Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Potter Universe. It all belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling, who, I might add, is a genius! I only like to force the characters to do things they would never do without the assistance of chemical substances!!!!
Pairing: Harry/Severus …. If this freaks you out, then PLEASE don't read any further, I don't really appreciate reviews telling me how sick I am, okay? P.S. Harry is underage, even in the U.K. okay? He's in his 5th year in this fic, but don't worry, it doesn't get really heavy for a while…maybe not ever, because I don't have much confidence in writing naughty scenes like that. -
Summary: Harry tries a blood magic potion to better understand his summer potions homework, but mixes up the name with another potion that binds the drinker to his or her most compatible match in ability – a soul mate, if you will(not necessarily romantic, for instance, siblings are often bonded). Guess who Harry gets bonded with?
Spoilers: All the books, especially the 4th one, so if you haven't read it, well, you'll find out what happens.
Author's Note: Yes, I know there are several fics out there just like this one, but I just wanted to write my own and maybe get a few nice reviews, so give me a break okay? ^^
Hey guess what gang? Only a few more chapters till the Christmas KISSING scene!!!! Wahoo! So excited!!! But hold on for a few more chapters please?!?!! This chapter includes school starting up, Draco, and Snape/Harry interactions and Ron and Hermione!!!
P.S. I got a lot of reviews telling me that Harry needed to be older. I believe I already mentioned that Harry is 15 and if you don't like that, don't read the fic. If you want an older more mature Harry, write your own fic. The world needs more Harry/Severus fiction anyway ^^
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Chapter 11: Draco Malfoy
"Who does he think he is? Who?"
"Just ignore him, Ron," Harry muttered, sitting back down.
"That snotty git is impossible," Ron said angrily. Harry just nodded, masking his sudden discomfort. Dumbledore had given Harry the task of convincing Malfoy to join their side. How was he supposed to do that? Especially with Ron and Hermione with him? Not to mention the fact that Harry didn't like Malfoy in the slightest.
Harry was jerked out of his thoughts as Professor McGonagall appeared with a line of first years in tow. They were all looking around wide-eyed and mouths agape, taking everything in. Harry couldn't help but watch with excitement. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on the stool. Harry glanced up at Snape. His professor was watching with what looked like detached interest. As though he felt his eyes, Snape turned and looked straight at him. Harry held his gaze for a few seconds before slowly looking away. He hoped he had communicated how angry he still was. He turned his attention to the Sorting Hat, whose brim split, and the tatty old hat began to sing:
Oh new youngsters,
I'll bet you're wondering
What I am for;
So I'll tell you in a song
Like I have every year before;
I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat,
I must look inside your mind,
To sort through your thoughts and dreams
To see what I can find;
I'll send you off to Gryffindor
If I find bravery and courage,
But you'll be in Ravenclaw
If I find a strong thirst for knowledge;
To Hufflepuff you will be sent
If I see a working will,
Or perhaps to Slytherin
If I sense a potent skill!
It's easy, don't be scared,
Just set me on your head!
I'll take a look and wish you luck
Then send you on ahead!
Everyone burst into applause at the end of the Sorting Hat's song. The faces of the first years looked a good deal less nervous as Professor McGonagall unrolled the scroll of names.
"When your name is called, come and sit on the stool to be sorted. When the Sorting Hat has made its decision, you may go sit at your House table." Professor McGonagall adjusted her spectacles and called out the first name.
"Atkinson, Eli!"
Eli Atkinson tripped out of the line and hurried forward. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on his head and everyone waited with baited breath. Harry couldn't help but smile at the boy's apprehensive face.
"RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table applauded with delight. Harry glanced over and noticed that Cho Chang clapped in a subdued manner; much different than last year. A pang of guilt shot through Harry, and he quickly turned back to the Sorting.
"Blalock, Isabel!"
A tiny girl scuttled forward excitedly and tugged on the ends of her long hair as the Sorting Hat made his decision.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Isabel leapt off the stool and practically skipped over to the Gryffindor table. Harry clapped enthusiastically along with everyone else. Fred and George were whistling. A seventh year Gryffindor girl that Harry knew by sight hugged her; she must have been her sister.
"Brock, Spencer!"
A tall, thin, black-haired boy walked forward imperiously, and Harry could already guess what House he would be sorted into.
"SLYTHERIN!"
Harry glanced at Snape, who was applauding Spencer Brock and looking on with something like pride. Harry suddenly felt odd; Snape never applauded him, and there he was, sitting up there, applauding a boy he didn't even know. Harry wrenched his gaze away from the man in time to see Malfoy pat Spencer Brock on the back. Harry vaguely heard Professor McGonagall call the name "Calabresi, Augustus!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Corkum, Abigail!"
