Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters. I'll give them back to JK Rowling when I'm done. No money was made from this endeavor.
Feedback: Please read and review, flames are not welcome.
A/N: Thanks go, once more, to Sherdelune, my beta. Any errors still remaining would be mine.
A/N2: Thanks to all of you who have reviewed my story so far. In answer to SEPs question, the romance will take place in this story.

Anything between two *, denotes a thought.

Wanted: Single, Older Male for a Roommate
Chapter 4: One Question Answered

Harry, Hermione, and Ron had spent the rest of the morning and much of the afternoon with Hagrid and Fang at the Groundskeeper's hut and in History class with Binns. Lunch had been the usual thing, Malfoy casting snide remarks at the Gryffindor table while they attempted to ignore him. It seemed that after 7 years of such treatment, the Gryffindor's learned it was best to just ignore the incessant tail rattling of the blonde Slytherin snake.

Harry had been exceedingly pleased at the visit with Hagrid. Thanks to the large supply of rats he kept on hand to feed some of the magical creatures currently under his care, he gave one rat to Sliver. Sliver was ever so pleased and after eating went right back to sleep, this time on the hearth by the smoldering ashes in the fireplace.

Hagrid offered them his usual treats of rock hard treacle tarts and tea. The trio naturally declined the tarts, as they wanted to keep their teeth intact, plus not spoil their appetite for lunch, of course. Harry and his friends talked about the camping trip, Harry's accident and the different wildlife they'd seen.

They also talked a bit about Hagrid's family, and found out that Grawp was doing much better. He had finally mastered the English language and was trying to teach it to many of the other giants who had survived the war. They also noticed that Hagrid was maneuvering much better with his cane than he had on their last visit down.

Hagrid, who had sustained a few injuries during the war, had not truly overcome them. His leg had not mended properly back to its original position, so he now walked with a cane. However, Hagrid being Hagrid, had not let this get him down, nor did he consider it a problem, and was as jovial as ever.

That afternoon after History class, the trio used the remaining few hours prior to dinner for revision. Hermione had redone their study schedules to now include the 2 hours of tutorial sessions with Professor Snape that they would have 3 nights each week until the NEWTs took place.

"You know something, as much as I've considered Hogwarts my home, I'll be glad to finish with this school work." Harry looked at the other two as his shoulders sagged and his head listed to the side. He moved one arm up and used it to prop his tired head. "Not only are we still getting homework, but we have to revise as well."

Ron shook his head in agreement and dropped his head onto his folded arms.

Hermione looked at Harry with concern. "Unfortunately, you and Ron aren't the most conscientious of students. If you had gotten your homework done when it was assigned, you'd be in better shape with the coursework. Of course, Harry, you have spent a large amount of time this year and in years past in the infirmary and that has always set you back a bit. However, I'm sure you will do fine on the NEWTs."

"Have you two given any thought to what you want to do?" asked Harry, switching topics away from the one of his being in the infirmary too much.

"Do?" Hermione looked at Harry quizzically.

"Do career wise? I mean two years ago, I thought I wanted to be an Auror, but now with Voldemort gone and the war behind us, I don't think I do anymore. Seriously, Hermione, do you know?" questioned Harry.

"Not completely. I do know that I am going on to University or at least I will, once our NEWT scores are presented. I'm thinking of getting a teaching degree. I'd like to come back to Hogwarts someday. I'm just not sure which subject I want to focus on, they are all so fascinating."

"And you Ron, do you know what you want to do?"

"I'll hopefully be going on to University as well, mate. I still want to be an Auror. Of course, like 'Mione said, it will all depend on my NEWT scores."

"Do you have any inkling of what you might like to do?" Hermione directed the question back to Harry.

"Not really, but Snape says that during one of my many chores with him, he'll help me figure it out, give me some counseling."

Hermione's jaw nearly dropped to the table and Ron's eyes bugged. "Snape's willing to help you find a career? Why didn't you ask for McGonagall's help or even Dumbledore's?"

"It was one of the thing's Snape and I talked about during the camping trip. I mentioned that I didn't know anymore what I wanted to do and he offered. It's really quite nice of him." Harry smiled at his friends.

"Well, I'm just glad someone is helping you out. How you are going to spend the rest of your life is important. I mean, it wouldn't do to be stuck in a job you hate, just look at Professor Snape as an example," Hermione pointed out.

Ron shuddered at the thought of Harry turning into a bitter, old man whose job dissatisfaction ate away at his happiness.

