Disclaimer – Isn't mine.

Chapter 7 – Returning to Hogwarts

'I can't believe you told him.' Harry murmured in the early hours of the morning as he lay curled in Severus' arms.

'He deserved the truth, Harry, however painful it may have been.'

'Painful? He could have killed you.' Harry turned so he could stare incredulously into the black eyes.

'A year ago he would have.' Severus admitted, gently running his fingers down Harry's cheek. 'He's changed Harry. You've changed him. I knew it the moment he admitted to being a half blood.'

'Still.' Harry bent his head placing a trail of gentle kisses across the warm chest beneath his head. 'It was a terrible risk, something you really shouldn't be doing anymore.'

'What does now have to do with anything?' Snape asked breathlessly. 'I've been risking my life for years.'

Harry glanced up, his green eyes full of an emotion the potions master found himself unable to discern. 'Because now I need you.' He whispered.

The last few weeks of the holidays passed quickly. Harry spent most of his days with Draco flying and visiting Diagon Alley before training with Tom, Lucius and sometimes Severus when he wasn't at Hogwarts in the evening . Each night the discussions after dinner became more and more heated as Harry finally joined in the fray with his thoughts on the status of the wizarding world and what could be done to improve it. Both Tom and Severus found the boy wise beyond his years, something that never failed to astound the potions master. Lucius, however, still thought him a child and spent many hours baiting him until one night the Boy-Who-Lived finally snapped.

'Really Potter, what would you know about causing another pain. You're just a child. You can't seem to hold a burning hex for more than a few seconds.' The blond aristocrat scoffed.

Harry was on his feet in a second, his eyes narrowed and flashing angrily as Malfoy suddenly fell to the floor, the unspoken Tormentia curse ripping through his body.

Tom, Draco and Severus exchanged glances and watched anxiously as Harry looked coldly down on the older man writhing on the ground, all of them realising it would be prudent not to interfere.

Eventually, several minutes later, Harry finally lifted the curse, leaving Malfoy bruised and bleeding on his knees before him. The blond aristocrat's harsh breathing echoed around the room and Harry's blazing green eyes narrowed further as he leant down till his face was only inches from the other.

'Now you arrogant, narcissistic, self-opinionated, egotistical piece of shite, you listen closely.' He hissed icily, the temperature in the room dropping in direct relation to Harry's tone of voice. 'I've had just about all I can take of your bigotry and your insulting remarks and your downright disrespect of anyone you don't class as an "adult".' Harry finished the final word with little quotation marks with his fingers. 'Just because you're older doesn't not make you better, smarter or stronger. It just makes you old. I'm giving you a warning right now. Either get the fuck over yourself or build up your pain threshold to the point where you can compete with me because I'm refuse to hold back any longer simply because you mean a lot to Severus and Draco. Now, do you bloody well understand or do I have to fucking hex you again?' Harry raised his hand once more, magic crackling across his shoulders as he all but dared the blond man to retort.

Malfoy, for once showed an unusual amount of restraint, just nodded without speaking and Harry sighed heavily.

'Bloody hell.' He swore softly, running a hand through his hair as he heard a chuckle from the chair by the fire.

'My, my, Harry, Would you kiss your mother with that mouth?' Tom snickered. Both Severus and Draco stiffened waiting for the inevitable explosion but Harry just closed his eyes and snorted softly.

'How can I, you bastard? You killed her.' He said simply, knowing Tom didn't mean anything by the comment.

'Sorry about that.'

Harry raised an eyebrow in vague amusement. 'Liar.'

'I am not.' Tom said indignantly.

'Yes. You are.' Harry scolded. 'You might have been sorry for me, but you aren't sorry she's dead.'

Tom looked thoughtfully at him before standing and crossing to place a hand on his shoulder. 'You're wrong Harry. I am sorry she's dead, if only because in the end it has cost you so much.'

Harry stared at the vivid red eyes for several minutes. 'Que sera, sera.' He murmured.

