So. You're in Sixth Year, are you? You're either, Thomas, Finnegan, Longbottom or Potter… He shook his head at the thought of it being Potter. I highly doubt that.

Sighing once more, he made his way down to greet the first class of the day. Oh, joy.

*

Chapter 7

Finally, the last class of the day arrived. Severus was actually looking forward to it. He'd prepared something especially nasty for them to make. Just for Mutt. He'll realise I'm not so nice, after all! He suppressed an evil little chuckle as he thought about all the ingredients they needed to prepare for the potion of the day. He'd made it up himself, actually. As nasty as the ingredients were, it was quite the wonderful little invention. He'd made quite a profit on it. He smirked. Thinking about his success in Potions always cheered him up.

The class filed in silently, as usual. He regarded them all with his usual glare and quiet superiority. This lesson would be interesting.

"Today, we have a particularly complex potion to brew. It is not in your text books, so I advise you all to take detailed notes throughout the lesson. Ingredients and instructions are on the board. You have one hour. Begin." He mentally chuckled as the class let out a collective groan and prepared their apparatus for the long lesson ahead.

I wonder if they're intelligent enough to know they're making the best health serum on the market… he had to work doubly hard to keep from laughing aloud, lest he truly scare the brats.

As the class wore on, he surveyed the room in his customary manner. He paid particular attention to the Gryffindor boys, though. He waited to see their reactions.

Weasley was pulling faces and grumbling to Granger. Potter looked quite amused. Dunderhead probably finds his friend's antics humorous. He narrowed his eyes before moving on to survey the other boys.

Finnegan didn't seem too disturbed by crushing the tarantula fangs or the pixie legs. He seemed almost happy to mush the bog slugs with his mortar and pestle. Ugh. I hope not, thought Severus, as he shifted his gaze to Dean Thomas. The boy was grimly slicing the hippogriff arteries. Perhaps... He turned to Longbottom. He didn't even spare a thought. Definitely not him!

He sighed. Whoever this person was, they weren't making things easy for him. Yet. He's a Gryffindor. He'll slip up eventually.

By the end of the class, Slytherin had gained twenty points, Gryffindor had lost fifty, Longbottom had detention with Filch for a week and Hermione Granger was almost in tears. How Severus loved the smell of power in the morning… afternoon. Any time of day, really.

He inspected the vials on his desk, deciding which ones he'd bother opening or not. He sat at his desk and pulled the basket to him, preparing himself for the usual disappointment.

After marking the last vial of Serum, Severus felt something in the bottom of the basket. He reached in again to find a note.

Professor,

Well, that was an interesting lesson. What's the potion? I bet it's something nasty like medicine. Am I correct in assuming you created it yourself?

You're an intelligent guy. Why're you teaching us "dunderheads"? Surely you have many more career opportunities than a Professor. Unless you really do enjoy teaching us. Isn't that simply heart-warming! See, you really aren't such a bad guy!

Mutt

Severus scowled, denying any amusement at the pointless note. He folded it up and put it in his pocket, next to his wand. He had a puppy to kick.

*

Harry made his way to dinner, thinking about the note he'd left with Snape. He wondered if he'd been a little too cheeky. He didn't know where the boundary was with Snape at this point. So, he'd decided to keep pushing until he found it; one way or another.

As he shovelled eggs into his mouth (mostly to please Ron and Hermione who oh-so-subtly watched him through the corners of their eyes), he pondered making a surprise visit to Snape's room after dinner. He wanted to see the old bat again. He didn't know why, he just knew he did. The man was funny, in his own way. And, he treated Harry quite civilly. Wait 'til he finds out who I am though. He finished off his sausages and excused himself. He decided that a surprise was what Snape was going to get.

He arrived at the portrait in ten minutes and transformed into Mutt. He and the sour Potions Master guarding Snape's rooms had come to an agreement. The portrait wouldn't tattle on Harry and Harry wouldn't scorch the be-Jesus out of the portrait. He mentally chuckled, remembering the look on the old bastard's face when he'd so politely given his proposition.

