I hope you all like this chapter. I also want to thank all of you for reading and like the first two chapters and to those who reviewed, favorited and followed. Oh and a quick apology for not breaking the words in Hargrid's dialogue.

'Text' = Mentally talking
"Text" = Regular dialogue

Happy Reading and Enjoy!

Over the next two weeks Severus trained Harry. In between the training Harry read every book from year two to seven. If he wanted he would never have to attend Hogwarts. Severus knew the potion played a big part, but the boy's eagerness to learn everything also played a part.

He had taken Harry back to Diagon after the first week. They went to the bank and learned a lot. Dumbledore had illegally made himself Harry's magical guardian. According to his parents' will Remus Lupin was the guardian. They had the will reading. There was no mention of Dumbledore anywhere. Harry with Severus' help had Griphook change the locks to all his vaults.

Harry took the letters his parents left him. Severus told Harry that the vials with the bright light were memories. Two of them, according to the small parchments attached, were the memories of who the real secret keeper was. They needed to be sent to the Ministry. Severus told Harry to wait until after his first year.

Petunia had watched the two and knew she had no need to worry. Harry would be very well protected. But it didn't do anything to relieve the sadness she felt. She didn't want him to leave. Her nephew was more of a son then Dudley. She didn't care if that made her a terrible mother.

During his study time Severus told Harry everything about the Wizarding World that Ms. Figgs had left out. Including the important families. That made Harry remember about the first year he met in Diagon.

"Severus, is it safe to be friends with Draco Malfoy? I only ask because you mentioned that his father pressured you into joining Voldemort."

"Harry let me tell you about the Malfoys. They're a pureblood as I mentioned before. Purebloods, some of them, treat their children horribly. When Lucius was your and Draco's age, his father Abraxas start using a firm hand. He wanted Lucius to be better than everyone else. Failure wasn't an option in Abraxas' opinion."

"So you're saying that Lucius treats Draco the same way. Why?"

"Because it the only way he knows. Draco's mother is your godfather's cousin. Her family was the same way, but Narcissa is different even if she doesn't show it. Lucius made me Draco's godfather, but it was Narcissa who wanted me to make sure her son had a normal childhood when he's at school. So if you want to be friends with Draco then be his friend. Don't hate him because of who his father is."

"Okay, Severus. What about the Notts?"

"The same way. Although Nott Sr. is way worse than Lucius."

For the rest of that day Harry thought about everything. By the time he had to go to bed he made the final decision to be Draco's friend. He decided to show Draco the kindness that everyone deserved.

Two Weeks Prior

"Ah Hagrid. How did it go?" Albus Dumbledore asked when his gamekeeper came into the Great Hall for dinner. He knew the half giant just got back.

Hagrid had decided to lie and not tell the Headmaster about leaving Harry. "It went as planned. Got his school stuff."

"Good. Now I'll take the key back please."

Hagrid shifted in his seat. "Oh...um, that's going to be a problem. The goblin gave it to Harry. When I tried to get it back after we left Gringotts the key wasn't on him." He lied again.

"What do you mean wasn't on him. Where is that key, Hagrid?" Dumbledore asked in a tight voice. He was displeased.

"It wasn't on him. I had a friend try and Accio it out of his pocket but it wasn't in there. The only key Harry had on him was his house key."

Dumbledore thought about it and knew it wouldn't be a problem. He made a mental note to just go to Gringotts and get a new key.

"That's quite alright Hagrid. Thank you helping Harry get his stuff."

"It my pleasure Headmaster. Oh and here's the package you wanted." He handed over the small wrapped item.

Albus took it quickly and stuffed it in his robes. They needed to set things up as soon as possible. The rest of the staff were talking about the coming year. They were excited about getting new students.

Just before dinner was coming to an end McGonagall noticed that someone wasn't at dinner. To her that was strange because she had seen him earlier. She looked at Poppy, the medi-witch might know.

"Poppy, have you seen Severus?"

"I did earlier. He came to me just before lunch to drop off the year's batch of potions. Maybe he's in the dungeons and lost track of time."

"No he's not. I went down their a couple of hours ago to let him know that all my Mandrakes have been born and the Devil's Snare had fully matured. He wasn't down there and the portrait told me he had left but didn't say where." Pomona Sprout informed the two.

"That's strange. Where did he go?" McGonagall wondered aloud.

