Three Gryffindors and a Baby
By ::celeste::
Fanmail to celestialsilence@mchsi.com

Disclaimerness: I don't own Harry Potter (duh) that honour belongs to Rowling, the genius that she is. I'm just borrowing her people and locking them in little cages for my (and your?) amusement. I promise to give them back relatively unharmed. Well, Snape may need some serious counselling after this. Anyhoo I make not one penny off this story, and I don't even have a penny so it's quite pointless to sue. Thanks.

Summary: An accident in Potions (where else?) turns Snape into an infant. Dumbledore in his glorious wisdom (and because it makes a nice plot) leaves him in the care of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Dedication: To Kayla, my cousin Rhonda's daughter, who is the most adorable little thing alive. And yes, I am a bit biased about that ^.^ Also to Rowling- hoping her current pregnancy is a wonderful experience.

Special Thanks: My eternal gratitude to my four Beta Readers: Kerguelen, Aemos, Ms. Prongs, and Sharon. Without whom, this story would be filled with too many errors to count. Also to the reviewers, who make it all worth my while.

Special Note: I've been told this story has inspired a few to draw Fan Art. Please, send anything you draw to me!! I would love to see it :D

Slang:
 Nappies = Diapers

Chapter 5
 Voldemort's Pipe-line

It was very unsettling how quickly one could grow accustomed to an outrageous situation. It must have something to do with survival of the fittest- being able to adapt quickly to the environment. Or maybe some unknown deity had chosen to bless Harry with inhuman amounts of patience. Whatever the reason was, Harry found himself less likely to take a leap from the Astronomy Tower that morning. Avoiding the missiles and trading pumpkin juice for stronger caffinated substitutes was quickly becoming an absurd familiarity.

Hermione had coped the best out of them all. Her mess of hair currently situated above the latest book she'd acquired from the library. She droned her eyes mechanically over the hundreds of potions- trying to find some mention of the amazing transformation their cruel Potions Master had gone through. Even the fact that she had cared for him during the night didn't seem to quash her exuberant curiosity.

Ron on the other hand was having the most trouble. Even now as he attempted to shove some type of crème coloured mush into Snape's mouth- his growing agitation was as plain to read as any howler.

"Will you just swallow it!" Ron cried out in vain, trying to shove the golden spoon through Snape's clenched jaw. "Look- it can't be all that bad. I know it's not up to your regular steak bit, but c'mon Professor! The sooner you stop spraying it all over the Great Hall the sooner I can eat!"

Harry sighed and took another bite of his eggs. A thought occurred to him suddenly- he had Practice today and a game tomorrow! He had almost totally forgotten about it, which was unusual to say the least. "Hey Hermione, Ron-- I've got practice on the Pitch today. Do you think that you two could look after him without me?"

"Actually Harry," Hermione began as she flipped to another page, "I was thinking Ron and I could take Snape out to the stands and let him watch."

A wide smile spread it's way across Ron's face. "That's a brilliant suggestion Hermione."

"I don't know…" Harry glanced towards Snape. "I'm starting to think that we can't take him anywhere."

Hermione yanked her nose from the book and regarded Harry for several uncomfortable minutes. "I think it would be good for him to get out of this stuffy old castle. A baby should be exposed to different sights and sounds- the Great Wizard Spock even mentions that- he was an expert on care and development for magical children. Read his books the other night."

Ron rolled his eyes. "C'mon Harry. Hermione and I won't let him out of our sites- I promise!"

Harry sighed and pushed his plate away since his appetite suddenly went out the window. "I guess."

Just as Hermione and Ron exchanged victory grins a great beating of wings befell the Hall. Harry looked upward just in time to catch the letter one of the school owl's dropped for him. Hermione and Ron leaned in closer to peer at his letter, which had a large black paw stamped on the back of the envelope.

"Sirius." Ron hissed to Harry. Snape's face contorted at the name and he banged his hands on the tray- forcing Ron to turn his attention away and back towards the impossible task of feeding the Professor.

Harry tore the envelope open with excitement, and yanked the parchment out. Unfolding it, he saw the tell-tale scribbling of his God Father.

Dear Harry-

I hope this letter finds you well. Dumbledore told Remus all about Snape's little 'incident'. We both had a good chuckle over the news- believe me. Well, we would have found out eventually anyway, because it's Front Page news at the Daily Prophet. I guess Dumbledore's making sure that You-Know-Who is aware of Snape's current predicament so that his absence will go unpunished.

