Disclaimer: Loud and Proud on the Prologue, but basically I don't own. Never will. And no money is being made here.
Warnings: Besides the use of cliché story ideas? See Prologue.
A/N: Been forgetting to mention that I have no beta so any mistakes are mine and mine alone. Mea culpa. See any mistakes, tell me. I will attempt to fix.
On with the show!
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Chapter 2: Who wants to be friends with a giant wombat anyways?
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"You know," Hermione whispered to Harry on the way to transfiguration, "we ruled out a curse or a jinx but there could be other things as well that caused you to shrink."
Harry glanced around to make sure Seamus and Dean were out of earshot. They may have known he was a shrimp now but the last thing he wanted was them to put their own ideas in on why he was a shrimp. Satisfied that Ron had them engrossed in a conversation about quidditch, he turned his attention to Hermione and answered.
"Like what exactly?"
"Well, I have been thinking about all the data and cross-referencing it with any and all information that I have read on the dark arts and other..." She stopped when Harry gave her a look, "You should be happy I am so thurough! Anyways, since you were acting funny at the Opening Feast last night. It could have been a potion."
"But nothing tasted out of the ordinary."
"That doesn't mean anything. There are tasteless potions out there."
"Okay, so potion is an option. How do we see if it's that?"
"We talk to professor Snape."
"Ummmmm"
"Oh, Harry, Professor Snape is not that bad. Besides, you had to work with him all last year during the war. He certainly is the most reliable and knowledgeable about potions."
Harry didn't disagree with anything Hermione had just said. Snape was not as bad as he thought and through their combined efforts during the war a strange understanding had formed between the two. In fact Harry had grown to respect and admire the former spy and enjoyed spending time with him. Which was why Harry wanted to stay away from Snape right now. Harry did not want Snape to witness him being so completely clueless. He would also more than likely berate Harry for being foolish enough to ingest an unknown potion. Yes, best to put that off as long as possible.
"Please Hermione, is there any other option?"
"Yes actually, Madam Pomfry."
"I will take option C then." Harry said glumly. He hated the Hospital wing. After the war he had spent three weeks in there with a very stern jailer/healer in the form of Madam Pomfry. He swore he would never go back again if he could help it. His friends knew how he felt about going there. This was mutiny. Plain and simple.
"Oh it is not mutiny," Hermione said in a humph. Harry had at least the good grace to look sheepish for a moment. He hadn't realized he voiced the thought out loud.
"Sorry"
"Anyways, it is probably best that you do go see Madam Pomfry. This height thing could be connected to a whole number of health issues. I know you don't want to go there and would rather eat owl treats..."
"With gusto I might add!"
"Whatever Harry. The point is that this could be serious. Someone could have poisoned you or heaven only knows what."
Ah there it is. Hermione, always the thinker, had gone through enough of the data in her head, a process that seemed to take longer and longer as each day passed, and could now become the worrywart best friend. An excess of knowledge did tend to make Hermione overreact. Really, Harry felt fine. He may now be too short to ride several amusement park rides, but in all honesty wasn't this normal for Harry James Potter. He had faced Voldemort five times in six years, battled a dragon, flew a hippogriff, been to a deathday party, and serenaded a three headed dog named Fluffy, just to name a few of his misadventures. Waking up six inches shorter just seemed like something that would be on the docket for him. 'So what's on schedule after breakfast today,' Harry mused, 'Aha, randomly shrinking. Excellent! That will still leave room to tickle blast-ended skrewts before dinner.'
"Harry?"
"Sorry, Ron. What did you say?"
"I asked what you and Hermione were talking about."
"Oh, well she said that it could be a potion and she wants me to visit Madam Pomfry."
"Oh hey, yea! A potion. Man, Hermione may be slipping. Why didn't she think of that before?"
"Because she is not our personal computer and she probably was running through about a million other scenarios trying to figure this out."
"Still, this is great teasing material....What's a copuder anyway?
"Never mind Ron, were here anyway." Whew, saved by the McGonagall.
Classes and lunch passed without incident. Luck was on his side, or so it would seem, since all of the classes today were ones in which your were seated the whole time. He figured that besides that people really weren't paying attention to the fact that one of their fellow classmates had decided to shrink on them. Harry guessed it was kind of like a haircut. Not that his ever made any difference, but he had witnessed people getting drastic haircuts and people weeks later finally asking if they had done something different to their appearance. It was a big change, but not something that people grasp right off the bat unless they were your closest friends.
