Finally. Sorry it's so boring. R/R

Chapter 9 *really?!*.Home sweet Hogwarts.eventually

Harry woke to Severus shaking him. All he wanted to do was go back to sleep.

'Wha.?' Harry mumbled.

'Get up,' Severus replied.

'Give it a rest. Even better, give me one.' Harry said becoming more awake.

'Then give me a break.' Snape retorted and pulled a sleepy Harry from his bed. He stood him up and after giving him his glasses, pushed him towards the bathroom door.

'Shower. I expect you downstairs in thirty minutes for breakfast.' Snape ordered and left the room.

Harry was stuck between doing what his uncle had asked him and going back to bed. In most situations obviously going back to bed was the best option and Harry would have done it willingly if Snape hadn't popped his head round the door and told him to get in his shower within seconds or else. Harry didn't know what Snape meant by what else but he couldn't be bothered to find out; he was far too sleepy.

Harry came out of the shower wide-awake and refreshed. He also came out of the shower 10 minutes late. He was meant to be downstairs 10 minutes ago but Harry didn't realise this until he walked into his bedroom.

Harry wrapped a towel around him and put his glasses on and walked into his bedroom to get dried and get dressed. He didn't even notice his uncle until Severus made it quite clear.

'I SAID be down in half an hour. Forty minutes has already gone. I said you'd having to suffer the consequences. And you do. Get downstairs in less then five minutes or I'll stop you from going to Hogsmeade too.' Snape snapped. Harry was startled.

'Uncle Severus, what are you talking about?' Harry said after recovering.

'You heard quite clear.' Snape said curtly.

'I'm sorry, I didn't see the time,' Harry said.

'Whatever. Just be downstairs in 254 seconds and counting.' Snape said and left.

'Who rattled his cage?' Harry muttered to himself drying his hair.

After Harry dressed, he went downstairs to breakfast.

'Glad you finally decided to come to breakfast,' Snape said not looking over his copy of the Daily Prophet.

'Well, you delayed me,' Harry lied.

'I did nothing of the sort. Sit down and eat your breakfast.' Snape commented.

Harry sat and ate in silence. When he finished he took his plate and glass to the sink and walked towards the door to go back to his bedroom and laze around.

'Where do you think you are going? Did I dismiss you?' Snape inquired.

'I'm going to my bedroom and did you not dismiss me. Not that we are in a classroom.' Harry retorted calmly.

'Don't talk to me like that. I suggest you sit down. I don't have plans for you to lounge around in your room all day.' Snape reprimanded.

Harry sat. 'What are YOUR plans for ME?'

'Do NOT talk to me like that.' Snape said loudly and glared at Harry expectantly.

'Sorry,' Harry said.

'To answer your question, you will be staying here alone making potions for one half of the day and after lunch you will practise the cello.' Snape said flatly.

'Where will you be?' Harry asked.

'I need to go to Hogwarts and various other places.'

'Can I come?'

'No,' Snape stated firmly. 'I have to pick up some potion ingredients at Knockturn alley and you are definitely not going down there.'

'I could stay in Diagon alley while you are in Knockturn alley.'

'No.' Snape said. 'Do not question it.'

'Please.I wouldn't cause any trouble and I'll.' Harry received a death glare from his uncle which quietened Harry.

'You will find everything in the appropriate rooms. Don't do anything you shouldn't. Good day.' Snape stood up and walked towards the fireplace.

'But.' Snape swivelled round.

'Yes.'

Harry stared at him blankly. Snape tilted his head forward indicating for Harry to speak.

Harry opened his mouth and then shut it. He opened it again and the shut it. 'Nothing.'

'Oh, come out with it Harry,' Snape said and rolled his eyes.

'I'll stay in Diagon alley and be really good. Please, please, please.' Harry said hastily.

'I have answered no. Don't challenge it. Now go,' Snape said and ushered Harry out before flooing to Diagon Alley.

