Chapter Two
Defusing Land Mines
By Raven Dancer
rating: PG
disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling except for the Drs. Barnes. I receive no monetary compensation for these works.
Summary: Defusing landmines.
Leaving Dumbledore's office, Harry went down to the great hall and into the end of lunch. Hermione and Ron eagerly waved to him when they caught sight of him. He noted a lot of students, and staff, watching him. Snape was seated at the staff table next to Professor McGonagal. He felt the glare settle briefly on him. He stopped, turning slightly, and shot a fierce glare back. It was completely ignored by Snape, but McGonagal was very surprised. Harry then resumed his march across to the Gryffindor table.
He purposefully put his back to the staff table and began to talk animatedly with his friends. He found he was an instant celebrity again having survived a werewolf attack and Professor Snape; the later deemed the worse of the two.
Professor Flitwick went as far as using part of Friday afternoon's class to discuss the curses Snape had used and alternate curses that could have been used. The diminutive professor was surprised at the restraint shown by the selection of curses, especially since they required more 'power' to control.
"A curse or charm uses some of the wizard's energy to
create and use. That's why dueling is not just pointing and
shooting. You have to use some of your inner energy to
properly craft and throw either. If Snape had chosen to
petrify Lupin it would have been an easy, quick curse.
Binding curses require control and timing and use more
energy. He was probably tired after, Harry?"
Harry grudgingly agreed, but groused about "showing off" and the class chuckled.
Harry managed to convey the disgust of being trapped with Snape and allowed himself to be angry and a little vengeful. By week's end everyone, including most of the teachers, got the gist that Harry wasn't going to be passive any longer around Snape.
In his spare moments alone Harry practiced the finitum curse Dumbledore had taught him. He was getting pretty adept at sending it with a minor arm movement; he could whisper and flick without attracting attention.
Monday's breakfast was the first time the two of them were in the same room. Snape was looking pretty good; he must have stayed in his rooms over the weekend preparing midterms. At least two days of meals and sleep. Harry purposefully stormed by the staff table, casting a baleful look at the Potions Master. Who ably ignored him. Flitwick and McGonagal caught Harry's look and proceeded to whisper between themselves. This was definitely going to be quite a ride they decided.
Potions class for fifth year was Tuesdays and Thursdays afternoons. The Gryffinders were still paired with Slytherins. It was 90 minutes long to allow them to brew more complicated recipes. They also had a lecture/ study period on Wednesday mornings for an hour. As they reckoned it that was about 4 hours too much Snape.
All things considered class was a little 'tense' that Tuesday afternoon. Malfoy was doing everything in his power to upset Harry. Harry easily ignored him. Stupid fool, with all the things happening in the wizarding world right now he thought Harry'd be upset over a nasty look or protruding finger?
He kept his attention on Snape. He listened very little allowing Hermione to guide him through the potion process. There was something wrong with Snape, the pinched expression as well as the rigid posture were painful.
For his part Snape stayed in teacher role, not very aggressive at all. He asked questions to the class in general and accepted answers from a variety of people. They had learned that if Hermione did not dominate the class it went much easier for them all.
Harry managed to answer one question curtly, with a sharp expression that caused Snape to glare at him and move to a more dominate position by his cauldron. He could not get to his wand with so many eyes on them, so he kept up his brusque affront while Snape poked through his materials.
Ron and Hermione were amazed at the change in their friend. Harry was always cautious about starting trouble, especially since it found him regularly. They both hissed and spluttered during the entire class period trying to keep him in check. Once the boundary lines had been drawn Snape began to invade Harry's space more often. It even made the Slytherins nervous after awhile.
When class was finally over Harry made sure he was the last person leaving the room. Pretty difficult when his friends packed his materials and books up for him and tried to drag him out to avoid a bigger conflict. Snape, playing the scene for all it was worth, followed him to the door, an imposing figure to say the least.
Harry turned at the door to see the well-honed malevolent sneer. He raised his arm slightly, the tip of his wand only visible to Snape, and mouthed the curse decisively, throwing it as hard as the economical motion would allow. Snape grimaced momentarily, then as the muscles relaxed Harry gave him a returning sneer and sauntered out, knowing it had worked.
Word of the Snape-Potter feud spread through the castle. Students were openly gaping at Harry's audacity. For his part Snape utterly ignored him as well as the well-meaning overtures from colleagues trying to 'help' him with discipline issues.
