Harry looked around, uneasiness growing rapidly into panic. His uncle stood
across the table from him, Petunia on his right and Dudley on his left.
There was a grin on his piggy face.
"How nice of you to come back, Harry. We prepared a special leaving party for you. . ."
Harry tried not to let his paralysing terror show on his face. He looked Vernon squarely in the eye and spoke as calmly as he could.
"Don't you think they'll be suspicious at Hog. . .my school. . .if I go back with a black eye?"
Vernon laughed, and Petunia giggled.
"Well, since you claim to be a wizard, then surely you can figure out how to hide them? I'm sure you would hate to admit that you can't even stand up to your carers."
Harry flinched; how had Vernon realised? The one thing he was more scared of than anything; people finding out that perfect, famous Harry Potter couldn't stand up to a few muggles.
As he had been thinking, Vernon strode over to him, and grasped him by the shoulders, smirking as Harry stiffened.
"Scared, boy?"
Harry was terrified.
**********************************
A/N I am not going to write another beating scene, also this fic is rape free. There will be flashbacks later.
************************************
Bloody and battered, Harry portkeyed back to Hogwarts at 1.00am the next morning. He cast his healing charms as quickly as he could, which was lucky since he ran into Snape on his way back to the Common Room. Snape regarded him with an eyebrow raised.
"Why are you out this early, Potter?"
Sadly there was no way he could take off points, as it was the morning, and curfew didn't apply.
"I was seeing Professor Dumbledore" said Harry flatly.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for talking back. Now get back to your common room." Said Snape coldly. Silently, Harry complied, leaving Snape to stare at the boys retreating back.
************************************
The next morning they had Transfiguration, Charms and then Potions. Harry sat down with Ron and Hermione, who were tactfully silent for a few moments before Ron couldn't resist anymore and exclaimed,
"Where have you been? Are you alright?"
Harry smiled as cheerfully as he could.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was in a street fight, went a bit wrong, but I'm pretty much all healed now."
Ron looked quizzically at Hermione, who laughed.
"I promise, Ron, I'll get you a book on Muggle Culture for your birthday. You know nothing about anything muggle related!"
"Yes, but when would I ever NEED to?" whined Ron.
"What if you were trapped in the muggle world? You wouldn't know how to use a telephone, what currency to use. . ."
Ron rolled his eyes at Harry imploringly and Harry laughed. Just then Professor McGonagall came in.
"Right, class, we will be continuing trying to accomplish the voice transfiguration again today. Don't be disheartened, it took me myself several years to master it. It is one of the hardest transfigurations you will ever learn in school, and I would be surprised if any of you got it right this year. It is very advanced magic, and normally would not be on the syllabus, but Professor Dumbledore thinks it will be a good idea considering the current. . .political climate. . .to learn some disguising techniques.
Now, get out your notes from last week, partner up, Miss Granger with Mister Longbottom, and Neville, please try not to do anything irreversible to Hermione, the rest of you may take the partner of your choice. Mr Potter, come here."
Harry went to the front desk.
"As I said, this is a very advanced transfiguration" said McGonagall once she had checked everyone was working well. "I will understand if you want to copy up the notes this week and attempt it next week, or you may just read the notes and have a go today. It is very difficult to damage your partner. Which will you choose?"
Harry considered.
"I think I'd like to try it today, please, professor" he said. McGonagall smiled.
"Good boy. Read Miss Granger's notes and then work with Mr Weasley."
Harry skimmed over the notes. It didn't seem that hard; just a question of having the mental strength to force his magic into Ron. Apparently the transformation was even harder on yourself, because you had to imagine the voice tone you wanted as clearly as possible, but obviously speaking the incantation would remind you of your current voice. But still, anything was worth a try.
Ron had several goes, each one unproductive, until with a long-suffering sigh he threw his wand down.
"Oh, you have a go Harry. This is bloody impossible. Even Hermione can't do it."
Harry stared at Ron, trying to clear his mind. He reminded himself of the beatings, of how he had detached his mind from Vernon and the pain, and how he had overcome the Imperius the previous year. Then he put an image of a girl's high pitched squeal into his mind, and spoke the incantation.
"Alterna Vocis!"
However as he did so, Ron spoke in his normal voice. "Anytime this day, Harry! Oops, sorry, didn't realise you'd started."
Harry grimaced. "I nearly had it, Ron! Let me try it again."