After waiting for only ten minutes or so, Harry finally heard Snape's footsteps from around the corner. He wagged his tail happily, standing to greet his Professor, yipping to get his attention.

*

Severus picked at his food. He was bored. He'd marked all his students' assignments and homework and class work. He'd alphabetised his store cupboard, and dusted his potions stash in his chambers. As well as colour-coded his closet. He had nothing to look forward to tonight.

He finally decided that he'd rather be bored in his rooms, alone, than in the Great Hall with happy, chatty, annoying students and staff rubbing their lives in his face. So, he left.

As he approached his portrait, he heard a yip. He looked down to see his mystery friend waiting for him, his tail wagging.

"You do know that it's impolite to drop by, unannounced," he scolded. The dog just cocked its head and kept his tail wagging. Severus sighed. "Very well. It isn't like I have anything demanding my time." He tried to make it sound sarcastic, but really, he didn't. He'd planned on a night cap and bed. He was quite relieved to have his companion visiting for the evening. Even if it was a surprise. He gave the password and stepped aside, allowing Mutt to enter before him. As grumpy as he was, he still had manners.

"So, what do you want? Surely you have homework? Friends?" He smirked, sitting in the centre of his couch, allowing Mutt to sit before him, resting his head on his knee once more. He absentmindedly started to stroke the soft fur, sporadically scratching behind the adorably floppy ears. "You certainly didn't come to have a stimulating conversation, now, did you?" He leant back against the couch, closing his eyes, still stroking the soft head. "This is highly inappropriate," he said, knowingly repeating himself. "As well you should know." He sighed. He was rather tired. And Mutt was actually quite a welcome companion. He somehow soothed Severus. Which he found odd. Damnable creature trusts me enough to pet him… be alone in a room with him. What is he playing at, I wonder… he started to doze, only semi-aware that his friend had joined him on the couch and was laying across him, encouraging him to run his hand along the long, silky fur on his back. "Bloody… dog…" he drifted off, contently stroking the fur, until he fell asleep.

*

Harry could see his professor was tired. He didn't want to go back to Gryffindor Tower, though. So, he decided to push their bizarre relationship's boundaries just a little further, and climbed onto the couch, laying himself across Snape's legs.

He was pleasantly surprised when the hand stroking his head continued to stroke along his back, smoothing the dark fur in an almost loving caress. He heard Snape mutter something that sounded like "Bloody dog," as he drifted off to sleep. Harry wasn't really tired, so he just lay there, keeping his professor warm, enjoying the comfortable silence.

After an hour or so, Snape started to rouse from his nap. Harry lifted his head and gave a little lick to his professor's cheek, before he realised what he was doing. He groaned, hoping Snape was still too sleepy to realise what he's just done.

"Don't lick me." Nope. "Not only is it disgusting, and I don't know what else you've licked, but your breath is most foul." Harry couldn't help but let out a huff of amusement. Snape really was quite funny. "Why are you on me? Get off." He gripped Harry under the arms and lifted him easily, placing him beside him on the couch. Harry gave another amused huff. "What are you finding so humorous, Mutt?" Harry just gave a dismissive whine, placing his head back on Severus' lap, nuzzling the closest hand, hopefully. Sighing, Snape resumed his petting.

*

Severus rather enjoyed the silence with Mutt. Even if the bloody animal was on his couch. But that didn't matter. Not anymore. He'd already started the petting business… so what was a bit of fur on his couch? He hadn't felt so relaxed in a long while.

He suddenly remembered the note in his pocket from his little friend. He thought it only fair that he answered the questions asked. After all, they weren't too personal.

