AN: Thanks for all the wonderful reviews, just a quick note, if you have a question about the story and leave it in a review I will do my best to get back to you with an answer ASAP.

Return to Hogwarts

September 1996

The trip to Hogwarts was anticlimactic without the train ride and the carriages. Harry and Snape simply Apparated to the outskirts of Hogsmeade and walked the rest of the way unencumbered, having sent Dobby ahead with their things. It was strange to think of his new clothes being unpacked in a room he'd never seen before and not the Gryffindor dorms. Nevertheless the sense of homecoming was present for Harry as it had always been upon entering Hogwarts.

The empty hallways and deserted classrooms they walked through were another new sensation for Harry, as they made their way to Snape's chamber. "I didn't realize how loud it was during term, are we really that noisy?"

Severus snorted at the question. "Yes, Potter, with hundreds of squalling dunderheads all contained within stone walls, the noise level is astronomical. And provoke equally large migraines."

"The noise or the dunderheads?" Harry asked.

Snape stopped at a door Harry vaguely remembered from a month earlier before replying, 'both, Potter.' Snape tapped the wooden door with his wand saying, 'Infinitus Obvius.' Harry was floored, he recognized the words from his warding lessons with Gabriel; he was being given access to every ward in the castle tied to Snape. Laying his palm on the door, Harry felt the warm tingle of magic run across his skin.

Severus watched as Potter was added to the wards, aware the brat knew how much access he'd just been granted. But the damn brat had earned his trust and while he would not admit it aloud, he was willing to show it, in this at least. All Severus said was, "I dislike passwords; they are easily overcome. Other than you and me, only the headmaster is keyed to enter this door uninvited. I would prefer to keep it that way."

"Of course, the less people with access the better, I think. How often does Dumbledore come down here?" Harry glanced around the room as they entered; it was as he remembered − elegant yet inviting.

"Rarely in the past. I believe with you safely ensconced at Hogwarts he will be relatively content to allow you to come to him." Severus removed his cloak and hung it neatly on the coat rack. Pointing out a newly added door, he spoke again, "That is your room; feel free to decorate as you wish. I will be in my classroom. When you are settled, please meet me there."

Harry nodded his agreement and eagerly went to explore his new room. The large four-poster bed with navy blue hangings pleased him, as did the cozy sitting area near a large fireplace. There was an ample sized wardrobe housing his clothes, and his broomstick rested on a nearby walnut desk which had a matching chair.

Harry wound his way through the dungeon corridors to Snape's classroom, happy he avoided getting lost. Entering the room, he took up his usual seat and watched Snape organizing the storage cabinet for a moment before asking, "Do you need any help?"

"Not at the moment." Severus shifted one more vial and turned to Potter. "I wish to ask a favor of you. You are in no way obligated to do as I ask."

"If I can help I will." Harry was beginning to understand; when Snape felt uncomfortable he lapsed into that formal speech.

"Given the intensity of your studies and the time it will require, if you would assist me with some of my classroom duties I would find it beneficial." Severus maintained his impassive façade.

"You trust me helping with your classes?" It was all Harry could do to keep his mouth from gaping open.

Frustrated with the brat, Severus snapped, "No, Potter, I often ask assistance from untrustworthy, unskilled simpletons." Reining in his temper, he added, "Your skills have improved dramatically; you would only be helping with the lower years, of course."

Relieved that Snape was sniping at him again, Harry hastened to say, "I'd be happy to help. What did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking that perhaps you could grade the lower years' essays. In addition, if you would be willing to supervise the dunderheads whilst they brew I could grade the upper year's assignments." Severus settled himself behind his desk, content now that Potter agreed to help. "That should free up sufficient time for me to tutor you as intensively as will be needed."

Harry knew that helping him was taking up a lot of Snape's time and was willing to help out however he could. "Thanks again for the apprenticeship thing," he offered.

Severus waved away the needless thanks. "I think that first through third year assignments will be your domain, same with the supervision."

Rummaging through his desk, he located a long-unused lesson plan. Handing it to Potter, he added, "If you look this over it will give you an indication of what is covered. No doubt those years have leaked from the sieve you call a brain."

