Harry and Hermione had made it to their first potions lesson on time. They headed for the vacant seats in the centre of the room. Harry hoped this would help him avoid Professor Snape's scrutiny.

Each first-year student was scattered in the rows of seats around the classroom; most were surprisingly not sitting in clusters of their house colours. It wasn't so out of place when Harry took the available seat next to Ron Weasley. Hermione followed suit and sat next to Harry.

A young Hufflepuff boy came running into the classroom, he seemed unnerved and clumsy. Harry's prediction seemed precise, the young boy's books went tumbling out of his hands and scattered throughout the classroom floor. The room erupted in laughs and students began snickering. Malfoy, who was settled in the front row of the classroom was the first to speak.

"Nice one Longbottom!"

Harry was becoming furious at the response from his fellow first years. He knew how it felt to feel humiliated by a group of peers, he knew he couldn't stay seated while the boy crawled throughout the potion's classroom retrieving his loose papers.

Harry instinctively raced to the boy's side and crouched down beside him, grabbing the loose papers from the floor. The young Hufflepuff boy was beyond stunned to see Harry helping him, but he whispered a kind "thank you" as Harry handed him the last of the papers.

"Come sit with us," Harry said.

The boy obliged and followed Harry closely towards their seats, the boy introduced himself as Neville and placed himself down on the other side of Hermione.

Severus was standing off to the side of the entrance to the potions classroom when he witnessed Potter help the young Hufflepuff boy. He was not surprised to see this compassion and humanity from the boy, after all, Lily would have done the same, and she had done it. Throughout her time at Hogwarts, she was always standing up for those who needed it most, including Severus himself.

Severus had been attempting to clear his mind before entering the classroom. His confrontation with Dumbledore had caused more harm than good. He now had more questions and trusted Dumbledore even less than he thought conceivable.

It was time for him to start his first class, he promptly entered the classroom slamming the door behind him as he soared to the front, he was now gazing at each student intensely. His stare fell over Harry and lingered for a moment.

He began the customary speech that he performed for all the first years, however, without such strictness and animosity. Severus barely had the energy to get through his speech before he commenced writing on his chalkboard. Normally his tradition would consist of picking out overconfident Gryffindor students and interrogating them until they failed to answer, but it was the last thing on his mind today.

Professor Snape continued through his theory-based lesson and ensured all the students took notes. Most of the students were surprised at the calmness of their first potions lesson. They were all anticipating what they had heard, Professor Snape, to be a cruel and frightening teacher, nothing of which they were currently seeing.

"The greasy git doesn't seem all that bad, he is dull but not completely unpleasant," Ron whispered.

A slight chuckle erupted in the centre of the room, many of the students heard Ron's observation, as did the dark figure directly behind Ron.

"Mr Weasley. "Snape spat.

A strong hand enclosed tightly around Ron's left shoulder. "I apologise that you find me, dull. let me make this lesson more interesting for you."

The classroom was now beyond silent, each student kept their head down and held their breath, including Harry. Severus was not completely shocked at Weasley's comment, he wasn't truly all that furious at him either. Normally a comment like this would trigger Severus to be abruptly cruel, however, his mind was still stuck with thoughts of Lily.

With Lily still stagnant in his mind, his gaze switched between Weasley and the boy to his left, Potter. A feeling of remorse set in for Severus, thoughts of Lily were invading his mind, and a dreadful feeling washed over him, he pondered over his part in her death, and thoughts of the prophecy entered his mind.

Severus recognised he was the reason for the boy having no living parents, he in part, took them away from him. It may not have been by his own wand, but his actions lead to their untimely deaths. The question he was about to ask could be seen as a concealed apology to Potter, not that the boy would ever understand the translation.

"Tell me, Weasley, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Severus took immense gratification in Weasley's silence, it was clear the boy's intelligence level could not begin to even comprehend the question presented to him. Assured, it could be seen as unfair to expect a first year to know the answer, nevertheless, Severus took great pride in watching the boy squirm in silence, the pleasure glistened in his sneer.

