detention.
-But it's alright for Malfoy to keep insulting us?
-People will always find a way, life is unfair. Better to get used to that.
-So we should just accept it? Why no tell people it's wrong to bully other? Do you know how much it hurts? You're okay with what my aunt did to me? "
Harry realized he had been screaming all the sentences. Snape was looking at him right into his eyes. He wanted to hate Harry so much because of his resemblance to James. What did Dumbledore told him? He looked like more his mother according to him. Noticing Snape wasn't talking, Harry continued.
"What do you want from me sir? I don't understand you. I don't know what happened between you and my father, but this has nothing to do with me! How could it be? I wasn't there! Why did you send me a present at Christmas?
-I had no use of it. If you think about sending a gift to me, don't bother. I will have no use of it."
Harry felt his heart being tighten. He had forgotten how much words could hurt. He felt tears rolling on his cheeks. His teeth were clenching.
"I hate you."
He had said this word very slowly. Snape didn't move an inch.
"You think I care?"
The door suddenly opened. Lupin was there, standing. He then saw Harry crying.
"Harry what happened?"
He hold him than turned to Snape.
"What have you done Severus?"
Snape was now very annoyed, he rose up.
"Not my fault if the boy is too sensitive.
-Enough! I won't let you hurt him!"
Lupin broke and went to face Snape. Harry never saw him that angry.
"You really have a problem Severus! Look, you had a problem James but he is gone! If that can calm you, go and spit on his grave but let Harry out of this. Let go Severus!
-I don't have a problem, unlike you!
-What does it have to do with this matter? Leave Harry alone!
-He doesn't behave, I lecture him.
-And what about Malfoy then? Because he is close to you he can do whatever he wants?
-The Gryffindors are always favored. So what's wrong if I'm returning it to my house! I remember when we were students; you were never punished enough as far as I am concerned!
-So this is what it is about? Then, put your anger on me Severus! But let Harry out this! Hear me?
-You two enough!"
They all turned their head. Dumbledore and McGonagall were here. She rushed to Harry who began to clear his face with his robe.
"Potter, are you alright?"
Harry wanted to say yes, but no words were popping out of his mouth. McGonagall glared at Snape. For the first time, he seemed confused.
"Minerva, please take Harry to dinner. Make sure he cleans his face before. I'm sure he doesn't want people to see him in this state."
Harry nodded as a thank. McGonagall took him outside. Dumbledore close the door and stared at them.
"You are still on this Severus?
-Still on this? They almost killed me!
-And I told you several time, Remus had nothing to do with it. He wasn't aware, neither was James. It was Sirius Black.
-I could have died.
-Yet you are alive. Remus had lost all his friends. Isn't enough for you?"
Snape was breathing very hard. He couldn't encounter that one. His hatred was too much.
"And if I remember correctly, you did misbehave too Severus, added Dumbledore in a soft voice.
He did… That was why she cut her bond with him. Remus was shaking also.
"You'll still do the potion for Remus. Correctly. Now, let's go to the great hall."
In the heavy silence, they all went. As soon as they arrived, Dumbledore welcomed everyone in a cheery tone. Though everyone was quiet, they couldn't help but look the two teachers. Whispers began to travel. Snape always wanted to teach Defense against the dark arts. Did he fight with Lupin. Harry was seating between Ron and Hermione. His thoughts were towards Snape. He had doubts but no more. That man was wicked, he knew what harry had been through and yet, he was still hurting him. He'll never forgive him.
Morgane had been watching all time. What the hell was wrong with him? She waited until everyone went to sleep. When Snape finally fell, she closed her eyes and put a finger on his forehead. And she saw his past. Talking about grudge! She had a nasty smile then.
"You really hypocrite Severus Snape, just wait until Harry knows. He definitively won't forgive you, my goodness. What about your promise? Protecting him doesn't just mean to keep him alive; it's also about his safety inside. You had an opportunity to win him over. You lost it forever."