Going Places
Harry shifted in the small space he was hidden in. He sighed and touched his forehead to the smooth wood of the closet door.
He was so not having a good time.
He'd spent the day exploring the castle. It was late afternoon now. He'd probably have to go to dinner in about an hour.
He had met Peeves.
Such a pain in the ass. Really. He was the reason Harry was hiding. Stupid ghosty thing.
It was unfair. Harry was the wizard, right? He could do magic, and he could…do magic.
And it wasn't like he had started it. He had been perfectly civil.
Peeves had been very, very rude.
Harry felt his anger rise up in him, and he took several deep breaths. Calm, calm, calm, calm. He really didn't want the door to explode in front of his face. One: it wasn't a good time--Harry knew from experience. Two: it would probably draw Peeves' attention.
He considered sitting down on the floor, but decided it was too littered with--brooms, was it? He leaned a little more into the door.
He would get Peeves back. He would get him back a lot.
Harry felt a malicious grin slide onto his face.
Ghosty thing was going to pay.
Now, he had one question he was going to try very hard to figure out.
How do you get back at someone who doesn't have a body?
* * * * *
Harry trudged on through the seemingly unending corridor. He was on his way to Severus' room. He figured that was where they were going to have dinner. If not, hopefully Severus would be there anyway. If he wasn't, Harry would continue on to the infirmary and then Dumbledore's office. He was sure that he could find some portraits that would be happy to give him directions. They were all being very helpful.
Harry had met quite a few of the paintings. While some were unsociable, most were very kind. Apparently Janice had already talked to them. Harry grinned. It had made things so much easier.
He had met some more ghost thingies too. They were much nicer than Peeves. The Grey Lady, in particular, was fun to talk to. She was very intelligent, and she had kept giving him tantalizing hints about the castle. Secret passages, hidden doors, stuff like that. Nothing concrete, though. He'd have to set aside some more exploration time once school started. Harry would also have to research her. She was the only ghost he'd met so far that wouldn't give him her name.
He grinned as he walked, and increased his pace, reveling in the feeling of healthy muscles and--
Bloody hell.
He scrambled backward as far as he could, eyes always intent on the-the thing in front of him. His back hit the wall, and he whimpered, falling the to the ground. Harry hugged his knees to his chest, closed his eyes.
Go away go away go away go away. I'm not here. I'm not here don't touch me. Don't--
"Well, what do we have here?"
The thing had a raspy sounding voice that somehow reminded Harry of an American movie Dudley had brought home from the video store one day. Star tours--or something like that. Harry stayed silent, trying to curl into as little a ball as he could manage.
"I had heard rumors that we had a visitor--however, by all accounts this visitor was a charming and fearless young man. That couldn't be you, could it?"
Nothing.
"Look at me, boy."
Harry jerked his head up, shivering violently. His eyes almost shut again, reflexively, trying to escape the horror in front of him. He blinked, examining the creature more closely.
It was a ghost.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing slightly. Ghosts couldn't hurt him. At least, not like real people could. They were more of a threat than portraits, but…still.
"That was a rather--violent reaction." The ghost floated closer to the still apprehensive boy. "Yes, I would have to say that it was quite the worst of any I have experienced since the day of my death."
"I'm…sorry?" Harry was uncertain of what he should say, totally thrown by the ghost's bloody appearance.
The boy's eyes widened as the ghost floated downward, crossed it's legs, and appeared to sit on the stone floor.
What was it doing?
"Hogwarts calls me the Bloody Baron, because of…this…" He gestured to himself.
"Oh. Well, I guess that makes sense?"
"It would," the ghost's eyes had lost their blankness and had begun to look mischievous, "if I were covered in blood."
"Aren't you?" That looked like blood to Harry.
The Bloody Baron leaned forward conspiratorially. "No."
Harry flinched, but couldn't quite contain his curiosity. "What is it?"
The ghost slumped backward suddenly, putting his weight on transparent elbows. "Paint."
"Paint," Harry repeated. Why would a ghost be covered in red paint?
"Why…I'm sorry, but, why would a ghost be covered in paint?"
"This paint is the reason I died." Harry was fast coming to the conclusion that the Bloody Baron was somewhat melodramatic.
"How did you--" Harry clapped a hand over his mouth. Bad. That was a total breach of etiquette. He wasn't supposed to--
"How refreshing. I haven't been asked how I died…for centuries."
