A/N: Wow, did I have a major writing fit! Fourteen pages for you guys!
Thank you all so much for reviewing. I loved them! Hope you enjoy!
~Sylvia
Snape jumped the next morning when an owl flew in and deposited a letter into his hands. He ripped it open and found a portkey for a package. Unlike the other portkeys, this one pulled something towards him. He slid the portkey into his pocket, excused himself from the table, and went to his dungeons. He read the instructions and said the name of Tom Riddle. That was the only person he could think of that would send him a package.
A rather large box appeared in the middle of his rooms. He opened it and found two different boxes on the inside, one for himself and one addressed to Harry Potter. He found an envelope taped to his. He slid a finger under the seal and took out the letter.
Dear Professor Snape,
Your letter brought joy to this old heart. It is wonderful to hear about Harry's progress from one of his teachers. In answer to your questions, I have sent my, well, lesson plans I guess you would call them, along with some of the texts I had intended to use during the school year. Harry has all of the books we used this summer. I'm sure that he would let you look at them if you asked. We covered every subject taught at Hogwarts, including Divination and Care of Magical Creatures. Harry is quite skilled at Defense Against the Dark Arts, but is not able to use the Dark Arts through lack of intent. Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration, and History were also covered. Harry does not have a real favorite class, but found an enjoyment for Potions that he never knew he had before this summer. He gained a lot of progress in this area in just a short time. I have a feeling him missed something of vital importance through some of his inattention his first three years, and that hindered his ability to learn the advanced materials.
We had lessons every day while he was here, with just one subject focused upon a day. Some may say that few could learn in that manner, but Harry seemed to flourish under it, enjoying the ability to work out his problems on his own. He is naturally inquisitive, and the more he struggles with the material, the more he absorbs.
Harry is able to work independently if he has someone available to ask questions. He enjoys long periods of uninterrupted time to study and seems to prefer this method to studying in groups. He usually seeks out help if he needs it, though when his fingers start to drum, he needs a break for he has become unproductive at that point. Usually a well-placed question about the material will set him back on track. He needs few reminders about studies, but needs reminders for things like meals, sleep, and exercise. Quite an unusual teenager, isn't he? It seems that most boys do only that, and forget their books.
Thank you for your offer of a go-between for Harry's mail. I have taken you up on your offer and included a package for Harry. If you could find some way to get it to the boy, I would be grateful. Just a few books (he has already read the ones he took to school with him) and some treats from home, as well as some mail from his Muggle friends. Thank you again, Professor Snape. I hope I answered your questions adequately.
Tom Riddle
Snape looked through the box and found several advanced titles, some of which he had studied himself while he was going for his mastery. He set aside Harry's box and read all of the titles. This was the level the boy was working on? He shook his head in disbelief. He set aside the potions books and picked up the Charms texts. Amazing. Potter was on this level of work? He sat back in his seat and thought about the situation. Was the boy not bored by attending classes with all of his friends, working at a level that he had left behind? Snape made a mental note to ask him when he found himself alone with the boy again.
Harry Potter was currently engrossed in one of Transfiguration books, More Advanced Transfiguration for Students and Professionals, the sequel of the one he had studied in the summer. He wrote a note down about the dangers of transfiguring something alive into something not alive and leaving it that way. Apparently, if you didn't change it back, the item died, leaving a smell of decomposition. If left longer, the item fell apart. Harry smiled and shook his head. He added some of his notes to his Transfiguration essay about live transfigurations and turned back to the pages.
Across the room, his two friends were casting concerned glances his way. Harry had been involved in his homework now for a solid three hours. That was not like the Harry they knew. He had even chuckled over something he had read! "What do you think, Mione?" Ron asked his girlfriend. Hermione shook her head.
"While I am happy that Harry is finally taking his studies seriously, I do think it is a little strange. Some of those books he brought with him are highly advanced, Ron. He shouldn't be able to understand the material in them with what he knows so far." Hermione said in a whisper. She didn't want to alert Harry to the fact that they were discussing him. She shrugged. "He must understand them if he's using them to do homework." She said, flipping through the pages in her own book, appearing to be looking for some information. She pointed at the page and handed it to Ron, who took it and stared down at the page while she continued to whisper. "I think something happened to him." She said through her teeth, leaning her head down next to Ron's.
Ron stared down at the page and started when he saw the title. "On Taking Over a Wizard's Body, Mind and Soul". He looked at Hermione, who had an anxious line across her forehead.
"I did some research. This sounds like what has happened to Harry." She whispered, pointing at the page as though she was making a point. A chuckle from their friend across the room caused them both to look up and then back down. Harry was still there, still engrossed in his work, and still very different from the boy they knew.
Magus Regere
While wizards generally do not use their magic to intrude upon others' lives, one might find themselves unable to keep such standards. The charm "Magus Regere" allows one wizard to control another quite easily. This charm is commonly used by healers to keep patients from harming themselves while alone.
Marked changes can be seen in the wizard taken over. Changes in personality are usually the first thing noticed, followed by changes in personal tastes, appearances, and intelligence. Many can mistake this powerful spell as the Confundus Charm. The only way to be sure that Magus Regere is truly in use is careful observation. Unlike the Confundus Charm, the subject will not appear confused, will have an astonishing grasp on recent events, and is able to function normally in all social settings, including duties that the subject only will know how to accomplish.
These spells are usually quite complex and take a very powerful wizard to cast and remove. The more powerful the wizard, the harder it is to detect this spell and remove it. The longer the spell remains, the less time the subject has as his own person. Use of this spell is regulated and can only be used with short time periods.
Ron looked up at Hermione with fear in his eyes. "You think someone did that?" He asked. Hermione nodded sadly as she glanced at Harry.
"It's been a full month, maybe longer. I don't know the time constraints on this, and it says that the longer the spell is maintained, the less likely the idea that the subject can recover." Ron shook his head.
"Perhaps we should ask Dumbledore." Ron told her, squeezing her hand. Hermione bit her lip and nodded. "After dinner, tonight. I'm sure Neville and Lee will be happy to keep Harry company." Hermione removed her book from Ron's hands and wandered off to her dormitory to retrieve her own homework. Ron looked over to the corner and saw Harry trying to stifle laughter at something he had read. Completely mental behavior that. He got up and went over to Harry.
"What's so funny, mate?" He asked, settling into a seat by Harry.
"Ah, hi Ron. The author is really sarcastic. Something about transfiguration being a shortcut to simple conjuring." Ron shook his head as Harry chuckled to himself. "What were you and Hermione discussing so intently over there? It looked like you were planning a battle or something."
"Aw, you know Mione. She was just really interested in something I told her was a waste of time in today's wizarding world." Harry did not press the issue and nodded, turning back to his work. "Fancy a game of chess, Harry?" Ron asked. Harry absent-mindedly shook his head, muttering something about work and wanting to finish. Ron ticked that off his list as evidence that Harry was under some powerful spell.