Harry rolled his eyes at the casually offered insult and took the lesson plan. "For your information, I still remember the speech you gave first year. Have it written down somewhere in fact."

Severus arched an eyebrow. "Indeed." That speech was unforgettable and with all the work he'd put into it he was pleased to know at least one student remembered it.

The two men spent the next few hours setting up the classroom for the coming term. They worked surprisingly well together. Insults from Snape were only to be expected but Harry was now free to give all the cheeky responses he'd suppressed over the years, detention no longer a threat. Stomach rumbling, Harry asked, "When's dinner?"

Severus glanced over at the clock; he was surprised to see how much time had passed. Potter was surprisingly good company and the time had flown. "We can go down now; Dumbledore expects the staff to dine together before term." Pleased with how much had been accomplished, Severus ushered Potter out the door and down the hall. "We will be gathering in the staff dining room."

They quickly made their way. Just before the two reached the door Harry asked, "Will anyone be telling dirty jokes tonight?"

Severus could not contain his laugh as he opened the door, startling the gathered staff. Being the recipient of so many incredulous stares did not sit well with Severus; he glared and snapped, "Oh for Merlin's sake, is a man not allowed to laugh now? You look like a horde of imbecilic insects." He stalked over to an empty chair and sat ignoring everyone.

Harry had to bite his lip to refrain from laughter of his own. He quickly sat beside Snape, wanting to avoid the headmaster. A shadow caught his attention, and Harry looked up at Hagrid. Relieved, he smiled at his old friend. "How's it going, Hagrid?"

Hagrid sat heavily in the chair next to Harry and thumped the young man's back hard enough to cause Harry to brace his hands on the table to avoid a painful collision with his dinner plate. "Everthin' is just fine, Harry. Glad to see ya getting along with Professor Snape so well."

A quick check to see if his spine was still intact later, Harry answered, "Professor Snape isn't so bad, if you ignore the insults. And the glares." The comment earned him one of those glares from Snape, but luckily he was spared the insult as dinner appeared.

Severus ate his meal, ignoring the inquiring glances from the headmaster. Several of the other professors risked speaking to him in light of his obvious friendship with Potter, but he ignored all except Minerva as she was sitting next to him. "You may as well ask your question," he growled out. "It sours my digestion to have you stare at me."

Minerva McGonagall gave a snort and turned her sternest look towards Severus. "As sour as you are I doubt anything could accomplish that feat." Taking a sip of his wine, Severus waited for her to continue.

"Since you asked so politely, tell me, what in Merlin's name is going on between you, Albus and Potter?" Minerva abandoned all pretense of eating and turned to face her colleague.

Setting down his own fork, Severus gave his longtime friend the answer she deserved. "Albus refuses to accept that Potter is capable of making his own decisions. I offered the brat an apprenticeship, he accepted. The headmaster is… perturbed that Potter will not be attending Hogwarts formally." Severus refilled his wine glass and awaited the questions Minerva was sure to have, Minerva always had questions.

"And why would you of all people offer Harry an apprenticeship?" Minerva held the black eyes, searching for an answer. "I was under the impression you disliked the 'brat'."

Severus sighed. She would not relent until she was satisfied, Potter had been in her house and she was fiercely protective. "I do not wish to go into the details at dinner, suffice to say Potter and I have resolved our differences." He picked up his fork again, saying, "Really, Minerva, I am capable of changing my opinion."

"Humph, I know that, Severus. Harry is a bright young man I'm sure he will do well under your tutelage." Minerva turned to her own meal. "I will be talking to you about those details later."

Severus rolled his eyes. "You are welcome to join me in my rooms for a drink after dinner."

Snape was the master of timing. Waiting till Minerva had a mouthful of wine, he grinned wickedly and said, "You should be aware, I informed Potter of your predilections for raunchy jokes." The resulting choking was truly satisfying.

The week passed quickly for Harry, his lessons with Snape and the Bar continued as usual. While he was looking forward to seeing his friends the next evening, he could not help the nervousness the thought of his first public appearance since defeating Voldemort brought. Harry sat in an armchair before the fire in Snape's living room, attempting unsuccessfully to read a book.