--do that. Okay, maybe he was supposed to do that.
"I was a great prankster when I was in school. And, of course, I carried on pranking once I was a teacher. Now, one of the students was an overambitious young thing who wanted to break my record. No one had dared prank me for quite a while, so the bucket of red paint falling on my head was a total surprise. I was, in fact, so startled that I fell backward over the edge of one of the school's balconies."
"So…she--"
"Don't even think it, kid! Of course she didn't break my record. She was expelled, you know. Terrible thing." The ghost smirked evilly.
"I meant to ask if she killed you." Harry stifled a laugh.
"What? Oh. That. Well, yes--I fell off a balcony."
"Right." Harry thought that was a rather ridiculous way to die.
The Bloody Baron straightened. "I have to go, Peeves is causing trouble again." His tone was quite unlike the one he had used earlier.
"Okay. I have to go too." Wait, Peeves? "How did you know?"
"Know what?" The ghost was already floating away.
"About Peeves."
"The Professors are able to communicate with all the ghosts in the castle--at all times."
Harry opened his mouth to ask another question, and then shut it when the Bloody Baron floated through a wall. That had been a very strange conversation. He shook himself and started moving again.
Very strange.
* * * * *
Dinner was delicious. Better than breakfast and the quick lunch he'd grabbed when he came across the castle's kitchen, and certainly better than the little bit of food Pomfrey had made him eat the night before even though he had told her--more than once--that he had already eaten. He really didn't like Pomfrey.
He was not looking forward to his last 'quick' checkup before he and Severus left. He wanted to go now, damnit. And, yes, he was aware that he was whining. Too bloody bad.
He could whine if he wanted to. Who was going to stop him?
Why should he go to that checkup anyway? He didn't need it. And no one here, in the castle, was the boss of him.
Right. He wouldn't go. He was rebelling. Being rebellious. Pomfrey could go to hell. Pomfrey could kiss his--
"Would you like me to escort you down to the Infirmary?"
"Um, yes. That would be good. Thank you." Harry got out of the chair. Oh yeah, he was a rebel.
He pouted as he followed Severus through the hallway. He tried his best to memorize the paths they were taking. He didn't really have much luck. The most confusing things were the staircases. They kept moving. He'd get a feel for where he was and where he was going, he'd recognize a place he'd been before--and then the stupid moving staircases would throw everything out of whack.
And, also, the sheer amount of staircases and space was just…staggering. He panted slightly as he moved after Severus as the Professor went up again. Hadn't these people ever heard of elevators? If not, they were gonna be hearing about them. Soon.
Harry hopped onto one of the white beds in the Infirmary and flopped backwards. He didn't close his eyes.
Pomfrey was here. The boy's gaze tracked her from his corner of the room. He had picked the bed he was laying in for it's position. Hopefully, nothing would be able to sneak up on him. Still, not being able to see what Pomfrey was doing was annoying--the medical supplies were on the opposite end of the room.
"Now Harry, I just need to do a quick spell and then we're all done here. Oh--and drink this."
He made a face at the potion before drinking it down. Yicky.
Harry held still as Pomfrey did her spell.
"Well, look at that. You're more recovered than I thought you would be. Almost completely healed, in fact. Still, I want you to eat good meals, and go to sleep at a decent time every night. If you have any problems--any at all--just come visit me here, and I'll fix you right up."
"Thanks, Madame Pomfrey. That means a lot." He smiled his gratitude. Severus rolled his eyes.
Pomfrey seemed to get flustered. "It's nothing, child. No more than any person would do."
Maybe Pomfrey wasn't that bad. Maybe.
He exited the room, allowing Severus to lead him to the Headmaster's office.
"Harry, my boy, it is wonderful to see you again so soon. You look much better."
The silence stretched. Was he supposed to say something?
Oh. "Thank you, Professor. I'm feeling much better."
The Headmaster smiled kindly. "Now, to get down to business, are you absolutely sure you want to stay with Severus? You don't know him all that well. Most children your age would be horrified at the idea. You can reconsider. The Weasley family is still a viable option."
"No." Harry struggled to regain his composure. "I mean, thank you, but no. I want to stay with Severus."
