Disclaimer: I own nothing, except the plot. Even the other name is borrowed. I just like to play with them for my own amusement.

A/N: Thanks to my betas, Jestana and Silvana. It helps to raise writers who know what you're doing (or not doing).

Chapter Eight: Getting to Know You

The next couple of weeks, Dorian spent teaching, getting to know the students, brewing potions with Severus, and trying to keep from hexing both Severus and Harry.

Looking at Severus from the outside, he was the insufferable git the students called him. He was sarcastic, biased, unsociable, and obnoxious. Dorian had not really realized how bad he had been. His efforts to try and get Severus to see Harry and his friends in a less prejudiced way had met with no success. He had a total blind spot in that regards, and saw no reason to change at this point.

Harry was not overtly angry at everyone the way he was in fifth year, but he was now morose and withdrawn. He was obviously still mourning and missing his godfather. He was also full of guilt over what happened. Unfortunately, he seemed unable to keep those feelings to himself. Just being around him was enough to dampen the spirits of the other sixth year students. Dorian had not remembered him as being quite this bad. However, he had avoided Harry as much as possible that year, until Dumbledore told him to start training Harry for the confrontation to come. By that time, Harry's attitude had started to change.

Dorian knew he had to get both of them to change their attitudes, but so far he had had no luck. Dorian was ready to just get the two of them into a room, knock their heads together, and then leave them alone to work out their differences. Failing that, he wanted Harry to at least stop moping around, and making everyone around him miserable.

Dorian went to Albus with his idea.

"I know that I need to start training Harry for the final battle. He will eventually need to work with Severus, to improve that relationship. However, if Harry's attitude doesn't change first, Severus will kick him out due to his attitude."

"I have noticed Harry's lack of enthusiasm for his normal activities. I am working on getting the ban lifted so he can play Quidditch again, but it is a slow process when you deal with the Ministry. If you think you can get through to him, you are welcome to train him as you see fit."

"Thank you Albus. I will send him a note asking him to meet me after class today."

"Very well. Good luck and I give you permission to use whatever tactics seem best."

Dorian got up from his chair, bowed to Albus, and left his office. As he rode the staircase down, he thought about what he wanted to do with Harry. A little talk would be necessary, but he couldn't do it immediately. He would have to wait for an opportune moment.

In the meantime, he could talk to Hermione. The idea sent a pleasurable feeling down his spine, which he stopped. He couldn't allow himself to get attached to this Hermione. It wouldn't be right.

Dorian sent Harry a note at lunch, asking Harry to come to his office when he finished classes that afternoon. Harry looked a little puzzled, but glanced up at him at the High Table, and nodded. Dorian nodded back, indicating he saw Harry's gesture.

When Harry showed up that afternoon, Dorian motioned him to sit in the front of the room. Rather than sit behind his desk, emphasizing his status as a teacher, he sat on the front of the desk, trying to establish a more casual atmosphere.

"Harry, Headmaster Dumbledore and I feel you need more training to prepare you to face Voldemort. I will start your training, and later Severus will be asked to help, and then continue next year if it is necessary."

"Why would Professor Snape need to do the training instead of you?" Harry was a little puzzled by the change in teachers.

"I am only here for the year. I have to go back to my family at the end of this year."

"Oh. Well, if you feel I need it, I guess I do. I'd like to have some confidence in my abilities when I face Voldemort."

"Okay. What I would like to do is assess you in what you know and understand about what you might face. Your defense skills are fairly impressive, and I know you are doing a good job teaching the DA. What I want to know is how your skills in charms and transfiguration are coming. You may need both of them before it is over."

"Okay. Tell me what you want me to do, and I'll give it my best."

The rest of the afternoon was spent in testing. At the end of the time, Dorian was even more impressed with Harry's level of skill. He had forgotten just how strong a wizard Harry was at this age. Harry's practical grasp of magic was amazing. He might not know why he could do things, but he knew how to do it.

"Very good, Harry. I'm impressed by what you can do. I see some areas I can help you with, but it is now almost dinnertime, so let's call it a day."

"I agree. I've actually enjoyed this session, and I can honestly say I'm hungry for the first time in several months. Thank you for your time." Harry excused himself, and left the classroom.

Dorian decided to stop by his rooms, and freshen up before he went to dinner. When he entered his rooms, he was shocked to see a note lying on the floor, as if it had been pushed under the door. He opened it, and read it with conflicting feelings.

'Dear Professor Grey,

I would like to meet with you after dinner this evening, if it is convenient for you. There is a matter I need to speak to you about.

Sincerely, Hermione Granger'

What did Hermione want to talk to him about?