Disclaimer: Still not mine.

A/N: Fantastic. That is how I feel right now. I love that everyone is reviewing. This tale has also been added to ten C2's. I feel really honored. Thanks to everyone! You all rock!

Chapter Five: Back to Work

Wednesday dawned bright and sunny. As Harry's bedroom window faced east, he awoke to bright sunlight streaming through the ivy-chain curtain, casting dappled shadows over his mural, making it appear even more lifelike. Harry squinted at his alarm clock and saw that he still had over an hour before he was supposed to get up. He sighed, wondering if he should see about making a thicker curtain for the window. He discarded the notion after settling his glasses into place and seeing the effect the early morning light had on his painting.

Harry grabbed his fluffy new bathrobe and ducked into the bathroom. A scalding shower soon had him fully awake. He nodded to a yawning Remus in the hall before returning to his own room. He dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, removed his coverall from his battered backpack, and tugged on his ragged trainers. Hmm... Yet another thing to remember to pick up. Should probably get a pair of dress-shoes, too. I don't think trainers are appropriate to wear with that suit Jennifer insisted I get.

After breakfast, Remus rode with Harry to the shop. Remus took the opportunity to discuss basic magical theory with the fledgling wizard.

"Okay, I understand that the intent is what's powering the spell, and that the word or words used are primarily a mnemonic device, but is it possible to make yourself cast one spell while saying the words to some other spell? It sounds like something that would be useful in dueling..."

Remus nodded, "You would think so, wouldn't you? Part of what you've described is possible; it's merely silent casting. In silent casting, you're not saying the words out loud. However, it's impossible to say the words for another spell while casting a different spell. For example, if I wanted to cast 'lumos,' but was trying to say 'protego' instead, not only would I be properly confused, but the magic wouldn't know what effect I wanted to manifest. The best that I could hope for would be a merging of the two spells, or perhaps a non-reaction. The worst would be an uncontrollable magical explosion."

Harry thought for a few minutes, making his way through the early morning traffic. While stopped at a red light, he glanced at Remus, "I suppose I can understand. You've preconditioned yourself into a particular set of automatic reactions when casting. However, would it be possible to cast silently, which you've said is possible, while saying something that isn't a spell? For instance, if I wanted to do a silent 'lumos' and said something like... 'wingnut' instead? It would likewise confuse whatever opponent I was dueling."

The kid has a point... I haven't seen dueling like that, though. I wonder if Filius is familiar with styles like that? I know Severus is fond of silent casting while dueling, but he tends to verbally lash out at his opponent rather than try to confuse them... "You have a point, Harry. However, I don't know of anyone that uses that particular strategy. I'll probably write to a couple of my associates to see if they know more, if that's all right with you?" Harry nodded and made a left turn into the shop's parking lot. "However, it appears as though we've arrived. Shall we shelve the discussion for later?"

"Certainly."

As there was little to do in the shop - Nigel had the only customer that morning, and he had it well in hand - Remus and Harry had all the paperwork from the last few days caught up in record time. After that was done, Remus and helped Allen do a minor inventory. And Tim and Harry were both working on getting the last few kinks in Viridian's electrical system ironed out.

"So... How are things going with your new studies?" Tim asked as he re-wired the fuse-box.

Harry looked up from where he was running wire to the door-switch that controlled the dome light, "Not too shabbily, if I do say so myself."

"What can you do?"

Harry shrugged, "Not too much, yet. Light, a sticking charm, and a sewing charm. Remus is making sure I understand the theory before getting into too much practical stuff. I did run into a witch my age, though. Her parents run a dentists' office."

Tim smiled, "Pretty?"

Harry snorted, "Why do you want to know?"

Tim shook his head, "Harry, Harry, Harry. You need to get out more. I know you, little brother. You don't date, you don't hang out with other guys. You isolate yourself off with your paints and ignore the rest of the world."

Harry arched an eyebrow. "And how, exactly, was I supposed to date while living with the Dursleys?"

Tim laughed, "But you're not there any longer, are you? That's what I was talking about, Harry. You can and should date now. You don't want to be a virgin forever, do you?"

Harry blushed and sputtered, unable to come up with a suitable comeback.

"Good to see you understand. Now, back to the girl. Is she pretty?"

