Disturbances
Chapter 3
Harry sat down heavily in the empty compartment. He felt he should be relieved that the summer was finally over, but instead there was a ball of dread coiled tightly in his stomach. He knew the thought of returning to the Dursley's next year would weigh more heavily on him than usual. He had considered telling Dumbledore during his time spent locked in his room, but a feeling of shame came over him at the thought. He had already caused enough trouble as it was, if he didn't go back he'd probably end up getting whomever he stayed with instead killed.
Vernon spent the rest of the summer drinking. He hadn't hit Harry's face again after that first punch, probably because he knew the Order was checking up on him occasionally. Instead he aimed for places that could be covered by clothing. Harry felt he should be thankful the beatings only occurred a few times, it could have been much worse, though Vernon's "goodbye" was something Harry never wanted to repeat. He couldn't lean against the back of the seat without grimacing in pain.
He rested his head against the window. Ron and Hermione would find him soon. Vernon had dropped him off at the station earlier than usual and luckily the barrier was open. Only a few other families were on the platform, saying their farewells. Harry sighed as he thought about the upcoming feast and the fact that he'd have to see Snape. The man never replied to his letter and Harry now felt embarrassed about the whole situation. Of course Snape wouldn't give two shits what Harry had to say. Snape never liked Harry and Harry felt like an idiot for believing he could somehow make up for 5 years of dislike with a ridiculous letter.
Harry pulled away from the window abruptly as tears threatened his eyes. He quickly blinked them away, surprised that Snape could upset him in that way. He figured it was the stress from the summer. He hadn't eaten much the past month either, let alone slept soundly. Any little noise woke him, thinking it might be Vernon coming into his room for a "lesson". The nightmares from Voldemort had stopped, but new nightmares took their place featuring his uncle, and after the other night, his belt.
Harry's thoughts were interrupted as the door to the compartment slid open and Hermione walked in, followed by Ron who was complaining loudly about one of the Slytherin's tripping him on the platform.
"Harry!" Hermione smiled brightly as she gave him a hug. Harry tried not to wince and returned a genuine smile. Ron slapped him on the shoulder, giving a brief, "Hey mate!", causing Hermione to roll her eyes.
"So Harry," she smiled gently, "was your summer alright? We understand why the Order didn't want us sending too many letters, but we were worried about you."
"Yeah mate," Ron interjected, "We thought you might die from boredom at the Dursleys."
Harry grinned, trying to think of how he might have answered last year. "You know, it was the usual. Chores and enduring Dudley's whining and all that." They nodded and he added, "Only one more summer to go though."
"And then you can spend all your summers with us Harry," Ron stretched his arms across the back of the seat. "Just think, quidditch for days on end."
Hermione hit him on the chest, "Ron, you won't be playing quidditch for days on end because you'll be getting a job. You really need to start thinking about your future, we only have two years left. N.E.W.T.s are coming up and I hope you both start taking your studies more seriously."
Harry drifted off as his friends began to bicker. It felt good to be with them again. He didn't want to think about his future though, because it wasn't looking very promising. The prophecy was his future now and he didn't believe it would end well, especially if last year was anything to go by. The duel between Voldemort and Dumbledore overwhelmed Harry. He was nowhere near powerful or skilled enough to defeat the kind of magic he'd seen.
Harry watched Ron and Hermione, unsurprised that they were still arguing. He would tell them about the prophecy eventually, just not yet. He wanted to enjoy his reunion with his friends, they could deal with the other stuff later. He had already spent his whole summer trying to recover from Sirius' death and his mistakes. He wanted to have fun before returning to the reality of his life.
"Harry." He was startled out of his musings by Hermione's stare. "Did you do something different to your hair?"
Harry frowned. He hadn't really paid attention to what was in the mirror this summer, not wanting to see the bruises. "Uh, no. Why?"
Ron was looking now too. "It does look different. A little calmer than normal." Harry reached up and touched his hair. It did seem to be lying flatter.
"It's also darker," Hermione added.
Harry shrugged, "I don't know. I didn't do anything. Maybe it's just from getting older. I did have a lot of growing pains this summer."
Hermione looked contemplative, but nodded, "I think my father's hair got darker as he got older too. It must just be genetics."
Harry agreed, but didn't mention that for the amount of growing pains he had, he didn't seem to be a whole lot taller.
They spent the rest of the ride talking about Ron and Hermione's summers and playing a few rounds of Exploding Snap. Harry hadn't realized how much time had passed until they arrived at the station and suddenly he felt extremely nervous. Why had he contacted Snape? Why? It was such a stupid idea!
