/** Author's Note: All characters unfamiliar are OCs and the rest of the wonderful cast belongs to JKR. This is set in an AU. Please see Chapter1 for more info. A very big THANK YOU to all of my reviewers! I have received many constructive criticisms regarding the contents and I'm working harder to make the rest of the chapters better. I'm very happy a lot of you have positive things to say about Michael. Him being my first OC, I'm trying to make him as credible as possible. Also, regarding the first few chapters as being in the 'introduction' phase, that is correct. Seriously, I doubt there will be any twist or major drama/angst in the entire story. Firstly, I can't think of any *blush*. Secondly, it's more of a humour/fun genre. Thirdly, this is a Sev n Mic fic, so there really isn't any 'direction' except lots of interactions between the two. I do hope it will still be an interesting read for you all. Thanks again! Please R&R ^^ **/

Is it so hard? –  Sorting and Shopping

"Good morning, Albus." Minerva called out. Smoothing down her dark olive robes, she gave a polite smile to the Headmaster.

"Morning, Minerva. All set to meet our new student?" He greeted joyfully, joining her in step as they made their way to the medical ward.

"Oh yes! Very much indeed!" She exclaimed.

"So do I, Minerva. So do I." Albus chuckled.

The corridors were empty as it was still early for breakfast. Some of the wall paintings dozed in peaceful sleep while others stirred awake and gave a sleepy nod to the two professors as they went past. Heels clicking in sync on the cold wooden floor, neither said another word as they walked briskly toward their destination.

At the same time, a tall, dark figure swooped out from his private lab deep down in the basement of Hogwarts. Walking up the stairs that were leading away from the dungeons, Severus grumbled softly as he balanced an extra large cauldron of Pepper-Up potion in his arms. Poppy had asked him lightly yesterday if he could brew up a new batch of it, as the supplies in the medical ward were almost finished. Being the Potions Master, he didn't really have a choice. Even if he had been about to refuse, Lockhart's volunteering to brew the potion sealed his decision immediately. Not wanting to be bothered in the near future by the medi-witch, Severus had made certain to prepare extra. Striding forward silently on his long legs, he frowned as yesterday's dinner replayed out in his head once more. My reputation is shot! What was I thinking? Damn it. Muttering under his breath, he turned the corner toward the ward. Severus jerked out of his reverie as the figures of the Headmaster and Vice-Headmistress appeared in his line of vision. Steadying his arms, he dipped his head politely.

Before Minerva could reach for the closed door, a scream rang out from inside the ward. Startled, the professors stared at each other for a split second before instincts took over. Plunking down the heavy cauldron on the floor with a clang, the raven-haired man whipped out his wand, as the other two drew theirs as well. Standing side by side, they roared out a spell in unison. Three flashes of white light sizzled into the air and the wooden oak door burst inwards, showering the floor and the spell casters with tiny pieces of wood. Rushing in, wands out, with a fierce glaze in their eyes, the trio would cut fear in any intruder's heart. Glaring about, they took on a dueling stance, names of attacking spells right at the tip of their tongues. There was only one problem though. There wasn't an intruder in sight.

Time came to a standstill as the occupants in the room surveyed one another. Michael, who was currently standing on his bed with an empty goblet in his hand, blinked in surprise at the rather sudden appearance of three robed figures. Recognising them, he gave a quiet sigh of relief. Poppy, on the other hand, looked like she was about to suffer from heart failure. Realising how ridiculous the situation was, Minerva and Albus dropped their stance and set aside their wands quickly. Annoyance etching on his face, Severus replaced his own and went to retrieve the Pepper-Up potion.

"Headmaster! Minerva! Severus! What on Merlin's Beard are you doing, crashing in here like this??" Madame Pomfrey said in a stunned voice while gripping a dishpan in her left hand.

"We heard you screaming, Poppy." Albus replied calmly, as he picked a wooden splinter from his long, white beard.

"What happened??" Minerva added in concern.