Tom's eyes dimmed slightly at the further thought of what Harry had been through and would have to go through over the next year. He hated that the young man had become so complacent with his lot in life; a lot any sane person would have packed in many years ago.

'You should get some sleep, Harry. You have to be up early to swap with Blaise tomorrow before going to Kings Cross.' Tom said softly.

Harry nodded, his expression seemingly unsure. Tom raised an eyebrow in question but Harry didn't see, instead surprising all in the room by stepping forward and hugging the Dark Lord. The action was quick and Harry stepped away. 'Thank you, Tom. For everything. This has been the happiest summer I've ever had.' He murmured blushing brightly as he darted from the room.

The looks on three of the faces of those remaining in the room was damn funny and the fourth downright hysterical. The Dark Lord was actually gaping at the spot where Harry had stood moments before as his two deputies and Draco continued staring at him in stunned disbelief.

'He hugged me.' Tom breathed incredulously. 'No one touches me unless I ask them to.' He went on.

'In case you hadn't noticed Harry doesn't touch anyone either; except for Sev that is.' Draco boldly spoke up. 'That was his way of showing you how much his time here with you meant to him, by giving you something he doesn't give to anyone else.' He explained.

'Except Severus.' Lucius rasped his voice still hoarse from screaming.

'I think it's different then.' Tom said in mild amusement as Snape shifted slightly but kept his expression impassive.

'Still, it's a cheap way out.' Malfoy grumbled still upset at being spoken too in the manner Harry had. 'He could have put more thought into the gift.'

'Lucius.' Severus snapped, startling his friend. 'That wasn't a gift; it was Harry showing his trust in our Lord. It is worth far more than any trinket Harry could have bought.'

'Very true, Severus.' Riddle agreed quietly.

Lucius Malfoy knew when he was beaten and with a nod to his son he bid the Dark Lord goodnight and slipped from the room to down what Severus knew would be a rather large number of pain relief and healing potions.

'Severus, Draco.' Riddle kept his face turned to the fireplace as he addressed the remaining figures. 'You both know what it is I am going to ask of you.'

Severus and his godson exchanged glances, Draco swallowing before nodding sharply. 'Yes, My Lord. We will be sure to keep you informed.' Severus answered.

'Thank you Severus. Goodnight to you both.' The Dark Lord murmured spinning on his heel and sweeping from the room without waiting for a reply.

'Draco, I cannot impress upon you the importance that your new friendship with Harry be kept a secret. I know you can't actually say anything about it but your actions alone could give it away. If anyone were to find out...' Severus trailed off, his face grave.

Draco frowned. 'I still don't understand. I know you're all worried about Dumbledore finding out but why? We're just friends.' He insisted.

'Draco, if anyone, anyone at all finds out, none of us will ever see Harry ever again.'

Draco's eyes widened. 'But...'

Severus cut him off. 'No listen to me. You have to act as you have for the last six years. Nothing can change. You have to insult and degrade him, bait him and ignore him just as you did before. If the Headmaster gets even a hint that Harry has deviated from the path that has been set in stone before him there will be hell to pay.'

Draco shifted nervously. 'Dumbledore wouldn't...He wouldn't hurt Harry would he?'

Severus sighed and gently tugged his godson down on the sofa behind them. 'Draco, you have to understand, Harry is the Headmaster's only hope for defeating our Lord. He is the only chance the supposed light side has and Dumbledore will stop at nothing to make sure of his plans come to fruition. Nothing to ensure that when the time comes his little pawn is standing ready to checkmate the black king.'

'What will happen if he finds out?' Draco's whisper was so soft Severus almost missed it.

'If Dumbledore finds out what happened here this summer, about Harry's friendship with you or any other Slytherins, Harry will immediately be pulled from the school and sequestered away at Order headquarters to do nothing but train for the day he will face the Dark Lord.'

'But what of school, how will he graduate?' Draco asked indignantly.

