Authors Note: This story is based in Harry's sixth year and it is a SEVERUS centered story, though Harry and Order is involved, no slash, SSHG FRIENDSHIP and maybe a SSOC romance.

Author: Anutheal

Warnings: There will be scenes of graphic violence and child abuse so I'll give a warning a chapter ahead and if you are uncomfortable with this just send me an email and I will send you an edited version.

Summary: Harry and Co. have to take Occlumency and DADA lessons for there safety from Snape and the order no longer trusts Severus and find out about his very interesting history. SSHG Friendship. It starts out from Harry's point of view but eventually goes to Hermione's.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING, and if I did I would be RICH and FAMOUS. And since I am penniless and no one knows my name, you can guess I don't own these books. Though I do own the character Ashitaka Jodiki and I did make up the plot. Anyway, there would be no point to sue because all you would get is a ten year old smelly dog and if you're lucky the five dollars I left in my riding breeches. Reviews are welcome, flames are welcome too, and I'm sure Azkaban's still cold.

The Grace of a Demon

By: Anutheal

Chapter One: Arrival of a Spy

Harry's summer after his fifth term at Hogwarts had been pure hell. He knew what would be awaiting him at Hogwarts in two weeks and that would be almost nothing. Sure, he had his friends, but with Sirius dead because of his half-hearted attempt at Occlumency with Snape, and Dumbledore leaving him in the dark about Voldemort it was going to be even worse than the summer. Dumbledore told Hermione and Ron that they were not to tell him anything, even though they knew nothing themselves.

Harry had been writing his letters to Moody and Lupin, making sure to leave them impersonal and away from the topic of his mental health (he was sure he was insane now).

His dreams have also gotten no better. If anything they have gotten worse. He had tried to clear his mind every night before he slept but it didn't do much. Just the thought of Occlumency made him angry.

He was forced to take lessons with Snape, his least favorite professor. And Snape, if anything, loved to see him fail and that was probably the only reason he agreed to do the lessons.

Now sitting in a fir tree in the back yard of Number 4 Private Drive those thoughts ran around in his head. Dudley and Co. were out of sight Vernon and Petunia wanted nothing to do with him since the events of last summer.

Taking a deep breath and wishing himself luck he slid down the trunk of the tree and took off, praying that Dudley wouldn't appear and his uncle and aunt would let him be.

What he found in his room was a welcoming sight. It was a school owl, holding an unusually thick envelope. In the envelope he found his usually list of supplies but also was a letter from Professor Dumbledore it read:

Dear Mr. Potter,

Do to recent activities of Voldemort; it has come to my attention that the safety wards around your house are unstable. To correct this problem you will be picked up tomorrow and taken to Hogwarts, where Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger are waiting your arrival. Also, we, as in Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and I, think that it is for your safety and safety of the order that you begin Occlumency lessons again along with Defense against the Dark Arts. Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger will also be joining you in these lessons. Professor Snape has agreed to instruct you three. Be ready tomorrow at 11:00 sharp to be picked up by Professor Snape. Hope all is well.

Professor Dumbledore

Harry dropped the letter in order, then pinched himself repeatedly and reread the letter 100 times to make sure it was true. Starting lessons with Snape was the worst possible thing that could happen. After the incident last year he would try his hardest to make his life absolute torture. Luckily, Hermione and Ron were going to be joining him. Snape couldn't be too harsh with three of them.

4 full weeks of Snape…he would have to get used to the idea. Just then two owls flew in. Hermione's and Ron's he opened Ron's first.

Harry,

THIS IS GOING TO BE ABSOLUTE TORTURE! TORTURE, TORTURE, TORTURE! HOW CAN DUMBLEDORE POSSIBLE EXPECT US TO LEARN FROM SOMEONE WE DON"T EVEN TRUST! WE LOATH THAT STUPID GREASY GIT! I don't know if you heard, Dumbledore might not have given you all of the details but we have to stay in the Slytherin Dungeons, because it would be 'a more convenient arrangement.' I AM SO MAD! 'Mione is trying to convince me that its for the best, but I don't believe it one bloody bit. Anyway, hope all is well.

Ron

Harry couldn't help but nod his head in agreement and the little Pygmy Owl took off out the window. Snape WAS a death eater, for all he knew he still is one, playing both sides. He's a murderer and a bastard and it's HIS fault that Sirius is dead.

Dear Harry,

Look I know it may seem bad, but its not, if you don't take these lessons you will still have nightmares, and if you don't get the training you need you will never defeat Voldemort. As for the Slytherin Common Rooms, maybe that way we don't have to travel as much. Please, Harry, we are at least with you, don't go blow a gasket at Dumbledore for trying to protect you.

With Love,

Hermione

Harry took a deep breath, Hermione was partially right; if he did practice Occlumency like he was supposed to Sirius wouldn't be dead. Harry decided then and there to try his hardest even if the lessons were with Snape; he had to succeed this time.

TBC