Harry noted that Lupin tried to discuss something with Snape at dinner, but Snape seemed to cut him off and left without finishing. Even the cloak seemed angry as it swirled out behind him. Huh, should send an owl to the tailor Madam Maulkin about getting one made he reminded himself.
Everything seemed to be going well until lunch on Wednesday. Harry had been wondering who was cursing Snape. McGonagal sat by him, as did Flitwick, his usual companions if Dumbledore was not around. Trelawney and Pomfrey had come to eat lunch, which was a little unusual for both women. They passed by Snape to get to open chairs. He tried to remember when they'd been to a meal last; he was starting to compile a list of 'suspects'.
He wished he could confide in Hermione at the least - she was much better at deduction than he was.
As he stood to leave for Flitwick's class he noticed Snape had paled considerably. But he was at the door and there was no plausible reason to return to torment the professor. Sighing, he resolved to find a way to see him at dinner.
Which turned out to be a fiasco from the word go. Pomfrey and Trelawny came and sat with McGonagal. By the time Snape arrived he had to sit mid-table with Lupin. Then he only sipped tea during dinner and nodded abstractly to Lupin, not speaking much. He garnered from casual conversation at the table Dumbledore was out for the evening and perhaps the following day. Snape left before he had a chance to even approach the staff table.
Furious, he stomped back to the common room and proceeded to attack his homework. Ron tried to coerce him into a game of chess or exploding snaps and finally gave up in disgust, accusing Harry of sulking. Hermione tried to reason with him, thinking he was preoccupied with thoughts of retribution with Snape.
Close, Hermione, close.
She gave up with a huff and left him to his studies. That went poorly. He abandoned his work and wrote out a note to Madam Maulkin. Might as well get one thing done right today. He tucked it into his sleeve to give to Hedwig the next morning. She had been visiting him at breakfast and he enjoyed her company.
Gathering up his things, he went up to bed early. If Snape was going to get whacked often they were going to have to work out more meeting times. He'd just draw a detention in class tomorrow so they could discuss it over dirty cauldrons.
Snape did not make it down to breakfast or lunch. Harry worried, wanting to go check on him, but knew he could not. He spent most of lunch planning his detention.
Going to class early, he purposefully took a cauldron on the front right side of the dungeon. Here was the clearest shot with enough cover from the wall and cauldron to hide his actions. Ron and Hermione reluctantly joined him once they found they couldn't entice him to a back-row cauldron.
Snape looked ill; Harry tried to hit him, but it didn't seem to work like it had the class before. So he opted for plan B. Detention.
He worked on aggravating Malfoy, tossing bits of chopped spleen at him when Snape wasn't looking. These small disruptions kept the entire class jittery. Malfoy was angry, but not going to join in the 'festivities'. He wasn't dumb enough to want to draw detention especially when the professor looked so upset.
Snape had settled on his tall stool, arms wrapped tightly around himself; the cauldrons were busily bubbling. They were finishing up a growth tonic which was «going to be used by Professor Sprout's third year students the following day.
"Whatever you do," Snape said, rubbing his eyes tiredly, "do not drop any of the mixture on the fire."
Without a second thought Harry pulled up a ladleful of tonic and coated a left-over bat liver. He made sure that most, if not all, of the class saw him. Just as Snape reopened his eyes, Harry flung it into Malfoy's fire.
The resulting smell was horrific. Snape sent them running out into the halls as he waved all the fires out at once. Hacking and coughing the class breathed in the cleaner air.
No wand, Harry noted quietly. Snape didn't have his wand out. Interesting.
"POTTER! MY OFFICE! NOW!!" Snape towered over them all. Harry sneered at him and slunk into the office. Snape then dispersed the class saying he'd have their books sent up to their rooms that evening once the air cleared. He further demanded a full parchment from each of them explaining what… reaction had occurred and what effects it could have on them if they had stayed in the dungeon. He watch each student leave, carefully locking the class door to prevent anyone's return.
Finally he stomped into his office, slamming the door. He pulled out his wand and glared menacingly at Harry. Harry glared back. Then the wand whipped down and the door sealed itself so nothing and no one could leave, including sound. He moved past Harry, dropping the wand and stumbled into his chair at the table.
Harry was behind him immediately. He took his own wand out and threw a hard finitum curse at Snape.