Before Poppy could reply, Severus appeared by her side, cauldron in hand. "Your Pepper-Up potion, I believe." He said coldly. Beckoning with her hand, Poppy led him into the supplies room. As the two disappeared into said room, Albus turned to look at the new boy.

"Good morning, Mr Calanor. And how are we feeling today?" He said, blue eyes twinkling away.

"Not so good, Sir." The boy replied seriously.

"Oh?"

Eyes still fixed on the Headmaster's face, the young boy gestured toward his right. Albus looked, and finding nothing out of the ordinary, he glanced down. There, sticking out from under the bed was a lump wrapped in gold velvet. Before Albus could examine further, the lump moved and Gilderoy Lockhart crawled out, rear end first.

"Why, hello Headmaster! Nice of you to join me!" He exclaimed. "Oh! Hello to you too, Minerva!"

"Good morning, Gilderoy. You are… early." Albus said, amusement showing in his eyes.

Poppy bustled out of the supplies room quickly upon hearing Gilderoy's voice. A second later, Severus appeared, holding the empty cauldron. He scowled darkly when he sighted the DADA teacher. Looking from Severus to Michael's bleak face, Albus tried hard to contain his laughter.

"Oh yes! Just giving Mickey here a little self-introduction AND a personally signed autograph of ME! I was about to change his clothes into a brighter colour… all that black is terrible…" The blonde man said, casting a side-glance at the other black-clad person. "Ah Severus! I was hoping to help you with the potion! But I see you have already brewed it."

"How kind of you." A caustic voice cut through the morning air like hot knife on butter.

"Oh no problem, Sev! So Mickey, wh-"

"Mich- Seve- ael- rus."

Gilderoy faltered slightly when two voices interrupted him at the same instance and the owners of the voices were right now glaring rather hard at him.

"Professor Lockhart, why was your wand under Mr Calanor's bed?" Minerva asked, breaking the tension in the room.

"Er… well, I was about to change the colour of his clothes when Mickey knocked my hand with his goblet. My wand skittered under the bed."

Michael fingered the goblet as five pairs of eyes trained on him. "Cramps."

Severus snorted. Only a fool like Lockhart would believe that.

"And Poppy screaming?" Minerva continued. Obviously, the boy was lying but she was sympathetic instead. The poor child must be so traumatised by Lockhart. If somebody were about to cast a colour-changing spell on my clothes early in the morning after giving me an unwanted autograph, I would have done the same thing!

"Oh, it was nothing. I saw Professor Lockhart with his wand out and was startled." Poppy explained in a rush. Vague as it was, everybody in the room, except Gilderoy, could guess the real reason for the scream. Poppy was more terrified of a warped spell hitting the boy than being actually startled. The extent of the DADA teacher's abilities was widely known. Why was he employed? That one remained a mystery. Unconsciously, three accusing pairs of eyes turned to look at the Headmaster.

"Yes, ah-hem, we will leave this aside for the moment. Michael, I would like to have a little chat with you."

"Yes Sir."

~@~@~@~@~@

It was near the breakfast hour when Severus left the medical ward to replace his cauldron. There would be a sorting session in the Great Hall for the boy and afterwards, a small test conducted by the professors to decide which year he would be in. The boy had only his personal baggage and official letter with him. No text books, no robes, no quill… nothing for school. Albus is going to pick someone to bring that kid shopping and I have a damn good idea who he will choose to volunteer. Slamming the cauldron on the desk, Severus stomped out into the corridor with a mood fouler than usual. Many students jumped back in fright when they saw the face of their much-feared potions master.

"15 points from Gryffindor! Stop blocking the pathway!" He bellowed at a 3rd year student, who happened to be in the wrong House, at the wrong place, at the wrong time.

~@~@~@~@~@

Back in the ward, Pomfrey gave the new boy a last check up. After being declared in a good state of health, Michael put on his boot and looked up gratefully at the nurse. Gathering his knapsack, he approached Professor McGonagall who was sitting in a chair waiting. She was put in charge of the new students every school term so naturally she stayed on to bring the boy to the Great Hall to be sorted. Albus had requested Gilderoy to take a walk with him and Severus had gone back to his lab to replace his cauldron.