Severus emerged from his bedroom, having changed out of his work attire, to find Potter once again distracted. Something had to be done. He cleared his throat and watched in amusement as the young man jumped. "Potter, I have to speak with the headmaster. I will see you at dinner."

He heard Potter's affirmative response as he walked out the door. Walking to the headmaster's office, he went over the conversation he planned to have with the old coot. Albus must be convinced to see reason. Potter will not confide his fears to me, Albus has always been the brat's confidant. Now to ensure that relationship continues. Hopefully the old man will be reasonable. If not, I will set Minerva on him; she was suitably appalled at Albus' behavior. Severus reached the gargoyle, gave another ridiculous password, 'Chocoballs', and rode the stone steps up to the office.

Severus had not scheduled this meeting, not wanting to give Albus time to marshal any arguments, so he knocked on the door unannounced. He barely refrained from flinching when he heard, "Professor Snape, please come in." Albus only used his title when annoyed. Severus took a bracing breath; this promised to be a painful meeting.

"Headmaster," Severus greeted the old man in kind. Inclining his head towards his preferred seat he asked, "May I?"

"Please, Professor Snape, be seated." Severus struggled to control his temper; the old coot was trying his patience. "Headmaster… Albus, if any of my recent actions have caused you pain, I ask your forgiveness as that was never my intention."

Albus expelled a huff of air. "Severus, I am not angry, simply very confused. There is nothing to ask forgiveness for." The headmaster relaxed a fraction in his chair before asking, "Would you like a cup of tea? I promise to leave out the calming draught."

Severus settled more comfortably in his seat. "Thank you, tea sounds good."

The headmaster waved his hand and a tea set appeared on the desk. The two men spent a moment preparing their cups. Albus sipped at his tea before asking, "Severus, if you would just tell me why. Why did you stop me from protecting Harry?"

Severus crossed his legs, resting his teacup on his knee. "Albus, you must accept Potter is an adult. Not only in the eyes of the law; the brat has grown up. He had no other choice."

"He is only sixteen; he's still a child…" Albus began.

Severus cut off that line of thought. "Albus, he is not a child. Potter has faced more than most fully trained wizards. He is not the same Golden Boy that left Hogwarts at the end of last term, surely you can see that."

"Then I have failed him, as I did you," Albus said with deep sigh.

Severus gave a resigned sigh. "You never failed me. I damned myself. But that is not pertinent now; I will not deny that you made mistakes regarding Potter."

Albus flinched. One could always count on Severus to give the honest truth, especially when it hurt. "My mistakes cost Harry his childhood. Yes, I understand now, Severus."

Severus took another sip of tea. "Albus, the situation is not hopeless. Potter is much too forgiving. If you own up to your failings, I have no doubt the brat will forgive you in time."

The barest twinkle started in the headmaster's blue eyes. "You know Harry that well," he said slowly. "Perhaps there is hope after all."

Quite sure that Albus was alluding to more than simply Potter forgiving the headmaster, Severus decided not to think about it. Who knew what went on in that crazy old head? "There is always hope with Gryffindors. The brat forgave me, why in Merlin's name would he hold a grudge against you? Although his trust may be harder to earn."

Albus nodded, accepting he would have to work for Harry's trust. "Will you tell me why you felt the need to introduce Harry to the Bar Sinister?"

"They can help him," stated Severus simply.

"Are you sure that they are the most appropriate choice of tutors for Harry? I'm sure the other professors would be willing to offer their assistance." Albus refilled his tea cup, watching Severus closely.

"Potter plans to take his N.E.W.T's by the New Year. The other professors would not have the time to tutor him as needed. Not to mention they would be unable to refrain from coddling the brat." Severus gave a derisive sneer at the end.

"But what of the Bar Sinister's reputation? Surely they are not good influences for the boy," Albus ventured.

"Headmaster, do not compound your mistakes by judging the Bar based on rumor. They are all honorable men. The Bar has accepted Potter as one of their own; he could not have better teachers or friends." Severus had few friends but fiercely defended those few.

