Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any related persons, places or things.
Chapter 35 familial bond
After leaving the staff lounge Friday afternoon, Snape walked towards his dungeon, thinking about what he just heard.
Potter listened to him. Snape couldn't disguise the grin on his face. Weeks ago, after the pebble incident, he had cautioned the boy about coming into contact with unknown objects and Potter actually listened to him. Almost like fatherly advice, Snape thought with a smirk, and even though it was sound advice, he didn't expect Potter to follow it.
Harry not only used magic to avoid the 'enchanted' objects, but he also earned house points. Snape gave an improving nod and murmured, "Good for him, even if the points did go to Gryffindor."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Snape froze. Did he just approve of something Potter did? Snape slowly shook his head, he was acting like a proud father! This wasn't good.
He can't be thinking of Potter like this, Snape thought. He is not my son. He couldn't be. Something had to be done about what he was feeling. He couldn't go to 'detention' feeling all proud and paternal. The plan was not going to backfire on him. It was Potter that was suppose to develop a familial bond.
After checking the time, Snape changed directions and headed towards the Slytherin dorm. If anyone could make him detest Potter, it would be his Slytherins.
"Mr. Potter, just the student I was looking for."
"Headmaster," Harry acknowledged.
"Walk with me a minute," Albus directed as he headed out of the great hall after lunch on Saturday.
"Lemon drop, my boy?"
"No, thank you," Harry replied as they left he castle entrance and headed towards the lake.
"How are you doing, Harry?"
"Fine, sir, just busy."
"I imagine so, especially with all those detentions you have with Professor Snape."
"Hmm"
Eyes twinkling, Albus continued, "I'm sure I could discuss the matter with Professor Snape and we could come up with a suitable punishment for your crimes that won't take up so much of your time."
"Please don't, sir," Harry pleaded. "If you say anything to him, Professor Snape will think that I complained to you about them. That would just make things worse. I can handle this."
"Hmm," Albus echoed Harry's earlier sentiment, eyes still twinkling. "Is there something about these detentions that you wish to tell me?"
Harry looked towards Dumbledore, a confused expression on his face, "You mean like what he has me doing?"
"No," Albus replied with a smile, "Like what the purpose is behind these detentions?"
Harry gulped, making sure to clear his mind of all thoughts regarding Snape being his father. "I cannot answer that."
Albus's eyes twinkled and as he went to speak again, Harry continued, "Only Snape knows what he hopes to get out of these detentions, so you'll have to ask him. My best guess is that he assigned them to show me the error of my ways and to keep me out of trouble."
Those last words were said with a sting of sarcasm that one usually only heard from Severus Snape.
The twinkle faded. "So you don't know why he assigned these detentions?"
"Oh, no, sir, I know why." Harry stated, the twinkle rekindling in the headmaster's eyes. "Because he's a greasy-git who has nothing better to do than to torment the son of his school hood enemy." Harry forced out, as he watched a look of shock pass over the headmaster's face. "Er, sorry, sir, I've been trying to keep control of my temper, but every once in a while it just gets overwhelming. Especially when I think abou-"
"Fine, fine, Harry, you're excused this time. Now, could you answer my question please?"
"He assigned them because he did not approve of my actions."
"And those actions were?"
"Just a misunderstand, sir. Now, however, neither of us will admit we were wrong, so it has become a battle of wills."
"I see," Albus said as he nodded. Yes, that does sound like Severus "Well, here we are, back at the castle entrance. Thank you for the walk, Mr. Potter." No luck there, looks like it will be tea with Severus sometime this weekend.
"No problem, headmaster." Harry grinned as he headed towards the library.
"Hermione," Harry whispered almost hysterically, after setting up wards so no one could hear them. "I think we've got some trouble!"
"Voldemort?" She asked as she stood up and began packing her books at Harry's words.
"No," he paused, "Dumbledore."
Hermione snickered and laughed, plopping herself back down in her chair. "Oh, Harry, don't do that to me. The only thing troublesome about the headmaster is his compulsion to offer everyone lemon drops."
"Hermione, this is serious."