"Your guess is as good as mine, MInerva." Poppy replied.

Albus listened to the conversation but didn't care either way. Severus, to him, wasn't really important unless he had news about Voldemort. Those women mother the man too much, in his opinion and quite frankly he was disgusted with it but didn't dare voice it. In good time Severus would just be a memory, just like Potter.

The following weeks Albus Dumbledore was now going to find out where is potions teacher was. When the man didn't show up for the staff meeting or the Order meeting, Albus became furious. No one ignores his call and thinks to get away with it. Severus was going to answer all his questions.

The day before school was to start Severus said his goodbyes to Petunia and told Harry he'll see him at Hogwarts. To his surprise he didn't want to leave the boy for a second. During his stay he found himself drawn to him and oddly enough he didn't seem to mind.

Severus arrived back at the school just after lunch and was met by Dumbledore. He stifled a groan and opened the link between as a habit. In a flash he had two weeks worth of information. Albus was furious with Gringotts and with him. The old man was also planning to get Vetriaserum into his food and drink. He was pissed about that.

"Headmaster, what can I do for you?" He asked as soon as the man was standing in front of him.

"Severus where have you been?" Albus asked impatiently. The twinkling in his eyes was moving a little fast.

"I didn't know I needed your permission to go home." Severus responded in a tight voice to masked his annoyance.

"You don't but I called a staff and Order meeting. You didn't show up to either."

Severus fought the urge to roll his eyes. "That's because I had other meetings to attend to. I don't need to attend staff meetings because its the same every year before school starts. I don't need to attend an Order meeting because all you want to talk about is Potter and your unnecessary paranoia about the Dark Lord."

"You work for me, don't forget that. I can have you sent to Azkaban for the Mark you're wearing. When I call those meetings you show up and do whatever I tell you to. Do I make myself clear?"

Severus ignored the old man and walked away. The was no way in hell he was going to let that man continue to dictate his life. He smirked to himself as he remembered that he had more than enough evidence to send the insufferable old bastard to Azkaban or to receive the Kiss. For now though it was all blackmail material until Harry is old enough to use it.

Today was the day. Petunia woke him early and made him a big breakfast. An hour before the train leaves she drove him to the station. She hugged him tightly and cried. He hugged her just as tight and promised to write every day. They separated and he took Hedwig and his trunk to the platform.

He was thankful that Severus told him how to get there. Along the way he overhear a woman talk loudly about Muggles. He silently followed them and focused on the group. They were waiting for him to come to them. The mother was ordered to make sure he met them and the boy his age was told to be his friend and tell him that Slytherins were evil and Gryffindor was the house to be in.

Harry shook his head and went into the other entrance. As he made his way towards the train he spotted three people with pale blonde hair. He smiled and walked over.

"Draco."

Draco turned around and spotted his new friend. "Harry."

He stopped in front of them and looked at Draco's parents. Lucius was a stern looking man. Narcissa looked just as lovely as the day he seen her in the store. She had a soft smile on her face.

"Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, its a pleasure to meet you. I'm Harry Potter." Severus had told him to be honest with them right away. It will earn him Lucius' trust.

"Oh Harry, its nice to see you again." Narcissa smile turned more motherly.

"Yes, she's right. It is nice to meet you Mr. Potter. Tell me how do you know Draco?"

"I met him in Madame Malkin's, sir. He's the first person in our year that I've met."

"Very good. Now you two need to board the train. Draco be sure to write home to tell us how the sorting went."

"Yes, sir. Come on Harry we need to find a compartment."

"Have a good term boys." Narcissa hugged them both.

"We will, Mrs. Malfoy. Again it was nice to meet you and Mr. Malfoy."

He let Draco drag him into the train after. They manage to find an empty compartment. Severus was right, the Malfoys weren't as bad as people said.

"So Harry, what house do want to get into?"

"I don't know. They all sound great, but if I'm honest I'm hoping for Slytherin. I heard that Severus Snape was the head of house and that he teaches potions. I've read the book and found the subject to be fascinating." He twisted the truth a bit. Severus had told him not to tell Draco until after he had a talk with the boy.

"I know how you feel. I like potions too. Slytherin is a great house. My whole family was sorted into it. Also Professor Snape is my godfather and he's a really good guy."

"I can't wait to meet him. Do you think I have a chance of a getting into Slytherin? My parents and their friends, including my godfather, were in Gryffindor."

