Thank you so much for the reviews (Griffincat and Asphodel21) and many followers! You guys made my day. I am glad to see people already interested in this story.

I agree the last two chapters did consist with a bit of humor between the two. I imagine that after such a tragedy (and years down the road when the aftermath of events ceased) they could feel at ease and even happy. I also assume that even though they despised each other that after a big event (such as the defeat of Voldy) that they would unconsciously feel a fragment of a bond. So as much as they hate each other, they also feel a bit of understanding- but their relationship will typically always fall back on a mutual distaste for one another.

But, I promise to cut to the point and this story will soon get rather serious!

000ooo000ooo

Each passing day had brought a much more invigorating chill in the early mornings. Severus enjoyed his alluring view even more so as the leaves began to turn from their thriving green to the fall's shades of orange, red and yellow. Most who thought they knew the man may assume Snape enjoyed the season's change because it brought a temporary stillness to life. But in fact, he enjoyed the early morning mist and colors which fall brought with it as it reminded him of an earlier childhood when he would arrive at Hogwarts.

In his kitchen Snape prepared his cup of coffee with the use of his wand. If one were to see Snape today after knowing him for many years they would say he hadn't changed much in appearance. If anything, one could say he looked younger. Though of course the age lines upon his face remained the same, but despite how each year his age told he was older, in spirit he was younger than he had been five years prior.

After finishing the desired strength of his coffee in his French Press, Severus made his way to his sitting area. Ever since the confrontation with Potter he had decided to wear his regular outfits in place of the robe and slippers. The small change in his routine was insignificant to the whole.

Snape sat down on his leather chair and adjusted to the momentary coldness the material contained. His coffee was still much too hot but with easiness he tapped his wand upon it and it cooled just to his proffered temperature. The coffee was always black. Snape was far from a sweet tooth and had long ago abandoned use of creamer. Snape set the coffee upon the end table to his right and picked up the book he had left out overnight. "Noteworthy Poetry of the 20th Century". Opening the book to his last place and continued from where he had last left off.

"To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk being called naive.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.

But risk must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has
nothing,
is nothing, and becomes nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they
cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.
Chained by their certitude, they are slaves; they have
forfeited their freedom.
Only a person who risks is truly free."

Severus lifted his head from the book and starred out his window all while considering the poem. After a minute he glanced at the grand-father clock. 5:51, precisely. He saw Harry run by the window and right out of his mind. For once he mind barely cared to see the form. It was as if he finally accepted the change at heart.

He picked up the mug from his side sipped the coffee. 'Perfect', he thought to himself in regards to his perfected brew. Snape sighed and leaned back into his chair. He let the morning light play across his face as he closed his eyes and felt the sun's rays touch his skin. One thing he would surely miss upon returning to Hogwarts next term, would be the fall mornings in front of his bay window. He planned to treasure the moment until winter no longer allowed so.

A sudden knock at the door disrupted his thoughts.

Grunting out of frustration, the man stood up and made his way to the door. When he opened the door he was surprised to see Harry Potter standing before him in his doorway.

Snape resisted the urge to slam the door and return to his peace. But alas, he found he spoke before his mind really formulated the plan. "Potter."

"Sir... erm, Professor." Harry had caught his breath before knocking upon the door as he spoke with complete control compared to the last time both had met. "Sorry to bother you-"

"Ah, yes. Bother you did. What do you want?" His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the younger man. Harry's eyes shone a brighter green without those round lenses in front of them, Snape noticed- though cursing himself for the fact for even doing so.

"Well you see-"

"If you have come here to educate me that you realize I in fact have eyesight, then you are wasting my time."

Harry sighed. If what he needed were not important than he would of turned his back and continued on with his run. But, what he needed was essential, and justifying to himself to simply leave without trying was against his will. "Sir, as you may not know that I am in Auror training. At this point I have little left to accomplish, though I still need a mentor in regards to Dark Magic. Unfortunately it is part of the curriculum, and seeing as you are not teaching and have taught Dark Magic..." he paused, choosing to not go over details about that, "...I was hoping you would not mind being my mentor." He was quick to add, "I only need 16 hours."

Snape's mouth opened. How dare the man come here to ask him such a task? He? Help Potter? And at that, help Potter achieve his dreams of being an Auror? Surely the former student didn't actually expect him to agree. Before he could answer, Harry seemed to read his mind.

"I know this is absurd for me to ask you, but please, Sir."

Snape lifted his arm and rested it upon the door. "I am at disturbed you would possibly think I would do such a thing for you. If you can recall, any lessons I gave in effort to teach you in the past eminently went nowhere."

"Yes, sir, I remember... that." He grumbled at the thought of admitting defeat. Harry's hands ran through his hair out of exasperation. Though he attempted another try to convince Snape. A rather unprincipled idea came to his mind. "Please Sir, you do remember the letter's I burned? Perhaps I didn't burn them all? Would that change your mind?"