Excited chatter rang through the halls of Hogwarts while the students prepared for the Hogsmeade day. Harry straightened his robes and clambered down the stairs, followed closely by Neville, who had followed Harry up to the dormitories and rummaged in his trunk while Harry had been in the bathroom changing. The other boy smiled at Harry and went over to Ron and Hermione. Harry almost laughed. It looked like Neville was giving them some kind of report. He had noticed other students talking to Ron and Hermione after spending time alone with him. He couldn't figure it out and at the moment didn't want to. He was going to Hogsmeade. He needed to stock up on his potions ingredients, as he had almost run out from the supplies that Matthew had purchased in Diagon Alley for him, and he had heard that his favorite Potions author had released a new text on disguise potions. He danced in place while Hermione and Ron finished talking with Neville. He wondered how he was going to convince them to let him go to the bookstore and the apothecary. He shrugged and decided that he would work that out when the time came. He was wearing one of his new shirts and fussed with the collar. Tom had sent it to him, along with other clothes and books in his package. Something about Harry not looking like a beggar. Harry had laughed when he had read that. Tom had already spent a fortune on clothes for Harry once and it seemed like the man would do it again.
"Ready to go, Harry?" Hermione asked. Harry smiled and listened to his friends bicker as they led the way down the stairs. Harry added his own comments about their arguments, but wisely did not take sides. On their way out the door, Harry saw Professor Snape standing their watching him. The man raised an eyebrow as if to say, "still surrounded, eh?" Harry shrugged and nodded to the man, following his friends out into the bright sunshine.
Hermione and Ron watched Harry carefully. They had presented the case to Dumbledore, who said that he would look into the matter himself. Neither teenager had seen any evidence of his work, but who knew with Dumbledore? The trio of them soon turned into a crowd as other Gryffindors joined them, gathering round Harry. Several of them had told Dumbledore that Harry should not be allowed in Hogsmeade until his kidnappers were found, but Harry was not to know that he was being watched. Harry, of course, knew what had been going on and asked Professor Snape to step in on his behalf. The man had not said anything to Harry, but Harry had been allowed to go.
"Candy!" Ron said, latching onto Harry's arm and dragging his friend into the shop. Harry rolled his eyes and humored his friend while the boy debated the various confections on display. The bookstore was right across the street. He danced in place again. He mentally urged Ron to hurry so that they could go to the bookstore when he noticed Hermione watching him.
"What's wrong, Harry?" She asked.
"Um, there's something I want to check out in the bookstore." He told her. Her eyebrows flew up and she frowned.
"What is it?" She asked.
"I wanted to see if a book came in that was recently published. It's the continuation of one of the ones I'm reading now, and I'm kind of curious and I really want to see if it's there." He realized that he was babbling and stopped. Hermione giggled and nodded.
"Okay, Harry. I'll make sure that we make it to the bookstore." She told him.
"Well, I could go alone." Harry said, turning towards the door. Hermione reached out and grabbed his hand.
"No, we'll be ready in a few minutes." Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes and nodded, accepting the fact that he would get any time alone either. He purchased some Sugar Quills to appease his friends. Ron was about the drag the both of them when Hermione stopped him. "Harry would like to go to the bookstore, Ron." Ron groaned but followed his two friends. Harry went straight to the desk and waited for the clerk. Hermione started perusing the history books for sale, while Ron went to the Quidditch section.
"Can I help you?" A man asked, coming out from the back.
"Yes, I was wondering if you have Weirs Commun's new book yet?" The man looked thoughtful.
"Potions enthusiast, are you?" The man asked. Harry nodded. "Well, yes. They're still in the back. Let me get one for you." Harry smiled and thanked him. He almost did a little dance. He wouldn't have to wait so long. The man came back and rang up the purchase for him. He smiled and paid, taking the bag from him. Hermione and Ron were waiting.
"Okay, let's go to the Three Broomsticks." Ron said. Harry sighed.
"Could we go to the apothecary first?" Harry asked the both of them.
"Why, Harry?" Ron asked.
"I'm running low on some of my potions ingredients. I kind of dropped my vials before I remembered to put the anti-shattering charm on them." Hermione frowned while Ron laughed.
"Okay, mate. Let's go." Ron threw his arm around Harry and went with him to the apothecary. Hermione rolled her eyes and followed. The trio stepped into the dark shop and looked around. Harry took a deep breath and sighed. He was starting to feel at home in slightly dark places. A withered man came out from the counter.
"How may I help you?" He asked, sneering at the three teenagers. Harry idly wondered if all Potions masters and apothecaries were taught how to sneer as part of their training. He smiled at the man.
"I need to refill some of my potions ingredients." He told them man, handing him a list. The man stared at it.
Mr. Amby,
Before you is a student I have taken under my instruction. However, some of his studies focuses upon some mixtures that require a few items that are, should we say, hard to come by. Please see the above list and fill accordingly. I can assure you that Mr. Potter has sufficient money for the order. Speak of this to no one.
S. Snape
If Severus Snape had taken an interest in this boy enough to authorize him to sell such rare ingredients, well, he wouldn't complain about it. He nodded and moved away to start filling the list.
"Don't touch anything." He told the teenagers. Harry nodded while Ron and Hermione stared. They did not like coming here. They must have been desperate to keep Harry in their sights by not allowing him to come here alone. Harry looked around at the different ingredients knowing quite a few of them. He smiled at his knowledge and watched Mr. Amby move with grace as he measured out the proper amounts of ingredients and weighed a few others. How had he learned to move like that? Harry turned around in time to see Ron knock something off a shelf. Harry put out a hand and conjured a pillow. The jar landed on it safely, not even shaking the contents the least bit.
"Ron!" Hermione said, moving forward to advance on him. "You're so clumsy." Harry looked at the two of them waving their arms about. He stepped forward and pulled them apart.
"Why don't the two of you go outside before you both break something?" Harry told them. "I'll be right out." He pushed them out the door and turned back to Mr. Amby.
"Severus told me that you don't have a minute to yourself." Amby said while he continued measuring. Harry replaced the jar that had fallen and banished the pillow. "Nice trick, that. Care to teach me how?" Harry smiled sheepishly and shrugged. "So Severus doesn't know you can do wandless magic?" The man asked.
"Oh, no. He's seen me. I just think that he has forgotten." Amby nodded.
"I can understand that." Amby told him. He capped the last jar and set everything into a box for Harry. "I do believe that is all, Mister Potter. May I ask why you're interested in some of these ingredients?" Harry smiled and pulled out his new book.
"I read his last one and found it fascinating. I couldn't try very many of them, but Professor Snape said that he would help. His new one is out and it looks even better than the last one." Amby chuckled and handed the book back to the boy.
"They're in there, just chatting." Ron complained to Hermione. She frowned at her boyfriend.
"Had you not been clumsy, we would still be in there." She told him. The two watched as Harry paid and Amby handed him the wrapped box. Harry slid it into his other shopping bag and thanked Mr. Amby, telling him that he would at least owl the man, if not come see him, to let him know how the potions had worked.
"Guys ready?" Harry asked as he came out. The two of them nodded and started chattering to Harry about how good butterbeer was beginning to sound. Harry had to agree that some butterbeer was beginning to sound great, especially after being surrounded with friends the whole day. He checked his thoughts. They would still be there. He sighed. They started rounding a corner. Harry felt a hand slip over his mouth while an arm slipped around his middle. He was pulled into an alleyway.
"Easy, Harry. It's me." He heard Matthew's voice say. Harry turned and saw Matthew smiling down at him.
"Prove it." Matthew smirked and raised an eyebrow.
"Good. You're paranoid. Much better than being trusting. You and I slipped Tom some sleeping potion to sneak to Diagon Alley to see those colorful friends of yours." Matthew said. Harry smiled and threw his arms around him.