Nothing.
Damn! Tenacious was the term Dumbledore had used, wasn't it?
Harry pulled his wand back high over his shoulder, twirling it he gathered momentum and recast the curse, firmly, louder. This time he was rewarded with a dark vapor that rose from Snape's back. He dispelled that with a terminus curse. Snape didn't move, but a small whimper escaped him.
"Severus?" Harry put his hands on the man's shoulders and gently rubbed. He was stiff, tight, and Harry worked over the shoulders until he felt them begin to loosen. Worried, he pulled the body back.
"Severus?" he asked again and was rewarded with a long side look.
"You deliberately disobeyed me, Potter," he managed to rasp out. Harry hugged him once then went to get the tea kettle and mug from the shelf. A quick word and wand: hot water. Then a tea bag and the mug found its way into Snape's curled hands. Harry reached into his robe a produced a napkin full of crackers.
"Resourceful," Snape managed, sipping the hot tea and nibbling on a cracker. He looked haggard, but the color was coming back. Harry resumed running strong hands over abused back muscles.
"I have to go," Harry said. "I'll come tomorrow night to do
detention. Maybe you should let Dobby bring you supper?" He felt Snape stretch slowly under his ministrations.
"Tonight I can, but I have a department meeting tomorrow
morning. Come tomorrow night at 9; I'll be able to stay in my
rooms for the weekend again," Snape answered quietly.
"Good. Dumbledore wants you healthy. I would like that,
too," he added with a smile and moved to the door. Snape nodded, sipping his tea.
"I wish Albus was here; I could use an energy feed." Harry stopped at the door.
"What's that?" he queried.
"It's when one wizard transfers some of his strength or energy to another. I'll just sleep now and that will help."
Harry tucked that information away for research. He motioned to the door and noted yet again the distracted wave of Snape's wandless hand and a soft incantation. Hmmmm.
"Thanks, Severus," he said as the door opened and he slipped out quickly. Changing posture, he slammed the door with a wicked grin. It was kind of fun to act out like this. Although he wished Snape wasn't being cursed. He muffled a snort at the thought. A year ago he wouldn't have cared.
He made his way to Transfigurations and McGonagal. Class was already in full swing when he entered to a mixture of glares and concerned looks. He smirked at the class and settled into a desk next to Hermione.
"As I was saying this is rather difficult seeing that your texts
and notes are unavailable," McGonagal was a touch angry. He looked at her again. Ok, more than a touch. He had the good judgment to squirm uncomfortably and look embarrassed.
"And seeing that you have some research to do for Potions, I
will add a full parchment on timed transfigurations. As you
recall from Tuesday's lecture, this involves transfiguring an
object for a set amount of time." She sat down at her desk.
"I'll expect that next class. You are dismissed for a study
period."
Well, this perked everyone up, except of course Hermione, who had been looking forward to the lesson. An early dismissal with three more days to do the work made it seem like a mini-vacation. Harry surprised his friends by borrowing a blank parchment, pen and ink from McGonagal and heading for the library.
"Harry! We have over three hours 'til dinner! Let's go play
some quidditch," Ron had enthused.
"At least let's get out of the castle while there's some
daylight left to enjoy," added Hermione.
They abandoned him to his research. Well, he had to get rather churlish and ran them off, actually. But he wanted to learn all he could about the energy transfer Snape had mentioned and he didn't want to have to explain himself. He picked up a couple books relating to the papers he had to write as well as a text on his real interest. These he checked out and brought back to his room.
He nearly missed dinner, but Seamus had come up to change into dry clothing. (something about the thawing lake and a dare about touching some slippery creature). Harry managed to act like he had fallen asleep which was not the case. He had devoured the text on energy transfers and had practiced the incantations. His hands tingled from the slight surge he had managed.
At dinner he endured the advice from friends and peers on how to work around Snape. Lupin had stopped by and asked to see him in the morning before class, then went up to the staff table. Hermione admitted in telling him about Harry's run-in.
As he ate Lupin watched Harry and Snape. He was still uncertain of what had happened in that locked room. He would have sworn Snape had treated him kindly, with affection even, but both the Potions Master and student denied it. The animosity between them seemed to confirm something uncomfortable had happened that night. He just couldn't recall what. Chocolate. Warmth. A soothing hand.
Damn that transformation!!
