A/N: Thank you so much for your sweet reviews! I worked like a maniac to get this chapter up, but college is really challenging, I usually have only one hour a week to write and improve the fics, please be patient with me :)

Chapter 3

And in the midnight quiet, outside the world away
We could have just one more night that you could stay.-OK Go

"If there are no more questions I would like to proceed to my final announcement"

Albus Dumbledore shuffled the papers laying in front of him into a neat pile and eyed his staff members with his bright twinkling eyes. A few of them stretched in their seats, others were occupied wrapping their notebooks and schedules up in their bags.

"The Potters have offered to host our annual benefit dinner at their house" He continued whilst packing his own bag.

"This year we will collect for The Snicket Institute for the Mentally Disabled. "

A few approving murmurs echoed through the staffroom and professor Lockhart, who was seated next to Severus, sighed wistfully.
Albus declared the staff meeting over and Severus, who had been silent for the entire meeting after he'd introduced himself to his new colleagues, stood smoothly from his chair, planning on making a quick disappearance. The meeting had been incredibly boring and not to mention very tiring and he longed for a strong black coffee, his comfortable armchair and a good book.

"Severus! Won't you join us for a drink?" Gilderoy asked, standing equally as fast as Severus and gesturing behind him, where a couple of teachers had already gathered, quietly chattering amongst each other, preparing to leave for the pub that was located just a few blocks away.

"No thank you" Severus inclined his head politely "some other time perhaps"

"Oh, but it would be a perfect occasion to tell you everything you need to know about our faculty, students and, not to mention the benefit dinner." Flitwick said, whilst Gilderoy sighed dramatically and nodded very enthusiastically to emphasize the importance of 'student gossip' and 'benefit dinners'.

Severus groaned inwardly.

