AUTHOR'S NOTE: first things first, because so many people have asked this, this is DEFINITELY and TOTALLY going to be Harry/Draco slash central by the end. Or in about six or seven chapters if we're going for accuracy. So hope that clears that one up.
I was totally overwhelmed by the amount of reviews chapter ten got (responses at end). Like 25 or something. Yeay. Once again, I'm glad that this is being reviewed cus it's my baby and I want people to read it (side whine that 'Deal' is being ignored L oh well).
After this one I'm not sure when I'll update next because I'm going home and it's hard to get to the computer to write.
And in answer to those who asked/commented, yes ffnet is being evil. While I can now do the Harry/Draco search I can't do the find thing where you specify story title and story. It just won't search Harry Potter. 'Tis irritating.
Anyway, on with the story. And please review 'cus I'm getting my degree results today and need something to cheer me up.
Enjoy!
Chapter Eleven: Tea for…six?Severus Snape was finishing off for the weekend when there was a knock at the door. 'Damn it, five more minutes and I'd have been out of here,' he groaned scowling at the door and the unknown person on the other side.
Before he could respond – he was deliberating between a curt 'come in' and a dismissive 'go away' – the door opened and Seamus Finnigan and Blaise Zabini entered.
"Mr Finnigan, Mr Zabini, while I am pleased that you were able to make it down to my classroom without bloodshed, it is customary to wait for a reply before entering a room. Please leave."
"Sorry Professor," Blaise replied, more attuned to his house masters ways than Seamus, "but it's rather important…"
Before he could go any further he was interrupted by two children barging between them, followed by a breathless Pansy and Hermione.
"Sorry they wouldn't wait…ran after you…" Pansy offered an apologetic smile to the two boys who had been sent ahead to alert Snape to the situation.
"Uncle Sev, Uncle Sev, look, I've found Harry," Draco was tugging on the Professor's robes with one hand, the other one clutching Harry's firmly.
"Will you desist this instant child," he growled before looking down, "Draco?"
"Hi," the smile on the child's face was somewhat uncertain now as Draco saw the anger in the face that looked down at him.
The four adults watched the scene apprehensively. Despite Draco's insistence that he wanted to see Snape and the implication that he would trust them only if they trusted Snape they were apprehensive about the whole thing and both Blaise and Hermione were fingering their wands nervously.
As such, they were amazed when Snape, upon recognising his godson, lifted both children and sat them on his desk so they could converse more easily. Draco laughed happily, kicking his feet against the desk while Harry looked around uncertainly, eyes seeking out Hermione. When he found her he relaxed visibly and offered her a tentative smile.
"It's ok Harry," Draco smiled, slipping his hand into his friends squeezing it in reassurance as Hermione smiled back at him, "this is Uncle Severus."
Harry eyed the foreboding man warily, edging closer to Draco. Somehow this man did not fit the image of the jovial, playful man who had populated so many stories. "He looks very…black," he finished.
Snape looked down at himself and then, to the shock of the four adults chuckled and pulled off his robes to reveal black jeans and a red t-shirt.
"Is that better Harry?" he asked gently, meeting Harry's appraising gaze head on.
"See it is Uncle Severus," Draco smiled, glad to see his godfather in more familiar apparel.
"You probably don't remember me, Harry but we used to be friends."
"Tante 'Cissa…Tante 'Cissa talks about you. You and Uncle Remus and Uncle Sirius and…and…"
"Your parents?"
"Yes," there were tears in Harry's eyes now and Draco was tearing up in sympathy.
Seeing this Snape simply commented that "it must be nice to hear about them."
"It is. Only Tante 'Cissa and Draco don't come any more and Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia don't talk much. They say different things…" he trailed off
"I want to come Harry," Draco interjected urgently, "but maman says its not…safe but…but…Uncle Severus," he changed tack, sounding much more cheerful now, "you'd hurt someone if they did something bad wouldn't you?"
"If they hurt someone I cared for, someone I loved, if I needed to stop them," he began cautiously. He'd had these conversations with Draco before, usually resulting in a request to punish a cruel and unfair tutor who made him sit still for more than five minutes at a time. "But you know that that is only a last resort Draco," this last contained a decided warning and Draco looked away before meeting his eye and saying defiantly.
