A/N a revised version of chapter 31 was reposted a few hours after the original. If you did not see the below a/n (in italics), then you have not read the revised version (not a major change, just correcting an error on my part).

a/n OOPS! umm, would you believe that Ron is psychic? No? neither do I. Error on the author's part. clarification requested by Gorman99 (Thank you!). Line in question was when Ron referred to Snape changing Harry's detention to Filch for Thursday night. Harry found out about the change on Thursday. Ron was in a shock induced coma since Wednesday night, he couldn't have known about the change. I was thinking that Harry rec'd notice of the change of detention on Wednesday night & that's how Ron knew about it. I decided to change the dialogue of that conversation a bit, rather than change chapter 28 & 29....

Oh yeah, & Points to Strawberry22!!!

Chapter title a/n: decided that the title 'playing along' would be better suited for the next chapter, when SS starts to put his plan in motion. Of course, that could change again-LOL.

This chapter is how/when Snape comes up with his plan (hence the name) on how to proceed with after he accidentally divulges his secret to Harry. (I honestly, can't believe I'm up to ch. 32!! With the next few written, waiting to be typed & revised)

Chapter 32 Snape's plan

"No, I didn't think so. Now get to work." Snape said before turning around and exiting the room, his hands shaking. The classroom door closed behind him, trapping Potter inside.

After walking a few steps down the corridor, Snape stopped and banged his head against the wall. "Merlin," he muttered, "what did I just do?"

It took all of his strength to leave the classroom without showing Potter his weakened state.

He turned 180 degrees, now pressing his back and head against the wall, thankful that the castle walls were there to keep him upright. He didn't mean to tell the boy that information. Nobody was supposed to know, Severus silently screamed. That secret was more closely guarded than any of his secrets, including the fact that he had a family in the first place. He couldn't believe that he just disclosed that information, and to Potter no less. He might as well have told the Dark Lord. Well, too late now, he thought.

Or was it? He didn't have a time turner, but he did have the next best thing. A memory charm. Severus smirked as he gathered his strength, took a step away from the wall that supported him, and headed back towards his classroom.

Severus paused for a minute outside the door, eyes roving up and down the corridor, making sure no one was watching. His hand reached for the handle to open the door, the spell on the tip of his tongue and his wand poised and ready.

Then he heard it.

A voice inside his head asking 'Severus, what are you doing?'

"Bloody hell," Severus muttered, dropping his hand from the doorknob and shaking his head to dislodge that voice from his mind. Once more, his eyes looked around the seemingly deserted corridor. He recognized that voice. Dumbledore. What a moment for his conscience to subconsciously act. Much as he wanted to go through with his plan to erase the last half hour from Potter's memory, he knew that he wouldn't be able to, not now. The headmaster would never trust him nor forgive him if he obliviated Gryffindor's Golden Boy.

He quickly spun on his heel, his black robes billowing behind him as he retreated to his rooms. Once inside the sanctuary of his bedroom, Severus laid back on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

Keeping his secrets to himself was not worth his life or his soul. And that was what it came down to. Severus had a feeling that if he betrayed Dumbledore in that manner, he would be in Azkaban before the clock struck midnight.

No, he would just have to find some other way to handle Potter. But what? That was question of the day. He couldn't just pretend that none of this happened, especially with the information Potter now possessed. The boy would be relentless in his pursuit to have the potion master believe the tale of woe that Potter and his cohorts concocted.

Snape snorted. Not bloody likely, he thought. Snape knew what he believed and sure as he was sitting here, Potter was NOT his son.

Snape thought a bit more about the incident in the classroom, shaking his head in disbelief. He couldn't believe that he got caught up in Potter's act. Even suspecting what was coming he managed to lose sight of what he knew and was pulled in by the emotions that the brown-haired boy portrayed. Never again would he underestimate this student.

Severus snorted again. He had no idea that Potter was such an accomplished actor. If all else fails, the boy could always get a job upon the muggle stage.

Snape was also disappointed in himself for letting his guard down. He should know better than to lose control of himself like that. He had shared not only his past with Potter, but his hopes and dreams, his failures and disappointments as well.

Suddenly Snape sat up and smiled. A smile that if seen by anyone would have them running away and screaming in fear.

