Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot and anything you don't recognize. If you sue, you will get little more than pocket lint.
Rating: M
Summary: Harry Potter is 16 and beginning the summer between his 6th and 7th year. He is found to be in danger and some crazy events change his life forever.
Pairings: SS/HP hinted RL/SB
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Chapter Two: New Beginnings
So happy just to be alive
Underneath the sky of blue
On this new morning, new morning
On this new morning with you.
New morning. –Bob Dylan "New Morning"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Severus had barely slept. The thought of Potter sleeping down the hall had kept him awake if only to make sure the brat didn't try anything stupid. He was uncomfortable with sharing his space, especially with the son of his enemy. He sighed as he sat up on the edge of his bed before shuffling slowly to make himself breakfast. 'At least my debt will be repaid,' he thought as he opened his bedroom door to find Potter sitting on his couch.
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Harry had slept very little for fear of being murdered in his sleep. He had finished all of his summer homework within the first few hours upon arrival. He had then started to read from the books. Now, he was seated on the large leather sofa, waiting for Snape to rise. After five minutes, he noticed the door handle of one of the forbidden rooms jiggle and Snape appeared in the door way. He glared at Harry then strode past, heading for the small kitchen.
"What do you want to eat?" Snape questioned, sounding tired and upset. Harry was shocked that Snape had actually thought of him. That was a first. Snape just shook his head and walked into the small kitchen. He began to cook what Harry thought to be eggs. Harry finally stood and walked over,
"Want some help?" he asked in a cheery voice. Snape just glared.
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Severus had watched the boy's initial reaction, not surprised at all by it. He figured that most people liked eggs and he began to cook them. However, his peaceful cooking was soon interrupted by Potter.
"I do not need or want your help, Potter. I suggest you go and occupy yourself until breakfast is finished," Severus stated and Potter just shook his head before walking back to the couch. Severus just glared.
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After breakfast, Dumbledore had insisted upon seeing the pair. They both made their way slowly, glaring at each other all the while. Snape muttered the password and they clambered into the gargoyle and were soon seated in the same chairs as the night before.
"Now, last night seemed to go well considering. Neither of you were sent to the Hospital Wing. Well done, m'boys," Dumbledore stated as he entered the room. Snape glared.
"Why are we needed here? I thought you told us everything last night?" Harry remarked bitterly. He had become tired of Dumbledore in the fourth year after Cedric's death. His thought's had only magnified with the withholding of news that could have saved Sirius's life. He blamed Dumbledore completely for his death and he had yet to recover.
Dumbledore nodded and immediately his mood changed.
"I have set up a room much like the Room of Requirements. It was made to fit your training. It will provide Severus and yourself with anything you need," Dumbledore stated in his slow, mellow voice. Harry glared a glare that could easily rival Snape's.
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Severus had sat silently, watching Potter fume. In that moment, he realized just how similar they truly were. Severus nodded at the Headmaster then stood. "If that is all, then I need a word with Mr. Potter," he commented, eyeing the look of horror on Potter's face. Albus simply nodded.
"I expect a training session a day if not more, even once term starts. You will use the Marauder's Map to locate the room and the password is Cookie Cake. You will need everything that Severus has to teach you so pay close mind to him," Albus chided, receiving a simple nod from Potter.
Severus stood, nodding to the Headmaster, and soon Harry was standing, the look of horror still plastered to his face. He turned and strode out, Potter trailing him in complete silence.
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Harry stalked out of the room, following closely behind Snape. Whatever he had to say, Harry could tell it wasn't going to pleasant. Harry sighed. He was nearly having to jog to keep up with the man and was completely out of breath by the time they reached the dungeons.
Snape muttered the password and quickly shoved Harry into the rooms. He stumbled slightly then moved toward the large sitting area.
"Have a seat on the couch. We have a lot to discuss," Snape said motioning and Harry immediately took a seat, sighing in disgust. He finally understood just how bad this was going to be.
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Severus made his way across the room and sat across from Potter, studying him. He had noticed the maturity of him by how he had handled the situation both of them were put in, but Severus had not been sure how long that would last. He forced a slight smile, trying to relax himself as well as Potter. Finally he spoke.
"Would you like something to eat?" he asked his voice softer than normal.
"No," was the short response. Severus simply nodded.
"Harry," he began, not even noticing the fact that he had used his first name, "I know that this must be difficult for you. Watching you in Dumbledore's office made me realize that we actually are very similar. I know that this is not what you want to hear, but we need to discuss things. I haven't liked you because I saw your father. That has changed now more than ever. I have come to realize that you are a completely different person for your father and I am ashamed of what I put you through. It might take some time, but I would be honored to gain your trust and friendship," Severus stated, watching the young man's face.
"Sir, I know that we are alike. I have known that for some time. I also hoped that you would figure it out. I can't help but feel overwhelmed by your sudden admissions, but I hope that someday we can become friends. For now, I think that we should continue to get to know each other better and take things slow. I have known nothing other than the slimy, greasy, git that was my Potions Professor," Potter forced himself to smile hoping not to feel the wrath of Severus.
Severus simply nodded as did Harry. "That is all then. You are free to do as you please."
"Thank you, sir," Harry said as he made his way to his room.
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After several days, the entire Hogwart's staff had arrived and the castle was once again filled with activity. Harry had shocked many by his living arrangements, even causing McGonagall to offer to share her room. Harry had simply declined, leaving McGonagall to shake her head at him and walk off.
The training sessions were better than had been expected. He had learned two of the Unforgiveables, not feeling capable of the Avada Kedavra. He had now moved on to working on dodging by all means necessary. He would often be forced to roll or jump out of the way before casting a blocking spell. As Snape had told him, he would need more practice.
He had also begun to help Snape with his potions as an attempt to get to know the man better. Though they were not friends as of yet, they were becoming closer and Harry couldn't have been happier.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A/N: Hope you liked it. Sorry that this chapter took so long to update. Special thanks to Kino, FlayingFoxFire, Phoenix 5, Zarek4ever, Serpent91, SShappiness, snarry addict, serailreviewer, u-have-1-face, kizunakat and Hopelessly Confussed. Time to read and review! The more reviews the sooner I update so send 'em.