Prophesy of the Serpent

Author: Gryphnwng

Rating: ~Pg-13 for now

A Severitus Challenge fiction

Disclaimer: Is Harry Potter mine? Nope. *Shakes head* Is Harry Potter J.K.R's? Yes!!

Hmmm…a whole week of vacation, man do I need that.  It has been too long, I swear, since I've had a break!  Thank goodness, not much longer till I graduate.  *Grins*   Well, fun chapter ahead, should have some…interesting… happenings.  I'm trying to make this long, sorry for the wait to all you impatient readers ^_^.  Well, Kit has promised to be a good Beta and not leave so many notes this time, she tends to be hyper. :-P  lol. Without further ado, I give you chapter 5.

*Mice tassste good!*  is parseltongue

~I wonder if I'm wearing clean underwear?~ is private thought

Chapter 5

Flanked by his friends, Harry walked to the Gryffindor table, his longer legs eating up the distance quickly.  Taking his seat he looked around at the other tables, nodding slightly to those he knew, and ignoring the whispers that had started when he had come in.  He knew he looked different, but that shouldn't have been such a matter of concern.  He shrugged it off, turning to the Head Table.  Casually scanning the faces of the faculty he noticed the regard of several of the professors.  Dumbledore's was to be expected, as well as Snapes.  Glancing to the seat that the DADA teacher occupied, his eyes widened.  Professor Lupin!  He jabbed his elbow into Ron's side, Silestra hissing at the sudden movement.

Ron turned to Harry from his conversation with Hermione.  "Yeah, what's up, mate?"

"Look at the Head Table, and tell me if you recognize the new DADA teacher."  Harry grinned, waiting for Ron to react.

"We know 'em?  Better not be Lockhart again…"  He looked over, and then bolted to his feet.  "Professor Lupin!"  Several people started laughing at Ron's outburst, and his ears turned red as he dropped back into his seat.  Much quieter, he let out a strangled "Blimey!" and grinned back at Harry.  "This'll be great!"

"Yeah, I know.  I wonder if…"  Harry trailed off as he looked over at Professor Lupin again, who was smiling at the Gryffindors, Harry in particular.  He pointed under the table, and looking, Harry saw a large black dog sitting underneath, with a wide grin on its face.  "Yeah, Snuffles is here too.  This is great!"  Ron nodded.

"Yeah, just think of the pranks we can pull now, with your… er… Snuffles here…"  Ron trailed off, not wanting to give away the identity of Harry's God Father.

Harry was thinking more of asking them later that night their opinion of the esteemed Dumbledore.  He wondered if they had come to the same conclusion as him.  He was so deep in thought, in fact, he hadn't realized that the sorting had begun until the hat had started to sing.

Oh, I'm the smartest Hat you'll ever see                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

No other hat could be as smart as me.                                                                                                                                                                                                

The Founders in trust leave me to you                                                                                                                                                                                                  

To show what House will lead you true.                                                                                                                                                                                             

Intelligence and creativity is what Ravenclaw liked best,                                                                                                                                                                        

Slytherin preferred cunning for the students of his crest.                                                                                                                                                                      

Hufflepuff chose hardworking above any other trait,                                                                                                                                                                            

And Gryffindor thought students with courage were great.                                                                                                                                                                      

So put me on and let me see the inside of your head                                                                                                                                                                          

And I'll tell you where to go, where you shall be best led.                                                                                                                                                                   

(A/N kinda pathetic, but oh well ^^)                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The clapping of the students at the end of the song was punctuated by Ron's groaning for it to hurry with the sorting so he could eat.  Harry smirked at his poor friend, as the group of 1st years came in.  It looked to be a very large group.  Ron groaned theatrically again and dropped his head to his arms.

"Wake me when it's over.  If I've not died of starvation, that it."

The twins snickered and started teasing him.  "Aww, is poor ickle Ronniekins hungry?"