'It's not an issue. Harry's destiny has been set and he must complete it or face the consequences, whatever the cost. His education, at least the academic side of it, is irrelevant and unnecessary, well, in the eyes of those who seem to make decisions for him anyway.'

'But what will he do after Hogwarts?'

'That apparently is also irrelevant.' Harry said tiredly from the doorway.

Severus eyes softened and he beckoned the Boy-Who-Lived to his side. Harry gave them a wan smile as he perched on the arm of the sofa and placed an arm around his lover's shoulder. 'Severus is right, Draco.' He murmured quietly. 'I have my path set out for me and if I value my life, even a little bit, I will do nothing to upset the precarious balance of it, at least until I am no longer at Hogwarts. Dumbledore will not hesitate to hide me away if he thinks his precious little weapon is being influenced by others not in his control. In his eyes, he who wields the weapon wins the war. I'm sorry but this is the way it has to be, the only way. I don't really want to have to fight with you either.'

Draco looked between Harry's worn and world weary eyes and his godfather's concerned expression and nodded solemnly. 'I'll be careful Harry, I promise.'

Harry sighed reaching into his pocket and pulling out a sickle and handing it to Draco. 'There is a small room on the third floor east wing at the far end of the corridor where there are no paintings. If something comes up I will call you there with this sickle. It will heat up until you can feel it, try and come as soon as you can but whatever you do don't be seen.'

'What would come up?'

Harry gave Severus a questioning look and the potions master nodded.

'If that coin heats up it means I've been found out and I'll need your help to get me out of the castle.'

Draco's eyebrows shot skywards. 'Get you out of the castle?' he breathed.

Harry moved from the arm of the chair to kneel in front of the Slytherin. 'Make no mistake, Draco, if Dumbledore finds out the truth. If he finds out that I have chosen a side different to his own he will kill me, or try to at the very least. I have Tom's Portkey but I will need your help, and those of the other Slytherins to get outside the wards. Moody, Shacklebolt and Lupin along with Dumbledore will do everything in their power to stop me fleeing their grasp. I can't call on Severus as he will be unable to reveal himself at least till the end of the school year. Can I trust you, Draco? Can I trust you to help me if the time comes?'

'Yes.' Draco said unhesitatingly and Harry grasped both his hands in his in gratitude.

'Thank you, Draco.' He said softly. Harry glanced up at Severus, the concern and affection in the black eyes clearly visible as the potions master reached out and took one of Harry's hands in his.

'Come on, we should all be getting some sleep.' He murmured, taking his godson's hand in his other and tugging both young men to their feet and from the room.

Draco quickly bid them goodnight at the top of the stairs and Harry turned to the older wizard. 'Do you...' Harry trailed off, unable to finish the question but Severus knew what he was asking and quickly bent his head, kissing the young man as his arms wrapped around the lithe waist.

'I'm not giving you up, Harry.' He murmured. 'It will be more difficult when we return to the school and our times alone will be few and far between but I swear to you now, even though I know you won't believe me, I will be there. The day you graduate and walk out of that school a free young man with a bright future, I will be there, and if you still want me all you have to do is ask.'

'I love you, Severus.' Harry whispered, curling his fingers into the strands of silky black hair at the back of Snape's neck.

'I love you too, Leo.' Severus breathed before kissing the younger man soundly.

Harry stared distantly around the platform as he looked for a sea of red hair that would signify the arrival of his keepers. He had Portkeyed back to Privet Drive just before dawn that morning, switching the tracking spell from Blaise before thanking the other boy profusely and letting him Portkey away, knowing Draco would talk to him about what he could and couldn't do. The spell Tom and Harry had cast may stop anyone revealing Harry had been at Malfoy Manor for most of the summer but it would not dictate how they now reacted to them and that had to be well in hand before they arrived at the castle.

