Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Chapter 18: O.W.L.'s

Severus woke up around four in the morning. He got up and stretched before heading into the bathroom. After washing up and getting dressed, he headed down to his potion lab. He went over to the cupboard and opened it, pulling out a couple of potions bottles and placing them in the pockets of his robes. Closing it and making sure the wards were back in place, he headed back upstairs. Tina was waiting for him next to the front door. She held out his robe for him, then his mask with tears in her eyes.

"You be careful, Severus." Tina said, trying to hold back a sob.

Severus knelt down and pulled her into a hug. Tina wrapped her arms around him and started to cry.

"I'll be fine, Tina. Don't fret so." Severus said softly.

Tina nodded slightly to show that she had heard, not trusting herself to speak. Severus stood up and Tina let go reluctantly. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Severus handed her a tissue. After wiping her eyes clean, she looked up at Severus. Severus smiled at her. Tina smiled back tentatively. Severus looked up the stairs and narrowed his eyes. He could see Harry's door slightly ajar and Harry peaking out the door. Severus face hardened, he turned and swept out the door, his robes billowing around him. Once he was past the wards, his left arm started to burn. With a small pop, he Apperated away. Tina closed the door softly. She turned and looked up at Harry, before going into the dining room.

Harry could see the tears still glistening in Tina's eyes as the light reflected off of them. He shut his door after Tina left. He leaned against the wall before sliding down it to sit on the floor. He pulled his knees up and wrapped his arms around his legs, then rested his chin on top of his knees. He really didn't know how he felt. He knew were Snape was going. He wasn't blind or stupid. He had seen that familiar white mask. He just wasn't sure how he felt about it. Especially when Snape showed him his softer side. Not that he did that very often, and usually not in front of anyone. Snape was a very hard person to figure out. He did have a lot more respect for Snape, though. Snape willingly went to face Voldemort almost everyday. From the unwanted confrontations that Harry himself had with Voldemort, he knew it wasn't a pleasant thing to do. Also, from what Harry had witnessed, unwillingly, in the visions he had, Voldemort wasn't very friendly with his followers. How anyone could willingly go to someone like that, he would never know. To have to bow and kiss someone else's robes, to have to do anything they say with no questions asked, to have to tolerate being tortured just for the fun of it and not be able to fight back was unthinkable and inconceivable to Harry. With Snape being such a proud person, it was hard to picture him doing any of that. It had to be something really bad that happened for him to follow a…thing like Voldemort. Harry couldn't help but be worried about Snape. He was, after all, the last family, besides the Dursley's, he had. Even if he didn't want to admit to it. Getting up, Harry went and started getting ready for the day. He knew he would never fall back to sleep now. Once he was ready, he went to his desk and sat down. Pulling one of the books over, not caring which, he started reading.

A few hours later, feeling bored and not really reading the book, Harry headed down to the dining room. Not finding Tina there, he headed through the door to the kitchen. Tina was busy getting breakfast ready. He stood quietly by the door. After a few minutes, Tina turned to look at him.

"Can I help with anything?" Harry said before Tina could kick him out.

"You's not supposed to be in here, Master Potter." Tina said sharply, shaking a spatula at him, eggs flying off of it.

"Please. I can set the table." Harry said, wanting to do something to keep his mind off of where Snape was.

Tina looked at him uncertainly for a minute, not sure if she should let him or not. She didn't want to get in trouble from Severus. Seeing the almost desperate look Harry had, she decided it wouldn't hurt. As long as Severus didn't find out.

"Dishes are in the cupboard on the right. Silverware is in the drawer under it. We's only be needing three sets." Tina said, turning back to the food.

Harry went over and started getting the dishes out. Once he had the dishes he went out and started setting the table. After putting all the plates out, he laid the silverware out. Once that was done, he went into the kitchen.

"Where are the napkins, Tina?" Harry said as he came back in.

"In the drawer under the silverware." Tina said, taking the eggs off of the heat.

Harry went over and pulled out three, then got the glasses out of the cupboard. He took them out to the table. He was just finishing putting the napkins out when Ron and Hermione walked in.

"What are you doing, Harry?" Ron said, going to sit down.

"Setting the table. I was bored, so I decided to help Tina." Harry said, going to his seat and sitting down.

"How did you get her to agree to that?" Ron said in surprised.

"I just asked her and she let me." Harry said, glancing at Snape's empty seat.

"Well, I think that was very nice of you." Hermione said, kicking Ron under the table.

