A/N: Sorry for how late this is. I promise updates will come more quickly in December, but until exams are over and all that rot it might be slow going. I hope you all stick with me.

A/N2: I've started leaving often updated progress reports on my Bio Page. If you want to see the notes, visit my profile every once in a while.

A/N3: My story Broken Shards of Peace is running at Fiction Alley! Yay!

Games and Pranks

Harry settled into the couch as he got ready for his morning therapy session. Breakfast had been especially good and Harry was feeling a tad sleepy, which made him more open in return. Maybe Severus should give him a potion before each session, he mused.

"I understand that my relatives were uncomfortable and afraid of my magical abilities." He said thoughtfully. "I've even come to accept and understand the possible jealousy my aunt could have had. But I'm still me. I mean, I'm still a person who cared about them and what they thought, and I worked really hard to try and make them happy and their lives better. Surely they had to see that at some point. I'm just a kid. I was just a baby. Why… I just don't understand…"

"It's not that simple." Severus said gently as Harry turned his face into the arm of the couch and began to cry. "Even if they had the capability to see you as just a child in need, they would reject that concept violently because that would mean that everything they had done was wrong and horrible. They couldn't face that about themselves. They couldn't allow themselves to realize they are monsters."

"That's not fair…" Harry pulled himself upright and wiped his face with his sleeve. Severus was pleased to see an angry expression on his face for the first time. "I don't want them to hate me! I want to be accepted! Even by them!" The anger went out in a rush, leaving behind grief. "I don't want them to be able to hurt me anymore, but I can't stop wishing they love me and that none of this had happened. I'm mad they treated me so unfairly, but I still feel like… they're family. That I belong to them…. It's hard to leave it all behind."

"I know it is." Severus couldn't resist the pain in Harry's voice and went to sit by the boy, wrapping his arm around the teen's small shoulders. "But you don't belong to them, Harry. You have to keep telling yourself that. They were wrong about you. They are bad people. And I know it hurts to think that about your family, but it's the truth. You didn't deserve their malice. I want you to think about the good things you've done and about the people who care about you. Most importantly, I want you to know you belong to no one but yourself. Though you do owe the people around you, and who care about you, consideration."

Harry smiled weakly up at his teacher and leaned into his side. It was rare for Severus to offer physical comfort and he cherished every minute. "It helps to have you and Nev around all the time. It keeps me from dwelling and reminds me that it is true that people can care about me. That still kinda shocks me that someone would." He smiled sheepishly.

"That reminds me." Severus pulled away and went back to his chair. "You're empathy is very strong and you are hyper-aware of Longbottom's emotions. I've watch you dance carefully around him to make sure you do not upset him in anyway, even if that means acting more cheerful than you truly feel."

"Is that bad?"

"In a way." Severus leaned back and steepled his fingers in front of his mouth. "Longbottom believes he's really your friend, but he will soon come to doubt that if you keep all your true feelings and problems away from him. Friends confide in each other and share their burdens. I do know that your happiness does cheer him up, but be careful not to fall into the habit of pretending all the time."

"I understand." Harry said thoughtfully. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It isn't a problem yet and you are doing it because you care for him. I'm sure he will understand that." Severus brushed the apology away. "I'm more concerned about the empathy itself, actually. It's stronger than I have ever heard of before and I'm certain that you would be swamped if you were around a lot of people. We need to help you contain it, block it at will, otherwise you will not survive at Hogwarts."

"What should I do?" Harry asked, biting his lower lip.

"I will teach you Occlumency. This art has successfully kept my emotions from being sensed so it should also restrain your empathy from within."

"Now?"

"No." Severus smiled. "This time is for your therapy only. Instead, I will employ one of your two free hours after lunch."

Harry sighed, but agreed.