***

The days past into weeks slowly for Harry. Harry missed his friends and Remus but especially Sirius. Sirius had tried to write to Harry at every available opportunity but so far that was about once a week. So instead, Harry had decided to write to his friends more often instead. He started with both Ron and Hermione but slowly he started writing more to Hermione. He didn't know why this was because as far as he was concerned, the trio were all best friends but Ron and Harry were slighter closer. This might have only been because they were both boys or because they were friends before Hermione. Harry didn't know but couldn't be bothered to dwell on it.

By the end of the summer holidays Harry had realised that Snape was quite a decent person. He had lightened up considerably and Harry could push him around quite a bit. Obviously not as much as Sirius but no one could be wrapped around Harry's finger like Sirius. Harry surprisingly had had a very good summer. First he left the Dursley's to live with Sirius and now, much to Harry's dismay at first had enjoyed his summer with his uncle.

When they were about to leave the house Snape had found himself enveloped in a hug.

'Well Harry, it's time to go. If you ever want to come back here remember you're always welcome.' Snape said to Harry smiling.

Harry ran towards Severus at hug him tightly. Severus was stunned at first but when he recovered he picked Harry up to hug him. They hugged for a few minutes before Severus spoke still not putting Harry down.

'I see that while you've been here you still haven't gained that weight that you need to put on.'

'I don't need to gain weight,' Harry said defensively.

Severus snorted. 'You do. Your ribs stick out.'

'Everyone else's do.'

'They don't. Well, not to the extent of yours. I'll hope to see you eating full meals at Hogwarts.'

'I do.'

'Have you ever eaten all your meals in one day?'

'Probably.'

'Never. Now come on the car's waiting outside,' Walking towards the doorway still with Harry in his arms.

'Are you driving?' Harry asked.

Severus snorted, 'Am I heck'

'Why not?'

'Did you expect I would?'

'Not really.'

'Why?'

'It's just not your style.' Harry shrugged.

'There is your answer,' Severus said smiling and walked outside. He opened the door and put Harry in the car. He strapped him in and told him he wouldn't be a 'mo'.

Severus came back after packing everything and told the driver to go.

***

As the car came to a stand still, Severus decided now was the time to chat about the year. He told the driver to stop and to wait outside.

'Harry, I think we need to go over a few things.'

'Sure, sup?'

'Sup?' Severus said not understanding Harry.

'What's up?' Harry explained.

'Well, first I want your cloak and map tonight. Come to my office after dinner. The password is Gryffindor. And before you say anything, it's only because who would think of it. Next, if you ever need me you know where I am. I trust you to go to bed at a sensible time,' Harry snorted but shortly stopped as he received a glare from Severus, 'and do not get into any trouble. I repeat ANY trouble. Hear me?'

'I hear you, yes. Although, I'm not giving you my cloak and map. I may need them.' Harry said.

'Tough. For one, it is your punishment for that shower incident and two, I want them anyway. Then you won't be tempted to go for a midnight stroll.'

'When do I get them back?' Harry asked warily.

'You don't. Not until the end of school.'

'What?!'

'Please Harry; you know how you are always get into trouble.this would make you get into less.'

'You don't understand. I need them. I promise I won't use them unless it's an emergency.'

'No, Harry I want them.'

'But then when I am going to ever use the map?'

'You aren't.'

'What? That's outrageous. I'm sorry but I can't give it up like that.'

'You're not meant to have it in the first place.'

'Are you going to tell McGonagall?'

'Professor McGonagall to you and I haven't decided.'

'Professor Dumbledore will know and he doesn't mind.'

'Well I do.'

'Tough,' Harry said stubbornly.

'I can order you to give it me if you don't give it to me when asking.'

'So? I still won't give it to you.'

'So how many detentions and points off Gryffindor would you like?'

'None. Please, please, please can I keep it. I won't do anything stupid and I won't use it unless under extreme circumstances.' Harry said and did his best puppy dog look. 'And I won't get into any trouble and I'll go to bed at 10 o'clock,' Harry said knowing that was an utmost lie, 'and.and I'll be really good in class and listen and work and do my homework and everything you take points off me for.'

'Oh for Merlin's sake, keep the damn things,' Severus said giving in to Harry.

Harry grinned and hugged his uncle. 'Thanks, uncle Sev.'