A blonde girl with pigtails bounced over to the stool. She became the first Hufflepuff. The Hufflepuff table exploded with applause, stamping their feet and hollering. They earned a raised eyebrow from Professor McGonagall. It seemed that the Hufflepuffs were determined to show the rest of the school that they were still alive.
"Cropper, Addison!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry cheered as Addison Cropper came bounding over.
"Jesus, we're still on the 'C' names!" Seamus muttered from across Harry. Harry grinned as Ron answered with a groan.
"Now Ron, we've talked about this! The Sorting is an extremely important ceremony! Your stomach can wait!" Hermione reprimanded as "Elkin, Evan!" became a Hufflepuff. Ron's ears turned red.
Harry looked on as "Gerrity, MacKenzie!" was sorted into Slytherin. Again, his eyes were drawn to Snape, who was nodding to the Slytherin table. He felt that odd feeling again, a kind a pressure on his chest. He kept his gaze on Snape as "Hibbs, Lewis!" was called to the stool, almost wishing that Snape would feel the weight of his stare and look at him, but he didn't.
The hat called, "HUFFLEPUFF!" and the table to his right burst into applause. Harry rested his chin on his hand and stifled a yawn. There were a lot of students left. He thought he heard Ron's stomach growl over the applause for "Karp, Sarah!" who had just been made a Ravenclaw.
Several minutes later, the line of students was down to three. "Spawn, Zachary!" was made a Slytherin. "Wylie, Henry!" was made a Gryffindor, and "Yates, Cory!" was dubbed a Ravenclaw.
"Thank Merlin!" Ron burst out. Harry grinned at Ron's typical eagerness and sat up.
Dumbledore stood up from his middle position and the Great Hall fell silent. Harry stole one more glance at Snape before looking back at the Headmaster.
"Students!" he called, spreading his arms and looking around. Harry noticed that his face was not covered by the usual warm, comforting smile. "This year, there will be many changes; not just to class room studies, but to your lives." He paused for a moment, letting that sink in. "I would rather not start the term off on an unhappy note, but I'm afraid it is necessary." Harry looked over at the Hufflepuff table. There was a range of emotions playing on their faces; some looked sad and defeated, while others looked determined, almost defiant. Some were even looking at him. Harry looked back at Dumbledore.
"As I hope you all remember, last year, a member of our community was taken from us. Cedric Diggory was taken from all of us by Lord Voldemort." Gasps were heard from the new students while the rest of the school remained silent. "I cannot express my grief enough with words or gesture. I can, however, provide a safe place for you in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. New safety precautions will be taken in these troubled times, and new classes will be established. Our new class, which I am requiring all of you take, will be Dueling taught by Professor Lupin." Harry applauded loudly. He was aware that he was the only one, but he didn't care. Then, thankfully, the rest of the Great Hall applauded as well. Remus nodded thankfully at Harry, who smiled reassuringly. He could tell that this was painful for Remus by the look in his eyes.
"Also, there will be several new elective classes that are not required, and you will not be graded in, which will take place during the weekend. I understand that many of you highly value your free time, but I also hope that you value your safety as well. These classes are for the purpose of increasing your knowledge of your subjects as well as preparing you for the trials that may come. The classes will be open to all and not separated by house or year. Medical Potions and Serums will be taught by Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey; Defensive Charms will be taught by Professor Flitwick; and Alternative Dark Arts will be taught by Professor Moody, who will also be filling the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts." There was a wave of applause for the ragged professor, who Harry hadn't seen. He was sitting next to Hagrid, whose huge shadow made him hard to make out. "Full course descriptions will be posted in your Common Rooms. Now, I believe I hear more than one stomach growling. Tuck in!"
"Yes!" Ron was already clutching his knife and fork as he waited for the food. The serving plates appeared in the center of the tables and everyone dug in.
"Can you believe it? Classes over the weekend! As if N.E.W.T.s weren't enough!" Seamus howled.
"I believe it!" Hermione huffed. "We need it! It's just a shame we don't get graded," she said wistfully.
Fred and George laughed. "What?" Hermione asked indignantly. "You'll be taking them, won't you?"
"I suppose," Fred shrugged.
Hermione turned to Ron, who was shoveling mashed potatoes into his mouth. "You will, won't you, Ron?"
Ron's face turned red as he hastily tried to swallow. He ended up choking and Hermione huffed and turned back to Fred. Harry laughed and patted Ron on the back.
"Thanks, Harry," he managed.
"That was smooth, Ron," he muttered.