So it was all too soon and with a heavy heart that Harry found himself along with Hermione and Ron—actually it was more like Hermione dragging him while Ron walked behind laughing—heading up to the hospital wing before dinner.
"Well hello Harry! Long time no see! I was wondering when you would show up this year, but it is only the first day. What malady could have possibly befallen you this quick?"
"I've shrunk."
"I beg your pardon?"
Harry sighed and stood up at full height, "I woke up this morning six inches shorter."
"Well that's most impressive. Come over here and let's have a look at you."
"Do you think Madam Pomfry," Hermione chimed in, she had been given all day to think about this and the more she thought about it the worse she began to worry, "That it could be a potion? Or a jinx or curse? I mean, I performed several revealing spells but they could have not been good or—"
"Relax my dear," Madam Pomfry said in her most soothing of voices. It still sounded fairly stern to Harry's ears though. He was, however, very biased. "I am sure after I run my diagnostic we shall discover the problem."
At this she directed Harry to sit on one of the beds. "His Bed" in fact. Madam Pomfry had joked on many occasions that she always kept "His Bed" open since it would more often that not need to be occupied by him. Harry was not amused by this joke. She performed all kinds of non verbal spells, scanning her wand all over Harry. Even, at one point, sticking her wand in his mouth. Harry prayed he remembered to brush his teeth when they got done here. Or at least cast a cleaning charm, or something. Soft grows of color and little bells and whistles were the only things giving any reply for the time. Ron and Hermione stood off to the side. Hermione still wore a concerned and evaluating expression, as if still going through all the information in her head, while Ron still had his amused lopsided grin. He knew nothing was wrong with Harry. The only reason Hermione was worried was because she had over thought the situation as only Hermione could. Harry had faced untold obstacles all of his life and lived to tell the tale. This was nothing. Harry would be fine. Right?
"Well, I have finished my evaluation."
Harry waited a second. "And?"
"You are short."
"That's it? After all of that the only conclusion is that I am short?"
"Harry – manners!" Hermione said in her best mom impression, "Go ahead Madam Pomfry, what has caused Harry's shortness?"
"Nothing"
"Huh?"
"Just that Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfry sighed. She thought very highly of young Harry but he seemed a bit oblivious at times. "The loss of height is not due to any jinx, curse, spell, or potion. The cause for the shrinking is internal. Other than that you are perfectly healthy. In fact you have quite a spike in magical power which in short points to—"
"An inheritance!!" Hermione all but yelled. She then proceeded to silently berate herself as if this was the most obvious of answers and she had missed it. Ron, for his part, was at least a little less clueless as Harry.
"So," Ron said slowly, "Harry is some sort of magical creature?"
"I am a what?!" Harry exclaimed. His mind instantly jumping to himself transforming into a hinkypucks or a giant spider.
"Oh calm down, Mr. Potter you will disturb my other patients. Yes, you may very well be a magical creature, or half human – half creature which is often the case. It is very common with older, pureblood families to find several humanoid magical creatures amongst the family tree, especially back during ancient and medieval times. These creatures then impart their genes into the family line and every so often those genes pop up in a descendant."
"So... I lost at gene roulette?"
"A simplistic analogy, but yes. Although, I would not count it a loss just yet, Mr. Potter. For one thing this is only the most logical theory based on my evaluation. It could be that your body just decided to shrink and no magical creature genes are present. The other consideration is that if you are experiencing a magical creature inheritance we do not know which one. With this being the only present visible symptom at this time it is impossible to tell."
A few minutes later the three left the hospital wing. Harry had a pamphlet clutched in his hand entitled Magical Creature Inheritance and You. Harry didn't know who made this pamphlet but he hoped they would not be too offended if, as soon as he got away from Hermione, he threw it in the trash. He could not possibly be a magical creature. It just seemed too surreal, too far out there; even for him. Hermione had been charged with the task of keeping track of the symptoms, if any, that Harry began to experience. Hermione took to the task like she did any project with the promise that she would do her absolute best and that she would also do research in the library. It was at this last declaration that Ron turned to glare at Harry. As if it was his fault they would be spending more time in the library.