Harry looked at the clock over the fireplace, one of the hands was pointing at dinner. Harry had been so absorbed in his studying, as were his friends, that they hadn't noticed the lower year students leaving the tower for dinner.

"Come on your two, it's dinner time."

They left their books where they were, knowing they'd be coming back to them afterwards and went down to the Great Hall.

Dinner was the usual fare, all the students and most of the teachers were present. Professor Snape was the only professor absent, which caused Harry a brief pang of concern. However the concern was quickly dispelled with the rumor currently circulating that Malfoy had detention with Professor Snape that evening for the accident that happened in Potions. This was a highlight to the evening for the trio, because it was causing Malfoy to sulk and scowl, replacing his usual smirk and condescending attitude.

After dinner and back in the Common Room, Harry tried to focus on his studies along with his friends. His thoughts however, were on the upcoming detention Malfoy was to serve with Severus and the fact that he needed to start house hunting. *Better start looking now, before all the good places get snatched up by some of the other students.*

"Hermione, do you have a copy of the latest Daily Prophet handy?" he asked of his friend. Hermione looked up from her notes, her eyes slightly unfocused and her face puzzled as she tried to switch out of her intense study mode.

"Yes, I have a copy up in my dorm room, this mornings edition. What do you need it for?"

"Well, I'm not going back to the Dursley's this summer. That's for certain. So I need to find a place to live."

"Oh, I can understand that. Horrible people your guardians. How Dumbledore could make you go back there each year boggles the mind. I'll probably stay with my folks this summer until I go to university. If you want and if you can wait, I'll give you tomorrows copy after I'm done with it."

"Thanks, Hermione."

Ron looked up from his notes when hearing Harry's answer. "Honestly, Harry. You know you're always more than welcome to come live at the Burrow. Mum would love to have you."

"Thanks, Ron. I think I want to find a place of my own though. Maybe something quiet with a nice view, a bedroom or two, and a garden out back." Harry grinned contentedly as he pictured the perfect house in his mind. "And definitely someplace further south than Hogwarts. As lovely as Hogsmeade and the surrounding area is, I want something a bit warmer."

"Why would you want to live on your own in such a large place?" asked Ron.

Harry shifted in his seat and dropped his gaze back down to his notes. Hermione noticed this odd, evasive behaviour. *He's not going to live on his own, but he doesn't want us to know this. Why?* Hermione thought on it, while Harry continued to think of a suitable answer to give Ron.

"I might live on my own for a while, to see how I like it, the peace and quiet that is. Who knows, I might take on a roommate later on. I'm not sure at this point." Harry spoke down at his notes and fiddled with his quill.

"Well, maybe I can come live with you then, when you do find you need a roommate. I could apparate to and from school, perhaps. Sound good to you Harry?" Ron said cheerfully. Ron pictured Harry and himself living the bachelor life for a while, not having to share the house or dorm with tons of others.

Harry continued to fidget with the quill, his eyes shifting back and forth between Ron and his scrolls. "Maybe, we'll see."

Hermione continued to stare at Harry intensely. He felt her gaze, but wouldn't look up at her. Something inside Hermione's mind clicked into place almost immediately -- little facts stringing themselves together.

*Harry's already got a roommate picked out, Professor Snape is leaving Hogwarts, Harry and Professor Snape's blossoming friendship. Merlin! Harry's asked Professor Snape to be his roommate. I'm almost sure of it. But why? I would think Harry would have asked Ron before approaching the professor. Unless...Harry feels more for the professor than he's letting on.*

Hermione just kept her own counsel on this turn of events. Hermione returned to studying and Harry felt her gaze leave him. He sighed quietly in relief.

Harry watched the passing of time quite carefully. He wanted to take his invisibility cloak and head down to the dungeons to enjoy Malfoy's detention. Harry remembered what Dumbledore had told him, in that Malfoy had caused an accident by letting some of the potion slip. *But surely, such a small thing would not have warranted a detention. Severus wouldn't have done that to one of his own students for something so minor, unless it wasn't an accident after all and something else had happened. Well if Malfoy was involved, more than likely.* Harry chuckled quietly, he was going certainly going to enjoy a detention for once, especially one that wasn't his.

*Now to figure out a way to leave without attracting Hermione or Ron's attention. Maybe if I just tell them I'm still tired from the accident. They'd accept that.*

"You know what you two, I'm going to call it a night. I think I'm still fairly beat from the accident, so I'll see you both tomorrow morning. Okay?"

"Sure, Harry, get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long one, we've got Transfiguration, Charms, plus the two hour tutoring with Snape in the evening." Ron and Harry both groaned at the thought of more work. Hermione on the other hand looked positively eager.