Harry shrugged, "I suppose. Her name's Hermione. She came over last night and helped me show Remus the advancements in computers since the last time he dealt with one."

"But I thought he was shown the one in the office?"

"He thought it was a word-processor. And, you have to admit, a twelve-year-old computer isn't precisely the best example of modern technology."

"True. So, how long had it been since he worked with the damn things?"

"He claimed 1982, although I'm sure it has to have been longer than that. We showed him the internet and within half an hour, he located Pong."

Tim laughed hard enough to see stars. "Pong? You have got to be kidding me."

"Am not. It's true. He spent the better part of an hour playing with it."

Nigel's snort from the next bay over distracted both of them. "You know, guys, you should really be talking about something else. I only caught bits and pieces of what you just said. Namely 'Remus,' 'internet,' and 'He spent the better part of an hour playing with it.'"

"Just because your mind is perpetually in the gutter, doesn't mean everyone else shares your obsession," Harry retorted.

"Touché." Nigel went back to work on the car.

Everyone broke for lunch at one. Halfway through the hour break, Harry's cellphone rang. "Hello?"

"Hey. I just wanted to thank you for inviting me over last night. I had fun."

"Oh, hey Hermione. You're welcome any time."

"I was wondering if you'd be attending Hogwarts this fall?"

Harry shook his head, "I don't know. Probably not. I have to catch up on six years' worth of magical learning, and school starts in less than a month... I don't think I'll have time. Remus is making sure I know all the theory first, anyway. And I still want to go to uni after I'm done with school."

"Oh? Do you know what you want to study? I was thinking about going into law... Not as an auror, of course, but more into the political side of things. The Ministry, maybe."

"Sounds interesting. I don't much care for politics, though. My art instructor at Stonewall seems to think I could get scholarships in art, but I don't know if I want to study it. I mean, I like art, and I'm good at it, but I can't see it as more than a hobby. Especially now that I don't have to rely on it to go to uni."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, before Remus showed up last week, I was on my own as far as money was concerned. I've saved a couple thousand pounds and was planning on using that and any scholarships I could get to go to uni. Now, though, since Remus turned up, I find that my parents left me a lot of money when they died, so I don't have to continue in art, unless I really want to."

"Makes sense. You really didn't know about your inheritance, though?"

"Nope. Why? Don't tell me you knew!"

"A little. If you research your family, it becomes apparent that the Potter name is one of the older wizarding lines in Britain. They've also been rather respected, and their estate still donates hundreds of galleons a year to Saint Mungo's and Hogwarts, as well as numerous smaller institutions."

Harry laughed, "Should I be frightened that you know more about me than I do?"

"Nonsense. It's all a matter of public record."

"But you still had to have researched it."

"True, but it was just curiosity."

Harry snickered, "But you know what curiosity did to the cat."

Hermione giggled, too. "Yeah, but satisfaction brought him back!"

Harry glanced at the clock on the wall of the office, "Sorry to cut this short, Hermione, but I have to get back to work. I'll call later, okay?"

"Sure. Talk to you later." The call ended.

Harry tucked the phone back into his pocket, only to realize Remus, Nigel, Tim, and Allen all staring at him. "What?"

The other four broke down laughing. Tim shook his head, "So she is pretty, then."

Harry tossed his hands into the air, and said to no one in particular, "I can't win!"

The remainder of the day seemingly flew by to Harry. Before he knew it, it was time to go back home. Harry smiled a little at the thought. Home. Don't think I've ever thought of the Dursleys' as such. It's good to know there's somewhere I'm actually wanted as something other than a servant. Harry sighed. Life was definitely looking up.

Remus and Harry spent the hours after dinner going over what little practical magic Harry knew as well as further discussing magical theory. Just before bed, Remus handed Harry a list, obviously from the yellow legal pad that shadowed Jennifer everywhere. "Go through that catalog from Flourish and Blotts, they should have all these in stock. If you send Hedwig with the order tonight, you should receive the package in the next day or two. When you get the books, let me know, and we'll start in on more practical work."

Harry nodded and took the list to his room. It didn't take him long to locate all the books on Remus' list. Harry also added a couple of interesting titles from the catalog to the order, as well. After sending his owl on her way with the massive order, Harry snuggled beneath his blanket and was asleep in minutes.