"Some other time" he repeated and before his colleagues could object any further he vanished around the corner, quickly striding towards the exit of the staff room.

~~~~SS/HP~~~~

Harry's foul mood hadn't improved since the disastrous sportsclass he'd had to endure the other day. On the bus, he'd fought with Dean Thomas because the boy had playfully stolen his novel. He'd been no match for the athlete, but after a bit of teasing the boy had given the book back and Harry hadn't minded it that much, for Dean was reasonably decent, they ignored each other most of the time, but he suspected the boy had wanted to attract Susan's attention since the girl had been sitting next to Harry.
The next morning his mother had informed him enthusiastically that the benefit dinner would take place at their house this year, meaning the front lawn would be filled with 5th grade parents, teachers and their friends this friday, leaving no other option for Harry but to hide in his room. He had told her in turn he liked his new chemistry teacher and left, completely missing her fond smile and James frown and softly incredulous mouthed "Chemistry?"

Nott had been absent the whole day and it had started raining again after Harry's last period so the boy had taken residence in the Library. Remus Lupin had greeted him enthusiastically and had told him he'd been excused for today's staff meeting because he needed time to re-archive the Library, for the Headmaster had invested in a new, better organized online catalogue-system. Harry had offered his help and they'd worked in a comfortable silence for a few hours, until Remus asked about the benefit dinner.

"The headmaster told me the dinner will be hosted at your house this year" The shaggy haired man said as he piled a few books in his arms that had been scanned and typed into the computer.

Harry sighed softly, taking the books from him and quickly sorting them back into their original places.

"Yes, mum told me about it this morning."

"You're not looking forward to it?" Remus handed him another pile "We're almost there."

"Hmm, I don't know. It's for the adults anyways..." Harry evaded Remus' question and stood on his tiptoes to reach a high bookshelf.

"Are you coming?" he asked, still trying to make himself as long as possible.

"I might" Remus smiled and helped the boy by taking the book from his hands and placing it back himself.

"We're done" He placed his hand on the boy's shoulder and gave it a brief squeeze. "Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it Harry."

Harry smiled.

"I liked helping you. Can I borrow another book before you're closing up? I saw a few interesting titles passing by which I'd forgotten about."

"Of course!" Remus nodded encouragingly. The librarian brushed a bit of dust from the shelf and inspected their work with a content expression. Harry grabbed one of the books he wanted to take a closer look at, turned from the shelf, his eyes still downcast. A sudden clearing of the throat right in front of him startled him from his reading and he dropped the book, letting out a startled gasp.

"Let's not make a habit out of you dropping books whenever we run into each other, Mister Potter." Professor Snape stood in front of them, his lips quirked upwards in a half-smile.

"I-I'm sorry, sir" Harry kneeled quickly and grabbed the book, almost losing his balance.

"Ah, you must be professor Snape, I am Remus Lupin." Remus extended his hand towards the other professor. He'd spotted the other man standing in the doorway, eying the library with interest, but hadn't expected him to actually enter, since it was very late already.

Professor Snape inclined his head shortly.

"I take it the meeting has just finished?" Remus observed Harry from the corner of his eye as the boy was worrying his bottom lip over a dog ear that had been caused by the fall.

"Yes, a few minutes ago." Severus answered, pulling his hands out of his pockets to fasten his long coat a bit tighter.

"Don't worry about it Harry, I'm sure these books have been treated a lot worse by your schoolmates" Remus said, and motioned the boy to search his books.

The boy smiled a bit tightly and made his way over to another shelf, giving Remus the opportunity to talk to his new colleague, who was still scanning different shelves but made no move to inspect any title closer, in private.

"You, since you are a professor here, can borrow any book you like whenever you want, we've just updated the whole system. All you need to do is log in with your personal password on the library computer and scan the barcodes. I will get a note which books you've borrowed and can categorize everything later if I'm not here at that particular moment."

"And, where can I get my password?" The professor asked, halting in front of the poetry section.

"It's your name and date of birth" Remus said in a low whisper, running a sheepish hand through his hair.

Severus rolled his eyes.

"Thank you. I'll step by if I need anything." He said, turning on his heels and striding to another bookcase, taking one book without any hesitation and started flipping the pages.
Remus guessed the new professor was either not a very social being, or very tired from his first staff meeting, which could put quite a strain on people, Remus knew that much from experience.

A tap on his elbow tore him from his observations, Harry was standing beside him, two books under his arm and one in his hand.

"I think I found everything for now, thank you Remus"

The raven haired boy placed his books on the counter and Remus scanned the barcodes, frowning at the scanning device as it refused to recognise the second novel. After a few more tries and a muffled curse from Remus, the book was finally registered in the computer and he handed Harry his schoolbag which he'd left behind the desk. The teen left with a shy goodbye towards his chemistry professor, just as Snape snapped the volume he'd been studying shut. The man placed it back on the shelf and bade his goodbyes to the librarian, briskly exiting the room.

~~SS/HP~~

