Harry sighed and massaged his forehead in exasperation. It had been a full
month since he had come back to school. A full month with little or no
privacy. He wanted to bash his head off the wall, but that would only
increase the headache he was currently fighting with. He checked his
Potions notes again and added the next ingredient. He stirred absent-
mindedly and thought about home. He wondered what Tom and Matthew were
doing. Probably enjoying the ability to be alone if they wished it.
Since he had arrived at school, he had not been able to be alone for more than a few minutes at a time. Someone was always with him, students, teachers, even the ghosts got involved. He could not find a moment to himself. If he grew quiet, someone would ask him what was wrong or if he was remembering something. He couldn't even frown without someone thinking something was wrong with him. The wall was starting to look like a pretty good alternative to shouting at everyone. He also fought down an urge to throw things. He had no idea where such an urge came from. He thought that the sound of breaking glass would do his nerves a world of good. The Room of Requirement had given him pillows when he had tried, but Hermione coming up from behind him had killed all thoughts of his throwing anything that evening. He emptied a small jar of powder into his cauldron and stirred again. Pink bubbles started coming from his cauldron.
"Potter, it seems that you are incapable of working with this potion. Dump it. Twenty points from Gryffindor." Harry glared at the man, practicing his "get out of my face" glare. Snape returned the stare. "Detention as well. See me after class." Snape turned away with a swish of his robes to save one of Harry's housemates from blowing the classroom sky high. Harry bottled a small portion of the potion he had somehow managed to create and slid it into his backpack for further study. He dumped the rest, avoiding the fumes, and cleaned up his workstation. He opened his books and started on his quest to figure out what he had done wrong. He ignored Malfoy's comments about his intelligence and set to work.
Students pushing back their chairs alerted Harry that it was time to change classes. He gathered his notes and books together and shoved them into his bag. "Potter." Snape said, motioning towards his office. Harry followed him and shut the door. "Have a seat." He said to the young man. "Your next class doesn't start for half an hour, correct?" Harry nodded. Snape conjured some butterbeer for Harry while he had a small glass of wine. Harry thanked him for the drink and sighed. "The strain is showing, Potter. Tell me what is wrong before you snap." Harry sat back in his chair.
"Professor, do you realize the only time I am really alone, alone being defined as not having anyone in my sight, is when I get up early and take my shower?" He asked. Snape smirked. "They're everywhere!" He said, throwing his hands up. Snape knew exactly who "they" was. He reached up and massaged his forehead again.
"Is your scar hurting? I highly doubt that." Snape said, looking at the boy.
"No, I've got a really bad headache that the painkilling potion I used this morning is not affecting at all." Harry told him truthfully, forgetting that no one should know he was toying with potions outside of class.
"Really?" Snape asked. Harry hung his head and nodded. A drawer opened and closed. "This should help your head. Just don't tell anyone or Pomfrey will have my head." Harry thanked him. "You may take it now." Harry grinned and upended the vial. A pleasant warmth went up to his head, clearing it of pain. He sighed in relief.
"Ah, thank you. That feels so much better." Harry said, rolling his neck out in response to the relief. "Sir, do you know what I made in the lab today? I admit that I wasn't paying much attention, but I know that I added quarto before I added the revel, and stirred clockwise instead of counter clockwise." Harry told him. Snape sat back and nodded.
"I do. You made a common magical addictive. Much like Muggle drugs. Wizards can easily become physically and emotionally dependent on the concoction you made today. For future reference, it is called the Mind's Snare, and is very dangerous to ingest." Snape looked Harry over. "Make a note of it and get rid of the vial you kept of it." Harry grinned sheepishly and handed over the vial to the professor. Snape destroyed it in front of him. "Make sure that you don't make it again." Harry nodded. "Now, for your detention." Snape said, grinning evilly. "I think an evening, tonight, perhaps, where you can be alone in a classroom, under the supervision of a teacher, is just the thing you need to set you right. Bring your books. Starts at seven." Harry sighed in relief. "Be sure to bring your pain-killing potion down tonight so that we figure out what you did wrong."
"An evening by myself, with just you?" He asked. He smiled at the man sitting in front of him. "That sounds wonderful, Professor." Snape smirked and waved Harry away.