"Now tell me more about your cousin." Severus sat back and mentally braced himself not to react with anger to what he was about to hear.

xXxXxXx

Remus showed up just as they were sitting down to lunch. He told them a bit about the beach Sirius was staying at (though he wouldn't tell them exactly where) and what the two were doing. Severus remained silent, offering sneers of disgust every few minutes. The boys ignored him and laughed and talked with the Wolf. When the meal was over, Harry promised to meet Severus in the parlor in an hour to work on Occlumency and ran off with Neville and Remus. Severus shook his head and went to work on potions.

"I have something for you two." Remus smiled as he led the boys up to Harry's room. It had become the unofficial headquarters for their plotting.

"What? Did he have an answer to the miniature problem?" Harry asked excitedly. Even Neville was getting into the joke.

"He did." Remus laughed. "He also sent a few books and his notes on becoming Animagus."

"Really?" Neville looked interested.

"We'll do that later!" Harry insisted. "What do we do to become little Snapes?"

There was a pop and Omi appeared beside them. "I have the Polyjuice, young sirs. There is enough for both of you."

"Perfect timing, Omi!" Harry exclaimed and took the vials from the elf.

Omi did a little dance and grinned madly before disappearing. They all laughed at that and turned back to their plotting. Now all they had to do was master the charm Sirius had given them to become smaller and decide when to pull the prank. Remus helped as much as he could and all too soon Harry was rushing from the room, late for his lesson with Snape. Remus helped Neville clean up a bit and asked the teen if he'd like to go for a walk outside. Neville happily agreed and they talked softly as they made they're way outdoors.

xXxXxXx

Harry walked into the parlor to find Severus already there, standing by the fireplace and sipping from a short crystal glass. The amber liquid told Harry that it had to be alcoholic and he wondered why his teacher needed it. He had only ever seen the man drink when things were getting particularly difficult in their therapy sessions.

"Sit." Severus said and gestured to the couch.

Harry did as he was told and looked up expectantly at his teacher.

"Occlumency is a very difficult art." He began in a slow, melodious voice that always made Harry relax completely. "It is the reverse art to meditating, which I'm teaching to Longbottom. Mediating is the art of opening oneself up fully. Occlumency is the art of closing off your mind. When mediating, you absorb all outside stimulus and abandon your self-awareness. You capture a sense of becoming your surroundings until you expand and all cognitive thought patterns cease completely. Occlumency is forcing the awareness inside and focusing on one thing to the extent that it becomes a living wall between the world and your internal being. Understand, Harry?"

"Yes." He answered softly, lulled almost to sleep.

Severus settled silently onto the couch next to the teen, satisfied that Harry was as relaxed as he could be. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes." Harry answered easily.

"Then just relax." Severus said ever so softly as he caught those sleepy eyes with his own.

Slowly the colors and solidity of the room blurred and all that was left were those green orbs. Severus slid forward and past the feeble barriers of the teen's mind. Tranquil thoughts swirled lazily around him. Carefully, Severus searched for memories and found them easily. There was natural resistance, but nothing Severus couldn't overcome with deft maneuvering.

He looked around and saw a door off in the distance. He assumed that would lead to the other alters. Curious, he looked for memories that had to do with Harry's uncle and found very few. That meant that the memories and experiences of the alters were separate and couldn't be reached through Legimency unless the alter who experienced the situation in question were Out. The door he knew from Salazar would merely lead to the soul chamber and not the other alters' minds. That was good. Especially if Dumbledore tried to do this. Harry was protected in this way at least.

Getting back to business, he tugged carefully at Harry's awareness and pulled it back toward his own mind. The boy resisted even harder, but Severus soothed him by projecting reassurance and confidence. Within Severus' mind, Harry looked around, but very carefully didn't touch anything or read any of the memories sparkling and flashing by like fish in a stream.

Harry watched amazed as the stream swelled and became a river and then all he could see was ocean. There was nothing to tell him he was in the mind of a person. Just water; churning, rolling water. He shuddered and hoped he never had to see the waters stormy. He knew he'd be lost. He felt a firm, yet soft wave rise and push him out. Suddenly, he was back in the parlor. He blinked, disorientated, as he slowly gathered his senses. First to come back was color and then sound and then he could feel the couch beneath him again and his clothes against his skin. It was very strange and he shook his head hard.

