"What do you think you were doing, dog?" He sighed, not ready to challenge an obvious professional at the puppy-eyes thing. It arched its back, nipping lightly at his finger that had poked it. It wanted a tummy rub. Rolling his eyes, he tickled along its belly, ignoring the urge to coo when it gave a sound of satisfaction, arching into his finger even more.

He shook his head, reprimanding himself for going soft. But, looking back down at the happy thing, he couldn't help the small smile from spreading over his lips, as he brought such a simple pleasure to this adorable creature.

Alas, he knew he'd have to return it to its rightful owner.

After breakfast.

*

Chapter 3

Rather than facing the Great Hall after a late morning, Severus had breakfast served in his quarters. Tea and toast and bacon and eggs for himself, sausages, bacon and a runny egg and a bowl of water for the dog.

Severus watched as the puppy lapped daintily at the water and bit tiny pieces from the bacon. It was well trained, he had to admit that much.

After breakfast, he looked at the mangy thing sitting on the rug, watching him. He decided that it needed a bath. If he was going to be seen with it, it was going to be clean. He stood up and headed to his bathroom.

"Come," was all he said, and was pleased to see the dog following him. "You are to have a bath. I will not be seen with a filthy mutt. And if you try to struggle, so help me, I will hex you to China. You know, they eat dogs there…" he gave a warning glare and headed into his bathroom, smirking as he heard the pit-pat of the little feet following him.

"I don't have any toiletries for canines, but I will allow you to use my own. And don't even think it; yes, I do wash my hair…" he grumbled, just knowing the look he was receiving was a disbelieving statement. "I don't know who owns you, but they've done an awful job of taking care of you. You're much too small. And your fur is everywhere. Don't they brush you?" He started the bath, absently pouring in sweet-smelling soaps and bubble-baths. That done, he picked up the pup and plonked him in the shallow water.

*

This is embarrassing. He's bathing me… Harry couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed that his Potions teacher was bathing him. At least he's civil… kind of. If he knew it was me, I'd be dead. Very, very dead. He liked the smell of the soaps though. And he loved the feel of a strong hand running over his body like that… rubbing in the shampoo, cleaning him, relaxing him.

He didn't even mind when he was flipped over, onto his back, so his delightfully full tummy could be washed, a hand supporting his head and neck like he was a baby.

Hmm… I could get used to this. He turned his head and nuzzled the hand, giving it a quick lick before he knew what he was doing. When he realised just what he'd done, he went rigid, hoping his teacher wouldn't be so cruel as to hit a puppy.

"You like that, do you?" There was a hint of amusement in the deep voice, soothing his worry that Severus Snape was a puppy-kicker. "Don't get used to it. I'm assuming your master doesn't bathe you very often… if at all." He gave an affectionate rub to the cute tummy and rinsed off the suds and setting the pup upright. "You don't even have a collar…" he looked a bit perplexed at this. Familiars were required to wear collars at Hogwarts. He assumed that the person responsible for this creature would at least abide that rule. "I wonder what your name is. I can't keep calling you 'dog'." He disappeared for a moment, before returning with a soft, fluffy towel. Surprisingly, it was white. Not green or grey or black. White.

Well, I guess not everything has to do with House pride… Harry mused as he allowed his teacher to dry him thoroughly with the softest towel he'd ever felt.

"I'd do a drying charm, but I don't know the effects they have on animals. It might itch. Aren't you lucky I'm not inclined to conduct experiments on wayward familiars I find wandering my dungeons." He smirked at the little huff Harry gave out, setting the now fluffy puppy down on the rug. "There you go. Now, go and sit by the fire while I have my shower. If I find any dog-related mess in my quarters, apart from on the newspaper, I will start my experiments on wayward familiars on you. Shoo!" he lightly shoved Harry out the door and closed it when he was sure he wouldn't jam the tail.

He's not as cruel as everyone thinks… he's still a grumpy bastard, but it's more… cute. He's just lonely, I guess. I mean, he did take in a 'stray' for the night. He's even been talking to me. I wonder if he suspects I'm not entirely a dog… he speaks to me like he expects me to understand. Harry ambled over to his water bowl and took a few laps before feeling as though his insides were about to escape. He had to go!

Oh, no! I have to pee! But… where? Not on the paper! I'm not a dog! Ok… I am… but that's so embarrassing! When he finds out who I am, he's not going to let me live it down for a long time! Ohh…

In the end, Harry lost the battle with his bladder. He positioned himself over the paper and let it out. He felt so much better; but so embarrassed. He ran out of the bedroom and hid under the couch.

*

After a nice, warm, relaxing shower, Severus was pleased to note that the puppy had left his room, so he may change in privacy. He scoffed at the thought. Little mongrel is probably chewing on my cushions… he scowled at the idea, finishing getting dressed for the day. He looked over to see that the paper he'd laid out had been used. He smirked. Good boy.