He knew Harry and Snape never liked one another in the past, but hadn't they reconciled somewhat at the Headmaster's request? Sirius seemed pretty certain on that point. Harry was surly when he'd stopped by the table. Snape simply refused to discuss that night any further saying it was Potter's problem and if he wanted detention he'd get it thank you very much.
So Harry went to see Lupin before class Friday morning. He listened to the professor, nodding abstractly. No, he wasn't having any problems from home; his aunt and uncle didn't bother with him at all when he was at school. He hadn't had any fights with Ron or Hermione. Quidditch practice was going great. School work was harder, but quite manageable. No thanks, he really didn't need any help with, ahem, Professor Snape. Yes, yes, he would certainly come to him if he needed some help. Lupin was absolutely frustrated at the intricate dance.
In the end that was what it seemed to be. An intricate dance. What was going on? Lupin calmed himself. Time would tell more than forcing the issue with either man.
Harry went to detention Friday night to clean the cauldrons (which were done) and scrub the floor (which was nearly sparkling with a new coat of wax). He sat in Snape's office after removing the new curse that had affected the man's stomach. Dobby brought in a warm meal for the professor, as well as a large pot of hot blackberry tea. Several pastries were left for dessert.
Harry and Snape talked quidditch through the meal. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were playing in a week's time. Harry was still very keen on the Ravenclaw seeker, Cho. Snape was quick to compliment her moves on the field. Harry was initially pleased with Snape's knowledge then laughed at himself. Of course there was more to this man than potions class. Why had he fallen into such a narrow view of him? He shared his thought.
"I'm your teacher, Harry. A bastard at that. Of course you'd
have a narrow view of me. I don't exactly project warmth
and interest in anything but myself, do I?"
"Now you're going to tell me McGonagal is expert at tole painting."
Snape snickered, "No, not really. But never, never accept an
invitation to play cards with her. Lost a whole paycheque to
her before I figured out she was bluffing."
Harry just shook his head.
"I don't know if I'm quite ready to make the jump from
teacher to human being quite yet."
"We're not. Part of the contract," and Harry laughed at Snape's expression.
Setting his mug down he stood and went behind Snape.
"I did a little research Severus. Let me see if I've got it
right," and he placed his hands on the man's shoulders and carefully massaged the loosening muscles. Warmth spread from his fingertips causing Snape to lower his head on his arms and sigh softly.
He smiled at his success, continuing the feed for nearly ten minutes, until he began to tire. The book was adamant about stopping when the giver was tiring. Especially in the beginning.
Harry closed his eyes a moment. It was exhilarating! Although he was tired he felt confidence surge through him. He finally looked down at the Potions master and noted he was limp in sleep. He levitated the man onto the couch and tucked the afghan around him.
"Harry?" voice thick with sleep.
"Yes, Severus?" he asked smugly, leaning over the man and running his hand over the shoulder, sending him back under.
"Sleep well, Severus," he gently touched his cheek and turned to the table. Dobby was back quietly cleaning up.
"Dobby! Thank you for the tea," Harry said quietly.
"Harry Potter is welcome. I like to help him and Professor
Snape," the large luminous eyes crinkled in pleasure.
"You take care of Professor Snape?" he asked.
"Oh, yes, Dobby is special for the Headmaster and Professor
Snape," he smile shyly,
"I also look out for Harry Potter."
Harry smiled back, "I'm glad you look out for me, Dobby." He sat down at the table near the busy house elf.
"Would you help me this weekend? Professor Snape needs to rest. No visitors unless he asks. He'll need his meals brought to him, too."
The house elf nodded seriously, "Yes, Dobby will watch. Dobby will shield his sleep, too."
"Thank you!" He rose and moved towards the door. "Uh," he stopped short,
"if anyone asks about tonight,"
"You cleaned the dungeon, Sir. Professor Snape was very particular about the desk tops, Sir. You should not be so rude, Sir," and the elf giggled.
Smiling, Harry reached for the door, which would not open. Dobby raised his fingers and snapped once, the door swung slightly open.
"Thanks again," Harry whispered now, schooling his face into a sullen brooding as he walked out the door.
Ron and Hermione were still up in the common room, very glad to have him back and in one piece. Harry was tired and had to convince them that Snape had not abused him. He had cleaned tables and cauldrons. The Potions Master had tried to discuss the upcoming quidditch match with him, but he assured his friends that he exchanged no pleasantries with that man.