Ron looked at him, confused. Harry pointedly looked at Hermione and Ron blushed. "Is it that obvious?" Ron muttered, embarrassed.
"Just a little," he said, grinning.
Finally, after all the deserts had disappeared from the table, and Ron and Harry were yawning simultaneously, Dumbledore stood up. The Hall fell silent once more.
"I'm sorry to say I must bid you all goodnight! The hour is late, and you must all be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for your first day of classes! Now, off to bed!"
Everyone clamored to get to the double doors. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were swept off into the crowd and were through the double doors in no time. Harry was just half way up the marble staircase when a hand grabbed his arm roughly.
"Hey, Potter!"
Harry spun around to see Malfoy, smirking from ear to ear. He jerked his arm away and glared. He realized that was the first time Malfoy had touched him. He hoped Ron hadn't gone too far.
"What do you want, Malfoy?"
Malfoy stepped back. "We never finished our conversation."
"What conversation?" Harry spat. Malfoy was really annoying him, smirking like that.
"Are you confident, Potter?" Malfoy leered, crossing his arms over his chest. "Think you and your pathetic Mudblood friends are safe?"
Harry rolled his eyes and began to turn away.
"Don't turn your back to me, Potter! What, think you're better than me?"
Harry spun around, and hissed, "I know what happened to you over the summer, Malfoy!" The smirk was wiped off Malfoy's face. "So yes, I do think I'm better than you are!"
Malfoy uncrossed his arms and advanced up the stairs. "You don't know shit, Potter!"
Harry snorted and turned around again. Where was everybody? Malfoy grabbed his arm and spun him around. Harry gasped as he lost his balance and fell into Malfoy.
"Malfoy! Get off!"
"Not until you listen to me, Potter!" Malfoy grabbed both of his shoulders to keep him from falling, but Harry was still off balance – if Malfoy let go, he would fall.
"What then?" Harry shouted.
"You picked the losing side, Potter." Malfoy said softly.
"No, you have!" Harry growled. He struggled, but Malfoy's grip on his shoulders was painful.
"What makes you so sure, Potter?" he asked. He sounded genuinely curious.
"I know that killing people just because of what blood they've got is wrong." Harry said firmly. "And I also know what you're doing Malfoy," he whispered.
Malfoy's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"You're a walking hypocrite, Malfoy," Harry said. "I know you're a spy for us. So stop pretending."
Malfoy's eyes narrowed, and if Harry hadn't been looking for it, he would have missed the triumphant gleam in Malfoy's eyes. Dumbledore's words echoed in Harry's mind. "We will pretend to believe him. Make Voldemort think he has a spy."
"Is that so?" Malfoy said silkily.
Harry smirked coldly. It was an expression he had accidentally picked up from Snape.
"So, technically, if I've picked the losing side, then so have you."
Malfoy looked at him for a second, then, surprisingly gentle, sat Harry down on a stair. He didn't remove his hands from his shoulders.
Malfoy was still looking at Harry oddly, as though just seeing him for the first time. Harry looked straight back at him, into those cold grey eyes.
"Potter – I"
"What's going on here?"
Malfoy let go off Harry lighting fast and Harry turned with dread to that velvety voice.
"Professor Snape, Potter here was taunting me, sir."
Harry didn't even bother to fight back. That odd feeling that he had felt during dinner was back… that painful longing in his chest. Please don't believe him, please…
"I see," Harry wasn't looking at Snape, but surprisingly, he knew exactly the expression Snape was wearing: a smug look with glittering eyes.
"I would think, Mr. Malfoy, that you would not want to be in his presence if he was taunting you. Perhaps you should go off to bed and let me deal with…" Harry looked up in time to catch the lip curl as Snape said, "this."
Malfoy smirked. "Of course, Professor."
Harry grimaced and looked at the floor. He heard Malfoy's steps as he walked away.
"Potter,"
Harry looked up. Snape wasn't looking smug anymore.
"I thought I told you to be careful. Do you know how dangerous that could have been?"
"Actually sir, Dumbledore told me to be careful, not you."
Snape paused at that. "Oh," he said. "Well then, be careful Potter. Who knows what Malfoy could do with you alone?"
Harry blushed. That didn't sound right.
"For God's sake, get your mind out of the gutter, Potter! That's not what I meant!"
"Sorry," he mumbled.
Snape cleared his throat. "What were you talking about?"
"I told him I knew that he was a spy for us and that he should stop pretending to hate me. But of course, he really is a spy. On us though," Harry muttered. He sighed, then sank onto a stair.
Snape walked up the stairs and sat next to him. Harry felt secretly pleased. Maybe Snape was going to be nice again (nice for Snape anyway). Harry knew it was too much to hope that Snape would apologize. After all, now that Harry thought about it, Snape was right about him and potions.
