A/N: It appears that I am quite inspired…: )

I have been working on several chapters, while waiting for my beta to proof read and make any needed corrections I have kept writing. I was nearly done with this chapter and checked for reviews. I deliberately have the legal age thing the way it is, realizing something that I had done in the beginning of this story I had to work it that way to explain Hermione asking her parents to be able to return to Hogwarts. Now as for Ron's actions and it seeming as though I am pushing or forcing Hermione to be with Draco…it is not my intention to do so. I must admit that this story has taken a different direction than I had originally started it out…we will all have to wait it out and see what happens…yes I am including myself in the having to wait it out and see what happens.

Okay I get it, enough of this and on with the story…

CHAPTER 83

Sirius left St. Mungo's at 11:30 AM and arrived at Grimmuald Place less than a minute later. He quickly showered, dressed and nicely asked Kreacher to make lunch for two. Just as Kreacher finished making lunch Sirius heard the crackling of his fireplace and headed into the living room in time to see the green flames disappear and Narcissa stepping out dusting the soot off her robes.

"Sirius, Draco said that you wanted a word with me?"

"Yes I do. "

"What about?"

"Lucius…"

"What has he done now?"

"Nothing that I am aware of. I don't really remember much of him from when we were in school. I do recall how doting he was with you, how he would look at you. What was he like before?"

"He was kind and gentle. He was quite protective of me as well as anyone he cared about. He used to be so loving and passionate. The joy on his face when he found out that I was pregnant with Draco…I couldn't recall a moment when Lucius was happier, aside from our wedding day…"

"So he changed?"

"Quite so."

"When?"

"Draco was about a year old. See I…I was pregnant again…I couldn't hardly wait to tell him. I remember feeling that he was going to be so happy, so excited…a girl…" Narcissa paused as tears abundantly flowed down her face.

"What happened when you told him?"

"I didn't get the chance to…I returned home after an appointment at St. Mungo's…I prepared, personally prepared, his favorite meal for dinner just like I did when I was pregnant with Draco. I heard him arrive and rushed out to greet him…"

"What happened?"

"He was distant, he seemed angry…I asked him if everything was alright…"

"What did he say?" Sirius asked as he consoled his cousin.

"He said 'no, nothing is alright'. His eyes trailed down my body and stopped at my belly. Thinking that he didn't know that I wasn't pregnant…I thought that…we had been trying believe it or not for another child even though Draco was young…the Malfoy line has some kind of genetic disorder of some sort and well time was actually running out for Lucius…I started to tell him that we were going to have a baby girl but he stopped me, he cut me off saying that he knows that I was pregnant with a…a…wretched girl…I was shocked, I couldn't understand why he was being like that…when Draco was about six months old we talked…we both wanted a baby girl, we even picked out a name for a girl in case we were blessed with a baby girl…I left his presence, I went into the kitchen and threw out the meal I had made and barricaded myself in my personal room for a few days…I called on Dobby for food and such…"

"You thought that given some time…"

"I honestly don't remember what I thought…but after a few days I did ask him what was the problem, why was he so disgusted that I was going to have a baby girl…he refused to answer me…that was the first time he struck me…again I brocaded myself in my personal room but only for a day…a week passed and then I saw him again…he apologized but something was wrong...he, he said that there was a way to fix the situation. I asked what it was…"

"What did he say?"

"He said…he told me to abort it…" Narcissa could not hold back any longer and freely allowed herself so sob and be comforted by Sirius.

Sirius was doing his best to not go off on a tirade about Lucius for suggesting that Narcissa abort the baby, he was putting all of his efforts into comforting his cousin. He led them to the couch and sat down with her, keeping an arm around her shoulders.

"Did…did he force you to…"

"I avoided him for most of the pregnancy. I started to have problems, complications with the pregnancy starting two months before I was due to deliver…he was trying to arrange an abortion, a forced abortion. He was going to the lengths of planning on drugging me or slipping something into a drink of mine…I was careful about what I consumed…I took over what I consumed, made sure that I knew what was in it. Even if I prepared and cooked the food I would still cast spells to detect if there was any poison or not. This added to my stress and I delivered early…I still had about three weeks to go. I wasn't afraid that I was in labor early since wasn't uncommon. Lucius was irate due to the fact that I delivered our baby girl the day before he was going to take me somewhere that would abort a pregnancy so far into term. It was hard to stay hidden, to protect my precious girl and keep an eye on Draco. A few months went by and he refused to look at her, refused to hold her, refused to be in the same room with her. He ordered me to get rid of her…he said it…during the two months I secretly looked into where would be safe for my little girl. I was lucky enough to find an organization that could help. They asked no questions, wanted to no information. Well I was asked if I had given her a name and if so what her name was…I lied and told them she had no name. I gave my daughter the organization…about four months later I was informed that they had adopted her to a good family…"

"What was the name of the organization?"