"Fat chance, mate. I mean, no offence, but if 'Mione can't do it, how could you?"
"Look, Ron, just give me a chance! It was my first go!"
Grumbling, Ron subsided and stood silent.
Harry closed his eyes and again willed himself to imagine the classroom was not there; nobody was there; nothing existed.
"Alterna Vocis!"
He felt the magic surge through him, and along his wand. Nothing tangible happened, or so he and Ron thought, until McGonagall looked up sharply.
"What was that?" she demanded.
"I don't know, Professor" said Harry softly.
"What was. . .EEK!" exclaimed Ron. His voice had risen several octaves, and every word came out as a high pitched squeal. "Harry! What in Merlin's name have you done to me?"
Harry gulped.
"Um. . .sorry, Ron. . ."
McGonagall had risen and was looking shrewdly at Harry.
"Mr Potter, please restore your friend's voice and then come with me. Everyone else, dismissed. You have free time until your next lesson."
When Harry had given Ron his normal voice back, blushing furiously, he followed McGonagall back to her office. She threw a handful of the powder Snape had once used to call Lupin into the fireplace, and called Dumbledore's name. The wise old wizard's head appeared in the flames.
"Ah, Minerva, can I help you?"
"Yes, Albus, can I have a word regarding Mr Potter?"
Dumbledore's head disappeared and then his whole body stepped out of the fireplace.
"Minerva, Harry, how can I be of assistance?"
"Young Mr Potter here" said McGonagall, giving Harry the impression he had done something terrible, "just completed the Alterna Vocis transfiguration on his second attempt!"
Dumbledore tilted his head and looked at Harry over the top of his glasses.
"Hmm, that's interesting, Minerva. Maybe he should be given a new assignment next week. How about. . .permanent transfiguration? That should keep him occupied for some time."
McGonagall looked shocked.
"But Albus - what if it goes wrong?"
Albus' eyes seemed to lose their twinkle.
"I believe it is a risk worth taking."
There was an awkward silence, and then Harry cleared his throat.
"What could go wrong?"
"Permanent transfiguration is not practised at N.E.W.T. level, mainly because it is the basis for many Dark Arts. You see. . .as the name says, it is irreversible. If it goes wrong, something could become permanently disfigured. For instance, a student, if your aim went wrong."
Harry blanched slightly, but didn't argue. He had seen the determination in Dumbledore's eyes.
"But sir. . .why do you want me to learn it?"
There was a long pause, and Dumbledore spoke, looking older than he had for some time.
"We cannot shield you from Voldemort for much longer, Harry. You must learn more dangerous spells than 'expelliarmus' to defeat him. We will not teach you Dark Arts as such, but should you find books around the school and receive the basis of Dark Training and decide to teach yourself Dark Protection, we would not stand in your way."
Harry was silent, but nodded.
"You may go now, Harry. Thank you for informing me Minerva."
McGonagall nodded, and led Harry out of her office.
"You should go to your next lesson now" she said.
"Professor?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you make me turn Ron's voice back?"
"Because I couldn't myself." She said softly. "And I think mister Weasley would prefer his normal voice."
With a nod, she rounded the corner, and Harry went off in the other direction to charms.
*********************************
Flitwick nodded to Harry as he went in.
"Professor Dumbledore explained where you were, Harry. We're revising a few basic spells and then we will be duelling for the rest of the lesson."
This was another ad reminder of Voldemort's return. Gone were the funny charms and useless transfigurations they had studied previously. Now they were practising duelling, transfiguring disguises and Harry was willing to bet that they would be doing something useful in potions. Yet another chance for Snape to mock and taunt him.
Harry's angry thoughts were distracted by Flitwick announcing the start of the duelling in a bright voice. He moved towards Ron, but saw he was partnered with Hermione. Oddly, everybody had a partner. Harry walked over to Flitwick who smiled.
"No matter, Harry, you can help me judge."
The duelling was boring. Few people used any more interesting charms than stupefy or expelliarmus. In the end, Harry and Flitwick agreed that Pavarti was the overall winner, but Harry could tell by the worried look on the tiny wizard's face that he was worried.
Expelliarmus was little against the Cruciatus.
****************************
When everyone else had filtered out for lunch, Flitwick held Harry back.
"Harry, I want you to research as many curses, charms and hexes as you can. You will be meeting me in your divination lessons for duelling practice. It will be no holds barred, except for the Unforgivables, obviously, so be sure to know some blocking spells!"