Harry quickened his pace. He'd stayed a bit longer than intended, and although his parents wouldn't mind, he preferred being left alone instead of being bombed with questions about his whereabouts. He heard footsteps behind him and saw Severus Snape rounding the corner just behind him, his black coat tightly fastened around him, one hand in his pocket. He hadn't seen the man since the disastrous sports classes and he felt his stomach flutter as he saw the man approaching. Professor Snape caught up with him easily and Harry turned his head fully, greeting him.
Professor Snape returned his greeting, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Harry liked it when his professor smiled. The man hadn't done it that often in class, but the whole mysterious aura that surrounded him suited him, and it fascinated Harry.

"Potter, we still need to pick a date for our remedial lessons in Chemistry. I took the liberty of comparing our schedules, we're both free on friday afternoons. Does that sound acceptable to you?"

"Yes, it's perfect, Sir." Harry smiled a shy smile back. Usually he spent his fridays in the library, but he was sure Remus wouldn't mind.

"That's settled then. May I ask why you are still here? It's late already, I've seen no other students on my way upstairs" Severus slowed his pace so Harry could keep up with him and together they exited the building.

"It was raining outside I hate it when my books get wet. And, Remus, I mean, Mr. Lupin and I usually spend a few afternoons in the library together." It was very cold outside, the rather wet and moist afternoon had morphed into a biting evening wind, and Harry, who'd forgotten his scarf, tried to get as warm as possible by nuzzling his chin into the collar of his coat.

"You like reading then?" Severus asked, fastening a black scarf around his throat and fully buttoning his coat. He threw Harry a sidelong glance, the boy was trying to burry his hands in his pocket, but his bookbag restrained his movements and the wind tousled his hair in his eyes and he had to smooth it down every few seconds, or he wouldn't be able to see anything.

"Oh yes, sir. I love it." Harry smiled again, his cheeks flushed due to the cold wind. "Do you like it, sir?" He added.

"Very much." Severus liked it how the boy's eyes began to shine at his response.

"Shall I give you a lift?" Severus usually traveled by public transport, but he'd bought a car a few years ago, an old Citroen DS, from his editor, who'd been about to travel abroad for a long time and didn't want his classic to rot away in the garage. Instead, the man had trusted Severus to keep the car in good conditions and had sold it for a paltry amount. Severus had rarely used it, he didn't travel a lot, only short walks to the pubs or coffee bars, sometimes a little detour with a lover, but with his new job as professor the vehicle came in handy. The weather was usually rainy during this time of the year, and he preferred the heat and comfort of the car above the crowded bus, and after another day of standing in midst of the sweaty tired crowd that inhabited busline 934, the professor decided to finally break his habits and step into the cream coloured vehicle, driving to work every morning and thus saving a lot of time.

Harry's eyes widened at his offer, he stuttered a response:

"Ahm, sure, if it's not too much trouble, sir?"

"Not at all. It's very cold and I don't want you to wait outside for too long."

"Thank you sir."

Harry followed his professor into the parking lot, secretly admiring the man's long and impressive strides. He was happy he'd been given a chance to talk to his professor for a little bit longer, he couldn't phantom why, but he felt the need to be close with Snape, like he wanted the man to be his friend.
Once they'd reached the car, Severus opened the door of the front seat for his students and Harry moved himself into the car, placing the bag on his admired the cars interior, he'd never seen anything like it before. The professor took his seat next to him and started the car, turning up the heater in the process.

"Are you warm enough mister Potter? You can move your bag next to your feet if you want to, it's not very spacious but it will fit just fine."

Harry complied and fastened his seatbelt. They drove in silence for a while, until they'd reached the first crossroad and Severus asked Harry for directions.

"Thank you again for driving me, Sir."

Harry relaxed into the leather seat, enjoying the heat and the rumbling of the engine. He studied his professor from the corners of his eyes, the man's eyes were focussed on the road, a relaxed, almost neutral expression on his face. After a sharp turn to their left, Severus asked Harry if the temperature was alright.

"Perfect. Just warm enough. I like it when it's warm." Harry replied drowsily, the slow movements of the car making him sleepy. A few minutes passed, and after another turn, Severus' silk voice interrupted the silence again.

"I think we're almost there."

His voice sounded amused, and Harry shot upwards, realised he'd fallen asleep for a short while. He cleared his throat.

"Yes, sir."

Severus turned his gaze from the road for the first time and studied his chemistry student. Harry felt himself grow nervous under the intensity of the gaze. The car stopped and his professor finally lifted his eyes from his face and gave a nod towards the bag.

"Don't forget your books."

Harry loosened his seatbelt and grabbed the bag by one of the handles. He opened his mouth, not quite sure what to say when he felt the professor's hand on his arm, giving him a quick squeeze.

"Goodnight."

"G-Goodnight" He stammered, his face heating up. Harry scrambled out of the car, the door shut behind him and the engine roared. He watched his professor leave before he made his way over to his front door, relieved the man had dropped him off at the corner of the street, it prevented him from a lot of curious questions from his parents.

That night, he dreamt about his professor. He was in the man's car again, this time, he was fully awake and professor Snape's hand was on his arm again, his other arm around his shoulders.