Taking a look at Harry's expression, Hermione quickly regained her composure and nodded for him to continue. "I think he knows about my, er, Snape."
"Professor Snape, Harry." Hermione automatically corrected. "Why would you think that?"
"We just walked around the lake and talked. He kept asking about the detentions."
"Harry, that doesn't mean anything. Maybe he's just trying to help you. I mean, he must feel pretty bad about last year."
"Maybe," Harry replied, before relaying the conversation to her.
"Harry! I can't believe you said that about Professor Snape, especially to the headmaster!"
"I didn't mean it! I had to say something so that Dumbledore wouldn't think that we've been getting along."
"Professor Dumbledore, Harry. Well, it sounds like that might have worked. I just hope that Professor Snape doesn't find out about what you said. Anyone who heard what you said to the headmaster would believe that you still hated him. Of course, you're very lucky that Professor Dumbledore didn't deduct points or assign you detentions for talking so disrespectfully about a teacher.
"Now, about your conversation with Professor Dumbledore, it sounds like he just has suspicions at this time. He might know that all is not what it seems with you and Professor Snape, but it doesn't seem like he is aware of your true relationship. If he really knew, he would've called both of you into his office to discuss this. After all, this could've had an impact on the prophecy."
"I hope you're right, Hermione. I really hope you're right."
The two sat in silence for a moment before Hermione spoke again. "I just wonder how he found out that something was different. In public, both of you act as you have for the last five years."
"Good question, Hermione, and here's another to go with it: Who else might know or suspect something?"
"He didn't clear his mind! I spent all my time this summer teaching him to close his mind to the Dark Lord only to have him forget to do his part. Why did I even bother?" Severus said as he paced beside Harry's bed in the infirmary.
"Calm down, Severus. This is the first time in months that this has happened. No harm was done."
"That is not the point, headmaster. The boy needs to be more responsible before he gets himself killed."
"I'm glad to see you so worried about him. But you need to calm down before you wake him. Besides, as I said, no harm was done."
"I'm not worried." Severus sneered, "Besides, if no harm was done, then why isn't your golden boy awake yet?"
"I don't know," Albus said with a shake of his head. "Normally he wakes up from these episodes by himself, this time he's still asleep from the original vision. None of the spells I tried could wake him. Madame Pomphrey has assured me, however, that there is nothing to be concerned about, and I trust in her judgment and skills."
"Headmaster, I thank you for that vote of confidence, however, I will be extremely upset if your discussion wakes my patient," Madame Pomphrey interrupted. "I know that you're both worried about Mr. Potter, but if you need to have this discussion, kindly do so outside of the infirmary so that he can rest."
"Worried?" Severus replied in a scathing tone, "I'm not worried ab-"
"Yes, yes, of course you're not," Albus interrupted, his eyes twinkling, while he ignored the glare the potion master sent him. "We'll just take this conversation to my office. Madame Pomphrey, please let me know when he's awake."
"Of course, headmaster." Poppy replied as she shut the door behind the two men, only to turn around and see her patient stirring.
"Dad?" Harry moaned as he slowly opened his eyes.
"Mr. Potter," Madame Pomphrey said with a smile. "Glad to see you're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Fine," Harry said, looking around for Snape. "What happened?"
"You had another vision."
"What? I don't remember anything."
"Just relax a moment while I examine you now that you're awake. Do you feel any aches or pains?"
"No, ma'am," Harry said as he shook his head.
"Not even from your scar?"
Again, Harry shook his head and said no.
"Hmm. Do you feel hot or cold at all in your arms or legs?" After another negative response from Harry she continued, "How about a headache? Sore throat? Do your eyes hurt from the light? Any ringing in your ears?"
"No, no, no and no. What's going on?"
"Just a little concerned, since you didn't wake up from the vision sooner."
"Are you sure it was a vision? I mean, I don't remember it."
"Well, Professor Dumbledore says it was a vision and Professor Snape agrees. Speaking of which, I better contact your fa-the headmaster and let him know that you are awake."
"Severus, it is okay to admit that you are care for the boy."
"Headmaster, I do not know what you are referring to."