"If someone hurt me?"
"Yes," the force with which he replied shook the audience of four who had never heard such passion in Snape's voice before.
"Then can you? Please. 'Cus someone hurt me."
"Who upset you Draco?"
"Hurt me. Harry's cousin. He hurts Harry. Lots. And I was going to wait until I got a wand but now you're here and away from fa-" he stopped abruptly and in an attempt to avoid Snape's gaze turned to Harry who was looking at him reproachfully. "What? You never said Uncle Sev couldn't do anything."
"Is this true Harry?" Snape asked tightly but Harry, fearing the anger which laced the question would not answer. "Harry."
"It's not…it's just…I'm ok…"
"Yes it's true," Hermione interjected, ignoring the reproachful green eyes which turned on her.
"Miss Granger?"
"When they…arrived Harry was really bruised, it looked awful, and Draco…Draco"
"I fixed it," he smiled proudly, "so will you do it," he returned to his original theme with the same single mindedness with which he had pursued the topic earlier, his child's mind convinced that he had to act now without knowing why.
"I'll do better than that," Snape muttered before turning to Harry and turning his head so their eyes met, "I promise you will never go back to your Aunt and Uncle's again Harry."
"Thank you sir…"
"Really Uncle Sev?" Draco overrode Harry's quite thanks, "Harry this means you can live with me, my rooms really big, big enough for both of us, and maman could keep both of us forever and ever," but as he turned to Snape his face fell, "oh, but father…well…oh you could live with Uncle Sirius, he'd like that or, oh, even better. Uncle Severus he could live with you can Uncle Remus. And then when you go to work Uncle Remus can look after him. That's best because Uncle Sirius is not married, and yeah, neither are you, but you live with Uncle Remus and neither of you have kids and you've got lots of rooms and you said you wanted kids and…and…" he finally ran out of steam and simply smiled pleadingly at his godfather while still managing to look as satisfied as if he had just solved world hunger.
***
Hermione's POV
Well I never thought it was possible but Snape is blushing. Really blushing. Actually I think he may explode. You can see him, listening to Draco, praying that he's going to shut up soon, not entirely sure he wants him to stop because what then?
And Harry is just sitting there, eyes flickering between Draco, Snape and me. Watching, always watching. It's really disconcerting, the way his gaze seems to go straight through you. He's just a child, five years old and yet so…grown up, almost. Something isn't quite right, I think. I don't mean the interaction between Harry and Draco itself, or the fact that we seem to be exchanging pleasantries with Slytherins. It's something more. The reason behind it, something underpinning it. Because Harry is more…grown up with Draco. Separately, or as separate as they get, they are more as one would expect. Children.
But the most confusing thing is…oh, Snape's addressing us.
***
Seamus's POV
Well this is odd. Snape and Lupin, if I understand this right. That's got to be worth something surely. But this is humanising him somehow, I almost like this Snape. This Snape who changes his clothes to reassure Harry, who can show sympathy and rage. This Snape who, somehow, is going to make everything alright.
And 'alright' is not going to involve going back, I know that much. It's going to involve going forward, forward with the Slytherins, with Malfoy being at Harry's side. Seeing them like this, seeing the trust and the love between them, the reassurance Malfoy offers Harry and the way Harry wants to protect Malfoy. Has it always been there? I never saw it but maybe 'Mione saw something. I'll have to ask her, find out what we are going to do now. Oh, Snape's talking to us. Better listen.
***
Pansy's POV
We can trust Snape. We can trust Snape. How is it that the Gryffindor's know this, know more about our housemaster than we do? How are we meant to survive this if no one talks to us?
But that's not right any more is it? Because now the Gryffindor's want to talk to us. Hermione Granger was making overtures of friendship to Blaise and myself. The Golden Boy's best friend consorting with Slytherins. What would he say? What would Draco say? A few hours ago I would have been certain of the answer to that. There would have been suspicion, curiosity, caution and accepting. Because we would convince him that we had to accept it. But he would not have been happy. But now I'm not so sure. I'm meant to know everything, to be the one in control but things are getting out of hand. There is one good thing though…oh, he's talking. Better listen.