"Yeah, mate. Don't want to shove you out of bed again tomorrow morning. 'Night, Harry."

"Thanks. You two sleep well, also. Ron, could you ask the others to keep it down when they decide to turn in, please?" Ron nodded. Harry gathered up his books, scrolls, ink and quill and walked up to the dorm. He dumped his stuff into the trunk when he got his cloak out. He put his cloak on and slipped back down the stairs. *Now, to get out of the tower without any one noticing the portrait opening. I'll just wait to see if anyone comes in or leaves in the next few minutes.*

Harry stood off to the side of the portrait and waited for about 10 minutes, when suddenly several 6th years, one of which included Ginny came in through the portrait. Harry slipped out and slightly brushed up next to one of the students.

Harry walked quickly and quietly down to the dungeons, passing group after group of students coming to and from the library and various dorms. The way to the dungeon was fairly quiet. As Harry approached the potions classroom, he noticed the entrance to the room was open. He peeked quietly around the corner and noticed only two occupants.

Severus was at his desk and looked to be grading papers. Malfoy was off to the far side of the room, cleaning out cauldrons. Harry noticed that every few minutes he would look up and cast a fulminating look at Severus. *If looks could kill, Severus would be dead several times over.* Harry entered as quietly as he could and went over to stand near Severus. Harry was curious to see what was occupying the potions professor so intently.

Severus though, was not truly occupied by the papers in front of him. He knew Mr. Malfoy was royally angry at him, but he wasn't about to give that young whelp the satisfaction of seeing that he had Severus' attention. He also felt the air change slightly nearby, with no discernable reason. He listened more intently and focused his hearing. A few seconds later, he heard the slight sounds of breathing.

*Ah, it's Harry. He must have come down to see Mr. Malfoy suffer detention. I'm sure he's enjoying the sight immensely.* Severus' lips quirked ever so slightly and Harry caught sight of it immediately.

*He knows I'm here and why. Well probably not all of the why. He looks okay. So he must have recovered from the potions incident well enough. Maybe he'll tell me what happened.*

Harry reached out and touched Severus' shoulder to confirm his presence. Severus felt the light touch and nodded his head slightly to indicate his understanding.

Harry looked quickly over the professor's shoulder and noticed that what Severus was looking at wasn't essays or tests, but this morning's copy of the Daily Prophet, and it was opened to the listings for homes and lodgings. Harry grinned; he believed he now had his answer to the question of whether or not Severus would be sharing his lodgings come graduation. Harry once more reached out and gripped the professor's shoulder. Severus did not look up, but moved his right hand, which was holding a quill and circled a potential listing.

Harry leaned in and looked at what Severus had chosen. Actually there were several red circles on the page. Many of which were almost exactly what Harry was looking for. He would wait though to discuss the possibilities with Severus after the detention was over. Harry was just wondering though how much longer he would have to wait until that happened.

Severus must have sensed Harry's thoughts, because Severus looked at the clock hanging above Mr. Malfoy's head and then he looked down at Malfoy to see how far the young man had progressed in his cleaning.

"Mr. Malfoy, once are you done completing that cauldron in your hands, you may leave."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Though he was nowhere near finished with the initial detention given to him, Malfoy's tone was anything put appreciative, in fact it was downright sarcastic.

Severus sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "That will be an additional five points from Slytherin, Mr. Malfoy. I think it best if you try to keep your sarcastic appreciation to yourself next time."

Malfoy gulped and just nodded, looking resigned to his fate, not wanting his Head of House to withdraw the generous offer of his leaving the chore half done.

Malfoy turned back to finish scrubbing the cauldron in his hands. Harry smirked at the picture of Malfoy looking less than perfect. Harry waited patiently behind Severus, continuing to pay attention to Malfoy, getting as much satisfaction as he could from the scene playing out in front of him. Once done, Malfoy turned to Severus and said, "I've done as you've indicated, sir. Will that be all?"

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy that will be all. You may leave. But one more thing before you go. Remember, no more stunts like you pulled today. I know you don't remember it, but I certainly do. If you ever try to poison another student, you will be expelled. I don't care if it is only weeks away before you graduate. Do I make myself clear?" Severus said in his smooth, deep voice, smooth and deadly serious.

"Yes, sir. I understand perfectly." With that Malfoy turned and left the room as fast as he could and still retain his dignity.

Once Malfoy was clear of the entrance to the room, Severus picked up his wand and waved it towards the door, closing it and warding it locked. He turned to Harry and quirked an eyebrow, "Did you enjoy the show?"

~tbc~