He dragged behind the others as they boarded the carriages. He didn't look up until they started moving and saw two younger Ravenclaws and a Hufflepuff riding with them. They stared at him rather obviously and Harry wondered just how much of his last adventure had made it into the Daily Prophet.
Hermione touched his arm lightly, "Are you okay, Harry?"
Harry bit his lip, "I did something stupid this summer." Hermione drew her brow together, but didn't say anything. Ron was listening now too. "I may have written a letter to Snape."
"What?!" Ron looked completely shocked. "Are you mental? Snape?!"
Hermione hit him again, "Shush, Ron!"
Harry sighed, "For some reason I thought I should apologize for not trying harder at Remedial Potions and some other stuff. But apparently I wasn't thinking because I sent a bloody letter to Snape."
Ron paled, "Did he write back?"
"No. He's probably furious I disturbed him during the summer. He'll definitely find some way to deduct points from Gryffindor, which will be a lovely way to start of the year. Earning negative points for our house." Harry glared at one of the Ravenclaws and they squeaked, turning their gaze away.
"Whoa mate," Ron held up his hands, "Don't make that face. You look like Snape."
Harry grimaced, slouching back in his seat and tried to ignore the burning from his back.
They arrived at the castle and made the trek up the lawn to the front entrance. Harry was beginning to see spots in his vision and prayed silently that he wouldn't faint, creating a repeat of third year. Draco would love that.
"Well, look who it is, Potty and friends." Speak of the devil.
Harry didn't want to deal with this now. He wanted to get to the Great Hall, sit down, eat some food, then go to sleep. He turned to look at Malfoy, sidling up beside him, Pansy Parkinson hanging on his arm. Harry was greatly disappointed to see Malfoy had grown taller over the summer and unfortunately smugger. Harry cursed his short stature.
"Have a good summer Scarhead?" Malfoy drawled.
"Sure, Draco." Harry allowed himself a small smile as the use of the name threw Malfoy. He quickly recovered, grabbing Harry by the arm. Ron stepped next to Harry, glaring. Malfoy only spared him a brief glance before turning back to Harry.
"You're not all that Potter. The Dark Lord is coming for you and you won't get away this time." He let go and stepped back, smirking, "Better watch yourself." Then he continued off towards the castle, Pansy laughing next to him.
"Whatever, ferret boy," Harry murmured.
"That prat! He better watch himself!" Ron's face was red.
Hermione started walking, pulling them both with her. "There's no point in indulging him Ron. He just wants to get a rise out of you."
Ron looked at her, "That's right. You both don't know. Malfoy's a Death Eater now."
"What?" Harry was shocked, "Isn't he kind of young?"
Hermione frowned, still pulling them along. "Malfoy maybe be an immature jerk most of the time, but he gets good grades. He's not stupid."
"Says you," Ron muttered.
Hermione ignored him, continuing, "He's in Slytherin for a reason. They're cunning. We shouldn't underestimate him, especially if Voldemort is giving him orders now."
Harry nodded, "You're right Hermione. We'll keep an eye on him."
Harry sighed in relief, having finally arrived in the Great Hall. He said hello to Neville and Ginny, and waved at a few more of his friends sitting further down the table. He glanced briefly up at the Head Table, immensely glad to see Snape occupied in conversation with the man to his right. He quickly sat down, for once feeling zero excitement for the sorting, wanting only for the feast to start. He had a few sweets on the train, but his stomach was growling loudly.
"I wonder if that's the new Defense professor." Harry looked up, realizing Hermione was referring to the man talking to Snape. Harry watched the conversation, noting Snape's complete disinterest and annoyance.
"I'm guessing so," he replied, "Snape seems to dislike him."
"Snape dislikes everyone," Ron piped in.
"True." Harry continued to watch the two professors. The other man appeared rather friendly, his eyes crinkling with his smile as he discussed whatever it was with Snape. Apparently Snape's scowl did nothing to throw him.
"He's rather attractive," Hermione mused.
"Oh Merlin, no." Ron threw his hands in the air, "I will not have another Gilderoy Lockhart. One is enough for a lifetime!"
Harry fervently agreed while Hermione rolled her eyes. "Just because he's handsome does not mean he's a fake. Besides, he looks way more genuine than Lockhart."
Ron sighed in disgust, "Well, he better know his stuff, otherwise we're screwed. Again." He continued to grumble on about incompetent DADA professors and Harry couldn't blame him. He hoped the man knew what he was doing too. They couldn't afford to lose another year of lessons in defense with Voldemort rising in power.