***
Blaise's POV
I have never been more relieved that when Granger gave us Professor Snape back. He'd always been this calm, reassuring presence but then we start thinking for ourselves and we can't trust him anymore. It hurt us all but Draco most of all. Though I can't help wondering if he knew something. He hasn't said anything about Snape at all that's unrelated to lessons. Things have been changing, I can pratically feel it, and now here we are in Snape's classroom, the two most notorious enemies in our year sitting on his desk holding hands. It is definitely…odd. But at least now we've can get some answers. And a whole load of new questions. Oh, here we go, he's speaking to us.
***
"So they've been like this how long?"
"Um, about three hours," Hermione glanced at the others who nodded their agreement.
"And you did not give them the re-aging potion because?"
"We tried but Harry would not let Draco take it."
"Potter wouldn't let him take it? How exactly did a five year old manage to override you on this one?"
"They were talking together and … and Seamus tried to get Draco to drink the potion and he was going to but Harry stopped him at the last minute and they retreated. It took us a while to get them to come back." Hermione shot Seamus a sympathetic look, hoping he was not going to get more criticism.
"That's…odd."
"Professor, we were thinking. Well we wondered if maybe Harry kind of knew…on some level…that drinking the potion…that drinking the potion would separate them again."
"That's an interesting theory Miss Parkinson. Explain."
"They seem to know each other…"
"…and Narcissa…"
"…and Harry seems very protective…"
"…and Draco always tries to reassure Harry…"
"…and there was the healing which was just plain…"
"…weird." Seamus and Blaise concluded Hermione and Pansy's slow rationalisation of their admittedly far-fetched theory. Snape was nodding to himself, obviously thinking furiously.
"Right," he finally spoke, "the condition of testing these potions yourselves was that you did not allow the subject to be under the potion for any length of time as the potential side effects are theoretically endless and practically unknown. I think I will need to check my calculations before allowing you to administer the re-aging potion to Potter and Draco. You, meanwhile, will need to take care of them. The majoirty of the school are in Hogsmeade and will remain there until nightfall, so you will be able to move around the school with comparative security. I do not think I need to stress the severity of the consequences of Lord Voldemort discovering either boy in their current vulnerable state." At this Hermione and Seamus both looked ready to comment but he overrode them, "You will take them to your rooms, Miss Granger, and entertain them as best as you can within those confines. We are lucky that the head prefect's rooms are far larger than previous years have allowed. I will hope to be able to administer the re-aging potion before nightfall."
The atmosphere in the room was somewhat dampened by the mention of Voldemort and the two boys appeared to have noticed, Draco's feet having finally ceased their battering of the desk, both boys attention now focused on Snape, shooting him confused glances.
"Harry, Draco, I think you've been sitting still too long," he turned to them, deliberately lightening his tone. "Pansy, Hermione, Blaise and Seamus are going to look after you today. You can run around, play games and generally be as loud and silly as you want. Does that sound ok?"
"What about you Uncle Sev?" Draco sounded slightly hurt that he was being off loaded, even if it was allowing him to have more fun than he had had since he stopped seeing Harry.
"Sadly I've still got some work to do but I'll be around later to see you. Now go," he lifted them off the desk and placed them next to Hermione and Pansy. Appraising them for a moment he took out his wand and their clothes changed, both now clad in jeans and t-shirt's which were far more comfy that the shrunken robes they had previously worn.
Taking the comment for what it was – a dismissal – the adults trooped out of the classroom, the two children talking excitedly about what they were going to do. Before the voices had faded much the door opened again.
"Um, Professor Snape…"
"Miss Granger," he sighed, "once they are returned to their normal status I will attempt to explain things. Not before."
"Thank you," Hermione ducked out of the classroom wondering if Snape really did have eyes in the back of his head, the rumours of mind reading skills apparently being true.
***
Once the sound of the voices had faded completely Snape reached into his desk, took out some powder and threw it into the fire.
"Re, I need you."
END CHAPTER ELEVENWell, that was chapter eleven. What did you think?