"Poor baby, I think we've something that can help…"

"Yes, Fred, why don't you give him some of that wonderful candy we so conveniently have with us?"  They both laughed as Ron shook his head franticly in a "No" and ceased groaning about the state of his stomach.  Harry used the distraction to watch the Slytherins, especially a certain blond.  They were clapping politely as another 1st year was admitted to their ranks, as was normal.  What was different though, was that Draco wasn't in his normal seat in the middle, surrounded by his flunkies.  Harry was surprised to see him at the very end, without Crabbe and Goyle.  His only seat companion was Blaise Zabini.  She was a fifth year as well, though prone to stay more to the background then the other girls in her year.  Both Blaise and Draco seemed to be rather distanced from the other Slytherins.  Rather then his usual smug expression, Draco showed nothing.  Neither smugness, anger, nor even interest in what was going on.  His face was completely blank.  Blaise only appeared to be slightly worried as she quietly talked to Draco.  The other Slytherins had left them cut off from the group.  This rather surprised Harry, since no matter how they acted to the other Houses, Slytherins always stuck together.  For two members of their own house to be ostracized like that, something must have happened over the summer.

His brows furrowed in thought, he turned back to his friends, absently applauding as Olmstead, Lanni joined the table.  Ron and Hermione were quietly talking together with Neville about Professor Lupin returning.  The twins were talking with Seamus and Dean about quidditch try-outs.  Ginny, surprisingly, was observing the Slytherins as well.  She looked at Harry, then nodded towards the table, eyes raised.  He nodded back and mouthed "later."  She gave a small nod and turned to her friends among the fourth years.

By this time, the sorting was over and Dumbledore stood to speak.  "I would like to welcome you all back for another year here.  After a nice summer holiday I hope your heads are all wonderfully empty so that we may fill them."  A few of the kids laughed at this.  His eyes twinkling, the Headmaster continued.  "As before, I have a few announcements to make.  The new Defense Against the Dark Arts is a familiar face to some, I'm sure.  May I present Professor Lupin!"  The professor stood up as many of the students clapped and cheered.  Waving to the students, and the Gryffindors in particular Professor Lupin smiled, one hand on Snuffles head.  "And don't be alarmed by Snuffles, students.  He is Professor Lupin's pet.  Now to the rest of my announcements.  The Forbidden Forest, as its name suggests, is still forbidden.  Mr. Filch has added 36 new items to his banned list, and anyone who wishes to view the list may do so in his office."  Mr. Filch glowered at the students, holding Mrs. Norris close.  "And last of all, but most importantly, I have grave news to impart to you all.  Since the rising of Voldemort again this past year, a strict curfew is now in place.  All students must be back in their common rooms by 9pm, unless returning from a detention.  In that case, they will be accompanied back by one of the teachers.  All quidditch practices are to be supervised by a teacher as well."  He looked around the hall at his students, his blue eyes stern as he imparted the new rules.  There were a few grumbles, especially from Fred and George.  "Now that that is said and done, chow down!"  Dumbledore sat as dishes of food appeared on all the tables.  With a happy cry Ron dove into the food and proceeded to stuff his face.  Harry snickered while Hermione shook her head and primly served herself.

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At the head table Remus sat with Snuffles leaning against his knee, passing morsels to the dog.  Outwardly he appeared calm, but inside he was fretting on how to get Severus and Harry together at the same time.  And without Dumbledore finding out.  ~This is ridiculous.  How are we supposed to keep Dumbledore from suspecting we know about Harry?  Pretty soon It'll be obvious who is father is!~

 Snuffles whined under the table, sensing his friends' distress.  Dark blue eyes glanced at the table where his godson sat with his friends.  Though not obvious, the changes were already happening.  He was taller, more graceful, and paler.  Even his hair had grown out.  It was only a matter of time before the changes got more extreme and questions were asked.  He looked to Sn…Severus next.  The other half of the problem.  How would they get him to talk?  He hated them both.  Shaggy black sides heaved in a sigh.  This would be an interesting year.

Severus was confused to say the least.  Potter was different somehow, and he reminded him of some one.  He couldn't quite put his finger on it either.  It certainly wasn't James, he never had that grace.  Lily perhaps?  He snarled as he thought her name.  Somehow it always managed to cause a pang when he did.  He didn't know why, he had hardly known the girl.  She'd been Potters. 

