Dealing with Issues

It was Wednesday before Severus knew it. He leaned back in his office chair and stared at the ceiling, his mind running over the last couple of days. Professor Zimmer had not backed off despite his very clear snub. Whenever he wasn't in his lab, she was about clinging to his shadow or even worse, his robes.

When he had surfaced from his lab on Monday, she sat next to him during meals and did not let any other professor distract her from talking to him. She also tried to converse with him in the staffroom, and was stopping him in the hallways. He had tried to appease Minerva by attempting to return Zimmer's conversation, but by that evening he had come to the conclusion that she had nothing worth talking about. Even Harry's conversation while he was trapped in St. Mungo's was more interesting.

On Monday night, as he was sitting in the staffroom, he ignored her in favor of talking with Filius about the newest charms that were being invented. He had been pleased when she let him do so, even if she irritated him by remaining at his side the entire time.

On Tuesday, during his break period, he had walked into his office, only to find her sitting there. She was not in the visitor chair, nor in Harry's, but behind his desk, in his personal chair. Zimmer had the gall to look surprised when he had ordered her out of his office, demanding that she never come back again. She hadn't listened. 'There is now a new series of wards on the door, keeping her out of here and my lab. Maybe I should add a set to my quarters.'

Severus knew he wasn't allowed to hex her, but poison was starting to become an option. This time it wouldn't be anything as gentle as the one he gave Morris.

Running a hand through his hair, Severus picked back up his quill. He wanted to get these last few essays graded before it was time for him to check on his House and prep for tomorrow's brewing in his NEWT classes. A knock stopped him even as he was scratching the first comment across the top of the parchment.

"Enter." Severus watched warily. The wards would keep Zimmer out but she could still knock. He let out a small sigh of relief when the door opened to reveal Minerva.

"Severus, I'm sorry to bother you, but I am calling an emergency faculty meeting. It's about the Pritchard boys. Poppy has to fill us in on some of the special rules that they have to follow for the next couple of weeks," said Minerva as she stood in the doorway.

Nodding, Severus blotted his quill, capped the inkwell, and stood up. "Can we stop by the Slytherin common room?"

"Of course." Minerva led the way and waited on Severus to talk to his prefects before heading towards the staff room.

-o-o-o-o-

Hagrid compressed his lips into a tight line as he shot a dark look at the Muggle Studies Professor. "Yer need ter leave Snape alone."

"Why?" Zimmer crossed her arms as she continued. "I see no reason for me to avoid Severus. I refuse to walk on eggshells around him - I don't see any need to do so."

Sinistra growled under her breath. "No need? You don't see a need?" An exasperated sound escaped her throat. "I do. We all do. You are making our lives harder."

Hooch shot up from her seat. "Really? You see no reason? You are making a horrible mess of things, and you don't even see it, do you? What are you trying to do, drive him away?"

Zimmer's blue eyes widened as she drew in a horrified gasp. Her answer came out as she exhaled sharply. "No!" With fists clenched at her sides, she continued. "I want to be his friend. I want to help him. Severus wants some sort of companionship, and the rest of you are not willing to give him that!"

She stepped closer to the table, glaring at the other professors. "You all were so worried about giving him space that you never even considered that he might have been a spy! You left him to work such a horrible position without any support all because you don't know him. Well, I refuse to be like you."

Flitwick glared at her, his voice tight with suppressed emotions as he answered her claim. "We know him better than you believe. Snape is quite capable of doing what needs to be done - be it good, bad, or indifferent. If we had given an inkling of our doubts about his allegiance during that last year of the war, he would have had to prove to everyone that he was on Voldemort's side, and he would have had to prove it beyond a doubt."

A shudder went through the professors who had been at the school at that time. That was something they were glad they never saw.

"So, you are right, we didn't support him – not visibly, and that was our support." Flitwick leaned forward just enough to rest his weight on his hands, his fingers pressed into the staffroom table. "We know him, you do not."

Vector spoke up from where he was propped against the wall, his tone quiet and easygoing. "You want to befriend him? Well, you are going about it all wrong. I fear you have blown your chance at friendship with him."

Babbling snorted and rolled her eyes. "That was blown the moment she entered his lab on Sunday and didn't follow directions."

Just outside the door, Severus looked at Minerva where she had stopped a few minutes before. The words from inside were coming clearly through the wood. When he gestured towards the handle, she shook her head. After giving her a look that clearly showed how he felt about eavesdropping right now, he turned around and leaned against the wall to see how long Minerva planned on waiting.