Hopes and dreams, he thought. Hopes and dreams. Over the last year, Severus had reluctantly learned a lot more about Potter than he ever had thought possible. Thanks to last years occlumency lessons or rather, last years occlumency disaster, he learned of the treatment the boy suffered in the hands of his relatives. While in his animagus form, Raven overhead Potter yelling at the headmaster about trust and his desire to be cared about. And thanks to Potter's journal and his earlier rantings, Snape knew quite a bit about the brats hopes for a home and family of his own.

Potter's hopes and dreams. He can use those to seek his revenge. Now to come up with what Potter hopes and dreams about.

A loving family
A home away from the Dursley's
Parents who would be proud of him
Someone to care for him because he was 'Harry', and not just because he was 'the boy who lived'
An adult he could trust
Someone who would always be there for him

Yes, Severus, thought, as he looked at the list he wrote, this could work.

All of Harry's hopes and dreams could be summed up in one word, or rather, one person. A Father.

Severus smirked as he got up and poured himself a drink.

He would turn the tables on Harry Potter. He would 'play along' with Harry's scheme and become the 'father' that the boy had always wanted. Then once Potter was caught up in his own plot, once Potter saw him, Severus, as the father he never had, that is when Severus would give Potter the one thing he wanted above all else, the truth.

He would make Potter regret the day he came up with this hoax. Severus was determined to end this on his terms, not Potter's.

Snape smirked and silently raised his glass in the air and toasted his plan before drinking. He couldn't wait until Potter's trick crumbled at his feet.

The weekend went by quickly.

Harry and Hermione spent most of it in the infirmary visiting with Ron, since Madam Pomphrey wouldn't release him until Monday morning before classes. Once more, they told Ron about the penguino pebble, Ron even had a few words of wisdom to say, although he didn't like agreeing with Snape. Ron had commented that 'Harry should be careful about catching unknown objects in his hands, especially if they come from Malfoy.'

Harry told Ron what happened during Friday's detention with Snape, adding that the professor hadn't been seen by anyone, student, faculty or ghost since Friday evening.

Ron started to comment that he was glad and that if they were lucky, maybe something had happened to the greasy-git. Fortunately, before he stated what he was thinking, Ron remembered that that greasy-git could be his best friend's father, and instead gave a long sigh. This was going to take some getting used to, Ron thought. While he still did not like Snape, he could no longer wish him harm. For if danger or tragedy struck the potion master, than Harry was sure to be injured as well, if not physically than emotionally.

The two boys had many conversations that weekend about Snape and Harry. Harry once more explained why he believed it was true. Snape's family 'dying'; his son's body not being found; rogue auror's that attacked known and suspected Death Eaters; Snape reading his protected journal; looking like Snape's late wife. Harry ended by stating that he just felt it instinctively. From the first moment that he said it out loud, he believed that it was right and true.

Ron still felt that all those coincidences were just that-coincidences. He was not fully convinced that Snape was Harry's father, and probably wouldn't until he had some concrete proof. However, there was something that almost made him give in, Harry's instincts. If Ron had learned anything in the last five years, it was to trust Harry's instincts. More often than not, those instincts had saved someone's life.

Severus, however, spent the weekend secluded in his chambers, finalizing the details for his plan.

The first thing he had done was a little research of his own. Yes, he knew what Potter desired, but he had no idea how to become that. That was not a role he had imagined himself in for many years now. Thankfully the Potter brat was a little too old for typical father/son bonding moments, such as playing catch or Quidditch, that one might indulge a younger child in. No, most likely they would just talk to each other. Severus shuddered. Hopefully his plan would end before things got too personal. The last thing he wanted to discuss with Potter was a teenager's romantic relationships. No, Severus decided, that would not be a topic of discussion, best stick to school work, career choices and possible family outings over the summer holidays.

Oh, this was going to be fun, Snape smirked as he glanced at his lesson plan calendar, finally glad to put it to use. Each year he received one from the headmaster. In the past, he had no need of it, since he had his own way of recording his lesson plans. Now, however, he was grateful for the gift. On each day it Snape outlined the steps he would have to complete in order to accomplish his goal. As a task or item was completed, it automatically checked itself off. If a mission was not accomplished, it would automatically transfer onto the next day. Most beneficial of all was that if he remembered something that needed to be added, the journal would automatically enter that item before the thought was even finished in his mind. The tasks even listed themselves in the order of sequence to be completed. Each item on his agenda got him one step closer to his goal, finally culminating on the revelation of the truth to be done on Halloween. Severus figured what better day to crush the boy's hopes and dreams than the anniversary of the day that he lost the last of his 'real' family. Snape gave a quick perusal of the calendar. That would give him almost four weeks to torture Potter. Oh, yes, life was good.

