Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters, nor the location their are camping in. I'll give them back to JK Rowling when I'm done. I'm making no money from this story.

A/N: I really want to say thank you again to those who have read my story and reviewed it, especially xikum, TommieBoy182, Lee Lee Potter, Maximum Poofy-Queen of AU, Arwen Rayne, Corgi1, DxInsider, The Goddess Artemis, Ambrosia-Ku-Ran and so many more.
As one reviewer requested in their review, I'm expanding on the students playing poker.

There will be some more action/adventure to come in chapter 13, as well as a relationship development, so I ask that you be patient. Also I'm now seeing an end in sight, so there will be three more chapters coming after chapter 11.
As a reminder this is a PRE story and is still rated PG-13.

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

Chapter 11 - Want to play, Professor?

The rest of the afternoon and early hours of the evening passed somewhat smoothly. Dinner was the usual fare, again, which everyone was slowly coming to hate. Grumbles of discontent at the lack of variety could be heard among the Slytherin and Ravenclaw students. The Hufflepuffs tried to smooth over the ruffled feathers of their classmates, while the Gryffindors took it all in stride, as they knew this was the last meal really that they would have to stomach.

As the sun slowly set, the radio was brought back out, the marshmallows and roasting sticks once more set at the ready, a few blankets where placed in front of the fire, with the logs having been moved away to act as back rests.

Ron and Hermione settled down together in a far away spot to discuss their thoughts on the day, each wanting to discuss with the other their observations on the budding relationship between Harry and Professor Snape. Harry went into his tent and got his pack of cards and settled down in front of the fire to play solitaire and Severus once more found an isolated spot by a tree away from the others to watch, this time not just Harry and his friends, but the other students as well. Severus was a very intellectual man, so he felt the need for more 'empirical data', because if he didn't have first hand knowledge of relationships on which to work with, he would use others to build that foundation.

Ron and Hermione had their quiet discussion, in which they both finally agreed that Snape and Harry were indeed pursuing a friendship and that they both would be supportive of Harry and would try to make an effort to find something they could have in common with their professor. Ron suggested that perhaps he could engage Snape in a game of wizards chess. Hermione wasn't sure yet of what she had in common with the man, other than their love of learning and she knew a of love learning wasn't all that interactive, not like chess was.

After their discussion, they joined Harry by the fire, and Harry suggested they try playing poker again. Hermione decided she'd try to play as well. So that left two positions in which to play, open. Harry looked around at the other students to see who might fill the spots, when he saw Severus leaning up against the tree. Harry grinned wickedly, *Maybe Severus would like to come out and play.*

Harry told his two friends he thought getting their professor to play might be interesting. Ron and Hermione exchanged looks and then looked back at Harry. They would be supportive, but they weren't sure playing a game of poker would be the best start. However, they agreed anyway, if it would make Harry happy.

So Harry got up, walked over and stood in front of Severus. Severus looked at Harry in question and since there were others within hearing range, he felt it best to keep up the pretence of formality, "Yes, Potter, what do you want?"

Harry got the hint, "Sir ... Ron, Hermione and I were wondering if you would like to join us in a game of poker?" Harry shifted from one foot to the other, not sure how his suggestion would go over. He knew by asking Severus to join them in a game that would be in front of the other students was asking a bit much.

"Are you sure that is wise, Potter? I am older and far more experienced in games of strategy and bluffing. I wasn't a spy for nothing." Severus quirked his lips at Harry in a cross between a smirk and a smile. "Besides, if I do concede to play, what exactly would I be playing for? There has to be some benefit in it for me. I don't really require money and the thought of seeing those two lose their clothes is frightening in the extreme." Harry blushed once more at the thought of what betting with clothing entailed. Harry was oblivious to the fact that Severus hadn't included him in that last statement and Severus didn't realize the implications either.

"Um, we haven't decided on the stakes yet, Professor." Harry started looking worried, perhaps it had been a bad idea to ask Severus to play. "Uh, what exactly did you have in mind if you did decide to join us?"

"For each hand lost, each loser will have to complete a fairly simple chore for the winner and by simple I mean for example, if you lost a hand, you would have to clean one cauldron. I think that's fairly straight forward enough."

"But, sir, on the off chance that one of us did win a hand, wouldn't that be placing you in a position of ... well, servitude? Could you handle that, sir?" Harry smirked at Severus.

"I have the utmost confidence in my ability to not lose, to you or to your friends. I think, however, that you might want to discuss my terms for playing with your friends, Mr. Potter." Severus grinned evilly and his eyes shone with anticipation.

While Harry was talking to Severus, Dean had joined Ron and Hermione on the blanket, and they told him what was happening. They indicated that Harry was asking their professor to join in on the game. Dean looked surprised and perplexed at the thought of Harry asking their most hated professor for anything, let alone asking him to join in their fun.

"You're right, I should discuss this with Ron and Hermione." Harry walked back over to his friends, saw that Dean had joined them and told all three what Professor Snape had requested the stakes be if he were to join in their little game.

Once Ron, Dean and Hermione heard the terms, they weren't so sure anymore about their professor playing, but they noticed that Harry was still inclined in wanting him to join. Ron and Hermione shared a look that spoke volumes. "So mate, if you won a hand, what would you ask each of us, as an example mind you, to do for you?"

"Something easy, Ron. It's only Professor Snape who might demand a bit more from us. I'll be honest, I'm an okay poker player and you two are just learning, and Dean I don't really know your skill level, but going up against Snape, well, that's asking a right much of you, I know. If you don't, I'm sure he'll understand." Harry turned back to look at Severus, who had been watching the conversation between the four students intently. Harry could still see the anticipation in Severus' eyes. Harry sighed, he really didn't mind the thought of giving up some of his time and doing chores if it made Severus happy and more relaxed about their friendship. Then an idea came to Harry.