"Did you follow what I did?" Severus asked when Harry's breathing evened and his eyes focused with clarity.

"I think so." He frowned.

"It can be any object that can hold your attention completely. It doesn't have to be an element. Do you have any thoughts to what this could be?"

Harry shook his head with a frown. "But how can I walk around and function and Occlude at the same time?"

Severus smiled, his dark eyes bright with amusement. "The item or thing that becomes your focus is merely a shield. Once you erect it fully, you can step back and think behind it. My water stands between you and me. I am on the other side thinking as normally as you are now. Of course, it does feel slightly different. You will no longer have background chatter and you will find it hard to Occlude and multi-task at the same time, but you will be able to function."

"I think I get it." Harry smiled. "What kind of shield do you think would fit me best?"

"That's something only you can decide. We'll probably practice with several before you make your choice." Severus took another sip of his drink. "Maybe… a flower or plant of some kind. Or a broom or snitch."

"The sky." Harry offered. "I always loved working in the garden and looking up into the wide, blue sky. That's also a bit why I like flying so much."

"The sky then." Severus accepted the idea. "What kind? You have to know every detail. You have to focus on it completely. Are there clouds? Is the sun in view? What shade of blue? Is there a temperature to go along with this? Wind?"

Harry groaned, "You're making this hard on purpose."

"I assure you that the subject is difficult without my help." Severus chuckled. "Now close your eyes and begin to build your sky."

xXxXxXx

Hours later and after dinner, Severus and Neville were finishing their chess game while Boy cowered in the corner of the room, whimpering every few minutes. They were making some progress. Boy hadn't screamed or pleaded or sobbed once this session. When time was up, Harry came back Out and blinked up at his friends. Neville smiled weakly and helped him stand.

"Slowly but surely we will conquer this." Severus told them reassuringly, putting his hands on their shoulders. "Get some sleep."

"Goodnight, Professor."

"Goodnight, Severus."

They made their way up to the room slowly. They really were tired. Today's workout seemed harder than usual and their bodies ached. Not to mention Neville's emotionally draining confrontations with Remus and Harry's Occlumency lessons. Neville took a long hot bath and Harry wrote in his journal and a few lines to answer Ron's nightly ramblings as he waited for his turn in the bathroom.

xXxXxXx

Harry got back to his room after bathing, feeling warm and sleepy. He was surprised to find Neville still waiting up and sitting on his bed, but happily crawled up beside him. "You seem better." He offered.

"Remus has been talking to me." Neville blushed. "He… He used to… to cut… like I do."

"I'm glad he's helping." Harry hugged him. He was well aware that only he could embrace Neville without the teen tensing up. He wondered why that was, but never dared ask. "Severus is helping me a lot with what I remember from growing up with my family…. It's really hard."

"Wanna tell me about it?" Neville asked tentatively.

Harry described some things that had happened and what he did as Rose. He didn't go into details because he didn't want to upset his friend, but he remembered what Severus said and knew not to keep it from Neville completely. And it really did feel good to talk about it to someone his own age. It made him feel like maybe he was stronger than his past; like it might not be able to hurt him for very much longer.

"Oh, Harry." Neville crushed his friend in a hug. Harry let him, feeling touched as he felt both Neville's anger and sadness on his behalf. "I'm so sorry they did that. They're total bastards!"

"So Severus tells me." Harry laughed.

"Are you going to be alright?" Neville fretted.

"I'm fine, Nev. Honestly." Harry promised as he lay down with a yawn. "I have you and Severus and Remus and Sirius to take care of me now."

"Goodnight, Harry. I love you." Neville whispered to the sleepy teen.