"You did burn them all." His lip formed a menacing snarl.

"No actually, I didn't." A small smile touched Harry's lips. "There was one which I did keep. It wasn't for selfish reason either. You had mentioned my mother in one of your letters. It was a memory from your third year and I couldn't find myself to burn a piece of her life. And interesting enough, the bottom of the letter was signed... "love... Severus." Perhaps this were the wrong move to take, but Harry was desperate and even though blackmailing someone was wrong, he needed a decent mentor very badly.

Snape wanted to laugh out loud. "You think you have the capabilities of black-mailing me? Surely you are foolish. It matters not how the world views me. I am innocent as proven. I could nothing at all if you show up at the Daily Prophet yourself and sell the blasted letter."

Frustrated, Harry pressed his lips in a line and considered turning away right then and there. He had tried every ounce of reasoning he thought of. Upon making this plan he was hardly sure it would even work back then. Snape was a very stubborn man and Harry wasn't surprised the hate still was evident today. He eventually turned to leave but stopped and looked at the man once more. "Sir, you do 'owe' me. This is all I ask. Then after... I swear to leave you alone- forever."

Snape stood up from leaning against the door and actually considered the offer. Yes he did owe Harry in the sense that it was a nice gesture to return a favor, but he was typically against such accordance with others. Then the perfect compromise came to him.

"Why do you insist on running this way each morning?" With his fingers he motioned them towards the road. "Surely the road is just as suitable in the opposite direction?"

Harry was momentarily put off by the question."I... well I run this way because I enjoy the view. The other way leads to a road conjunction and I suppose this way is more peaceful."

Snape almost smiled. "If I teach you, then you will go the other way from now on. Regardless of your peace for running this way- you are disrupting mine," the last word was drawn out in effort to make the matter clear.

Harry contemplated the compromise. The man could be thick, and incredibly childish at times. His lips formed a thin line but he nodded. "Sure. Yeah. I can do that."

"Good."

"-But, not until after you have finished mentoring me."

Snape raised a single finger and pointed it at Harry's chest. "Only if you are earnest about any sort of enlightenment I pass upon to you." He folded his arms into his chest. "Though I am sure it will undoubtedly turn out to be a waste."

He had to bite his tongue to remain from saying something which would surely backtrack their progress. "I am... serious."

They starred at each other for several moments, green eyes looking into dark. Harry finally reached into the small pocket of his running shorts and pulled from his wand. To a normal person it wouldn't seem possible that an eleven-inch stick could fit into such a small pocket, but Snape didn't even need to tell himself that this was a form of magic. Harry said an incantation and whipped the tip of his wand three times in mid-air. A parchment suddenly appeared between the two..

Harry handed the parchment over to Snape. "I just need you to sign it... please."

Severus snatched the paper from his hands and looked over it carefully.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Registration for Phase IV of Auror Training is coming to an end. It has come to our attention that in order for your application to be considered for Phase IV, you are still required the requested 16 hours spent in duration with a Mentor considered in specialties of The Dark Arts for completion of Phase III. Without completion of each level it is thus forbidden for one to advance onto the next level.

Attached to this form is a list of desirable pre-approved Mentors, though one at your choosing can be considered. Upon choosing a Mentor, please consider the following:

_ Mentor must have adequate knowledge in Dark Arts. This must include N.E.W.T. Level Defense of the Dark Arts.

_Mentor must be willing to provide full 16 hours of Mentoring after signing his or her name.

_Mentor must be capable of teaching you a different perspective of training other than training already provided in Phase Levels I, II & III.

Upon choosing a Mentor, request they provide a signature A.S.A.P. In order to continue with your Auror Training Phase III.

We look forward to considering your application for the next phase in your Auror Training.

Sincerely,

Registration Headquarters

Signature of Mentor:_

Print Name: _

(Mentor: Upon signing name you are admitting you are fully capable of providing 16 hours in training. Signing your name will admit a binding of contract and will automatically take count of hours provided to student. After signing, expect an owl with further instructions for your obligations on mentoring.)

Snape finished reading the letter. "It says here there was a list provided of qualified mentors?"

"There was. I carefully looked over the list but did not consider any of the mentors provided. I kinda am serious about being an Auror and I didn't feel they were educated as well as the list promised."

"And you assume I am?"

"Actually sir, I am confident you are."

Snape eyed the man before him as if seeing Potter as an equal being for the first time momentarily shocked to hear those words spoken from the man. He looked back at the parchment and considered it for another second. 16 hours was not much in consideration to rid the man from his life.

Severus sighed and stuck his hand back into his hallway to summon a quill. Within seconds, a light tan quill with a bushy feather found its way into his hand. Using an unsaid spell, the paper held itself firmly in mid-air as Snape signed his signature and name.

Once he had bonded his name on the contract, the parchment began to shudder and without warning it popped in mid-air and vanished from sight. A spell had been set to send the form directly to the Registration Headquarters.