Well I hope that greasy bastard isn't giving you kids too hard of a time. I can only imagine the horror of having to baby-sit that hooked-nose, two bit, lying, son-of-a (a line of black ink covers the rest of the sentence)

Sorry, Remus yanked the quill out of my hands. Back to the reason I'm writing to you, other than the ability to insult Snape on parchment, is to mention that I'll be arriving at Hogwarts. Probably already be there by the time you read this. I have to wear my furs while I'm there- you understand why. But I'm really looking forward to seeing you again Harry! And to laughing at Snape in person… or a close proximity there-of.

Oh, Remus says hi and that he'll be visiting too!

All my love,

SB

P.S. Don't let that Bastard get you down!

Sirius is coming! Sirius is coming! Were the only thoughts running through Harry's head for several minutes.

Hermione- finishing up the letter over Harry's shoulder- smiled. "Looks like Snuffles is coming for a visit!"

"No kidding!" Ron smiled. "That's great."

"And Professor Lupin too! It'll be so nice seeing him again, won't it Harry?" Hermione closed the advanced potions text and beamed.

Harry nodded enthusiastically before draining the rest of his coffee. "I wonder when they'll be here?"

"Sounds like you'll see Snuffles by the end of the day. Oh, c'mon you guys, we've got Double Potions in ten minutes."

"It's not cancelled?" Ron asked, jerking the tray up and grumbling about not finishing his meal. "I don't think Professor Snape is up to doing any lectures."

Hermione shrugged. "Dumbledore hasn't said otherwise. He's probably arranged for a substitute." She shrugged on the carrier and waited for Ron to load Snape onto her back. "Maybe I can finish up the assignment quickly and work on some theories."

Harry barely heard any of the conversation. He was too excited about Sirius coming to the castle. Even Snape's glare couldn't deter his good mood as they exited the Great Hall with happy gazes.

They reached the Dungeons a few minutes early and left Snape on Hermione's back while they prepared their cauldrons. Inquisitive whispers fluttered through the room wondering who would be replacing Snape to teach. Snape himself seemed much happier to be back in his classroom and reached out towards several pickled jars.

"No! Bad Snape!" Ron hissed as he slapped Snape's hand away. "The last thing we need is for you to try and brew up some poison."

Hermione glared at Ron before removing Snape and holding him against her shoulder. "He's right, Professor. You'll only get hurt if you try to play with anything in here." Snape whimpered a few times before relenting to Hermione's soothing pats.

Harry finished propping the cauldron up on his desk and turned towards the classroom door. Even in his excited haze he couldn't help but wonder who would be substituting for Snape.

He didn't have to wait long for an answer. The door opened and the entire class gasped in shock.

Professor Remus Lupin, looking just as cheerful in his tattered old robes as ever, strode in followed closely by a giant black dog.

Harry's mouth hung agape as his godfather pranced over and wagged his tail in greeting.

"Good Morning everyone!" Lupin called out as he strode over to Hermione. "Could you please hand Professor Snape over?"

Hermione blinked several times before smiling brightly. She presented Snape to Lupin- whose eyes danced with merriment. Snuffles gave several funny wheezes that Harry swore was laughter. "Good Morning Severus!" He grinned evilly. "I hope that you will excuse me for encroaching on your territory here. But Dumbledore did seem quite desperate."

Even though Harry would have never dreamt it possible- Snape hissed in reply.

"Fair enough. I promise not to ruin the classroom while your- ah- indisposed. Now, I've had a special little swing brought in just for you. I thought you might enjoy it." He carried Snape over to the side of Snape's podium where a baby swing hung mid-air. Lupin secured him inside before motioning to Sirius. "If you'd please Snuffles?"

Sirius pranced happily over to the back of the swing before lowering his canine head. He then proceeded to 'butt' Snape several times until their usual Potions Master was flying back and forth through the air wearing an odd expression of contempt mixed with glee. Sirius continued to give Snape an extra push whenever the arc slowed. "Excellent!" Lupin nodded.

He turned towards the rest of the class. "Now, I may not be as skilled with potions as our amazing little acrobat over here--" several Gryffindors snickered, "but I do know one or two things. Professor Snape was kind enough to show me some more advanced skills before I-- left Hogwarts. So, being Professor Snape's protégée, as it were, the Headmaster asked me to temporarily lend a helping hand. I was only too happy to do so."