"Merlin, I missed you!" He told Matthew. Matthew smiled and ruffled Harry's hair.
"Missed you, too. Your friends will figure out you're not with them in a few minutes. Matthew pulled out something from his robes. "Tom forgot to send this to you with your package, and he wanted you to have it right away." Harry saw a chain with a small charm hanging from it. "It has, oh, about a thousand protection charms and wards on it, to protect you." Matthew said, fastening it around Harry's neck. He waved his hand. "Charms activated." He told Harry. Harry looked down at the charm.
"What is it?" He asked Matthew, pointing at the charm.
"It's a rune, Harry. I can't remember what it means, but I'll ask Tom when I get home and then owl you via our buddy." Harry nodded and hugged Matthew again.
"Thanks." Harry said. Matthew ruffled his hair again, stepped back, and Apparated. Harry stared at the spot where he was and sighed. His friend was gone. He hid the necklace under his robes and went to find his friends.
"Oh, Harry, there you are!" Hermione said as Harry ran up. "We were about to get a professor." Harry glared at her.
"Why would you do that?" He demanded. "I just went back to the apothecary's to ask a question about one of my ingredients. I wasn't even gone that long." Hermione sighed, causing Harry to take a deep breath. "Guys, I appreciate the fact that you're trying to protect me. I understand you were worried about me this summer. But the Potter curse is still with me. I survived and well. Please, stop following me around!"
"And let someone make off with you again?" Ron asked. "To do who knows what with you? No way, mate." Ron told him. "You haven't been right since this summer." Harry growled and started away.
"Where are you going?" Hermione demanded.
"Back to school!" Harry told them. They started following. "Sod off and give me a few minutes peace!" He demanded. Both of them actually stopped in their tracks and paled. "I haven't been alone since I've been back to school. Just let me go. I'm sure another Gryffindor will take up the post of guard on my way back!" He stomped away, feeling his anger lessen with each stomp. Ron and Hermione wisely stayed where they were, comforted to see Neville starting up the path after Harry.
"Well, that was nice!" Hermione said sarcastically. Ron sighed.
"Let's just hope he doesn't do that to Neville." Ron told her. Hermione nodded and started back up to the school building.
Harry pushed open the doors to the school building and stomped through the hall. "Bloody gits." He mumbled. "Protecting me." He started up the stairs and checked himself. He could hear Neville coming up behind him. He turned into a corridor and headed towards the dungeons. Perhaps Professor Snape would spare Harry the classroom for the afternoon. Neville followed Harry down until his own fear stopped him. He hated going to the dungeons. Harry moved faster once Neville stopped. He turned down the corridors to Snape's office and broke into a run. Maybe if Neville did not know where he was, he would sod off too.
Harry reached the door and knocked frantically. Snape had to be here. "Mr. Potter?" Snape said from behind him. Harry turned around and saw Snape's head sticking out of a portrait hole. His private quarters.
"They're everywhere!" He told Snape. The professor took in Harry's posture and face. He opened the door wider and motioned for Harry to enter. Harry gave his thanks and stepped into the room. Once a few steps into the room, he stopped moving and stared.
"Surprised, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked with obvious amusement in his tone.
"I just thought it would be green, silver, and black." Snape smirked and motioned Harry to the couch. Harry sat on the edge of it and looked around again. There were no windows to be seen, but Snape did have a fireplace, which had a pleasant fire going at the moment. The light wood mantle was carved, and so were the small pillars supporting it. Harry looked at it closely and saw that the pillars looked like trees while the mantle looked like their canopies. The walls colored were muted cream, with woodwork surrounding each doorway. The furniture was done in the same wood motif, while the furniture and hangings were done in dark, rich green that Harry found very relaxing. A plush carpet was spread under their feet. A bookcase adorned one wall, with the same carved trees running up either side. On the walls hung paintings of various periods in history. Unlike many of the Hogwarts pictures, they did not move. Candelabras that looked to be branches hung from the ceiling, with several candles on each. "It's beautiful." He said quietly.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter." Severus said, handing the boy some pumpkin juice. "Would you like to tell me what set you off?" Snape said, eyeing Harry's disheveled appearance. Harry took a sip of his drink and settled back into his seat.
"Well, they wouldn't let me go anywhere in town by myself. Not even the apothecary. I bought what we needed, by the way." Snape nodded. "Anyway, Matthew was there and gave me something that Tom forgot." Snape looked up at this.
"Are you sure it was Matthew?" Snape questioned. Harry nodded.
"Yes, he knew something that only Matthew and I know about." Snape nodded. "He gave me a necklace." Harry pulled it out. "It has protection charms on it. I went and caught up with Ron and Hermione and they told me that they had been ready to find a teacher. Honestly! So I decided to come back to school. After telling them to sod off." Snape raised an eyebrow. "Neville followed me for a while, but stopped when he realized I was coming down here. I was wondering if I could borrow your classroom for a while and hide." Snape smirked.
"You may stay here, if you like. They would look for you there. You could use my private lab if you promise not to blow anything up." Harry chuckled.
"I won't blow anything up, I promise. And thank you. The last thing we need is them blowing up the classroom door looking for me." He told Snape.
"Where are your books?" Snape asked. Harry raised a hand.
"Accio book bag!" He said. Snape felt the magic swell around him and suddenly, the book bag appeared. He stared at Harry.
"Did you forget that I could do wandless magic?" Harry asked, taking in Snape's face. He laughed when the man nodded. "Sorry, forgot to warn you."
"Yes, well. Come on now. We don't have all day." Harry laughed and followed the man in. Harry pulled out his notes and settled his ingredients on the bench. Snape watched while Harry started in on one that he had wanted to try for quite a while. It was called the Animagus Potion. While the person did not really turn into an animal, he would look like he had. It was a long and complicated process, one that Harry could immediately lose himself in. Snape stopped him only once or twice to lecture on one of the ingredients. Harry took notes if he could allow the potion to set or boil. If he couldn't, his quill took them for him with a simple charm. Snape allowed it this time, but he told Harry not to expect to have the privilege in class. Harry had nodded absently when Snape had said that. Three hours later, the potion was finished. "Well done, Mr. Potter." Snape said, looking at the potion. "Tell me if you did it correctly."
Harry looked into his cauldron and opened his book to the confirmation section. He found the Animagus Potion and started comparing. "Color's right." He lifted his stirring rod. "Consistency is right." He wafted some of the steam over to his face. "Ugh, smell's right." Snape smirked.
"Very well, then, Mr. Potter. Looks like it is time to test it." Snape pulled out a vial. "I have an antidote in case things go wrong." Harry rolled his eyes and spooned out a portion into a cup.
"You have no faith in me, Professor?" Harry asked, lifting the cup to his lips. Snape let out a small laugh as Harry downed the Potion.
"Mr. Potter, in my experience, Gryffindors are only slightly less dangerous than Hufflepuffs in the laboratory. Harry grinned. "How was the taste?"
"Sweet, like the instructions say." Harry answered. He sat down and waited for the potion to work. Snape watched. It seemed like the shape of Harry shimmered, and in the next instant, shrank to that of a cat. Snape stared down at it. The boy had made a potion that had worked. An advanced potion at that. "Um, Professor, why are you staring at my knee?" Harry asked.
