A/N: We had decided when we first started to write this, to keep away from everyday school life and keep the events in vignettes through letters with dialog intermittent. We will be going pretty fast through the books and only hitting the high spots in the plot line.

This is NOT canon although we do try to keep with the story line as much as possible. --The Frau and GF

Disclaimer: 17th verse as the first. Reviews are welcomed, flames aren't.

Chapter 17: Pass the Ketchup

"No Potter, just leave. Detention is over." Snape closed his eyes, pinching his nose in frustration. His other hand waved the boy off. "Just go!"

"Oh Professor, I'm sorry but please keep what I did a secret? I would get into serious trouble if my Father found out, but I am tired of getting blamed for things I don't do," Harry's voice took on an undertone of command. "If you are going to give me detentions for Malfoy's pranks, then I'm going to make it fun." Harry headed for the door, just as he left, he stopped and looked over his shoulder at the befuddled man, "Uh and Professor? Do you ever sing much? You have the voice for it."

0o0o0o0o0

Harry was cursing himself every which way as he made it back to his bed in the Gryffindor tower. His Father was going to kill him. He wasn't suppose to show off like that but damn it! Snape had pissed him off. He just didn't quite understand why the man had it in for him. Sure, he and Uncle Snuffles had gotten into it when they had gone to school but why take it all out on him. Man! He really hated bullies.

Closing his bed curtains, Harry pondered for a moment before taking out a bit of parchment and started to write a letter to his father about what he had done. After all, the deed was done, now was time to do damage control like he had been taught to do. He only prayed that his Father was in a forgiving mood.

A week passed since he wrote the letter and no word from his Father. Harry was now walking on egg shells. He had gotten a note from Uncle Snuffles and Uncle Cory but nothing from his parents. The silence was deafening and the anticipation was nerve wracking.

Hallowe'en was just around the corner. He hoped by then he had been forgiven.

0o0o0o0o0

Dear Ms Williams,

We regret to inform you that Harry Potter has been injured. We are aware from Gringotts that you are the custodial guardian on record and as such you are the person to be notified should any problems arise.

We wish to assure you that although Mr. Potter has been injured, his injuries are minor and not life threatening. However, we are bound by law to inform you that he is in hospital here at the school. If you choose to visit, arrangements can be made.

Again, let me re assure you that Harry is fine and will be fully recuperated in a few days. Madam Pomphrey is highly skilled in her profession as our school's Mediwitch.

The Headmaster wishes to express his deepest concerns that such an incident has occurred. He is also disappointed that you have yet to contact him for a visit as per his request. Many questions have arisen as to Mr. Potter's history and safety while away from school. He had hoped that you could dispel any concerns in this matter.

We look forward to your reply.

With regards,

Minerva McGongall

Deputy Head Mistress

Head of House Gryffindor

0o0o0o0o0

Moonlight streamed through the windows of the infirmary as a young man laid sleeping. His unruly black hair cast a deep shadow against the white of the pillow. His countenance was a bit troubled as he seemed to be suffering from a nightmare.

All this went unnoticed as there was no one sitting with him. A silver and white owl ghosted through the hallways and into the infirmary to land near the sleeping lad.

The owl morphed into a tall regal man with white blonde hair wearing a Victorian waist coat, breeches and high knee length boots. The man gazed down at the young patient, his face unmarred by any discernible expressions.

"Garion. Son, awake." The man placed an hand on Garion's forehead in an almost loving carcass.

Harry moaned a bit as the last of the potions left his body and awareness settled in. "Fa . . .Father?" He asked in a small shaky voice.

Jareth, the Goblin King and adopted father to Harry Potter, sat on the cot looking down at the sleepy-eyed lad. "Yes, Garion. I am here."

"S. . .ssorry, sir." Harry moved to sit up. Jareth reached down and pulled him into his lap. "I messed up, didn't I?"

Jareth placed a light kiss on the top of Harry's head before saying, "Yes and no, my son. I have been disappointed in that you could not contain yourself but you have managed to keep the time-line going."

Harry snuggled against Jareth, closing his eyes for a moment, "I'm sorry."