"Professor McGonagall, I'm ready to leave." He said sombrely.

"Good. Come on, Mr Calanor, let's get you sorted." She said while adjusting her glasses.

"May I wash up first, Professor?"

"Of course, follow me. I will show you the boys' toilet." She replied kindly while reaching for the knob of the newly formed door.

The toilet was rather large and surprisingly clean. The walls were charmed to emit a lemon-barley scent the moment the air got a little foul. Turning on the tap, Michael let the water gush out for a while. With both hands, he splashed his face repeatedly. The water was cold and refreshing and it granted him a much-needed jolt. The journey to Hogwarts had been arduous and in the process, he had injured his leg. Frowning, he berated himself for being so careless but was relieved that the injury was a 'common one', as quoted by the head-nurse. A healing spell and some Anti-Fracture potion were all it took to cure him. The hospital bed was welcoming and he had dozed off right away. Unfortunately, before his exhausted body could fully recover, the loud jabbering of a certain professor had rudely awakened him.

Staring critically at his own reflection, he pursed his lips. His fringe was getting long, reaching past the tip of his nose. The back though, was still acceptable. It reached his neck but was cropped close. After drying his face with a paper towel, he carefully raked his gloved fingers through his damped black hair, making sure it was neat. Maroon eyes glowing and mask back in place, Michael braced himself mentally for what's to come. He was a stranger in a strange land and he needed his wits about him. The image of his back reflected in the mirror as he walked steadily out of the door. 

~@~@~@~@~@

The Great Hall was almost filled with students and the air was thick with loud chatter and excitement. Most had witnessed the appearance of the strange kid last night and they guessed there would be a sorting today. They were right. Before the teachers' table stood a three-legged stool with the Sorting Hat placed on it. The Hat was currently humming to itself as it waited for the new student. Even the Hogwarts' ghosts were floating about, engaging in conversation. They heard rumours that a boy with eyes like You-Know-Who had arrived but they were unable to sneak a peek because Poppy was adamant that the boy's privacy be respected and she didn't want them to scare the boy, given his current state of mind and health.

The Gryffindors, mainly the Weasley twins, were anxiously garnering bets as to which House the boy would be sorted in. Hufflepuff was 20 to 1 while Slytherin was 2 to 1. The odds for the latter though low did not stop it from getting the most amounts of bets. Almost all thought that he fitted perfectly in that House. The common theory was; any student who could communicate with Snape without getting his head bitten off was bound to be in his House. Presenting Exhibit A – Draco Malfoy…

At the Slytherin table, Draco was loudly proclaiming that the new boy would definitely be joining them.

"He talked to Professor Snape! And Professor Snape even gave him chocolates! He is bound to be with us. No doubt about it. He will make a fine addition to our House. We are going to kick those Gryffindorks' butts, once and for all!" He smirked as he spoke. His lackeys, Crabbe and Goyle just sat there grinning and applauding every word he said. Once I get the boy to join me, I don't need these two boneheads anymore. They are so stupid! With an arrogant look plastered on his face, he glanced toward the teachers' table and greeted his House Head with a smile.

Severus, who was stuck sitting next to Lockhart again, sighed deeply as the noise grated at his ears. Looking down at his Slytherins, he saw Draco smirking at him. Arrogant, little bastard… if I didn't know his father… Forcing a smile, he nodded back at the Slytherin. Picking up his goblet of pumpkin juice, he sneered as the boy turned back triumphantly.

"So Severus, what do you think the verdict for Michael will be? Gryffindor? Slytherin?" A warm voice spoke up to his left.

"I have not thought about this, Albus." Severus replied truthfully.

"I bet he's in Slytherin!" Lockhart chimed in loudly. "He's got that look!"

"And pray tell, what look was it?" Severus narrowed his eyes, his voice carrying an edge.

"Erm… it's hard to explain." The other man gave a weak smile and turned his attentions on Hooch, who was trying her best to avoid him. Apparently, her best wasn't enough.