~~~SS/HP~~~

Severus was secretly thrilled to have Harry in his car, to be able to talk to the boy a bit longer. He observed the teen, studied the relaxed expression on his face, the closed eyelids with the long lashes, the rosy cheeks and his full lips. It was almost a shame to wake the boy.

"I think we're almost there" He said, taking one last turn and halting at the corner of the street.

Harry opened his eyes to reveal his startled emerald orbs, and Severus knew from that moment on for sure that his interest in the boy had turned into something more, something very unprofessional.

~~~SS/HP~~~

The next morning was very hectic, Harry had overslept and Lily had for once not been able to get her son out of bed.

"Harry, stop grinning, you are late already, and you are going to miss the next bus too if you don't hurry up!" Lily pushed an apple into his hands, urging him to pack his bag and leave.

"Don't be too hard on him Lily, I know that look." James grinned, completely abandoning his breakfast to ruffle his sons hair..

"Tell me Son, who is she?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, dad." Harry took his bag, kissing his mum on her cheek.

"Ah! Don't try to fool me, Harry. You've met a cute girl, haven't you?" James stood from his seat, exited, his eyes shining.

"Sit down James. Harry, the bus, you have five minutes left!" Lily opened the front door and all but shoved her son outside.

Before James could protest, the door had been shut and Harry ran off towards the busstop, rethinking everything his father had just asked him.

James on the other hand, was ecstatic.

"Finally! I have to call Sirius this instant! I was already wondering why Harry was acting strange all of the sudden, taking an interest into chemistry, going to bed without his books... It all makes sense!"

He took off towards the study and Lily cleaned up his breakfast, shaking her head, laughing silently at her husband's antics.

Harry arrived late for his morning classes, but since it hadn't happened before, the maths teacher, Professor Vector, let him in nonetheless, scolding him for his tardiness but allowing him to enter without a slip, thus preventing him to get another detention. Harry scanned the tables, immediately noting that Theodore wasn't here and sat on his own in the back, wondering about his friends whereabouts.
During break, he met Susan, who was standing close by the lockers with Dean and Ron. She hadn't heard from Theodore either, but they weren't too worried. After the lunch, Dean accompanied Susan to her French classes and Harry, who'd been in such a rush this morning that he'd forgotten his books, something that had never occurred before, decided to go straight home instead of reading for another hour and traveling together with Susan. He felt very confused since the dream and his fathers enthusiastic questions. Because he liked professor Snape. And he knew he wasn't supposed to like any professor in this matter.

The double doors leading outside stood open and Harry descended the steps and took a few deep breaths, the fresh air calming his restless mind. Harry hoisted his bag higher on his shoulder and made his way across the paved front yard towards the bus stop, quickening his pace a bit as he felt a few raindrops on his bare neck.
It wasn't a very long walk, the stop was just around the corner, behind a row of trees which hid the entire east wing of Belfort from view. He passed a couple of talking students who were seated on the small brick wall that led up to the bicycle stand, ducking his head a bit and mumbling a greeting as he recognized Draco Malfoy and a few of his classmates amongst them.
Harry was halfway across the lawn, he always took a shortcut if there were no professors around, when he heard someone calling out his name.
He turned his head to the left in confusion, and was surprised to see a smiling Cedric lounging against the iron fence that separated the asphalted football field from the rest of the yard. The tall boy gave him a wink and a wave and Harry ran towards his brown haired friend.

"Cedric" he squeaked as he'd reached his older friend. Cedric enveloped Harry in a hug, pulling the teen against him in a one quick movement with his left arm.

"What are you doing here?" Harry dropped his bag at his feet and smiled brightly.

"Just a quick visit, I'm moving to Leeds soon and I wanted to pay a last visit." Cedric nudged his foot against a bag at his feet Harry hadn't noticed before.

"I'm bringing you some of my old books. Remus too, I'd promised to lend him my copy of 'Dead Man's Beacon', but I bought him a new one for his birthday, It's next week you know..."