"I'm staring at a tabby cat, Mr. Potter. I do believe your potion worked." The cat jumped off the chair and bounded into the living room. Snape found him in front of the full-length mirror, admiring himself.
"I feel the same, but I sure don't look it!" The teenager said in excitement as he turned and paced in front of the mirror. He pranced about a bit, twitching his tail. He arched his back and hissed. Snape chuckled as Harry smiled to himself in the mirror. The cat version of the smile was hilarious. The cat turned around and looked up at the Potions professor. "Thank you again, Professor!" Harry said, twitching his tail. "I don't think I could have done it alone." Snape remembered how full the cauldron was and how little potion it took for Harry to look like a cat. "Why do I have a feeling that I will be adopting a cat?" He asked himself while Harry turned around to admire his new shape. Snape rolled his eyes at the antics of the teenager. Snape pulled out the vial of antidote. "As amusing as it is too see you as a feline, could we perhaps invite back your human form?" Harry grinned again and went up to the professor. He opened his mouth and Snape poured the contents of the vial past the sharp teeth. He stepped back and waited for a few minutes. The cat shimmered and in it's place stood Harry Potter. Harry turned around and looked at himself in the mirror again. Harry Potter. He nodded and turned back around. Snape motioned back to the lab. "Bottle that up. Perhaps as a cat you will gain some privacy from your friends." Harry smiled evilly and started dividing up his newest of his potion. Snape watched as the boy gained some of his childlike qualities. It seemed that a potion that would give him some privacy was just the thing the boy needed to pick up his spirits. Both looked up when an owl flew into the lab. The owl was obviously used to potions labs, for it landed the minute it was in the door. Snape went over to it and took the letter. He opened the envelope and smirked. "Your guardians." Snape said, handing Harry an envelope. Harry smiled and opened it.
Dear Harry,
I hope this finds you well. Matthew told me that he forgot to tell you what your charm meant. It means "cherished one". I actually picked it for the shape, but it fits you in a way. I hope you are wearing it right now, and please don't take it off. It is to protect you from charms and spells that are harmful to you. Study hard and listen to your teachers. Try to be patient with your friends and remember that you are better than the Slytherins who make fun of you. I'll write again soon.
Tom
Harry looked down at his necklace. Cherished one. He smiled a bit. He did like the shape of it and feel of it. Snape was looking at him quizzically. "It's a letter from Tom." He told Snape. The man nodded and didn't question what had been in the letter. He and Harry cleaned up the lab and Harry readied himself to leave. He doubted Professor Snape would allow him to stay any longer. They both looked up as the grandfather clock chimed in the corner.
"Dinnertime." Snape said absently. Harry nodded. He would have to confront his friends, and they would lecture him on only how worried they had been. He felt a headache coming on. He rubbed his forehead. "Would you care to stay and have dinner with me?" Snape asked. Harry's head shot up. He looked over to Snape.
"Really?" Snape sneered at Harry.
"Mr. Potter, I wouldn't have asked if I didn't mean it." Snape told him in the hardest voice he could muster. In all reality, he was trying to keep from laughing. The boy looked so hopeful and innocent. Snape hadn't seen him like that in a long time. Not since his second year to be sure.
The boy grinned and shrugged. "I'd like that, sir, if you can put up with a Gryffindor." Harry said honestly. Snape smirked.
"Hasn't killed me yet." The look on the child's face was priceless. Snape made a mental note to himself to surprise this one more often. To his credit, Harry laughed at the joke. He set his book bag down to his packages and joined Snape at the table in the quarters. Harry had wondered where teachers ate when they weren't in the entrance hall. He guessed other teachers had similar setups next to their offices or close. He had never been in a teacher's private rooms before. Snape talked to Harry about potions, mostly the disguise potions that Harry seemed so interested in. "Why do you like them so much?" He asked after dishing out.
Harry shrugged. "How many people will be looking for Harry Potter in disguise?" The boy asked. "That and I think that it will come in handy to be an Auror. Is there a version of the Polyjuice Potion that lasts longer than an hour?" Snape looked up at the question.
"How do you know about that?" Snape asked. Harry smiled.
"I'm friends with Hermione Granger, sir. She knows, well, a lot." Harry finished lamely. "And the stuff she wants to know about and doesn't know she looks up." Snape nodded.
"Not that I know of. For continued maintenance of appearance, it needs to be ingested every hour or so." Snape told him. "May I ask why you want to know?" "I was hoping to use it in my career someday." Harry told him. Snape took a sip of his drink before asking his next question.
"Oh?" Snape set down his glass and leaned forward. "And what would that be?"
"Auror." Harry said, taking some of his shepard's pie and chewing. Snape held his surprise in check and nodded.
"A noble profession." He said. He turned the conversation away from careers and asked Harry about potions lessons with Tom. It lasted until they had both finished dessert and pushed away from the table. Harry started fidgeting. "What is it, Potter?" Harry looked up.
"Could I sit in the classroom now?" Snape raised an eyebrow. "I'm not ready to go back there and listen to them complain about my behavior." Snape sighed. He understood the boy's hesitance to return to his common room.
"You are welcome to stay here until you are ready to go to bed." Snape told him. "I have a few papers to grade."
"Thank you!" Harry said enthusiastically.
"You will, however, be studying, correct?" Harry nodded.
"Yes, sir. I have an essay to finish off and proofread, and I wanted to get started on my DADA essay." Snape turned at the mention of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"Tell me it is a reaction to a practical class." Harry bit his lip and shook his head. "Just like Umbridge?" Snape asked.
"You said that, not me. But yes. He drones on in class, gives us a reading assignment, and wants an essay on it. It is almost unbearable." Harry complained to Snape. Snape glared off into space.
"Really?" He fell silent as he gathered his papers and returned to his table, where the dishes had been cleared and Harry was setting up his homework. Snape started reading his papers and pushed the thought that something would have to be done about the situation soon to the back of his mind. The ten o'clock chimes brought them both out of their work. Harry quietly began cleaning up.
"Thank you again, Professor." Snape nodded.
"No hexing your housemates." Snape told him. Harry smiled and shook his head. "Good night." Harry left the dungeons and went up to his dormitory. There was almost no one in the common room, and those who stared at him as he came in were only second and third years. He went up to his dorm and got ready for bed.
"Harry, where were you mate?" Ron asked from his bed.
"No where." Harry answered, getting into bed. He pulled the curtains shut and cast a few charms around him to keep everyone out. He didn't want to talk to any of the spies that surrounded him in the house.
Snape sat in his quarters, a glass of wine at his arm and a thoughtful look on his face. The DADA professor was incompetent, and while Voldemort was no longer a danger as long as Tom kept his hold on the mind, Snape couldn't help but feel that the school was failing the students somehow. They needed to know how to fight. And the proper charms and spells should they be threaten and not hesitate to use them. He glared at the fireplace. Perhaps he should? The little voice that he had banished in his supply closet came back and asked if he wanted to be surrounded by brats in the evening as well as everyday. "If it would help them." He told it, firmly shutting it up. He would approach Dumbledore about it later.
Reviews:
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And to all my reviewers, I love you so much! Your reviews keep me going. ~Sylvia
Snape jumped the next morning when an owl flew in and deposited a letter into his hands. He ripped it open and found a portkey for a package. Unlike the other portkeys, this one pulled something towards him. He slid the portkey into his pocket, excused himself from the table, and went to his dungeons. He read the instructions and said the name of Tom Riddle. That was the only person he could think of that would send him a package.