"I had a small bet with Minerva. She voted Gryffindor." Albus continued.

"Oh. And you?"

"Anything but it..." The old wizard chuckled.

Severus raised an eyebrow but did not comment. His attention was perked when the wooden doors swung opened and Professor McGonagall and the new kid entered. The boy had fully recovered and was walking steadily beside her. The loud chatter descended into a faint wave of whispering and all waited with baited breath as the Transfiguration teacher lifted the old, multi-patched Sorting Hat up and instructed the boy to sit still on the stool.

When the Hat was removed from it's resting place, it burst out in song immediately, much to the delight of the students, the dismay of Severus Snape and the amusement of Michael. The tune was an entirely different one and the Sorting Hat was swaying back and forth as it sang.

There were once four mages, who were all of different ages!

Agreed they couldn't go on sorting, so Godric did some thinking!

From his head he plucked his hat, which was black and dumb as a bat!

The four Heads then made a pact, and cast a few spells upon the dumb hat,

Brains and wisdom as they pleased, to do the sorting of students with ease!

And christened it as you can see, The Sorting Hat – and that's ME! …

Michael gritted his teeth when the huge wizard's hat came down on his head, enveloping his eyes. He hated the feeling of not being able to see. Not wanting to interrupt the singing Hat too much, he gave a slight nudge at the hem. And then there was Light… He thought wryly. So THIS is the sorting ceremony… a singing hat.

'There's more, my young friend.' A soft voice spoke in his head.  

'You're telepathic? Hmm… neat.'

The Hat had finished its song and was looking rather thoughtful. Instead of speaking out loud, which it always did in the past, it kept silent this time.

Severus twirled his fork around absently as he recalled Albus's earlier question. What House indeed. Not Hufflepuff that's for sure. For one who hates and fears touch, Professor Give-me-a-hug Sprout is the last thing he needs. He is too assertive to be in that House anyway. Not a Gryffindor either. Although traveling alone from America to England did require some bravery… No. Brave is not the word. Independent. That's what he is. He thinks before he acts, unlike Potter and his merry-men, and he is focused. A Slytherin then, or a Ravenclaw. He has the brains to be in Flitwick's House. Hmph. Finally, one less dunderhead I have to teach. As for mine… there will be chaos if he enters Slytherin. Draco will attempt to pull him into his group and this Calanor boy is not one who will be a lackey. Draco better watch his words around this new kid especially topics that concerned his family. Hmm… We shall see what he is really made of when he starts school.

Snape tucked a stray lock of fringe behind his ear as he ended his internal monologue.

Meanwhile, the Hat was engaged in a silent conversation with the boy. An occasional quirk of an eyebrow and a slight tilt of the head were all that was expressed. Otherwise, Michael remained poker-faced throughout. It was a while later when the Hat drew itself to its full height. With a yell, it announced the House the new boy would be in. A loud gasp resounded and the Ravenclaws erupted into whoops and cheers. Flitwick jumped on his chair excitedly and started clapping. Returning the Hat to Professor McGonagall, Michael gave his thanks and stepped off the platform. Reaching the Ravenclaw table, he was immediately surrounded by his peers. Not accustomed to the show of welcome, he gave a small nod and sat down at an empty spot near the edge of the table. Albus chortled when Minerva handed over the bet money reluctantly. Snape stared at the new boy. He admitted he was a tad disappointed not to have the kid in Slytherin. At least I was right in my guess.