He drummed his fingers against the table in slight agitation, nodding coolly at his Slytherins.  So many were lost already to their parents view.  He despaired of being able to reach them.  Obsidian eyes narrowed as he took in the odd seating arrangement.  ~Or perhaps there was still a chance for a few of my students.  What happened over the summer that caused Draco to distance himself from the others may be a blessing in disguise. Others may now follow his lead. ~ 

Headmaster Dumbledore smiled genially at his precious students, inwardly cackling with glee.  His hypothesis about young Mr. Potter was certainly bearing fruit!  He had had his doubts when he had been sorted Gryffindor and pulled Godrics' sword out of the Hat, and looked so like James.  Now it appeared his appearance was beginning to favor Severus now.  ~Can't have that, now, can we?  First thing I'll have Potter up to my office, to talk about his summer.  Do the old grandfatherly advice routine.  I'll just place a small glamour charm on him then, to keep his appearance as it is now.  That can be explained away by puberty.  Any more, and there'll be questions.~  One small niggling of worry troubled him though.  If nobody knew his real parentage, not even his parents, why had he looked like James for so long?  No one could have known to place it!  Dumbledore worried at the problem a bit more, until the answer fell in place.  ~Of course!  Harry once told me of how when his Aunt tried to cut his hair, it would grow right back, unchanged.  Wandless magic.  Never knowing his parents, he subconsciously used a glamour charm on himself to look like his father!  That has to be it.  Now that he is older and has better control of his magic, he is looking more like he should.~  Satisfied with his deduction, he sat back in his chair and watched the happy children in his care eat themselves silly and laugh and joke with their friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ron groaned as he pushed himself away from the table.  "I'm stuffed!"

"Well, you really should not have eaten so much, Ron.  Honestly, you should watch what you eat if you want to be in shape for the tryouts."  Hermione scolded her boyfriend as she turned to the first years at their table.  Her silver prefects badge gleamed in the candle light of the Hall.  "All right, everyone who is a first year, follow me please!"  She waved them over to lead them to Gryffindor Tower.  They had received 11 new students that year.  Ravenclaw had 9, Slytherin 11 as well, and Hufflepuff hit the jackpot with 14. 

Harry hung back a bit, letting Ron go with Hermione as they led the first years to their dorm.  Ginny held back as well, and asked Harry in a hushed whisper, "Did you notice too?  The Slytherins?"

He nodded, a pensive expression crossing his face.  "Yeah.  I wonder what happened to Malfoy over the summer?  He is in no way acting like his normal, arrogant self.  Blaise has always been quiet, but I never saw her hang out with him before, either.  Even Crabbe and Goyle seem to have left him."  He looked briefly at Ginny, a slight smirk crossing his lips.  "And how did you notice, hmmm?  Have a little secret about Malfoy you'd like to share?"

She blushed slightly, but gave back as good as she got.  "Oh, and I suppose you noticing Blaise only happened because she happened to be beside Malfoy?  Whatever happened to Cho, hmmm?"  She grinned at his slightly wide-eyed expression.  "Score!"

He lightly bopped her arm.  "Enough.  What do you think is up, anyways?"

"I don't know, but it wasn't just them, you know.  Several other students sitting at the table were quiet too.  No-where near as noticeable as Malfoy, granted, but things were pretty strained…"  She trailed off as they passed a knot of students in the hall.  She spoke again when the hall was again clear.  "It was mostly some of the older students, sixth and seventh years, and their younger siblings.  If I didn't know any better, I'd say they were worried or upset over something.  It's almost as if the Slytherins have divided in half."

Harry nodded slowly, amazed Ginny's perceptiveness.  She was usually so quiet that most only thought her an average student.  He figured she could put Hermione to shame if she wanted.  "That's what I saw as well.  I wonder….Do you think it's to do with Voldemort?"

Ginny bit her lip, twisting a strand of titian hair around her finger.  "Maybe.  Let's just watch for now.  I don't want to jump to conclusions.  We'll leave that to my brother." She added with a grin.