He glanced up at the head table again, this time meeting Snape's gaze. Harry immediately looked away, feeling his face grow hot. Why had he sent that bloody letter? Harry didn't know how he'd survive potions now. He had a feeling he would be doing worse than usual this year, which was saying a lot.
Harry was relieved when the sorting finally started and he spent most of it trying not to look at Snape while simultaneously trying not to faint from hunger and exhaustion. He didn't hear very much of Dumbledore's speech, only coming out of his haze enough for the introduction of Professor Bernard Thornback. The man next to Snape stood, waving and smiling gently. Apparently he had taught at Beauxbatons for several years and wanted to return to Hogwarts where he'd attended school himself as a Ravenclaw. Harry thought that boded well for his potential as a professor, and even Ron seem to begrudgingly agree.
Dumbledore finished the rest of his speech and Harry almost cried when his plate filled up with food. The anxiety that had plagued him the entire summer finally melted a little as he began to eat. Thank Merlin he was home.
The year was not starting off well. The Headmaster had only just informed Snape the previous day as to the identity of the new DADA professor and Snape actually groaned out loud in response. Thornback had been at Hogwarts with Snape, one year behind him, and his presence was insufferable. For whatever reason, Snape had the distinct pleasure of incurring Thornback's advances beginning in his 6th year and lasting halfway through his 7th, when Thornback finally realized Snape would never be interested. He had cursed his pursuer with a rather fitting spell, and one for which Snape knew he would not seek help to reverse.
Now here he was, sitting next to the very man he hoped to never set eyes upon again.
"Severus! It's been ages!" Snape sneered as the man's blue eyes twinkled, rather maliciously in his opinion. He had already been graced with the pleasure of hearing the other professors fawn over the man at the faculty meeting earlier in the day. He'd managed to avoid Thornback then, but apparently his luck couldn't hold out.
"Thornback." Snape grabbed his goblet and swallowed a rather large amount of wine. Thornback took his own goblet, clinking it against the side of Snape's after he lowered it from his mouth.
"Still taking without permission, I see," Snape ground out, hand now clenched around his dinner knife.
Thornback laughed merrily, slapping a hand on Snape's back, "Don't think I haven't forgotten that spell you put on me Severus. It was 6 months before I could get the old dog back into action again."
Snape gave the hand on his back a pointed look, and Thornback continued to smile, slowly removing his hand, but not before sliding it down Snape's back.
Snape was furious and he turned his most terrifying smile upon the man, "If you touch me ever again, I will slip you a potion that will ensure your old dog never performs again. There will be no evidence and no cure. So I would advise you, Thornback, to take your advances elsewhere."
Thornback's smile faltered, but he chuckled lightly, "No need for the dramatics Severus, you only had to ask. I won't bother you again."
Thornback mercifully turned to Professor Sinistra on his opposite side and began conversing with her. Snape felt relieved to have cut off Thornback's advances before they could go any further. The man was intelligent enough to know Snape wasn't lying. He had, in fact, already brewed the aforementioned potion that day, just in case.
Snape turned his focus to the Slytherins, taking note that Draco seemed, if possible, more pompous than usual. Snape was not looking forward to dealing with the boy's attitude this year. He was sure Draco would start taunting Golden Boy Potter as soon as possible, and of course Potter would lose his head and do something brash.
The thought of Potter brought the letter to the forefront of his mind. He had tried not to think about it the rest of the summer, but as he scanned the Gryffindor table and found the boy slouching next to his friends, he couldn't help but wonder again at the boy's intentions.
Just then Potter glanced up, meeting his gaze and instantly looking away. He was embarrassed, if the flush was anything to go by. Snape frowned. If it had been a joke, he was certain the boy would have held his stare.
He continued to observe Potter as the sorting began. The boy's eyes had glazed over and he seemed a bit out of it, to the point where Snape expected he might pass out on the spot. The smudges under his eyes hinted at exhaustion and his cheekbones seemed more prominent than they had at the end of last term.
He was dragged out of his thoughts by Thornback being introduced beside him. He took one more glance at the boy and decided he would speak to him about the letter tonight. And perhaps figure out why he looked so awful. If the boy was planning another of his idiotic adventures, Snape would put an end to it immediately, maybe getting a week's worth of detention out of at as well. Snape smirked, mood lifting at the thought of Gryffindor with negative points and Potter chopping up flobberworms. Perhaps this year wouldn't be so terrible after all.