Zimmer turned on Babbling. "That was a-a minor setback! I know I can win him over. He just needs someone to notice how lonely he is, how much he wants attention."

Pomfrey gave her a look of disbelief. "Lonely? You think Severus is lonely? He isn't lonely at all. He has a regular visiting schedule that he follows unless an emergency shows up. Severus is a person who likes quiet simple things, not loud brash overtures so of course you wouldn't notice his friends. He has to really like you to accept the overt displays of attention that you are forcing on him, like he did Albus. You are not in the same category as Albus and will never be. Just back off and give the man his breathing space."

Again, the less than complimentary words slid off of Zimmer like water off a duck's back.

"He killed Dumbledore! I don't want to be the same level of friend as that." Bright blue eyes shifted to take in the Defense Professor, missing the heavy and incredulous looks that passed between the rest of the staff. "Dexter, you agree with me! Severus needs us to give him a chance."

Dexter shrugged. "I don't care what happens with Snape. The man wants to hide, let him. If he wants that cold dungeon as his domain, more power to him. The man is obviously content, leave him be."

Zimmer stared at him, aghast. "No! I can't believe that you can't see it. I expected you to notice the desire for companionship. The others are blind by long term association."

For the past several minutes, Sprout had sat listening to the girl fussing about things she couldn't hope to understand and expressing the desire for something that would never be in her reach. When she heard the comment about Severus' killing Albus, she could tell that Zimmer hadn't truly accepted their Potions Master. The girl didn't realize just how strong a bond of friendship had to be for Severus to kill Albus – Severus had been willing to accept the Dementor's Kiss for that act of mercy - and now she was babbling on once again about Severus wanting companionship. The girl was blind. She couldn't see all the times she prevented Severus from talking to them by practically pushing them out of the way as she tried to get to Severus' side. Well, she had had enough of it.

Slamming her hand on to the table top, Sprout drew everyone's attention. "Viola Zimmer!"

The blonde turned around and gaped at the irritation that laced Sprout's voice, hushing her rant.

Sprout continued, her tone not changing. "What you have failed to notice is that you are making this situation worse. Snape was doing fine. He was happy last year, and this year he was as well until you started pushing him. I haven't seen him this irritated since the Triwizarding Tournament or back when the Marauders pursued him, or the year he was Headmaster. So, just back off and let us have our friend back!"

Severus cast a questioning look at Minerva. Had he really be that irritated? He knew that he had been short this year. Some of it was because he missed Harry, but most of it was because of Zimmer's pestering. If she had just left him alone, he could have easily had the conversation with Hooch about the Quidditch pitch and the stands, he could have talked to Hagrid about some of the simple ingredients that he would like to find in the forest. Instead he had to listen to her squawk and screech.

The nod Minerva gave him told him the answer. Sprout was right.

Reaching past Minerva, Severus opened the door. He decided they had listened in long enough.

"Your friend? You are claiming to be his friend? I've never seen you once sit and talk to him, nor track him down to his office or anything. It is like Severus doesn't exist to you!"

Severus could see the temper flaring in the grim set of Hagrid's shoulders at Zimmer's latest accusation and knew that whatever he was about to say would not be nice nor easy to take back. Hagrid only told the unvarnished truth, at least as he saw it, when he exploded. Severus caught Hagrid's attention as the half giant drew in a breath to speak. Warning black eyes held furious ones.

Hagrid pulled his aggravation in and let his breath out. The look in Snape's eyes said that he wouldn't appreciate this conversation continuing.

"Headmistress, 'Fessor Snape." His tone was clipped, suppressed anger evident to those who knew him, but he was abiding by Severus' silent request. Holding that dark gaze for a moment longer, Hagrid read the thanks buried deep in them.

Severus crossed the room and sat near the head of the table, next to Minerva's spot. Flitwick immediately sat next to him and Sprout took the spot across. Even as he watched, the older professors filled in the table, forcing both Dexter and Zimmer to sit at as far from him as possible.

Minerva settled into her chair and looked over her faculty. "Madam Pomfrey has some information that she needs to pass on to us and then we shall be done."

All eyes turned to Poppy as she stood up from her seat.

