DaughterofDeath: Gotcha. Read.
SiLvErFaTeD: Um…thanks. ^.^
Bookworm: lol Sometimes I think the same thing to myself when I review fics. But I do appreciate you commenting on what you liked in Chapter 2.
Shinigami Liliz Black: Erm…can't say anything mustn't give away plot! In regards to your review for Candid, feel free to draw one of Harry's sketches if you want. ^.^
Saavik13: It came out all by itself. When I edited the chapter that was the one thing that stayed; it was all too fitting. ^.^ In regards to Candid, I was thinking about that, but I have nothing for those two fics at the moment, so...when I get some inspiration, I'll post. In the meantime....*grabs Lucius and runs*
MustIBeAMalfoy: Wow, only my best bud calls me 'chica'. Had to stare at the screen for a second there. I know it ain't her because she has absolutely no inclination to read the Harry Potter books whatsoever. Though I tell her it'll help explain the movies, when they have to take out certain bits. Anyhow, update is here, and there should be one on the 27th or 28th of next week. Some time around then.
Professor Potter-Malfoy: Thanks! *goes red* Yeah, reality does bite. You know, I'm hoping it lives up to it too. lol Update here! And the next update is in little less than a week. Go me! Or rather, thank God my last two exams are English and East Asian history - aka stuff I know like the back of my hand.
Chapter Three
Harry studied the squared surface of the chessboard, scratching his chin slightly. Ron was absently stroking the rook with his index finger while Hermione was on the couch, reading over a long piece of parchment.They wee in Harry's room relaxing a bit...though this game of wizard's chess with Ron seemed to be dragging on for awhile now.
"Are you going to move any time soon?" Ron demanded impatiently a few minutes later.
"Hrm," Harry grunted as he prodded his knight along the board. "Yeah, I moved. Your turn."
Ron's eyes quickly scanned the board before he slid out a pawn. "You seem preoccupied."
"Just a bit," Harry admitted looking at the board. "I don't think I can move."
What?" Ron looked at the board and rolled his eyes. "Yes you can. All you have to do is move this piece here and that over there like that…"
Harry watched as Ron moved his pieces around, still playing his own. He stopped Ron after a few minutes "You don't have to play for me Ron."
"But it's just painful watching you play," Ron whined. "And you take so long to make one move."
"Just let Harry play, Ron." Hermione said absently from the couch.
"Easy for you to say 'Mione. You're reading something; you don't have to watch it." Ron grumbled as he slouched into his seat.
"Oh!" Harry exclaimed after a moment. "Checkmate!" he moved his pawn one square away from claiming the king.
"Huh?" Ron sat back up and looked at the board, moving his king out of the path.
"Checkmate, again." Harry said, sliding his bishop down the diagonal path open to it.
"Blimey!" Ron gawked at the board. "But…How…"
"That's why you're not supposed to help Ron." Hermione murmured, still not looking up.
"I'll be damned," Ron muttered, scratching his head as he regarded the board.
Harry grinned as he looked at Ron who was clearly trying to figure out how exactly he had set himself up for such an avoidable loss.
"I'm kinda of bored," he said, looking between Ron and Hermione. "Want to go for a walk?"
"You actually want to leave?" Hermione regarded him for a moment.
"Very funny," Harry said dryly. "And yes I do."
"Let's go to the kitchens," Ron said, rising from his seat. "I'm hungry."
"You always seem to be hungry lately Ron," Hermione said with a roll of her eyes as she rose from the couch.
"It does take some energy to heal up, 'Mione." Ron proclaimed easily with a grin.
Harry chuckled and rose, starting for the door. "I'm kind of hungry too."
"Kitchens it is," Ron said smugly as the Bucephalus swung aside to let them through.
"What were you reading back there?" Harry asked Hermione as they settled into an easy walk.
"The last letter I got from Viktor." She said as she folded said letter and slipped it into her pocket.
"Oh, from Krum," Ron said in a mocking voice.
Hermione glared at Ron before she looked back at Harry. "I haven't heard from him in awhile. I hope he's all right."