Cedric trailed off and they observed each other a while in comfortable silence.

"I'm glad you came. Are you moving there for your studies?" Harry asked.

"Yes I am, I found a few roommates and we're moving in together."

Harry was just about to ask Cedric about the books he'd brought, he was looking forward to another reading session, preferably in the library in the two comfortable chairs hidden between the two shelves in the back, the spot they'd occupied over the past few years, when Cormac McLaggen showed up at their side, interrupting him and patting Cedric on the back.

"Mate! What are you doing here?" He said, ignoring Harry completely.

"Just a quick visit, I-"

"Cedric! Never thought to see you back here! How are you?" Another kid abandoned the football they'd been kicking into the goals and joined in on their conversation. He waved towards a few other sixth years who also made their way over to the former student.

"I'm fine, thank you." Smiled Cedric, shaking a few hands and responding to their questions. Harry was being pushed aside by the enthusiastic crowd and stood outside the circle of students, frowning a bit, trying to get back to his friend but to no avail, since the sixth years were all taller by a head. Cedric noticed this and took a few steps back

"If you'll excuse me, I was just about to accompany Harry to the library" He said.

The crowd didn't really listen, and Harry, who'd been trying to worm himself a way in, felt a hand on his shoulder, a shove and suddenly he was propelled back for at least one meter, almost stumbling over his own feet. The boy who'd shoved him aside took his place in the excited mass without even looking back.

"Hey!" Harry said, angered, and he took a step forward, pushing the tall boy, Marcus Flint, back. The seventh year turned around, almost smirking.

"What is your problem little one?" He asked,

Harry pushed him again, trying to get back to his old spot.
"I was standing there!"

Flint grabbed his arm in mid-push and dragged him backwards again.

"What are you going to do? Call your mummy?" The tall boy tightened his grip.

"Or did you actually consider fighting me? Hm?" Flint shook Harry roughly, his voice threateningly low. The group of students noticed the tumult behind them and halted their conversation, turning around to watch the display.

"Let me go!" Harry tried to wrench himself out of the boys grip, kicking him against his shins.

"Leave him alone Marcus" Cedric approached them, frowning angry.

Harry finally managed to break free, but Flint gave him another shove and this time Harry did stumble, he fell backwards, trying to break his fall with his left arm, flinching in pain when he made contact with the rough concrete.

Flint smiled nastily. "Go home midget."

Cedric's expression turned murderous for a split second and he launched himself forward without a warning, jumping the younger student and delivering a square blow to Flint's jaw. Flint, taken aback for a second, stumbled back, holding his jaw as if dazzled. He recovered soon enough to keep his balance and he he tackled Cedric to the ground. Within seconds the two students were fighting in earnest, rolling around on the floor, trying to hit each other as good as possible. Cedric was older, but Flint was broader and just as tall and his experience made up for Cedric's initial advantage of taking Marcus by surprise.

Harry had stumbled up from the concrete again as soon as he saw Marcus punching Cedric back in the stomach, intending to defend his friend. A sixth year he didn't know grabbed him by the waist before he could jump into the fight, holding him back.

"You better stay here or it would turn out very bad for you. Don't worry, Umbridge is coming over already."

Harry was still trying to get free from the sixth year's hold when Dominick Umbridge showed up indeed, breaking the boys fight by grabbing Cedric by his collar, effectively dragging him of Marcus Flint. The two boys looked almost savage, their clothes were rumpled and dirty. Cedric's chiseled features were marred by a blue eye and a split lip, whilst Flint's cheek was swollen and his shirt was torn.

"What is going on here?" The sports teacher thundered as he held the two boys by their collars, preventing them from attacking each other again. Cedric was the first to reign his temper, he brushed a few spots from his sweater and ran his hand through his hair. Flint grunted something and the two of them were released. Umbridge scolded the two boys purposefully for tainting the schools reputation, meanwhile eying the circle of spectators until his gaze fell on Harry, who was still held back by the sixth year.

