A few days after Harry had first begun exploring the opportunity for friendship with Snape, he found himself inexplicably delighted to see the man walking down the corridor ahead of him. It was another chance to test their accord, and with this unexpected opportunity Harry found himself bursting at the seams to speak with the man, forget privacy. He pushed past a group of Third Years and fell into step beside the Potions Master.

"Go on," Harry said, grinning as Snape smirked down at him. "Ask me how my day is going."

Snape's eyebrow rose, but he did not ask about Harry's day. "A public conversation?" The man hailed. "How scandalous, Mister Potter."

Harry chuckled. "You started it," He pointed out. "Now go on, ask me. I'm dying to tell you."

Obsidian eyes rolled with feigned exasperation. "How is your day?"

"She said yes!" Harry crowed, barely letting the last word die on thin lips. Snape smirked. "She said I can start apprenticing this term. She'll teach me how to organize the stacks, and the spells she uses to shelve the books! And if I prove my worth, she'll even let me help her maintain the Restricted Section after Christmas. I won't be allowed to hang around in there, obviously, and I'll still need permission to read or borrow anything therein, but there's trust! And if I pass my apprenticeship, she'll put my employment as her assistant before the Board at the end of term!"

"Congratulations, Mister Potter," Snape replied. "I'm glad you've found your niche. I find I must repeat myself."

Harry's brow furrowed, even as his smile remained.

"Your parents would be proud," Snape murmured, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder and ignoring the flinch this caused. "Was that the only reason you sought me out?"

Harry blushed. "Well, I wouldn't call it seeking you out; I just saw you and realized I didn't want to wait until tomorrow to share the good news with you. Besides, it looks better for our relationship if we start spending time together outside of your rooms, and everyone else is avoiding me like the plague because of what day it is."

Snape smirked. "On that subject," He said lightly. "I have business in Hogsmeade this afternoon, before the Feast. Perhaps you would like to accompany me?"

Harry grinned excitedly, then frowned with uncertainty. "Is that allowed?"

Snape's smirk returned with a hint of malice. "With permission from your Head of House."

"That's going to be an interesting conversation," Harry groaned apprehensively.

An eyebrow quirked above the mischievous smile. "Of that I have no doubt. Meet me at the gates, should you rally the courage to ask."

Harry gaped at the sly look in those obsidian pools. "So, you already know what she's going to say?"

"Of course."

"But you're going to make me ask, anyway."

Snape smirked and continued walking. Harry stopped and grinned, ignoring his blush. He turned towards the Grand Staircase, where he was sure to find McGonagall in her Fifth Floor office.

-Break-

Harry met Snape at the gates of the school an hour later, excited to be going to Hogsmeade without the school crowds, and even more excited to be accompanying the man on unknown errands. The longer they kept the charade going, the more Harry found he enjoyed time with the Potions Master. They had so much in common, as surprising as that was, and he learned something new every day he spent in Snape's company. It was the sort of friendship he'd always seen between Sirius and Remus, but not the sort he'd ever shared himself. It felt like a betrayal, to think such a thing when Ron and Hermione had survived so many adventures with him, but he couldn't help how he felt. It was like comparing apples and oranges.

As they reached the edge of the village, Harry decided to address the growing tension between them regarding their relationship.

"I think we should keep this going," He said boldly.

Snape glanced at him with a smirk.

"I know that might seem like a stupid idea," Harry agreed. "But hear me out. The threats on my life, and yours, would only get worse if we ended things. I have no romantic prospects, and I'm not really interested in finding any, at least not within the school. It's not that I don't want a relationship, it's just that I haven't found anyone worth forming one with. And with Gin being so obnoxious, starting a real relationship with a girl could put whoever that is at risk for retaliation. I mean, obviously if you have your eye on some lucky lady, I'll gladly step aside and figure out another way of protecting you, but… I just think keeping this going, at least until the end of term, is better for both of us."

"I actually hold no interest in the fairer sex," Snape replied casually.

"Oh," Harry said, frowning. "That explains a lot. Still, the offer stands. If you'd rather end things and seek out companionship with, you know, a real person, I'd totally understand, but I really think what we have is better for everyone involved."

Snape gave a slight nod. "I find myself in agreement," He said softly. "I had rather not spend the next several months looking over my shoulder, and it would give me peace of mind to know that you're under my protection, and I under yours. As to romantic prospects, I haven't any. Unsurprisingly, my past has made it difficult to form lasting connections. Aside from the occasional date, I don't think I've been in a relationship since before you came to Hogwarts."