He turned back to his friends once more, "Guys, I have a deal to make with you. For every hand you do lose to Snape, I'll take your task for you. Besides I don't think we'll be play for too long this evening, we've only got about another hour or so before bedtime anyway, and who knows how long each hand could last, maybe we could draw it out a bit."

Dean looked at Harry as if he were bonkers, willing to do chores for Snape. *Did something in the battle with Voldemort make Harry snap? Perhaps it's been coming on slowly and it's just now manifesting itself. Maybe I should pay more attention to Harry, make sure he doesn't go completely off the deep end.* Dean shook his head in agreement, but he did so with reservations.

Ron and Hermione of course agreed to his suggestions without pause. They knew that if Harry was willing to spend more time with their professor, they wouldn't stop him.

Harry smiled at all three of them and turned and motioned to Severus for him to join them. Severus rose smoothly from the ground and glided over to join them on the blanket. He sat down and gave the others a blank expression. Severus, the spy who gave nothing away, was now in place. *This is going to be so fun, having Harry and his friends catering to my every demand.* Severus silently cackled with glee.

"Before we begin, I think you should know that the terms have been slightly modified, professor. In order for the others to agree to let you play, I suggested that I would take their tasks if they lost the hand. So basically, if you win a hand, I will be performing not one but up to four tasks. Is this agreeable to you, sir?" Harry asked.

*Blast, I was so looking forward to making Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger clean cauldrons. Ah well, that just means I get to spend more time with Harry, at least for the next few weeks before they graduate and leave. It's still a win-win situation.* Severus nodded to the terms.

"Okay then, let's play. Who wants to be dealer?" No one spook up. "Alrighty then, I'll start us off. So what shall it be, five-card draw?"

Harry and the others played a few hands getting a feel for the other's playing techniques. Ron and Hermione were very cautious, and folded often, for they didn't want to risk Harry having to do so many chores for the professor -- cleaning cauldrons was a tedious task. Dean was a bit more adventurous, but then again he wasn't playing with his own time, he knew if he lost to Snape, Harry would do his chore and if Harry won, Dean would get an easy to do task. Harry of course wanted to make the game of interest to Severus, so he would only fold when his hand was truly rotten and could not be salvaged. Snape had not lied, he was a great strategist and an even better bluffer. So far, in the few hands they had played Snape had won them all.

While they were playing the other students took an interest in the proceedings and gathered around the others to watch. Snape noticed this and snapped at the students sitting and standing behind him, "This also isn't a spectator sport. I don't want students watching over my shoulder or seeing my hand. So move!" They shuffled away and settled down to watch the other 4 instead.

"Well, Mr. Potter, so far you now owe me eight chores, are you willing to risk another go round?" Severus asked Harry with a smirk.

Harry smirked in return and just nodded his head. He had watched enough now to know the others weak points. This time it was Hermione's turn to deal.

Everyone actually stayed in the hand, Dean took three cards, Harry took two, Snape took one, Ron took three, and Hermione took two. Harry kept his face as deadpanned as possible when he looked down into his cards. His luck was with him now it seemed, he had a full house of Aces over Queens. He waited for everyone to call. Snape showed his cards first, he had a three of a kind with Jacks. Ron then laid his cards down, he only had two pair, sixes and threes. Hermione laid her cards down, she also had three of a kind with tens. Dean hand consisted of a pair of fours. Snape was looking quite pleased as the cards were shown. His eyes shown with avarice at the thought of winning even more chores for Harry to accomplish.

"Well, Mr. Potter, what do you have?" Snape was anxious to gloat.

Harry then laid his hand down, "Read 'em and weep my friends, a full house." Snape's eyes widened in surprise and he sputtered for a second before realizing how undignified he sounded. Harry had a cheshire grin on his face and he was rubbing his hands together in glee when he turned to Severus. His eyes twinkled at the thought of making Severus do a chore for him. Severus groaned at that look, for he knew he would pay dearly.

"Well, Professor Snape, are you willing to go another hand?" purred Harry.

The others looked back and forth between the two adversaries. The game it would seem just got more interesting.

Severus quirked an eyebrow at Harry. "Of course, Mr. Potter, one hand does not make a winning streak. Deal, Mr. Thomas."

Dean dealt out the five cards to the others. Almost immediately, Hermione folded. Her hand was total garbage. Ron, Dean, Harry and Snape called. Ron took three cards, Dean took two, Harry and Snape both took 1 card each. The tension was escalating. Ron and Dean both folded after reviewing their hands. Harry stared at Severus and Severus glared back.

"Well, it looks like it's just between the two of us, Professor."

"Thank you for pointing out the obvious, Mr. Potter."

"Well, what do you have, sir?"

Severus laid down his cards, he had a four of a kind with eights. "I doubt you can top that Mr. Potter, but I'd like to see you try." Harry just grinned and said, "I can not only try, I can indeed top that." He laid down his cards with a flourish, he had a straight flush of two through six in clubs.

Severus was very put out by this, he had truly thought he had the upper hand. Severus grunted in acknowledgement.

Snape now appeared to be in a thoroughly bad mood, so the students scattered before he could take it out on them. Ron and Hermione jumped up and called it a night, while Dean took his time in leaving.

Snape stood and called out to the students,"Everyone in bed now, lights out in 5 minutes."

Harry took off for their tent, he too wasn't prepared to face the possible wrath of Snape. Harry thought to himself, *too bad I don't have a sleeping draught to knock me out before Severus comes to bed, I just know he's going to want to rake me over the coals for my one-ups-man ship over him.* Harry sighed and muttered, "Five minutes of peace before hell reigns down upon my head, oh joy!"

tbc