"And of course, Potter has to be involved too" He said sarcastically.

"It's not my fault!" Harry seethed. He was angry like he'd never been angry before, how dare Flint hit Cedric like that? "Flint started it!" His arm still hurt from the fall he'd took earlier.

"That's a filthy lie" Marcus Flint flexed his knuckles and threw Harry an ugly look.

"The three of you go inside, now, and wait for me in front of the headmaster's office immediately. And don't even think of starting another fight, I'm right behind you."

Cedric grabbed his bag and Harry's from the floor, throwing them both over his right shoulder, and held out his hand towards the raven haired teen.

"Come on" He said, taking the teens uninjured arm, pulling him with him in the direction of the main entrance. Flint followed swiftly, rubbing his bruised jaw. Umbridge followed a few feet behind them, informing the headmaster of the fight through his cellphone. The three students were silent, and so were the halls. Harry was trying to calm himself, he wanted to scream at Umbridge, and, more important Flint, but he kept himself in check, leaning into Cedric as they wandered the halls, cradling his injured arm close to his body. They met nobody on their way upstairs, within minutes they reached the staffroom and Umbridge told them to wait inside. The room was almost empty, save for one lone professor who'd been reading near one of the windows. Harry felt his heart sink in his toes as he saw who was now observing them with one lifted eyebrow.

Severus was on the last page of his book when he was interrupted by three students entering the classroom. Marcus Flint, who looked like he'd been run over by a truck, another rumpled older boy he didn't recognize and surprisingly Harry, was holding his left arm. The unknown boy directed Harry, who'd avoided eye contact with Severus since he'd entered the staffroom, to one of the seats and eyed Flint with obvious disgust.

"Don't try to get away with it Flint, we all saw what happened there." He said.

"And what is that? That ickle Harry tried to push me out of the way?" Flint smirked nastily, throwing a sidelong glance his way.

"Quit pretending, he might have broken his arm for all you know. You fucking bastard, I saw you pushing him over"

Severus was just about to make a snide comment about the boy's foul language, but Harry beat him to it.

"Just forget about it, okay?" Harry mumbled, his cheeks flustered and his eyes almost glassy. Severus eyed the teen with a bit more than concern. It bothered him that the boy wouldn't meet his eyes.

The dark haired boy shut his mouth immediately and seemed to realise Severus' presence for the first time. Just then, the double doors swung open again and Umbridge entered the staffroom, followed by a very stern looking Albus Dumbledore.

"May I ask what is going on here?" Severus interjected smoothly, finally standing from his seat and tucking his poetry away in his pocket. He was of course, very aware of what had happened, a fight, obviously. Going by the previous argument between the boys and the hostile glares exchanged between Marcus Flint and the older grey-eyed boy it seemed like there had been a scuffle between Flint and Harry, and the unknown boy had stepped in.

"I was hoping these three boys could tell us...?" The headmaster trailed off, but it wasn't a question.

As predicted, the three of them started talking at the same time. Harry even jumped from his seat in frustration as the Marcus Flint accused him again of pushing him.

"Silence!" Albus Dumbledore´s severe voice silenced the three shouting boys at once. The man sighed and rubbed his hands, turning to Marcus Flint.

"Mister Flint, I have warned you multiple times already that violence is not the solution here at Belfort. Professor Umbridge here informed me the two of you were fighting. Could you please explain us what exactly transpired?"

Flint, his eyebrows frowned and an overall rude attitude, replied somewhat grudgingly that he and Cedric had had an disagreement, wisely refraining from accusing Harry again of starting the fight. The headmaster turned towards the dark haired boy.

"Mr. Diggory, I had never expected you of all students to start a fight and I am very disappointed." Albus sighed gravely. The boy had the decency to look ashamed, Severus thought, secretly wondering what exactly had transpired between the two younger boys, that set off a such a fierce fistfight. It seemed most likely to him that Marcus Flint had indeed started the whole ruckus by attacking the much smaller Harry. Speaking of which, the boy was still staring holes in the table, his cheeks no longer aflame but his eyes still suspiciously watery.