Michael took a piece of bread and started buttering it. His housemates were rather friendly but curious. TOO curious... He had avoided most of the questions but did answer a few. Many of the Ravenclaws were conversing about school stuff and a few were in serious discussions regarding their homework assignments. He cast a quick look behind him. It was the Hufflepuff table. Most of them were concentrating on their meals. Those who chatted did so quietly. The one in front of him was Gryffindor. It was the noisiest one in the Hall. Plenty of papers were being passed around and some students were jabbing each other in the ribs. The furthest table was Slytherin. Michael narrowed his eyes. He didn't like the Slytherins very much. Most of them had a permanent sneer stamped on their faces. That table stank of arrogance. So… we have the plebs, the geeks, the comedians and the aristocrats. Interesting. Scooping some beans into his mouth, Michael's eyes fell upon a blonde boy sitting at the Slytherin table. The Slytherin looked pretty mad and was talking loudly, hands gesturing about. Two larger boys framed him and were nodding away. They didn't look very intelligent. So Mr Aristocrat has lackeys… He seems quite influential. Is… he smirking at me? I believe he is… Well now…

Michael glared at Draco and slowly, deliberately, turned his head away. Casting a quick glimpse back, he gave a sly grin when he saw the other boy gawking in shock. Having uncannily good eyesight, he was able to clearly see the outrage on the blonde kid's face. Angry? Good.

The breakfast feast was over and the seats were cleared as the students hurried out to prepare for classes. Michael bade his new friends farewell and went to look for Professor McGonagall once more. Together, they left the Great Hall to the Headmaster's office. The Professor spoke the password and the large statue moved aside, revealing a spiral stairway. Upon entering the office, Michael was stunned to see the rest of the staff sitting in armchairs before a large desk. THAT was fast. The prickling sensation he felt the night before came back and Michael casually turned his head. There, hidden among the shadows, stood the Potions Master. His arms were crossed over his chest and he was leaning against the wall. Michael turned back quickly when Albus started to speak. He had to go through a few verbal quizzes and two written tests. The vote in the end was unanimous. The boy was smart and would be placed in the fourth year.

"I disagree." A deep, smooth voice spoke from the back. Everybody turned around in amazement. It was Snape. He had kept silent throughout the testing and most of the staff had been wondering why.

"Severus? Please elaborate." Albus said.

"Smart he may be, the boy is still unfamiliar with the ways of the wizarding world. Besides, he is only twelve. I believe more interaction with those his age is for the better good. "

"Hmm… so you suggest Michael to be placed in second year?"

Severus nodded.

"Very well. Severus has a point. Michael is still in his growing up phase. Mr Calanor, you will be in second year then. Professor Flitwick, please see to his initiation into Ravenclaw." Albus said with a smile. "Now. There is still the problem of Michael's school supplies. Who is free to bring him to Diagon Alley for a little shopping tomorrow? Anybody?"

Many staff members shook their heads. A lot were not available for the weekend. Snape grew grim as he waited to be volunteered. However, before Albus could decide, the office door banged opened and Gilderoy Lockhart strutted in cheerfully.

"Sorry! I had to reply to a very important fan letter!" He declared.

Hooch gave a small snort and Sprout snickered along with Minerva.

"What's going on? Oh? Shopping!" He exclaimed as Hagrid explained. "I'm free! I will bring the boy, Albus!"

Michael gave an inward groan. He looked on sorrowfully as Albus handed a money pouch over to Lockhart.

"Ah, Severus," The old wizard cast a look at his Potions Master. "A letter came in for me today…" He started, blue eyes twinkling away.

"… And?" Severus sighed. He's not going to let me off that easily.

"I believe you are free tomorrow. Can you please pick up a small parcel for me? I'm sure Gilderoy will have his hands full helping Michael."

"Of course, Albus." Bingo.

"Thank you, Severus. The three of you can travel together then. Right, meeting over. Michael, please stay." Albus said.

~@~@~@~@~@

Michael woke up with a start when the alarm clock started crowing and yelling wake up calls in his ear. He had borrowed the magical item from one of his roommates. Sitting up, he stretched his body. It was only six in the morning but he wanted to be fully prepared. Today was the day he would go back to Diagon Alley and buy his supplies. The clock gave a yawn and bounced off his bedside table to return to its owner. Grimacing as his feet touched the cold floor, Michael made his bed and looked around his allocated dormitory. It housed four beds placed in a row and two large wardrobes. A full-length mirror stood near the door. He looked thoughtfully at the three sleeping figures. It was a Saturday and they had no lessons. There was Shawn Hart, Kevin Lesnar and Ray Helmsley. They were pretty friendly and were more than willing to help him settle down. He had spent yesterday exploring the castle, and had attended a couple of history lessons, courtesy of the paintings and the Hogwarts ghosts.