"I'll see you then, Mr. Potter. Remember not to be late." Harry nodded and reluctantly left the office. Snape watched the boy go. The child carried so much weight just avoiding everyone's inquiries into his health and wellbeing. Perhaps all he needed was an evening to himself. Snape thought for a few minutes about what Harry had managed to make and took out some parchment. It was time he sent a letter to the men who had changed Harry into an attentive potions student.
Dear Mr. Riddle,
As per your circumstances, this is the only way to carry on a parent- teacher conference. I have some questions concerning your charge. I have noticed, as well as his other teachers, a marked improvement in Harry's study habits and grades.
When I met with you, you spoke of Harry being highly advanced. His work thus far has shown this advancement over his peers. While my colleagues will be forced to postulate, I find myself in the condition to be able to question those responsible for the change.
What did you teach him? How often and how much? Does Harry need any special instruction or materials to continue his improvement? In all subjects or just certain ones? Does he need a guide or is he able to work on his own?
Also, your last letter caused some suspicion from the headmaster. I told Harry that your letters to him may be sent to me. I will see to it that he gets them. Had it not been for some quick thinking on Harry's part, you would have been exposed.
I remain,
S. Snape
Snape looked up as Harry entered the classroom five minutes before seven. "Decided to be early, Mr. Potter?" Harry shrugged.
"Everyone knows that you don't like for anyone to be late, but that didn't stop three Gryffindors from walking me down here." He said after he shut the door. Snape motioned towards a seat and looked at Harry.
"Let's look at this weak potion of yours and find out where you went wrong." Snape told him, bringing some potions supplies to him with his wand. Harry approached the desk and pulled out a vial. "I take it you didn't want to run to Pomfrey every time you had a headache?" Snape asked as he opened a box and pulled out his own vials.
"Or every time I had a bad nightmare, or couldn't sleep, or felt a little tired." Harry answered.
"I understand that. So you decided that you were good enough at potions to attempt some on your own?" Harry nodded.
"Attempt being the key word. It worked this summer, but I'm thinking that I did something wrong." Snape looked at the small vial Harry handed to him. The color was correct. He opened it and smelled. Smell was correct.
"Do you know what this is, Harry?" He asked, holding up a small piece of parchment that had been bleached white. Harry shook his head. "You've heard of the Muggle invention known as litmus paper?"
"Yes. Something about the ph of a solution." Snape nodded.
"Correct. This is the wizarding version. It helps a person identify the strength of a potion." Snape took out a stirring rod and dipped it into the full strength potion. "This is the full strength color. You will find that this is standard." He used another rod to test Harry's. "This is yours." Snape looked at the difference in color. Not even third strength. "Can you tell me what you did wrong?" Harry looked at the small guide for the colors and sighed.
"Not really sir." Harry answered truthfully. Snape raised an eyebrow.
"I hope you brought your ingredients with you. We need to test those and your method. There is either something wrong with them or your method. You told me that you do not have anytime to yourself. When do you brew all of these potions?" Harry colored a bit.
"In the middle of the night." Snape nodded. That explained the rings under the boy's eyes then.
"I doubt that your guardians would want you up late, doing something that could possibly be hazardous." Harry nodded.
"I know. It's just the only time I have any privacy." Snape thought of his storerooms and made a short list for the boy until he could figure out some way for Harry to brew his own.
"Let's look at your method first. If my theory is correct, sleep deprivation is the cause of the weakness." He watched as Harry set to work, checking his notes and pulling out his supplies. Many students would have been intimidated having Snape watch them, but Harry didn't seem to mind as he completed the potion. Snape took a small sample and tested it. Perfect. "You haven't been letting the others boil long enough. That's where the deficiency is coming in." He told Harry. Harry nodded.
"As soon as I started boiling, I remembered that my last batch was cut short. Some of my dorm mates were waking up. I'd forgotten." Snape nodded.
"Well, you have a good batch of pain-killing potion right there. Bottle that up and label it however you do it. I'll be right back." Harry nodded and grinned. This would last a while and help his headaches.
Snape went to his private storeroom and pulled a few bottles off his shelves. Dreamless Sleep, Calming Draughts, and Pepper-Up Potion. This should help Harry until the boy found time to make his own. A small voice inside of Snape asked what he was doing, but he ignored it. The boy would crack under the strain before long. It was only October and he already looked ready to snap. Severus wanted to postpone that event as long as possible. He went back to the classroom as Harry was finishing clearing his workspace.