-o-o-o-o-

Severus struggled to stay asleep. The dream that was niggling the edge of his mind had the potential to be wonderful. It had the feeling of warmth and gentleness. The dream slipped away as six o'clock turned into one minute after. Opening his eyes slowly, he peered at the empty spot next to him, his fingers looking for a warmth that had never been there, not in this bed. Sighing softly, Severus drew his hand back to his chest and closed his eyes.

His eyes flew open and he half sat up as it registered that today was Friday. Harry was coming today. 'Tonight. I have to wait all day.' His gaze landed once again on the side of the bed that would be Harry's. Was it folly to wish Harry to spend the night here? This was one of the few places in the school where there were no memories of him. The only others were in the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff dormitories. Even the Slytherin dormitory reminded him that Harry and Ronald had slipped in there during their second year.

The image of bright green eyes, dark sleep tousled hair, and a tanned body stretching until it was hidden by the sheets assaulted his mind, superimposing itself over the reality that was an empty spot. Groaning with desire and frustration, Severus dropped back onto the bed. He needed Harry with him now. He was not in the mood to handle his desires alone. The novelty had worn off within the first few weeks back.

Even as he took himself in hand, Severus realized that even his quarters weren't free of Harry. He didn't have memories here, he had wishes, and that was almost worse.

-o-o-o-o-

Severus approached his office warily. He was positive that one morning he was going to run in to Professor Zimmer there even though he knew she was a late riser. Opening the door, his eyes darted about, making sure that she hadn't found her way around the wards.

It was empty.

Crossing to his desk, he stopped to stare at Harry's table and a frisson of desire shot up his spine. They had done nothing in this room, they had done nothing at school, but he could feel Harry's hand on the back of his neck and remembered the sweet torture of those soft pink lips near his while they were harvesting mushrooms. That, coupled with the memories of the summer were enough to distract him.

Severus shook his head and pushed those thoughts into the back of his mind. He had to make it through his day, and it was not one that he could let his guard down on. His classes were brewing and Zimmer was still out and about. Settling at his desk, he started on the stack of parchments, his mind only periodically drifting off to thoughts of laughter, bright eyes, and warm fingers.

Later that morning, Severus walked into the Great Hall doing his best not to look at the Gryffindor table. As he sat at the edge of the High Table, he let himself relax just a bit. Since Wednesday evening, the rest of the faculty had created a human barrier between Zimmer and him. He also had Minerva's permission to use mild hexes if she became too pushy. It wasn't stated outright - it was implied, and that was all that he needed. He had worked off of less.

He cut off a snarl when his tormentor sat in the chair next to him. He could hear a quiet curse word escape from Filius as the Charms Professor got to the table literally a second later.

Zimmer smiled brightly at the Potions Professor as he stopped loading his plate. "Go on, finish filling it up. You never eat enough in the mornings."

Severus looked at the toast and eggs that were already on his plate. He would normally add sliced tomatoes, but at this moment, the food already on his plate seemed too much. He knew it had everything to do with the company.

"The other professors are trying to keep me away from you. They seem to think that you would rather not be around me. That I am aggravating you." Zimmer stopped for a moment, waiting for Severus to dismiss such a preposterous idea.

Severus glared at her. "You are."

She continued as if he hadn't answered. "I just want to get to know you, to talk to you, to introduce you to the wonders of the world."

Severus raised an eyebrow at that last one. He didn't need anyone to introduce him to the wonders of the world. He wouldn't mind sharing the experience of discovering anything new, but he'd rather do that with Harry, not this woman. "I have seen this world. I don't need an introduction."

Zimmer rolled her eyes and leaned forward. "The Muggle World. There is so much there that I know you've never seen, never heard of, never given a chance. I want to talk to you about it, to let you hear how wonderful it is."

Severus kept his face blank as he stared at the toast on his plate. She wanted to tell him how wonderful the Muggle world was. 'She is assuming that since I was a Death Eater I don't know about it, nor wish to know about it. Idiot.'

Deciding that breakfast was not happening, Severus pushed back his chair as he turned to look at Zimmer. "Ah, yes, the joys of central heat and air. Since we do not have that here, I have to go cast what warming charms I can about my classroom. Not that the Muggle way would work well within this castle. Excuse me."

As he strode away from the table, leaving her gaping behind him, he paused briefly by Filius' chair and mumbled a quiet thank you. He knew Filius would track him down later to find out why he was being thanked.