Groaning inwardly, harry decided he didn't want any lunch. His head was throbbing from lack of sleep and his eyes were sore. He flopped down on his bed in the Dormitory and yelled from the pain, thanking Merlin that everyone was at lunch. Gently he undid the concealing charms and transfigured a mirror.
"Ooh what happened to you, dear?" asked the mirror. Annoyed, Harry silenced it with a wave of his wand, and looked at the damage.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Flashback ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He curled up on the floor, shirt off his back, as Vernon kicked his ribs brutally, and then there was silence and a soft grunt. He heard a swish and crack, and instinctively flinched although the whip didn't touch him. That time.
CRACK
He screamed out in pain and the whip came down again.
CRACK - CRACK - CRACK
However much later it was, his voice was broken from the repeated screaming, and he was slumped over a chair beaten and bleeding.
Alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End Flashback ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Too soon, it was time for Potions, and he recast the concealing charms, forcing his aching limbs out of the bed.
*******************************
Snape whirled around the classroom. Potter was late. Stupid boy. Couldn't possibly be his son. James through and through, with that arrogance.
A nasty voice in his head said oh well, at least you're never arrogant
He came to Neville, simply raised an eyebrow, and watched the terror mount in the boy's face. Shame really, had he any parents he would probably be different and more magical than your average Squib. But Snape hated thinking about Susan and Frank Longbottom. It brought back too many memories of the Death Eaters. Lucius' triumphant expression when he announced to Voldemort his 'first blood' had been two of the greatest aurors of the time. The feeling in Snape's stomach when he saw how one of his schoolfriends had gone insane.
It was ironic, how the offspring of two of Snape's only friends were the ones he treated worst out of the whole class. Merlin, he hated irony.
**********************************
Harry looked at his watch. He had a while, no need to hurry. He rounded the corner and realised there wasn't even anyone outside the classroom. Maybe Snape was in there and would let him sit down. He was so tired. . .
He looked through the door and his heart jumped. How had this happened? The whole class was in action, brewing and stirring. He looked at his watch in horror. Why? What had happened?
He jumped back, praying that Snape had not seen him, and leaned against the old stone walls. He didn't know if it was his overactive imagination, but it felt like they were whispering soothing words to him, reassuring him.
It was probably just lack of sleep, or the walls were lying, because the door slammed open and Snape appeared in the doorway.
Harry's luck seemed to run as far as keeping him alive but miserable, so he didn't even think of cursing any gods as Snape glowered - for want of a stronger word - at him. There couldn't be any gods. And Snape. . .well, Snape looked like he wanted to rip him limb from limb, feed his genitals to Mrs Norris, club his barely alive head with a severed arm and drink Harry's blood before turning his still beating heart inside out. With these graphic pictures in his head, it was hardly surprising that the only noise Harry could make was a choked squeak.
Snape was bearing down on him and suddenly, through half-closed eyes he seemed to be growing, his face expanding and reddening, bellowing words, and Harry sank to the floor shaking, curled up, begging it all to go away and not hurt him.
****************************
Snape was furious. The cheek of the boy! To peer through the door and then try and hide; Snape could have killed him gladly. He opened the door and was gratified to see the pure terror on the boy's face. If anything, since learning he was Potter's father, Snape's hatred had intensified for him even more. He took a step forward and another, snarling, and Potter cowered back against the wall. But this wasn't funny any more; he was shaking violently and whispering "Stop it, please, no, I'm sorry, please, no. . ."
Snape regarded the boy and stepped back a pace.
"Where have you been?"
He looked up through his rapidly growing hair, eyes wide.
"I am so sorry, sir, I got the time confused."
Snape snorted.
"Of course you did, Potter. Of course you weren't too lazy and arrogant to turn up to my lesson."
"Arrogant? How does arrogant come into this?"
"You DARE to talk back to me?"
Harry swallowed.
Snape decided against moving closer to Potter; he didn't want to give the Boy-Who-Lived a heart attack before he had defeated Voldemort.
"50 points from Gryffindor, and detention in here tonight. It will be another 50 if you're late. Well, what are you waiting for? Go!"
Harry walked around the corner as quickly as he could, leaning against the wall in exhaustion as soon as he was out of sight.
"What a day" he muttered to himself.