"You paced next to his bed all night. It's okay to care for someone. No one will think less of you." The headmaster said, his eyes twinkling brightly. "After all, I imagine the two of you probably learned a great deal about each other during your summer lessons."
"Headmaster, I am not now, nor have I ever been concerned about what others think of me," Severus sneered. "Likewise, I do not care for the boy-who-lived. If I cared would I have given him so many detentions?"
"Ah, yes, those detentions. I've been meaning to discuss those with you." Dumbledore paused as he looked at Severus. "I asked young Mr. Potter if he wanted me to talk with you about another punishment that didn't take up so much of his time. Surprisingly, he refused."
Snape snorted, of course, he refused, if he took you up on your offer then he wouldn't be able to play his game. Playing devil's advocate, Snape asked, "Did he say why?"
"Harry believed that you would think that he complained to me about the detentions and as a consequence, my involvement would only make things worse."
Apparently the brat new him pretty well, Severus thought, indeed, that is how I would have reacted.
"One might think that he respected you and enjoyed spending time with you, except for..."
"Well? Except for what?" Severus inquired when Albus paused.
"Hmm, oh it was nothing. I was just thinking about something Mr. Potter said to me yesterday."
"If it concerns me, then I have a right to know."
"What good would it do to share it, Severus? It would only result in more detentions for Mr. Potter and I do believe that you already have him booked indefinitely."
"Sir, I insist that you share-"
"Headmaster? Severus? Just wanted to let you know that Harry is awake." Madame Pomphrey called from the fireplace.
All former conversations were forgotten as the two wizards left the office and headed back to the infirmary.
"Harry, how are you feeling?"
"Fine."
"Harry," Remus warned.
"No, honestly, I'm feeling fine. I'm well-rested and as I told the headmaster, I don't remember anything."
"You don't remember?" Remus echoed.
"No. I don't know what happened last night to make everybody worry, but how could it be a vision if I didn't see anything?"
Remus shook his head, not knowing the answer. "Well, just listen to the headmaster and Madame Pomphrey, they'll take care of you."
"But I feel fine." Harry said before asking Remus to set up some privacy and silencing charms. "Madame Pomphrey is acting strange, though."
"What do you mean?"
"She keeps looking at me and smiling."
"What's so strange about that?" Remus asked, slightly amused at Harry's antics.
"It's not normal, trust me, I know. I've been in here enough times to know how she reacts to things and how she treats her patients. If her smile wasn't so genuinely happy, I would think that I was dying from an incurable illness. She never smiles at her patients. She's even worse when Snape and Dumbledore are in the room."
"Well, maybe after all the times you've been in here, she's become fond of you," Remus teased. "Stranger things have happened."
"Ha-ha, very funny. But I get the feeling that it's more than that."
"Well, you just rest now and don't worry about. We can talk more later."
"Moony! I said I was well-rested and felt fine, can't you stay and talk a bit longer?"
"Okay, but if Madame Pomphrey yells at me for disturbing her patient, I'm blaming it on you. Especially since she's so fond of you lately."
Harry scowled at Remus before informing the older man about his conversations with the headmaster and Hermione yesterday. Remus was inclined to agree with Hermione's theory that Albus was only suspicious about something at this point. The two laughed after Remus pointed out how frustrated the headmaster must feel at this evidence that he did not know everything that went on in the castle.
After the laughter stopped, Remus asked Harry about his detentions with Snape.
"I just don't know if it's worth it anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Snape. He's cold and distant as if he doesn't care, then he's telling me about his childhood and showing me his collection of chocolate frog cards.
"He ignores me one day and the next can't seem to wait to hear about how I'm doing. I feel like an emotional yo-yo. One minute he wants me for a son and a part of his life, the next he acts like his son is dead and I'm just Harry Potter, bane of his existence again. I'm tired of it."
"Yo-yo?"
"Muggle toy." Harry said before continuing his tirade. "Doesn't matter anyways. I just don't know what to do. I've enjoyed getting to know the man behind the mask, and would love to ask him questions about my mom and how they met. But I just don't know where I stand with him.