While Harry was busy filling out the order form for his books and falling asleep, Remus was looking over the master-list of first year curriculum. Surprisingly, he and Harry had managed three of the charms listed, as well as the majority of the theory for all classes in the few short days since their meeting. He filled out his own order forms for supplies; when Hedwig returned, he'd send it out. Allen had promised that he and Harry would have all the same days off, and Friday was just the day after next. Remus scribbled down a to-do list. He wanted to get Harry through all twenty charms on the master-list that day. It was unlikely that it would be a problem. The charms he had shown Harry thus far the boy had picked up on after only one or two tries. If there was time, he also hoped to start in on transfigurations.

Once he had his list, he meandered to the den, where Allen was poking about on his computer. "Good evening, Allen."

"Remus. How goes it?"

"Not too bad. I just had a few questions about the upcoming school year. Do you know what subjects Harry will be taking? I need to figure out how much time per day we will be able to work on his magical studies."

Allen thought for a moment. "I know he plans on going on to uni, so he'll probably be taking the college-prep classes."

"And those would be?"

"Let's see if I can recall... It's been a while since my own school days, mind, but I did attend Stonewall as well... World History three - that covers the second world war to present day, unless it's been changed. Um... Calculus or Trigonometry, depending on which one he took last year. Advanced Living Skills, just because he enjoys it."

"Living Skills?"

"Yeah. Cooking, sewing, how to pay bills and the like. From what I've heard, Harry's only one of three boys in a class of twenty. Smart kid. I wish I'd have thought of that when I was a teen."

Remus laughed. "Somehow I think if Hogwarts had offered a class like that, Harry's dad would have done the same thing."

Allen grinned, "You might want to let him know. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. History, Living Skills, mathematics. Advanced English Literature and Composition. I know he took Chemistry last year, and Biology the year before, so I'm not sure what science class he'll be taking. I seem to recall that a Government class, as well as a class on Economics were both required. Oh! And he's taking Latin for his language requirement. He also mentioned signing up for Advanced Two-Dimensional Art and Intermediate Sculpture."

"Busy, isn't he?"

Allen nodded and chuckled. "Of course. I don't think he ever showed up for work during the school year without his homework in tow. I know he gets top marks, too, but you'd have to talk to him to find out exactly how much time he spends studying."

"Do you know if Stonewall offers an astronomy course in its sciences?"

Allen nodded. "Yeah, took it myself when I was a lad. I take it that's a subject that overlaps?"

Remus nodded. "That it does. If he can take or has taken the class already, I can cross that one off the list."

"There's a list?"

"Yes. The magical world is no less fond of standardized tests than the muggle. Fifth-years at Hogwarts take their OWL - Ordinary Wizarding Level - tests at the end of the year to determine what advanced subjects they can sign up for. At the end of seventh year are the NEWTs - Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests. The results from both are used by potential employers to screen candidates; particularly for any sort of continued-training position, like the Auror Corps. In either case, I hope to be able to have Harry sit his OWLs over the Christmas hols, and, with luck, sit the NEWTs with his age-mates at Hogwarts this spring."

"Sounds rather like the system we have in place for non-magical folk. Do you know if it was your system that inspired ours or vice-versa?"

Remus shrugged, "Not too sure. It wasn't covered in my Muggle Studies class, nor in History of Magic."

"Meh. Isn't too important, just an idle curiosity." Allen set about turning off the computer. "Do you really think he'll be ready for those tests so soon?"

"I'm not sure, but with what I've seen so far, I'll be surprised if he isn't ready for at least his OWLs. He's shown a remarkable aptitude for magic."

"How so?"

"I've shown him a total of three charms; a light spell, a sewing spell, and a sticking charm, as well as the counters for each of them. Now, it's relatively normal to get the light spell on only one or two tries, but the other two, particularly the sewing spell, are notoriously hard to learn. There's also the fact that he managed to locate his magical core on the first try. That alone is almost unprecedented. Albus Dumbledore - largely hailed as the greatest wizard since Merlin - took two tries to find his. I think the last wizard to locate their magical core on the first try was a witch in the late 1600's." Remus sighed. "I wouldn't be at all surprised if he outstrips my skill in the next eight months or so."