Harry laughed.  "Yeah, Ron's my friend, but he does tend to do that a lot, huh."  They halted in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady, and gave the password, "Baka snake."  Apparently Hermione had gotten into anime over the summer, and had incorporated it into the password.  Both Harry and Ginny shrugged, ducking into their common room.  Hermione and Ron were waiting for them inside.

"What took you guys so long?  We were beginning to think you got lost!"  Ron grinned as he teased his best friend and little sister.

"Really Ron.  I'm sure Harry and Ginny wouldn't get lost after attending here for so long.  You both were probably just revisiting some of the paintings, or speaking with some of the houses, right?"

Both Ginny and Harry smiled at each other, remembering their comment about Ron.  "Yeah, exactly true, Hermione."  Harry laughed.  "So, can you believe it? Professor Lupin's back, and Snuffles too!"  Harry, Ron, and Hermione shared a look, and then dragged Ginny to a quiet corner.  "Um, Ginny, we've got something to tell you about Snuffles, but you can't tell anyone, it's very important."  All banter was put aside as Harry spoke to her quietly.  She glanced at her brother and his girlfriend; they were both quiet serious as well.

"Ok, I promise Harry.  What is it?"  She was very curious.

"You remember when Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban, right?  Well, very few people know this, but he is an unregistered animagus.  It's how he was able to escape from that place to begin with."  Harry started to explain, pausing for a moment.  Ginny nodded slowly.

"Yeah, I do… but what has this got to do with Snuffles?"

Ron cleared his throat, looking quickly around to make sure nobody was around, then spoke in a hushed whisper.  "Sirius is Snuffles, that's his animagus form.  A big black dog."  Ginny startled, her eyes growing wide.  Before she could even squeak, Ron continued.  "Don't freak out, Gin, listen.  Sirius was innocent!  He never was the Potters secret keeper, him and Pettigrew switched at the last minute.  In fact, he is still alive.  He is an animagus too."  Ron almost growled this last, his face twisted in anger.  Hermione continued.

"Yes, Peter Pettigrew is an animagus too.  His form is a rat.  He accused Sirius in front of witnesses, then blew up the street behind his back, and severed his finger.  He then transformed and ran away, leaving Sirius to take the blame.  We know all this because Sirius is Harry's Godfather, and we found Pettigrew.  He'd been hiding as Ron's pet rat the past 12 years until Sirius escaped."

"You see, my Godfather and Professor Lupin were good friends in school, and the Professor knows Sirius is innocent, as does Dumbledore.  Until we can catch Pettigrew again and put him on trial, Sirius has to hide.  That's why he's here with Professor Lupin.  We thought you should know all this, sense we do."  Harry concluded.

Ginny looked blankly at the three of them for a few moments before blinking, and shaking her head slightly.  "So… Sirius is innocent, is Harry's Godfather, and is hiding out as a dog.  The person he supposedly killed is still alive, and the true betrayer of Harry's parents.  Ok, anything else you guys would like to tell me about?"  She lifted an eyebrow inquiringly, and then laughed.  "That's quite a bit to handle all at once, but thanks for finally telling me.  But…"  She grinned impishly.  "Since it took you so long to come clean…I'll just have to make you wait before I tell you my little secret."  With that she kissed Ron goodnight on the cheek and headed to the fourth year girls dorm to sleep.

The trio glanced at each other in puzzlement.  "Her secret?"  They chorused at the same time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day dawned bright and clear as the students of Hogwarts began their first day of classes.  In the Great Hall, students ate breakfast while their timetables were passed down the rows.  Ron growled as he looked over his, Harry's, and Hermione's.

"You guys won't believe this, double potions again with the Slytherins!  What are they trying to do, make sure we never get the house cup?  Snape'll take away ever point we get!"

Hermione busied herself with consoling Ron while Harry questioned Ginny.  "Hey Gin, what do you have first?"

She merely smiled and ate her breakfast quickly.  "You'll see!"  Finishing, she jumped up from the table and left the Hall, giving a brief wave to the Trio.  Ron stared after her, scratching his head in puzzlement.