"At least when he hated me, I knew he hated me and I didn't care. I mean, I didn't care what he thought or what he said about me, I didn't really enjoy being hated by him, especially when he hated me because of who my father was, or rather, who everyone thought my father was. Now that I know that he's my father, of course I care and want him to like me. I want to be a part of his life and have him be a part of mine, even if we can't really tell anyone until after Voldemort is defeated.
"But every time he distances himself from me it hurts more than the last time. Just when I thing that things are going well and he's ready to accept it, he pulls back and starts to avoid me again. He still won't admit that there's a possibility that I am his son. In fact, there are times when I think he has to refrain himself from yelling that I'm not his son. Every time I talk to him, I have to bite my tongue to keep myself from calling him 'father' or 'dad', yet he won't even refer to me by my first name. He calls me 'Potter', 'boy', and occasionally 'child', the last is often said similar to how he calls the first years dunderheads, with no affection in his tone at all. I just don't know what to do anymore. Is it even worth it?"
As Harry drew in a deep breath, pausing in his ramblings, Remus gathered the distraught boy in his arms, rocking him and rubbing his back to calm him down. "Shh, it's okay Harry. We'll work it out. I have a feeling that he is just running scared. Give him time. Eventually he will realize the truth, until then, be patient. He is probably too afraid to hope for a miracle. I'm sure it isn't easy for Severus to open his heart to someone. It's probably been a long time since allowed himself to care for anyone. Knowing Severus, though, it will probably get worse before it gets better."
Harry groaned and pulled himself away from Remus at the older man's words. "I have been patient. And I don't know if I can handle things if it gets worse, especially if I'm trying to avoid the headmaster's questions. And maybe I can understand not being able to deal with the emotions, but does he have to take it out on me? Doesn't he realize that this hasn't exactly been a walk in the park for me, either? It wasn't exactly fun finding out I was adopted in the first place, not once, but twice! Then I discovered that the most hated professor in school is my father. I finally have the family I've always wanted, but wait, nobody can know because it'll put both our lives in jeopardy.
"But it's been two weeks and the only thing that's changed on his part is that he now knows more about my life, the truth, not just rumors. I already know that he's my father, inside, where it counts, I know. Why doesn't he feel the same? Why doesn't he want to?" Harry asked despondently. "I would at least like him to at least acknowledge the fact that I'm his son."
"Harry, you're too quiet. You usually talk more when it's just us. What's the matter? Has Professor Dumbledore been asking you questions again?"
"No, Dumbledore hasn't said anything else. I'm just thinking, Hermione."
"About?"
"What else? Snape, of course."
"Professor Snape, Harry," Hermione sighed. "I thought everything was going well?"
"We've been able to get along for the most part, when he isn't avoiding me," Harry replied softly. "But he was so distant Friday night, and he never spoke to me over the weekend. Remus thinks that he's running scared. I don't know what to think, except that I'm kind of dreading tonight."
"Well, he wasn't too bad this morning in class." Hermione replied cheerfully.
"No, he just ignored my existence. He didn't even pretend to despise me. It was just indifference."
"Harry, I'm sure that's not it. Maybe something happened with Voldemort. This could have nothing to do with you."
"Merlin, I hope nothing happened. As far as I know, he hasn't been called lately. That's the only problem with learning occlumency, I no longer know when there's been a meeting."
"Harry! How can you say that, especially after the episode on Saturday night? Promise me that you won't not clear your mind in order to keep track of him."
Harry remained silent thinking about what he called the vision that wasn't.
"Harry, promise me." Hermione reiterated.
"Okay, Hermione, I promise that I won't stop my nightly occlumency exercises."
"Good and just to be sure, I'm going to have Ron remind you before you go to sleep. I don't want you to forget again, like you did last weekend. Now you'd better get to detention before you give Professor Snape a reason to be mad. Don't antagonize him, but if he's in a good mood, perhaps you can ask about the potion."
"Yes, ma'am," Harry replied with a grin before leaving the common room.
Harry walked into the classroom Monday evening excited to see a cauldron and potion ingredients on the workbench he normally sat at. Could it be, he thought, Did Snape decide to brew the potion?