Harry himself felt like a science experiment now. Hermione already had a roll of parchment all set and ready to take any notes she could while observing him. Every so often she would look over at him with an appraising look. Ron would also shoot quick glances his way, but his was more of a look of 'I'm worried you're going to change at any moment into some strange, scary creature.' So all in all, this was a great day.
He opened the pamphlet half-heartedly skimming the first paragraph. He felt instantly better. Here on the first page was his salvation! There should be trumpet fanfare, or something to mark this miraculous occasion.
"Ha! There is no way I could be a magical creature!"
"And why is that?" Hermione said. She was directing them, without their knowledge of course, to the library.
"Cause these inheritance thingies only happen on birthdays!"
"Who told you that?"
"Says so right here in this pamphlet. So it has to be true and since—OW! What was that for?!" Harry finished, rubbing the back of his head from were Hermione had just smacked him.
"You, of all people, should know better than to take anything in writing at face value." At this Ron's cough sounded suspiciously like 'Bookworm!' "I digress, Ronald, what does the pamphlet say exactly Harry?"
"'Most magical creature inheritance occurs when the witch or wizard comes of age. At times, the age of maturity coincides with the modern wizarding maturity age of seventeen, however it may also occur on other birthdays depending on the age of maturity of the magical creature.' So there you go! I'm not going to turn into a giant toad. My changes haven't even occurred on my birthday!"
"First of all, weren't you even halfway paying attention to Madam Pomfry? The creature you're turning into will be humanoid. Is that all you've read?"
"Isn't that all I need to read?"
"Not by a long shot. Give me that." Hermione snatched up the pamphlet and began reading. She couldn't ruin Harry's good mood though. No way. No how. No—
"Aha!"
Good mood ruined.
"What? What 'Aha!'? What have you found?"
"The very next paragraph, if you even cared to read it Harry, says, and I quote, 'Another, although more rare, form of receiving a magical creature inheritance is through outside stimuli. This can include food, elements, plants, and more often by other magical creatures or individuals.' There is still a possibility you are becoming a magical creature, but instead of getting it during your birthday you are changing because of something or someone here at the castle. Considering the fact that right after your birthday this year you became increasingly sluggish until we arrived at Hogwarts would also lend to this theory."
Well great. Cancel the trumpet fanfare.
"I was not sluggish. Just a little unmotivated, that's all.
At this Ron decided to finally join in, "Little unmotivated my big left toe! You barely got out of bed! When you did it was like a sloth meandering around the house."
"Thanks Ron." Great, now Harry had visions of himself turning into a giant slug.
"Anytime mate."
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Dinner in the great hall turned out this side shy of awkward. People were staring. A lot. This wasn't anything out of the ordinary considering his past, but after the events of the day Harry was paranoid. They knew. Had to know.
"Do you think they know?" Harry asked Hermione over his shepherd's pie which was almost untouched. He didn't know what was wrong with the cooking this year but he just could not eat it. Ron did not seem to be having the same problem. Quite the opposite really.
"Hey Potter! Do we need to call the Department of Magical Creature Control or do you think Hagrid will be able to handle you?" Justin Finch-Fletchley called out from the Hufflepuff table.
"Guess that answers my question. How did they find out?"
"Obviously one of Madam Pomfry's other patients must have overheard something and the rumor mill got started. Don't worry about it. You don't look like a creature so really people are just saying something to get your goat" Hermione said over her book. On the way to the Great Hall they had stopped off at the library to pick up one of probably many books Hermione was going to read in order to ascertain Harry's creature heritage. Of course, now Harry thought about turning into a giant goat. Least he would have facial hair then...
"Harry does your posterior itch?" Hermione said absentmindedly turning the pages. She didn't even look up from her book.
"Excuse me? My what? Should it itch?"
"Your behind," Hermione said with a sigh and a slight blush, "Does it itch at the very base of your spine?"
"Hermione, why do you want to know about Harry's arse?"
"Language Ronald!" Hermione chastised, "I am merely asking because that could be a sign of a future tail."
"I could get a tail?"
"It's possible."
"Fantastic. This is getting better and better." Harry muttered. He was finally munching on some fruit and a roll. They seemed the only things that didn't upset his stomach. Hermione was looking at him and quickly jotted something down on the parchment. Harry really didn't care. Heaven only knows what she would find note-worthy. Right now he had other distractions to contend with.