"She's gone mental, that one has.  Wonder what she's on about?"

"I'm sure we'll find out when she wants us to, Ron.  But if we don't scarper, we'll be late for potions."  Hermione took a last bite of her toast, gathering her books from where she'd been reading them, and shoved them in her bag.  The boys followed her example and together they headed to the dudgeons.

For once they weren't late to the class.  Pushing through the doors they made their way inside and to their usual seats.  When they got there, though, they stopped dead in their tracks.  Ginny was setting up her parchment and quills where they usually sat.  She looked up and chirped, "Hi!" 

"Um, Ginny, why are you here?  We've class right now with Snape…?"  Harry trailed off, a slightly confused look on his face.

Ginny took pity on the three.  "I know.  Over the summer, Professor Dumbledore told mum that Snape said I had done so well in potions for the past three years it would be best if I moved up a year for the class.  I went over the fourth year material for the rest of the summer so I wouldn't have to catch up."  She grinned at their stunned expressions.  "What?  Surprised Snape actually admitted that a Gryffindor is good at potions?

The three dumbly nodded their heads, and then Ron broke out with a grin.  "Wicked!  My little sis, a potions genius!"

Hermione smiled, lightly cuffing Ron's arm.  "That is a wonderful achievement Ginny, we're all proud of you!"

Harry nodded, adding his own congratulations.  "Yeah, great job!  Hey, we won't be an odd number for partners now, you can join us."

She nodded.  "That's what I was planning on doing."  At this point class started with Professor Snaps usual entrance; banging open the doors and stalking to the front of the room.  His black robes billowed about his thin form as he turned about and faced the class.

"I see you've managed to barely make it through another year of potions…pity.  This year will be far harder, I can guarantee that.  There will be no more goofy of in this class,"  He glared at the Gryffindors while the Slytherins snickered. The Gryffindors couldn't even mutter among themselves, they could only glower back.  Surprisingly, Professor Snape turned on his own house.  "And that goes for both houses.  This year is far to important to waste on childish pranks."  The Slytherins could only stare in stunned silence at their Head of House.  The Gryffindors did much the same, their collective jaws hitting the desks. 

Ron dared a furtive whisper to Hermione.  "Do ya reckon the real Snape got kidnapped and this is his greasy, not so evil twin?"  She cuffed his arm, nodding to the front.

"Now, take out your quills and copy this down.  This is for the first potion we shall be working on.  You will get no help at the time we brew this, so listen closely."  There was a flurry of parchment and quills as they started to copy down what Professor Snape dictated to them as he stalked around the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Professor Lupin's office he and Sirius were discussing a very important matter; getting Severus and Harry together.  It was finally Sirius who came up with the plan.  Simple was undoubtedly the best.

"Simple is best, Remi.  I'll leave a note for Harry tonight, asking to talk with him.  You know, catching up.  Say, here in your office.  You go to Snape and tell him you need to speak with him about something at the same time here in your office.  Then, well, we'll just play it by ear."

"Siri, you know his temper.  How are we going to keep him here until we can perform the memory charm?"

He grinned.  "Leave it to me, I've an idea I've wanted to try out for awhile now."  Lupin looked dubiously at his long time friend and partner.

"Are you sure?"

"Yup.  Don't worry, it's nothing damaging."  Somehow this failed to reassure Remus.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Since September 1st fell of a Friday that year, the first day of classes was relatively short.  After parting ways with Ginny after potions, the trio went on to Care of Magical Creatures.  So far in CoMC Hagrid hadn't introduced any strange or dangerous creatures.  There was a running bet among the Gryffindors on how long it would be before he did introduce one.  After lunch, Hermione left for her Arithmancy class while Ron and Harry trudged up to the North Tower for Divination.  Climbing through the trapdoor, they were greeted by the usual clouds of perfumed smoke and squashy chairs.  Dropping their bags, they plopped down and waited for Trelawney to make her appearance.  Ron nudged Harry in the ribs.

