"Blimey Harry." Was all Ron said as they finally made it away from the Whomping Willow's totally harmless smacking logs and into the safety of Hogwarts.

Personally, Harry would have said harsher words than that, but he nodded in agreement. Now was not the time to argue when they had nearly died. Again. Second year in a row. Kind of seeing a pattern. But Harry rightfully kept that thought to himself.

"I think the feasts already started," Ron supplied hopefully, "Maybe they won't have noticed us gone. And Snape isn't at the table - he would have had it out for us for sure that bat."

The boys start a snickering fit that lasts for all of 5 seconds before being interrupted by a suspiciously dark cloak clearing its throat behind them.

"It seems," The purr was almost obvious in Snape's voice and it took all Harry had not to roll his eyes at Ron at their luck, "That I have found them. Minerva would you like to see your students?"

Harry winced at the thought of being dealt with by McGonagall and felt Ron shuffle awkwardly at his side, her stern gaze fell upon them both as she provided a rundown of what they had done.

"You were seen by no less 7 muggles. Riding an enchanted car. Is the train too good for you both?"

He heard Ron make to protest but was cut off by Snape sneering down at them.

"Potter has a habit of it, like his Father. Follow."

Ron made to go along too but Mcgonagall pulled him the opposite way. He shrugged in consolation before turning away and Harry was left with the sinking feeling that McGonagall would have been the better option.

"Sit Potter," Snape barked, slamming the newspaper with Harry's misdeeds down in a way that reminded Harry almost of home. Being in trouble was a familiar feeling, as was not being allowed to explain himself, but it didn't help the boy's temper one bit.

"Was it not enough being a pampered brat? Was this such a necessary spectacle that you insisted of nearly exposing the Wizarding World to Muggles? So much like your father - he was always better than the rules t-"

The barrier was closed!" Harry shouted, slamming his hands down. He regretted this action immediately as Snape brought his hateful gaze towards him. This was it, he thought miserably, he'd be sent home to the Dursleys and his wand snapped.

"No doubt Minerva's punishment will be lenient so I will write a letter myself. To your guardians. Let them know what their perfect prince has done. Your guardians names boy?"

Harry thought about lying and realised it would be no use. It was like Snape could read his previous thoughts. "Petunia and Vernon Dursley"

He set his chin and stared straight ahead. He hadn't cried since he was in the cupboard and he was not about to do it now. Who cares if one teacher didn't like him; it wasn't as if the Dursley's could come here themselves to take him home to Privet Drive. And if they did he'd stay with Ron. Ron was a great friend, he'd smuggle him into the Burrow if he had to.

But Snape had set his quill down and was staring strangely at Harry.

"Petunia Evans?" Was repeated in such a way that Harry almost didn't hear it, even with his trained hearing from all the years of Harry Hunting. It was a bewildering reaction and Harry had no idea who Evans was.

"I don't know who Evan is sir. My aunt's name is Petunia Dursley." He tried to say it politely, but couldn't quite grasp what was happening. Did Snape know his aunt? Who was Evan? He'd ask aloud but he knew asking questions was looked down upon, besides Snape wouldn't answer anyway. Strangely, he did.

"Evans was your Mother's last name." And Harry blinked at him. And blinked some more.

It made sense, he supposed, she was married after all. He had never really questioned "Lily Potter" because, well, it was correct and she was married. But Harry hadn't known him mother's maiden name and it made him want to curl into a ball. Which was stupid, he scolded himself, I didn't even know my mum.

"Oh" was all Harry said and it made him feel stupid as Snape's gaze watched him sharply, so he hurried to explain himself. "Well I was told she was just a drunk until a year ago, why was I meant to know her name?" It sounded petulant, even to his own ears, but it was justified. Snape was getting mad at him for something Petunia lied about! Was hardly his fault.

Snape's watchful stare hadn't left Harry and he fiddled uncomfortably. Adult attention was never normally good.

"Your mother was a woman." Harry snapped up to watch Snape and he swallowed equally uncomfortable as he corrected himself. "Your mother was a talented woman. She was masterful in charms and hexes and she died protecting you. The least you can do is show her some respect and not let her protection mean nothing." It wasn't said with as much maliciousness as Harry was expecting and he opened his mouth to pry more. No one spoke ever of his mother.

"Now get out"

Harry jumped to his feet, trunk in hand and peered worriedly as jars began cracking around them. He turned to Snape who was merely staring at the empty parchment with an unidentifiable expression and decided to leave him to it.

As Harry slammed the door behind him, he was left with the unmistakable feeling that something had gone wrong and it wasn't just his decision to not eat before hand.