"In answer to your questions in your note," he began, ceasing his petting, "yes, the potion you brewed in class today was a medicine. And I did, indeed, create it myself. It's a health serum. It prevents one from contracting common illnesses for a while. I developed it last year during the flu season. I was sick of all you little nose-wipers sniffing and complaining." He smirked at the indignant huff he received. "And, as for my career… for someone like me, there are not a lot of options. Intelligence or no." He again resumed his petting, though Mutt lifted his head, cocking it to the side. "I don't know what you don't understand just from you tilting your head, dog." He shook his head. "I think it's time for you to be going. I apologize for my nap. I was… quite tired. And for not offering you tea. It was quite rude of me." Marvellous. I'm apologising to the student whose identity I don't know, who dropped in on me, unexpectedly. You're an idiot, Severus.

Mutt just huffed again, licking Severus' palm in understanding before hopping off the couch and trotting over to the portrait, waiting to be let out.

"Good night," said Severus, opening the entrance for him. "I shall see you tomorrow. Though, I wouldn't know who you were, were I staring you in the face." He scowled a bit. "But, mark my words, I am very close to discovering who you are. You've made this incredibly easy! I've narrowed it down considerably. Perhaps I only needed one week." He shooed the dog out with his foot and closed the portrait, not trusting it to not turn around and nip him.

*

The weekend slowly made its way to the present. Harry was all at once relieved and excited that it was there. He couldn't wait until his picnic with Professor Snape.

"Harry, why're you grinning like a hatter?" Ron plonked himself down on the couch next to his best friend.

"Huh? Oh, no reason. It's the weekend. I'm just looking forward to relaxing for the next couple of days. This week was exhausting for some reason." He smiled, trying to convince Ron there was nothing going on.

"Riiight. And I'm a Hufflepuff. You've got a dopey grin on your face. Like when you went out with Cho Chang. Who's the new girl? When are you meeting her?"

"What? Girl? No! I'm just happy it's the weekend is all. I'm not seeing a girl, Ron." He gave his friend a look that said 'don't argue' and that was the end of that topic.

"OK! No girl. Well, I just thought I'd tell you, Hermione and I are going to Hogsmead today. We… er… wanted to go… together, yeah? You know… alone? Is that ok?" Ron sounded like he was trying not to hurt Harry's feelings.

"Like, on a date?" He grinned at his friend. "Finally! I've been wondering whether or not you two would realise you had it bad for each other! When did you ask her?" He elbowed Ron playfully, still grinning.

"Actually… she… she asked me." Ron's cheeks turned pink. "She, uh, she said she was sick of waiting around for me. Said if she wanted anything done, she'd have to do it herself…" He sounded a bit embarrassed about that.

"Well, you are a bit slow on the uptake," said Harry, dodging an elbow. "But, congratulations, Ron. Have a nice date!" He laughed, making his way up to the dormitory, chuckling at the blush covering his friend's face.

When he arrived, there was an owl sitting on the sill, with an envelope in its mouth, addressed to Mutt. He smiled, taking the letter from the little bird.

Mutt,

Do you require me to bring anything on this outing? Perhaps some tea to make up for last night?

S.S

Harry's smile broadened. Snape was a nice guy. Sometimes. Once you got to know him.

He penned a quick reply before getting ready.

Professor,

Tea would be lovely. Thank you.

I have some questions for you, but I don't know if I'm allowed to ask. What are the boundaries there?

Mutt

He sent his reply off and started to get ready for his… date. He shook his head. This isn't a date. And I'm not grinning like an idiot over my teacher. My male teacher. Ugh. He turned the shower on, waiting for it to reach the correct temperature.

But… he does taste nice. And he smells really good, too. And he's fun. Who knew Professor Snape would be so… normal? I don't like him like Cho, though. He's a man. I don't like guys. Stupid Ron.