"I thought people were okay with creature inheritances."
"They are." Hermione affirmed.
"Then why is everyone staring at me like I am either about to burst into flames or burst out into show tunes?"
"Because it's you mate. They are always gonna stare at you. This just gives them a really good excuse. Trust me; it will die down in no time." Harry wanted to believe Ron's statement but he was having some difficulty at the time.
People were staring and whispering all around him in such an excess that it reminded him of his very first time in the Great Hall for his Sorting. Then it was because of the Boy-Who-Lived had returned to the wizarding world. Now it was because he was the Boy-Who Lived-to-Turn-into-like-a-Cat-or-Something (Harry really hated hyphens). He just hoped in the back of his mind that whatever magical creature he was turning into had sharp teeth. That way he could at least threaten people a little bit. He looked up to the head table to see Professor Dumbledore looking intently at him with that all knowing twinkle in his eye. Harry wondered if Dumbledore knew anything about this. Surely he did. The man had an uncanny and...well, downright creepy ability to know everything. Maybe if they asked him they could solve this riddle straight away. Then again Dumbledore probably thoroughly enjoyed the idea of them doing all of this research. Some type of learning experience meant to build character. Stupid character.
It was at this moment that another distraction came billowing into the Great Hall. Severus Snape, official Potions Master and unofficial Snark Master, walked briskly to the Head Table for dinner. His eyes met Harry's for a brief moment as he was walking and Harry fought back the urge to smile at him and say hello.
Professor Snape had been given the task to train Harry in dueling, defending against the dark arts and more occlumency. At first these lessons were extremely strained; actually they nearly killed each other on many occasions and also caused the untimely demise of many a breakable objects when their duels became far to over the top. However halfway through the training and after a particularly grueling dueling session that Harry finally did something he had wanted to do since the previous year. He apologized. He apologized to the man for invading his privacy the previous year when he looked into Snape's pensive. The apology was heartfelt and Harry guessed it showed. While Snape still had the sharpest tongue this side of the Atlantic, that night marked a turning point at which they eventually formed a friendship, at least Harry felt they did. He had even asked Snape to call him Harry at one point. Snape never did. Nor did he return the invitation for Harry to call him Severus.
Okay, so maybe they weren't friends more like civil acquaintances; however every once in a while they would engage in actual conversation that did no center around the dark arts or dueling. Also, Harry sometimes found himself getting real help Snape or receiving a look from the man that did not have malice behind it. Snape was even one of those that were by his bedside when he awoke in the hospital wing after the final battle. On the other hand these occasions of niceness or actually caring would quickly be followed with Snape putting up his stoic, unemotional masks and avoided Harry as if he carried the bubonic plague. Harry wondered, and not for the first time mind you, that perhaps Snape was afraid to be friends with Harry. That this would cause some rift in the space – time continuum and everyone would end up wearing pink frilly hats and orange shoes. Harry really didn't know. All he knew was that after getting to know Severus Snape that little bit last year that he wanted to get to know him better. To be his friend. It was then that the weird little warmth started to creep up whenever he was around Snape or whenever the Potion Master's name entered a conversation. Hmmmm...This is an awkward feeling. Should Harry be feeling this feeling? Quick distraction!
Harry quickly joined the conversation Ron was having with Dean and Neville in an attempt to keep the weird little warmth at bay. Ha! It worked. Mission Distraction to Quell Awkward Feelings a success! He really appreciated his friends and not only for their ability to distract him from a certain Snark Master. It was nice that, even though everyone else was staring and talking about him and he now faced a very weird and scary situation of becoming a mysterious creature, he had friends that really didn't care. They still treated him as Harry. At least for right now they did. Harry couldn't help but worry that he may loose some of his friends once he finally changed completely into his creature form. Who wants to be friends with a giant wombat anyways?
He didn't notice that during this conversation and for the rest of the night he was talking very fast; using his hands in big, sweeping gestures and, shockingly enough, let out a giggle or two at a couple of Seamus's antics. He didn't notice, but Hermione certainly did and she was writing so fast and furious oh her parchment that it was extremely surprising that her quill did not catch aflame.
