Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters. I'll give them back to JK Rowling when I'm done.

A/N: Thanks to all of those who have reviewed my story so far and are eagerly awaiting each chapter. This chapter and the coming chapters will show more POV's from Snape. Again, let me know what you think. Thanks.

Anything between two *, indicates a thought.
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A Camping We Will Go

Chapter 4 - Hot Time at the Thermal Spring

Lunch had been a modest meal and certainly less noisy than a meal in the Great Hall. The students had clustered once more into their respective houses and had conversations amongst themselves. The only difference in the usual setting was that Professor Snape actually sat amidst the students, at least his Slytherin ones anyway.

One conversation to be overheard was from the Hufflepuffs. Hannah Abbott was telling her friends about a thermal spring they'd come across in their search for a river for fish. Padma, who had gone with her, chimed in and agreed. "Hey, perhaps we could go for a swim, nice warm water and what's even nicer, no squid!" The other students laughed and agreed to the idea, even the Slytherins present.

Severus scowled briefly, but did not voice his apparent disapproval, he knew he was out numbered on this occasion. *Besides, how much trouble could they get into -- all collectively captive in one pool of water.* He shrugged internally and just nodded his head in agreement to the students. *Just as long as they don't ask me to join, not that they will, I know how they think of me.*

They cleaned up after their meal, some student had thought ahead and had brought a pail of water up from the river to wash the plates and cooking utensils. Snape tossed some sand onto the fire and banked it for the time they would be gone. The students dashed to their tents to change.

Fifteen minutes later all the students were gathered around Padma and Hannah as they lead them to the spring. Harry walked close to Ron and Hermione.

"You know, this is the first weekend in months, that I've actually felt this relaxed and able to just enjoy the moment. Ever since that final battle, I've felt caged somehow," said Harry. Hermione and Ron both agreed. "We feel the same way, Harry. Just think though, we'll be feeling the pressure once again when revision mistress 'Mione sets us a study schedule." Ron slung an arm around Hermione's shoulder as he said that and gave her a squeeze.

"Oh Ron, revision mistress indeed." Hermione rolled her eyes, but hugged him back all the same.

Harry was really glad that his two best friends had finally gotten together, it was just unfortunately that it had taken the war against Voldemort to make them both see how they felt for one another. He envied them sometimes. He had two best friends, and lots of other close pals, but he had yet to find that special someone. For the last few years, since Sirius had died, he'd been afraid to open his heart to anyone else. For a brief time in sixth year, he even tried pushing Hermione and Ron away, but they would have none of that.

Harry knew that he just had to have patience and eventually there would be someone in his life to share it with. Harry was determined though to not let his current thoughts change the mood of this weekend of freedom and fun. He tried to smile as cheerfully as possible at his two friends, but he fell a bit short.

Sensing that Harry needed their friendship for he moment, Hermione and Ron separated and put Harry in the middle. Ron started to tease Harry about his stringy, oversized, puke green cut-off shorts. Hermione even laughed at his ribbing.

While at the back of the group, Severus watched over all the students carefully. Though he mostly loathed them, he took his job as a professor seriously. He would protect them with his life if he had to. Of course, now that the Dark Lord had been defeated, he didn't think that his life would be required. *Of course, I must never let Albus coerce me into chaperoning another trip ever again, this trip might very well be the death of me yet, or at least a nervous breakdown. It's hard to be intimidating in muggle clothing. I know these clothes make me look human, instead of the bat they all think me to be.* Severus snickered silently. *I can just picture myself now, as they see me, hanging upside down from the dungeon ceiling with my robes wrapped around me.*

A few moments later, the group came upon a small enclosure, the spring in the center surrounded by several large rock formations -- which would be perfect for sun bathing upon.

The students toed off their shoes and dropped any additional belongings they carried to the ground, and headed straight for the warm, slightly bubbling water. The water looked quite tempting to all of them, even Severus.

Severus of course hung back and stayed in the shadows of the surrounding trees, he watched the students enjoy themselves. *Was I ever that young and carefree?* He sighed, for sometimes he was actually quite envious of his students, their ability to bounce back from the war without too much difficulty. He'd lived almost half his life under the oppression of the Dark Lord and from bearing the Dark Mark; from living two lives, as Death Eater and spy. *Too long, far too long.*

He continued to watch them for several more minutes from his current position, before realizing he should find a more comfortable perch. He slowly edged his way up unto the farthest rock, trying not to draw attention to himself. *Not that they would notice, they are too self involved. Talk about being careless though. I bet none of them even remembered to bring their wands in case of an emergency.* Severus' gaze swept over each student carefully, noticing that they really were having a lot of fun. His gaze stopped and lingered longest on Potter.

*I'm glad to see him relax for once. Potter has been so withdrawn and for far too long, ever since his battle with the Dark Lord. He now has the rest of his life to live the way he wants and not the way others want and expect of him. He certainly has surprised me these last few months, not hogging the limelight like Lockhart would.* Severus grimaced with distaste at thinking of that man. Severus thought it was a good thing that Lockhart had become incapacitated during Potter's second year, otherwise who knows what that idiot might have done to botch things up during the war. Severus shook his head to refocus back on the students. No sense in wallowing in self-pity, life would go on, just as it has always done.

Harry was looking around at the students, and then realized he hadn't seen Snape in a while. He turned 360 degrees, and noticed Snape sitting on a top of a rock, with his legs bent and his arms crossed over his knees. Snape looked withdrawn, introspective. Harry felt bad for the man, who never let his guard down and just let go.

Harry told Hermione and Ron that he would be right back, and left the spring. He walked over to stand by Snape, dripping water into a puddle at his feet. "Professor?"

Snape snapped out of his reverie and turned his heard sharply in Potter's direction. "Yes, Mr. Potter?"

"Are you sure you won't join us? The water really is nice and warm. Or just to dip your feet in perhaps?" Potter shielded his eyes as he looked up at Professor Snape.

"No, Mr. Potter. I think not. Someone must keep their guard up, even here," said Snape. "But, I thank you for thinking of me." Snape turned his head away from Harry once more, indicating dismissal. Harry's shoulders drooped, at least he'd tried to be friendly. *Well, he did thank me, that's something.*

Harry turned and walked back to his friends, saw how much fun they were having and decided that he mustn't miss out on the action. He ran and cannonballed into the water, spraying everyone. All the students laughed, even the Slytherins.

Severus smiled at Potter's antics.

tbc