He had hardly slept the night before, not wanting to miss a moment of feeling Severus' arms around him. Who knew when that would happen again and Harry flat out refused to sleep through it. Severus, for his part seemed content just to hold the Gryffindor, gently stroking his back and carding his fingers through Harry's hair. Leaving this morning had been one of the hardest things Harry had had to do and in the end Severus had just walked out of the room, knowing that Harry wouldn't leave while he had remained. The searing kiss the potions master had given him before walking out however had left him in no doubts whatsoever that it had been just as difficult for the older man.

'Harry!' Hermione's shriek sounded across the platform, startling him out of his musings and his face split into an automatic smile.

He was hugged by Hermione, Ginny and Mrs Weasley as all the Weasley men slapped him on the back and shook his hand, even Bill and Charlie; only Percy was missing. No one asked how his summer had been, that had obviously been a topic they'd been asked to stay away from but that didn't stop them from rambling on about their own. Harry, after having actually had a decent summer holiday, found their attempts at letting him live vicariously through their holidays remarkably irritating and quickly gestured to the clock which showed less than five minutes before the Express would leave and began pushing his way through the other students and onto the train.

Ron, Hermione and Ginny, all still chattering away madly followed him and minutes later the whistle sounded and the train began drawing away from the station, Harry letting out a huge sigh as he fell back into his seat. It was just the beginning. Harry had no doubts that he would not last the day without someone cursing him. He knew Dumbledore would be eager to see how much he had improved over the holidays even if he supposedly hadn't been able to practice and the only question would be whether the old man would wait till after the meal or not.

Unable to stand another minute of meaningless chatter Harry opened his trunk and pulled out the latest book he had been given to study before settling back and opening it to the place he had marked.

Ron, Hermione and Ginny all exchanged glances but made no comment as Harry spoke not a word. His personality had become more and more introverted over the twelve months since his godfather's death and all three knew that if Harry didn't wish to join in the conversation, nothing short of Merlin himself could induce him to do so.

They continued to talk quietly and Harry continued to read. The lady with the trolley came around and even that got no response from the Boy-Who-Lived. In fact the only thing that pulled Harry's attention from his book was the arrival of the Slytherins for their yearly round of insults and sarcasm.

'Well, if it isn't the Weasels, the Mudblood and everyone's favourite, the Boy-Who-Wouldn't-Bloody-Die. How was your summer, Potty? Did you have a nice time with the Muggles?' Malfoy sneered. 'Of course, with just the Mudblood and a weasel as alternatives you probably would prefer the Muggles.'

Ron bristled and only remained in his seat because of the firm hold Harry had on his shoulder. With his other hand Harry flicked the book shut and placed it neatly on the seat before standing and stepping forward, giving Ron and pointed look to stay in his seat and turning his attention to the blond boy in front of him.

His eyes were cold and his tone of voice even colder. 'Fuck off, Malfoy.' He hissed.

Even Malfoy's eyes widened at the harsh tone and Harry gave him a chilling smile, and a wink where his friends couldn't see. 'That's right. Take your little group of cronies and leave me the fuck alone.'

Draco could see the small glint of amusement shining in Harry's eye at the shock on the Gryffindor's faces at their friend's words.

'What are you going to do to stop me, Potter.' Draco drawled.

Harry smirked wickedly. 'Just try me, Ferret. You can't believe how much I've wanted to do magic since I came of age. Imagine what I could do to you with four weeks of hereditary magic built up inside me.' Harry pulled out his wand and raised it together with a single eyebrow. 'Are you feeling lucky, Malfoy?' he mused idly.

Malfoy paled, although Harry could tell it was all an act and hurriedly backed out of the compartment, almost falling over Crabbe and Goyle in the process.

Harry just folded his arms and waited until the door closed behind the Slytherins before putting his wand back away, sitting down and picking up his book once again.

'Um, Harry?' Hermione said tentatively and Harry sighed inwardly and looked up.

'Yes?'

'Are you...are you alright?'

'Fine, why?'

The three exchanged glances before Ginny spoke up. 'We've just never heard you swear like that before.' She said softly.