Morning classes went well. At least Severus was pretty positive that the students couldn't tell that his mind periodically drifted off to the previous summer and early morning wake-ups. No one was hurt in class and he had a collection of vials that looked like what his students were supposed to brew. So, he was declaring it a good morning.

Filius stopped between morning classes to ask about being thanked and left with a smile when he learned it was because he had cursed Zimmer.

At lunch, Severus didn't make the same mistake as that morning. He sat in a seat that was not on the edge. Hooch settled on one side of him, but Zimmer got to the other before Vector could make it. Turning his attention to Hooch, Severus asked about her classes and when the pitch was scheduled for Quidditch practice.

Zimmer sat for a moment, letting Severus talk to the other professor about Quidditch practice. It was a necessary topic for a Head of House. As soon as he was done, she leaned closer and smiled at him.

"Severus, this morning you mentioned central heating and air?" She rested a hand on the arm nearest her as she continued. "I'm sure you were just trying to impress me with your knowledge, but I am sorry to tell you that there is no such thing. Maybe heating, but what is air supposed to even mean?"

As soon as her hand landed on his arm, the desire that had been simmering all day just under Severus' skin screeched, rebelling at the feel of the wrong person's touch, and his temper exploded. How dare she lay a hand on him?! She was not given an invitation and he did not want to feel her. Tightening his hand and his shields, he remembered that there were students present. Injuring another professor would set a bad example and Minerva would be upset about the paperwork it would cause.

"Remove your hand." The words were cold, clipped and almost inaudible. They also had no effect.

"I want to have a meaningful conversation with you, like Monday. I want to show you we can be good friends." She jumped slightly, jerking her hand off Severus' arm as a stinging hex hit it.

Severus shoved his seat away from the table and stormed out the staff door, knowing that he was making a scene, but not caring. No one could touch him without permission. Harry had been the exception to the rule, but that was typical of Potter.

"Severus!" Zimmer's voice carried down the hallway as she ran after him. "Wait up!"

Severus considered not doing so, but decided that he wanted this conversation to happen where there was much less chance of witnesses. Spinning about, he folded his arms, his hand wrapped loosely about the handle of his wand, and glared at the one person that was ruining his day. "You. Do. Not. Have permission to call me that."

"With all that is between us, surely I can use your given name." She stared at him, wanting him to accept what she said.

Out of the corner of his eye, Severus spotted a seventh year Ravenclaw. Narrowing his eyes at the boy, he shifted his gaze to a side corridor. It was a clear message to any student of his. Go. He wasn't surprised when Mr. Albrich darted away. 'Now it is going to be all over the campus that Zimmer and I have a relationship. Harry will hear about this because that is how our luck works. I am going to have to tell him about this latest fiasco tonight. That is the last thing I want to talk about.'

"Something is between us?" His glacial tone could freeze a burning phoenix. "There has been nothing between us since I have met you. It is your imagination that has come up with this nonexistent connection. You have deluded yourself into believing that I need you to keep me company, that I need your compassion, that I wanted you to listen to me."

His gaze burned as he took in her gaping face. "You could not be more wrong. You are not welcome around me again."

Zimmer snapped out of her shock and strode towards him only to stop when the glare increased. "You hexed me! That was you who cast the stinging hex on my hand. You can't go about hexing your fellow professors!"

Yes, he had hexed her, but Severus was not about to tell her that it was done accidentally. His control on his temper had slipped and he had wanted her hand off his arm. His magic had obligingly fulfilled his wish. That was one of the reasons he had left the Great Hall. If he was upset enough to be casting magic without intending to, then he needed to leave. Just striding down the hall, being somewhere without all the prying eyes had helped to calm him down some, giving him back his control.

"And I am not deluded! I know that you are upset and don't think that anyone would care." Zimmer huffed and folded her arms. "Anyone would when you are surrounded by people who don't trust you. Who don't care to listen to what happened. But I am willing to listen, I want to listen. I want you to have a chance to unburden yourself so that you can live a happier life, so that you can be all you want to be."

Her earnest words petered out as the coldness in Severus' face intensified.

"You honestly think that I would want to talk to you? I don't know you and I don't care to know you. You have assumed that I am untrusted and that I do not trust." Severus tone made it perfectly clear how idiotic both of those assumption were. "My life is not, and will never be, your concern. From this point forward, our conversations will be on a needs-be basis and strictly professional. Too make sure that 'needs-be' never happens, I will talk to McGonagall about your conduct and inform her that she is the one who is to deal with you. I do not wish to see you, hear you, or even know that you are still in this castle. Now, get out of my sight."