With a flick of his wand, he vanished the soiled paper and made his way out to the living room.

The puppy was nowhere to be seen.

Severus growled. He had no idea what the puppy was up to, but it couldn't be anything good.

"Dog, where are you? You'd better not be chewing anything you shouldn't…" he walked around and looked between all the furniture and walls. He looked by his desk and by the fireplace. "If you don't come out now, I'm going to make good on the Accio threat." He waited for three seconds until he saw a little black nose peeking out from under his couch. He rolled his eyes. "I can see you. Come here."

A slight huff came from the puppy before it seemed to make up its mind and wriggle out from underneath the couch.

"Good boy. What are you doing hiding under the couch?" He picked it up and held it so they were face to face. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were acting guilty. It doesn't seem like you've done anything wrong. Were you chewing my couch from underneath?" He walked over and lifted the couch in one hand, holding the pup in the other. "No damage… what on earth were you doing?" He set the couch down and sat on it, the puppy on his lap. "Bloody dog. I don't know what you're up to." He grumbled affectionately, giving it a scratch behind the ears. He smiled at the little whine of appreciation. "You're an affectionate little thing…" he moved to scratching under its chin, chuckling when it closed its eyes and leant its head back so he'd have easier access. He stopped his attentions, just to see what the pup would do.

*

He stopped! It was so good… why'd he stop? Harry whined, hoping to convey that he didn't want Severus to stop. Ever. Who knew it was so good to be scratched under the chin? Or behind the ears? Ohh, he has magic fingers! He opened his eyes and looked pleadingly at his professor. Come on… just a little longer?

He received a chuckle and was surprised, and pleased, to feel the scratching under his chin continue. He was in heaven!

"Don't get used to this, mutt. I'm returning you to your master. After lunch."

Joke's on you! Ha! Harry laughed in his head, wondering when someone would figure out he was missing and that he'd turned into a puppy. For now, he'd enjoy the time with his not-so-least-favourite teacher. Who knew Severus Snape was a decent person? He snuggled into the hand caressing his head, soothing his fur, petting him. This was definitely something he could become used to!

*

"Lunch time, mutt. Then home." Severus and Harry had been sitting on the couch, enjoying each others' presence. And silence. Harry was sprawled on his back, on the professor's lap, receiving a tummy-rub while Severus read another potions journal.

Aww, c'mon! You can't be serious. You still think I'm someone's familiar? Harry grumbled, emitting a little growl.

"Did you just growl at me?" Severus blinked down at the still-sprawled Harry. "You growled at me, you brattish mutt." He stopped his rubbing and scowled at the dog.

Uh-oh… I didn't mean to! Harry looked up at Severus, pleading with his eyes. When that didn't work, he squirmed out from under the hand and gave it a little lick, nuzzling his nose into the palm. Please don't stop rubbing my belly! It felt so good! He whined, hoping the pitifully cute sound would soften Severus' heart.

"Impudent dog," he grumbled, but Harry could hear the amusement in his voice. "It is time for lunch." He summoned a House Elf and ordered their meals, before resuming his rubbing of Harry's tummy. However, Harry's bliss was interrupted once more when the food arrived. He groaned. He could wait a little longer for food, surely…

Harry ate his slice of beef pie and mashed potato and drank his water as quickly as he could, wanting to get back to being petted.

"Slow down. You'll regret it if you eat too fast." Severus' voice floated over, silkily, warningly. "I don't have potions to cure canine indigestion. You will have to suffer through it." He smirked when Harry visibly slowed down. "Good dog." Harry resisted rolling his eyes at the smug tone he heard. It seemed as though Severus liked it when people – animals – did as he said.

Grumpy git… if he couldn't give the best tummy-rubs, I would run away. Oh my god… what am I thinking? I have to get back to being human. I don't like Snape and I don't like having my stomach rubbed. Especially by Snape. I have to find a way out of here! He said I'd be going home after lunch… I wonder if I made it obvious that I wanted to go? I know!

When he'd finally finished the generous serving of lunch, Harry ambled over to the door and sat there, whining. He gave it a few scratches, just for good measure.

*

So, he's had enough of me, now, has he? I should have known. Not even animals can stand me for very long. No point in keeping him against his will. Severus held in a sad sigh. He'd grudgingly admitted to himself that he rather enjoyed the dog's company. He got up from his desk, and made his way to the door.

"Time to return you, mutt." He picked the fluffy ball of fur up and opened his door, making his way to the Great Hall, where Lunch was still being served. "On your best behaviour. I will not be seen with an unruly animal." He smirked at the deadpan look he received. His eyes are very expressive. He pushed that thought to the back of his mind, along with those of how he'd miss the company, and briskly made his way through the dungeons, absently holding the pup close, running his hand through its soft fur.