"I bet the first thing she says is something about the Grim and you, mate!"

"No bet, Ron.  She does that every year."  He was glad he left Silestra behind; all that smoke probably wouldn't have been good for her.  He missed her good sense though.  Harry wondered to himself why he even bothered taking this class, besides the fact that it was an easy grade.  He half tuned Ron's comments out as he lounged in his chair, stretching his long legs out underneath the table.  ~Wonder how I'm supposed to die this year?~  He mused to himself.  Right on schedule Professor Trelawney made her appearance, misty voice pitched to be just audible over the soft snap of the fire.

"Welcome students, to another year of the fine art of Divination."  Lavender and Parvati sat eagerly in the front, as close as they could get to their favorite teacher.  "As I was drinking my tea this morning, it came to me that we would gain a new student."  As she said this, she beckoned to Harry to stand up.  "Please stand up and introduce yourself to the others my dear."  The rest of the students glanced at each other, confused.  Harry wasn't new, what was she talking about?  Harry was amused.  He knew he had changed a bit over the summer, but not that much!  Unfolding himself from his chair he stood, and made his way gracefully to the front, and turned with a flair of his robes.  He glanced at the professor, who seemed quite taken.  This would be fun.  He cleared his throat.

"Well, as I'm sure you all know, my name is Harry Potter.  I am a fifth year, taking Divination for my third year now.  My hobbies include quidditch and being a favored target of Vold…er… You-Know-Who."  He smirked at Trelawney, who for once looked quite startled.  She recovered swiftly though; he had to give her that much credit.

"Oh, um, of course you are Harry dear.  I only meant new in the sense that your aura has changed, meaning you have changed as a person.  I wanted everyone to have a chance to see this for themselves, as we will be studying auras this term."  Her bangles and necklaces chimed together as she swiftly moved to the windows, closing the shades.  "Thank you dear, you may sit down."  Harry nodded and stalked back to his seat.  With a small smirk at Ron, he sat.  Ron was red with the effort of trying to hold back the laughter that threatened to escape.  The girls in the class were just as silent, but for a different reason.  Since coming back to school that term, all had been seeing a new side to Harry; the tall, dark and handsome one. 

The rest of the class went by more or less normal, with Professor Trelawney predicting Harry's death only 30 minutes into the class.  This year, he was to watch out for not only the Grim, but serpent-tongued men as well.  Ron snickered as Harry rolled his eyes.  How predictable.

It was with relief that Harry and Ron escaped that perfumed torture room and met up with Hermione and Ginny for dinner.  Harry hoped to speak with Professor Lupin about setting up a time to meet with him and his Godfather.  He was anxious to see how he was.  As if wishes could be heard and granted that easily, he felt a wet nose poke his leg.  Looking under the table, he saw Snuffles, with a note in his mouth.  Harry grinned, taking the note from the dog and patting his head.  Unfolding it he read:

            Harry, meet me tonight at 7 in my office.  I've a few things about this years activities I'd like to discuss with you.

-Professor Lupin

He looked up at the Head Table, where Professor Lupin nodded to him, a slight smile on his face.  Ron looked over Harry's shoulder and read the note.

"Huh, maybe he wants to give you extra lessons again, like third year?"

"Yeah, and I want to see Snuffles, too.  I'll tell ya what he wanted when I get back, okay?"

"Sure mate, have fun."  Ron went back to his lively debate about the quidditch trials with Dean and Seamus.  Harry finished his pork chop and left to drop his books off in the Tower.  He had about 30 minutes before 7.  He wondered if he should bring up his thought about Dumbledore to his Godfather and Professor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Severus slowly pinched the bridge of his nose as the last of the second year Ravenclaws left his potions classroom.  Sitting at his desk he let out a long sigh.  Seemed every year this term had at least one Longbottom.  That this one was a Ravenclaw was the irony of it.  He glared at the besmirched desk where the boy had been working as if his glare could clean it.  Running a hand through his hair, he looked at the door as someone knocked, then entered.  Professor Lupin, lovely.  Probably about getting the Wolfsbane Potion made for him.

