Disclaimer: I am a starving college student - I own nothing.
Xikum: If you look closely, the punishment was for running away the previous night and that morning's little antic. Considering the level of danger Harry exposed himself and others to (both times) that seemed a fair punishment. Harry should have suspected something because of the change in handwriting though. (From Illegible Scrawl to Untidy Scrawl). Perhaps Harry should have heeded Crouch/Moody's words: constant vigilance.
SlythCat19: Short - true. I wanted to switch perspectives, so here's another chapter.
HermioneGreen: I think Snape's revenge was in chapter fifteen or thereabouts.
Chapter 23: A Cauldronfull of Possibilities (Cont'd)
"What did you do to them?" asked Harry wondrously.
"Nothing irreparable, I assure you," said Snape.
Harry felt a bit disappointed at that, though he chided himself for it. Harry felt oddly comforted that Snape had gotten revenge for him.
"Let's just say that your uncle isn't himself anymore, and your cousin looks... interesting with a pink beard," said Snape.
Harry smirked.
"You haven't said, though, Professor. Who will my new guardian be?" asked Harry.
"Guardians, Harry. The Weasley's have agreed to become your new legal guardians. I trust that is acceptable to you," said Snape.
Harry smiled brightly. "That's brilliant!"
Harry then shook his head, feeling crestfallen.
"I can't allow that, though. I won't place them in danger," said Harry.
"There is no need to. We have agreed to perform the Fidelius charm on the Burrow. I will be the secret keeper."
Harry thought about this. He didn't doubt Snape's loyalties, but...
"But what if I am found out as a spy?" asked Snape.
Harry looked up. Was he always this readable?
"Well, yes, sir. I mean, if Voldemort tortures you..." said Harry.
"I will not betray you," said Snape.
"What if Voldemort questions you under Veritaserum?" asked Harry.
"I am making progress on my search for an immunization to Veritaserum. This plan will only go into effect after I have found it," said Snape.
"Oh," said Harry. "I suppose that can work, then."
Snape nodded. "Good. Now I do believe you have some studying to do. Come by my office this evening, we will have another Occlumency lesson once the potion has warn off."
* * * * *
Harry sat in his room, decidedly not studying. His mind was to caught up with other matters. He'd be living with the Weasleys. That would be wonderful, and they would be safe as well. Harry couldn't help but smile.
Oh how he wished he could have been there to see Snape give it to the Dursleys though. Harry was still surprised that Snape said he would claim him if he could. Did that mean that Snape would claim him after he killed Voldemort? And did he even want that? Harry wasn't sure.
Harry decided to sit down and practice Occlumency. While he had known for a while now that Snape's position as a spy was at risk because of him, it was different now. Now it was his father's life at stake. Harry sat on his bed, emptying his mind of all thoughts, emptying his very being of all emotions.
Harry was pulled out of this state only when Saholna crawled up his arm.
"Hey girl," hissed Harry.
"Warm," said the little reptilian creature.
Harry just laughed and let her stay.
Glancing out of the magical window, Harry was surprised to see that it was already evening. Harry hurried to his father's office, hoping that this lesson would go well.
* * * * *
"Enter," said Snape after Harry had knocked on the door to his office.
Harry pushed the heavy door open, and walked into the creepy office. Harry wondered if Snape just kept all of those disgusting specimens in jars on display in order to intimidate his students.
"Very observant, Mr. Potter," said Snape.
"I thought you couldn't read specific thoughts," said Harry.
"I can't. You still lack subtlety, I see. There is no 'reading' of thoughts involved. That thought, however, you spoke aloud," sneered Snape.
Harry blushed. "Oh."
"Oh," indeed.
"You will be glad to hear, then, that your Occlumency lessons will no longer be conducted here, among these disgusting specimens. They will be conducted in the Headmaster's office henceforth. We cannot afford to have Mr. Malfoy become suspicious. We should be safe here for tonight though," said Snape.
Harry nodded at this new information. Snape then raised his wand. "We will begin. One. Two. Three. Legilimens." said Snape.
Harry felt the intrusion in his mind, and memories popped up in his mind, flowing from one to another. This time, though, Harry didn't lose sight of Snape. Before the third memory had played out, Harry was able to force Snape from his mind.
"Expelliarmus," cried Harry, wand pointed at Snape, forcing the man out of his mind.
Snape's reaction was, thankfully, much less irate for being hexed by Harry than he had been that morning, and understandably so.
"You've been practicing," said Snape. "Good."
Harry beamed and returned Snape's wand.
"Again," said Snape.
And so the lesson continued, Harry forcing Snape out of his mind each time Snape entered it.
"Harry, you have to try to prevent me from entering your mind to begin with now," said Snape.
"I'm trying, sir," said Harry.
"Well, you're not succeeding, boy, try harder!" said an irritated Snape.
Well, thought Harry, couldn't expect Nice Snape to hang around for too long. It had been a bit disconcerting anyway. Still, Harry couldn't help thinking that he wouldn't mind seeing that other side of Snape again. He would just have to try harder.
"That will do for tonight," said Snape. "Tomorrow, Mr. Malfoy and yourself will have a joint potions tutorial. I expect you to behave."
Harry paled. Merlin.
"Yes, sir," said Harry aloud.
"Also, in the morning, the Headmaster will place some charms on you so that your appearance will not look to have changed. We were lucky that today your... other features prevented Mr. Malfoy from noticing any differences."
Harry didn't think his appearance had changed very drastically, though he supposed the precaution was necessary.