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The week passed by without much incident. Well if you don't waking up one morning not needing his glasses anymore. An event Harry celebrated with a most spectacular and embarrassing dance around the dorm, but he didn't care.... and another where his hair had grown a little bit longer and—he didn't think this was even possible—more untidy. This occurrence warranted no dance whatsoever ....oh yes, and more incidents of "Hyper Harry Activity" as Ron was coming to call it. This hyperactivity was happening so much that even Harry had started to recognize when it occurred. Yes, if you didn't count those things then it was a very normal week. The looks and whispers had died down in fact the only other malicious incident was when a couple of Slytherins sent him a collar and leash which he burned on the spot. Harry was sure that Draco was behind it, but Hermione informed him that that was highly unlikely.
"Why?"
"Well, because he is part magical creature too."
"You gotta be kiddin me!" Ron all but shouted, "Malfoy really is part ferret?"
"Again guys, humanoid. Magical creature inheritances are humanoid!" Hermione had said this exact line nearly ten times a day ever since they discovered Harry was possibly gaining an inheritance. "He is part Veela."
"I guess that makes sense," Harry mused, "He certainly has the coloring for it."
"Yea, and he goes through girlfriends like socks."
"Ronald Weasley, don't be crude!" Hermione would not tolerate such statements from her boyfriend.
See? All normal. Harry Potter version of normal, but very mundane nonetheless. He even got a detention in Potion's, a very common occurrence; though it was not by his standard method of obtaining one. For once no explosions occurred. Shocking! But true!
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It was a normal potions class with the normal combating of Slytherins vs. Gryffindors, the normal noxious fumes created by the potions, and, oh yea, mustn't forget the normal overbearing Potions Master. Harry had the sneaking suspicion Snape was avoiding him again and was perplexed as to why. Usually the avoidance came after Snape slipped up and was nice to Harry.
Professor Snape avoided Harry's eyes during lecture and the first potions class on Tuesday had seen him not even approached once by the Professor for any type of critique; this class didn't seem at all different. Even if, Harry reasoned, he does not want to be my friend...or civil acquaintance...or whatever, anymore that should not stop him from his, Snape's, favorite pastime. By that Harry meant the constant overcritical analysis and belittling of Harry's potion skills.
Harry was feeling another bout of "Hyper Harry Activity" starting up. He hated this most of all. They seemed to happen at the worst times. Like potions. Potions is the worst possible class Harry could have picked to become antsy, twittery, and all around goofy in. He felt that fate was somewhere having an incredible laugh at his expense because even though Harry would never choose to enter into his hyper alter ego in Potions he did. Both potions classes found Harry becoming Dun dun dun dah! Hyperman! which it made it very hard to concentrate on ingredients and whether or not his potion should be goldenrod yellow or canary yellow.
Today found his leg shaking of its own accord. Almost like it wanted to break away from his body and take off running down the corridor. It was shaking so much that he accidentally knocked a vial off the work table and quickly had to swoop down to for a quick catch. As he came back up to set it on the table he felt someone's eyes on him. Turning he saw that Snape was actually acknowledging his presence. As soon as their eyes locked Harry got the intense urge to laugh. Knowing he was in hyper mode did not bode well in his mind. Ron had told him more than once his laugh often took on a giggle quality that he knew the Potions Master would not find as amusing as his red-headed friend. Try as he might the more he fought it the more he wanted to laugh and soon poor Harry found himself giggling in the middle of a quiet potions classroom.
"Mr. Potter! Is there something you find amusing?"
Harry began to blush. Well if this isn't more embarrassing than being spied on by Moaning Myrtle in the prefect's bathroom. Snape was giving him a curious expression and Harry knew he needed to answer if he wanted to save his neck and what little dignity he had left. He tried, really he did. He begged his mouth to answer. Pleaded for the sake of all that was quidditch that he could answer Professor Snape's question, but all that could come out was even more laughter. What was he doing? Why was he so giddy? He was on the fast track to getting a—
"Detention Potter! Tomorrow evening, 7 pm, my office. Now kindly desist with that incessant laughter!"
Great. His first detention of the year, and for giggling no less. Harry turned to try and get his customary sympathetic glance from Hermione and was greeted by her head bowed down as she frantically jotted some form of note or what have you on a piece of parchment. Great. Just great.