Harry exited the Great Hall, surrounded by his fellow Gryffindors. They were all talking enthusiastically about the coming year and regaling each other of stories from the summer. Harry heard Seamus mention something about whiskey, umbrellas and balconies, which had Hermione explaining to Ron what an umbrella was and how it was not meant for flight. Harry stayed out of the conversation, preferring to focus on putting one foot in front of the other and trying not to think about his bed too much.
"Mr. Potter." Harry froze. He thought he would have at least until tomorrow before running into Snape.
The group of students immediately stopped talking as Harry turned to face Snape. The man was as intimidating as ever, standing in the middle of the hall with his arms crossed.
"Yes, sir?" Harry croaked, then cleared his throat. Snape's eyes narrowed at the rest of the Gryffindors, and they took off, hurrying towards the Common Room. Ron and Hermione remained by his side.
Snape shook his head, annoyed, then met Harry's wary gaze, "Mr. Potter, if you would accompany me to my office, we have some matters to discuss."
Harry hesitated, then nodded at his friends who seemed nervous to leave him with the Potions' Professor. Snape turned, stalking off towards the dungeons and Harry hurried to catch up, waving Ron and Hermione off with an unconvincing smile.
Harry's heart beat hard against his ribs as he followed Snape. The man said nothing until they reached his office, beckoning Harry into a chair in front of his desk with a, "Sit." He obediently sat, stiff with anxiety. Snape walked to the other side, settling in his own chair and proceeded to stare at Harry, who shifted uncomfortably under the intense gaze. Several minutes passed and Harry was about to say something when Snape finally spoke.
"How was your summer, Potter?"
Harry felt paralyzed by shock. It was the last thing he ever thought Snape would say. Was the man joking? Toying with him? He closed his mouth, realizing it was hanging open a bit, and blinked several times. Snape raised an eyebrow and Harry swore he saw a flash of amusement. Then he wondered if he really had passed out earlier and this was all some kind of dream. He cleared his throat again.
"It was fine, sir."
Snape continued his unnerving stare. Harry couldn't take it anymore, and broke the silence.
"Er, how was yours, Professor?"
Snape pulled open one of his desk drawers, startling Harry.
"It was quite relaxing, Potter," he spoke as he rifled through papers in the drawer, pulling one out, "Until I received this." He tossed Harry's letter on the desk and Harry released the breath he'd been holding. His fingers clenched around the arms of his chair.
"Potter, tell me, do you find your tricks amusing?" Harry's heart sank, he hadn't realized until now the small bit of hope he'd held that Snape would take him seriously.
"It wasn't a trick, Professor."
Snape's lip curled and he leaned forward, "Then pray tell, what purpose did you have in sending me this letter? What, exactly, did you imagine the result would be?" Snape's words were hissed angrily and Harry cursed his idiocy, beginning to feel slightly afraid.
"I don't know, sir. I just wanted to apologize," his voice coming out meeker than he liked.
"You just wanted to apologize."
Harry nodded, looking over Snape's shoulder at a bookshelf, unable to meet the man's stare.
"Look at me, Potter." Harry winced, but turned back to Snape.
Snape stared at the boy in front of him. Potter looked awful. And the lack of his usual fight was disturbing to Snape. He noted the messy hair that had plagued him for years was much tamer now. In fact, the boy looked less like his father somehow, especially without the cocky look of self-satisfaction. Instead, there was something akin to fear and possibly disappointment from the boy. Snape attributed his next statement to the boy's more sufferable appearance, trying stubbornly to ignore the fact that he might care.
"I accept your apology."
The shocked expression made a second appearance that night, but Snape felt no smile tugging at his lips this time.
"And I fear I owe you one as well. I may have had less patience than necessary while instructing you." Snape surprised himself with his words, but knew it was too late to take them back.
Harry bit his lip, apparently trying to overcome his continuing shock. "I accept your apology too, sir. Erm, thank you."
Snape nodded. They sat awkwardly for a moment until Snape stood abruptly, causing Harry to leap out of his chair as well.
"You may return to Gryffindor Tower now." Harry nodded, obviously relieved though still confused. "And no stops along the way. I will know about it if you do and I will not tolerate any of your incessant troublemaking."
"Yes, sir." Harry turned to leave. As he opened the door, Snape stopped him.
"Potter, 10 points from Gryffindor for disturbing my summer."
Harry paused for a moment, then continued out the door, shutting it carefully behind him. He was overwhelmed with confusion, but he couldn't help the small smile that came to his face as he made his way down the hall.
A/N: I've read this through far too many times to notice any possible mistakes. So if something doesn't make sense, just let me know. I hope you guys are enjoying the story thus far. Lucky for you, I've actually semi-planned at least half of this, which means I'll probably update within a reasonable amount of time. Maybe.