Ron jumped and rubbed his leg, glaring at Hermione. Harry ignored them, staring at Snape's empty seat deep in thought. Tina came in and started putting the food and drink on the table. Harry was pulled from his thoughts as Tina bustled around them. They ate breakfast in silence. When they were almost finished, Snape's Crow came flying in. It landed on the back of Snape's chair; letters locked in its sharp beak. It was eyeing them all warily. The Crow looked Harry in the eye. It seemed to decide he was worthier of the three. The Crow flew over to Harry and landed next to his plate. It dropped the letters and watched him expectantly. A little unsure with those black, piercing eyes watching him, reminding him so much of Snape, Harry picked up a piece of toast and handed it to the Crow. It took it, and then flew back to Snape's chair, clenching the toast in its beak. It sat there waiting for Harry to look at the letter's. Harry picked them up. He saw the Hogwart's seal and knew it was their O.W.L.'s results. He handed Ron and Hermione theirs. This seemed to satisfy the Crow, because it flew on to the table in front of Snape's chair, and started to eat the toast, ignoring everyone around him. Harry looked at his letter, a little unsure if he wanted to know. He looked up at Ron and Hermione only to see them both engrossed in their own letters. Looking back at his, he turned it over and broke the Hogwarts seal to open it. He pulled it out and unfolded it. It had the usual letter telling him to catch the Hogwarts Express at King's Cross on September first. The next page had his O.W.L. results.

He got O's in D.A.D.A. and C.O.M.C., E's in Transfiguration, History of Magic, Charms, and Potion's, a P in Divination, and an E and A in Astronomy.

Harry's shoulder's sagged in disappointment. With only getting E's in Potions, Snape would never let him in to his Newts class. That meant he would never be able to become an Auror.

"How did you do, Ron?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Well, I got O's in D.A.D.A. and C.O.M.C., E's in History of Magic and Charms, a P in Divination, an E and A in Transfiguration and Astronomy, and a P and A in Potions. Guess I won't be seeing Snape or Trelawney anymore. Can't say that I'm disappointed." Ron said with a slight grin.

"Ronald Weasley that is no way to act about your education. You need Potions if you want to be an Auror." Hermione said sounding insulted.

"Yeah, well how did you do?" Ron said sounding a little disappointed.

"Well, I got O's in D.A.D.A., Transfiguration, History of Magic, C.O.M.C., and Potions, E's in Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, and an O and E in Charms and Astronomy." Hermione said with a grin.

"Should have known." Ron muttered.

"How did you do, Harry?" Hermione asked, ignoring Ron.

"I got O's in D.A.D.A. and C.O.M.C., E's in Transfiguration, History of Magic, Charms, and Potions, a P in Divination, and an E and A in Astronomy." Harry said, not really paying attention.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I know how much you wanted to be an Auror." Hermione said sympathetically.

"At least you won't have to put up with Snape anymore." Ron said lightly.

"Yeah." Harry said sadly.

They sat in silence, no one sure of what to say. Harry got up, picked up his letter, and walked out of the room. Ron and Hermione watched him leave in silence. The Crow watched Harry then looked expectantly at Ron and Hermione. Seeing that they weren't going to follow, the Crow glared at them coldly, his black eyes glittering angrily. It was almost as penetrating as when Snape glared at them. The Crow turned its back on them, and then flew out the door, following Harry.

"That was a bit scary. I could have sworn that Snape was glaring at us." Ron said, slightly in awe.

"You have no tack at all, do you?" Hermione snapped grabbing her letter and standing, she stormed out the door.

Tina came in to clean up. She kept looking curiously at Ron.

"I'll never understand them." Ron muttered to himself.

"Master Potter is worried. Master Snape has not returned. Tina's worried also. Master Snape and Master Potter understand more of each other. Ms. Granger knows Master Snape is not here. Ms. Granger is smart." Tina said, putting all the dishes in a pile.

Once the dishes were piled Tina snapped her fingers and they disappeared. She waved her hand over the table to clean it. Without another word she went back in to the kitchen. Ron sat there, too shocked to move. It never accured to him that Harry would be worried about Snape. Snape is supposed to be the greasy git that has always gone out of his way to be cruel to Harry. Why would Harry be worried about him? Although, Snape was being nicer. At least he wasn't verbally attacking Harry every time he saw him. Shaking his head slightly, Ron got up to find Harry. He would have to apologize even if he didn't understand why.