Harry shrugged. 'You don't actually think I would waste my breath being polite to the git, do you?' he raised an eyebrow in question not expecting any of them to answer. Sure enough they all shook their heads sheepishly and Harry went back to his book.

The rest of the trip passed quickly, Ron and the others talking in whispers as Harry continued to read. He memorized several spells he thought he'd try out later that night when they came for him and he finally finished the book just as they pulled in to Hogsmeade and Harry hurriedly changed into his robes, never having even noticed the others changing.

They left their trunks and their familiars on the train and joined the hundreds of students getting off and heading towards the horseless carriages. As they stepped towards an empty one Snape and Shacklebolt walked up to them.

'Oh, for god's sake.' Harry grumbled.

Snape glared as Shacklebolt held out a quill. 'Potter, you need to come with us immediately.' The Auror commanded.

'I suppose a no is out of the question.' Harry muttered dryly.

'Potter.' The potions master snapped, his eyes boring holes in Harry's bowed head.

'Sorry guys.' Harry sighed. 'I'll see you at the feast.'

Without waiting for a reply Harry snatched the quill and the three men were whisked away.

'Bloody hell!' Harry yelled as he landed and was immediately hit with the Tormentia curse. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as he struggled to overcome the hex. His blood was boiling in his veins and his head pounding in his skull but minutes later he pushed through it and leapt to his feet immediately ducking and rolling sideways. He sent three slashing spells along with a wide stunning sweep but they were all ready for him. Last year he had only had to duel against three of them at any one time, not all six. The only time he'd gone up against them all was on his birthday and that day several of them, even Dumbledore, had been holding back.

Not any longer.

He absorbed a hex from Lupin before dodging another form Flitwick. A very dark shredding hex caught him on the left hip as he rolled sideways from Snape and Harry saw a look of remorse flash for just a second in his lover's eyes. Dumbledore sent a very unhealthy and almost lethal lung deflating curse that Harry felt catch him on the shoulder causing half of his left lung to deflate.

'Shit.' Harry gasped as Moody landed a bone breaking hex and his right leg crumpled under him. He was on the defensive now; this wasn't how he wanted this to go. He had to keep going. He was favoring his right leg as he staggered around the room, ducking and dodging and sending back everything he could think of.

'Coriolanus.' Harry gasped out, the hex managing to hit Shacklebolt on the right wrist causing it the swell and the flesh to actually burst. Harry eyes widened, he didn't realise it was that bad. Thank god he didn't aim it at the man's head.

'Tormentia.' Lupin, Dumbledore and Moody all chanted at once and between his leg and his lung Harry couldn't move. He dropped to the floor, unable to smother the unearthly scream that tore from his mouth at the force of the three curses and moments later everything went black.

He awoke to an Enervate from Snape moments later to see his instructors looking down at him. He groaned as he tried to move but he forced himself to struggle to his feet, his chest and leg both searing with pain, and blood dripping down his hip his eyes filling with tears that he refused to let fall.

His pain filled green eyes looked pleadingly into blue as Dumbledore studied him for what seemed like hours.

'Severus, fix the lung and the leg. Leave the rest. Harry, we will discuss this in the morning.' He said quietly and Harry's heart clenched as his face drained of blood.

'Professor?' Harry whispered plaintively.

'Not tonight, Harry. I have a school full of children that are waiting for me.' The headmaster said. 'The lung and the leg, Severus, nothing else.' As one, all but Severus walked towards the door. 'Harry? Do not unpack your things.' Dumbledore added before closing the door behind him.

'Sev!' Harry whispered plaintively as his heart began to race and his breathing became even more erratic.

Severus forced several potions down Harry's throat before taking his hands in his, making sure his body shielded their position from the door.

'Harry, calm down. What happened?'