"Well, that's just stupid," Harry said, scowling. "You're a catch. You're interesting, you've got a great sense of humor, you're not bad to look at. Your past shouldn't define you."

Snape shrugged. "It is not something that has ever bothered me. Even when prospects have looked past my dark history, I've found it difficult to connect with them."

Harry scowled down at his feet as they walked. That was just… unfair. He hadn't lied, he really believed Snape was an amazing person. They were still testing the waters of friendship, but Harry found himself really angry at the faceless men who had rejected the Potions Master. Everyone made mistakes, and stupid choices were just a part of life. The man had been his age when he'd sworn his life to Voldemort, and, despite his own experience, Harry knew from watching his other friends that even intelligence didn't preclude stupid decisions. However, just like Snape, his own mistakes always had far-reaching consequences. But if the world could forgive him at every turn, he didn't see why they couldn't for the former Death Eater. And the man had made up for it all at great personal risk by turning to Dumbledore.

"Can I ask you something?" Harry wondered aloud. "I mean, without you getting angry. You're welcome to not answer if I'm prying where you'd rather I didn't. But Remus told me something about you and my mum, and I've been wondering about it ever since."

Snape clasped his hands behind his back. "Yes, I joined the Death Eaters after your mother ended our friendship." The man said, answering the question weighing on the Gryffindor's mind with what might have been indifference. Harry was stunned and wondered again about mind-reading. Snape continued. "She was the only woman I have ever loved, and a broken heart is not something easily overcome. It is not uncommon, for those in their youth, to form strong attachments to close friends. As she was the only friend I had ever had, prior to our Fifth Year, it was almost preordained that I fall for her."

Harry felt a slight pain in his chest. It hadn't ever occurred to him that Snape had loved his mum, he'd only meant to ask what had led the man to joining the Dark Lord. Now that he knew, his heart felt suddenly sick. He couldn't imagine falling in love and never being able to tell them. His mum had died believing her best friend had betrayed her. Snape could never take back whatever harsh words they'd parted with. Harry didn't know what he'd do if he lost Hermione because of a few angry words, and he didn't love Hermione anything like the way Snape felt for his mum. Harry drew a sharp breath. "Okay… do… do you-?"

"I do." Snape answered softly. "I imagine I will go to my grave carrying a torch for Lily. However, that does not prevent me becoming attracted to someone else, or, Deity-willing, falling in love again. It's merely a matter of perception."

"Do you want to fall in love again?" Harry asked carefully, unsure at the nervousness he felt.

"I do," Snape said again.

Harry swallowed thickly, curious as to what had caused the lump in his throat. He wished he could do something for the man, take away his pain. It was impossible, though. Overtaken by his own sadness, and still pondering the odd feeling of remorse that had taken up residence in his chest, the Boy Who Lived decided it was best to change the subject. It was just too confusing, and he had no idea where to start to begin sorting out the different, warring emotions going on inside of him. He wished he hadn't started this line of query and couldn't fathom what had prompted him to ask in the first place. The only feeling he knew for sure he felt was angry confusion at the unfairness of the older wizard's life.

As they continued down the street, Harry almost wished Voldemort would launch an attack, just to break the tension. It was a Halloween tradition that Harry loathed but would suddenly have welcomed. He glanced at Snape, but the man seemed unperturbed by the direction of their conversation.

"You're being awfully talkative," He said, a little suspicious.

The Potions Master shrugged. "You are quite easy to talk to," He excused nonchalantly. "I find myself jealous of your friends. It's rare to find someone as open and honest as you are."

"Thank you…But… we're friends, aren't we?" Harry asked uncertainly. He suddenly felt foolish for the presumption that he and Snape were anything more than one another's alibi.

"I do believe we are," The man replied gently, causing Harry to sigh with relief. "Mister Potter… I-"

A sudden clash and clatter of metal down an alley they were passing interrupted whatever the man had intended to say. In the blink of an eye, Harry found himself pressed up against the wall of a shop, Snape forming a body shield around him. Harry gaped at the man as a stray cat came sauntering from the alley.

"N-no one's ever done that before," Harry breathed with disbelief.

Snape looked deep into his eyes before drawing back. He smirked. "There are many who would give their life for yours, Mister Potter. I am merely one of them."

Harry scoffed. "You're so full of it."

Snape smirked, holding out his hand. "If you like."

The Gryffindor took the pale hand in his and they began to walk down the road once more.