"How's that?"

"Well, he can hardly learn anything from someone that's not on the same magical level as he is. If my suspicions are accurate, he'll end up having to resort to self-study before his eighteenth birthday. What's even more upsetting is that his magical core is still growing, and will until he's somewhere between twenty and twenty-five. Magic grows alongside the body; when one's done growing, so is the other."

"Astonishingly, that makes more sense than I would have suspected a week ago." Allen chuckled, "But then, a week ago, I would have suggested a long stay in a padded room had you suggested magic was real."

"It does take a bit of getting used to, doesn't it?"

The subsequent week had Remus in an advanced state of shock and Harry deliriously happy. Not only had they finished the master-list of charms, but the transfiguration list as well. Harry was also getting to know the auror, Tonks, that was helping with security in the area, and Hermione, as well.

The following Friday, Remus planned on starting Harry on Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. The morning was devoted to DADA, which Harry picked up more quickly than either charms or transfiguration. However, when Remus finished describing the basic theory behind potions, Harry developed a grin the likes of which Remus hadn't seen since the days of the Marauders.

"This looks fun. It's rather like a combination of chemistry and cooking, isn't it?"

Remus nodded, "The basic principles are similar, or so I understand. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a brewer, and I only have a passing knowledge of chemistry. I was also told once - by your mum, no less - that I should never set foot in a kitchen. I had managed to melt her tea kettle while trying to make tea. Ever since then, I conjure the tea I drink."

Harry laughed, "Sounds like mum was right to say what she did. If you'd melted a pot at Aunt Petunia's, she probably would have throttled you." Harry looked down to the beginner's potions text. "But, from what I see here about the warnings listed, this is a bit more volatile than just hashing together something for a casserole. It's a bit more like chemistry. Hmm... I wonder..."

"Dare I ask?"

"Well, it's just that in chemistry, there's a list of all the elements, sorted into familial groups, depending on how they interact with one another, their atomic weight, and so on. Is there something along those lines for potions? Also, from what you've told me about brewing, the order in which ingredients are added, how they've been prepared, what direction you stir, the type of cauldron used, the material of the stirring rod... All of it has a bearing on the final product." Harry picked up the textbook, "The book is all well and good, from what I've read, but it only gives specific potions to memorize and make. It does bugger-all to explain what's going on. How are new discoveries made? Is it all just happenstance and guess-work?"

Remus scrubbed a hand across his face. "I honestly don't know, Harry. Most people don't really care what's happening or why, so long as the final product does what they want it to."

"That's... Rather disappointing, I guess. I mean, in chemistry, the teacher was supportive of experimentation, as long as we worked it out on paper first. Mr. Barnes refused to let us to a practical in the lab until we had finished the proofs for it. Especially if we were working with anything that could possibly explode or cause bodily harm."

Remus sighed. He was already out of his depth and he knew it. "I can already tell that I won't be a suitable teacher for this subject, Harry. Let's go back to Defense for now, and I'll see what I can do about locating an appropriate tutor. The potions' master at Hogwarts, Snape, might know someone..."

Harry nodded and put the book away.

That night, Remus sat down with his list of requirements for all years, and sorted them into piles on the small correspondence desk in his room. He sat the lists for first year charms and transfigurations into a pile he mentally labeled 'done.' He also sat the astronomy list for all years in that pile as well. Harry had told Remus he'd taken the class as a third-year at Stonewall. A few nights earlier, Remus confirmed that Harry had not forgotten much, if anything, covered in the class and was more than ready to take the OWL for that subject.

He placed the potions lists into a pile he thought of as 'not my area,' and hesitated before splitting the lists for arithmancy between the 'not my area' pile and a pile of 'still needs done.' He was reasonably good with magical arithmetic, but decided to have the more advanced levels explained by someone who knew precisely what was going on. From Harry's questions about potions, Remus wouldn't be at all surprised if Severus Snape didn't decide to tutor him, himself. If the ruddy prat would ever get over his hatred of James, that is. I really tried to show him that we were adults, and more than capable of working together, and he goes and proves me wrong. If he does tutor Harry... Merlin help me if he says or does a single thing to take his hatred out on James' son!