Despite the calming potion Severus had also given him against the headmaster's instruction Harry's breathing still heaved as his eyes darted nervously around the room. 'It was just too much. I tried, really I did, but they didn't hold back. They always hold back. Even Tom holds back when we duel. God Sev, what am I going to do? He's going to send me away. He's going to lock me away from everyone. Away from you.'

Harry was almost hysterical and Severus quickly threw a strong locking charm at the door before pulling the young man into his arms. 'Shh, Harry, I promise I won't let him send you away.'

It was several minutes before Harry calmed down and Severus gave him another calming potion, knowing the boy would stew on the headmaster's words all evening. This one was slightly stronger and gave the Boy-Who-Lived a slightly glazed look.

'Harry, listen to me.' Severus grasped his shoulders and shook him slightly. 'You need to put aside what happened tonight and go into the great hall as if nothing happened. Dumbledore will be waiting for us. Now come on.'

Severus dropped the locking charm and keeping one hand on Harry's shoulder steered him from the room and down to the great hall. The first years and McGonagall were just about to walk into the hall when Harry and Snape joined them. The wizarding born first years all began chattering and squealing softly at the sight of the Boy-Who-Lived but all were quickly quelled at an ominous glare from Snape. McGonagall, who had halted their entrance into the hall gave Harry a strange look , the bloodstained robe and the slight limp doing nothing to dispel her curiosity but Snape ignored her and propelled the young man into the silent hall and over to the Gryffindor table, his touch far softer than it looked to those watching.

He pushed Harry down into a seat next to his friends before leaning down slightly. 'Do try to act responsibly, Potter. Your...fans...are watching.' He sneered, ignoring the glares he received from the Gryffindors around him and waiting until he saw Harry nod in understanding before releasing his grip, turning on his heel and stalking up towards the head table.

Whispers broke out around the hall as McGonagall led in the first years. Only half of the hall actually watched the sorting, the rest all either blatantly or surreptitiously staring at the Boy-Who-Lived as he sat shoulders hunched and expression vacant as his friends quietly tried to get from him what was wrong. Harry didn't respond to any of them and the sorting continued on.

Dumbledore waited until his potions master had sat down beside him before speaking. 'Calming potion, Severus?' he murmured.

'Brat was hysterical after you left. Thinks you're going to pull him out of the school in the morning.' Snape said bluntly, watching as Hufflepuff gained yet another student.

'Good.' The self-satisfied tone in Dumbledore's voice turned Snape's stomach.

'Good? Are you going to?' Snape asked neutrally, careful to keep his interest well hidden.

'Not yet, but I wanted him to think over his actions during the summer. He was too insolent by far. Let him stew on it overnight and I'm sure he will realise what the consequences of such actions in the future may be.'

'Needs to be put in his place.' Snape agreed, cringing inwardly as he clapped to welcome a student to his own house.

Dumbledore just smiled genially but Severus could see the determination in the man's eyes. The sorting finished and the headmaster called for the feast. Snape watched as Harry's friends tried to force him to eat but the Boy-Who-Lived was having none of it and just pushed the food idly around his plate.

Eventually the plates disappeared and Dumbledore rose. 'Welcome one and all to another year at Hogwarts. I trust now that you are a well sated I can have your attention for just a few start of term notices. I want to remind all students that the Forbidden Forest is just that and that the third floor corridor on the left side is out of bounds. I caution you all that serious punishments will befall any who do not heed this warning.' Dumbledore glanced around the room to make sure all were listening.

'Our caretaker Mr Filch has updated his list of banned items and they include all items sold by Weasleys Wizard Wheezes.' Dumbledore let a chuckle out and a number of students joined him. 'I am pleased to announce that for the second year Professor Alastor Moody has returned to teach Defence against the Dark Arts and this year will be assisted by Professor Remus Lupin and Auror Kinglsey Shacklebolt to help prepare you all for the battle that is inevitable.'

A commotion at the Gryffindor table drew everyone's attention just in time to see Harry stumble over the bench and sprint from the hall. Dumbledore immediately looked towards Lupin and Shacklebolt and nodded as the two men quickly followed.

