Harry Potter's world rang with laughter again, as the new term started. Snowballs and snowforts were all the rage.
Harry'd never played in a snowball fight before, and the sheer exhuberance of making and then throwing the snowballs far made up for practically never hitting anyone. Anyone older than third year had a shield, after all. The Twins, Ron, Hermione- even Neville were outside throwing snowballs.
When a passel of Slytherins traipsed by, they were roped in too...
Even Pomona Sprout, fresh out of the steamy greenhouse, fell victim to a snowball to the back of her head.
It was light, and laughter, and Harry for a bit forgot that someone was out to kill him.
He'd made a pyramid of snowballs, and had stood behind a snow wall, throwing them as Hermione called out the shots. Gleefully, he made exploding bomb noises, not caring that no one would understand.
Hermione grabbed the second to last snowball, and threw it hard. His hand on the last snowball, Harry popped his head up over the wall, feeling a little like a prarie dog. Harry saw a very familiar outline, with inky black hair turning around, snow still dripping from his head. It was Snape.
Harry ducked under the wall, hoping he was quick enough to hide.
He wasn't.
"Potter," Snape said coldly. "Detention. And you're lucky it's that. Assaulting professors will not be tolerated."
"But, sir!" Hermione said.
"Shut up, Hermione," Harry said, trying for gallant, though with his voice so dry, he wasn't sure it actually worked. "I was the one who threw it, I don't care if you made it or not."
Snape nodded gravely, and said, "Tomorrow. Bring your Potions assignment, assuming you've completed it."
Harry's brow creased, as he watched Snape stride away. "He's never asked for something like that..."
"Maybe he wants to help you?" Hermione asked.
"Fat chance," Harry said, as Ron Weasley bounded over, out of the other snow-walled fort.
"You hit Snape!" Ron bounced, a wide grin on his face.
Harry growled at him, "It's not funny. I've got detention..." Harry knew he was pouring it on a little thick, but luckily enough Ron never seemed to mind.
[a/n: Just reminding you I'm still alive. Reviews, as always, get you more story.]