Remus shook his head to dispel the thoughts and returned to sorting the lists. He'd realized that tutoring Harry was much different than teaching a class of students. For one thing, Harry seemed to be able to recall just about anything he'd read. Another difference were the questions Harry came up with. There had been a couple of times that he'd really had to thinkto pull up or reason out the answer. He placed Divination and History of Magic in the same pile, 'interesting, but useless.'

While Remus was revising his lesson plan, Harry was in his room, re-reading parts of the potions text. It's almost like the author didn't want people to really understand what they were doing. I guess that's alright for a bunch of kids, but I'd rather know what I'm doing before I start doing it. I mean, in cooking, if I'm out of buttermilk, I know there are substitutions I can make to get the same final result. In chemistry, not knowing that two elements react a particular way can cause real problems, like mixing bleach and ammonia. Or hydrochloric acid and sugar. Harry shut the book and sat it on his bookshelf with his other magic books. What was that name Remus mentioned? Snap? Grape? No, Snape! That's it. Maybe he can recommend a better guide.

Harry sat at his desk and typed a letter to the Hogwarts' Potions' Master. It would be so much easier to get a hold of him if they had email. Oh, well. When in Rome... Harry emailed it to himself and went down to the computer in the den to print it out.

"Good evening, Remus. I trust all is well?" Albus asked through the mirror.

Remus nodded, "Scarily so, Albus."

The headmaster quirked an eyebrow. "How's that?"

Remus shook his head, "Harry's absorbing the lessons almost faster than I can teach him. In fact, he's gone through all of the first-year charms and transfiguration lessons, and just today, he's made his way halfway through the Defense list."

"That is most fortuitous. It seems I should be a touch jealous, Remus. It's not every day that one gets the chance to teach so apt a pupil. And the other classes?"

Remus shrugged, "He already took a muggle astronomy course, so that's not something we have to deal with. I don't anticipate him being all that interested in divination or history. The only major issue I've ran into has to do with potions."

Albus sighed, "That's to be expected, Remus. One cannot be naturally skilled in all areas of magic."

Remus shook his head, "That's not it. We've not gone over more than theory at this point. The issue lies with me, sir. He keeps asking questions that I can't answer. I was wondering if you could contact Sna- Severus and see if he knows of someone better suited to teach Harry that aspect of magic."

Albus looked thoughtful, stroking his long white beard. "What sorts of questions is he asking?"

"He keeps wanting to know why things react the way they do, and if its just the ingredients of the potion, or whether the cauldron, et cetera has an affect as well. Though I passed the NEWT for potions, I never was that interested in it. I don't even know where to start looking for the answers to the questions he asks."

Dumbledore nodded, "Of course, my boy. I'll speak with Severus and see if he can recall anyone that would be appropriate for the position."

"Thank you, Albus."

"You're quite welcome. Now, to change the topic, Nymphadora has informed me that the investigation into the Dursleys is going well?"

Remus nodded, "Yes, it has. She's been a real asset. Since she's new to the area, it's not suspicious of her to ask about the families in the area. She's managed to gather testimony from about half the families in the neighborhood just by inviting the lady of the house over for tea. Albeit, the tea has a mild truth serum in it, and when her guests leave, they find themselves with a strong compulsion to contact the police. Andie has also been by a couple of times, going over the information they've come up with about Vernon Dursley. Once this is all said and done, it's quite likely that Vernon and Dudley both will end up in prison."

Dumbledore gave a grim nod. "It still pains me that I am responsible for Harry having had to live there."

Remus shot the headmaster a Look. "It's not me you should be telling that to."

For the first time in over ten years, Severus Snape found himself starting a day without an experimental potion in his laboratory. He'd finally finished tweaking the latest versions of both the post-Cruciatus potion and Wolfsbane just three nights ago, and was still waiting on the data from Saint Mungo's as to their effectiveness. Snape was just finishing his morning coffee when a snowy white owl began pecking at his kitchen window. Snape sighed and let the owl in, thinking, Bloody Albus. Why not send the ruddy phoenix next time? Or how about a parrot? No subtlety whatsoever...

He took the envelope from the owl, noting in passing that it wasn't the normal heavy parchment, but a blindingly white muggle envelope. On the front of it was printed 'Professor Snape, Potions Master.' "Who on earth would send me a muggle letter by owl post?"