Monday morning, everything seemed to be normal in the sixth year Gryffindor and Slytherin potions class. Severus sat at his desk grading papers or reading journals while the students worked on their potions.

When the class ended and the students were filing out of the room, Snape called "Mr. Potter, I hope that I do not have to remind you about your detention for tonight. I trust that you will be on time."

At the sound of his name Harry had froze. He heard his professor's words and quickly replied "Yes, sir" before leaving.

"Merlin," Harry exclaimed to Hermione once they were out of Snape's earshot. "I can't believe that he is still making me serve detention!"

"Honestly, Harry, he probably just wants to talk to you about things."

"I highly doubt that, Hermione. If he wanted to talk he could've tried over the weekend. Instead he spent most of it avoiding me. He didn't even eat in the great hall the last two days. No, Hermione, more likely he just needs his classroom cleaned. Let me see, in the few weeks I've cleaned the desks, the cauldrons, and the empty vials. I'm betting that tonight's task will be the floors. Any takers?" Harry asked sarcastically, "I'll give you pretty good odds."

"Guys, I'll see you later. I need to get to detention."

"Bye, mate, good luck."

"Harry," Hermione said as she followed him, grabbing his arm before he could leave the common room. "Remember what I said. Act respectful, let him introduce the subject, and above all else, you must control your temper(1). You need to show him that you are serious about this."

"I know, Hermione, and I'll try. Honestly." Harry pledged as he slipped past the fat lady and began the long journey to the dungeons.

"Mr. Potter. Glad you could make it this evening," Snape said, greeting Harry with a smile.

Harry stared at his professor for a minute, before smiling back. Maybe Hermione was right, Harry thought, maybe he does want to talk and spend some time with me.

Snape's smile changed to a smirk as he continued, "The floors are atrocious."

Harry's grin faded as he groaned. Oh, how he wished that he could have persuaded Hermione to bet on this evenings detention assignment.

"No magic, now get to work."

Give it time, Harry reminded himself as he moved the stools out of his way before retrieving the necessary cleaning paraphernalia from the closet, this is probably just as awkward for him as it is for you.

Snape was careful not to let his face portray his emotions as he watched Harry work, surprised that the boy went straight to his assigned task instead of arguing or complaining.

As Harry swept and mopped the floors, he repeated Hermione's instructions in his head. 'Be respectful, let him bring up the subject, and control my temper.' If asked, Harry would have to admit that his temper was wearing thin. He had been here for over an hour cleaning and Snape hadn't said another word to him.

Snape had the whole weekend to think about things, Harry fumed. Surely his professor had decided whether or not he was willing to brew the lineage potion with him, by now. He could at least say something instead of ignoring him, Harry thought, instead of ignoring the situation.

"Mr. Potter."

"Yes, sir," Harry asked, startled to find the potion master standing behind him.

"Take the chairs down from the desktops, now."

Harry clenched his fists at Snape's commands and walked to the desks on the other side of the room. "I'm not an idiot," he grumbled under his breath, "I was going to do that before I left." Harry then worked silently, positioning the stools in their proper place, making his way back towards the front of the room where Snape was still standing.

"Potter."

"Yes, sir?"

"I have decided against brewing the potion at this time."

"What!" Harry exclaimed, no longer able to hold his temper back. "You decided. Just like that. Don't I get any say in this?"

"At this time, no. Fifteen points from Gryffindor. Now, control yourself." As Harry struggled to regain control of his emotions, Snape decided to use the situation to his advantage. "Legilimens!"

Memories of Harry being told what to do by Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, Dudley, Voldemort, and Dumbledore played across his mind for Snape to see before Harry successfully evicted the professor from his mind.

Harry leaned on the desk, panting, trying to recover from the attack.

"Disgraceful. If you had controlled your temper, you would be fine."

"Hey! I pushed you out!" Harry retorted, adding a quick "sir" after noticing the glare Snape gave in his direction.

"I never should have gotten in, Potter." Snape snarled. "All the Dark Lord would have to do is to keep pushing you until you lost control, which apparently isn't that difficult. Once you are weakened, you would be easy prey for his continued attacks, letting him discover anything he wanted that was in your mind. Now finish cleaning."

"Finish?" Harry asked, puzzled. "But sir, the floors are done."

"The floors, yes," Snape answered with a sneer. "However, you contaminated the desktops by placing non-sanitized, filthy objects on them. They will need to be cleaned and sanitized again, before you leave."