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Friday passed in what could have been the calmest since the opening feast. Harry did not awake to any drastic changes in his appearance, there was only a half day of classes since they were seventh years, and everyone seemed to be in a relaxed and happy mood. The weekend spirit had descended upon them. Harry was so engrossed in a game of exploding snaps with Ron that Hermione had to remind him about his detention....which we was suppose to be serving in fifteen minutes. So all that could be seen was a blur of Harry as he ran from the common room in order to get to the dungeon on time.
Now, Harry had participated in his fair share of detentions. In fact he had the sneaking suspicion that the only two people who had received more detentions that him were the Weasley twins and that is saying something. So at six fifty eight when he found himself outside the door to Professor Snape's office huffing and puffing from his brisk job...dead sprint...down to the dungeon, it should have felt like old business. It wasn't. Harry had made up his mind on the run down there that he was going to talk to the Potions Master. Ask him if they could be friends. Get to know one another. A Gryffindor trait he knew, but there it was. He was set and he would not turn back. He hoped. He was just about to knock when the door swung open revealing none other than Professor Snape. Harry's shocked expression must have shown on his face because he saw what looked like a tiny smirk grace Snape's usually emotionless mouth.
"Ah, actually on time. I am impressed Mr. Potter." Severus said smoothly as he stood aside to let the student in. He had been contemplating this detention all day; not that he would admit that to anyone. Ever. But ever since last year he did not know what to make of the Golden Boy. 'Well, not a boy anymore,' the voice in his head offered, 'More like a young man.' After Potter had apologized for the pensive incident Severus began to reevaluate his opinions of his young protégé. James Potter would have never apologized for doing something like that. In fact he would have teased Severus with no end in sight over it, something he realized Potter had not done. After the acceptance of his apology Potter had also made an effort to be ....nice....of all things. Stupid Gryffindor bravery. He had tried to quell the young man's peace offering and kept up all of his shields and kept the training regiment just as, if not more grueling. Severus did not make friends. Especially with the spawn of James Potter. Despite this Severus found himself getting sucked in by the young Gryffindor. He found himself talking and discovering about Ha-Potter. The young man he had once perceived as arrogant and spoiled as his father was found to be gentle and sweet-spirited. These realizations scared the hell out of Severus. He could not be friends with Potter. Inconceivable.
Then the final battle occurred and Severus had to witness that same sweet natured teenager face down the darkest wizard of their day. And he won. By Merlin, the young man actually won. In a surge of magic that was awe inspiring and frightening Potter had actually vanquished the Dark Lord Voldemort. Severus then had to witness Potter slumping to the ground in unconsciousness. He was the first by his side. He was also one of only a few individuals that stayed by Potter's bedside in the hospital bed until he awoke a few weeks later. It was during this time that Severus realized just how much he had come to care for the unconscious young man. It was then, too, that he decided to keep his distance from then on. Potter had his whole life ahead of him; he should not waste his time on a relationship of any sort with his greasy potions professor.
"Um...sir?"
"What is it Potter?" Snape said, trying to put as much malice as he could behind his voice. He only half succeeded.
"What shall I be doing for my detention sir?"
"What else? Cleaning cauldrons."
Oh yes. Of course. As he walked toward them he got a good look at the cauldrons in question. 'Uhg! What happened to these? I swear Professor Snape mucks these up himself when he knows someone is coming for a detention' Harry thought darkly as he put on some gloves and picked up the sponge. Professor Snape had moved back to his desk and was writing something; most likely marking essays if his deep scowl was anything to go by. For a while the only sounds filling the office was the scratching of a quill and the scrubbing noises coming from the cauldrons in the corner. Both men were lost in their thoughts over the other person in the room. Harry was once again feeling that giddy, hyper feeling creep up but he was able to keep it a little under control. At least he wasn't giggling like a prepubescent girl. That meant for something right? At least with all this energy he was feeling he was getting his cleaning done in record time.
"Mr. Potter"
"Yes sir?" Harry popped his head out of a particularly large cauldron.
"I inquire about the recent change to you stature and appearance."
"Huh?"
Severus was getting exasperated. "Your height Potter! And your lack of glasses!"
"Oh, well..." Had Snape not heard? It had been going around the whole school hadn't it? Then again, Harry really doubted that Snape would listen to the rumor mill or that people would choose the professor to gossip with. Even the Slytherins knew better. "I really don't know..." It wasn't a lie. It wasn't! Their best theory was that he was becoming a magical creature. No one new for sure. So no lying has occurred. Conscious soothed. "I woke up one morning short and another morning with my vision corrected." See! Again, no lying. That was true too. Harry could do this.