"But you're a werewolf!!" Draco cried out. Several of the other students in Slytherin nodded.

"Well, yes, unfortunately I am. I went over this argument several times with the Headmaster, but he seems to feel that I can be of great assistance. Even so, he mentioned that if any of you students are uncomfortable you are free to express it to the Headmaster and he will assign you extra activities with Mr. Filch instead of taking this class."

This quieted the Slytherins. No one wanted anything to do with Mr. Filch if they could help it.

"Any more questions?" Everyone shook their heads. "Let's begin then where you left off…"

It was by far the best potions class Harry had ever had. Not one cruel remark or sarcastic comment towards anyone. Snape continued to glare at them every so often, but for the most part he just 'ooohed' as Sirius kept him sufficiently distracted. Professor Lupin was much the same way teaching potions as he had been with DADA. He pointed out any errors but added constructive suggestions. Even Neville was far more relaxed and managed to keep his cauldron from melting or exploding- although his potion still failed. Professor Lupin only smiled serenely and told him to try reading up on the next assignment tonight to get a jump-start. Neville nodded his thanks- rendered speechless with tears of joy.

Hermione, Ron, and Harry were about to file out with the rest of the class when Lupin's voice called out to them. "Would you three please stay after for a few minutes?"

"Of course Professor." Hermione replied, walking to the front with Harry and Ron in tow. Lupin removed Snape- who managed to get through the entire class without screaming or hexing anyone- and motioned for them to follow him to the office.

When they were all comfortably seated, Snape laying between the four of them on Lupin's desk and glaring up, Snuffles trotted in and closed the door with his hind leg. Lupin quickly placed locking and silencing charms on the door before Snuffles morphed into Sirius.

"Harry!" He exclaimed happily before throwing his arms around the boy and giving him a tight bear hug. "So good to see you again! Did you get the letter?"

Harry adjusted his glasses as Sirius withdrew and smiled. "Just this morning."

"This has got to be the best thing that's happened to us since…" Ron paused and motioned to Snape.

At that Sirius took another glance at Snape and began to laugh hysterically. He stepped back a few times and leaned against the wall for support. Snape's face grew red before he began to wail. In his intense fury, it seemed he had forgotten to breath. Soon he was reduced to a purple-quivering blob which hiccupped at odd intervals. Sirius saw the state of Snape and tried to compose himself. "I'm -pant- sorry! It's just -pant- so hard to -pant- laugh when you're -pant- a dog."

Lupin shook his head a few times before raising a single eyebrow. "Really Sirius. This is no laughing matter." Despite his words- the corners of his mouth betrayed him by slowly curling upwards.

Sirius gasped a few times then nodded sagely. "Your right. But you've got to admit-- it's better than the time James dropped a dung bomb in his Robes. Just before the last Quidditch match of the season our forth year. Got to hand it to him that he played the entire game though." Sirius quivered in silent mirth for a few minutes.

"And he nearly knocked James unconscious for it with the bludger. I remember that part too." Lupin turned to Harry. "Whenever you're dealing with Severus Snape, it's best to keep one thing in the forefront of your mind Harry. Once he's bent on revenge- come hell or high water- he'll stop at nothing to get it."

Lupin sighed, leaned into the seat, and glanced as Snape. "And I have a feeling he's not going to be very pleased when he finds out how he spent all this time in nappies."

Sirius' shoulders began to shake again.

"Oh for goodness sake," Hermione crossed her arms and glared towards Sirius, "Grow up!"

Sirius chuckled a few more times before pasting an innocent expression on his face. "Sorry. I'm finished now."

"Well, we have some important things to discuss." Lupin stated, while simultaneously beginning to un-button Snape's pyjamas. "I don't suppose any of you glanced at his arm while you were changing him? More specifically his left fore-arm?"

"Are you kidding?" Ron replied. "We've been trying to avoid seeing him naked if we could help it."

Harry didn't understand what was so important about Snape's arm. At least, until Lupin withdrew it from the sleeve.

And the three gasped collectively.

A ghostly outline of a skull with a serpents tongue was faintly viewable in the skin under Lupin's finger. "Just as Dumbledore said." Sirius commented, disgusted by the sight.

Harry remembered the night of Cedric's death with sudden clarity. The night when Snape had tried to convince Fudge by showing him the Dark Mark. It seemed even as an infant, evil was still branded onto Professor Snape.