A rather large box appeared in the middle of his rooms. He opened it and found two different boxes on the inside, one for himself and one addressed to Harry Potter. He found an envelope taped to his. He slid a finger under the seal and took out the letter.
Dear Professor Snape,
Your letter brought joy to this old heart. It is wonderful to hear about Harry's progress from one of his teachers. In answer to your questions, I have sent my, well, lesson plans I guess you would call them, along with some of the texts I had intended to use during the school year. Harry has all of the books we used this summer. I'm sure that he would let you look at them if you asked. We covered every subject taught at Hogwarts, including Divination and Care of Magical Creatures. Harry is quite skilled at Defense Against the Dark Arts, but is not able to use the Dark Arts through lack of intent. Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration, and History were also covered. Harry does not have a real favorite class, but found an enjoyment for Potions that he never knew he had before this summer. He gained a lot of progress in this area in just a short time. I have a feeling him missed something of vital importance through some of his inattention his first three years, and that hindered his ability to learn the advanced materials.
We had lessons every day while he was here, with just one subject focused upon a day. Some may say that few could learn in that manner, but Harry seemed to flourish under it, enjoying the ability to work out his problems on his own. He is naturally inquisitive, and the more he struggles with the material, the more he absorbs.
Harry is able to work independently if he has someone available to ask questions. He enjoys long periods of uninterrupted time to study and seems to prefer this method to studying in groups. He usually seeks out help if he needs it, though when his fingers start to drum, he needs a break for he has become unproductive at that point. Usually a well-placed question about the material will set him back on track. He needs few reminders about studies, but needs reminders for things like meals, sleep, and exercise. Quite an unusual teenager, isn't he? It seems that most boys do only that, and forget their books.
Thank you for your offer of a go-between for Harry's mail. I have taken you up on your offer and included a package for Harry. If you could find some way to get it to the boy, I would be grateful. Just a few books (he has already read the ones he took to school with him) and some treats from home, as well as some mail from his Muggle friends. Thank you again, Professor Snape. I hope I answered your questions adequately.
Tom Riddle
Snape looked through the box and found several advanced titles, some of which he had studied himself while he was going for his mastery. He set aside Harry's box and read all of the titles. This was the level the boy was working on? He shook his head in disbelief. He set aside the potions books and picked up the Charms texts. Amazing. Potter was on this level of work? He sat back in his seat and thought about the situation. Was the boy not bored by attending classes with all of his friends, working at a level that he had left behind? Snape made a mental note to ask him when he found himself alone with the boy again.
Harry Potter was currently engrossed in one of Transfiguration books, More Advanced Transfiguration for Students and Professionals, the sequel of the one he had studied in the summer. He wrote a note down about the dangers of transfiguring something alive into something not alive and leaving it that way. Apparently, if you didn't change it back, the item died, leaving a smell of decomposition. If left longer, the item fell apart. Harry smiled and shook his head. He added some of his notes to his Transfiguration essay about live transfigurations and turned back to the pages.
Across the room, his two friends were casting concerned glances his way. Harry had been involved in his homework now for a solid three hours. That was not like the Harry they knew. He had even chuckled over something he had read! "What do you think, Mione?" Ron asked his girlfriend. Hermione shook her head.
"While I am happy that Harry is finally taking his studies seriously, I do think it is a little strange. Some of those books he brought with him are highly advanced, Ron. He shouldn't be able to understand the material in them with what he knows so far." Hermione said in a whisper. She didn't want to alert Harry to the fact that they were discussing him. She shrugged. "He must understand them if he's using them to do homework." She said, flipping through the pages in her own book, appearing to be looking for some information. She pointed at the page and handed it to Ron, who took it and stared down at the page while she continued to whisper. "I think something happened to him." She said through her teeth, leaning her head down next to Ron's.
Ron stared down at the page and started when he saw the title. "On Taking Over a Wizard's Body, Mind and Soul". He looked at Hermione, who had an anxious line across her forehead.
"I did some research. This sounds like what has happened to Harry." She whispered, pointing at the page as though she was making a point. A chuckle from their friend across the room caused them both to look up and then back down. Harry was still there, still engrossed in his work, and still very different from the boy they knew.
Magus Regere
While wizards generally do not use their magic to intrude upon others' lives, one might find themselves unable to keep such standards. The charm "Magus Regere" allows one wizard to control another quite easily. This charm is commonly used by healers to keep patients from harming themselves while alone.
Marked changes can be seen in the wizard taken over. Changes in personality are usually the first thing noticed, followed by changes in personal tastes, appearances, and intelligence. Many can mistake this powerful spell as the Confundus Charm. The only way to be sure that Magus Regere is truly in use is careful observation. Unlike the Confundus Charm, the subject will not appear confused, will have an astonishing grasp on recent events, and is able to function normally in all social settings, including duties that the subject only will know how to accomplish.
These spells are usually quite complex and take a very powerful wizard to cast and remove. The more powerful the wizard, the harder it is to detect this spell and remove it. The longer the spell remains, the less time the subject has as his own person. Use of this spell is regulated and can only be used with short time periods.
Ron looked up at Hermione with fear in his eyes. "You think someone did that?" He asked. Hermione nodded sadly as she glanced at Harry.
"It's been a full month, maybe longer. I don't know the time constraints on this, and it says that the longer the spell is maintained, the less likely the idea that the subject can recover." Ron shook his head.
"Perhaps we should ask Dumbledore." Ron told her, squeezing her hand. Hermione bit her lip and nodded. "After dinner, tonight. I'm sure Neville and Lee will be happy to keep Harry company." Hermione removed her book from Ron's hands and wandered off to her dormitory to retrieve her own homework. Ron looked over to the corner and saw Harry trying to stifle laughter at something he had read. Completely mental behavior that. He got up and went over to Harry.
"What's so funny, mate?" He asked, settling into a seat by Harry.
"Ah, hi Ron. The author is really sarcastic. Something about transfiguration being a shortcut to simple conjuring." Ron shook his head as Harry chuckled to himself. "What were you and Hermione discussing so intently over there? It looked like you were planning a battle or something."
"Aw, you know Mione. She was just really interested in something I told her was a waste of time in today's wizarding world." Harry did not press the issue and nodded, turning back to his work. "Fancy a game of chess, Harry?" Ron asked. Harry absent-mindedly shook his head, muttering something about work and wanting to finish. Ron ticked that off his list as evidence that Harry was under some powerful spell.
Excited chatter rang through the halls of Hogwarts while the students prepared for the Hogsmeade day. Harry straightened his robes and clambered down the stairs, followed closely by Neville, who had followed Harry up to the dormitories and rummaged in his trunk while Harry had been in the bathroom changing. The other boy smiled at Harry and went over to Ron and Hermione. Harry almost laughed. It looked like Neville was giving them some kind of report. He had noticed other students talking to Ron and Hermione after spending time alone with him. He couldn't figure it out and at the moment didn't want to. He was going to Hogsmeade. He needed to stock up on his potions ingredients, as he had almost run out from the supplies that Matthew had purchased in Diagon Alley for him, and he had heard that his favorite Potions author had released a new text on disguise potions. He danced in place while Hermione and Ron finished talking with Neville. He wondered how he was going to convince them to let him go to the bookstore and the apothecary. He shrugged and decided that he would work that out when the time came. He was wearing one of his new shirts and fussed with the collar. Tom had sent it to him, along with other clothes and books in his package. Something about Harry not looking like a beggar. Harry had laughed when he had read that. Tom had already spent a fortune on clothes for Harry once and it seemed like the man would do it again.