'Severus.'

'Whatever. Well, I godda go so I'll see ya at school. Thanks for having me.' Harry said, opened the door and got out.

'Bye Harry,' Severus said rolling his eyes.



Harry boarded the Hogwarts express and put his trunk and Hedwig in a storage compartment. Then he went to see if Hermione and Ron had already boarded the train. He found Hermione in an empty compartment at the back of the train. Apparently Ron hadn't turned up yet.

'Harry,' Hermione said as she saw Harry enter the compartment. She stood up and hugged him.

'Hi Herm,' Harry said embracing Hermione. He felt a slight tingle in his body. 'How've you been?'

'Fine, I broke up with Victor,' Hermione said sitting back down with Harry in front of her.

'Why?'

'He wasn't my type,' Hermione said putting a bookmark in her Transfiguration text book.

'What is then? Or should I say who is then, Ron?'

'Ron? No way. What are you talking about not Ron. We are just friends like me and you,' Hermione said blushing at the last part.

'Okay, if you say so. You can admit it though Herm, cos' I think he fancies you back,' Harry said slyly.

'Harry, Ron fancies me no more than you.' Harry blushed.

'So, done all your homework?' Harry said changing the subject. Hermione caught on but didn't say anything. She blushed slightly too.

'Of course Harry. Don't tell me you haven't done yours.all the teachers will kill you especially Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape.'

'I doubt Unc.' Harry's eyes grew wide. Hermione's did too. 'Herm you can't say anything. Not even to Ron.'

'Were you about to say uncle?' Hermione asked still with wide eyes.

'Yes,' Harry said grimacing.

'And your uncle would be?' Hermione asked. Harry didn't answer.

'It's not.not Professor Snape, is it?' Hermione said slowly.

Harry nodded. 'Please don't tell. He's really nice when he's not in his classroom. You remember when Sirius and me were talking and you and Ron interrupted; we were talking about him. I went to live with him over the summer cos' Sirius and Remus had to go on a mission. And he is nice. He's even worried about me. He wanted me to give him the Marauders' Map and Cloak so I can't get into more trouble then I already will. And he taught me Potions properly. He is a good teacher, really.'

'Calm down Harry, I won't tell. So, he is nice? How is he your uncle?'

'Yep and he was my father's twin. And guess what, you'll find this hilarious.'

'What?'

'He plays the cello. He taught me. I didn't want to but he insisted and he cooks. He's really good.' Hermione giggled.

'Yeah, right.'

'No, it's true,' Harry said, 'I swear.'

'Well at least you'll be able to do potions now. He can't take points off you for that.'

'He will. He lectured me on the fact that he had to be so cruel to me in class because of all the Slytherins.'

'Well then you'll just have to be my partner in Potions cos' then at least I'll have someone to do it right with. All the other girls can't do it to save their lives and you know Neville and Seamus.'

'Sure,' Harry said smiling. 'Where is Ron? It's ten to.'

'He might be in a different compartment. We can go look for him if you want. Though I do doubt that he's got here.'

'Me too. Oh Hermione, you'll be proud of me. I actually read Hogwarts: A history this holiday.'

'Thank god someone else did. Now I don't have to keep reminding you that you can't dissaparate and apparate in Hogwarts.'

'Yeah, but you'll still have to remind Ron.'

'Too true,' Hermione said.

As if on cue, Ron walked through the compartment door.

'Ron, you could have missed the train. Look,' Hermione said pointing to her watch, 'it 10:59.'

'Hi to you too Hermione. Hi Harry, how was your holiday? Did Sirius and Professor Lupin play loads of pranks on you?'

Harry glanced at Hermione and then turned back to Ron. 'Yeah, it was good. And yes, they did. But don't you worry, I pulled many back.' Ron smiled.

'Cool,' Ron said, 'we'll have to pull some on the teachers. Ooo, and the bad ones on Snape. That will be really funny.'

Harry didn't reply. He just looked at Hermione for help.

'Really Ron, now is not the time to be pulling pranks on people. Especially teachers. I forbid you to do it. If you will, I'll take points and report it to McGonagall,' Hermione said sternly.