Ron found both Harry and Hermione in the Library along with the Crow. They were sitting next to the fire. Harry was staring into the flames, seeming lost in thought, the Crow sitting on the back of his chair. Hermione was sitting quietly in the chair next to him. Ron went and sat in the chair on the other side of Harry slowly, the Crow watching his every move closely, seeming to be trying to read his soul.

"Harry?" Ron said softly, trying to get his attention while keeping an eye on the Crow.

Harry gave a start, as if he didn't know anyone else was there, and turned to look at him. Hermione was watching him quietly from her seat.

"I'm sorry for what I said. It's just hard to see Snape any differently then he has been for the last five years." Ron said, hoping it was enough.

"I know, Ron. It's just, I know he's with Voldemort and it kind of scares me. Voldemort is not nice on his 'good' days. Professor Snape always comes back hurt. If he comes back injured now, when Voldemort doesn't know I'm here, imagine what would happen to him if He did find out." Harry said softly, lowering his head.

"I never thought of that." Ron said in surprise.

"I just don't want anyone else to get hurt or killed because they were protecting me." Harry said so softly they almost didn't catch it.

Neither Ron nor Hermione knew what to say to that. They all sat in silence for a few minutes. Hermione jumped up suddenly and went over to one of the book shelves. Finding what she was looking for, she went back over to Ron and Harry, handing the book to Harry. Harry looked at it and found it to be a book on Occlumency that he hadn't read yet.

"We'll help you. I'm sure if we work together, you'll find the best way to block your mind. It'll help you feel better." Hermione said kindly.

"Yeah, mate. Also, I'll try to be nicer about Snape." Ron said quickly.

"Thanks, guys." Harry said with a smile.

They spent the rest of the morning finding ways for Harry to block his mind. Harry was determined to find the right way that he had done it before. Snape's Crow watched from his perch on the back of the chair. He seemed to be contemplating on what had transpired. Seeming to be satisfied with the outcome, it flew out the door leaving them on their own.

It was as they were finishing lunch that Snape finally showed back up. The front door flew open and Snape came through it angrily. He had a slight limp and his robes were filthy. He stopped in the door to the Dining Room and glared darkly at Harry.

"In the study in twenty minutes, Potter." Snape snapped, then turned and went quickly up the stairs to his room.

"What was that about?" Ron asked in surprise.

"I don't know." Harry said, sounding confused.

Exactly twenty minutes later Harry was in the study as directed. He sat across from a cleaner Snape; still not sure of what was going on. He was about to find out.

"I have received some disturbing news from the Headmaster today. Would you care to know what it was?" Severus said quietly.

"Yes, sir?" Harry said uncertainly.

"It appears that the rules still don't apply to you, Potter. I have been ordered to teach you Potions in the new school year. Not with the other students. You're too good for that. I am to give you private lessons on my free time. It appears your Head of House had a talk with our esteemed Headmaster and persuaded him to force me into teaching a student who apparently couldn't make the grade. I can assure you, it will not be pleasant for either of us." Severus said sneeringly.

Harry was shocked to say the least. He knew that Professor McGonagall had said she would do whatever she had to so he could become an Auror but he never thought she'd do something like this. Snape was going to surely kill him for being forced yet again to do something he didn't want to.

"I assure you, if you don't show more aptitude for Potions then you have shown in the past, I will not hesitate to cease these classes. You will work harder then you have before. I will not accept failure from you. Is that understood, Potter?" Severus said coldly.

"Yes, sir." Harry said quickly.

"These are the books you will require." Severus said, handing Harry a list of books.

Harry took it and held on to it without looking at it. He sat watching Snape, unsure of what to expect next when he was in this mood.

"I trust you have been practicing while I have been away." Severus said, watching Harry with narrowed eyes.

"Sir?" Harry said, confused at the change of subject.

"Clearing your mind, Potter." Severus snapped losing the little patience he had left.

"Yes, sir." Harry said quickly.

"We shall see. Stand up." Severus said, standing and going around his desk.

Harry stood up and turned to face Snape. He was confused as he got into place. They never had lessons in the study. They always went down to one of the dungeon rooms. Before Harry had a chance to prepare, Snape attacked.

Harry was standing at the stove making breakfast for the Dursley's. The Dursley's were all sitting at the table. Harry turned to take the food to the table. As he was going towards the table he started to change. It was Dobby that set the food on the table. The Dursley's started eating as if nothing unusual was happening.

Snape pulled out of Harry's mind. They were both breathing heavy. Snape was looking at Harry calculatingly. Harry was feeling proud of himself, but at the same time he was a little uneasy. He wasn't sure what Snape was thinking and wasn't sure he wanted to know.