"Do not tell anyone that I gave these to you." Snape said as he handed Harry the neatly labeled vials. "I'll find some way to get you some lab time down here, alone, so that you can make your own, but until then, come to me if you need more." Harry stared at the vials and smiled up at the man.
"Thank you, professor." He said in heartfelt thanks. He would be able to sleep that evening.
"Conceal them on your person, just in case." Snape said, motioning towards his robes. Harry nodded and put them in a small pocket. "I do believe that you have two hours left. Use your time wisely." Harry nodded and pulled out his books. To be able to study, uninterrupted for two hours, was something that he had never thought he would be thankful for. But he was.
During those two hours, Snape was in and out, going back and forth to his rooms and office. Harry tuned out the man's movements and focused on his essay that was due that week. He jumped when he heard Snape's voice. "Mr. Potter."
"Yes, Professor." He said, looking up.
"It is almost curfew." Snape told him. With a sad sigh, Harry packed up his belongings and checked to make sure he had his vials.
"Thank you again, Professor, for the vials and the time." Snape nodded and went towards the door. He opened it.
"I don't think that I have to worry about you making it back to Gryffindor, should I?" Harry smiled and shook his head.
"No, sir. I'm sure I'll be safe all the way back to my common room. Once there, however, there may be some hexing if anyone smothers me." Snape cracked a smile at the sarcastic comment from the boy.
"Very well, then. I'll see you tomorrow morning." Snape watched as the boy made his way down the hallway, walking so slowly that Severus didn't see how he was making much progress. He knew that if Albus found out he had allowed Harry to walk through the hallways unescorted, he would not be in good favor with any of the other teachers. He didn't really care at this point. Anyone would lose their minds at such treatment. Severus meant to be a release for Harry with his allowing the boy to be alone. He knew who the kidnappers had been and why they wouldn't be coming after Harry at school.
Tom looked up as a brown owl flew in the window. He was surprised. A letter from Harry, maybe? He stood up and accepted the letter, giving the owl a treat. He saw the Hogwarts seal on the letter. His heart sank. Had they been found out, or worse, was Harry in trouble? He broke the seal and looked at the letter. His eyes went to the bottom of the letter. S. Snape. Oh, good. There wasn't anything to worry about then. He read through the letter and almost laughed. It sounded like Snape was volunteering to continue Harry's private instruction. Well, the man wanted answers. And this would give him an excuse to send a care package for Harry. He rubbed his hands together and started writing his own letter to the Potions master.
Since he had arrived at school, he had not been able to be alone for more than a few minutes at a time. Someone was always with him, students, teachers, even the ghosts got involved. He could not find a moment to himself. If he grew quiet, someone would ask him what was wrong or if he was remembering something. He couldn't even frown without someone thinking something was wrong with him. The wall was starting to look like a pretty good alternative to shouting at everyone. He also fought down an urge to throw things. He had no idea where such an urge came from. He thought that the sound of breaking glass would do his nerves a world of good. The Room of Requirement had given him pillows when he had tried, but Hermione coming up from behind him had killed all thoughts of his throwing anything that evening. He emptied a small jar of powder into his cauldron and stirred again. Pink bubbles started coming from his cauldron.
"Potter, it seems that you are incapable of working with this potion. Dump it. Twenty points from Gryffindor." Harry glared at the man, practicing his "get out of my face" glare. Snape returned the stare. "Detention as well. See me after class." Snape turned away with a swish of his robes to save one of Harry's housemates from blowing the classroom sky high. Harry bottled a small portion of the potion he had somehow managed to create and slid it into his backpack for further study. He dumped the rest, avoiding the fumes, and cleaned up his workstation. He opened his books and started on his quest to figure out what he had done wrong. He ignored Malfoy's comments about his intelligence and set to work.
Students pushing back their chairs alerted Harry that it was time to change classes. He gathered his notes and books together and shoved them into his bag. "Potter." Snape said, motioning towards his office. Harry followed him and shut the door. "Have a seat." He said to the young man. "Your next class doesn't start for half an hour, correct?" Harry nodded. Snape conjured some butterbeer for Harry while he had a small glass of wine. Harry thanked him for the drink and sighed. "The strain is showing, Potter. Tell me what is wrong before you snap." Harry sat back in his chair.
"Professor, do you realize the only time I am really alone, alone being defined as not having anyone in my sight, is when I get up early and take my shower?" He asked. Snape smirked. "They're everywhere!" He said, throwing his hands up. Snape knew exactly who "they" was. He reached up and massaged his forehead again.