Harry glanced at Ron who was doing a slightly apish impression of the Bulgarian Seeker and mouthing the words, 'I am Krum'. Harry managed to turn his chuckle into a slight cough, earning a puzzled expression from Hermione. He didn't think Ron's impression was that funny; what amused him more was that Ron was obviously jealous and Hermione didn't even notice it. For once something slipped right past her.
"Are you sure you're fine Harry?" she asked curiously.
He nodded his head. "Yeah, and I'm sure Viktor's fine. So, did anything interesting happen when I was gone?"
"Anything interesting?" Ron mused, as if trying to figure out where to start. "'Mione hexed Malfoy real good in the Great Hall in front of everybody."
"You?" Harry looked at her in amazement. "You hexed Malfoy in front of everybody."
"Well, yes," Hermione began in a small voice. "I was the only one close enough to him to perform such a complex hex. That and I was-"
"Insulting him with every insult known to man!" Ron said enthusiastically. "You should have seen her Harry! She was amazing!"
"How complex was it?" Harry asked, looking at her.
Ron sniggered. "He looked like a five headed fluffy duck by the time 'Mione was done with him. McGonagall had to take her wand away to get her to stop!"
"What could he have said to make you that mad?" Harry asked as he looked back at the brown haired witch.
Hermione didn't say anything for a moment. "He wouldn't stop rubbing it in that you'd probably gotten yourself blown up or killed and that we were all better off without you."
"And," Ron interjected. "When she ignored him, he then said, 'Just like Potter to still have everyone's attention, even when he's dead and gone. Hope You-Know-Who did him in slowly'."
Both of Harry's eyebrows flew up. "I'm surprised you didn't hex him Ron."
"Yeah well, I could only barely see out of one eye at the time. I was in no condition to fight. And I was kinda trying to keep 'Mione calm. But after he said that, I would have hexed him if I could have."
Harry shook his head. "I would have liked to see Malfoy like that,"
"Lucky for you, Colin had his camera with him that day in the hall," Ron dug into his pocket and pulled out a photo.
Harry took in Ron's darkly amused smirk and Hermione's cool but self-satisfied face. He looked down at the picture to be faced with a weakly flapping, feathery yellow Malfoy whose shoulders were filled with other heads and altogether looked oddly disproportionate to his rounded body. When a semi-suppressed snicker made its way out, Malfoy opened his mouth and made a thoroughly duck-like sound. Harry nearly dropped the picture as he doubled over, seized with fresh laughter.
"Yeah, Colin developed it so it could talk as well. Not that you'd understand anything the little blighter is saying,"
The picture gave a very indignant honk that caused the three of them to burst out laughing. Ron took the picture back from Harry and slipped it into his pocket.
"Everyone took to calling Malfoy 'Duckie' for two week." Hermione said. "He was even more steamed to find out that I started that."
Harry had to lean against a wall for support as he laughed with tears coming from his eyes. It didn't help that he could still hear the faint sounds of protest coming from the picture in Ron's back pocket. After a few minutes he wiped his eyes dry and started walking again, holding his aching stomach and breaking out into random snickers.
"So," he began a bit breathlessly. "Anything else? Though I doubt anything could possibly top that."
"No, nothing-" Hermione began.
"Oh yes, something else!" Ron said quickly, cutting off Hermione.
"No!" she snapped.
"Yes!" he replied in just as testy a tone.
"What on Earth are you two arguing about now?" Harry looked between them in puzzlement.
Not quite hearing him, Hermione and Ron continued their rather one sided bickering before they fell silent, glaring at one another as they came to a halt in front of the painting of fruit. Hermione tickled the pear briskly and the portrait swung open a few seconds later. When they'd settled down at a table with glasses of milk and a few slices of some cake, Hermione and Ron resumed their glaring.
Finally, Hermione threw her hands up. "You're going to tell him anyway. I may was well make sure he gets the whole story."
Harry paused at Hermione's obviously displeased words. "What's she talking about Ron?"
"The Snape Incident." Ron replied quietly.
"Um, all right," Harry began. "What about this, 'Snape Incident'?"