"Of course, of course. No need to get upset. Would you like a lemon drop? I don't believe you tried them the last time you were here." He held out another bowl filled with candy. "Or perhaps a few of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans? You have to watch out for those, though. When they say every flavor, they mean every flavor. I believe I got a vomit-flavored candy once."
Harry swallowed. Vomit flavored? "Um, no, that's okay."
"Oh, well, it's your choice. Anyway, Severus--you do know that if you don't want young Mr. Potter staying with you we could indeed find other arrangements for him."
"I've no doubt you could." The Professor's reply was rather abrupt. Harry turned around to look at him, surprised. "Harry is quite the popular child. However, I have no objections to Harry staying in my home."
"Yes, yes, that's all very well and good. Alright then, Harry, have a good time with Professor Snape this summer, and do try not to make too much trouble. Remember, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always here. Same goes for you, Severus."
"Thank you, Albus."
Harry merely nodded.
"Harry, I'll try to have the situation with the Dursleys resolved by the time you get back to school."
Harry froze. "The situation with the Dursleys? I thought we worked that out. There is no situation. I'm not going back to them ever again. I'm staying with Severus now, remember?" His voice was verging on hysterical.
Severus' voice was reassuring. "I believe Professor Dumbledore was referring to some kind of punishment for the way they've treated you." He moved in front of Harry and knelt down. "No one is going to take you away from me unless you want to go. Alright?"
Harry took a deep breath, somewhat calmed by the Professor's soothing reply. "Alright. I'd…I'd like to go now, please."
Snape nodded. "Fine. The portkey is on that shelf. The object on the right. Simply take hold of it and say Snape Manor--Uncle."
"Okay. Snape Manor uncle." There was a pause, and Harry heard a stifled snort from Severus' direction. He resisted the urge to stomp his foot.
"Your other right, Harry."
Harry blushed. "Right. I can never…get that. I'm going now. Snape Manor Uncle."
End Chapter 17
This chapter kinda felt awkward to write. I realized at about the fifth page that maybe it would have been better not to write it at all and just start out at Snape Manor. But by then…well, I wasn't about to abandon five pages. So…right. Not really happy with this. Also, did Harry seem whiny? I thought he seemed whiny. Help me out here, guys.
I had thought of making Harry friends with Peeves, but Peeves is such an annoying, aggressive, unfriendly little thing, and Harry's not really equipped to deal with that right now. So, Harry doesn't like him. And Peeves doesn't really care about Harry. He's just another student. At least, for now he is. After a whole summer with Sev's library…well, lets just say that Peeves is gonna get his.
Okay, that's not really how the Bloody Baron died. That's not even how the Bloody Baron died in this story. That was just a really frightening looking ghost feeding a scared and abused young student crap in order to make him feel more comfortable. In this fic, the Bloody Baron doesn't like many people. But, when he likes you--he likes you. Mostly, he likes people whose pasts remind him of his own. So he likes Harry. And (this should tell you a bit about our favorite professor) he likes Sev.
The Snape Manor--Uncle thing. That's not the name. The name is Snape Manor. 'Uncle' is the password Sev uses. He's gonna change that now that Harry's there. Btw, there's a reason the password is uncle that I might or might not explain to you. I haven't decided yet. Also, the left-right thing? That actually happens to me. It sucks. :)
To everyone who reviewed--thank you. It means so much to me that you would take time out of your reading to do that.
To: Lleu-lol. Nice ramble. And yeah, revenge is fun…or at least grudge-holding. I'm a master grudge-holder. :) / Yeah, Harry's gonna stay with Sev. Sev doesn't care what he does to the paintings and ghosts as long as he isn't bothering him. And I have no idea what Harry's gonna do to Peeves. Have to work on that. / Hope you like this chapter.
To: Baby Sphinx-I know, don'tcha just love him! / Thanks. / Hope this one's as good as the last one.
