For the disclaimer see previous chapters

A/N: It was a mistake for me to have left this story so long as I no longer know where I was going with it. I am attempting to pick up where I left off. Sorry to those of you who were so faithful to read and review each chapter as I have not been writing very much lately. But again that call to write SOMETHING has been nagging lately and before I begin a new story I think it best to try and finish an old one. Thanks to you all.

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Time had passed quickly while Harry was in Snape's care. He found himself enjoying things all the more. He finally had someone who cared about his well being. He found himself more able to concentrate in classes. He was laughing more with his friends and he was finally able to focus on ways to defeat Voldemort. Lessons continued as usual with Harry steadily improving. It seemed that there was nothing that could keep Harry down.

As Harry awoke that Saturday morning he remembered that today was the day of another Hogsmeade weekend. He had been looking forward to this since he stayed behind on the first weekend to spend some time with his father. He was looking forward to getting some sweets and definitely having some butterbeer. He even thought about trying to look for a Christmas present for his father as he knew it would take him a long while to actually decide on something. These thoughts were occupying Harry's mind as he got dressed to have breakfast with his father.

Snape was of course already up as he headed to the table where they usually ate together. "Good morning, Harry." He said.

"Good morning, father." It was now quite normal for Harry to say this, and it just seemed to roll off his tongue. It seemed right. He even had to keep himself from slipping in front of his classmates occasionally. "I already told Ron and Hermione that I would meet them today so that we could all go to Hogsmeade together. I haven't spent a whole lot of time with them since I've moved down here and I'm really looking forward to getting some butterbeer." Harry said cheerfully, but as he glanced up at his father he saw the slightest scowl on his face. "Is something wrong? I thought you wouldn't mind me spending time with my friends."

"Well, Harry, I didn't want to mention this to you, but Dumbeldore and I are a little concerned. It seems that Lord Voldemort is getting more upset by the day that you have eluded him. It is not safe for you to be out especially in Hogsmeade." Snape said reluctantly.

"Oh father, you exaggerate. There are many professors that go into Hogsmeade and with all the students around Voldemort wouldn't dare attack me." Harry said a little overconfidently. "Besides, I've learned a lot already. I can take care of myself."

Thinking he was making a mistake, Snape allowed his son to go into the town with his friends. He didn't know what a mistake it would turn out to be.

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"Ron! Hermione! It's been so long since I've been into Hogsmeade. I've been wanting a butterbeer forever it seems. We'll have to go there first. Can you believe Snape almost didn't let me come?" Harry said excitedly. "He thought Hogsmeade was too dangerous. I couldn't believe it. I convinced him though."

"Well Harry, maybe he's right… I mean maybe we should just stay around here today – we haven't played wizarding chess together in a long time." Said Hermione, ever the sensible one.

"Are you out of your mind, Hermione?" said Ron unbelievingly. "Not go to Hogsmeade? Not get butterbeer and sweets? I'm sure Harry's right. There's nothing dangerous about Hogsmeade. We'll be fine and I'm sure Harry can take care of himself."

For a fleeting moment as Harry, Ron, and Hermione gave their names to Filch the caretaker, a thought entered Harry's mind about how dangerous it was to go anywhere without an adult directly with him. But the thought was quickly replaced by ones of butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks, sweets at Honeydukes, and all the wonders at Zonko's. Harry started realizing how long it had been since he had been into Hogsmeade and was thinking of loading his pockets.

The three friends walked quickly towards Hogsmeade and were soon sitting in the three broomsticks each enjoying a butterbeer talking about the upcoming quidditch match with Slytherin. Lost were any thoughts of studying, NEWTS, or even Voldemort. It was the happiest these three had been in a long time.

As the three were preparing to leave and move onto the other shops that they were so looking forward to going in, Harry said, "Guys, I think I'm going to go visit Dervish and Banges for a minute or two. You go ahead to Zonko's and I'll meet you there in just a few minutes."

The two friends stared at him with puzzled and bewildered expressions. "It's just that I was thinking I might start looking for something for Snape. Christmas is coming up before long you know and I just thought I'd start looking to see what I could find." Harry stumbled on.

"It's okay, mate…. We understand. We'll be at Zonko's when you're done. Come on Hermione." Said Ron.

As Harry walked towards Dervish and Banges he did not notice that the road was becoming much less crowded on this end. He was deep in thought about what he could get for Snape for Christmas. He was so deep in thought that he did not hear the quiet whisper of 'Petrificus Totalus' until it was too late.