Ron shifted in his seat, getting comfortable. "Well, this one morning, we were heading down to breakfast and we were kinda of behind-"
"Who's 'we', Ron?" Harry asked.
"Oh, 'Mione and me," he said. "Anyways, we were a bit behind but we figured we wouldn't be that late. So we were just approaching the flight of stairs down to the front to go to the Great Hall for breakfast when the front door creaks open. And there's Snape who practically falls right in. He looked horrible and that's saying a lot for Snape."
Hermione frowned. "Ron really, he'd probably just come back from a meeting with Voldemort and," she sighed, waiting for Ron to finish his cringing. "And had no other choice but to come in through the front doors. The quickest way to the dungeons is through the front doors."
"Or the infirmary in his case," Ron added before he turned his attention back to his story. "But really, everyone came to see and McGonagall told us all to get back to our dorms and-"
"And rightly so!" Hermione flared. "You shouldn't have been there gawking!"
"Me?!" Ron gaped at her. "You were there gawking too 'Mione!"
"I did no such thing." Hermione said primly. "I was trying to get you to leave but you wanted to stay and watch."
Ron groaned and rolled his eyes. "Listen to yourself 'Mione! Snape, of all people! This is evil Snape who pried Harry's mind open for You-Know-Who and-"
"You don't know the first thing about Occlumency; how can you even say that?" Hermione countered.
"Why are you defending Snape of all people?!" Ron snapped in a thoroughly vexed voice.
Harry, who had been eating his cake and watching Ron and Hermione argue as if it was a spectator sport, had to admit Ron had a point. Hermione did seem to be thoroughly defending Snape.
"Do I need to say it?" Hermione asked in a weary voice. "Honestly Ron, how long do you think you'd last in front of Voldemort and-" she waited for Ron's whimpering to cease. "And I mean actually have lasted? Professor Snape has been doing this for a little over 20 years now and that does merit some respect."
"And have you forgotten that he completely despises Gryffindors?" Ron said. "I mean…he…"
"Ron, I know he doesn't like Gryffindors all that much," Hermione said heavily. But I'm not one to confuse things. What Professor Snape has done, he has done for his own reasons. His personality has nothing to do with that. I can still respect his actions and despise him as individual. Besides, I think…what is it now you two?"
Harry hadn't quite heard what Hermione said; he was far too busy glaring at the figure that seemed to materialize out of nowhere. Snape was standing right behind Hermione, arms crossed as if he was waiting for her to turn around and finally realize he was there. It wasn't so much that it was Snape just standing there; if that was the case, Harry just might have said something that cost Gryffindor more points. No, it was the expression on Snape's face that chilled his blood. He wasn't even sure of how to describe it, but he wasn't sure he wanted to at all. True he loathed the man, but even he knew when it was best to simply remain silent; this was one of those times
"Well, what is it?" Hermione demanded testily, looking between the two of them.
"Behind you," Harry managed in an even voice. Ron could only manage to nod his head in agreement
Hermione turned around, and found herself facing Snape. She gave a squeak of surprise, scooting away from him as far as she could on her seat. Snape's lip curled into a peculiarly mordant smirk as he regarded the three of them before his eyes rested on Hermione.
"Really Miss Granger, do tell. I'm rather curious to hear what presumptuous nonsense you'll spill forth." He said in a dangerously low voice.
Hermione chose to remain silent, her face red with embarrassment. Ron's face was somewhat pale. Harry was sure his own was the same colour as well, only from the steady build-up of anger that managed to flood him.
"What do you want, Sir?" he spat out at Snape, eyes narrowing slightly.
Snape swung his gaze to Harry, his own eyes narrowing in dislike as well. "The Headmaster wishes to speak to you."
"Fine. Now, if you don't mind Sir, get lost." Harry said curtly, turning back to his cake. He could already see the stunned expressions on Hermione and Ron's faces. If they thought this was bad, they'd consider this civil to the previous argument he and Snape had.
"Now, you impertinent, ungrateful brat," Snape snarled. "And ten points from Gryffindor for your insolent cheek."