"Shame, you do not seem to have inherited any of your brother's intellect."

Weasley dropped his head even further in humiliation, Severus knew this would aggravate the boy. Weasley was, after all, a middle child with accomplished siblings, surely lost in the crowd in his own home. Severus had taught each Weasley sibling throughout his tenure as potions master at Hogwarts and knew of their wizarding abilities.

Severus was now gloating and ready to dismiss the class but before doing so, he witnessed Potter murmuring something inconspicuously to Weasley.

"Care to share with the rest of the class Potter?" Snape questioned.

All heads were now turned in Harry's direction, terror occupied the students' faces. Harry turned to face the potions professor; their eyes once again locked.

"A sleeping potion sir… known as the draught of the living death." Harry said softly.

Every student was displaying a look of amazement and disbelief, Though, Professor Snape seemed to be the most astounded. He was most taken aback that the boy was correct in his answer.

"Correct Potter, five points to Slytherin."

A slight grin made its way onto Harry's face while a discussion broke out in the classroom, and those around him started to enquire as to how he knew the answer. Snape made his way to the front of the class.

"That is all for today, you may all be excused, on to your next class." Snape barked.

All the students wasted little time; they evacuated the classroom as soon as possible. Weasley was one of the first, he turned to face the professor as he stormed out, a scowl planted clearly on his face, directed at Snape. Severus was unbothered, he felt he let the boy off lightly. His eyes were now on Potter, he watched as he conversed with the Granger girl, they reminded Severus so much of himself and Lily in their first year at Hogwarts. Harry, the quiet, dark-haired boy, and the granger girl had comparable qualities to Lily, lengthy auburn hair, and impressive astuteness.

Severus observed Potter as he was packing up his belongings, he noticed the dreadful attempt the boy had made at assembling his tie. It was becoming slack at the neckline and was completely uneven. Severus would be bringing this up in his detention this evening.

Harry and Hermione were the last to leave the classroom, Harry informed her once they were in the hallway, that his potions book was the only book he had access to before coming to Hogwarts. Hence his knowledge of the subject was higher than most. He tiptoed around the fact that the Dursleys had locked away all his remaining books and school supplies, trying to not make it sound as cruel as it seemed.

The rest of the day went well for Harry, his preferred class was with Madam Hooch, who taught flying classes. She believed Harry to have a natural ability at flying and would be a prime candidate for the Slytherin quidditch team, even in his first year.

Each class was as uneventful as the last. Harry enjoyed Professor McGonagall's teachings, she was stern but unbiased and had a maternal presence about her, something Harry had never experienced firsthand.

It was now time for Harry to sprint to Professor Snape's office for his detention, time had passed so rapidly that he hadn't had time to make it to feast in the great hall. He hadn't eaten since breakfast and feared his detention would go on far too long to make it back to the great hall. Worst of all, Harry was unable to find time with Hermione to fix his tie, it was in the same condition, if not worse than it had been in potions class.

He reached the professor's office door just minutes before 6 pm. He took a moment to catch his breath before knocking.

It was as if Professor Snape knew Harry was waiting outside, the door heaved open, which caused the boy to hurdle back slightly, this made his panting worse than it had been when he arrived.

"Sorry, Professor…Snape, sir…" Potter gasped for a quick breath." I tried to get here as fast as I could…"

Severus raised his eyebrow, once again shocked by the boy's politeness, he observed the boy, still trying to catch his breath." No need to apologise, Potter, you're right on time."

Severus signalled for the boy to take a seat opposite his desk. The office was different than it had been the night before, the fireplace was softly crackling off to the side of the room. The heat flowing from the fireplace allowed the office to feel soothing rather than sullen. Additional lighting was present thought-out the room, much more than there had been the previous night. The fireplace was one source, while lamps and small lanterns were dispersed around the room. Harry was now more curious as to what his punishment would be, he expected to be scrubbing cauldrons or preparing ingredients in an icy dungeon.