"Ready to go, Harry?" Hermione asked. Harry smiled and listened to his friends bicker as they led the way down the stairs. Harry added his own comments about their arguments, but wisely did not take sides. On their way out the door, Harry saw Professor Snape standing their watching him. The man raised an eyebrow as if to say, "still surrounded, eh?" Harry shrugged and nodded to the man, following his friends out into the bright sunshine.
Hermione and Ron watched Harry carefully. They had presented the case to Dumbledore, who said that he would look into the matter himself. Neither teenager had seen any evidence of his work, but who knew with Dumbledore? The trio of them soon turned into a crowd as other Gryffindors joined them, gathering round Harry. Several of them had told Dumbledore that Harry should not be allowed in Hogsmeade until his kidnappers were found, but Harry was not to know that he was being watched. Harry, of course, knew what had been going on and asked Professor Snape to step in on his behalf. The man had not said anything to Harry, but Harry had been allowed to go.
"Candy!" Ron said, latching onto Harry's arm and dragging his friend into the shop. Harry rolled his eyes and humored his friend while the boy debated the various confections on display. The bookstore was right across the street. He danced in place again. He mentally urged Ron to hurry so that they could go to the bookstore when he noticed Hermione watching him.
"What's wrong, Harry?" She asked.
"Um, there's something I want to check out in the bookstore." He told her. Her eyebrows flew up and she frowned.
"What is it?" She asked.
"I wanted to see if a book came in that was recently published. It's the continuation of one of the ones I'm reading now, and I'm kind of curious and I really want to see if it's there." He realized that he was babbling and stopped. Hermione giggled and nodded.
"Okay, Harry. I'll make sure that we make it to the bookstore." She told him.
"Well, I could go alone." Harry said, turning towards the door. Hermione reached out and grabbed his hand.
"No, we'll be ready in a few minutes." Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes and nodded, accepting the fact that he would get any time alone either. He purchased some Sugar Quills to appease his friends. Ron was about the drag the both of them when Hermione stopped him. "Harry would like to go to the bookstore, Ron." Ron groaned but followed his two friends. Harry went straight to the desk and waited for the clerk. Hermione started perusing the history books for sale, while Ron went to the Quidditch section.
"Can I help you?" A man asked, coming out from the back.
"Yes, I was wondering if you have Weirs Commun's new book yet?" The man looked thoughtful.
"Potions enthusiast, are you?" The man asked. Harry nodded. "Well, yes. They're still in the back. Let me get one for you." Harry smiled and thanked him. He almost did a little dance. He wouldn't have to wait so long. The man came back and rang up the purchase for him. He smiled and paid, taking the bag from him. Hermione and Ron were waiting.
"Okay, let's go to the Three Broomsticks." Ron said. Harry sighed.
"Could we go to the apothecary first?" Harry asked the both of them.
"Why, Harry?" Ron asked.
"I'm running low on some of my potions ingredients. I kind of dropped my vials before I remembered to put the anti-shattering charm on them." Hermione frowned while Ron laughed.
"Okay, mate. Let's go." Ron threw his arm around Harry and went with him to the apothecary. Hermione rolled her eyes and followed. The trio stepped into the dark shop and looked around. Harry took a deep breath and sighed. He was starting to feel at home in slightly dark places. A withered man came out from the counter.
"How may I help you?" He asked, sneering at the three teenagers. Harry idly wondered if all Potions masters and apothecaries were taught how to sneer as part of their training. He smiled at the man.
"I need to refill some of my potions ingredients." He told them man, handing him a list. The man stared at it.
Mr. Amby,
Before you is a student I have taken under my instruction. However, some of his studies focuses upon some mixtures that require a few items that are, should we say, hard to come by. Please see the above list and fill accordingly. I can assure you that Mr. Potter has sufficient money for the order. Speak of this to no one.
S. Snape
If Severus Snape had taken an interest in this boy enough to authorize him to sell such rare ingredients, well, he wouldn't complain about it. He nodded and moved away to start filling the list.
"Don't touch anything." He told the teenagers. Harry nodded while Ron and Hermione stared. They did not like coming here. They must have been desperate to keep Harry in their sights by not allowing him to come here alone. Harry looked around at the different ingredients knowing quite a few of them. He smiled at his knowledge and watched Mr. Amby move with grace as he measured out the proper amounts of ingredients and weighed a few others. How had he learned to move like that? Harry turned around in time to see Ron knock something off a shelf. Harry put out a hand and conjured a pillow. The jar landed on it safely, not even shaking the contents the least bit.
"Ron!" Hermione said, moving forward to advance on him. "You're so clumsy." Harry looked at the two of them waving their arms about. He stepped forward and pulled them apart.
"Why don't the two of you go outside before you both break something?" Harry told them. "I'll be right out." He pushed them out the door and turned back to Mr. Amby.
"Severus told me that you don't have a minute to yourself." Amby said while he continued measuring. Harry replaced the jar that had fallen and banished the pillow. "Nice trick, that. Care to teach me how?" Harry smiled sheepishly and shrugged. "So Severus doesn't know you can do wandless magic?" The man asked.
"Oh, no. He's seen me. I just think that he has forgotten." Amby nodded.
"I can understand that." Amby told him. He capped the last jar and set everything into a box for Harry. "I do believe that is all, Mister Potter. May I ask why you're interested in some of these ingredients?" Harry smiled and pulled out his new book.
"I read his last one and found it fascinating. I couldn't try very many of them, but Professor Snape said that he would help. His new one is out and it looks even better than the last one." Amby chuckled and handed the book back to the boy.
"They're in there, just chatting." Ron complained to Hermione. She frowned at her boyfriend.
"Had you not been clumsy, we would still be in there." She told him. The two watched as Harry paid and Amby handed him the wrapped box. Harry slid it into his other shopping bag and thanked Mr. Amby, telling him that he would at least owl the man, if not come see him, to let him know how the potions had worked.
"Guys ready?" Harry asked as he came out. The two of them nodded and started chattering to Harry about how good butterbeer was beginning to sound. Harry had to agree that some butterbeer was beginning to sound great, especially after being surrounded with friends the whole day. He checked his thoughts. They would still be there. He sighed. They started rounding a corner. Harry felt a hand slip over his mouth while an arm slipped around his middle. He was pulled into an alleyway.
"Easy, Harry. It's me." He heard Matthew's voice say. Harry turned and saw Matthew smiling down at him.
"Prove it." Matthew smirked and raised an eyebrow.
"Good. You're paranoid. Much better than being trusting. You and I slipped Tom some sleeping potion to sneak to Diagon Alley to see those colorful friends of yours." Matthew said. Harry smiled and threw his arms around him.
"Merlin, I missed you!" He told Matthew. Matthew smiled and ruffled Harry's hair.