Harry glared up at Snape. "I'll be right back you guys," Harry said, getting up from his seat.
Hermione and Ron nodded their heads silently. Harry gave Snape one final nasty look before walking past him and out of the kitchen. He didn't feel much like talking with Dumbledore at the moment; the thought of suffering a chat alone with Dumbledore left a rather sour feeling in his stomach. He knew he had to get it over with sooner or later, and he knew sooner was better despite not wanting to do it in the slightest.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Harry paused at the sound of Snape's voice echoing down the hallway. "Thankfully, away from you and unfortunately to see Dumbledore. I had thought that much would be obvious to you." He said and he started to walk again.
"Dumbledore's not in his office."
Harry ground his teeth at the smug tone in Snape's voice. "Then where is he?"
"Just shut your annoying mouth and follow me," Snape said curtly. "You seem to have a nasty habit of plaguing me anyhow." He muttered.
Harry managed to bite his tongue as he walked after Snape, making their way down hallways and flights of stairs to the dungeons. He simply scratched his head a bit as they made their way downwards. Why would Dumbledore choose to meet him here in the dungeons?
"Ice Mice," Snape said as they came to a momentary stop in front of a door. "He's waiting inside,"
"Gee, where else would he be?" Harry said, just loud enough for Snape to hear as he slipped by him through the open door.
A comfortable sitting room greeted him, Dumbledore sitting in one of the squashy chintz chairs he favoured, as well as a loveseat. Of which was the only other piece of furniture in the room. Harry sat down on the edge gingerly, feeling a bit nervous. The feeling only got worse when Dumbledore urged Snape to take the space next to Harry on the couch.
"Hello Harry," Dumbledore said pleasantly. "How are you dong?"
"Fine Sir," Harry said in a polite voice.
He glanced over at Snape who was wearing a definite scowl on his face. Harry didn't blame him all that much. He felt like wearing the same expression on his own face as well right now. Snape cleared his throat after a moment.
"Is there a reason why you wanted us both here?"
Harry flashed Snape a look upon hearing that. It seemed that Snape neglected to mention something to him.
"There is," Dumbledore smiled.
"And it would be…" Harry asked after a few minutes, trailing off.
"Quite simple. I want you both to get along."
Harry snorted. "I stay out of his way, he doesn't have to see me or find a reason to insult me, and I don't have to see him. That's good enough for me."
"For once a Potter uses intelligence," Snape said sarcastically.
"Thanks," Harry shot back in the same tone.
"This is the kind of thing that Voldemort can capitalize on," Dumbledore said sadly. "You barely tolerate one another at the moment; what would you happen if you have to trust one another?"
"Tell me Albus," Snape sneered. "How would you have Potter and build up trust? Have a little heart-to-heart chat over tea?"
Harry couldn't stop the snicker that escaped, but he schooled his expression into a much unhappier one when both Snape and Dumbledore gave him looks.
Dumbledore gave Snape a thoroughly disapproving look. "If you wish to start that way, then do so. But I am giving you both a week to come up with something yourselves and see it started."
"Or?" Harry asked apprehensively.
"Why, I'll simply give you boys a push in the direction," Dumbledore said rising from his chair with a smile. "I'll leave you to get started."
Harry waited until Dumbledore was gone before he rose and rubbed his temples. "I didn't quite want to believe it, but he's lost it." He muttered softly to himself.
Snape simply regarded Harry for a moment before rising and starting leave. Harry watched him for a moment before he hurried after Snape, catching up with him in the hallway.
"Professor!" he called.
"What?" Snape asked testily.
"I doubt the Headmaster will let up," Harry began. "So…maybe tea is the answer."
Snape didn't do anything for a moment, save turning around slightly and regarding him suspiciously. Harry sighed and shrugged.
"Unless you want to run the risk of Dumbledore locking us in a room together until we get along. I know I don't want that."
Snape scowled and stalked away, his robes billowing behind him. Harry didn't say anything as he headed back for the kitchens. Some more cake and maybe a cup of hot chocolate seemed to be in a good idea right about.