Grabbing his boots and his knapsack, Michael exited the room quietly. With his excellent night vision, he made his way in the dark to the common toilet at the end of the corridor. Taking off his clothes and gloves, he stood under the rush of cold water. Humming a tune, he scrubbed himself clean with soap and took the opportunity to trim his nails with his dagger. It was a gift from Michelle. The boy bit his lip as he thought of his godmother back in America. He missed her so. He made a mental note to write to her later in the day. Finishing his bath, he cast a cleansing spell on his clothes and put them on neatly. Wearing back his gloves, he strapped the dagger (along with its sheath) to the side of his right boot. Both being black, it was impossible to spot the weapon.

Knapsack in hand, the Ravenclaw strolled leisurely toward the entrance of the school. He was to meet Professor Lockhart and Professor Snape there at 7am sharp. He had ample time.

Arriving at the meeting place, Michael paused slightly in his tracks. The main doors were opened and the Potions Master in his usual black robes was currently standing at the doorway looking out. Quickening his pace, Michael went forward to greet him.

"Good morning, Professor Snape." He said softly.

Severus glanced down to his right slightly without turning his head, and nodded. He made no attempt at further conversation as he continued to gaze out into the open field, ignoring the boy completely. Minutes ticked by as the two black-clad figures stood side by side in silence. Both were engaged in their own thoughts and neither spoke a word. It was 7.30am when Gilderoy appeared. With a scowl, Severus stalked toward the horseless carriage, not wanting to hear any excuses. Michael hurried after him, his two steps to the professor's one long stride.

The carriage was large enough for six adults and there were two rows of cushioned seats. Severus took one side and opposite him were the boy and Lockhart. Fresh morning air blew in through the windows as the carriage took off at a high speed. The ride was short as the destination was only to Hogsmeade. Conversation in the carriage was kept to a minimum as Snape remained as quiet as a statue and Michael, on his part, had no wish to talk to the other professor. Unfortunately, there was plenty of one-person commentary as the man clad in a royal-blue cloak started to tell the story of his childhood to… no one in particular. Michael sighed and looked at the man opposite him. He covered his amusement with a fake cough when he caught the murderous glint in those black eyes. The same eyes trained upon him suddenly and Michael pointed subtly at Lockhart.

"Do something…" He mouthed to the Professor.

A quirked eyebrow was his only response. Michael turned back to the window and missed the rare scene where the dark eyes crinkled up ever so slightly for a ghost of a moment.

~@~@~@~@~@

The trio got off the carriage when it skidded to a halt near a tavern. A large sign above the door read 'The Three Broomsticks'.

"We will travel to Diagon Alley through the fireplace here." Snape said. Without further explanation, he entered the tavern.

The interior of the Three Broomsticks was adequately furnished and it gave off a cosy feeling when one entered. There were plenty of tables, chairs and two-sitter booths but most were empty as it was still early for patrons to arrive. The proprietor turned out to be a plump woman in her mid 40's by the name of Madam Rosmerta. She was a jovial woman, reminding Michael somehow of the Herbology professor, and had a large welcoming smile on her face. She greeted Professor Snape with a light pat on his shoulder and had offered them breakfast, which he declined politely. Michael was rather startled by the way the Potions professor treated the lady boss. He was cold toward most of his fellow colleagues but was civil and even friendly toward this woman. The boy's thoughts were interrupted when a jar filled with grey powder was shoved under his nose. Grabbing a handful of powder and following the instructions given, Michael heard a loud 'BAMF' and the next thing he knew, he was stumbling out of a fireplace of a different tavern.

"Hello Mic! It's you again!" A rough voice called out.