Blanching at the almost malevolent glare that echoed those glacial tones, Zimmer bolted back to the Great Hall, biting her lip and wondering just what she had done wrong.

Spinning on his heel, Severus decided that he would have dinner in his office tonight. He would ask Babbling to watch his kids. He needed a break from Zimmer, and had a feeling that the other professors would agree. He walked into the side corridor, intent on going to his classroom though he was considering the kitchens, when he spotted Mr. Albrich pressed up against the wall, his eyes wide.

Striving for as much professionalism as he had exhibited while teaching Harry, Severus stopped next to the Ravenclaw.

"Mr. Albrich?" The name was spoken in the same tone as he had once drawn out Potter with.

"Professor, I was hoping you could answer a question on the homework you assigned today." The words came out in a rush and Albrich knew that he was grasping at straws. He was caught red handed eavesdropping.

"Ask. I have places that I wish to go." Severus could hear the ice in his tone, but at this moment he didn't care. The boy had stayed when he had specifically been told to leave.

"I can't find a book or a resource that would explain what to do with manticore venom that makes sense with the potion we are brewing." It was a real question. Albrich was very relieved that it came to mind, he might make it out of this with his skin.

Severus' eyes narrowed as he hissed out his answer. "Use your mind, Mr. Albrich. You are in my NEWT class, books aren't the only place to find answers. Think."

Turning on his heel, Severus headed off. The kitchen was his next stop.

Thomas Albrich rushed to the Great Hall and dropped onto the bench at the Ravenclaw table. Mitchell leaned over and grinned at him.

"You're late. You missed it! Snape and Zimmer have something going on. Can you imagine the bat and the Muggle Professor together?"

Albrich shook his head. At least, this was one thing he could do for Snape. He could scorch the rumor, hopefully that would make up for earlier. In fact, he was still waiting for Snape to assign him detention and take points. "No, Zimmer just thought there was. I heard the confrontation in the hall on my way here. If she doesn't leave Snape alone, I think he is going to use her for potion ingredients, or murder her and hide the body. I honestly think he would get away with it."

That caught the attention of the group around him. "What happened?"

Albrich quietly told them. By the end of lunch the tale was everywhere but the High Table, as was the warning that The Dungeon Bat of Old was back. Younger years were warned to tread carefully.

Severus glared at his sixth year NEWT class as they moved quietly and efficiently. His afternoon classes were cautious and careful, each student watching him warily. 'I guess Mr. Albrich passed on a warning.'

A curl of satisfaction almost made his smile as he decided not to assign that Ravenclaw detentio n. He had quite a tale to share with Harry later.

-o-o-o-o-

Back at Spinner's End, Ron and Harry kept themselves busy with the information in Severus' books and Hermione's exam study scheduling skills. By the time Friday rolled around, the two of them felt about as ready as they could be.

Once in the meeting room, they stayed at the back of the crowd which was larger than normal as all the training groups were there, making sure to stand almost back to back.

Vaughn spotted Potter and Weasley and noted that once again they were on high alert. He had tracked down Simmons on Tuesday and mentioned that the two trainees were a bit more paranoid than he thought they should be. 'Once I mentioned that maybe the other trainees were harassing or bullying those two, Simmons told me basically to mind my own business and ignored any other concern I mentioned. I wonder what is going on here. Surely, Simmons can't be condoning hazing.'

Setting those thoughts aside, Vaughn started the meeting. "This morning we are starting with the Defense exam. Those that have signed up to attempt the complete Mastery exam, step to the left side of the room. Those who are taking the standard skills exam, proceed to the exam room."

He watched as the last person walked through the door before turning to the twenty remaining trainees. "If you will follow me."

Vaughn headed to a smaller side room that had twenty desks spread out and then waited for them to select a seat. Once again, he noticed that Potter and Weasley chose the most easily protected areas. "You are divided into partners, and shall work with your partner to pass through the practical section of this exam. That means you must wait on your partner if you finish the written section first. Once both of you are done, you will be sent into the practical section."

With one more look around the room, he passed out cards that said who your partner was and then the written portion of the exam. He had bargained long and hard to get Potter and Weasley together. Simmons had blocked him repeatedly. In the end, he gave up the ability to participate in the design of their practical section. He hoped it was worth it.