Review responses:
MOONBAY: As far as the finishing goes, I was jotting notes down and stuff and made over twenty chapters and that was a very conservative estimate. This is looking long. Stick with it though – glad you like it. Jade Maxwell: yeah it didn't start cute and there will be someone non cuteness coming up but stick with! This is a really flattering review so thanks a bunch! I'm rereading it and going 'aw I'm so flattered.' *blush* *warm and fuzzy feeling* Right I'm back. Yeah, I was going to fall back on the spell if anyone pulled me up on memories. Though maybe I was worrying unnecessarily (see later chapters, not up yetJ). Yeah, my Harry is perceptive. He's a good boy! And baby-talking Dudley! Fun for embarrassment (then again Aunt P baby talks to him). Really having to work hard to fit Sirius in. But he will be here. But like the dog idea. And am totally nicking the temper tantrum thing if remotely possible. Thanks. Um..femslash…never really gone there. But yeah, Ginny needs someone…maybe a Slytherin…hum. Long reviews don't scare me, they make me grin and feel loved. Thanks a bunch. Hope my long response makes some sort of sense – train of thought much! And in your favourite stories? Yeay!Wintermoon: glad you found it again. And still like it.
Goggled Monkey: yeah, I liked the Hitler thing (and will use it again I think). It's obvious cus JK piles it on, but when the heck. History student here! Glad you like. Kimmy: yeah, I wanted them to kind of delegate to each other but basically Harry came out on top (down dirty mind, not like that!). Thanks for the praise, I blush!tyger-lily-pendragon: current event? Is that an American lesson? Hope you didn't fail or nought! Thanks for the nice comments J
Cassie: pasted over it? Huh? Glad you're back though. Yup Narcissa will be up soonish, chapter eighteen or so, I think. Yup all slash, all the way.Frizzy: wow you read me. *dances around* Fangirl thing again I'm afraid. Right I'm back.
ShaeLynn: so if he's good did I screw up? Cus (kinda a big secret, kinda not) I don't really have any bad guys yet. Yup, always Ron/Her, I'm not very imaginative that way and can't see either of them with anyone else. I hope Snape lives up to expectations.Esaure: ooh fanart! Sounds good. If your habit takes you that way let me know – personally I have trouble with straight lines with a ruler – I am pictorially challenged! I like the idea of them running over Snape but they're a tad lost and uncertain and Snape is still Snape which = scary man! Plus Harry don't really know him. Hope you liked what did happen. Longest review you've ever done? I'm flattered J
semirhage: yeah that would be so cute. Wait and see, maybe it'll happen. And yeah, personally I thought the handholding and stuff was ok but that I thought uh-oh this is slash and maybe people'll get the wrong idea and agh!
Adam: ah thanks J. Hum, student wannabe death eaters…there's a possibility. *evil look* maybe the Slytherins haven't got everyone sussed. Definite possibilities. Thanks for the idea. And yeah, some people have dirty minds so I thought I'd better check cus if people got the wrong idea then, well, yuck! Silvrei: um…not really emphatic, more just that he's observant. And no, he doesn't really know Uncle Sev. He's heard stories but they haven't met since Lily and James died. Hope that clears that one up. PeachDancer82: ah thanks. So did you like Snape? Not too good at the whole sarcasm thing (I've read some really good Snape's) but hope he was ok. I was shooting for caring, nice blokey. Jaded*Secrets: Harry/Hermione? Never. I really don't like that pairing at all. I don't know why, but they are too boring together. I guess it's total canon R/Her too which clouds my view but yeay, like I said above, total slash! But nice that you'd read it if it wasn't. NayNymic: yup Seamus will be a-ok soon I think. Cus I never meant to make him bad. Yeah sleeping together as adults…not really happening. You'll see. Hannya: No please don't apologise for the long review. I love reviews. And oh yeay. Dumbledore. Oops had totally forgotten him. How bad am I? Well he'll appear but not until like chapter eighteen at the earliest I think. Also thanks to Litine, Lala, Zeynel, Bert, TigerBlak, JoKeR, Kris, Peeves, Amy and Silver