HE THINKS OF HIS PAST GREATNESS WHEN A PART OF THE CONSTELLATIONS OF HEAVEN
I HAVE drunk ale from the Country of the Young
And weep because I know all things now:
I have been a hazel-tree, and they hung
The Pilot Star and the Crooked Plough
Among my leaves in times out of mind:
I became a rush that horses tread:
I became a man, a hater of the wind,
Knowing one, out of all things, alone, that his head
May not lie on the breast nor his lips on the hair
Of the woman that he loves, until he dies.
O beast of the wilderness, bird of the air,
Must I endure your amorous cries?
-William Butler Yeats
He started watching the boy after that. He hadn't expected to be surprised by anyone and didn't want it to happen again. Severus prided himself on being observant and hadn't liked finding out he'd missed something.
But he still couldn't figure out Potter. That night the boy had seemed so mature and as if there was a weight upon him. Snape knew that Potter had seen what had happened at the Death Eater meeting, had seen the death and blood and torture. And yet the boy laughed merrily with his friends and was, in fact, more cheerful than either of his friends. He even organized half the Gryffindor house into a conspiracy to hit everyone in Hogwarts with a cheering charm. Since no one quite felt like casting it on him Snape pretended he didn't notice but he overheard McGonagall commenting on how nice and thoughtful it was of the children. Snape even went so far as to sit within hearing range of the trio during the Hufflepuff-Ravenclaw game.
"I can't believe you actually read Hogwarts: A History!" Hermione squealed. "Wasn't it excellent? What did you think of chapter eight about the wards?"
Ron was looking at Harry with amazement. "I can't believe you sold out mate."
Harry grinned. "Would tickets to the Chudley Cannon's game make it up to you?"
Ron's ears turned red, a sure sign of his famous temper. Harry hastened to explain. "I got two tickets, so I had to do something to make it even with Hermione. But you'll go to the game with me, won't you?"
"You're kidding right? How'd you get tickets?"
Harry shrugged, his eyes following the Hufflepuff seeker, evaluating the competition.
Impulsively Hermione reached over Ron and embraced her dark haired friend.
"What was that for?" he asked.
Hermione smiled. "I'm just glad you're feeling more cheerful. You were really down a few weeks ago."
Harry smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. Nobody noticed but Snape.
"That reminds me Hermione. Are there wizard zoos like there are muggle ones?" Harry asked curiously.
She looked pleased that he had asked and pleased that she could show off her knowledge. "Of course. Haven't you ever been to one? That was one of the first things my parents and I did after getting my letter."
"I want to go sometime. Do ya think your mum would let us over Christmas Ron?"
"Oh sure Harry. It'll keep Fred and George out of her hair for a day. Wait till you see the amphibian house."
The three continued on, chatting amiably until the match ended and they all stood to get out of the bleachers. There was a large crowd at the stairs and in the mob Harry got separated from his friends.
"The zoo Potter?" Snape said so softly that only Harry could hear him.
Harry's expression was inscrutable. "There are some things I'd like to do in my life."
"Do give me some credit. You don't like the Chudley Cannon's any more than I do."
There was a long pause and when Harry replied his voice was as serious as his eyes. "And how do you want people to remember you professor?"
But before Snape could retort Harry had slipped through an opening in the crowd and down the stairs.
Author's Notes: Once again, please review. It really makes my day.