"You may begin." All the heads looked down and quills started moving. For the next three hours, all that could be heard in the room was the scratching of thoughts flowing onto parchment. It was Potter who finished first. Vaughn accepted the parchment and sent him out of the room to await his partner. He was immensely pleased when it was Weasley who finished second. As he accepted the redhead's parchment, he wished them a silent good luck.

Ron headed out the door and grinned at Harry. "Remind me to thank Snape personally for the use of his books. You thank him for both of us later, but I have to do so myself when I see him. That went so much better than it could have."

Harry grinned before the thoughts that he had partially succeeded in suppressing all week shot though his mind. He was going to see Severus this evening.

All of last night while lying in their bed, he had tried to think of how their meeting would go. The problem was that he couldn't focus on the information that he wanted to tell Severus or the explanations that he had to make. His mind refused to comply and kept thinking of long hard kisses, hot bare skin touching his, familiar long legs and narrow hips, the feel of long black hair flowing through his fingers. He had given up on sleep, packed a bag, and eventually passed out in the wee hours of the morning.

That bag was now shrunk and tucked into a pocket. This time he was going to be prepared when Severus invited him to stay the night. 'And if he doesn't, I might just invite myself. I doubt he would complain too much. I wonder what the inside of his personal quarters look like... No, can't think of this right now, we have a practical to pass.'

Even as Harry forced those thoughts to the back of his mind, an errant one slipped through. He was determined to peel Severus out of his teaching robes just as he had imagined doing several times last year.

"Potter !Weasley! Get moving."

The voice snapped Harry back to the present. He and Ron headed towards the unknown auror that was calling them.

"You shall go through these doors," the short older male pointed to the doors behind him, "and your task is to get to the doors on the other side of the room alive."

Ron took in the almost evil grin that flashed across the man's face. "Are we allowed to kill things?"

Shaking his head, the auror opened the door and ushered them through. The door clicked behind them and vanished. Harry took in the large wooded area before them. "How?"

Ron blinked and then shook his head. "I bet it is kind of like the Room of Requirements. I doubt we can wrest control, though."

Harry sighed and drew his wand. "Then we need to find a door. Think a point me spell would work?"

"Give it a shot." Ron watched as Harry cast it and both were surprised when it worked. "Let's head out. Moody Status."

"Moody Status," repeated Harry as the headed in the direction the wand pointed. Moody Status – named after the late and paranoid former auror – was one of constant vigilance. They would do everything in their power not to miss a thing from here till they were told that this test was over.

It wasn't long before Harry spotted the acromantula scuttling through the underbrush. It was a small one, but he knew it already had venom. Nudging Ron, he pointed it out and was proud when the redhead only blanched.

They continued on, one keeping a sharp eye on the underbrush and the other watching the overhanging branches as they traveled through a tree created twilight.

It was Ron who spotted the movement of a black robe a little ways up the road. There was a flash of white with it near where the person's face should be. A quick gesture called Harry's attention to them. Both rolled their eyes. The testers were trying to use Death Eater -esque robes for some reason.

Harry canceled the point me spell and prepared to cast a shield. Ron kept an eye out for the spiders.

The attack was a fireball flying towards them. Harry deflected it into the underbrush he had last seen the spiders in while Ron cast a Stupefy towards their attacker and followed it up with an Incarcerous. Rushing by the fallen attacker, Ron cast the point me this time while Harry searched their surroundings. Less than ten seconds later, they were continuing on their way.

This soon became the pattern for their trip through the gloom. Fog had filled the area when they made it to a grove of oak trees, making it harder to see their attackers. Moving slow and quietly, they slunk through the woods, hoping that they were on the right track – Ron's wand said they were.

The fog thinned when they spotted the tree line. Instead of speeding up, they both slowed down. This was the most dangerous place since they would soon be without protection or cover. They had to make sure that there was no one there to take them down.

Lifting their wands, they both swept them into opposite directions. "Homenum revelio."

The scan revealed one more opponent near the edge of the tree line.

"Levicorpus."

"Incarcerous."

As soon as the spells flew from their wands, Ron and Harry bolted for the door that they spotted on the far side of the swath of grass beyond the trees. They were prepared to cast shields behind them; all their senses were stretched in every direction. In less than a minute they were on the other side of the door, wands still held at the ready.