"It might be a tough decision but I think if you're determine about it you might get in."

Harry smiled. "Thanks Draco."

Draco just smiled in returned. Harry really likes him. The blonde didn't treat him the way the people in the Leaky Cauldron did. To Draco he was just Harry. The rest of their ride was filled with talk about the books they read for school and which subjects besides potions that they liked. Draco was leaning towards Defense and Transfiguration. Where Harry liked Defense and Charms. Each one decided to like Herbology by default because without it you can't make potions.

Halfway there Draco began to wonder why no one else had asked to come in. He found it strange but not strange enough because the sweets trolley did make an appearance. Also he was thankful because he liked having Harry to himself before they met anyone else. For a selfish reason he didn't want to share Harry with anyone.

Harry felt kinda bad for reading his friend's mind. It was the confusion and concern on Draco's face that had him listening. He smiled inwardly because he used a silence and notice-me-not charm in the compartment and made sure that people on the outside only saw a full compartment. He dropped the charms when hear the trolley lady coming close.

Draco's other thoughts about him made him smile as well. He didn't think the boy was being selfish. Harry himself didn't want to share Draco either. Although his feelings for Draco were brotherly and different from his feelings for Severus. He still couldn't figure that out.

There was an announcement telling them that they were almost there. Both boys changed into their robes and were finished when the train pulled in. They left together and met up with Hagrid who was yelling for the first years.

The boys shared a boat with two other people. A girl named Hannah and a boy named Dean. Draco and Harry didn't talk to either one after they all introduce themselves. As the view of the castle came in the boys talked about everything that was written in Hogwarts, A History.

The first years were met by a stern looking woman who made Lucius look like a teddy bear. They laughed when he told Draco that, it made the other first years to give them odd looks. Harry heard the red head ask another student if he had seen Harry Potter on the train. The other boy shook his head.

Soon they following the stern woman into the Great Hall. The rest of the school was looking at them. Harry caught Severus' eye and gave him a small smile and opened the link between them.

'I've never been so nervous before, Sev.'

'Don't worry Harry. You'll be fine. I promise.'

"Harry, the sorting is done by a hat." Draco commented in amusement.

Harry blinked and looked at his friend. "I can't say that I'm surprised."

"Abbott, Hannah." McGonagall called the first name.

A girl with brown hair slowly walked the platform and sat on the stool. McGonagall put the hat on her head.

"Hufflepuff!" It yelled.

The girl got down and joined her house. The names were called and the line got smaller.

"Granger, Hermione."

"Gryffindor!"

G, H, I, J, K, L were over quickly.

"Malfoy, Draco."

"Good luck, Dray."

Draco gave him a smirk and walked up with confidence. The hat barely touched his head.

"Slytherin!"

He watched Draco walked to the Slytherin table.

"Potter, Harry."

Taking a leaf from Draco's book. He walked up with confidence while ignoring the whispers around him. The hat was placed on his head and he heard it's voice.

'Ah, I was wondering when I would see you. I see you are already at full power. You'll do many great things and each house will help with that.'

'Please put me in Slytherin.'

'Slytherin will strive with the power and brains you have. Not mention your mate would love to see you in his house. It will make protecting you easier.'

'MATE!' Harry and Severus yelled at the same time. Harry remembered the link was still open.

'Yes, mate. He's closer than you think. Look into your core, your magic will tell you who it is. I must sort you now, Master Harry. Anytime you want to talk ask Salazar Slytherin to go to former Headmaster Black and have him inform me. I'll find you.'

'Alright.'

'Best of luck.'

"Slytherin!"

Harry didn't show any kind of emotion. He had felt the Headmaster trying to get into his head while he and the hat were talking. It was a good thing Severus had taught him both Legilimency and Occulmency. He took the hat off, handed it to McGonagall and walked to the Slytherin table and sat next to Draco. He smirked at the boy who returned it with his own.

He then turned and looked at Severus. The man despite looking confused by the hat's words gave him a quick wink and small nod. Severus looked at the Headmaster then back to Harry. He tapped his head.

'Congratulation Harry. Did he try it?'

'Thanks Sev. Yes he did, but couldn't get through.'

'Very good. Pull out for a bit watch this one.'