To: athenakitty-The Dursley's are already regretting it. They lost Dudley. They're frantic right now. Hold on, I take that back. They probably don't regret their treatment of Harry. They're blaming everything on him. It's no different than all the other times they've blamed everything on him, except that, y'know--they're right, this time. / I'm not sure about the wandless training yet. My original plot outline has pretty much been blown out the window by now, and I've gotten to the point where I'm making things up as I go along. But, really, there's not much anyone can teach him. Even the most powerful wizards (*cough*Dumbledore*cough*) can only do the littlest amount of wandless magic. He might get a little training, but most of it is gonna come from himself and his books. / Yeah, Snape is gonna bring him to Diagon Ally.It's gonna be a lot of fun. I've been looking forward to it for a while now, actually. *g* / I think that Harry's gonna get an owl. I've been debating the snake idea, but I think it's a little too used. What do you think? / Of course Harry is gonna go to Ollivanders! *mock scowls* It would totally disrupt the plotline if Harry didn't have a visit with the creepy old guy who likes to hold sticks. And, y'know, I'm scaring myself with my silliness. Sorry. *goes and hides under a table* :)
To: Ms. Padfoot-Thanks. / Cool term. / I absolutely devoured OotP. Loved it. Thought that Harry was a little whiny and there was a huge change in his characterization from the last four books, but, still--loved it. You?
To: Skysong-Thanks. *g* / No, Hermione's gonna stay mostly the same. And, actually, I'm not sure if I'm going to include Ron at all. But, hmm…that's definitely a good point. Have to take that into consideration…
To: Rachel A. Prongs-Thank you. / I'm a bit worried about how my Draco characterization's gonna be, actually. Kinda glad I haven't got there yet. I'm just realizing the challenge of making him likable without being OOC. *wipes sweat of forehead* It's not gonna be a fun time. / And he is annoying in the books. I think, the only reason I liked him--before I started reading fanfic, of course--was that he couldn't be as one-dimensional as JKR writes him. Same with Sev. There's gotta be a reason for their behavior.
To: Mikee-Thanks, I was afraid that the emotional stuff would be confusing. / I'm not sure that Harry will read all his books at Severus' house, but there's a good chance of it. And, yeah, there could be some interesting questions (Severus, what's this love potion supposed to do?). I still remember my parent's reaction to some of the questions I asked. *shudders* I'm gonna watch my kid's books carefully, that all I'm saying. :) / Harry will be interested in Potions. I'm not sure if he'll be more interested in Potions than his other subjects--I'll have to go back to the book and see what his first reaction to the subject
was--but it's likely, seeing as how he'll be living with a Potions Master. Harry likes all knowledge. It's an escape, for him.
To: fyre-Thanks. / I want Sev and Harry to be as close to f/s as they can get. However, I can't really see them being exactly f/s-ish, because Harry is that mature and independent. He doesn't need a father, although he would really really like one, and he wouldn't be able to accept one either. He won't allow himself to give up that much control. But, Harry's not that independent. He's still a child who wants love and acceptance and care. I won't say he needs it, because he doesn't. He just…wants it. / I'm glad that you think the trust thing wasn't that trivial. I was looking it over, and I wasn't sure that it would seem like that big a deal. / *g* I can just see Ron and Draco trying to persuade Harry that the other is 'evil' or 'beneath them'…kicking each other under the table while Harry isn't looking…oh, I could have fun with this! :) / This Harry's not going to be lazy at his school work (although I have been known to save six page papers for the night before they're due). He loves learning new things, plus he's an absolute suck up who wants to get the best grades possible. Reading (and writing) is his escape from life.
To: Nabiki-Thanks, that's a huge compliment. It'll probably only be true until you read some of the better stuff here at fanfic.net, but--well, I can enjoy it for now, can't I? :)
To: Xirleb70-Okay, the major issue I found you object to is that I spend so much time answering reviews. Thing is, I don't ration my writing time. I don't say, 'okay, I've got five hours to write the chapter and the reviews, I'll have to end the chapter before too much time goes by.' I end a chapter when I feel the chapter should end. And then I write the review responses. And then usually I don't start the next chapter until the next day. So, no time gets taken away from the actual chapter writing. I'm flattered that you want longer chapters, but I just don't have time to write them. For your number two thing? When you say 'repetitive through story,' do you mean that the actual writing is repetitive, or that the chapters are consistently too short? 'Cause if it's the former, that's something I want to know. I want this fic to be the best I can make it. Any suggestions are helpful and appreciated. Also, I have a selfish motivation for my review responses. I love my reviewers. And I know I like it when an author replies to something I've said. So, hopefully, I get more people this way. *blushes* I know, that's a horrible reason. But, really, I'm grateful that people take the time to say something about this fic, even if it's just 'good. continue.' I want them (and you) to know that. So, these replies are my little personal "thank you's."