Auror Micheals watched as Potter and Weasley made it through their specially made practical. Both were a bit worse for wear, but that just showed that the test did what it was supposed to do – test their limits. The only thing that was worrying him was the fact that neither of them had lowered their wands.

"Good job, Potter, Weasley. You made it through. The test is now ended."

Harry caught Ron's eye and they both lowered their wand arms.

Micheals let out a tiny sigh of relief. Vaughn was right, these two were very paranoid. "You may leave for the rest of the day. Report back on Monday to learn the results."

Just as they were about to leave, one of the other examiners rushed into the room. "Sir, don't let those two leave just yet."

Harry and Ron spun around to face the man, waiting to see what was next.

"Andrews, he is hanging in the air by his ankles, and no one can get him down. Even Finite isn't working."

Harry grinned over at Ron. "Mine hit the target."

Ron rolled his eyes before looking at the newcomer. "Was he also bound in ropes?"

"Yes, we handled those. Come with me to get him down, or tell me the counter curse."

Ron flashed a look over at Harry. "We both did. Now let's get him down."

It took only a minute to free Andrews and then they were off to get cleaned up at Grimmauld Place. They had another appointment to keep.

-o-o-o-o-

Ron Apparated Harry to Master Leonard's place. The path leading up to their meeting place was heavily wooded, and both were watching out for anything unusual, still feeling the dregs of the adrenaline from their earlier practical.

"I told Master Leonard that you were considering getting a Mastery in Magizoology" said Ron. "He wanted you to come today with me to test to see what we know. After the test, he will decide if he will accept us as apprentices."

Harry shot a quizzical look at his mate. "Why does he want to test us?"

"Hagrid." Ron knew that one word would most likely answer the entire question, but decided to continue. "I mentioned that Hagrid was our Professor in this field the entire time we were in Hogwarts, and it seems that Master Leonard has had varying levels of students from Hagrid's tenure. We will be the first to have had him as a Professor the longest - since our third year."

"So, we are going to show him what students who get extra help can do?" Harry laughed. "Not many can boast of dealing with acromantulas, unicorns, thestrals, or baby dragons."

Ron shrugged and grinned. "It comes from extra-curricular choices. And don't forget to mention three headed dogs and blast ended skrewts!"

Their steps wound further into the dense woods, the silence between them unbroken for minutes.

"Harry, I know you are going to see Snape tonight, right after dinner, I guess." Ron stopped for a moment, searching how to ask what he and Hermione wanted.

"After dinner. Severus asked me to meet him at eight." Harry turned back to face Ron, who was standing in the center of the path.

"Hermione and I...we ….we were wondering if you would ask him..." Ron drew a breath and plowed on. "You know that Mum isn't going to let me travel with Hermione to the ends of the Earth without marrying her. I mean, we aren't even allowed to share the same house. So, we are planning on getting married in June and head out for a honeymoon before starting work. But to get married, we need someone to stand up for us, to tell everyone that we'll work. It doesn't have to be a couple, just two people who know you, but it is better if it is a couple. Especially if it is a couple who has truly made things work. Can't be family though."

All of that was said very fast and then he paused to breathe while staring at Harry with a hopeful, almost pleading look.

Stunned, Harry stared back before letting a grin split his face. "So, for this occasion, you are getting your family to disown me?" As Ron rolled his eyes, Harry chuckled before becoming serious. "A Wizarding custom?"

Ron gave Harry a surprised look. "They don't do that in the Muggle world?"

When Harry shook his head, Ron shrugged. "Yeah, it is a tradition. So, will you?"

Harry nodded as he answered. "Do you want us to be there as a couple or as just two people?"

A what do-you-think look settled on Ron's face. "As a couple. It was you that got me to thinking about the difference between independence and interdependence. I know that you were thinking of your relationship with Snape. I can see how he trusts you and how you trust him. It is in how he lets you stay at his place unsupervised and Hermione as well, how you write him constantly, and smile at his replies. It is on the calendars on the fridge, and how you plan to talk to him about your career options before making a decision. Hermione talks about how the people in town talk about you two, even if they think you are Uncle and Nephew."

They both smiled at that, remembering how Hermione had grumbled about blind, single-minded people. She had tried to convince them that Harry wasn't Snape's nephew only to be told she must not be privy to all the information.