Severus fought the urge to comfort him and refocused his attention on the Headmaster.
"...and though I cannot punish you Mr. Diggory, I will issue two detentions to Mr. Flint here. Please report at my office tomorrow morning. I will leave the rest up to you Dominick, I have to finish a report. If you'll excuse me." The headmaster turned around without another word, his usual cheery demeanor dimmed by the transpired events. Harry jumped from his seat as soon as the double doors had closed behind the headmasters retreating back and went to grab his bag.

The sports professor however, had other plans.

"Not so fast Potter, I still want to know your part in this atrociousness."

"Lay of me, I didn't do anything. Sir." The last word was added rather hastily and Severus was once again surprised by Harry's cheek. The boy always came across as a shy and cute being, but around Umbridge he seemed almost feral. The two of them were currently engaged in a staring match, and Severus found his gaze torn to Harry's fierce burning eyes, his dark angry blush and his slightly pouting underlip.

The ex-student, apparently called Diggory, stated rather stiffly that he and Flint had a disagreement in which Harry had no part whatsoever. Marcus Flint wisely agreed with Cedric and Umbridge gave up, telling Flint to follow him and get some medical supplies. Severus went to sit back into his chair when Harry finally risked a look in his direction and met his eyes.
The boy's uttered a soft: 'Hi', his expression almost vulnerable. Severus returned the greeting with a slight rise of his left eyebrow.

Cedric also graced him with an insecure nod, before nudging Harry in the direction of the exit.
"How about we now read those books and visit Remus?"
Harry shuffled his feet, but before he could say anything else, Umbridge came back, carrying something that looked like a gigantic orange suitcase. After a quick examination, Severus found it to be exactly what it seemed: a huge orange First Aid kit.
"Do you need anything? I gave Flint one of those.." The professor asked, rather rudely. Cedric took the offered ice bag but shook his head at the question.

"I'm fine. How about you Harry? Do you need anything, is your arm still hurting?"

"We were just about to leave" Harry Clarified, "Professor." Umbridge mumbled something grumpily but insisted on checking if the raven haired boy hadn't damaged himself.

"It wouldn't surprise me much" He continued, after probing a bit and poking the boys elbow. Harry yelped after a particular hard pinch in his wrist and Domnick mumbled a bit more.

"Seems like you have sprained it. Nothing too tragical." The man smiled a bit nastily and Harry all but pulled his arm back, glaring. "Ahem, I wasn't finished yet, you need it bandaged, Potter."

"That really won't be necessary professor, Thank you." Harry Potter grabbed his bag, nodded towards Umbridge and gave Severus a short wave before exiting the staff room, followed on his heels by the Diggory boy.

"That boy is really an abomination." Umbridge was flustered reorganizing the first aid kit. "Have you had him yet?" That last sentence was obviously directed at Severus, who was still standing next to his chair, contemplating if he even wanted to sit down again.

"Excuse me?" Severus asked, raising one eyebrow at his obviously put off colleague, who was now finished packing the kit and turned around, facing him.

"Harry. In your classes?"

"Yes." Severus had now definitely decided not to sit down again and he grabbed his coat from the coffee table beside him.

"Don't you think he is too insolent? Always slacking off. The former chemistry teacher wasn't all to enthusiastic about him either. Then again.."
Severus didn't listen. He had no intention whatsoever to stay and converse with his babbling colleague, nor to be around the depressing pile of bricks they called a school any longer. It gave him headaches

A/N: 'Dead Man's Beacon' is another non-existing title
A/N2: Meh, just had a fight with one of my (male) best friends. Always difficult to accept that you're slowly growing apart, and no amount of time you spent together is going to fix it, because there are other girls out there to replace you, because the two of you have changed, and the other ones might fit in better... Sorry for the slightly depressing note, I'm sure it will turn out okay, I'm just a bit frustrated at this moment :'). Looking forward to your responses, did you love the fight as much as I did?