"Oh my." Hermione muttered. It was a huge understatement, but Lupin nodded.

"This confirms our suspicions of why Dumbledore's allowed the story to be well printed. Snape can't just pop onto Voldemort's doorstep like this. Which means that any gatherings they're holding aren't going to come to our attention." Lupin said.

Sirius sighed and sat down next to Harry, suddenly weary. "And no information on what he's planning. Damn you Snape."

Snape seemed unaware of the conversation, but made a visible effort to withdraw his arm from Lupin's hand.

"So if he's planning Muggle attacks?" Harry knew the answer, but he needed to ask anyway.

"Then there is probably nothing we can do, without Severus telling us about them." Lupin replied softly.

Ron sucked in a breath. "You mean people are gonna--"

Sirius and Lupin both nodded solemnly.

Harry felt an odd guilt tighten its hold over him. He had never really taken much contemplation to Snape's role in the fight against Voldemort before. He had always been worried about Sirius, but didn't give his nasty potions Professor a second thought. Now he understood why Snape had been more snappish recently. He would've been wound up tightly too if he had to visit Voldemort's little circle of Death Eaters at any time.

A grudging respect settled over Harry.

"Professor Lupin?" Hermione asked, forcing Harry from his temporary analysis of Snape.

"Yes?"

Hermione glanced at her hands folded tightly in her lap before continuing. "I've been reading over some of the advanced potion books here in the library-- I haven't found anything concrete yet-- but I thought maybe I could test out some theories I had? Fred and George used an Aging potion, the one we were making when the accident occurred, to try and fool the Goblet last year. I found some substitute ingredients that might give it a more powerful kick. I just need somewhere to work on them."

Lupin studied her for a few minutes. "You are aware that the Headmaster has some of the best minds in Potions working on this problem?"

Hermione blushed. "Yes sir. I didn't mean--"

Lupin waved his hand dismissively. "I know. Of course you can work on your theories. There is an extra classroom down the hall and to the right you can use. Feel free to take anything from the supply cabinet you need. You'll have to ask me specifically if the ingredients are restricted," Lupin lowered his voice, "Provided I can find them in Severus' archaic labelling system. I swear he used three different languages."

"Yes sir. French, Italian, and Greek." Hermione answered. Lupin shot her a curious stare. Harry wondered himself how Hermione knew that- but then remembered the Polyjuice potion from their second year.

"Oh, well. Guess that answers one question." Lupin beamed. "Now to the next order of business and then off to class. If the mark," Lupin pointed again to the skull on Snape's arm, "begins to turn black- you must, and I can't stress that enough, must take him to Dumbledore immediately. If Dumbledore isn't available then to Sirius or myself. Under no circumstances are you to leave the grounds with Snape- not ever. Burning black or no. That means Hogsmeade is off until we can reverse the situation."

Ron opened his mouth to protest, but Sirius cut him off. "The Mark isn't just for recognition or summons, it's also for tracking. If Snape leaves the grounds Voldemort knows exactly where he is and can Apparate to him. There is also speculation that Voldemort can force Snape to Apparate to his own side as well. No one knows for sure the exact capabilities of the Mark- not even Snape himself. If Draco is passing information along to his father, which Snape had no doubts that he was, Voldemort knows that Snape is in Harry's charge. Which means, Harry, that Voldemort has a direct pipe-line to you."

"Thus the other reason that Sirius and I are here Harry." Lupin concluded gravely. "To make sure that all of you are safe."

They sat in silence for several moments before Lupin smiled and politely reminded them that their next class would begin in five minutes. It seemed to Harry that arriving a few minutes late wasn't very important at the moment.

It wasn't until he was up in the air during Quidditch practice that the cold ball of tension began to melt. It didn't fade away entirely, but it wasn't screaming its presence either. More like a dull knowledge of 'so Voldemort can get to me again, urg, why me'.

Ron kept asking why Dumbledore would knowingly risk Harry in such a way. Harry knew the answer though. Snape's accident was primarily his fault. Leaving him with someone else would only put them in danger. And Harry, despite what Snape had insinuated, wanted no one else's death on his hands. Well, except Voldemort. That was blood he would happily wash away.