Severus removed his cape-like robe, but his undercoat remained. It made a vast difference in his demeanour; he was no longer bat-like and as intimidating as he was when he strode throughout the halls. He dropped soberly into his chair, letting out an audible sigh. He was now directly across from the boy. "I see you were in a hurry Potter, did you indulge yourself at dinner and lose track of time?" Snape questioned.

"No sir, I didn't have time to make it to the great hall."

"So, you have not eaten?"

"No sir, but it's fine, I'm not all that hungry."

Severus observed the boy from his side of his desk, he looked weary and exhausted, Severus knew the boy was just being gracious. With a flick of Severus's wand, an assortment of dishes appeared before the boy. Each dish was filled with roasted vegetables, a selection of meats as well as various desserts.

"Dig in Potter, I do not intend for this to be a genuine detention, nor do I wish to starve you."

Harry looked in amazement, for numerous reasons. He watched as a plate fill itself with a generous proportion of cuisine and made its way towards him. The professor's use of magic was extraordinary to Harry, he was intrigued, to say the least.

Harry's chair pulled itself in, he was now sharing the desk with Professor Snape. Cutlery was summoned by the professor, and it glided into Harry's hands effortlessly. Severus served himself a plate, he began to indulge and relish his meal. Harry was still in a state of disbelief, he could not conceive the fact that he was not being punished but instead rewarded in his detention.

Harry was still gazing wide-eyed at Professor Snape, unsure whether this was a trick, he stayed dormant for what felt like minutes.

Snape lifted his head to see that the boy had not moved or attempted to begin his dinner. "Problem with the quality Potter?" Snape quizzed.

"Oh no, it's wonderful, incredible, I've never seen magic so… I just don't understand why it is I'm not being punished?"

Severus now decelerated his eating and placed his utensils down, looking up at the boy. "Potter, I think it is clear that you have already been punished plentiful, would that be a fair assumption?"

Harry swallowed; he was unsure what the Professor was hinting at." No sir, I don't believe I have been punished for what happened with Mal- "Harry was cut off quickly." I'm not talking about Mr Malfoy, Potter."

"I don't know what…" Harry murmured.

Dread was setting in for Harry, the same feeling of hopelessness was overcoming him, as it had last night when he fell back towards Dumbledore's office wall. Severus was beginning to see the boy becoming uncomfortable, he decided it was best to ensure the boy had at least eaten before he attempted to gain more information from him.

"Potter, please eat your meal."

They both finished their meals; Harry took far longer than Severus, however, the professor was showing an unseen amount of patience. Harry's nerves had calmed, and he was beginning to feel restored. He was able to eat his meal in a sort of comfortable silence with Professor Snape, no questions were asked, and Snape seemed to not be bothered by Harry's presence.

With a flick of Professor Snape's wand, the empty dishes in front of them both disappeared. Severus then moved around to the front of his desk, he leaned back slightly, crossing his arms in the process, now looking at Harry.

"Potter, why isn't your tie on correctly?"

The moment Harry feared most, he considered just telling Professor Snape the truth, how he had tried to ask for help, but it seemed like a terrible justification. He thought about the possibility of being naive and pretending he didn't notice how unkept it was, but he felt it was time to just admit the facts.

Looking down at the floor in a manner of shame he mumbled. "I don't know how to sir."

Severus felt something he had not expected to ever feel again, a kind of empathy, a feeling of compassion he had not felt since his days with Lily. How could he be so senseless? Of course, the boy was not just being lazy or superior like he first suspected, he was not James after all. Severus felt a sense of indignity, he had unknowingly humiliated the boy in the great hall earlier that morning. He remembered his own first few weeks at Hogwarts, his clothes in tatters, unkempt and second hand, he then remembered he didn't even have a tie until…

Lily.