'Well, the calming potion didn't last long.' Severus said dryly, catching Draco's eye and seeing the boy was struggling not to show any concern.

'No.' Dumbledore murmured before looking back up to catch the students' attention again. 'Right then, where was I? Oh yes, I think that's all. I wish you all a good night's rest so you are ready to begin classes tomorrow. Prefects, you may escort the students to their houses.' Dumbledore sat down as the students rose and headed from the hall, McGonagall and the other teachers following and leaving Snape, Flitwick and Moody with the headmaster.

Minutes later Lupin and Shacklebolt returned, hurrying up to the head table. 'He's in Gryffindor Tower, Albus.' Kingsley said softly.

'Do you want him sent for?' This came from Lupin.

Dumbledore shook his head. 'No, I will leave a note on his bedside table to see me first thing tomorrow. I have several letters to write, I'll see you in the morning.' With his piece said the headmaster left.

Harry couldn't sit here any longer. He had put up with his friends constant nagging to eat and the feel of the headmaster's eyes constantly returning to him for over two hours. The announcement of Moody was not a surprise but with the addition of Lupin and Shacklebolt Harry finally got some idea of just how bad this year was going to be. Both were actually staying in the castle meaning all six of his "teachers" would be near to him twenty four hours a day seven days a week. The added comment regarding the coming war was just too much and Harry couldn't stay a moment longer.

He shot to his feet, the calming potion still making him slightly fuzzy causing him to stumble over his seat as he fled the hall. His newly repaired leg protested with every step as he bolted up the staircases towards Gryffindor Tower. He could hear what he assumed to be Lupin and Shacklebolt following him but he didn't stop. There had been no prefect meeting on the train so Harry had no way of knowing the password, instead, without stopping he fired off the strongest wandless unlocking spell he could the results of which caused the Fat Lady to rock back in her painting as the door almost flung itself of its hinges.

Harry hurtled through the hole and ran straight through the common room and up to his dormitory. His trunk and Hedwig's cage sat neatly at the end of his bed but Harry didn't notice as he flung himself face down on the bed, desperately trying not to either cry or scream in frustration. Either option sounded good at that moment. Instead he tried to calm his racing heart as his shoulders heaved with the effort of remaining calm.

Lupin and Shacklebolt stopped in the doorway, faces concerned at the distress the young man seemed to be in. But neither man made any move to comfort him, instead just watching for several minutes before turning and walking away.

Severus walked swiftly but silently to the headmaster's office the next morning. The previous night had been hell. He had wanted nothing more than to go to Harry and hold him, tell him he was safe, but he knew the castle walls had both eyes and ears and it was something neither of them could afford.

He only hoped that the boy had managed to get at least some sleep otherwise that day was going to be hell. His hopes were dashed however when he arrived at Dumbledore's office to see all the participants in place and Harry standing at almost attention in the middle of the room, his face clearly showing the strain of a sleepless night. Flitwick, Moody, Lupin and Shacklebolt were arrayed in various positions around the room as Severus slipped in and closed the door behind him.

'Albus.' Severus said quietly in greeting, nodding to all but Harry and receiving the same in return.

'Good, we are all here.' Dumbledore began turning to face the Gryffindor. 'Harry, I don't know what happened yesterday, but I have to tell you I'm incredibly disappointed. I let you have the summer off to rest and after yesterday's performance I see now it was a mistake. I don't believe you practiced at all since your birthday. Your only real contribution to the duel was a single new curse. I'd like to believe you learnt more than that over the last four weeks.'

Dumbledore's voice was incredibly cold and Harry actually flinched. 'I'm sorry, Sir. I have been studying, it just...it didn't work yesterday.' He finished lamely, dropping his head once again.

Blue eyes narrowed. 'It didn't work.' Dumbledore said sarcastically, startling many in the room who hadn't ever heard the elderly wizard use the tone before. 'That is your answer.'