***** NO CLIFFIE! I'm so proud grins thanks for all the reviews. Btw, what exactly does rnrn mean? *****************
"How nice of you to come back, Harry. We prepared a special leaving party for you. . ."
Harry tried not to let his paralysing terror show on his face. He looked Vernon squarely in the eye and spoke as calmly as he could.
"Don't you think they'll be suspicious at Hog. . .my school. . .if I go back with a black eye?"
Vernon laughed, and Petunia giggled.
"Well, since you claim to be a wizard, then surely you can figure out how to hide them? I'm sure you would hate to admit that you can't even stand up to your carers."
Harry flinched; how had Vernon realised? The one thing he was more scared of than anything; people finding out that perfect, famous Harry Potter couldn't stand up to a few muggles.
As he had been thinking, Vernon strode over to him, and grasped him by the shoulders, smirking as Harry stiffened.
"Scared, boy?"
Harry was terrified.
**********************************
A/N I am not going to write another beating scene, also this fic is rape free. There will be flashbacks later.
************************************
Bloody and battered, Harry portkeyed back to Hogwarts at 1.00am the next morning. He cast his healing charms as quickly as he could, which was lucky since he ran into Snape on his way back to the Common Room. Snape regarded him with an eyebrow raised.
"Why are you out this early, Potter?"
Sadly there was no way he could take off points, as it was the morning, and curfew didn't apply.
"I was seeing Professor Dumbledore" said Harry flatly.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for talking back. Now get back to your common room." Said Snape coldly. Silently, Harry complied, leaving Snape to stare at the boys retreating back.
************************************
The next morning they had Transfiguration, Charms and then Potions. Harry sat down with Ron and Hermione, who were tactfully silent for a few moments before Ron couldn't resist anymore and exclaimed,
"Where have you been? Are you alright?"
Harry smiled as cheerfully as he could.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was in a street fight, went a bit wrong, but I'm pretty much all healed now."
Ron looked quizzically at Hermione, who laughed.
"I promise, Ron, I'll get you a book on Muggle Culture for your birthday. You know nothing about anything muggle related!"
"Yes, but when would I ever NEED to?" whined Ron.
"What if you were trapped in the muggle world? You wouldn't know how to use a telephone, what currency to use. . ."
Ron rolled his eyes at Harry imploringly and Harry laughed. Just then Professor McGonagall came in.
"Right, class, we will be continuing trying to accomplish the voice transfiguration again today. Don't be disheartened, it took me myself several years to master it. It is one of the hardest transfigurations you will ever learn in school, and I would be surprised if any of you got it right this year. It is very advanced magic, and normally would not be on the syllabus, but Professor Dumbledore thinks it will be a good idea considering the current. . .political climate. . .to learn some disguising techniques.
Now, get out your notes from last week, partner up, Miss Granger with Mister Longbottom, and Neville, please try not to do anything irreversible to Hermione, the rest of you may take the partner of your choice. Mr Potter, come here."
Harry went to the front desk.
"As I said, this is a very advanced transfiguration" said McGonagall once she had checked everyone was working well. "I will understand if you want to copy up the notes this week and attempt it next week, or you may just read the notes and have a go today. It is very difficult to damage your partner. Which will you choose?"
Harry considered.
"I think I'd like to try it today, please, professor" he said. McGonagall smiled.
"Good boy. Read Miss Granger's notes and then work with Mr Weasley."
Harry skimmed over the notes. It didn't seem that hard; just a question of having the mental strength to force his magic into Ron. Apparently the transformation was even harder on yourself, because you had to imagine the voice tone you wanted as clearly as possible, but obviously speaking the incantation would remind you of your current voice. But still, anything was worth a try.
Ron had several goes, each one unproductive, until with a long-suffering sigh he threw his wand down.
"Oh, you have a go Harry. This is bloody impossible. Even Hermione can't do it."
Harry stared at Ron, trying to clear his mind. He reminded himself of the beatings, of how he had detached his mind from Vernon and the pain, and how he had overcome the Imperius the previous year. Then he put an image of a girl's high pitched squeal into his mind, and spoke the incantation.
"Alterna Vocis!"
However as he did so, Ron spoke in his normal voice. "Anytime this day, Harry! Oops, sorry, didn't realise you'd started."
Harry grimaced. "I nearly had it, Ron! Let me try it again."
"Fat chance, mate. I mean, no offence, but if 'Mione can't do it, how could you?"
