Plotting By Grand Design A Current Relationship

Chapter One- Of Ruins and Rebuilding

See first that the design is just: that ascertained, pursue it resolutely, do not for one repulse forego the purpose that you resolved to effect- Shakespeare

A week later, Potter showed up at Snape's office. It was a large space, as was typical with dungeon rooms, though only a small section of it was furnished. Facing the fireplace, which was not lit, was one large comfortable looking chair. The upholstry may have been black, gray, blue or green, hundreds of years ago when it was new. Now, though it was thread bare only in places its exact color was rather hard to distinguish.

While there was no visible light source Harry could see perfectly well. He figured the light in the room was a charm of some kind. There were several large bookcases lining the walls. Some held books. Most were filled with potions bottles, wooden boxes, skulls of animals, collecting jars, and cauldrons made of various materials, including one carved in green jade. To the left of the locked cabinet where Snape kept expensive and hard to acquire potions ingredients, stood a large aquarium filled with leeches. Nothing in Snape's office looked the least bit out of place, except for Harry. Facing the door was Snape's desk. Snape sat behind it writing. He did not pause and did not look up. "What do you want, Potter?"

"Sir- you said- I thought you- um. Well, you see, sir-"

Snape set his quill down and with a wave of his wand cleared his desk of what he had been working on.

"Perhaps you could manage to point and grunt?"

"You said that you could help me, sir."

"Indeed. Sit."

Harry looked around confused until he saw that a chair had appeared directly behind him. He sat. "Thank you."

"Are you familiar with the ancient wizarding practices involving Chivalry, Potter?"

"No sir."

"It seems you pay the same rapt attention in Professor Binns' classes as you do in Potions."

"Yes sir."

"One of the principle concepts was that of Courtly Love."

"Like the Muggle singer?"

"No Potter, not like the Muggle singer. Basically, a suitor proved his worth to his beloved by the way of some test- battling a giant, slaying a dragon, hacking other wizards to pieces, that sort of thing. I propose that you prove your worth to me since we have had feelings for one another since your fifth year." Amazing what one learns teaching Occlumency.

Snape said nothing waiting for Potter's denial. Potter said nothing, nor did his expression change. Since Potter said nothing, Snape continued.

"We will proceed as follows, providing that you agree- the period of the test will last until your graduation. During that time, I do not expect to find you in a situation similar to that in which I found you last week. In fact, you will extend sexual favours to no one, nor will you engage in acts of self-gratification."

"But sir!"

"Potter?"

"I just don't know if I can- I mean, the not wanking part, sir."

"If you can not agree to my test, then clearly you are not a worthy suitor. You may leave."

"No! I agree, sir, to your terms."

"Fine. You will also prove yourself worthy of my attentions by fulfilling our current relationship- with care and devotion not previously bestowed upon me."

"What does that mean, exactly?"

"What is our current relationship, Potter?"

Confused silence reigned.

"That of student and teacher, Potter."

"Oh, yes sir. I see."

"Unlike the tests of old, I suggest we even the field. I am happy to prove my worth simultaneously as your suitor, under the all the same conditions. Does that concur with your Gryffindor sense of fairplay, Potter?"

"Um, can't you call me Harry?"

"No, as I have not yet earned that right. Before our relationship progresses, we both must pass the test."

Harry smiled for the first time since Voldemort fell.

"So you mean to fulfill our current relationship with, what was it? Care and devotion? As a teacher? You, sir?"

"You will spend your free time here in my office. I will tutor you in Potions as well as your other subjects in preparation for your upcoming N.E.W.T.s. The last provision is absolute secrecy. This will be a contract between the two of us. You are now 17, and, as foolish as the law may seem, are deemed an adult wizard. Neither of us will tell anyone about this contract, nor disclose the nature of our agreement."

"What do I tell Ron and Hermione?"

"You may tell anyone who asks that I am tutoring you for N.E.W.T.S. That is all that you may tell anyone. Do you agree to the terms, Mr. Potter?"

"Yes sir."

Snape made a gesture in the air. There was a flash. A piece of parchment appeared. He pushed it across his desk to Harry.

"Read it, thoroughly, and sign where it says 'student' should you choose to proceed."

Harry read the contract which was no more and no less than the test and its conditions as Snape had outlined.

"Do I need to sign in blood, or anything?" Yet another post-Voldemort smile graced Harry's face.

"Ink is quite sufficient."

Potter signed and pressed the parchment back to Snape who signed and made another gesture. There was another flash. The contract disappeared.

"So when do we start?"

"We have started, Mr. Potter."

The next day, in the Great Hall, Potter told Granger and Weasley about his arrangement with Snape to receive intensive tutoring. Hermione took it well.

"But why the greasy git, Harry?" Ron whined.

"He offered. Look Ron, I've been distracted. My marks reflect that. I want to do well on N.E.W.T.s. All the rest of the professors let me slide just because I killed Voldemort. Snape never even said thank you, never mind raising a test score, or letting me out of a paper. He is sure to work me to death preparing for N.E.W.T.s. He will make me pass or kill me trying."

"I suppose. Want to play some Exploding Snap later?"

"Can't. Have to report to Snape."

"It's Friday!"

"Think he cares?"

"Harry, this is wonderful! Snape doesn't have to do this, you know. I just wish you'd taken school this seriously ever since first year."

"Thanks Hermione. Me too."

After Harry's last class, he reported to Snape's office.

"Mr. Potter. You are on time. Today, I will lecture on the History of Magic from the time of the First Goblin Rebellion up to the Great Goblin Civil Wars. Professor Binns has informed me that period is the greatest of several gaps in your knowledge of the subject."

Harry listened intently. Snape's velvet and honey baritone was far more pleasing to listen to than Binns' dusty monotone. Sometime over the course of the next three hours, Harry finally learned the differences between the various Goblin Wars, Goblin Rebellions, Goblin Revolts, Goblin Uprisings, Goblin Civil Wars, and Goblin Auror Actions.

Snape summoned a House Elf and requested dinner for two brought to his office. Since the fare was appreciably better than what they usually brought him, Snape put up with the elf fussing and gushing over Mr. Harry Potter.

"Thank you, sir."

"For what?"

"For today, sir. I think I learned more in the last three hours, than in the last seven years with Binns."

"Professor Binns, Potter. You are most welcome. You may spend the evening doing either revision or assigned readings."

"Yes, sir."

"I will be reading. However, I remain available in case you have questions."

"What? You'll help me with my homework, sir?"

"I won't do it for you, Potter. I will spell, oh, prestidigitation, should the necessity arise."

"What does that word even mean, sir?"

"There is a mystical beast called a dictionary. It lives on that shelf, there."

"I can see that you intend to be a big help, sir." There was Potter's smile again. Snape wondered if he would ever get used to seeing it.

"It means legerdemain, Potter."

"Which means?"

"Sleight of hand, tricks, deceit. Think of a muggle magician."

"Oh, a very Slytherin word, then."

"Yes."

"I like it."

"Work, Potter."

"Yes sir."