Lily revealed to Severus how to assemble a tie correctly before their sorting ceremony, her kindness was beyond anyone else, particularly at Hogwarts, even the teachers ignored Severus for most of his time as a student, there was no offer or assistance to help him. Severus now understood that Potter most likely didn't possess the luxury of a loving family. No doubt Petunia's husband was just as ruthless as she was, he doubted that he took any care of the boy, and he feared more of what maltreatment he may have inflicted upon him.

Severus could not comprehend what he was about to do, but it seemed like the only rational thing he could do given the circumstances. He was not only doing it for the boy but for Lily, this was Severus's way of giving back to Lily, repaying her kindness with his own.

It was then, Severus knelt to the boy's level, their eyes locked.

Severus was careful not to startle the boy as he reached for his messy tie. Tenderly he removed it and began releasing the excessive knots. He explained to the boy the process of how to correctly tie the four-in-hand knot, the most common and easiest style for a boy his age. His voice was unusually gentle and soft, Harry had never seen Professor Snape talk in such a way.

"That is all there is to it Potter, quite simple after some practice, now stand."

Harry swiftly complied and stood to then be facing the professor.

Severus began untying the tie and brought it back to its conventional position. It was then he unconsciously placed the tie securely around the boy's neckline and began tying it for him. The gesture only took seconds, their eyes occasionally meeting, and a warm grateful smile glowed from Harry, one very similar to Lily's. Severus couldn't help but instinctively return a subtle smirk.

"I expect from now on, that when I see you, your tie will be of this standard, nothing less, understand Potter." Severus sounded far from his usual intimidating self.

"Yes sir, I appreciate- "

Severus was quick to cut the boy off, his hand now upturned.

"Not necessary Potter, now, before you go."

Severus returned to his side of the desk retrieving a piece of parchment.

"I had a discussion with Madam Hooch today, she seems to be under the impression that you have what would you say, a gift for flying. She felt you would suit to being appointed the new seeker for Slytherin. I must say, my hopes of winning any matches this year are now greatly diminished at this news, however, she recommends that you join the team if you wish."

Displeasure swamped Severus's thoughts, this was the first sighting of any similarities to James Potter that the boy seemed to possess. James Potter was the typical school Jock, using and abusing the powers the position of a seeker held. Severus hoped this news wouldn't give the boy overconfidence. If it did, there was no doubt Severus would bring him back down to earth, he had the authority to take Quidditch away from the boy if he began to act in any way as James Potter did.

Harry on the other hand was elated, his enthusiasm and eagerness were hard to hide.

"Yes, please sir," Harry said grinning.

"You'll need to have your guardians sign these documents before I can allow you to play, due to your age, it is required by wizarding law. If they are sent out by owl tomorrow, they will be back in time for the first practice match." Severus offered the boy a lengthy pile of documents.

The smile was wiped from the boy's face almost instantly, he did his best to hide his disappointment, but the shift in his demeanour was unmissable. Harry knew there was no chance of his aunt and uncle signing the documents from the wizarding world. The papers would be hurled directly into the fireplace. Harry held the papers in his hand, he instantaneously gave them back to the professor.

"Sir, I think it's best I focus on my studies, I don't think I should join the team.

Severus was taken aback; he did not predict the boy to turn this offer down. His eyebrows now raised.

"Potter, are you telling me you don't want to be the youngest seeker at Hogwarts in over one hundred years?"

"No sir."

Harry headed for the office door, without saying another word and left for his room.

Severus thought about stopping the boy and demanding an explanation for his sudden behaviour change. The mention of his guardians sent the boy into a desolate version of his usual self, it was clear the boy was in no state to discuss them further tonight.

Severus overlooked the fact that the boy disrespected him enough to stride out of his office without permission. He knew the only way to get answers was by paying a visit to Mr and Mrs Dursley.