He grudgingly allowed that Snape had been polite through the ordeal, but that was all he would allow. He went up to sleep, Hermione's voice calling after to remind him about going to Hogsmeade the following day.
Hogsmeade was fun. Harry and Hermione picked up some parchment and fresh ink. Whatever else the smoke from the burnt plant food did, it had a devastating effect on the open bottles of ink. Ron had been sharing Harry's so his was spared.
Then they wandered through the joke shop; Harry quickly noted that his friends seemed a little nervous as he pawed through the various gags. He didn't buy anything, which seemed to soothe them. He did purchase a rather frightening pair of socks for Dobby, a thank you present of sorts. These were sent back to the school by owl.
Harry and Ron both loved going into the post office and looking at all the owls available. Usually they tried to mail something somewhere just for the excuse to look. Hermione's parents had received several packages of mint strings over the past several months. Ron sent his mom a variety of sweets to try out.
As Harry handed over the parcel of socks, he watched the postmistress call to an elderly brown owl. "He looks as decrepit as Eorl!" he sniggered in Ron's ear. After the parcel was attached, the owl was gently set on the window's ledge and he carefully flew off.
"He doesn't get much of a chance to deliver any more," said the lady.
"Does him good to deliver a message, it does."
After securing some sweets for themselves, the trio headed back to the castle.
Monday dawned and a very healthy Snape came to breakfast and lunch, Harry noted with smug delight. Dumbledore was back and they ate both meals together at the staff table, definitely deep in conversation.
At dinner Snape was absent, but Harry didn't worry. Dumbledore was there. He had enjoyed his morning classes much more than the afternoon's, especially Defense against the Dark Arts. Although Lupin was still pressuring for answers regarding his transformation. He deflected the queries by feigning disinterest.
Tuesday dawned; again no Snape at breakfast or lunch. Still, Dumbledore was there, looking a little tired, eating quietly. Harry looked forward to Potions. It would be fun to challenge Snape without having to worry about any curses.
He realized Snape was his most challenging teacher. Certainly Lupin and McGonagal taught him a great deal; he didn't even consider Trelawney. Sprout and Hagrid drilled them on the basics. But Potions allowed for more exploration. More disasters, certainly, when an incorrect or incorrectly prepared ingredient was added to a cauldron.
Geeze, change your attitude about someone and learn a heck of a lot. Hermione had gone on forever how interesting potion making was; although she favored transfigurations. Of course. She always got the wand work and words correct. He and Ron struggled mightily at times over proper intonation and wand sweep. At least in potions you stood a better chance at success. Line up the ingredients and go for it. If there was a spell, the words had to be said correctly, but intonation wasn't as important.
Harry strode into potions class allowing Hermione to secure a back row cauldron. He didn't glance up when he heard the office door open, being intent on getting his parchment out on the reaction from last week.
"It's Lupin!" whispered a relieved Ron. Harry suppressed his concern managing a sneer and expressing he hoped Snape was ill. He quietly sat through class going through the motions while Lupin walked around to check on the bubbling cauldrons.
Harry waited until the end of class when most students had left to approach Lupin.
"What happened to Professor Snape?" he asked as mildly as possible. Lupin looked at him quizzically.
"Called away, I believe," he said. "At least that's what
Dumbledore intimated." Harry nodded and began to leave.
"Harry, why are you so interested in Professor Snape?"
"I'm not," he insisted as he reached the door.
"Did you have another surprise for him today?" Lupin tried the direct approach. Harry started to deny it, then just grinned.
"Good day, Professor Lupin. See you in class Friday!" and he left.
Lupin stared after Harry for afl long moment. What exactly was going on? He was a patient man, but his curiosity was getting the better of him. He resolved to be a little more vigilant on the Snape/Potter feud.
Harry tore down the stairs to the kitchens. He found Dobby almost immediately, but the house elf could only tell him that Snape had left on business.
"Actually, Dobby, I don't want to know where he's off to, I
only want to know when he's back," he looked pleadingly and the elf.
After a moment's consideration, Dobby nodded vigorously, his bat-like ears flapping in an eerie imitation of the night creature. "Dobby will find Harry Potter," he promised. As soon as he extracted the promise Harry bolted back upstairs to transfigurations.