"Is your scar hurting? I highly doubt that." Snape said, looking at the boy.
"No, I've got a really bad headache that the painkilling potion I used this morning is not affecting at all." Harry told him truthfully, forgetting that no one should know he was toying with potions outside of class.
"Really?" Snape asked. Harry hung his head and nodded. A drawer opened and closed. "This should help your head. Just don't tell anyone or Pomfrey will have my head." Harry thanked him. "You may take it now." Harry grinned and upended the vial. A pleasant warmth went up to his head, clearing it of pain. He sighed in relief.
"Ah, thank you. That feels so much better." Harry said, rolling his neck out in response to the relief. "Sir, do you know what I made in the lab today? I admit that I wasn't paying much attention, but I know that I added quarto before I added the revel, and stirred clockwise instead of counter clockwise." Harry told him. Snape sat back and nodded.
"I do. You made a common magical addictive. Much like Muggle drugs. Wizards can easily become physically and emotionally dependent on the concoction you made today. For future reference, it is called the Mind's Snare, and is very dangerous to ingest." Snape looked Harry over. "Make a note of it and get rid of the vial you kept of it." Harry grinned sheepishly and handed over the vial to the professor. Snape destroyed it in front of him. "Make sure that you don't make it again." Harry nodded. "Now, for your detention." Snape said, grinning evilly. "I think an evening, tonight, perhaps, where you can be alone in a classroom, under the supervision of a teacher, is just the thing you need to set you right. Bring your books. Starts at seven." Harry sighed in relief. "Be sure to bring your pain-killing potion down tonight so that we figure out what you did wrong."
"An evening by myself, with just you?" He asked. He smiled at the man sitting in front of him. "That sounds wonderful, Professor." Snape smirked and waved Harry away.
"I'll see you then, Mr. Potter. Remember not to be late." Harry nodded and reluctantly left the office. Snape watched the boy go. The child carried so much weight just avoiding everyone's inquiries into his health and wellbeing. Perhaps all he needed was an evening to himself. Snape thought for a few minutes about what Harry had managed to make and took out some parchment. It was time he sent a letter to the men who had changed Harry into an attentive potions student.
Dear Mr. Riddle,
As per your circumstances, this is the only way to carry on a parent- teacher conference. I have some questions concerning your charge. I have noticed, as well as his other teachers, a marked improvement in Harry's study habits and grades.
When I met with you, you spoke of Harry being highly advanced. His work thus far has shown this advancement over his peers. While my colleagues will be forced to postulate, I find myself in the condition to be able to question those responsible for the change.
What did you teach him? How often and how much? Does Harry need any special instruction or materials to continue his improvement? In all subjects or just certain ones? Does he need a guide or is he able to work on his own?
Also, your last letter caused some suspicion from the headmaster. I told Harry that your letters to him may be sent to me. I will see to it that he gets them. Had it not been for some quick thinking on Harry's part, you would have been exposed.
I remain,
S. Snape
Snape looked up as Harry entered the classroom five minutes before seven. "Decided to be early, Mr. Potter?" Harry shrugged.
"Everyone knows that you don't like for anyone to be late, but that didn't stop three Gryffindors from walking me down here." He said after he shut the door. Snape motioned towards a seat and looked at Harry.
"Let's look at this weak potion of yours and find out where you went wrong." Snape told him, bringing some potions supplies to him with his wand. Harry approached the desk and pulled out a vial. "I take it you didn't want to run to Pomfrey every time you had a headache?" Snape asked as he opened a box and pulled out his own vials.
"Or every time I had a bad nightmare, or couldn't sleep, or felt a little tired." Harry answered.
"I understand that. So you decided that you were good enough at potions to attempt some on your own?" Harry nodded.
"Attempt being the key word. It worked this summer, but I'm thinking that I did something wrong." Snape looked at the small vial Harry handed to him. The color was correct. He opened it and smelled. Smell was correct.
"Do you know what this is, Harry?" He asked, holding up a small piece of parchment that had been bleached white. Harry shook his head. "You've heard of the Muggle invention known as litmus paper?"
"Yes. Something about the ph of a solution." Snape nodded.