"Potter, as you can see, I'll be working on a potion tonight, you'll have to sit at one of the other desks this evening." Snape sneered as Harry walked in the door.
"Fine, fa- sir."
At Harry's word's Snape flinched. He did not want to think about what the boy started to say.
The rest of the detention passed in silence as Severus continued perfecting his potion and Harry silently completing his homework.
Tuesday's detention was also a quiet one. Snape rudely informed Harry that he had a headache and would appreciate a quiet evening without any inane, childish chatter.
Harry, not wanting to upset his father, or make him feel worse, spent the evening quietly pouring over his text books. However, he couldn't help but wonder why he was bothering coming to these 'detentions' if he was just going to be ignored. At least if he was working in the common room he would have his friends with him.
There was so much he wanted to ask Snape, but he didn't dare, Harry thought as he sat in 'detention' Wednesday night. Especially since Snape had ignored him the last two evenings. Harry vowed that if Snape didn't ignore him tonight, he would gather his courage and ask about the potion.
So far this evening, both have been silent, either completing homework or correcting essays. As he worked diligently on his potion essay, Harry could feel his professor's eyes on him. Taking this as a sign of not being ignored this evening, Harry took a deep breath before addressing his professor.
"Sir?"
As Harry's head began to rise, Severus quickly lowered his, focusing his eyes on the essay in front of him.
"Yes, Potter? What is it?" He replied, keeping his eyes cast downward.
"Well, it's been about two weeks since we first talked and I was wondering if you thought any more about the lineage potion."
"Not particularly. As you said, it's only been about two weeks."
"Oh." Harry said with a disappointed groan.
Snape hid a smile as he continued to correct the parchment in front of him. Apparently, the boy was eager to end this farce. Probably wants out of detention so he can spend more time playing Quidditch, Snape thought. Wait, Potter wasn't suppose to be eager to end this. According to the plan, Potter was suppose to enjoy spending time with 'his father'. Up until this last week, Severus had noticed that Potter seemed to thrive due to the attention bestowed on him by what he perceived as a parental figure.
The potion master silently groaned. Apparently, spending some time Friday night with the Slytherins in a round of Potter-bashing was too effective. Snape inwardly sighed, time to put those acting skills to work and play the father to his so-called long lost son.
"Potter, what are you working on there?"
"Your essay."
"Hmm," Snape said with a nod. "Let me know when it's finished."
"Actually, sir, I think it is."
"Bring it here."
"What?"
"Bring it here," Snape said slowly. "I want to check it."
"Oh, okay," Harry said as he stood up and walked to Snape's desk, handing him the two foot parchment.
Snape unrolled the parchment and lifted an eyebrow. "You've been spending two much time with Miss Granger. The assignment was only for one-and-a-half feet."
Harry just shrugged and replied, "I found some interesting books in the library and I wanted to include that information as well." And perhaps impress you, Harry thought.
The young Gryffindor watched as Snape read his essay. The only change of expression on the older man's face was an occasional smirk or raised eyebrow.
"Not bad, Potter. In fact, it might be one of your best pieces of work, at least in this class. You might want to rework your conclusion a bit. You did unearth some interesting facts. You might also want to look in your textbook under Section five; there is some additional information there that might be beneficial."
Harry grinned as he took his essay back from Snape. So, there were benefits to having a potions master as a father, he thought. "Thanks."
Snape nodded in reply. "How are you doing in your other subjects?"
"Fine."
"Care to elaborate?"
"Care of Magical Creatures is going well. Luckily, Hagrid hasn't brought in anything too dangerous."
"And what do you consider dangerous?" Snape drawled. "You took on a Basilisk at age 12, Hippogriffs at 13, and Dragons at 14. Not to mention acromantulas, centaurs, and various sea creatures."
Harry blushed as he looked away, changing the subject. "Transfiguration is okay. It's definitely not my strongest subject. I do wish that she would show us how to become an animagus though."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "Animagus is rare, only one out of every twenty-seven wizards can accomplish it. It takes raw magical energy, intelligence and discipline. And is much too dangerous for a class of Gryffindors to try, especially a class with Longbottom or Weasley in it."