"You should be more careful where you hold your little intervention meetings, Potter. Anyone could have seen you," Snape chided.
"I wasn't planning on that and you know it!" Harry said defensively. "Malfoy practically threw me down the stairs."
Snape snorted.
Harry sighed. "The real problem isn't where though. It's how."
Snape looked at him. "What do you mean?"
Harry sighed again. "I don't know how to show him that he's picked the wrong side. How am I supposed to change fifteen years of Death Eater training?"
"You don't need to change his views, Potter. That may never change. But you can make him question them."
"How?"
Snape rolled his eyes and leaned back on the stair behind him. Harry tried not to notice the way his robes tightened over his chest.
"If you haven't noticed, Potter, Malfoy is obsessed with you. Must I tell you everything?"
Harry gaped at his Professor's bluntness.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm saying that you shouldn't underestimate the things you say to him. I'm telling the truth when I say that he'll be up most of the night analyzing everything you have said to him."
Harry stared. "Has he done that…often?"
"It is one of the reasons his grades are not the best." Snape looked over at Harry and met his eyes with a seriousness that Harry had never seen before. "Show him everything. Show him what it means to be with the Order of the Phoenix. Show him what you are all about, Harry."
Harry's eyes widened; not only from the passion in Snape's voice, but because Snape had used his name. Snape seemed to realize this, and he looked down at his hands. Harry quickly tried to regain the thread of the conversation before Snape took off.
"So you're saying he pays so much attention to me that he might think I'm right and want to do what I do…because I'm me?"
"Stunning intellect, Potter." His voice sounded suddenly exhausted.
Harry stared at Snape's lowered head. "Professor…"
"You really should get to bed, Potter." Snape said suddenly, standing up. "Potions will be your first class."
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The next morning, Harry sat in the Great Hall barely able to keep his eyes open. He had stayed up almost all night thinking about what Snape had said, and also when he had said his name. He had finally figured out what the strange feeling in his chest was. He wanted Snape to think of him as Harry. Not as a Gryffindor, not as a little boy, not as James Potter's son, not even as his soul mate; just Harry. He also wanted Snape to (ashamed as he was to admit it) like him. Like him the way he liked his Slytherin students. He wasn't asking for much was he? He wasn't asking for Snape to suddenly smile at him or anything silly like that. He just wanted Snape to look at him with something other than disgust once and a while. Maybe even respect him. Like that would ever happen.
He glared at the eggs that Hermione had heaped on his plate. She was as bad as Mrs. Weasley sometimes.
"Harry, you have to eat. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."
"What are you, his mother? Are you going to eat that, Harry?"
"Ron!"
Harry rolled his eyes. Ron was sitting on one side of him and Hermione on the other. Apparently, the reason Ron hadn't been with Harry when Malfoy had stopped him was because Ron had been having a heated row with Hermione about Harry. Ron had followed her to the Common Room, Hermione had asked where Harry was, Ron had said he didn't know, Hermione had accused him of losing him, and then Ron had asked angrily if she only cared about Harry. What followed had been a pretty nasty flinging of accusations. It seemed that Ron thought Hermione liked Harry that way and Hermione, (whether consciously or not) to get revenge, was now hovering around him. Harry was almost embarrassed by them; what if Snape saw and thought he had childish friends? Come to think of it, he did have childish friends.
"Okay that's enough!" he burst out. Ron and Hermione stopped arguing about how much Harry needed to eat.
"Please! Just sort this out okay? Ron, Hermione doesn't like me that way! Hermione, Ron likes you that way! I'm going to get my books." With that said, Harry left a gaping Hermione and Ron to get his Potion and Transfiguration books.
TBC
Haha! You'll never believe it, but the hardest part of this chapter was the Sorting Hat song! MWAHAHA! I am the first person that I have found who has had the Sorting Hat song in their fic! I got all those names from my school directory. All those Pre-Kindergartners! Anyway, I hope you all thought Draco was accurate. I had to re-read some parts of the books to remember what Draco was really like. I've read so many fanfics that the real Draco Malfoy was hard to remember. He is pretty obsessed with Harry isn't he? Like in the second book, when he's in Borgin and Burkes and is talking about Harry to his father? That's the greatest! Anyway, what about Ron and Hermione eh? Heeheehee. Snape was a little interesting in this chapter wasn't he? I think I'll have to do the next chapter in his head. He said Harry's name! Hmmm…..*plays romantic music*
So, liked it, hated it? REVIEW!
And no, Harry doesn't need to grow, I like him short and cute and so does Sev! So there! ^^