Tightening his grip a bit, Jareth forgave his son. "Did you learn your lesson?"

"Yes sir. Never fight a mountain troll without back up. For you are crunchy and munchy and go good with ketchup," Harry muttered, cheekily into his father's shirt.

Jareth snorted, trying hard not to laugh. "I can not stay long. The castle wards are aware that I'm here and will soon sound the alarm." Resting his chin on the top of Harry's head, he continued. "Your mother is worried about you, as well as your uncles and brothers. Also, you are right about your professor, he does have a touch of the Gift but it's faint."

Harry snuggled closer to his father, trying to absorb the love and comfort that the Fae is giving off. Then they felt it, the wards were going off. "Do you really have to go?" Harry asked in a small voice.

Jareth sighed as he lowered Harry back into the bed. "I must. The Headmaster is on his way even now. Remember that we do love you, Garion." He whispered as he tucked the boy back in. "Be well my son."

As the Headmaster Dumbledore entered the infirmary with his wand in hand, a silver and white owl ghosted past him unheard and unseen. All that was before him was a sleeping student and an otherwise empty room.

0o0o0o0

Dear Professor McGongall,

Thank you for apprising us of Harry's condition. However, my husband and I are not able to travel at this time.

We were under the impression that when we allowed Harry to attend your school that it was "the safest place in Britain." And yet, my son has had to face a troll on school grounds? Just how did such a thing happen? Where were the teachers, don't you have wards to protect the students? To say I am disappointed in your ability to assure my child's safety is an understatement. My husband and I are considering pulling Harry out of this school if you can not guarantee his safety.

As far as the issue of Harry's safety while away from school, I can assure you he has never had to fight for his life while at home. Would you could say as much. Harry has lead a full and active life under very strict tutelage.

Also, as for a meeting between the Headmaster and myself, please be advised that we have no wish to meet with him at this time. Also, I am sending a copy of this letter to the Ministry of Magic.

Your's in concern,

Ms. S. Williams

cc. Minister of Magic

0o0o0o0

Dear Uncle Snuffles,

I know how to irritate a mountain troll! Stick a wand up his nose and tell him, 'sit and spin!' Heheheheeeeee!

Boy! Do they get mad! And those clubs really hurt!

The good news is I've made friends! Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Ron is a bit of a clueless dork but really nice sometimes. He can sure eat though but he can't top you in the hotdog eating contests. You would win.

Hermione is such a geek! She always has her nose buried in a book so deep all you can see is her bushy hair over the book cover. I swear she can give Mom a run for her money in that department. I keep trying to tell her that there's more to life than books and not everything written is gospel. She doesn't believe me.

Father came and visited me in the infirmary and was almost caught. I miss you guys. I wish I was home. I can't wait for the holidays. I'm sure that old Dumblebeak will try to keep me here out of spite. That old fa— coot (sorry) keeps dropping hints that I will be staying here for Christmas – 'Where it's safe!' Yeah, right! If you believe that, I have some swamp land near the Bog for sale. . . . . . real cheap too! I bet it's all a gimmick to meet Father and Mom. Too bad it won't work.

You know, these people really need to get a clue. Well duh! Sure, I'm famous, but I rather have my parents back. Honestly Snuffles, they celebrate Hallowe'en different here. Sure it's the death of some evil psycho nutso, but it's also the night I lost my parents. Well, duh! People get a clue! Would you celebrate the day your parents were murdered with parties? And as far as me being the savior of their effen world, what kind of crap is that? I'm just a kid! They are the adults for freakin' sake! I'm getting pretty tired of everyone staring at my forehead, too! It's a scar people, live with it!

Gotta go! Sorry for the rant but geeze-oh-pete, Snuffles, this is getting old very fast.

Love your favorite Hooligan G

Ps. Don't show this letter to mom. You know she doesn't like it when I use bad language. I don't want her to go ballistic on me.

0o0o0o0o0

Thanks for the reviews. They are most enjoyable. Frau and I see Snape more of a Shakespearean actor then singer (the voice, you know?). Well, until next time. --GF