Using a table knife, he slit open the envelope and read the letter contained therein.

13 August, 1997
Dear Professor Snape:

I was informed that you are a potions' professor at Hogwarts. I am currently being home-schooled in magic, and my tutor was unable to sufficiently answer some questions I had regarding brewing. Likewise, the book I have (Magical Drafts and Potions, by Arsenius Jigger) doesn't go into any detail on circumstantial reactions of the different aspects of brewing potions. What I have learned thus far only reinforces my desire to know what I'm doing before attempting it in reality. It seems to me that every aspect of a potion-brewing session has some affect on the outcome of the potion. For example, in one of the 'beginner' level potions I've read the instructions for, it states to add porcupine quills after removing the potion from the fire, otherwise an explosion will occur. It doesn't state why. It also doesn't explain why the ingredients need to be prepared as listed.

I am highly familiar with both cooking and muggle chemistry, and in both of those areas - which are superficially similar to potions - it is necessary to know what your final product will be, as well as any potentially nasty side-effects; be they a burned pie from a too-hot oven, or poisonous gasses from mixing the wrong chemicals. I can't see how the same thing doesn't apply to potions. Some of the potential disasters detailed in the text I have sound particularly gruesome.

I was curious if you would be able to recommend a more comprehensive guide to the potions-making process. One which details the reactions expected from the ingredients used. If you are familiar with chemistry at all, then what I'm searching for would be similar to the Periodic Table of Elements, or perhaps a Cliffs' Notes study guide.

I find it difficult to believe that potions advancements can be made with the singularly uninformative information I have available. Any advice you would have for a neophyte in your field would be most appreciated. You may send your response, if you have one, back with my owl. Her name is Hedwig.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Harry J. Potter

While reading the letter, Snape's reactions progressed through a full spectrum. Surprise that he'd received such a request, respect that a newbie to the art was able to spot the reason why he continued to use Jigger's text for the lower classes, disbelief that his art could be in any way related to something muggle, and shock at the signature. Shock melted into sneering disdain. It was impossible that anyone named 'Potter' could possibly hold an interest in potions as anything other than the possibility for a prank. Particularly that Potter. What the bloody hell does the spoilt little hero want with this information? Surely the werewolf can adequately address the... child's needs. Crumpling the letter into a ball and tossing it into the cold fireplace, Snape retired to his sitting room, intent on getting caught up with his reading.

Hedwig followed him.

"Blasted bird! Go away! There is no reply! Begone!"

Hedwig hooted irritably and flew back out the window.

"It's open!" Harry called from where he lay on his bed, reading. He was a little upset at first that his letter was met with no response, but chalked it up to the fact that the new term was only two weeks away, and the professor was likely too busy getting ready. If he hadn't received a response by the end of the month, he would try again.

Remus entered Harry's room, "Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Have a minute?"

Harry closed his book and sat up. "Sure. Whacha need?"

Remus took a seat in the desk chair. "I'm going to be out of town for a couple of nights."

"Oh? Why?"

Remus flushed a bit. "For your safety."

"Huh?" Harry stood up and returned his book to its place on the shelf. "What do you mean?"

Remus had been dreading this conversation. "It's just that... I have this... Health concern."

Concerned, Harry sat on the edge of his bed. "Is it serious?"

Remus shrugged, "It can be."

Half-formed ideas of terminal illnesses flitted through Harry's brain. "You'll be alright, though, won't you?"

Remus nodded, "It's not new. I've had this... problem most of my life."

Harry chewed on his lip. "What's it called?"

Remus took a deep breath. "Lycanthropy." And now I'll see if Harry is as understanding as the Kellermans...

"Lycan... Oh, bloody hell, Remus! You could have just said you were a ruddy werewolf!" Harry smiled and shook his head. "It's not like I wouldn't know what the word meant. Muggles do have werewolf stories, you know."

A/N2: I'm rather surprised at the respose I've received. Most people seem to want only friendship between Harry and Hermione. Right now, I'm going to ignore romantic entanglements. In a few chappies, Harry will realise what that prophecy Remus mentioned really entails.

Other than that, what did everyone think of Snape? I promise that won't be the last of him, either.

Remember to review!