"Look, Ron, just give me a chance! It was my first go!"
Grumbling, Ron subsided and stood silent.
Harry closed his eyes and again willed himself to imagine the classroom was not there; nobody was there; nothing existed.
"Alterna Vocis!"
He felt the magic surge through him, and along his wand. Nothing tangible happened, or so he and Ron thought, until McGonagall looked up sharply.
"What was that?" she demanded.
"I don't know, Professor" said Harry softly.
"What was. . .EEK!" exclaimed Ron. His voice had risen several octaves, and every word came out as a high pitched squeal. "Harry! What in Merlin's name have you done to me?"
Harry gulped.
"Um. . .sorry, Ron. . ."
McGonagall had risen and was looking shrewdly at Harry.
"Mr Potter, please restore your friend's voice and then come with me. Everyone else, dismissed. You have free time until your next lesson."
When Harry had given Ron his normal voice back, blushing furiously, he followed McGonagall back to her office. She threw a handful of the powder Snape had once used to call Lupin into the fireplace, and called Dumbledore's name. The wise old wizard's head appeared in the flames.
"Ah, Minerva, can I help you?"
"Yes, Albus, can I have a word regarding Mr Potter?"
Dumbledore's head disappeared and then his whole body stepped out of the fireplace.
"Minerva, Harry, how can I be of assistance?"
"Young Mr Potter here" said McGonagall, giving Harry the impression he had done something terrible, "just completed the Alterna Vocis transfiguration on his second attempt!"
Dumbledore tilted his head and looked at Harry over the top of his glasses.
"Hmm, that's interesting, Minerva. Maybe he should be given a new assignment next week. How about. . .permanent transfiguration? That should keep him occupied for some time."
McGonagall looked shocked.
"But Albus - what if it goes wrong?"
Albus' eyes seemed to lose their twinkle.
"I believe it is a risk worth taking."
There was an awkward silence, and then Harry cleared his throat.
"What could go wrong?"
"Permanent transfiguration is not practised at N.E.W.T. level, mainly because it is the basis for many Dark Arts. You see. . .as the name says, it is irreversible. If it goes wrong, something could become permanently disfigured. For instance, a student, if your aim went wrong."
Harry blanched slightly, but didn't argue. He had seen the determination in Dumbledore's eyes.
"But sir. . .why do you want me to learn it?"
There was a long pause, and Dumbledore spoke, looking older than he had for some time.
"We cannot shield you from Voldemort for much longer, Harry. You must learn more dangerous spells than 'expelliarmus' to defeat him. We will not teach you Dark Arts as such, but should you find books around the school and receive the basis of Dark Training and decide to teach yourself Dark Protection, we would not stand in your way."
Harry was silent, but nodded.
"You may go now, Harry. Thank you for informing me Minerva."
McGonagall nodded, and led Harry out of her office.
"You should go to your next lesson now" she said.
"Professor?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you make me turn Ron's voice back?"
"Because I couldn't myself." She said softly. "And I think mister Weasley would prefer his normal voice."
With a nod, she rounded the corner, and Harry went off in the other direction to charms.
*********************************
Flitwick nodded to Harry as he went in.
"Professor Dumbledore explained where you were, Harry. We're revising a few basic spells and then we will be duelling for the rest of the lesson."
This was another ad reminder of Voldemort's return. Gone were the funny charms and useless transfigurations they had studied previously. Now they were practising duelling, transfiguring disguises and Harry was willing to bet that they would be doing something useful in potions. Yet another chance for Snape to mock and taunt him.
Harry's angry thoughts were distracted by Flitwick announcing the start of the duelling in a bright voice. He moved towards Ron, but saw he was partnered with Hermione. Oddly, everybody had a partner. Harry walked over to Flitwick who smiled.
"No matter, Harry, you can help me judge."
The duelling was boring. Few people used any more interesting charms than stupefy or expelliarmus. In the end, Harry and Flitwick agreed that Pavarti was the overall winner, but Harry could tell by the worried look on the tiny wizard's face that he was worried.
Expelliarmus was little against the Cruciatus.
****************************
When everyone else had filtered out for lunch, Flitwick held Harry back.
"Harry, I want you to research as many curses, charms and hexes as you can. You will be meeting me in your divination lessons for duelling practice. It will be no holds barred, except for the Unforgivables, obviously, so be sure to know some blocking spells!"