Harry did as he was told. And watched the redheaded boy who's name was Ron Weasley sit on the stool. The hat grabbed his head before yelling 'Gryffindor'. Harry watched him walk to the table and was congratulated by boys that looked like his family. He looked back at Severus, who rolled his eyes. Harry snuck a look at the Headmaster who gave him a displeased look. He ignored it.

"The Headmaster looked like he swallowed a lemon." Draco whispered to him.

Harry stifled a laugh and nodded. He watched the food arrive. Halfway through Severus was back inside his head.

'Harry, this driving me nuts. Would you please do as the hat suggested?'

He didn't lie it was killing him. Harry having a mate that could protect him better. If Severus was honest he was feeling a little jealous. He knew it was wrong. Harry was underage and a student. Still he had to know.

'Alright Sev.'

He wasn't able to hear Sev's thoughts after he asked him to look. Harry made sure all his walls were up and the link was just for him and Sev. He closed his eyes and focused on his core. It was a lot harder because he had to get past the power. He found something that didn't unlock with the potion, ignoring that he kept looking. Then he found it. A face appeared in his mind's eye. Harry, oddly enough, wasn't upset or disappointed. It answered the question that had been plaguing him for weeks. He opened his eyes.

'Sev, did you see that?'

'I did. Harry how do you feel about this?'

'Honestly I'm relieved. Sev for the past two weeks I've had a feeling towards you that I couldn't name. Now I have my answer. I know I'm only eleven but one day maybe we can. Please?'

'Harry, I've been having those feelings as well. You're right you are eleven but yes one day we can.'

'Thank you Sev. Now how will this extra protection work?'

'We can't use it until we bond or start the bonding process.'

'How do we do that?'

'Let me look into it. Come to my office after your last class tomorrow.'

'Alright.'

"Harry, this Marcus Flint, Theodore Nott, and Blaise Zanbini."

"Nice to meet you all."

They nodded. Soon he was listening to them talk about Quidditch. The conversation ended when everyone stood up to head to their dorms. Slytherins were in the dungeons.

After listening to Severus' speech to the first years, Harry followed Draco to the rooms. He and Draco were the only ones in the room. Before going to bed they wrote home and sent the owls off.

Severus left the Great Hall quickly. He was still reeling over the fact the he and Harry were magically compatible and the boy's magic saw him as a mate. This made him happier than he felt in years. It just wasn't fair that they found out so soon.

He finished his start of the year speech as quickly as he could. He mentally bid Harry good night and watch his mate follow his godson to their room. Severus turned quickly and went to his own quarters. He had research to do

When he looked at the clock Severus found that he was only going to get three short hours of sleep before everyone else wakes up. His research gave him a lot of good options. Now he just had to wait and discuss them with Harry. For now he was going to bed. Hiding everything with multiple charms and spells. He walked towards his room stripping out of his clothes and sliding between the cool sheets with nothing on.

"How dare that insolent brat go against my plans." Albus Dumbledore spoke to no one of importance as stormed into his office after the feast.

He had worked hard in his planning to get the Weasleys to make sure Harry met Ron at the platform. When the children walked in he immediately went into Ron's head and found that they didn't meet Harry. Ron had even searched the train and didn't see the boy. When Harry's name was called he tried to get into his head but couldn't get through. That pissed him off.

The other thing that grated on his nerves was that damn hat. He wasn't able to hear the conversation, like he normally could. What the hell is going on?

"Hat? Tell me why you put Potter in Slytherin?" He growled at the old thing.

"You know I can't do that, Headmaster."

"Tell me now." He demanded.

"I can't. Godric Gryffindor spelled me to be the students' confident when deciding which house suits them. I can't break that."

"Then you are going to re-sort Potter into Gryffindor."

"I can't do that either. Once a student is sorted into their house, the house's magic connects with their's and forms a bond. You know as well I do that you can't break bonds."

"Aaaaggghhh!" Dumbledore yelled in frustration. A few glass items around the office shattered.

The hat felt a little smug. This Headmaster wasn't going to get his way anymore. He wasn't the only one who was going to help Potter while the boy was at Hogwarts. The former Headmasters, the founders, several portraits, Severus Snape and Dumbledore's former familiar Fawkes. The bird no longer acknowledged the Headmaster as his owner, he was only in the office to receive orders to help Harry.

Dumbledore refuses to be thwarted. He was going to find a way to get that boy if its the last thing he does. Albus was going to make Harry Potter regret that he ever tried to cross him.