"Night. Love you." Harry answered before falling asleep.

xXxXxXx

Silas left the library and made his way up to their room. It was quiet. Both Neville and Severus had long ago gone to bed. Even the house-elf was sleeping. It was Silas' favorite time of night. It felt good to come Out and stretch. His good mood only increased when he heard a soft tapping at the window. He strode over and silently opened the glass. Malfoy's owl swooped in and submitted to a quick magical search. Again the bird and letter were clean and Silas smirked as he freed the letter from the bird's leg.

"Come back tomorrow. Same time." Silas ordered, attention already on the paper in his hands. The bird gave an indignant hoot and flew away into the night.

Dear Potter,

Interesting. So you'll answer my questions? Alright. Here they are: What really happened between you and that incompetent fool Quirrell? What really happened in the Chamber of Secrets? And what happened at the end of last year? I know you were involved in all three. Care to shed some light on these mysteries? But of course you already warned me you may be coy with answers that pertain to yourself, so how about some of my other questions?

Is it true that the Weasel was ordered by his father on the Headmaster's behalf to befriend you on the train in First Year? Is it true that your little Muggleborn girlfriend has been reporting to the Headmaster ever since Second Year? Were they really told to make sure you were subdued and content and to prevent you from forming other friendships, even ones in your own House, that might undermine the Headmaster's control of you?

Well, I do believe that's enough for right now. Let your glib tongue be as coy as it likes, Potter, I will eventually find the truth. But in a show of good faith that you might be forthcoming on some of the topics mentioned above, I will reveal some information that might interest you.

My father has been told by very close friends that there has been a second disturbance within Azkaban. Looks like Black's escape gave inspiration to certain quarters. The who and what about the mystery are still in question, but the how… The rumor is that someone faked their own death and, when they were thrown out like yesterday's trash, the escape was made. Fascinating really. Two breakouts within a year from a prison supposedly inescapable. Guess it just goes to show that anything is possible.

Yours,

Serpentine

P.S. I'm grateful for the moniker, Potter. I think I'll keep it. It suits, don't you agree?

Silas read through it twice just to be sure he got all the implications. Anything was possible, huh? Even turning a Slytherin against the Dark Lord? Was Draco hinting that he was unsatisfied in his present alliances? He couldn't even imagine what Draco's life was like out of school or when he was growing up. He knew better than anyone how invaluable a mask could be. How much of Draco's performance at school was a mask? Did he want to know bad enough to try and find out?

Yes. He did.

Why? Silas looked over the woods that could just be seen by the light of the moon as he thought over his reasons. It was fun to toy with the Slytherin boy. It was fun to have and express power. And it was nice to be conversing with someone who held no expectations or assumptions. He had hinted all wasn't as it seemed and Draco had taken the bait, willingly opening himself up to a correspondence where he had no idea what to expect. They didn't know each other, they didn't like each other. And that was what made Draco so attractive to him.

This was a game, dangerous and thrilling. It was an exercise of cunning and manipulation. It made him feel free and for just a few moments ignore the more complex and difficult things in his life. So Silas sat at the desk and began to slowly craft his response. He decided he'd play hard to get, hinting that he'd give more if Draco gave more in return.

So he wrote a version of the events that happened during First Year. He left out any mention of Multiple Personality Disorder, but told how he and the other two of the Golden Trio put together the puzzle of the stolen parcel. When it came down to the description of the battle with Quirrell, he left out the part where Demon came and began to tear the place apart. He merely told Draco the lie Dumbledore told him: that it was his mother's love that burnt and killed the possessed Quirrell. He didn't bother saying who possessed their ex-Professor. He figured Draco could figure that part out on his own and, if not, then he didn't deserve to know.