Ron ran a hand through his red hair and sighed. "Even though we've never seen you together as a couple, we know you and we've seen how Snape treats things he cares about. We don't have to announce that you are a couple, but all four of us will know. Will you ask him if he is willing?"

Harry clapped a hand on Ron's shoulder before nodding. "I am accepting for me, and I will ask him. Who is your backup if he doesn't agree?"

Ron shrugged. "We were thinking Luna and Neville, or Hannah and Michael. Both of us would prefer you two."

Harry grinned again and shoved Ron forward. "Then we need to get this over with so I can go ask for you. Are you sure you don't want to come ask him yourself?"

"No-o-o way, mate! You two have been apart too long for me to want to be at that reunion!" At Ron's horrified look, Harry laughed.

"You just ask him," Ron added hastily, "It'll be fine."

Master Leonard, a wizened old man, was waiting on them as they came through the edge of the woods and through his gate. Faded blue eyes narrowed on the both of them before he nodded. "So, you couldn't handle being an auror, eh? Think that taking care of creatures will be easier?"

Ron caught the exasperation in Harry's eyes as his friend squared his shoulders and stepped forward.

"It wasn't so much as not being able to handle the job, as not wanting to be prejudged by potential co-workers. Magical Creatures take you as you present yourself. Much better working environment, I reckon."

Harry's answer had Ron's grin splitting his face. Yes, his best mate had been spending plenty of time with Snape – he didn't let the old man rattle him and had a comeback ready.

Leonard blinked before grinning. The Hero of the Wizarding world was able to snark back. Good. "You don't mind the possibility of loss of life or limb?"

Ron rolled his eyes and shook his head. "We accepted that deal when we agreed to be aurors. Hasn't changed. Just this time they will be lost to something more interesting than some wizard who is having a bad day. Better stories to tell the kids and grandkids."

Leonard's grin turned into a true smile. "So, are you ready to show me what you think you know and can do?"

When both nodded, he directed them onto two different paths. "Let me cast a recording spell." He waved his wand at the two and then pointed to the paths. "Identify and tell me how to handle any creature you encounter."

Ron looked at Harry who just shrugged. They then headed off into the second dangerous forest for the day.

The trees closed about Harry as he walked down the path. His steps were soft as he peered about the woods. His many trips into the Forbidden Forest, especially at Hagrid's side during his last year there, had trained him to notice just about anything that the half giant might be interested in and to also notice the things that would hurt him but never Hagrid.

'And I showed off those skills so well at the end of the school year to Severus.' Even his mental voice was sarcastic. 'In my own defense, I was totally distracted by Severus to pay attention to where we were going.'

A moving eyeball caught his attention. "Bundimun – they don't like light, and just don't walk on them."

A bit further, he caught sight of a black wing and a skeletal body. "Thestral – eats raw meat, can only be seen if you have personally witnessed a death, nice ride if you can get them to agree."

The thestral snorted and took off. Harry wondered if it was part of a captive herd or if it was just visiting.

The rest of his trip was similar. He spotted a fire crab and prayed that there were no blast-ended skrewts about. A bowtruckle and a clabbert crossed his path soon afterwards. He was surprised to spot a dugbug outside of a marsh, and frowned at the flobberworm that had taken its own sweet time crossing his path. He considered collecting the mucus trail for Severus, but decided that that may not be the best gift. There were other creatures here and there, but it all ended when a crup ran past him at the end of the path.

Leonard narrowed his eyes at the two. They had identified everything they had seen, and had seen almost everything there. The thestral had been a surprise visitor and he was very curious to know how Potter discovered that they were a nice ride and if he was right.

Shoving two rolls of parchments toward the boys, he pointed to a couple of stumps. "Here, answer these and then you can go."

It didn't take long, though both Ron and Harry would both admit that the long conversations they had had with Hagrid in the past had helped the information stick in their heads better than the lectures they had attended.

Once they handed in the parchments, they were told to report back on Monday.

"When will we be free for the day?" asked Harry.

Leonard smirked. "You have a date, Potter?"

"No, sir. I have a job and my boss wants to know when to schedule me in." Harry succeeded in not laughing at the old man's expression.

"Tell your boss that you should be done here around three." Leonard then made a shooing motion with his hand. "Now go. It is dinner time, and unless you want to help feed everyone..." He trailed off and chuckled to himself as the two headed out with rapid footsteps.