For some reason it feels as if my story's going downhill.

An Anti-Sheep Cheese Muffin, I Know, its like a Soap-Opera, isn't it? Haha ... kidding.

Then Harry's words rung in his head. "Look... I don't want your sympathy." That was his first hint that the boy didn't like all the fame and pity he got from others. Snape has learned about the boy in the past week. He learned enough to know that Harry wouldn't let his friends know he was bothered. He knew the boy have been through more in his short time he's been on this earth than any grown wizard could ever dream of.

*Harry will be fine* He argued to himself. Then he sighed. *Potter doesn't remind me of James any longer... But, who does he remind me of? Well* He thought long, then pointed it out to himself as if it was obvious. *Me, of course. Except his fights with the Dark Lord, and that he's a Gryffindor, and a few other things.* He struggled, frowning to himself. *But if Harry's like me, then when his friends leave him- No. I can't be sure they will leave him. They're Gryffindors. Weasley and Granger will never leave Harry behind.*

Snape relaxed himself for a moment, then anotehr thought popped into his head. *The forming young couple left Harry to be alone in Hogsmeade. But then, it did appear that Harry allowed them to. It also seemed Harry wanted them to do it without a guilt-trip. Which would be why he lied abotu staying here. Or he could have been punishing himself for letting his worry about being third wheel slip. No, Harry is a strong boy, He'll manage. And if... the couple aren't loyal Gryffindors to The-Boy-Who-Lived, he'll find someone to lean on. I'm not sure I'm up to the task, though.* Snape stood from his seat and walked to his chambers, stuggling with his thoughts. *Why do I care? Maybe it's because I know the fate of the world rests in this boy's hands. Yes. Keep telling yourself that, Severus.*

In Hogsmeade, Harry did everything to avoid anyone who would notice him not with Ron and Hermione. Which is why he followed around a group of Ravenclaw and Slytherin students. Following them, of course, proved to be a mistake when Malfoy showed up.

"I thought you were staying at the school, Potter?" Draco's voice was cruel, provocative.

"I decided not to."

"Mudblood and Muggle-Lover are at Madam Puddifoot's. I dare say what they are doing there, eh, Potter?"

Harry scowled at 'Mudblood and Muggle-Lover,' but wasn't going to let Draco get to him... Much. "Shut up, Malfoy. Ron and Hermione are entitled to have a little-" Harry shifted, uncomfortably, "... Fun."

Draco scowled, not liking the way the conversation is turning, "You're telling me, Potter, that it doesn't bother you your friends don't want you around anymore?"

Harry almost frowned, but realized something. Draco said 'friends.' "Well, Malfoy-" Harry said 'Malfoy' with complete disgust "As long as they're my friends, they'll always want me around."

Draco turned and stomped off, looking for Neville, whom his next victim would be.

Harry, having done all his shopping for candy and looking around, found McGonagal and asked permission to leave early. Minerva granted him the permission, as long as he took Neville with him. Harry agreed, and took a Muddy looking Neville back to the dorms.

On the way back to Hogwarts, he and Neville saw a couple ahead of them, and as the two drew nearer, Harry saw what he didn't want to see. Ron and Hermione were walking hand-in-hand back to Hogwarts. Harry starred for a moment, then it clicked. Ron and Hermione were going to beat him back to Hogwarts. They were going to look for him, and not find him. Neville would tell them Harry was at Hogsmeade. Suddenly, Harry turned to Neville.

"You cant tell them I was in Hogsmeade, if you do, I'll hex you so bad you'll be sent to St. Mungos!" Harry said, the last part of the sentence so harsh he almost sounded like Snape. Neville was frightened.

"O-of-of c-co-course H-Harry." Neville stuttered.

"You can't tell anyone." Harry breathed, and Neville simply nodded. Harry then motioned to the castle. "Hogwarts is right there, I have to hurry and get in there before they do, and I can't be seen with you, they'll want to know things that we cant answer. So you go on by yourself, McGonagal wont care." Neville nodded again, still frightened by what Harry had said previously.

Harry turned and ran back to Hogsmeade as fast as he could. It didn't take long. Once he was there, he went into Honeydukes, not noticing Draco Malfoy's curious stare. Harry took the only other route he knew back to the castle; the secret passage the Marauder's Map showed him. He went as fast as his feet could carry him through the passage, used a spell to open the passage so he could get into the building. He was in such a hurry to get back to Hogwarts, he didn't think to be careful or listen for teachers before he came in. That would be why he practically ran into Professor Snape.

The man put his hands gently on Harry's shoulders and pushed him back gently, looking at him with a masked expression. "What's this about, Potter?"

Harry was gasping for breath. Snape waited, impatiently for an answer. "Ron-" Harry gasped, "Hermione ... cant ... know... Hogsmeade..." Harry's breathing slowly steadied, and Harry didn't have to clarify himself because Snape looked as if it just dawned on him what Hary said. Harry bit back a laugh, never seeing such a funny expression on Severus Snape's face. The man quickly looked serious again, and removed his hands from Harry's shoulders.

"Harry!" Ron and Hermione shouted and unison, walking as fast as they could toward him and Snape. Then they stop dead five feet away, looking confused. Hermione practically ignored the fact Snape was there.

"Harry, where WERE you? We came back early so you didn't have to be alone and we looked in the library and everyone said they didn't see you-"

Hermione got cut off by Professor Snape, "He was with me, Miss Granger. I figured since he had nothing better to do today, I'd give him an extra Remedial Potion's lesson." Harry's face betrayed no emotions; and Snape was impressed with Harry's ability; he, himself didn't learn to mask his emotions that well until his 7th year.

Ron and Hermione gaped for a moment. Snape, deciding he should leave the trio alone, turned and walked off, his robes billowing gracefully behind him. He couldn't believe he just covered for The-Boy-Who-Lived. He decided to owl Potter immediately.

Harry was sitting in his dorm, at his desk, when Hedwig swooped in dropping a piece of parchment on Harry's desk. Harry gave her a treat, and she hooted, then flew back to the Owlery. Harry opened the letter. It was written in Professor Snape's harsh handwriting.

*****

Mr. Potter

I am writing to inform you I will not allow our meeting today to go unnoticed. I know why you were using a secret passage to get back into the castle. Yet I still feel inclined to punish you, yet right now I admit, an unable to think of a way. I cannot find that using the passage was a direct violation of the school rules, especially since Professor McGonagal informed me that she gave you permission to leave. I am by no means letting you off easy, Potter. I simply, and utterly amazingly, can't find a reason to punish you.

Furthermore, Potter, I would like to inform you that I expect you to heading to my office the second you finish eating on Monday. That is your next Remedial Potion's lesson. Before the lessons begins, Ill expect a full explanation on you actions tonight.

Professor Severus Snape

*****

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Sooo.... What do you think?

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I just realize i made a horrible mistake by putting Dumbledore in here, seeing as he's no where to be seen at this point in the real book. Sorry bout that, Ill just turned him into Snape's subconvious.