As for answering the questions about Ron and Hermione… He didn't. He wasn't sure of the truth of the matter. He didn't like them, but Harry did and he couldn't betray them without creating conflict with his other self and he wouldn't do that unless he had better evidence against them than second hand information from a Slytherin he couldn't trust. So he wrote nothing, knowing that not mentioning it at all would be telling in itself, but he could deal with and/or work with those implications later.

xXxXxXx

Two days after Silas received Draco's letter and a day after he sent his reply, June twenty-eighth arrived. It was a sunny Saturday morning. Severus went down to breakfast expecting to eat alone since he had told the boys that this would be the only day they would be free to do as they pleased. He felt two days a week was too generous and a waste of important time, but had conceded to the mangy Wolf's advice that confining the boys from fun and relaxation would be a terrible waste of an excellent opportunity for them.

Of course, Severus told himself he was merely doing it so that he would have some time to work on his experiments and personal projects that were being put on hold. He definitely wasn't admitting that the Wolf had a point or worse! that he was right. Therefore, he was shocked when he found the dinning room occupied. The shock escalated when he registered that he was staring at two identical images of himself, or he would have been if he was only a few inches over five feet. The proportions were perfect and two disturbingly familiar sneers spread across the two faces across from him. Severus felt his own sneer rising in answer and he glared at the two impostors, still too shocked to settle on any one reaction.

"What are you doing?" He demanded with a glare. He hoped that intimidation would reveal which was Longbottom, but the transformation was too complete. His face was not naturally very expressive (except for anger or irritation), and while one child's face went blank and the other frowned, he couldn't determine which expression belonged to Longbottom and which to Harry.

"Good morning, Professor." The one on the right spoke; the one whose face frowned.

"Care for some breakfast, Professor?" The other gestured languidly at the table and the food sitting on it that was growing cold.

Severus gritted his teeth as he heard his own voice and watched his own mannerisms being used against him. Were they mocking him? What was the meaning of this? As if hearing his thoughts, which was impossible since his mental barriers were always ready and hovering, the one on the left spoke again.

"Shall I take points for wasting such a fine meal?"

Severus glared, now sure that this was Harry. Longbottom would never speak to him so.

"Don't worry, Professor. The change isn't permanent. But I'd love to make a potion and see if this increases my skill any." The other spoke and made Severus doubt his previous guess. Surely, Longbottom wouldn't say that either.

"You would need more than a change of appearance to better your pathetic skills at potions." Severus snapped, but then smirked. "Even if you did choose a rather good form for such a task."

"What do you suggest?" The one on the right sneered.

"A miracle." Severus chuckled at the contempt in one face and the raised eyebrow in the other.

Breakfast was had with testing banter as Severus tried to figure out which boy he was talking to. It became fun, in a ridiculous way. Every time he was sure he knew who was who, they would do or say something that would throw him off. If there was one thing that he loved, it was a challenge. And he had plenty of time to guess. The boys followed him everywhere, except when they scurried off to restore their forms most likely, but they always returned quickly. Even into the potions lab. He was certain that this would make it absolutely clear, no one could mess up a potion like Longbottom, but the boys were wise and wouldn't actually engage past preparing ingredients and not even Longbottom could mess that up.

"Potter!" He snapped and both boys turned to him with impatient expectation that came so naturally to his face. He sneered and the boys smiled triumphantly that they had won another round. "This is ridiculous." He growled. They'd been in the dungeon for hours now and lunch had passed without a word of complaint from the two miniature impostures. "Remove this spell immediately."

"Giving up already, Professor?"

Severus sneered and stormed up the stairs with the boy stalking behind him like ducklings after their mother. He almost reached the dining room when a flash of light from a passing room caused him to freeze, wand drawn as he stood protectively between the potential threat and the teenagers. His own laugh reached his ears and he realized that he was holding an innocently smiling Remus, who was not so innocently holding a wizarding camera, at wand point.

"You put them up to this." He snarled.

"Whatever do you mean, Severus?" Remus asked sweetly. "I think it's a great compliment that the boys would go so far to emulate you."

His annoyance eased as he sat over lunch. He found that while the teenagers had been extremely careful not to give themselves away all morning long, their interactions with Remus gave telling hints. Smug, he leaned back and silently laughed as he watched the three who were so confident they had him fooled. He masterfully restrained an evil smirk as he plotted revenge.