"Er, thank you then."

"I'd feel pity if I let you leave thinking this were for you. Do not... thank me."

Harry shrugged his shoulders. He had already stayed much longer than planned. "When can I come to begin training?"

Snape considered the question as he looked over Harry's head and to the forest. "After-noon starting tomorrow. Two hours a day should serve fine."

Harry nodded, "Alright. See you tomorrow then." Without another word he turned down to the cobblestone path and out the gate. Once out of the gate he began to once again jog down the road.

Several hours later

Later that day in the evening, Harry opened the door to the single-bedroom apartment he resided in. The building sat just on the outskirts of town which gave him the in-between life of having a town nearby as well as the deep country to preserve a sense of tranquility. Each day he would ride the bus home for as far as it would take him before walking the rest of the stretch to the building. Why anyone had built apartments for muggles this far was beyond him, but he assumed it had something to do with the beautiful wilderness that wasn't too far South.

Compared to the cool air the inside of the apartment was thick with heat. It was a very comfortable home to return to each day, though this home was not like the homes of his friends. It was completely Wizard-Free.

In fact, the person he lived with had no idea Harry was a wizard, or what the term "muggle" meant. He had been told that the scar on Harry's forehead was the aftermath of a car accident that killed his parents- the same story once told to Harry. Supposedly the only family left hated him because of disagreements in the will which granted Harry all of his parents investments. To explain even further, the person thought that Harry was a care-taker for an older lady, not a Auror student in the Ministry of Magic. Harry never once mentioned any part of his own history such as Hogwarts, Voldemort or even Diagon Alley. Surely if this place were even mentioned, the person would ask to have the name repeated before shrugging it off as a unfamiliar street. When in the comfort of his home, Harry chose his words carefully to avoid any indication he was of an entirely different culture. He did so fearing his kind would never be accepted by a muggle, and above all, he feared the outcome if this were true.

Harry hung his black suede jacket on the coat rack by the door. He then slipped his shoes off and looked for his lover who was nowhere to be seen. Harry walked into the single bedroom of their building.

"Hey Derrick," a smile swept across his face at the sight before him.

His love lay across the bed reading a book. Upon hearing his name Derrick pulled the book from his face and sat up into a sitting position as Harry flopped down on the bed.

"Hey," they both kissed each other in greeting of one another. "How was work today?"

Harry moved his head into the lap of Derrick. "It was alright. Mrs. Figg wasn't half as bad as normal, she didn't talk about her cats nearly as much and we even watched a couple hours of television." He reached up and moved a patch of blonde hair out of Derrick's face. "What did you do today?"

"Oh the same old. Mom came by today and dropped off some of her meatloaf she made. I saved some for dinner."

Harry smiled. "Sounds great." They sat in silence for several minutes. Derrick had retrieved his book and continued to read the novel. Eventually Harry said, "I'm going to hop in the shower and get the smell of old-lady off me."

Derrick chuckled. "Yes, please do!"

Harry stood up before giving a quick kiss on Derrick's lips. One of the easiest lies to conceive came from using a spell to summon the odor of mothballs upon him just before arriving home. He dearly had to thank Hermione for this, though she did not at all agree with it. In fact, she highly advised against the relationship he pursued and even convinced her newly wed husband to agree the same. Though love made people do crazy things.

Except, despite the story Derrick knew, Harry had come to realize he needed to tell Derrick the truth- soon. Even at the thought of this Harry felt his stomach turn. He sometimes wished he had told Derrick in the beginning, though he didn't think at the start of their relationship that things would get this serious. They were just shy of a year in the next week. Harry gave the thought much consideration and decided he would tell Derrick the truth on the day of their one-year anniversary.

He turned on the faucet to their small shower and let the droplets of water run down his back before turning the attention to his chest. After scrubbing himself clean he stood with one hand resting upon his shoulder while staring off into space. Not too long after standing there, the shower curtain pushed open and Derrick stood before him. He was completely naked. He smirked at Harry and stepped into the shower.

Both stood before each other looking into the warmth of each others eyes. Derrick had a firm build to his body for the amount of time he had spent pushing himself in physical workouts. He was very avid about being athletic and insisted this upon Harry as well who obligingly did so to please his lover, which in turn helped broaden his own structure.

Several moments had gone by until the steam had filled the space between the two. Harry finally breathed, "I love you..."

Derrick smirked once again and reached out to touch Harry's chin. "Love you too."

Harry bit his lip and stepped closer to the person he felt passionately for. Derrick pulled Harry into himself and kissed him deeply.

OOOoooOOOooo

Aha, so Harry had a boyfriend. Though we will see how their relationship progresses after he plans to tell Derrick his well-hidden secret.

Also, what did you guys think of the poem in relation to Snape? I imagine there could be two completely opposite opinions about this!

Thanks again for you time :)

(Reference of Poem:

"Risks" by Janet Rand )