"Hey!" Harry shouted, trying to defend his friends and his house.
"Nothing against Gryffindor's in general, but Longbottom doesn't have the energy and Weasley doesn't have the discipline. The intelligence is debatable in both cases as well."
"What about Crabbe & Goyle?" Harry replied. "You can't be saying that they have the energy, discipline or intelligence."
"Ah, but we weren't discussing the Slytherin class trying to become animagus, we were discussing the dangers of your class attempting to become animals."
Harry 'hmphed' and headed back to his seat, knowing that he wouldn't win this argument.
Harry sulked for a few minutes before speaking. "Sir, could you tell me about your wife?"
As Snape silently stared at Harry, he continued, "I mean, I've really enjoyed getting to know you these last few weeks. I just wish there was a way to get to know her as well."
Snape stared at Potter in shock. He didn't expect Harry to admit a desire to learn about Sonja. That was part of the reason he was so sure that this was nothing but an elaborate scheme.
What should he tell the boy, Snape thought. Should he end the game now? He did not want to share his precious memories of his wife with this brat. There was no need for him to know. It was difficult enough that Potter knew of her existence in the first place.
Unnoticed, Harry walked around Snape's desk and approached him. Laying a hand on his shoulder Harry asked, "Sir, are you all right?"
"Perfectly fine." Snape replied coldly as he moved away from Harry's touch. "I just wasn't expecting that request. You haven't mentioned her at all so I thought you didn't care-"
"You're wrong!" Harry shouted. "I care. I just wanted to give you time to feel comfortable with me before we started talking about my m-, er, her. I was going to wait till after we brewed the potion, but since I have no idea when that will be, I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask now."
"Potter, stop rambling." Snape waited a few more seconds for Harry to calm down before continuing, "I'll think about your request. You should finish your homework now."
Severus sighed as the boy left the room. Maybe his 'plan' and these detentions weren't a good idea. Yes, Potter had been reeled in. What Snape didn't expect was how this whole situation was affecting him.
Last Friday, when he heard about Harry's performance in DADA he felt proud. Proud of Harry's actions and proud that he had listened to the professor he once hated.
Severus couldn't believe that Potter almost addressed him as father the other day. Of course, whether it was a mistaken slip of the tongue or a meaningful accident designed to pull on Snape's heartstrings, only Potter knew.
As the word 'father' started to come from Potter's lips, Severus felt his heartbeat quicken. During the early years of his marriage and his wife's pregnancy, he had dreamt of the day when his child would call him 'father'. However, he never expected that the first time he heard the word it would be coming from a sixteen year old student.
Even now, he had mixed feelings about it. How he wished that his children had lived. He would even accept Harry Potter as his son, if it meant that his Synclair had escaped the fate of his sister. Yet part of him just did not believe it was possible. Why now, after years of wishing, hoping and searching would his son turn up, and as the adopted son of his childhood enemy, no less. It was straight out of fairytale, or rather a nightmare, Severus thought. Definitely not the stuff dreams were made of. Especially after one figured the Dark Lord into the equation.
Of course, as much as he tried, Severus could not grasp the reason behind this joke. What could Potter possibly have to gain by pretending to be his son? Due to the Dark Lord's continued existence, Harry couldn't leave his relatives house, so he couldn't be hoping to get a new guardian.
Granted, by pretending to be his son, Potter was escaping punishment for his original prank, but once the truth was revealed, Potter had to realize that detentions would be the least of his worries.
There had to be something he was missing. Some reason why Gryffindor Golden boy would risk his safety, that of his professor's, and risk of expulsion for a prank.
Snape contemplated what he had learned about Harry these last few months.
Harry had a sense of humor much like his own, something that Severus appreciated. He honestly enjoyed spending time with the boy, Severus reflected. In fact, Snape suspected that if Potter had been sorted into Slytherin, he would be the Potions Master favorite student, easily out-shining all the rest.
The boy was loyal to his friends and merciful to his enemies, with a profound sense of fairness that Gryffindors often personified.