Remus cleared his throat nervously, running a hand through his graying light brown hair.  "Good evening, Severus.  I hope your classes went well?"

Severus tiredly shook his head, glowering at the offending desk again.  "As well as can be expected with an up-and-coming Longbottom among the second year Ravenclaws.  Come now, Lupin, I know you've come for more then just idle chit-chat."

Remus nodded, taking a few paces inside the classroom.  "Yes, actually.  I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to meet me tonight in my office?  Around 7pm?  I've a few things I'd like to talk to you about in private."  He held up a hand to forestall Severus' next words.  "And no, it's not about getting the potion to me either, Severus.  It's a subject best spoke of privately."  One elegant brow arched as Severus thought over the request.

"Oh really?  Well then, I suppose I could find time in my busy schedule to do so.  Mind, it had better be quick, Lupin."

"Of course.  I'll see you then, Severus."

Severus nodded briefly; leaving Remus to see himself out as he set about cleaning the mess his classroom was in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At 7pm sharp, Harry presented himself at Professor Lupins office.  He was about to knock on the door when he saw Professor Snape come around the corner.

"Potter, may I ask what you are doing out here?  Shouldn't you be out getting into trouble with your little friends?"

Harry frowned, lips pulling down at the corners slightly.  "With all due respect, Sir, I was invited here by Professor Lupin."  Alerted by the voices outside the door Remus opened it up to find both Severus and Harry outside his office having a glaring contest.  Standing next to each other, the similarities were quite apparent.  Remus looked between them both, grinning.

"Before you two kill each other, why don't you step inside my office?"  Taking them both by the arm he almost dragged them inside.  Closing the door and locking it securely, he turned to face the two confused men.  "I suppose you both would like to know what is going on, right?"

"That is the general idea, yes."  Severus sneered, folding his arms across his chest.  Harry nodded, edging as far away as he could from the irate potions master.  Remus smiled, and motioned with his hand.  Snuffles walked out into the room, then transformed back into Sirius.  Before Severus could act, or even open his mouth, Sirius had his wand out and a charm cast on Severus.

"I wouldn't try to speak, Snape."  Sirius grinned widely.  "Don't worry, this is just to keep you quiet until we can say what we have to say, without you interrupting."

Severus snarled, opening his mouth to deliver a tirade of verbal abuse, but all that came out was a song.

"WHO CAN TAKE A SUNRISE
SPRINKLE IT WITH DEW
COVER IT IN CHOCOLATE AND A MIRACLE OR TWO
THE CANDY MAN
THE CANDY MAN CAN."

It took Severus a full verse to realize what was happening to him.  When he did, his eyes went as big as saucers and he clamped his hands over his mouth.  If glares could've killed, Sirius would have been a cinder. Harry couldn't help but snicker at the potion masters expression.  It was truly priceless.

"Good one, Sirius.  Professor, why did you want to see both me and Professor Snape?"

Severus fumed impotently and stalked to a seat and sat down, followed by Harry and Sirius.  Remus sat down at his desk.  "You see, Harry, this summer Sirius and I learned something very important that relates to both you and Severus."  He rummaged in his desk for a second, and then brought out an age-yellowed piece of parchment.  He used a quick doubling charm on it, and then handed a copy to both Harry and Severus.  "I think you both should read this latter we received this summer.  It came from James."  Shocked silence fell in the small room, and two pairs of eyes slowly started to read the letter.

A/N:  Hi, I'm not dead ^_^  Sorry for the cliff, but it kinda came up outta nowhere.  I was going to write a bit more, but decided to leave some for the next chapter, lol.  This one is quite long as it is.  More candy man goodness next chapter, and some interesting reactions.  And guess what?  I finally got my first flame!  Can you believe it?  It took 70 reviews before someone did.  Not a very good one either.  Oh well, it did keep my tropical fish nice and warm!  Anyways, tell me what you liked, hated, thought could be better.  Reviews loved!  Constructive Criticism loved!  Flames used to save on the electric bill!  Take care, and happy Easter to those who follow that relig! 

~*~Gryphnwng~*~