"But," Harry began to grumble.

"Fifteen points from Gryffindor and not another word or I'll deduct more. You are already serving detention with me indefinitely; you really do not want to push me." The potion master cautioned.

On instinct, Harry opened his mouth to reply before thinking better of it. He got to work, finishing his detention without saying another word.

Within seconds after Harry flopped down on a chair in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione appeared next to him.

"Well? How did it go?"

"I really wished you had taken me up on my offer to bet about tonight. I got stuck cleaning the floors and the desks."

"Are you serious, mate?" Ron asked, as he strolled into the common room, just in time to hear Harry's reply.

"Yeah. He pretty much ignored me the entire time. He didn't even dismiss me from detention himself, he sent a house-elf to tell me that I could leave. The only thing he said was," Harry paused as he cleared his throat and imitated Snape, "I have decided against brewing the potion at this time."

Hermione had a contemplative look on her face as she asked, "Did you ask him why?"

"Er, no. Not really." Harry mumbled and looked away, not willing to meet her gaze.

"Harry James Potter. What did you do?"

At her tone, both Harry and Ron instinctively started to back away.

"Don't you back away from me! Now tell me, what did you do?"

"Er, um…" Harry dawdled, looking at Ron for help.

"Sorry, mate, this one's all you." Ron said as he escaped the common room and retreated up the stairs to his dormitory.

"Ikindoflostmytemper." The words rushed out of Harry's mouth.

"You lost your temper." Hermione repeated. "Of all the things I told you, the most important one was to control your temper!"

"I know, Hermione, and I tried. Honestly. But I was just so sick of people making decisions about my life for me without asking me what I wanted. Merlin's sake! He's probably my father and he doesn't seem to care about what I want anymore than anybody else does."

Hermione expression changed to one of sympathy as she heard the pain and hurt in Harry's voice. "I understand, Harry, but losing your temper isn't going to help." Hermione let out a deep sigh before continuing, "What happened next?"

"He deducted points and incanted Legilimens."

"Then what?"

"Um, he got in my mind, but I was able to push him out."

"If you had kept control of your temper, he wouldn't have gotten in. Vold-"

"I know Hermione, I know. I already got this lecture from Snape. Can we skip it this time?"

"Professor Snape, Harry. Be respectful. Not just because he's your professor or because he might be your father, but because he is trying to help you."

Harry nodded and continued rehashing the evening's events. "Then Professor Snape told me to finish cleaning the room. Apparently while I was cleaning the floors, I contaminated the desks, so he made me clean and sanitize them."

Hermione shook her head, letting the subject drop. She wasn't sure she wanted to know how he could contaminate the desks when he was supposed to be cleaning the floors.

"Did you ask him when he might want to brew the potion?"

"NO!" Harry denied forcefully. "I took your advice and didn't ask questions, nor did I bring up the subject."

Hermione placed her face in her hands and groaned. Honestly!

"Harry, he did bring the subject up and that was the perfect time to ask questions."

"How can Sn-, Professor Snape saying he wouldn't brew the potion be the perfect time to ask questions?" Harry asked heatedly.

"Think, Harry. What exactly did Professor Snape say to you?"

"That he wouldn't-"

"Exactly, Harry." Hermione reminded.

Harry sat thinking, before reiterating his professor's words. "He said 'I have decided against brewing the potion at this-' OH!"

"Yes, OH!" Hermione imitated. "So obviously he has decided to do it at another time. Now you just need to find out why he wants to postpone it."

Now it was Harry's turn to put his head in his hands and scream.

"That's why you need to control your temper. You quickly focus on one thing and miss everything else that is being said."

"I know, Hermione, I know." Harry said, as he leaned back against the chair and groaned. Who knows when Snape would give him another chance to ask questions.

End Chapter 32 Snape's plan

Upcoming: Chapter 33 playing along
Chapter 34 acting skills

If you hadn't given a preference regarding Halloween, feel free to do so. I think the majority is on Harry/Snape brewing potion/bonding moment rather than V or DE attack/kidnap (at least if 'votes' are combined), otherwise pretty close. Guess we'll have to wait & see

Loved all the input regarding Harry, Snape & Halloween. And all the many reviews. Thank you all so much!!!

Now, new 'poll':

Does Dumbledore already know about Harry & Snape? And if so, how?

ALSO, I'm curious as to what you all think about Snape's plan for revenge

(1) you must control your temper - borrowed from Disney's Beauty & the Beast

1/10/2005