Chapter 3:

A/N: Sorry about the delay in updating everyone! I've been so busy with other stories and beta reading and the end of year prizegivings and things and on top of that I had a slight writer's block for this story not to mention that we have about 12 people currently in our house (big family reunion) so yea…

I'll try to get the other chapters out sooner but don't count on it…

Oh and since I asked for more than five reviews of this chap, and I got like 13 or something, I'm handing out cookies!!!!!!!!

-Passes out cookies to everyone who reviewed-

So anyway, on with the story (imitates Sir Cadogen)

(Oh, and I don't own any of this…)

The following week seemed to drag on forever according to Harry as he was stuck in a castle with only the teachers, who occasionally would throw him somewhat sympathetic looks but finally, Friday arrived and Harry could not be any happier.

Ron and Hermione were to be arriving at 11am by Portkey from the Burrow.

Sitting nervously in the Gryffindor common room, Harry wiled away the time by reading Quidditch Through the Ages yet again.

Finally, Snape walked through the door and, in no polite way, told Harry that his friends were to arrive soon. Still unhappy with Snape, Harry was reluctant to follow his instructions but soon relented at the thought of seeing Ron and Hermione again.

Hurrying down to the Quidditch Pitch, Harry arrived just in time to see Ron and Hermione appear via Portkey before Harry heard a shriek and his vision was completely obscured by a mass of brown and his back felt like it might be pounded into the ground soon by a much bigger hand.

"Akh! Guys! Can't… breathe!!! Gerrof!"

"Oh! Right! Sorry Harry!" grinned Hermione sheepishly.

"Good to see ya mate!" smiled Ron.

The moment would've continued into an awkward silence if it hadn't been for Hermione starting a rant about their O.W.Ls and classes for next year.

Ron and Harry automatically tuned out and as they smiled at each other behind Hermione's back, they knew they were home.

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The chatter in the Great Hall that evening was far more cheerful and happy than all the other days;

The teachers seemed to relax at seeing Harry chatting and laughing so amiably and his friends, Hermione especially, seemed glad to be back in the castle.

Even the food for some reason seemed more enjoyable than the other days' what with fresh roast and potatoes, the most scrumptious soups and puddings and lots more.

But like all things at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, all good things come to an end;

As desert was coming to a close, Harry froze at hearing the volume of two people at the Head Table rise; they were arguing.

"But Severus, surely you can ge…" began Remus Lupin, only to be cut off by Snape.

"Look! Lupin! I already told you that the present arrangement is suiting us just fine and…"

"But it's not!" snapped Remus, "You and I both know very well that there was never any reas…"

"I ALREADY TOLD YOU AND I WON'T TELL YOU AGAIN LUPIN! NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE!!!!" yelled Snape finally losing his cool, spit flying everywhere. Forgetting about everyone else now listening to them in the Hall, he continued in a softer voice; "I lost enough of my family once and I won't just accept someone else in especially when it's some foolish boy who goes and tries to get himself killed anyway. I lost the love of my life to some bigheaded prat, I lost my son to him as well, and I lost the rest of my family at the hands of Voldemort. Do you honestly think I can just welcome him right in after all of that? Do you Lupin? Coz I certainly don't think I can" he finished, now heading for the exit.

As he left, there was dead silence in the hall; even Dumbledore hadn't previously known his reasons for his actions and now they mostly understood.

Finally, the silence was broken by Remus standing up rather abruptly and walking out of the hall, with only a fleeting glance at Harry.

A/N: Sorry it's so short everyone! Would anyone like to be my plot beta? I'm fast running out of ideas here! I just need someone who can come up with original ideas; I can do the rest…

If anyone can, can you please email me?

Thanks!!!!!!!

Oh and Please Review!!!!!

(I'm handing out Little Christmas Pressies this time!) -Grin-