Hey guys,

So here's chapter 17, hope you enjoy, I promise I will update more often during Summer Break when I have more time to actually sit down, relax, and write. lol :)

Anyhoo, enjoy the story!

- MissGallagherGirl

"Sir, its really nothing that you need be concerned about, it's probably just a phase I'm going through", Harry said, trying to reason with the unrelenting and persistent potions master.

Snape simply quirked an eyebrow up, as to show his skepticism.

"Seriously, I'm absolutely fine", Harry went on, desperately trying to convince Snape not to pursue the topic of his health.

"Fine you say? How many hours of sleep do you get a night? How many classes are you doing poorly in because you're too tired to pay attention to them? How many meals do you eat a day? How much energy do you have? How many times have you've almost fallen asleep in just my class alone? And aren't you at least slightly concerned about your decreasing quidditch abilities?" Snape demanded.

Harry looked irate, "What do you mean by decreasing quidditch abilities?"

Snape just gave him a look that made him feel 2 feet tall, then replied, "I was under the impression it was evident Mr. Potter, has no one else mentioned it to you?Because I assure you, it will only be a matter of time until..."

"No" Harry interrupted Snape mid sentence, "in fact nobody has mentioned it to me... sir."

As he was saying 'sir' he couldn't help but somewhat snarl the word.

Snape looked disapprovingly.

"I'm simply perturbed about your lack of concern addressing your well being. I must say, your physical state seems to be almost as poor as your mental condition."

"My mental condition" Harry scoffed. "What are you trying to suggest professor?"

Snape again raised an eyebrow and replied quizzically, "have you've looked in the mirror recently Potter?"

Harry was aghast, how dare the man just openly insult him for no reason, did he really look that bad? No, of course not, it was just Snape being Snape, he was trying to start a quarrel, anything to be able to punish him, to give him detention, to take points, to once again try and attempt to expel him.

Well he wasn't going to win, not this time, this time Harry decided he wouldn't give into those childish urges to defend himself against the cruel lies that came from the man's mouth, he wouldn't grow angry and throw some sort of tantrum, but he also wouldn't walk away, he would stand his ground... respectfully.

Harry raised defiant eyes to meet up with the dark obsidian ones.

"Actually professor it seems that you're alone on this one, seeing that no one else has mentioned it to me, but I appreciate you pointing it out, you seem to notice all of my flaws." Harry glared at the man, still being careful as to not step over too many boundaries.

Snape narrowed his eyes and pinched the tip of his nose, massaging it out of annoyance.

All he wanted to address were his eating habits, how did they reach this subject?

He looked down at the imprudent brat and let out a sigh, calming stately,

"Mr. Potter until you learn to consume as much as a growing boy should, you will eat lunch with me everyday, seeing that that seems to be the meal you usually miss, you may eat breakfast and dinner in the Great Hall, provided that you actually attend as well as eat good proportions. If you fail to do that, then you will also have the pleasure as to eat those meals with me in my chambers as well."

Harry stared on in disgust and outrage, "You can't make me eat in your rooms with you! You can't make me eat period, it's my choice not yours, can't you just stay out and leave me alone?"

Snape simply shook his head, "I wish, Mr. Potter, believe me, I'm not exactly thrilled about being in your presence for quite so long, but I will make sure you eat three healthy meals everyday, merlin knows you need as much nourishment as you can get."

Harry still scowling, finally pulled his gaze away and uncomfortably locked his eyes on the floor.

It almost sounded like Snape was concerned about his health and in a way Harry guessed he was.

He had never really had anybody who was genuinely concerned about anything concerning him and he had this new feeling in the pit of his stomach, it was warm and comforting, and he welcomed it, even if it came from the evil bat of the dungeons.

The defiance left his eyes as all these new feelings swarmed around in his head.

Meanwhile, Snape was looking at the boy curiously, it seemed as though he was having an inner struggle, different emotions played across his face, portraying his confusion. Confusion in what, Snape knew not, but there was definitely something going on in that little messed up brain of his and Snape wanted nothing more then to find out.

He considered reading his mind, but without the boys permission he would be betraying the little trust he had with the boy and he decided he could not risk it.

He looked at Harry intensely, realizing that through that fake facade of defiance, bravery, and determination, stood a sad and lonely little boy, which was exactly what Potter really was a little boy looking for somebody to depend on, somebody to care about him and though Snape was loathe to admit it, he wanted to be that person, he was Lily's son after all.