"That was much better. How did you learn to send thoughts you wanted to show and manipulate them?" Severus said, sounding suspicious.

"Hermione helped, sir. We researched all morning and I practiced everything we read about." Harry said grinning.

"I should of known you wouldn't be able to keep your secret lessons from them." Severus said, his eyes narrowing.

"Sorry, sir. With all do respect though, they have known since last year, sir." Harry said, smiling sheepishly.

Severus was proud of what Harry had accomplished, but he wasn't going to let him know that. Without replying, he turned and went out the door. Ron and Hermione were still sitting in the Dining Room. Severus went in with Harry close behind.

"We shall be going to Diagon Alley tomorrow. We are to meet your parents and you will be returning with them. I shall look forward to your departure." Severus said with a sneer.

Not waiting for a reply, he turned and swept out the door. Harry looked sadly at his friends. He was not looking forward to them leaving.

"Potter, come on." Severus snapped when he noticed Harry wasn't following him.

"Yes, sir." Harry said, turning and following him slowly.

Harry and Snape went down to the dungeon room where Harry was to practice his wandless magic. The table was again in the middle of the room with his wand laying on top of it. Harry was determined to have it back before they went to Diagon Alley. He refused to be powerless out in the open like that. Snape was sitting in a chair by the door, not saying anything at all. This only served to make Harry nervous.

"Accio Wand." Harry said sharply, concentrating on the wand and nothing else.

His wand rolled to the edge of the table and stopped. Not giving up, Harry tried again.

"Accio Wand." Harry said more determinedly.

To his surprise, his wand leapt off the table and straight at him. It almost hit him before he grabbed it out of the air. He was exhausted from trying for the last couple of hours, but he still couldn't hide the look of triumph on his face as he looked over at Snape. Snape didn't say anything. He just got up and went out the door, leaving Harry to try and hurry after him. Harry had a hard time keeping up with him with all his muscle's screaming in protest, but he managed. Snape went straight out of the study and up to his room. Harry, too tired to protest, went up to his room and fell across his bed. He was too tired to change. He was almost asleep when his door opened and someone came in. Harry was too tired to see who it was.

"Potter." Severus said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Yes, sir." Harry mumbled, wanting to just go to sleep.

"Sit up." Severus said sharply, getting annoyed.

Harry reluctantly sat up. He moved slowly, but finally made it. He leaned back on to the headboard not looking at Snape. Suddenly he had a potion bottle shoved in front of him. He looked up sharply at Snape, not sure of what it was.

"I'm not trying to poison you, Potter. If I wanted to do that I wouldn't be so obvious about it." Severus said coldly.

"Sorry, sir." Harry said, taking the vial from him.

"It is a restorative potion. It will help you to recover from using so much of your magic." Severus said quietly.

Harry opened the vial and sniffed it. It smelled awful. He glanced at Snape before quickly downing the contents of the vial. He shuddered at the taste. It was worst then it smelled. He handed the vial and top back to Snape, his hands shaking slightly. Without another word, Snape got up and left. Harry lie back down and quickly fell asleep.

"Harry." Ron said, shaking him lightly.

"What." Harry said, rolling away from him.

"It is almost dinner time. You have to get up." Ron said, reaching over and shaking him again.

"I'm not hungry." Harry said trying to pull away again.

"Potter, whether you want to eat or not is of no concern of mine. You will be down stairs in the Dining Room in ten minutes. Is that clear?" Severus said coldly from the doorway.

Harry jumped and sat up quickly, looking at Snape. Ron jumped, looking over at Snape, not noticing him there earlier.

"Yes, sir." Harry said, yawning.

Snape turned and swept down the hall without another word. Harry reluctantly got up and went to clean up before going down. Ron was waiting for him when he came back out. They walked down in silence. Dinner was quiet. Once they were all done, Harry, Ron, and Hermione went up to the Library to spend the rest of the day together. It was almost midnight by the time they all headed, reluctantly, to bed.

Xoxoxo

Sorry this took so long to get out. I got a new computer and had to load this into it before I could finish it. I hope it is alright. I sort of rushed to finish it. I wanted to get it out for you. Hope you enjoy it.

I would like to thank you for all your reviews. They are greatly appreciated.

I would like to give a big Thank You to Lalene Brooks her idea! I would never have thought of having Harry show Snape a false memory. Especially one with the Dursley's and Dobby in it. I loved it. I hope I have done it justice.

I will try to get the next one out faster. As long I don't getwriters block I should be able to.

Thanx again!!!!

Rhi