"Harry," he said to the disguised boy on the right, "I need to have a word, if you please. In private."

"Can't it wait?" The miniature Snape on the left asked sardonically. The impression was so perfect that Remus had difficulty smothering his laughter.

"This is hardly the time." The one on the right sneered.

"I'm afraid it can't wait. I was going to give you the news this morning, but had to put it off due to this foolishness. Now come."

"But how can you be sure I'm Harry?" The boy smirked and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Do not presume to doubt my ability to judge a person's identity, child." He said with icy anger in his voice. "You have no idea who you are dealing with. I knew immediately who you were this morning! I am done humoring you. Follow me. Now."

The humor in the room disappeared and the Snape under attack looked to the other. There was no response that Severus could see, but the boy stood without a word. Severus spun and stalked to the parlor. His smaller image followed reluctantly. As soon as the teen was in the room, he shut and locked the door with a violent swish of his wand. He clasped his hands behind his back and stared down at the teen with impassive eyes.

"We have been discussing what to do about next summer and I have received word that your request is possible. I will assist you in packing and buying all you need for the move. Congratulations."

"Thank you, sir." The little Snape answered, uncertainty rising in his eyes.

"I know how much hope you placed on this and am pleased it all worked out. All you need to do is sign here. You have about three minutes left before the contract expires and this chance escapes, so please be quick. I'm sure you will be happy to finally tell that filthy Wolf and your friend the news."

He handed the teen a thick scroll and unrolled it so that the bottom line that required a signature could be seen. He summoned a quill and ink and handed those over as well. The smaller Snape just stared at him in confusion and Severus thought for a moment his plan wouldn't work. He scowled.

"What are you waiting for! You only have a minute left!" He snapped.

The teen snatched the quill and scroll and bolted from the room. "Harry!" He bellowed. "Quick! You have less than a minute! Sign this!" The frantic teen sped into the dining room. The second Snape was on his feet and Remus was frowning.

"What's wrong?" Harry/Snape demanded.

"Your summer contract! Hurry!" Neville/Snape begged frantically.

"What are you talking about?" The scroll was accepted with a face full of concern and bewilderment.

The other teen opened his mouth to pant out a fast explanation, but it was too late. The scroll dissolved in a hiss of smoke. Neville moaned in despair, but before the others could move to comfort him, a dark chuckle brought their attention to the doorway. Severus stood there with his arms folded and a pleased smile on his face. Harry/Snape scowled at him and Neville/Snape looked about to cry.

"Wipe that expression of my face, Longbottom. It's despicable." He straightened. "I believe this game is up. I win."

"You… You mean that was a trick?" Neville demanded.

"But of course." Severus smirked.

"Oh, thank Merlin!" Neville collapsed into a dining room chair and the room burst into laughter. Even Severus joined in.

xXxXxXx

Everyone was pleased with the way the prank turned out and the boys hoped Remus got the pictures Omi had been secretly taking throughout the day developed soon. They couldn't wait to see them. Harry, especially, was proud that game lasted as long as it had. Neville had done wonderfully. Who knew changing his looks would erase so much of the teen's insecurity?

Harry curled on his side contentedly as he thought on the next plot. Remus had pulled him aside before he left to see what he thought of taking Neville to the Muggle village for a make-over the Saturday after the next. (Remus had made plans already with Sirius the following Saturday.) Harry had readily agreed and even talked Remus into letting him help pay for everything. It was going to be great!

Harry? You there, mate?

Harry reached over and pulled the parchment toward him. Yeah, Ron. I'm here. Did you read my message?

Yeah! That prank on Sirius was bloody brilliant! How did you pull it off?

Harry had written his friend a brief description of the prank, but said he had done it to Sirius and hadn't mentioned at all how he had done it. My secret. He wrote now with a playful smile. He thought that would irritate his friend, but was surprised to find he was wrong.