"Forgive me, Severus, you are correct. I should not judge those I have not met. How long have you known them?" Albus had correctly deduced Severus felt strongly about the Bar, but was curious as to why he had yet to meet them.

Severus rolled his eyes as the headmaster obviously decided to forgo his usual subtlety. "For Merlin's sake, Albus, if you wish an introduction, simply ask. It would not have been wise for me to openly associate with them in the past. The Dark Lord despised them because they would not join him."

Looking at his clock, Albus noted it was time to head to dinner. "I will try to do as you suggest and ask Harry's forgiveness." Lost in thought for a moment, he did not notice Severus banish the tea things. "Perhaps there is a way to show Harry how very sorry I truly am."

Satisfied he had accomplished his mission, Severus walked with Albus to dinner. He ignored the little voice in his head asking why he cared so much that Potter had his confidant back.

Harry paced the entryway, nervously awaiting his friends; the train whistle had sounded ten minutes ago. Looking out the door again, he finally saw the carriages approaching. Harry found a dark corner and watched for Ron and Hermione. Students came pouring through the door, chattering loudly and laughing. He spotted the familiar red head above the crowd and eased his way towards them, only to run smack into Draco Malfoy. "Sorry, Malfoy, didn't see you."

The blonde looked up with a scathing retort on the tip of his tongue, but when he saw who bumped him he hastily swallowed it. "It was nothing, Potter." Malfoy walked away towards the Slytherin table.

Shaking his head at the lack of malice from Malfoy, Harry kept wading through his former classmates to reach his friends. Upon reaching them, he was engulfed in frizzy brown hair. "Hi, Hermione, it's good to see you too."

Hermione pulled back, laughing, "I know I saw you last week, but I missed you."

Ron slapped his shoulder. "Yeah, mate; it wasn't the same at Headquarters without you."

"I missed you lot too. Listen I just wanted to say hi, I have to sit at the High Table tonight. But I'll catch up with you after the feast." The trio were at the Gryffindor table and his former dorm mates were calling out greetings.

"I can't wait to hear all you've learned so far," Hermione said.

"I can," was Ron's whispered comment.

Harry laughed at Ron. "Hermione, I'll tell you all about it later, I really need to get up there now." After saying goodbye, Harry walked towards the teachers' table when he heard his name being called. Turning, he saw Ginny and called out, "Hey, Ginny, how's it going?"

"I'm fine, Harry. You're looking good." There was something in Ginny's tone that caused Harry to look closely at her. The look in her eye was new to Harry, but he didn't have time to figure it out then so he waved and kept walking.

Harry took his seat next to Snape and waited for the first years to be led in when Snape spoke, "Should I expect a horde of Gryffindors to descend upon my door tonight?"

"No, I thought I would go up to the common room for a little while." Harry glanced around the Great Hall; Ginny caught his eye when she waved. "Sweet Merlin, she's flirting with me."

"Potter, Miss Weasley has been flirting with you since her first year. Perhaps you really are dim if you are just now realizing it," Severus drawled, inwardly laughing at how slow Potter could be in some respects.

McGonagall had just set the Sorting Hat on the stool so Harry said softly, "Shut up, you git. I am not dim."

Severus glared at him and they both turned to watch the sorting. All throughout dinner Harry caught students glancing at him before whispering furiously to their table mates. He sighed and contented himself with the fact that at least none of them approached him. After dinner Harry spent several hours catching up with his friends.

A week later as Harry left Hagrid's hut after lunch with the giant, the hallways were quiet. The students were still at lunch. He was walking to his room to read more about Animagus transformations, thinking maybe he could convince Devlin to help him. Lost in thought, Harry failed to notice the shadow following him. The shouted, 'Expelliarmus', caught the young man by surprise. The disarming spell was strong enough to cause Harry to slam into the wall and loose his breath.

Struggling to suck in air, Harry looked at his attacker. "Nott," he gasped.

"Shut up, Potter. Did you know that there is a price on your head?" Nott drawled as he pocketed Harry's wand.