"Missed you, too. Your friends will figure out you're not with them in a few minutes. Matthew pulled out something from his robes. "Tom forgot to send this to you with your package, and he wanted you to have it right away." Harry saw a chain with a small charm hanging from it. "It has, oh, about a thousand protection charms and wards on it, to protect you." Matthew said, fastening it around Harry's neck. He waved his hand. "Charms activated." He told Harry. Harry looked down at the charm.
"What is it?" He asked Matthew, pointing at the charm.
"It's a rune, Harry. I can't remember what it means, but I'll ask Tom when I get home and then owl you via our buddy." Harry nodded and hugged Matthew again.
"Thanks." Harry said. Matthew ruffled his hair again, stepped back, and Apparated. Harry stared at the spot where he was and sighed. His friend was gone. He hid the necklace under his robes and went to find his friends.
"Oh, Harry, there you are!" Hermione said as Harry ran up. "We were about to get a professor." Harry glared at her.
"Why would you do that?" He demanded. "I just went back to the apothecary's to ask a question about one of my ingredients. I wasn't even gone that long." Hermione sighed, causing Harry to take a deep breath. "Guys, I appreciate the fact that you're trying to protect me. I understand you were worried about me this summer. But the Potter curse is still with me. I survived and well. Please, stop following me around!"
"And let someone make off with you again?" Ron asked. "To do who knows what with you? No way, mate." Ron told him. "You haven't been right since this summer." Harry growled and started away.
"Where are you going?" Hermione demanded.
"Back to school!" Harry told them. They started following. "Sod off and give me a few minutes peace!" He demanded. Both of them actually stopped in their tracks and paled. "I haven't been alone since I've been back to school. Just let me go. I'm sure another Gryffindor will take up the post of guard on my way back!" He stomped away, feeling his anger lessen with each stomp. Ron and Hermione wisely stayed where they were, comforted to see Neville starting up the path after Harry.
"Well, that was nice!" Hermione said sarcastically. Ron sighed.
"Let's just hope he doesn't do that to Neville." Ron told her. Hermione nodded and started back up to the school building.
Harry pushed open the doors to the school building and stomped through the hall. "Bloody gits." He mumbled. "Protecting me." He started up the stairs and checked himself. He could hear Neville coming up behind him. He turned into a corridor and headed towards the dungeons. Perhaps Professor Snape would spare Harry the classroom for the afternoon. Neville followed Harry down until his own fear stopped him. He hated going to the dungeons. Harry moved faster once Neville stopped. He turned down the corridors to Snape's office and broke into a run. Maybe if Neville did not know where he was, he would sod off too.
Harry reached the door and knocked frantically. Snape had to be here. "Mr. Potter?" Snape said from behind him. Harry turned around and saw Snape's head sticking out of a portrait hole. His private quarters.
"They're everywhere!" He told Snape. The professor took in Harry's posture and face. He opened the door wider and motioned for Harry to enter. Harry gave his thanks and stepped into the room. Once a few steps into the room, he stopped moving and stared.
"Surprised, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked with obvious amusement in his tone.
"I just thought it would be green, silver, and black." Snape smirked and motioned Harry to the couch. Harry sat on the edge of it and looked around again. There were no windows to be seen, but Snape did have a fireplace, which had a pleasant fire going at the moment. The light wood mantle was carved, and so were the small pillars supporting it. Harry looked at it closely and saw that the pillars looked like trees while the mantle looked like their canopies. The walls colored were muted cream, with woodwork surrounding each doorway. The furniture was done in the same wood motif, while the furniture and hangings were done in dark, rich green that Harry found very relaxing. A plush carpet was spread under their feet. A bookcase adorned one wall, with the same carved trees running up either side. On the walls hung paintings of various periods in history. Unlike many of the Hogwarts pictures, they did not move. Candelabras that looked to be branches hung from the ceiling, with several candles on each. "It's beautiful." He said quietly.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter." Severus said, handing the boy some pumpkin juice. "Would you like to tell me what set you off?" Snape said, eyeing Harry's disheveled appearance. Harry took a sip of his drink and settled back into his seat.
"Well, they wouldn't let me go anywhere in town by myself. Not even the apothecary. I bought what we needed, by the way." Snape nodded. "Anyway, Matthew was there and gave me something that Tom forgot." Snape looked up at this.
"Are you sure it was Matthew?" Snape questioned. Harry nodded.
"Yes, he knew something that only Matthew and I know about." Snape nodded. "He gave me a necklace." Harry pulled it out. "It has protection charms on it. I went and caught up with Ron and Hermione and they told me that they had been ready to find a teacher. Honestly! So I decided to come back to school. After telling them to sod off." Snape raised an eyebrow. "Neville followed me for a while, but stopped when he realized I was coming down here. I was wondering if I could borrow your classroom for a while and hide." Snape smirked.
"You may stay here, if you like. They would look for you there. You could use my private lab if you promise not to blow anything up." Harry chuckled.
"I won't blow anything up, I promise. And thank you. The last thing we need is them blowing up the classroom door looking for me." He told Snape.
"Where are your books?" Snape asked. Harry raised a hand.
"Accio book bag!" He said. Snape felt the magic swell around him and suddenly, the book bag appeared. He stared at Harry.
"Did you forget that I could do wandless magic?" Harry asked, taking in Snape's face. He laughed when the man nodded. "Sorry, forgot to warn you."
"Yes, well. Come on now. We don't have all day." Harry laughed and followed the man in. Harry pulled out his notes and settled his ingredients on the bench. Snape watched while Harry started in on one that he had wanted to try for quite a while. It was called the Animagus Potion. While the person did not really turn into an animal, he would look like he had. It was a long and complicated process, one that Harry could immediately lose himself in. Snape stopped him only once or twice to lecture on one of the ingredients. Harry took notes if he could allow the potion to set or boil. If he couldn't, his quill took them for him with a simple charm. Snape allowed it this time, but he told Harry not to expect to have the privilege in class. Harry had nodded absently when Snape had said that. Three hours later, the potion was finished. "Well done, Mr. Potter." Snape said, looking at the potion. "Tell me if you did it correctly."
Harry looked into his cauldron and opened his book to the confirmation section. He found the Animagus Potion and started comparing. "Color's right." He lifted his stirring rod. "Consistency is right." He wafted some of the steam over to his face. "Ugh, smell's right." Snape smirked.
"Very well, then, Mr. Potter. Looks like it is time to test it." Snape pulled out a vial. "I have an antidote in case things go wrong." Harry rolled his eyes and spooned out a portion into a cup.
"You have no faith in me, Professor?" Harry asked, lifting the cup to his lips. Snape let out a small laugh as Harry downed the Potion.
"Mr. Potter, in my experience, Gryffindors are only slightly less dangerous than Hufflepuffs in the laboratory. Harry grinned. "How was the taste?"
"Sweet, like the instructions say." Harry answered. He sat down and waited for the potion to work. Snape watched. It seemed like the shape of Harry shimmered, and in the next instant, shrank to that of a cat. Snape stared down at it. The boy had made a potion that had worked. An advanced potion at that. "Um, Professor, why are you staring at my knee?" Harry asked.
"I'm staring at a tabby cat, Mr. Potter. I do believe your potion worked." The cat jumped off the chair and bounded into the living room. Snape found him in front of the full-length mirror, admiring himself.