"And you didn't think to tell anybody Potter?" Snape said with mild surprise and a lot of aggravation. When would this stubborn Gryffindor learn!
"I did! I went to Madam Pomfry. She gave me a check up and said that I was healthy."
"Did she check for any potions that could have entered your system?"
Was that concern in Professor Snape's voice. Nah. Couldn't be. "Yes sir. She stuck her wand in my mouth and said some sort of spell." Harry shuddered from the memory. Did he even remember to brush his teeth after that? Ewwwww, gross.
Snape pursed his lips, "Hm, that is superficial at best. Come with me Potter." With that he turned in true Snape fashion—robes billowing and all—and headed back to his private lab. What else could Harry do? He followed.
No sooner had he stepped inside the room than he was greeted with a vial of a neon green liquid.
"Drink this Potter. If you are experiencing the effects of a potion—even if the potion is out of your system—this potion will confirm that."
Slightly nervous.... okay, extremely nervous...Harry took the vial and slowly drank it. Hmmm tastes like lemon...y..... lemony....sort of. Okay, it tasted nothing like lemon but it was the closest thing he could compare it to. The two stood there in the damp potions lab looking at each other. Harry waited and wondered when the potion would take effect and what it would do. While he waited he took in the potion masters appearance. 'His hair looks nice.' Harry thought absentmindedly, ' Looks like he is washing his hair more. Doesn't look that greasy anymore.....Why am I wondering about Snape's hair?' Unbeknownst to him, Harry's cheeks had colored slightly from his thoughts.
Snape quirked an eyebrow. His own thoughts on the Gryffindor Golden Boy. 'You can really see how green his eyes are without his glasses. Such an amazing color of green....Why am I thinking of Potters eyes?'
"Sir?"
"What is it Potter?"
"Well, um...I was just wondering...."
"Articulation Potter. What did you need to know?"
"How is this potion suppose to tell if I have been—"
Harry had his question cut short when he emitted a very impressive and very very loud burp. He also emitted, during said burp, a puff of white smoke. Harry turned the color of a tomato over the mortification of burping in such a way in front of Professor Snape. Snape simply smirked, amused by Harry's embarrassment.
"That, Mr. Potter, is what that potion does. One tells if one has been effected by a potion and how by the color of the smoke."
"Ah well.... So what does mine say?"
"You are suffering from no ill effects from a potion."
"I see. Well....Thank you sir."
"You're welcome Mr. Potter."
Both just stood there looking at each other.
"Um, Sir?"
"Yes Mr. Potter?"
Okay, now or never. Deep breathe because this is one of those situations where the faster it's said the better.
"Sir I was just wondering what we were? I know that during training last year we started being nicer to each other and I got to know you and I really respect you and I want to get to know you better and you were there when I woke up after the final battle, but you seem to always push me away, but I really want to be your friend."
Harry all but gasped at the end of his speech. Was that even English?
Severus was trying absorbing this rapid confession. Finally his mind came to rest upon the very last thing Potter had said. "You can not possibly want to be friends with me."
"But, but I do sir."
Was the boy...young man...serious? He seemed so serious. Severus looked into the green eyes he had been admiring earlier to try and see if he could detect any falseness. He found none. Potter actually wanted to be his friend.
"I do not have friends Potter."
"Then wouldn't today is a great day to start?" Harry ventured, "I know we have had a rough history, but what about if we start over? Tabula rasa? Clean slate?"
Severus was impressed that Potter knew such a phrase and considered the offer. He was right when he said he had no friends. The closest thing he had was Albus, but that was more of a father/son relationship. Could he be a friend with this young man? Did he want to? Severus surprised himself by realizing that, yes, he did want to be friends and get to know Potter better. What did he have to lose?
"Very well, Mr. Potter. As you so surprisingly eloquently phrased it: we shall have tabula rasa. As such..." Severus stuck out his hand, "you may, in private only, call me Severus. As friends do we should be on more personal terms." He fought to not be taken aback by the beautiful grin that spread across Harry's face.
Harry could not believe that Snape...Severus! had agreed to be his friend. He looked into the man's eyes to try to see malice or sarcasm, but only found acceptance and if anything a little but of mirth over the present situation. Harry had to agree. This was crazy.