"Correct. This is the wizarding version. It helps a person identify the strength of a potion." Snape took out a stirring rod and dipped it into the full strength potion. "This is the full strength color. You will find that this is standard." He used another rod to test Harry's. "This is yours." Snape looked at the difference in color. Not even third strength. "Can you tell me what you did wrong?" Harry looked at the small guide for the colors and sighed.
"Not really sir." Harry answered truthfully. Snape raised an eyebrow.
"I hope you brought your ingredients with you. We need to test those and your method. There is either something wrong with them or your method. You told me that you do not have anytime to yourself. When do you brew all of these potions?" Harry colored a bit.
"In the middle of the night." Snape nodded. That explained the rings under the boy's eyes then.
"I doubt that your guardians would want you up late, doing something that could possibly be hazardous." Harry nodded.
"I know. It's just the only time I have any privacy." Snape thought of his storerooms and made a short list for the boy until he could figure out some way for Harry to brew his own.
"Let's look at your method first. If my theory is correct, sleep deprivation is the cause of the weakness." He watched as Harry set to work, checking his notes and pulling out his supplies. Many students would have been intimidated having Snape watch them, but Harry didn't seem to mind as he completed the potion. Snape took a small sample and tested it. Perfect. "You haven't been letting the others boil long enough. That's where the deficiency is coming in." He told Harry. Harry nodded.
"As soon as I started boiling, I remembered that my last batch was cut short. Some of my dorm mates were waking up. I'd forgotten." Snape nodded.
"Well, you have a good batch of pain-killing potion right there. Bottle that up and label it however you do it. I'll be right back." Harry nodded and grinned. This would last a while and help his headaches.
Snape went to his private storeroom and pulled a few bottles off his shelves. Dreamless Sleep, Calming Draughts, and Pepper-Up Potion. This should help Harry until the boy found time to make his own. A small voice inside of Snape asked what he was doing, but he ignored it. The boy would crack under the strain before long. It was only October and he already looked ready to snap. Severus wanted to postpone that event as long as possible. He went back to the classroom as Harry was finishing clearing his workspace.
"Do not tell anyone that I gave these to you." Snape said as he handed Harry the neatly labeled vials. "I'll find some way to get you some lab time down here, alone, so that you can make your own, but until then, come to me if you need more." Harry stared at the vials and smiled up at the man.
"Thank you, professor." He said in heartfelt thanks. He would be able to sleep that evening.
"Conceal them on your person, just in case." Snape said, motioning towards his robes. Harry nodded and put them in a small pocket. "I do believe that you have two hours left. Use your time wisely." Harry nodded and pulled out his books. To be able to study, uninterrupted for two hours, was something that he had never thought he would be thankful for. But he was.
During those two hours, Snape was in and out, going back and forth to his rooms and office. Harry tuned out the man's movements and focused on his essay that was due that week. He jumped when he heard Snape's voice. "Mr. Potter."
"Yes, Professor." He said, looking up.
"It is almost curfew." Snape told him. With a sad sigh, Harry packed up his belongings and checked to make sure he had his vials.
"Thank you again, Professor, for the vials and the time." Snape nodded and went towards the door. He opened it.
"I don't think that I have to worry about you making it back to Gryffindor, should I?" Harry smiled and shook his head.
"No, sir. I'm sure I'll be safe all the way back to my common room. Once there, however, there may be some hexing if anyone smothers me." Snape cracked a smile at the sarcastic comment from the boy.
"Very well, then. I'll see you tomorrow morning." Snape watched as the boy made his way down the hallway, walking so slowly that Severus didn't see how he was making much progress. He knew that if Albus found out he had allowed Harry to walk through the hallways unescorted, he would not be in good favor with any of the other teachers. He didn't really care at this point. Anyone would lose their minds at such treatment. Severus meant to be a release for Harry with his allowing the boy to be alone. He knew who the kidnappers had been and why they wouldn't be coming after Harry at school.
Tom looked up as a brown owl flew in the window. He was surprised. A letter from Harry, maybe? He stood up and accepted the letter, giving the owl a treat. He saw the Hogwarts seal on the letter. His heart sank. Had they been found out, or worse, was Harry in trouble? He broke the seal and looked at the letter. His eyes went to the bottom of the letter. S. Snape. Oh, good. There wasn't anything to worry about then. He read through the letter and almost laughed. It sounded like Snape was volunteering to continue Harry's private instruction. Well, the man wanted answers. And this would give him an excuse to send a care package for Harry. He rubbed his hands together and started writing his own letter to the Potions master.