"Tom!" Michael exclaimed, recognising the balding, overweight man. It was Tom that helped him opened the magical entrance to Diagon Alley by tapping on the brick wall situated behind the Leaky Cauldron. Tom had even allowed the boy to stay for free in the tavern when he missed the Hogwarts train. 

"Getting your school supplies, eh?" Tom asked, when he spotted the two Hogwarts professor stepping out from the fireplace.

"That is correct. I'm a Ravenclaw."

"Ah, thought you would be. You're a smart kid. How about some breakfast now, Professors?"

"A quick one, if you don't mind." Snape replied.

"We are NOT eating here, are we??" Gilderoy demanded as he sniffed the air in disgust. "This place is far too shabby and dirty! My precious cloak!"

"You'll live." Snape commented dryly.

Breakfast was warm bread and cheese with a few cuts of cold meat. With the addition of a few glasses of steamed goat's milk, it was a rather hearty and filling meal. The morning ride had given Severus's appetite a major boost and he ate far more than he ever had in other meals. It was good to leave the dungeons once in a while. After paying, the three made their way to the back. Taking out his wand, Snape tapped the brick wall in a familiar sequence and it parted to reveal the Alley.

"I have to run an errand for Albus. Lunch on your own. Meet at 3pm outside Flourish & Botts." Snape said briskly. The other two stared at him as he turned on his heel and left.

"Ah, now it's just you and me, Mickey! Let's do some shopping!" Lockhart said brightly.

"Joy…" Michael muttered under his breath.

The first stop was Flourish & Botts to get the books needed for school. It was only a stone's throw away and so they proceeded. To Michael's horror, the DADA teacher puffed himself up and started to strut down the street. What the-? What is he doing??

"It's Gilderoy Lockhart!" A scream resounded. Many screams followed, all from the female population, and Michael found himself elbowed away as a crowd of hyper females rushed forward and were wildly waving pictures of the said person.

"Now ladies, one at a time! Ha! Ha! There! There!"

Michael frowned. He had no choice but to follow from behind. Thankfully, Gilderoy entered the bookstore. So he did remember… Entering the shop, Michael grabbed two large tin pails and started to look for his books. It was quite difficult as the shop was crowded with throngs of people wishing to catch a glimpse of the '5-time award winner for Most Charming Smile'. Pushing his way to the front, he found to his dismay, Professor Lockhart in front of the desk, signing autographs.

"Professor?" He called. "Professor Lockhart?"

"Not now, Mickey. I'm busy." The man replied without looking up.

"Professor Lockhart!" Michael called impatiently.

"Yes??"

"Shopping, Sir! I need your help!"

"OH! Erm… wait for a little while. I can't possibly disappoint my fans! Wait!" The man said before flashing a wide smile for a camera shot.

It was two hours later when Michael decided enough was enough. The crowd never seemed to disperse and he was certain the professor had forgotten all about him. If you want to get things done, do it yourself. Crouching low, he maneuvered past the many pairs of legs till he reached his professor. Drawing his dagger, he deftly cut the strings that tied the money pouch to the professor's waist belt and took the pouch away. Replacing the blade, he carried the now heavy tin pails to the counter and paid for the books. With four paper bags of books in his hands, Michael left the bookstore with the professor none the wiser.

It was close to noon when Michael stepped out from the stationary shop. He had gotten his stationeries and his school uniforms (from Madam Malkin). Dropping the bags on the ground, he stretched his arms and body. Breakfast was almost gone and he was getting hungry. He still had to shop for a cauldron, a wand and a pet. Not to forget, a trunk to contain his books and other belongings. Taking a deep breath, the young boy lifted his heavy bags and trudged on to find the other shops.

Closing the book he was browsing through and replacing it back on the shelf, Severus left the second-hand bookshop to look for Lockhart and the boy. It was already 3pm and he reckoned they had already finished their shopping. Reaching Flourish & Botts, he was taken aback to find it cramped with people. A pathway opened for him immediately though as he produced his best scowl and swooped in.

"Lockhart." He deadpanned.

"Wha-? Oh, Professor Snape! Hello!"

"What. Are. You. Doing."