To: shadow (shadow4284)-Thanks. I was actually hoping that line didn't seem out of character, but I thought it sorta fit with Harry and Sev's bantering relationship. / That potions book thing is…actually a good idea I hadn't thought of. *blinks* Permission is good. / And, oh! Addiction! That's so--great! *beams*
To: MJ-you're in luck, I have decided on nice!Dumbledore. *g* And, Snape not exactly dragging Harry around. Harry's injuries are there. I may have forgotten them for a chapter or two, but…:) / Hmm…Albus doesn't really think of Harry as anything but a nice little boy who's been abused by his former guardians, has taken a weird liking to Severus (who, in Albus' eyes, is not good with children), and is going to end up in Gryffindor once September rolls around. Yep, right now, Dumbledore's pretty much clueless. / Yeah, shopping's definitely gonna happen. I've been looking forward to it for a while. / I'm probably gonna need some help on the Draco thing. I'm gonna be relying on--well, pretty much you and the other reviewers to tell me if he gets too OOC or if you hate him or something like that. Kay? :)
To: Wolf Lupin-lol. Be my guest. I'm surprised no one's come up with it before. :)
To: Zekkers-Thanks. I'm glad you think he's not too OOC.
To: legion-Thanks. / Cool. I'll add that to the votes. One more for Hermione friendship. :)
To: Temporary Insanity-lol. Good point. But, I've heard reasoning that Dumbly knew Harry was abused and didn't stop it because he wanted Harry to be dependent on him and the wizarding world for acceptance. Y'know?
To: Me-Thanks. Compliments good. *g*
To: Sela-Thanks. Characterization is something I'm really insecure about. It's always reassuring to get positive feedback.
To: Anja-Thank you. I think Harry and Sev's relationship will be mostly a father/son thing, but there definitely will be some teacher/student stuff. If you mean 'bond' like some kind of magical thing…I don't think so. / Yeah, Harry is gonna be good at Potions. Harry's good at everything. He's a genius. *g* However, I don't think he's gonna be Snape's apprentice. I mean, he's a little young, don'tcha think? / Mostly, it's gonna be HP&tSS, except Harry's gonna be in Slytherin. His personality, reactions to events, and friends will be different, but the same general events will be happening.
To: ChennaiChica-Thanks. Hearing that always gives me this warm fuzzy glowy feeling. *happy sigh*
To: Lauren (ElvinRockyHorror)-lol. Thanks. I'm glad you liked the Dursley revenge. I was a little worried about what the reactions to that were going to be. / Well, I guess Hermione wouldn't be Hermione without her know-it-all attitude…*g* / Spike isn't dead anyway. He's on the castlist for 'Angel' next season (thank god). / I know my cursing is really American. I can't help it. That's just what I feel comfy with. *sigh* / Ideas are always welcome. You have no idea how much inspiration I've gotten from my reviewers. / Hmmm, I dunno. I don't think Hermione has the right mindset to be a Slytherin. She really values bravery and honor and what was up with that troll thing? She decided to take it on herself? Why did she say that? If she had just told the truth no one would have gotten in trouble. :)
To: skysong-I don't want him to seem that Tom Riddle-ish. I want him to seem Harry-ish. My Harry is manipulative and studious because of the circumstances he was in, and yes, he's going to be doing things with the Dark Arts, but he doesn't like to cause people pain. / Okay, I've gotten this a lot from people lately, but Harry doesn't hate Dumbledore. He doesn't know Dumbledore, and he really doesn't want to know Dumbledore. He doesn't trust him and is irritated by him. Dumbly treats him like any other eleven-year-old child and Harry…isn't. What other children might see as kind or comforting, Harry sees as condescending and annoying. He resents Dumbly for (in his mind) trying to take him away from Severus. He doesn't know quite what to make of his crazy, care-for-a-lemon-drop attitude. By the end of the year, they will get along better. I think so, at least. / Yeah, Harry's gonna have all the adventures. He's just gonna do things a little bit differently, that's all. :)
To: Tanya Dinocrisis01, Mella deRanged, KittyKat589, and I)ark/-)ngel-Thanks, I'm glad you guys like the fic.
To: john-Thanks, me neither. Yes, Harry's gonna be in Slytherin. I'm thinkin' my favorite reaction's gonna be Dumbly's. *giggles* Should be fun!