And Snape was also in danger now. No longer serving a purpose could make Voldemort consider killing him outright. After all, if he had to grow up all over again, and the Mark burned each time a Death Eater Meeting was called- then it would be prudent for Voldemort to get rid of any warning system Dumbledore might have. That meant getting rid of Snape, even if he was only a baby. Harry didn't think Voldemort would feel the slightest bit of guilt over it. He had ordered Cedric's death easily enough.

So Harry felt a wave of protective instinct roll through him like never before. If Snape was in his care, then nothing would happen to him. Harry swore on the names of his parents that nothing would. It was an odd feeling that left him rather speechless in the few attempts to explain any of it to Ron.

Glancing over to the side from his broomstick, Harry again thought that Hermione must have come to the same conclusions herself- since she held Snape a little tighter after the meeting. She and Harry had exchanged the same worried glances during their walk to the pitch.

As a bludger flew past his head, nearly knocking him out, Harry resolved to figure it all out later.

It was all too quickly that later came. Sitting in a darkened corner of the library with Hermione taking notes from one of the large books. Harry was supposed to be studying while Ron had ran off muttering about 'free time.' Harry stared blankly at Snape, who slept peacefully on his lap. His tiny fingers grasping Harry's robes, and thick black lashes fanning his serene face.

"You could put him in the pushchair and do some home work." Hermione mentioned without looking up.

Harry nodded- even though she couldn't see him. "I could."

Hermione lifted her head up and sighed while she regarded him. She snapped the book close. "Do you need to talk about it?"

Harry threw her a grateful look. He had always confided to Ron about most of the things troubling him, or to the both of them. Some things he preferred to keep to himself- like the night Cedric died. Hermione had always told him that her ear was always open though. Now he was very grateful for that.

"It's Snape." He began, gauging her reaction. She motioned to continue, her _expression open. "I feel-- I guess I feel protective of him, now."

Hermione smiled lightly. "That's a good thing, Harry."

Harry nodded. "I mean, I still don't like him." Her smile faltered for a second, but she didn't comment. "I just don't want anything to happen to him. After what Professor Lupin and Sir- I mean Snuffles told us, I guess I…" He faltered.

"Respect him?" Hermione supplied softly. Harry nodded again. Hermione leaned back into the Victorian chair and plucked absently at a stray string on the upholstered arm. "I never cared for his teaching methods, you know. I always thought he was rather spiteful and just an overgrown bully- taunting us all like that. Taunting me like that. And the way he so blatantly favoured the Slytherins-- and Malfoy." She sighed. "But I always admired him too, after our first year. The way he created potions, have you ever noticed that during a lecture or when he's working on his own private projects- how he never had to look up the ingredients or the timing? He just knew. Sometimes I have to double-check the book- even though I studied it the night before. He's got a picture perfect memory for it. Frankly, I'm not surprised Dumbledore keeps him teaching Potions. No one else could possibly know it as well as Snape does.

And then I thought about that night in the Hospital wing. When he revealed himself to Fudge in front of everyone like that. I knew right away what he was, why Dumbledore has him here instead of Azkaban. Imagine what that must be like, Harry. To willingly walk into Voldemort's circle with the knowledge that at any moment he could be discovered as a spy and killed? I don't know if I could ever do that, and I'm a Gryffindor. I think that Professor Snape, for all his faults, is someone who I want to protect. I don't care particularly what Ron or anyone else thinks about him. The only thing I know is that a person with that much intelligence and bravery deserves my respect and admiration. Even if he is a overgrown bully with a crooked nose." Hermione smiled at Snape.

Harry was silent as he pondered over her words. The truth was he never really had paid enough attention to Snape to notice- or even care- how good he was at Potions. After all, if someone teaches something- they're supposed to be familiar with it (Lockhart not withstanding of course). Which made him wonder something entirely different. "The way you talk about him Hermione- reminds me of when you had that crush on Lockhart."

Hermione flushed a deep red and blanched at Harry. "What?!" She squeaked. "Don't be ridiculous Harry!"

He couldn't help but prod her a little on it, her reaction only encouraging him on. "Perfectly natural Hermione. Like you said, he's an admirable man. Brainy guys are definitely your type." Harry winked.

Hermione's mouth worked furiously for several seconds, flapping until she found her vocal chords again. "You're insane! I don't feel that way towards Professor Snape! You've completely misunderstood me!"

"Sure, alright Hermione. Whatever you say." Harry smirked. "After all, that would be kind of- improper- to put it mildly. You having a crush on a baby and all."

