Chapter Three
The moonlight broke through the clouds over Hogwarts like a knife through butter, softly illuminating the cracks and the crevices in the castle's walls. The cold wind blew soflty against the windows, and caressed the leaves in the trees, whispering through the forest. It blew past a curled up figure huddled against the steps by Hagrid's hut, resting its head on its knees. The figure stirred sleepily, and turned its head over on its knees.
Harry had sat there for nearly the whole night, not daring to stay in the owlery waiting for Hedwig's return with Sirius' letter lest someone came in and asked what he was doing. It wasn't a particularly chilly night, and so he had put his invisibility cloak on to escape the stares and the jeers aimed at him and ventured down to Hagrid's hut where he was sure no-one would be.
Just thinking about how he was going to survive the rest of the week as a younger form of Snape made his head ache, and he once again lifted his hand automatically to where his scar used to be before stopping in mid air having remembered he did not have it. What happens if I don't transform back? If I'm stuck as Snape forever? He asked himself, panicking.
"Don't be stupid" a sneery voice said suddenly in Harry's mind, "like I'd let that happen. It's bad enough teaching you as you are". Harry snapped his eyes open and raised his head slowly, trying to keep quiet and resisting the urge to scream at the same time. "What's the matter, Potter? Not used to having voices in your head yet?" continues the sneery voice, thick with sarcasm.
I'm going mad, I'm going mad! Thought Harry wildly, and tried to hit his head to see whether the voice would go.
"No use Potter. You're stuck with this as I am. Hermione Granger didn't mention that our thoughts will be linked for as long as you are in my body; well," the voice paused breifly, "my younger body".
So does that mean you can always tell what I'm thinking? Thought Harry, his heart beating uncontrollably quickly.
"I always thought you were stupid, but really is this so hard to understand?" snapped Snape's voice angrily. He sighed theatrically before saying, "Let me spell it out for you, Potter. I-will-be-able-to-hear-your-thoughts-and-speak-to-you-for-seven-days. Let me correct myself, I do belive it is six days now it is past midnight".
Harry remained in his frozen position, his mouth hung open and his eyes wide with fear and apprehension. How could it be that one of his worst enimies could see into his private thoughts for a whole week? The amount of information which Snape would get about Harry's life would be almost too much for Harry to bear.
So do I hear what you think, too? Harry asked quickly
"No," sneered the voice again, "I can control my thoughts, whereas you, Potter, cannot. It would be an idea to start trying, don't get me wrong," the voice laughed quietly, "hearing all about your fantisies about Miss Chang is entertaining, but knowing the whearabouts of Sirius Black is another matter altogether" said Snape in his silkiest voice. "Just imagine what would happen if that information leaked out Potter. Justice would finally be served".
"NO!!" Harry shouted out loud, and suddenly cursed himself, hearing Hagrid shuffle in his hut, turning the light on and hushing Fang who began to bark loudly.
"Well done Harry, now you have to deal with that Oaf" said Snape, drawing out each syllable with his tongue. "Have a nice evening Potter. Don't forget to do your homework, and don't even think about not turning up to detention. I'll be keeping a firm eye on you", and just as quickly as it began, Snape's voice dissappeared.
Harry jumped up, not a moment too late as the door swung open and Hagrid appeared in his long boots with his umbrella pointed out in front of him, brandishing it like a torch, his wild hair bushed out and clumped to one side; he had obviously been sleeping a moment before.
"Who's there!" he said boldy, "I 'eard you! Com' out! No point in 'iding!" and he stepped heavily down the steps, inches from where Harry had pressed himself against the wall. As Harry breathed in to avoid touching Hagrid's left elbow, he swept the umbrella around to his left and it hit Harry full on in the stomach. He let out a cry of surprise, and ran backwards away from the hut, wildly jumping over logs and pumpkins. He heard Hagrid's cries behind him, but knew that if he stopped he would have too much explaining to do, and he would much rather keep the fact that Snape could see into his mind to himself.
Harry reached the edge of the forbidden forest and doubled over, panting heavily. Great, he thought, now instead of Voldemort I have to deal with Snape inside my mind. He straightened up, and slowly walked towards the castle, desperately trying to compose his thoughts away from Sirius and Cho, but the more he tried to think less about them the more he thought about them.
I have to go and speak to Dumbledore! Harry thought; just thinking about what would happen if Snape gave away where Sirius was hiding made his blood turn cold.
"No point, Potter" drawled the voice lazily, "Dumbledore has already sworn me to secrecy about whatever I hear, so luckily for you," Snape said, "your fantisies and your secrets are safe with me".
Dumbledore knew! Harry thought, Why didn't he tell me?
"Just because Proffessor Dumbledore strangely trusts and values you at Hogwarts, doesn't mean he is going to tell you every single thing he knows, Potter. How familiar is the streak of arrogance which both you and your father share, nothing like your mother-" the voice broke off, sounding slightly strangled and cracked.
What? What did you say? Asked Harry, in vain. Snape had gone, leaving the small figure hanging in front of the castle entrance, a thousand unanswered questions going through his mind.