Groaning inwardly, harry decided he didn't want any lunch. His head was throbbing from lack of sleep and his eyes were sore. He flopped down on his bed in the Dormitory and yelled from the pain, thanking Merlin that everyone was at lunch. Gently he undid the concealing charms and transfigured a mirror.
"Ooh what happened to you, dear?" asked the mirror. Annoyed, Harry silenced it with a wave of his wand, and looked at the damage.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Flashback ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He curled up on the floor, shirt off his back, as Vernon kicked his ribs brutally, and then there was silence and a soft grunt. He heard a swish and crack, and instinctively flinched although the whip didn't touch him. That time.
CRACK
He screamed out in pain and the whip came down again.
CRACK - CRACK - CRACK
However much later it was, his voice was broken from the repeated screaming, and he was slumped over a chair beaten and bleeding.
Alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End Flashback ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Too soon, it was time for Potions, and he recast the concealing charms, forcing his aching limbs out of the bed.
*******************************
Snape whirled around the classroom. Potter was late. Stupid boy. Couldn't possibly be his son. James through and through, with that arrogance.
A nasty voice in his head said oh well, at least you're never arrogant
He came to Neville, simply raised an eyebrow, and watched the terror mount in the boy's face. Shame really, had he any parents he would probably be different and more magical than your average Squib. But Snape hated thinking about Susan and Frank Longbottom. It brought back too many memories of the Death Eaters. Lucius' triumphant expression when he announced to Voldemort his 'first blood' had been two of the greatest aurors of the time. The feeling in Snape's stomach when he saw how one of his schoolfriends had gone insane.
It was ironic, how the offspring of two of Snape's only friends were the ones he treated worst out of the whole class. Merlin, he hated irony.
**********************************
Harry looked at his watch. He had a while, no need to hurry. He rounded the corner and realised there wasn't even anyone outside the classroom. Maybe Snape was in there and would let him sit down. He was so tired. . .
He looked through the door and his heart jumped. How had this happened? The whole class was in action, brewing and stirring. He looked at his watch in horror. Why? What had happened?
He jumped back, praying that Snape had not seen him, and leaned against the old stone walls. He didn't know if it was his overactive imagination, but it felt like they were whispering soothing words to him, reassuring him.
It was probably just lack of sleep, or the walls were lying, because the door slammed open and Snape appeared in the doorway.
Harry's luck seemed to run as far as keeping him alive but miserable, so he didn't even think of cursing any gods as Snape glowered - for want of a stronger word - at him. There couldn't be any gods. And Snape. . .well, Snape looked like he wanted to rip him limb from limb, feed his genitals to Mrs Norris, club his barely alive head with a severed arm and drink Harry's blood before turning his still beating heart inside out. With these graphic pictures in his head, it was hardly surprising that the only noise Harry could make was a choked squeak.
Snape was bearing down on him and suddenly, through half-closed eyes he seemed to be growing, his face expanding and reddening, bellowing words, and Harry sank to the floor shaking, curled up, begging it all to go away and not hurt him.
****************************
Snape was furious. The cheek of the boy! To peer through the door and then try and hide; Snape could have killed him gladly. He opened the door and was gratified to see the pure terror on the boy's face. If anything, since learning he was Potter's father, Snape's hatred had intensified for him even more. He took a step forward and another, snarling, and Potter cowered back against the wall. But this wasn't funny any more; he was shaking violently and whispering "Stop it, please, no, I'm sorry, please, no. . ."
Snape regarded the boy and stepped back a pace.
"Where have you been?"
He looked up through his rapidly growing hair, eyes wide.
"I am so sorry, sir, I got the time confused."
Snape snorted.
"Of course you did, Potter. Of course you weren't too lazy and arrogant to turn up to my lesson."
"Arrogant? How does arrogant come into this?"
"You DARE to talk back to me?"
Harry swallowed.
Snape decided against moving closer to Potter; he didn't want to give the Boy-Who-Lived a heart attack before he had defeated Voldemort.
"50 points from Gryffindor, and detention in here tonight. It will be another 50 if you're late. Well, what are you waiting for? Go!"
Harry walked around the corner as quickly as he could, leaning against the wall in exhaustion as soon as he was out of sight.
"What a day" he muttered to himself.
***** NO CLIFFIE! I'm so proud grins thanks for all the reviews. Btw, what exactly does rnrn mean? *****************