Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any characters related to J.K. Rowling's universe.

Author's notes: Just read and enjoy.

Chapter 2: An Unexpected Request

            "P-p-pr-professor Snape!?"

When Harry had heard the unexpected guest coming up the stairs to his room, the last person he expected to see was Hogwarts' very own Potion's master (not to mention Harry's least favourite person in the entire world), Severus Snape, opening his door. To say he was taken aback would have been a massive understatement. Wand still out, Harry slowly backed away from the Head of Slytheren House, and when he could back up no further, he just stood there, mouth agape, and started mumbling incoherently.

"Oh do stop acting like a complete idiot Potter," drawled Snape with his usual sneer, "or have you lost the ability to speak over the summer."

Now, Harry had been extremely angry with Snape after Sirius died. This was because of Snape's treatment of his godfather during his stay at Grimmauld Place. He had even nearly gotten into a row with his professor shortly before the end of his 5th year at Hogwarts. While it had been suppressed, this anger was now bubbling up from the depths of Harry's soul. It wasn't very long before Harry found his voice; and in a most vicious way.

"What the hell are you doing here!?" he screamed, loud enough to wake the dead, "come to give me a lecture on how to make a fucking dreamless sleep potion, or maybe a draught of the living dead so you don't have to put up with my fucking selfishness that I don't have, or that huge ego of my father's that I've never, ever, felt once in my goddamn short, pointless, fucking shitty life you son of a bitch!? I swear to god I should just hex you now before I even let you answer!"

Snape just stood stock still for a moment, watching the tears stream down Harry's face. Little can be said of what went through his mind at this point; however, he did seem to take a little of the edge off before trying to speak to Harry again.

"No, Potter, I did not come to lecture you about anything. I came to ask you a favor."

Tears still falling profusely, Harry slowly lowered his was and looked questioningly at Snape. "You're asking a favor of me?" At this point, Harry was extremely confused. Snape had never asked him to do anything other than, when you summed it all up, to fuck off and never bother him again. The fact that he had actually considered Harry to be able to do something useful was nothing in short of a miracle. However, Harry was not about to just accept such an opportunity from this man.

"Give me one good reason why I should even consider helping you."

"Because, Potter, it involves someone who, if you could look past your own problems, might just have lost as much as you did when that incompetent excuse of a godfather of yours fell through that veil."

"Don't you ever speak of Sirius like that in front of me," Harry said raising his wand, "or you may not come out of this house alive."

"Oh, quit being so bloody melodramatic, Potter," Snape replied, his usual drawl returning, "I'm not hear to bash your beloved Black. I want you to come to Grimmauld Place and take care of a little problem."

Here he paused to see if Harry would make anymore biting comments, but Harry simply lowered his wand and said, "Go on."

"I need you to talk to Lupin."

"Professor Lupin? Why would you possibly care that I talk to him?"

"Because he's been so dreadfully annoying over the past two months; I can't take it anymore. He locks himself in his room for hours on end. I always hear him sobbing when I'm trying to get work done. He eats close to nothing, which is a terrible waste of food. Then, when he does feel like talking to someone, he always comes to me. He's been almost clinging to me this past week and I can't stand it. Not to mention he's not getting any work done for the Order. You're the one he needs to talk to, not me," Snape finished, sounding almost exasperated.

Harry started thinking it over. So Remus really does feel as badly as I do about Sirius. Originally, Harry thought that because of Remus' initial reaction at the Department of Mysteries when he had held Harry back from trying to rescue his godfather, he didn't care as much about Sirius' death. Remus, however, was simply being strong for Harry's sake, and once the adrenaline and necessity wore off, the werewolf had fallen into a depression worse than Harry's. Of course, he is the last one now, the last Marauder. He's lost all of his friends. Oh shit! Harry finally figured it out. Of course Remus needed him. Harry was really the only thing the poor man had left. Harry had to go to him right away, but he still wanted to give Snape a little more crap.

Nonchalantly, Harry told Snape, "Well, it serves you right for treating him so badly all these years. I should really let you go back and deal with him by yourself." Here, Harry stopped and his tone softened, "but I will go with you, as long as it's been approved by Professor Dumbledore."

"It has been," replied Snape, sounding almost grateful for Harry's response, "The Order was to come and get you in a few days anyway. Now get your things together and let's get going. Come on, quickly now. Move it. My, Potter, you are slow."

After a bit of packing and organizing, Snape applied a disillusionment charm on Harry and they set off flying for London.

Though not pleased with his company on this particular trip, Harry felt a new peace as he soared through the air on his Firebolt, glad to be away from the Dursley's yet again, maybe never to return…

Hope you enjoy. See you next chapter, and a big thanks to all who reviewed.

Note to Lyaso, don't know if I'll continue that particular story. Sorry.