Harry wisely kept his head down and didn't answer the rhetorical question.

'After Tom Riddle kills you and you meet up with your parents, who I remind you gave their lives for you, is that what you're going to tell them? It just didn't work.'

Harry shook his head, squeezing his eyes tightly shut.

'They would be so disappointed, Harry.'

'I'm sorry.' Harry whispered plaintively.

'So am I, Harry. Go and fetch your trunk.' Dumbledore said firmly and Harry's head shot up.

'Oh god, no, please Sir. Don't send me away. I promise I'll work harder. Just don't lock me away.' Harry pleaded. The desperation in his voice making all but the headmaster shift nervously. 'I'll do whatever you want. Train all night, all through lunch. Anything, just please let me stay here. I'll never ask for anything again, please Professor, please don't make me go. Please.'

'Harry, stop.' Dumbledore commanded and Harry immediately closed his mouth, even as his eyes continued pleading his case.

Dumbledore studied him intently for several minutes. 'You will have to work much harder, Harry. There will not be a repeat of yesterday's pitiful display.' It was not a question.

'No Professor. I promise I will work harder.' Harry said solemnly.

'Swear it.' Dumbledore said firmly.

Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at his chest, hesitating for just a moment. 'I, Harry James Potter, add to the previous oath that I will work harder to reach my goals. I will obey all instructions given or the same consequences as stated previously will apply.' He intoned with much more calm then he felt.

Harry lowered the wand and looked up at Dumbledore once more. The headmaster's eyes contained a victorious glint that looked very out of place.

'You may go, Harry.' Dumbledore said kindly as if the previous ten minutes had never happened. 'Oh and Harry,' he added as Harry reached for the door handle. 'You had better try and get some sleep during History, you won't be getting any tonight.'

Harry sucked in a breath. 'Yes Sir.' He said softly and slipping out the door before it could get any worse.

Snape, who had been watching the proceedings with an impassive expression, turned to Dumbledore and raised an eyebrow. 'An Oath, Albus? Just what did the little miscreant agree to?'

Albus gave them all a blinding smile that turned Severus' stomach. 'At the beginning of last year Harry swore an oath to me that in return for my help he would work and train for the upcoming battle. Follow guidelines set by myself and remain at the school until he graduated even though he is of age.'

'But what of Grimmauld Place? I thought you were sending him there?' Flitwick squeaked.

Dumbledore shook his head. 'I didn't swear to keep him here, he just swore to stay as long as I told him to or until he graduated, whichever came first. He will only go to Grimmauld Place if I feel he is being influenced beyond my control.'

'What if he hasn't destroyed Riddle by the time he graduates?' Moody asked gruffly.

'Tom will not wait. I know him, he will want Harry before the school year is up. I would lay galleons on it.' Dumbledore said knowingly. 'The Oath is just to make sure Harry stays under our control. The boy cannot be allowed to deviate from his path and I'm leaving it up to you to let me know if you think something is changing. I want you all to watch his interaction with the other students, particularly the Slytherins.' Severus nodded at the look the elderly wizard gave him.

'Yes Headmaster.' He murmured.

Albus glanced around at them all and smiled again. 'We will be victorious gentlemen, I assure you.' He said firmly before sitting down.

It was obvious that the meeting was now over and all headed towards the door and filed from the room in silence.

As Snape walked down to the great hall he went over and over the oath Harry had sworn and suddenly had to quell the urge to laugh out loud. The boy was clever, brilliant even, and he had gotten one over the wily old headmaster, something that very few ever managed. Instead of swearing to destroy the Dark Lord, he had sworn to work harder to reach his goals. And Dumbledore, being the ever correct white wizard that he was had just assumed that Harry's goals and his own were one and the same. Severus shook his head. He would have to congratulate the boy. In private, of course. For now he had schedules to hand out and brats to teach and the thought of throwing all sorts of lethal curses at the one he loved to look forward to.

Oh joy.