"I feel the same, but I sure don't look it!" The teenager said in excitement as he turned and paced in front of the mirror. He pranced about a bit, twitching his tail. He arched his back and hissed. Snape chuckled as Harry smiled to himself in the mirror. The cat version of the smile was hilarious. The cat turned around and looked up at the Potions professor. "Thank you again, Professor!" Harry said, twitching his tail. "I don't think I could have done it alone." Snape remembered how full the cauldron was and how little potion it took for Harry to look like a cat. "Why do I have a feeling that I will be adopting a cat?" He asked himself while Harry turned around to admire his new shape. Snape rolled his eyes at the antics of the teenager. Snape pulled out the vial of antidote. "As amusing as it is too see you as a feline, could we perhaps invite back your human form?" Harry grinned again and went up to the professor. He opened his mouth and Snape poured the contents of the vial past the sharp teeth. He stepped back and waited for a few minutes. The cat shimmered and in it's place stood Harry Potter. Harry turned around and looked at himself in the mirror again. Harry Potter. He nodded and turned back around. Snape motioned back to the lab. "Bottle that up. Perhaps as a cat you will gain some privacy from your friends." Harry smiled evilly and started dividing up his newest of his potion. Snape watched as the boy gained some of his childlike qualities. It seemed that a potion that would give him some privacy was just the thing the boy needed to pick up his spirits. Both looked up when an owl flew into the lab. The owl was obviously used to potions labs, for it landed the minute it was in the door. Snape went over to it and took the letter. He opened the envelope and smirked. "Your guardians." Snape said, handing Harry an envelope. Harry smiled and opened it.
Dear Harry,
I hope this finds you well. Matthew told me that he forgot to tell you what your charm meant. It means "cherished one". I actually picked it for the shape, but it fits you in a way. I hope you are wearing it right now, and please don't take it off. It is to protect you from charms and spells that are harmful to you. Study hard and listen to your teachers. Try to be patient with your friends and remember that you are better than the Slytherins who make fun of you. I'll write again soon.
Tom
Harry looked down at his necklace. Cherished one. He smiled a bit. He did like the shape of it and feel of it. Snape was looking at him quizzically. "It's a letter from Tom." He told Snape. The man nodded and didn't question what had been in the letter. He and Harry cleaned up the lab and Harry readied himself to leave. He doubted Professor Snape would allow him to stay any longer. They both looked up as the grandfather clock chimed in the corner.
"Dinnertime." Snape said absently. Harry nodded. He would have to confront his friends, and they would lecture him on only how worried they had been. He felt a headache coming on. He rubbed his forehead. "Would you care to stay and have dinner with me?" Snape asked. Harry's head shot up. He looked over to Snape.
"Really?" Snape sneered at Harry.
"Mr. Potter, I wouldn't have asked if I didn't mean it." Snape told him in the hardest voice he could muster. In all reality, he was trying to keep from laughing. The boy looked so hopeful and innocent. Snape hadn't seen him like that in a long time. Not since his second year to be sure.
The boy grinned and shrugged. "I'd like that, sir, if you can put up with a Gryffindor." Harry said honestly. Snape smirked.
"Hasn't killed me yet." The look on the child's face was priceless. Snape made a mental note to himself to surprise this one more often. To his credit, Harry laughed at the joke. He set his book bag down to his packages and joined Snape at the table in the quarters. Harry had wondered where teachers ate when they weren't in the entrance hall. He guessed other teachers had similar setups next to their offices or close. He had never been in a teacher's private rooms before. Snape talked to Harry about potions, mostly the disguise potions that Harry seemed so interested in. "Why do you like them so much?" He asked after dishing out.
Harry shrugged. "How many people will be looking for Harry Potter in disguise?" The boy asked. "That and I think that it will come in handy to be an Auror. Is there a version of the Polyjuice Potion that lasts longer than an hour?" Snape looked up at the question.
"How do you know about that?" Snape asked. Harry smiled.
"I'm friends with Hermione Granger, sir. She knows, well, a lot." Harry finished lamely. "And the stuff she wants to know about and doesn't know she looks up." Snape nodded.
"Not that I know of. For continued maintenance of appearance, it needs to be ingested every hour or so." Snape told him. "May I ask why you want to know?" "I was hoping to use it in my career someday." Harry told him. Snape took a sip of his drink before asking his next question.
"Oh?" Snape set down his glass and leaned forward. "And what would that be?"
"Auror." Harry said, taking some of his shepard's pie and chewing. Snape held his surprise in check and nodded.
"A noble profession." He said. He turned the conversation away from careers and asked Harry about potions lessons with Tom. It lasted until they had both finished dessert and pushed away from the table. Harry started fidgeting. "What is it, Potter?" Harry looked up.
"Could I sit in the classroom now?" Snape raised an eyebrow. "I'm not ready to go back there and listen to them complain about my behavior." Snape sighed. He understood the boy's hesitance to return to his common room.
"You are welcome to stay here until you are ready to go to bed." Snape told him. "I have a few papers to grade."
"Thank you!" Harry said enthusiastically.
"You will, however, be studying, correct?" Harry nodded.
"Yes, sir. I have an essay to finish off and proofread, and I wanted to get started on my DADA essay." Snape turned at the mention of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"Tell me it is a reaction to a practical class." Harry bit his lip and shook his head. "Just like Umbridge?" Snape asked.
"You said that, not me. But yes. He drones on in class, gives us a reading assignment, and wants an essay on it. It is almost unbearable." Harry complained to Snape. Snape glared off into space.
"Really?" He fell silent as he gathered his papers and returned to his table, where the dishes had been cleared and Harry was setting up his homework. Snape started reading his papers and pushed the thought that something would have to be done about the situation soon to the back of his mind. The ten o'clock chimes brought them both out of their work. Harry quietly began cleaning up.
"Thank you again, Professor." Snape nodded.
"No hexing your housemates." Snape told him. Harry smiled and shook his head. "Good night." Harry left the dungeons and went up to his dormitory. There was almost no one in the common room, and those who stared at him as he came in were only second and third years. He went up to his dorm and got ready for bed.
"Harry, where were you mate?" Ron asked from his bed.
"No where." Harry answered, getting into bed. He pulled the curtains shut and cast a few charms around him to keep everyone out. He didn't want to talk to any of the spies that surrounded him in the house.
Snape sat in his quarters, a glass of wine at his arm and a thoughtful look on his face. The DADA professor was incompetent, and while Voldemort was no longer a danger as long as Tom kept his hold on the mind, Snape couldn't help but feel that the school was failing the students somehow. They needed to know how to fight. And the proper charms and spells should they be threaten and not hesitate to use them. He glared at the fireplace. Perhaps he should? The little voice that he had banished in his supply closet came back and asked if he wanted to be surrounded by brats in the evening as well as everyday. "If it would help them." He told it, firmly shutting it up. He would approach Dumbledore about it later.
Reviews:
Elessar: Wait and see!
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Jeangab057: Thank you. Things are going to start picking up soon. Really soon.
SuzanneofDragonsBreath: Here you go! Fourteen pages. You so owe me an update on yours!
Ressgal: Thank you. I was going for the whole snarky thing. Thank goodness I pulled it off. Thank you for saying my story is getting better. I still don't see the end quite yet. I have a long way to go.
Rise of Chaos: Snap in what way? He told them to sod off. Enough snapping? Too little? That was my snapping though.
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And to all my reviewers, I love you so much! Your reviews keep me going. ~Sylvia