"Only if you call me Harry."
At this Harry accepted the Severus's offered hand to shake. To seal the deal. However as soon as their hands touched it felt as if Harry had been struck by lightning. The giddiness and hyperactivity shot sky high. He pulled back quickly and stared at his hand as if it held the answer to what just occurred. Well, that was unexpected. He looked back up at Severus and saw the same surprised look on his face.
"You may go....Harry," Snape said slowly, "You're detention is over."
Harry wanted to ask what exactly had just happened, but he was still so shocked by the feeling that he just nodded dumbly, turned, and walked out the door of the potions lab and back into the office. He was just about to leave when he turned back around. Severus was standing in the doorway to his lab.
"Pro...Severus..." man that was going to take some getting use to, "Thank you. For accepting my friendship."
Severus seemed to have snapped out of a trance, "Thank you...Harry...for extending that friendship."
"Ummm I didn't finish cleaning the cauldrons."
Severus smirked and cocked an eyebrow, "You mean you actually want to clean those things?"
"Well I..."
"Leave Harry. It is late. Good night."
"Oh. Umm Goodnight Severus" And Harry turned back and this time left the office and the very confused Potions Master behind. Severus had a feeling being friends with Harry Potter would only lead to trouble. Trouble always found the young man. What had he gotten himself into?
Severus went to bed that night confused and slightly excited. He had a friend! As childish as the thought sounded, he could not seem to help it. He had never had a friend before. He pushed the thought of the jolt of energy that accompanied the touch of Harry's hand out of his hand. It was of no importance anyway.
Harry went to bed that night exhausted and happy. He had asked Severus for his friendship and the man had agreed! He hadn't thought Severus would ever want to be friends with him but here they were. He wondered how they would be able to spend time together to develop this new friendship. Maybe best to just see what happens. Harry changed into his pajama pants but forwent the shirt since he felt a little warm. He climbed into bed and began to fall asleep. Just before drifting completely off his mind went once again to that jolt he felt when he had touched Severus's hand. He still felt a tingle sensation all throughout his right arm.
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Harry awoke the next morning thinking one particular thing, that he felt really great. For Harry to think this in the morning hours was an amazing feat to say the least...or maybe it's the most. Was it because it was the weekend? Maybe. Was it because Severus had accepted his friendship last night? Quite possible. Was it because when he stood up next to Ron he realized he came up to the other boy's neck instead of his chest....wait, WHAT?!
"I grew!" Harry hollered. Luckily, he and Ron were the only ones in the dorm at the time. "I don't know how it happened but I am not going to question it! Ya-hoo! Yippie!" Harry hollered as he danced around the room. This was definitely a happy dance moment. He may not be back to his original height, but he had grown and that made today better than Christmas, his birthday, and any other holiday put together! Why wasn't Ron joining in this celebration of height? He turned back to his friend to find Ron doing a great impression of a fish. Really? Harry was surprised too but the addition of two maybe three inches was nothing to be shocked over. Ron didn't even react this bad when Harry had shrunk.
"Ummm, mate? What's wrong?"
Ron snapped out of his shell shocked stupor, "I think you need to look in a mirror Harry."
Oh no. That's not good. This would be the point in a movie where the ominous music would begin to play. What had happened? Had he grown horns? Dog ears? A snout? He crossed his eyes to see his nose as he walked towards the big mirror on the back of the bathroom door. No. His nose looked fine. Horns. Had to be horns. Or antlers. Or weird ears. Maybe like a deer. Or a bull. Or a ram. He didn't see, but he knew Ron had followed him into the bathroom. When he finally reached the mirror it took him a little while to take in what he was seeing. No horns, antlers, or anything of that sort....no.
"Oh...." Harry said faintly, "wings...." Not just any wings though.
"HOLY CRAP I'M A FAIRY!"
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Cliffhanger much?
Authors Footnote: Yep yall, it's a creature fic. Told you at the beginning it was super cliché. I hope my creature of choice is a bit more of a twist. I personally get a giggle when I think about Harry discovering his wings, but I am painfully biased. Also, I did not receive any advice about who the main ship would be so I think you see now where I am going with this one. Sorry if this dashes someone's dreams. I hope you still continue to read my story!
And Review...........now!