Harry didn't wait to hear more; he raised one hand and wandlessly bound and gagged Nott. After securing both wands, Harry levitated Nott quickly down the deserted hallway to Snape's office. Once inside, he dumped the Slytherin in the corner and sat on the desk to wait for Snape to come back from lunch.

Severus strode into his office to find Potter perched on his desk. "Potter, get your arse off my desk," he demanded. "What are you doing here?"

Harry pointed to the corner. "Nott attacked me. He said something about a price on my head."

Severus pivoted towards Nott and heaved a sigh. "At least you didn't damage him."

"Hey, he attacked me from behind. What was I supposed to do? Let him collect whatever price some unhappy Death Eater is willing to pay for my hide?" asked Harry indignantly.

"Potter, you misunderstand me. Interrogation works much better when the subject is intact. It is unfortunate that they rarely remain undamaged." Severus' words spoken in a silky voice caused Nott to pale and attempt to scoot away.

Harry grinned; Snape was playing with Nott. Going with the flow, Harry said, "Oh, okay. What do you want me to do?"

Severus walked to a storage cabinet and rummaged around. Removing a vial of clear liquid, he said, "It would be best if I did this alone. However, I do need you to take my next class."

"All right, but I'm not cleaning your office when you're done." Harry placed the confiscated wand on the desk and headed for the door, pausing to give Nott a grin.

"I should warn you it's fourth year Slytherins and Ravenclaws. You should expect impertinent questions. I will join you soon," Severus said as he advanced on Nott.

As Harry left, he heard Snape levitate Nott into a chair.

Harry hurried to the potion's classroom and dug out the lesson plan to see what was scheduled for today. Noting that the Wit-Sharpening Potion only required ingredients from the unlocked student cupboard, Harry put the instructions on the black-board the way Snape had shown him. That accomplished, he sat behind the professor's desk, leaned back in the chair, and waited for the class to begin.

Students began to stream into the classroom in groups of twos and threes, only to fall silent momentarily upon seeing Harry there. When the last student − a Slytherin – entered, Harry asked, "Shut the door please."

The Slytherin obeyed, obviously confused. When everyone was in their seats, Harry spoke again. "Professor Snape had something to take care of, and he asked me to get you started. Today you will be brewing Wit-Sharpening Potion; the instructions are on the board."

Nobody moved, and a Slytherin boy whose name Harry didn't know spoke up, "Where is Professor Snape?"

"That's none of your business," Harry said. Seeing that none of them were inclined to brew the potion he added, "If you want to get a zero for the day and a lecture from Professor Snape, that's your concern. But if it were me I'd start brewing."

One of the female Ravenclaws asked haughtily, "Do you even know how to brew this potion? What if we poison ourselves?"

"If you manage to poison yourself, then you're not brewing Wit-Sharpening Potion as none of the ingredients are poisonous. And, yes, I do know how to brew it. If that's all the questions, you best get started," Harry stated coldly as he rose to his feet.

Finally they all gave in and started their potions; Harry barely bit back a sigh. No wonder Snape called them all dunderheads. He patrolled the room to assist where needed for a few moments before returning to the desk. Spotting a battered sixth year potion book he opened it and read for a few minutes. He noticed the handwritten additions and the name 'Prince' in the book. Wondering if this had been Snape's, he resolved to ask later.

Severus dropped Nott carelessly into a chair, pleased that the boy was scared; Potter did a masterful job at following his lead. He removed the gag from Nott's mouth, stood back, and gave the boy his most evil stare. Twisting the vial in his hand, he asked, "Do you know what this is?"

Nott glared defiantly as he spat, "No."

"Veritaserum is the most powerful truth serum, odorless and tasteless. Three drops of it and you'll tell me everything I wish to know," Severus said.

He opened the vial and approached Nott. "Open your mouth, boy, or I will force it."

Nott raised his eyes, locking them on Severus' and silently challenging the older man. Severus simply waited him out; eventually Nott looked away and opened his mouth in defeat.

Severus placed three drops of the clear liquid on the boy's tongue. After waiting a moment, he asked his question. "Why did you attack Potter?"