"Just making my fans happy!" Lockhart laughed.

"I see. And where is Mr Calanor?" Snape asked. His voice laced with malice.

"He's right ther-… oh, he's gone."

"I thought so." Must control fist of death.

Spinning round, Severus stalked out of the bookstore through the same pathway. The crowded streets did not serve to lighten his mood as he hunted for the missing kid. His only clue was that the boy was currently laden with plenty of packages since quite a few shop owners had told him a maroon-eyed boy had frequented their place earlier and had purchased some stuff. Walking deeper down the alley, Snape felt a slight twinge of worry. The last thing he needed right now was to have a missing student on his hands. Wait a minute. It was Lockhart who lost the kid! Damn it! He better be safe and sound… Eyes narrowing, he scanned the crowd quickly to filter out those that didn't fit the boy's description. It was by chance really, when he stalked past Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor and due to force of habit, glanced through the window and spotted a boy dressed in black. Snape did a double take when he saw it was Michael, slumped in one of the booths, drinking a glass of water. Relief turned to annoyance as he glided into the shop.

"Didn't I say to meet at Flourish & Botts at 3pm?" Snape demanded as he looked down at the boy.

"So you did." The boy replied shortly. He was perspiring and was breathing a bit harder than usual.

"And?"

"Need a break."

Snape narrowed his eyes at the Ravenclaw's tone. It was wavering between forced courtesy and outright malevolence. Flicking his hair back, he was about to teach the boy a little something called 'respect' when his eyes fell upon a large heap of objects on the seat. The heap consisted of a medium-sized cauldron, a huge wooden trunk and at least five large paper bags.

"These are…"

"My school supplies. Yes." The boy said indifferently before finishing his glass of water and placing it on the table. "Let's go now, Professor."

"Have you eaten?" Snape asked quietly. Gone was the harshness.

"No, Sir. I just finished buying my supplies. I didn't like the animals in the pet shop much and Mr Ollivander kicked me out of his wand store."

"He did WHAT?" Snape said incredulously.

"He said I was playing a trick on him as none of the wands responded to my touch. He suspected I already had a wand. So he shooed me away." The boy shrugged.

Severus brushed Michael aside as the boy attempted to balance everything in his arms. Drawing his wand from his robes, he cast a few shrinking spells on the paper bags and placed them in the trunk. He then shrunk the trunk and put it inside the cauldron. Smirking, he passed the cauldron to the boy.

"Thank you." Michael replied softly, taking the cauldron in both hands.

The two left the shop and walked back to the bookstore in silence.

"Professor?"

Snape glanced down and regarded the boy with a raised brow.

"I suppose Professor Lockhart is busy. We can't let him disappoint his fans by making him leave now. So let's just go ahead without him."

"Hmm… Let's ask him first." Snape drawled back.

"I will do the asking." The boy replied.

Peeking his head through the door, Michael cleared his throat and called out… in a whisper.

"Professor Lockhart? Are you ready to leave?" Pause. "Professor? Can we leave without you? Silence means consent?"

Snape looked on in amusement as the boy 'called out' to Lockhart who was situated deep inside the bookstore and surrounded by a mass of fans screaming his name.

"I take it that's a yes, Sir. We can leave without him." Michael announced.

With a nod, Snape swept his robes about him and headed back to the Leaky Cauldron. Michael followed obediently, his face a grim mask of satisfaction.

~@~@~@~@~@

It was an hour later when they arrived back at Hogwarts. The first thing they did was to report back to Albus Dumbledore. Michael remained emotionless when he told the Headmaster of his solo-shopping trip but he couldn't help but clench his fist tightly as he recollected the day's event. The old wizard instructed a house elf to whip up a quick meal and the boy ate a late lunch in the Headmaster's office. The remaining money was returned and he would pay the school back by doing chores for the professors and Mr. Filch.

Michael trooped up to his dormitory and lay on his bed. He was tired out, that's for sure. But he couldn't wait to start his first lesson on Monday. He would read some notes tonight but first, a letter to Michelle.

To be continued…