Oh and again does anyone out there know what betaing means?
Chapter Three: Hellos and Thankful Goodbyes
"Damn you to hell, muggles," and that moment Severus really didn't care if Potter heard him. He couldn't even imagine how Potter managed to survive all summer with that….those….ignorant blundering fools.
"Uh….Professor…?" Harry said slightly out of breath. Severus, seeing this forced himself to slow his usual fast paced, determined walk, "Professor? How are we….exactly getting to Hogwarts?"
"Portkey, Potter," he hissed in response.
"Where is it?"
Severus sent Harry an icy glare, "do you really think it wise popping in and out of a muggle area?"
Harry bit his tongue, not wanting to get yelled at the first day of lessons, or fire up Snape's temper.
They walked in absolute silence until they reached an alley, behind some of the older houses, and after studying the area with trained eyes, looking for people, Severus pulled out an old piece of parchment, "on the count of three, Potter,"
Harry readied his hand, "one….two…..THREE!" Harry's hand touched the same time Severus' and his feet were lurched off the ground.
………
They landed in Dumbledore's office with a loud crash (the crash coming from Harry hitting the corner of Dumbledore's desk with his shoulder, leaving a nasty bruise.)
"Ah…it is good to see you have arrived in one piece," a cheery voice sounded as Harry staggered to his feet.
"Hello, Professor," Harry said taking the offered hand of Albus Dumbledore with gratitude.
"Hello, Harry, how have you been?" Dumbledore said looking straight into Harry's eyes searching for depression or an aftershock to Sirius's death.
"Just fine, Professor, thanks," Harry held the gaze for a few seconds longer.
"Headmaster," a silky purr interrupted, "may I take me leave?"
Harry noticed a slightly colder edge to his voice, different then when he spoke to the Dursleys and himself.
"Yes, you may Severus, thank you," Dumbledore said nodding his head.
Severus made no indication that he heard but stalked out of Dumbledore's office with a graceful silence, and with a look that just dared someone to try and stop him. Now that the cold presence had left the room, Harry became much more relaxed.
"Harry, have a seat," Dumbledore sat down while motioning to the chair in front of his desk, "lemon drop?"
After Harry made a polite refusal Dumbledore spoke again, "as you know Harry, Voldemort has been more active lately, you do know that correct?"
Harry nodded and then said, "Professor if this has something to do with Occlumency lessons, I….understand why I have to take the lessons, as much as I don't want to."
Dumbledore didn't seem surprised at this comment, "Well, Harry, for some reason that doesn't surprise me, you have definitely matured over the years. You do understand that you have to work as HARD as you can with this, Harry. I was hoping that if I let Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger take lessons with you, Ms. Granger may push you a little more," Dumbledore chuckled softly.
"I understand Professor," Harry said, "Are Ron and Hermione here already?"
"Yes, yes they are. I suspect they are waiting for you in the Great Hall, that is where I saw them last."
Dumbledore stood and just as Harry opened the door added, "Lessons begin with Professor Snape tomorrow morning at 10:00 am, I am sure he will inform of that when he takes you to the Slytherin Dormitories. Good day, Mr. Potter."
"Good day, Professor."
………
When Harry reached the Great Hall what seemed like music met his ears. Ron and Hermione were in one of their famous arguments.
"This is RIDUCULOUS Ron, how is a knight going to take out a queen? The queen is obviously stronger."
"Just give up, 'Mione, you lost, you're wrong for ONCE, just get over it."
"I am not going to get over it! This game is a cheap trick that is absolutely ridiculous."
Before Ron response could leave his mouth Hermione jumped off the table she was comfortably perching on, "Harry!" she squealed and ran to him throwing her arms around his neck.
"Hey there mate!" Ron said slapping him on the back, "good to see ya here in one piece!"
"Oh honestly, Ron, PROFESSOR Snape wouldn't lay a hand on a student." Hermione said releasing a blue Harry from her death grip and placing her hands on her hips.
"He doesn't need his hands, he just needs a wand and a few select words," Ron and Harry burst into sniggers of laughter.
"Well," she huffed, "I am actually looking forward to Professor Snape's lessons, after all he is one of the strongest wizards in the world next to Dumbledore and Voldemort. He is a great man to learn from."
Ron and Harry rolled their eyes, "so he's good at Potions, doesn't make him the greatest man in the world," Harry commented.
"Ron, did you EVEN listen to what Dumbledore said about learning from Professor Snape, he has a master's degree in DADA, Potions, Charms, Transfiguration and an EXPERT on COMC (Care of Magical Creatures), Astronomy and Ancient Runes."
Harry and Ron stared at her for a minute, "wow! He sounds like a bigger nerd then you." The two broke into more laughter and then started to practically cry when Hermione took in a big gulp of air as if to scream at them, then obviously changing her mind. She let the breath out turned on her heal and stalked out.
"WAIT, 'MIONE!" Ron screamed after her.
"WE WERE ONLY JOKING WITH YOU!" Harry added.
Hermione would here none of it she continued to stalk out doing a very good imitation of Professor Snape's usual walk until she disappeared around the corner.
"WAIT!" Ron and Harry took of after here. The skidded to a halt outside the Great Hall doors, searching for which direction Hermione went.
"BOO!"
Harry and Ron let out a scream and spun around, only to find Hermione rolling on the ground in hysterical laughter.
"'Mione, wait, we were only joking with you'" Hermione mocked as she stood.
Harry and Ron just stood glaring at her, until their lips trembled and they all broke out laughing.
………
From down the hall silver eyes illuminated in the shadow, watched the trio, with interest. Letting the brats run around the school like dogs….tsk tsk tsk, Dumbledore, I expected better of you……you never know who's watching….
TBC