He was often thrust into the spot light, but wasn't arrogant or prideful, like most would be.
He was brave, willing to face death or danger to protect those he cared for, and he cared whole-heartedly, not leaving anything behind. Something that Snape admired. Since his own heart was broken many years before with the death and disappearance of his family, Snape had refused to get close to anyone. Those that he did count as friends, mainly the headmaster, were still kept a safe emotional distance away.
The boy had also been through much more than other students his age, but rather than falling to pieces over the past, he easily picked up the pieces and carried on.
The question now was how should he carry on, Snape thought. Should he end the game now? Brew the potion and be done with it or should he stick to his original plan of revealing the truth on Halloween?
Of course, Snape thought, if he really wanted to be cruel, he could just start hating the boy again. Pretend that these 'detentions' never happened. Ignore Potter, unless it was to ridicule, deduct points, or assign detentions. Of course, those detentions would be served with Filch or another professor. If this was the route he chose, Snape would not have more contact than was necessary with the-boy-who-lived. At least, not until he could honestly say that he hated Potter, or at least didn't care for him as anything more than the savior of the wizarding world and his ticket of freedom from the Dark Lord.
One thing Severus knew for certain was that he couldn't continue on like this, something had change.
"Mr. Potter, a moment please."
Harry nodded to Hermione and Ron to go ahead without him.
"Yes, professor?"
"You're detention for this evening will be served with me. You will report to my office at 7 p.m."
Harry stared at Professor McGonagle in shock. "Why?" he managed to get out.
"That needn't concern you, Mr. Potter. Now, you best head to the great hall for dinner."
Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table, keeping an eye out for Snape.
Why was Snape doing this, he thought. Surely he didn't really think that Harry didn't care about his mom.
"Harry, what did Professor McGonagle need?"
"Just to tell me that my detention is with her tonight."
"What!" Ron said, "Oh, mate, you know that would be a real detention, don't you?"
"Yeah," Harry mumbled, sneaking another glance at the head table, looking for Snape.
Hermione followed his gaze, "Did she say why?"
"Only that it needn't concern me."
"Hey, maybe he's sick," Ron shouted. "If you're lucky he'll still be sick tomorrow and you won't have class."
"If he was sick, he would've just cancelled the detention rather than assign it to another professor." Hermione stated. "Besides, in the five years we've been at Hogwarts, he's never missed a day."
"He's not sick." Harry stated.
"How do you know? Everyone gets sick at some time, no matter what Hermione says." Ron argued.
"Because he just sat down at the head table."
Hermione's and Ron's heads whipped around as they caught sight of their professor talking with the headmaster.
"Oh," Ron said. "Well, then, maybe Dumbledore or You-know-who need him for something tonight."
Harry shook his head. "No, again, he would cancel, not ask McGonagle to take it for him. Besides, Voldemort never informs his Death Eaters of meetings in advance."
"But-"
"No," Hermione said, "Harry's right. Voldemort never gives advance notices of meetings."
"Well, then, what else could it be?" Ron asked, exasperated.
"He's decided he doesn't want-" Harry shook his head and broke off the sentence when he remembered where he was and that there weren't any privacy wards up protecting their conversation.
"He's avoiding me again," he said quietly as he stood up quickly exited the great hall.
End Chapter 35
Will Harry give up on Snape?
Has Snape given up on 'the plan'?
So, Harry got a bit emotional in this chapter. After all, it's been a rough few months for the boy wonder. Is it really surprising that he would have a mini breakdown?
Has anyone noticed that when Harry (at least my Harry) gets upset or emotional he starts to ramble uncontrollably?
Hope I was able to convey the torment that Severus is feeling as well.
I apologize for the grammatical (especially tense changes) errors. Hope it didn't interfere with your reading & enjoyment of the chapter too much.
Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I'm sorry that it's been so long between updates, but real life has a way of hindering things you want to do.
Yes this story will be completed (I hate reading a story through, only to find out that it was never completed-I wouldn't do that to my readers or reviewers).
I think that there are only a few more chapters left. It just might be completed by the end of the month (no guarantee's though).
3/11/05