Yeah, okay! The words came back just as quickly and playfully as he had written. As soon as I read it, I told the twins so I have a pretty good idea how you did it by their guess. They say hullo, by the way, and want you to know that they're glad you're having so much fun.

Tell them hullo and thank you from me. Harry wrote with a smile.

Well, if you got any pictures of this prank, I'd love to see them later!

I'll see what I can do. Harry smiled. Good night, Ron. Talk to you tomorrow.

Night, Harry.

Yes. It had been a very good day. Harry put away his parchment and turned off the lights, falling asleep with a smile still on his face.

xXxXxXx

A week passed without anything interesting happening. They did finish their homework and had their assignments approved by Severus. Their study on the Animagus Transformation had begun. Unfortunately, Tuesday wouldn't pass so smoothly. Harry entered the parlor to have his morning therapy session after breakfast to meet his mentor in a very determined mood.

"I need to speak with Silas. We had an agreement he has failed to uphold." Severus said calmly. "If you feel you can miss today's session, I'd like to straighten things out now."

"Okay." Harry frowned and sat on the couch. He closed his eyes and waited. After a moment, he opened them again with a shrug. "Nothing's happening, sir."

"I see." Severus took his seat and steepled his fingers in front of his face grimly. "There is something you need to be aware of then."

But he didn't get any father than that (not that Severus had been expecting too) before Harry was gone and Gabriel was in his place. The Gryffindor threw a defiant glare Snape's way and stalked to the door. But Severus had locked it. Gabriel spun around and stalked back. Severus allowed his impatience to show, but the confrontational alter ignored the warning.

"Let me out, Snape. You already know how we feel about this. It isn't necessary." The teen had his wand out now.

"I'm well aware of what is and what isn't necessary. This is." Severus answered, unyielding. "I'm also aware that sessions in the way Harry has them will not help Silas. You should not allow him to run from this. You should support me in encouraging him to confront this issue. You, more than anyone, should understand the dangers of letting a perilous situation fester."

Gabriel stared with guarded eyes and Severus would have given anything to listen in on the internal conversation he was sure the protective alter was having with the Slytherin. He was intrigued at the Gryffindor's intense defense of Silas, however. He had understood them as to being on a more indifferent/tolerating terms, not engaged in an alliance and possible friendship. Severus had a disturbing feeling that he was missing something obvious and subtle; something extremely important. But he had no more time to consider because Silas had taken Gabriel's place.

"What do you want, Snape?" Silas narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. He didn't bother sitting or returning to the couch. He preferred as much distance between them as he could create. He tried not to show his uneasiness at being confined in the room or being forced to bend to the Potion Master's will, but knew the observant man saw it in his posture. He let irritation, contempt, and anger rise to the forefront of his mind. "You're wasting your time. I have nothing to say to you."

"Why is that?" Severus asked calmly. It would do no good to provoke the skittish teen.

Silas didn't answer. He stared impassively and waited. He wouldn't give another opening. It was Severus' move. It didn't take long for the Professor to make it either, which Silas was privately glad for. He didn't want to be here all day, after all.

"Very well. If you don't want to discuss you, then I will be the one to talk." Severus leaned back and lowered his hands to his lap in a deceptively relaxed gesture. Silas relaxed a tiny bit. "In fact, I'd like to tell you a story. My story." Silas relaxed still further, enough that when Severus gestured at the couch he moved to sit there without hesitation. Severus smirked wryly at this and began his tale.

Chapter end.

A/N: Sorry for the cliffie, but I'm waffling at the moment about Severus' past and wanted to get what I do have written up and out. Any opinions on this front would be welcome.

A/N2: I've gotten a few inquires into Harry's possible future relationship(s). I didn't originally plan on him having one. I mean, he has a lot on his plate to deal with as it is without romance being added to it. But if it seems like there is an interest in this, so….

Do you want to see Harry fall in love/infatuation with someone?

If yes, who? And please don't say Neville. I don't think I can write him as anything but as Harry's brother/friend in this particular story.