Nott never hesitated before answering, "My father said he's worth 2000 galleons to the right people."

"Did your father say who these people where?"

"No, just if I had an opportunity to capture Potter to take it," Nott said, sneering.

Severus paced the room. Turning back to Nott, he asked, "Did you really believe you could capture Potter?"

"Potter is a weakling, a coward. He should not have been able to kill the Dark Lord," Nott ranted.

"Yet he did. Tell me, your father is in Azkaban, who were you to contact if you captured Potter?" Severus stopped pacing and stood by the chair holding Nott.

"Yaxley," was Nott's answer.

Severus had all the answers he needed; he pulled the boy roughly to his feet and removed the bonds, stating harshly, "There is nowhere you could hide from me if you run. We are going to the headmaster's office."

Opening the office door and pushing Nott before him, Severus warded his office and escorted the Slytherin to Dumbledore's office. They passed no one in the halls; Severus spared a thought to his class under Potter's direction. It's a simple potion, the brat should do fine, he assured himself.

The two Slytherins rode the stone steps to the headmaster's office in silence. When they were admitted Severus pushed Nott into a chair and addressed the man seated behind the desk. "Headmaster, Mr. Nott attacked Potter in a failed kidnapping attempt."

Albus turned with a stern expression. "Mr. Nott, is this true?"

"Snape drugged me and threatened to torture me," Nott stated loudly.

Severus snorted derisively. "I assure you the boy is mistaken."

"He forced me to take Veritaserum and talked to Potter about hurting me," Nott yelled.

Albus sighed and looked to Severus. "Did you give Mr. Nott Veritaserum?"

"I did not. Headmaster, I would not stoop to drugging a student." Severus crossed his arms over his chest.

The boy was fairly quivering with anger and outrage. "He put the vial in his pocket, make Snape turn out his pockets and you'll see I'm right," demanded Nott.

Severus rolled his eyes and reached into his pocket, pulling out the vial of clear liquid. "This vial? It contains distilled water." To prove his point Severus opened the vial and downed the contents.

"But you said…" Nott stuttered.

"I simply stated Veritaserum is a powerful truth agent. I never claimed that it was present in that vial," Severus drawled.

Albus managed to refrain from laughing; Severus was excellent at leading people to believe what he wished them to. "I'm glad that's been cleared up. Now, Mr. Nott, even though Mr. Potter is no longer a student here, I will not have Hogwarts students assaulting innocent people in the hallways. I think it would be best if Professor Snape decided your punishment."

Nott paled. Snape looked ready to commit murder. "Sir…"

Severus cut him off, "Mr. Nott, it would be in your best interest to remain silent." Turning to face the headmaster, he said, "Headmaster, if we are finished with Mr. Nott perhaps he should attend his class. I will determine his punishment later. There is another issue I need discuss with you."

"Mr. Nott, please return to your class now. Professor Snape will let you know the details of your punishment at dinner tonight." Albus waited until the young man had left the room. "Now, Severus, you really should not mislead the students in that manner."

"Save your chastisement, Albus, Nott claims some of the remaining Death Eaters will pay 2000 galleons for Potter. He was instructed to contact Yaxley when he had Potter in his custody." Severus stood and began pacing.

Albus leaned back in his chair thinking over the new development. "Hmm…perhaps a charm of some sort to alert you when Harry is in danger?" he mused.

"Yes… Yes, I believe that would work. Now if I can convince the brat to wear it." Severus thought quickly, trying to determine a way to get Potter to accept the protection.

"I will look into this disquieting rumor. I fear it is possible that the Death Eaters are attempting to raise Tom, and use Harry to do so. We do not have as much time as I had hoped." Albus sunk into contemplative thought.

"Apologize quickly to the brat, Albus, you need his assistance. And, as much as he'd like to deny it, he needs yours."

"Yes, I will. Will you ask him to meet with me next week? I hope to have more information then. I need you to be present as well; your insight and understanding of the Dark Arts will be beneficial."

"Let me know when you're prepared and I will make sure Potter attends. Now I must go rescue the brat from my fourth year class."

With those parting words, Severus turned and strode out of the office.