He got in, under the warm, soothing spray. He allowed his thoughts to float through his head as he washed himself. He found his thoughts floating mainly towards a certain Potions Master. He closed his eyes, furrowing his brow. He's a nice guy. And he's not an ogre. He took care of me when I got lost. He even agreed to my stupid visits. And today's picnic. But it's not a date. If it was, he would have said no. And I like girls. Nice, curvy girls. With breasts. And… long hair. Dark hair. And… pale skin. And dark eyes. Yeah… like Cho's. But… not Cho.

Deeming himself clean, he ended his shower in ten minutes. He towelled himself dry and changed before going back out to his bed.

"Harry," Dean's voice sounded from his bed, behind the half-closed curtains. "There's a letter for you on your bed. The owl went straight to it. Didn't recognise whose it was, though."

"Thanks," he made his way over, rather than heading straight to the kitchens.

Mutt,

I will bring the tea, then.

Questions… you may ask whatever you like. But that doesn't mean I'll answer them. May I expect the same from you, now?

S.S

Harry chuckled, sitting on his bed. He grabbed a Muggle pen and some parchment and replied.

Professor,

Yes. You may expect the same. Though, I will have to answer them a lot later than you ask them. If I choose to.

Are you allergic to anything? Do you have any preferences for lunch?

I will bring my questions with me, on parchment.

Mutt

He summoned an owl and sent it away.

The reply found him in a corridor, on his way to the kitchens.

I'm not allergic to anything.

But, no sea food.

How is it that I don't recognise your hand writing?

Harry laughed, as he made his way down to the kitchens, deciding to write his reply when he got there, while waiting for the food to be packed. He noticed that Snape hadn't bothered to address it, or sign it. He must be in a hurry. The thought made him grin. Snape in a hurry? Either he's excited… or he has a closely booked timetable.

*

Severus made his way to Hogsmead, the tea in a thermos in his pocket. He took the scenic route, giving Mutt plenty of time to set up the food and to turn into the dog.

He was getting a bit frustrated with their little bet. It should have been so easy for him! He only had four boys to choose from – well, three. Neville Longbottom was definitely not Mutt – but he couldn't decide! He wanted to rule out Potter, just to spite him, but nothing had really ruled him out, logically. He hoped it wasn't the Finnegan boy. The thought of petting that little wellspring of germs was nauseating. He didn't mind the Thomas boy. He was usually quiet and had fair enough grades. But of the three, he still didn't have enough information to make a confidant guess. Perhaps I do need the two weeks, after all? He sighed, rounding the corner that would take him to his rendezvous location.

He looked up upon coming to the corner, at the movement in the corner of his eye. He gasped.

"Potter!"

*

Harry made his way to the agreed picnic site. He couldn't wait to see Snape outside Hogwarts for some reason. He wondered what he'd wear… probably something black, he snickered to himself at that thought.

At twelve-thirty, Harry arrived at the picnic site. He chose a nice, flat spot, in the shade, under a large tree. He spread the blanket out, and started setting out the food. He hoped Snape liked what he'd been given. When he'd asked the House Elves in the kitchen for a picnic basket of food, he'd only said not to include any seafood. Or tea. He didn't really know what they'd packed.

He was pleasantly surprised when he pulled out a platter of treacle tarts, a tray of assorted sandwiches, a whole roasted chicken and a bowl of potato salad and fresh bread rolls. He could just feel his mouth watering as he set out the plates and cutlery for Snape and himself. Though, he didn't think he'd need the cutlery.

As he was about to transfigure a large stone into a foldable chair for Snape, he heard a gasp and his name from an all-too-familiar voice.

His head shot up to see Snape standing at the corner of the path, a few metres away. If the situation hadn't been so awkward, he would've laughed at the look of surprise on his teacher's face. As it was, he could only stare, frozen, at his teacher.

AN: I just wanted to add a note in here, saying thank you to all of my wonderful reviewers! You guys are amazing! We've reached over 100 reviews! I'm so happy! Wow! I hope there's another hundred on the horizon for this story! (And my others… -hint-) So, thank you all! I do so love to hear from you!