Hermione stood up and grabbed the book. "Forget I said anything at all, Harry." She hissed. "I'm surprised though, that's something Ron would say."

Seeing he pushed her a little to far, he grabbed her arm before she could stomp off. "I'm sorry Hermione." He said gently, coaxing her as best he could. "I didn't mean to upset you. Just teasing you a little that's all. It's just weird hearing all these good things about Professor Snape. He's been the bad guy all these years to us, you know?"

Hermione sat back down, but still looked outraged. Harry thought that there might have been more to the crush thing then she was letting on, but decided not to bring that up-- for now at least. He waited until she stopped huffing and placed the book on the table.

"Anyway, I think that respecting Snape is good for you." She muttered through clenched teeth. "He did save your life."

That was a good point, he mused. "He did- didn't he?" Harry smiled at her. "I guess maybe he's not as evil a git as I always thought he was. Then again, it's hard liking someone who always looks like they want to rip your throat out."

Hermione frowned. "What is all that about anyway?"

Harry shrugged. "Haven't the foggiest. Maybe Professor Lupin knows?"

Hermione tapped her chin thoughtfully with her finger. "I wonder if it has to do with your dad."

Harry's eyebrows pinched together. "I don't follow."

"Well," Hermione brushed back a stray lock of hair, "Hagrid did say Snape was jealous of your dad. Something about always getting the glory. And the first day of class he made that comment to you, remember?"

"Yeah, celebrity." Harry shuddered. "How could I forget. The man could slice metal with his tongue."

"And when that article about us came out in the Prophet. And when you were picked in the Tournament? Maybe it's about your fame, maybe it reminds him of your dad."

It was a better explanation than any Harry had thought up. Most of those were narrowed into the category of 'evil biased Slytherins'. Not that he really cared whether Snape liked him or not, but the fact he had always gone out of his way to be cruel grated on Harry. He had never done anything to the man after all. Well, with the exception of trying to accuse him of attempting to steal the stone. And now, having turned him into a baby. He could understand contempt based on those things, but Snape hadn't known about them.

Maybe Lupin's comment about revenge was right, and this was all based on a grudge he had against his dad. Magnified by his own status in the wizarding community- and Snape obviously never gave it a second thought to how much it bothered Harry. To be so famous for the dying act of his mother- it wasn't something he wanted to be well known or attributed for. That should have gone to his Mum; she was the one who earned it.

Harry shifted Snape slightly in his lap. The only thing he could think to do was to put those things in the past for the moment. A clean slate with Snape- as it were. Maybe even try to find out more about him. Which was a funny idea in itself since Snape was the most private and withdrawn man at Hogwarts. Still- if Harry was risking his own neck to make sure Snape was safe, he wanted to know what kind of man he really was. The thought was alarming- get to know Severus Snape? Former Death Eater and Sarcastic Git Extraordinaire? The man who started the 'I hate Harry Potter' fan club?

Yet, the thought of removing that shiny mask once and for all held the intrigue of a mystery. And if there was one thing Harry Potter loved, it was a good mystery.

Author's Notes: Ok, this wasn't a funny chapter, but I think it had to be done. I wanted Harry to have to re-evaluate Snape at some point in the story. Babies have a tendency to make people get all those soft-squishy feelings. And that would be so uncomfortable to have soft squishy feelings for mean 'ol Snape (at least from Harry's POV). Plus, I get to dive into some 'Why Sev is a Bastard' theories. And I love those. Plus, the sub-plot is (finally) revealed with the appearance of the Dark Mark still on Snape's arm. After all, Voldemort's Mark is pure corruption and evil. Even poor baby Snapey isn't safe from it. *sob* I feel SOOO bad for him!

Let me know what you think, if you like where it is going. If you know where it is going. If you think you know that I know that he knows….erm…ya…. You get the idea. Namely, REVIEW! Constructive comments are most welcomed, as always. Pointing out Errors is thanked. Hopefully there are fewer to count now :D I hope this story continues to keep you all entertained. And what about that Hermione thing eh? What's up with that!

Thanks to Ker, who suggested that Snape get so angry he forgot to breath and become a quivering blob of red. Also for her suggestion of Snape falling asleep on Harry and clutching his robes-- to add an 'awwww' quality to Harry's introspection. It's hard to hate a sleeping baby, after all.

Next Chapter:
 Back to the funnies! Quidditch, a flying Snape, and an angry Snitch. Uh-oh- we're in trouble…