'Gheez Herm, we're talking about Snape here. It doesn't matter. We will just pay him back for being do nasty and taking so many points. Won't we Harry?' Ron said.

'Hmm,' Harry said.

'Ron, don't call me Herm and it doesn't matter which teacher I will do it.'

'Calm Herm,' Ron said backing off before sitting down.

'Hermione!' Hermione said. 'So Harry, it looks like you'll be joining me in the library. You know, now you've read Hogwarts; A history I expect you'll want to read all the other Hogwarts books.' Hermione turned her attention back to Harry.

'Well, Hermione don't take this the wrong way but I.' Harry was cut in.

'You read Hogwarts; A history?!' Ron said to Harry disbelievingly.

'Yeah,' Harry said, 'Sirius insisted I read it cos' he said it will tell me about great pranks that have been made in the past or something. He always talks nonsense but I read it anyway. It is actually quite interesting Ron.'

'You what?' Ron said gaping at Harry.

'Joke, Ron. As if I've read Hogwarts; A history,' Harry lied and snorted. He looked pointedly at Hermione for her to catch on and not dispute him.

'Thank god,' Ron said. 'For a second there.' Ron trailed off shaking his head.



'Well guys, we should all change. I've got to go get my badge, coming Harry?' Hermione said.

Harry was about to point out that they both got their prefects badges in the post, but was silenced by a glance from Hermione.

'Okay, see you in a minute Ron,' said Harry.

Harry and Hermione both walked out the room.

'Harry, you have to tell him. You had to lie six times about your holiday and the things you did,' Hermione said once they were earshot of anyone.

'Herm, I couldn't possibly tell him. Think how he will freak out.'

'I suppose but I don't want to have to lie for you.'

'Oh Herm, please do this for me,' Harry said looking at her with his best puppy dog face. How could Hermione possibly say no to Harry with that face? He looks like a little angel like that, she thought.

'Oh, of course I won't tell him,' Hermione said. Anything for you.

Harry grinned and kissed her on the cheek. They both blushed.

'Well we better be going.' Hermione was trailed off.

Malfoy came strolling towards Hermione and Harry. His lackeys were behind them and they all had very smug grins on their faces.

'Well, well, well.you finally picked which celebrity you wanted. I expect you were having your affairs for the fame, Mudblood.'

Harry drew his wand but Hermione pushed his hand down.

'Ah, is your Mudblood controlling you? Got you wrapped around her little finger? How very touching. I am surprised,' Malfoy carried on, 'that you sunk so low as Granger; A Mudblood and whore. I thought even you, Potter could surpass that and have more taste and pride.'

'You bastard! Hermione isn't a whore and even if we were going out; which we aren't, I wouldn't be sinking to her level because she's way out of my league. And I would have pride and taste unlike you.' Harry shouted at him. Hermione was so shocked at Harry for saying so nice things about her.

'I make much more taste than you, Potter,' Malfoy retorted. 'You're girlfriend is Granger, the insufferable no-it-all Mudblood.'

'You fucking, wanking, toss pot! You bloody prick! I'm going to fucking kick your head in,' Harry raged. Two windows either side of him shattered.

'Temper, temper.I'll have to report this to Professor Snape, damaging school property. You'll be in detention for the rest of the month,' Malfoy said smirking.

'Come on Harry, he's not worth it,' Hermione said gently and took hold of Harry's hand and dragged him back to their compartment. As soon as Hermione had touched him he soon calmed down.

They entered their compartment to Ron munching away.

'You better get changed. We're stopping in 10 minutes,' Ron said and looked at Harry, 'you okay mate?'

'Wha.oh yeah, I'm fine,' Harry said far away and walked back out to get his stuff to change.

*Sorry, you've all been waiting ages. I'm sooo sorry. Well, I WILL and I mean WILL update soon. That's if bloody ff.net will let me. It's changes are pissing me off cos' I can never sign in. Oh and I'm sorry it's not exactly interesting. I had to do another chappie before getting to Hogwarts where the real fun begins. Pls R/R.thanks*