"It doesn't matter because the organization doesn't exist anymore. Witches ran the place but they also took in and cared for Muggle children. The short missive burst into flames and left a pile of ash on the floor shortly after I read it. Lucius never knew that I gave her up. He thought I had done what he had meant by ordering me to get rid of her…he meant for me t-to k-kill her. Only recently did he find out that I gave her up, that she lives…I don't know where she is now…"

Sirius was tempted to hunt down Lucius and brutally take the bastard out, but did not fancy going back to Azkaban especially over Lucius. Sirius remained with Narcissa for several hours as she cried and sobbed. Once no more tears would shed Sirius made and gave Narcissa a calming draught. He said nothing to Narcissa but vowed to try and find her daughter. He didn't want Narcissa to be aware of the situation in case Lucius performed Legilimency on her.

"Thank you for listening Sirius. I really should get back…"

"I don't think that it would safe for you to return…"

"I have to though Sirius, my son. I'll be fine. I can apparate directly into my personal room since it's the only place in the damn Manor that anti-apparition and disapparition do not affect."

"I don't like this Narcissa, but I cannot force you to stay here and you do have a son somewhere in that Manor…You and Draco are more than welcome to stay here, I have the room. I want you to know that if you need anything ask and do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you Sirius." Narcissa said before disapparating out of the living room at Grimmuald Place.

Sirius walked over to his fireplace, grabbed a pinch of floo powder, tossed in and said 'Potter Manor'. As Sirius stepped out of the fireplace he startled those that were there.

"Sorry, I didn't expect anyone to be here. How in the world did you manage to get Violet to leave St. Mungo's?"

"Bugged her until she agreed." Harry replied.

"Draco your mum has returned to Malfoy Manor…"

Draco immediately called for Dobby to take him back. Draco was gone instantly.

"Sirius so were you able to find out anything?"

Sirius nodded his head, took quite a few breaths, opened his mouth and then shut it.

"Sparky!" Sirius barked out.

"Dog-boy calls Sparky?"

"I…I need a strong tea…you know what I mean…"

"As you wish dog-boy."

One Sirius downed the strong long island iced-tea he told everyone in the room what he had found out. Remus looked as though he might transform even though the full moon was not even close. All seven children were horrified and enraged.

"Wait, Sirius how could someone change so drastically in a blink of an eye? Narcissa said that she and Lucius had discussed having a girl and even picked out a name. Something is really off."

"I have been asking myself that same question and thinking the same thing."

"Imperius curse?" Ron suggested.

"I don't think so but it could be a possibility. If that is the case then who is casting the curse?"

Everyone sat in silence for quite a while before Sirius took Violet back to St. Mungo's.

The next few days were quite tense and restless. Trying to figure out what was with Lucius Malfoy, why was he acting to different? Why is he not himself? No one could figure out what it was and reluctantly accepted that they would just have to wait and see what happens. They did get something that was a good thing, Marie was well enough to be released from St. Mungo's. She still had to take it easy for a while but she was out of danger. Violet was delighted beyond anything.

Since it was best to not move Marie around a lot everyone meet up at Sirius'. Though quite a few were there and were all in a celebratory mood it was not overwhelming for Marie. Kreacher held nothing back in preparing their dinner. He just about out did himself and it wasn't even Christmas.

A few hours after dinner everyone left Sirius, Marie and Violet to relax and enjoy some quiet. At least the quite was for Marie's benefit.

Once arriving at Potter Manor they all headed up to the library to just relax a bit before retiring for the day. They could have done this in the living room but the library was quite more spacious. As Remus stood to retire for the night Sparky 'popped' into the library.

"Sparky is everything alright?"

"Oh yes, Master. Sparky wondering what Master doing for his birthday? Sparky know it a few days away and…"

"I haven't thought about it. I would say that it will be here but Marie…"

"Harry I am sure that it won't cause her any kind of setback to come over, you know that Molly and Arthur will want to come and I am sure that if Bill and Charlie are available they'd want to celebrate with you. There is plenty of room."

"You have a point but I still want to talk to Sirius about it before deciding."

"Master let Sparky know when you can."

"I will. Oh, Sparky did the packages I set up go out?"

"Yes Master, Sparky sent them out earlier."

"Thank you."

Sparky bowed and left. Remus and the rest also left the library to retire for the night.

The next morning Harry flooed over to Sirius' and discussed what or more so where they would have the party.

"I think it would do Marie some good to have a change of scenery by then and Potter Manor seems to be the best place to accommodate such a gathering. I am sure that Molly and Arthur's new place could handle it but it's your birthday."

Harry smiled and quickly returned to Potter Manor. The first thing he did was let Sparky and Muri know that he would indeed be spending his birthday there at the Manor.

Remus heard Harry informing the main house elves and left to let Molly and Arthur know of the plans.

Out in Cambridge towards the end of Staffordshire St. a large snowy owl flew in a window of an old, grand, well respected Manor. The owl gracefully landed on the arm of a couch. She sat there waiting to be noticed for a while, but once becoming impatient she hooted startling the elderly woman sitting on couch reading the Daily Prophet and drinking tea. Fortunately when the owl hooted she did not spill tea everywhere.

"For Merlin's sake!" She grumbled as she turned to look at the owl.

Once Augustus Longbottom collected herself and paid more attention to the owl she noticed there was a small package. She figured that the package had been shrunk so that the beautiful owl could deliver it with ease. Augustus retrieved the package and attempted to enlarge it. The package indeed enlarged and it was quite heavy. She plucked the envelope attached and read 'Neville Longbottom, Happy birthday'.

"Neville!"

Neville heard his gran yelling for him and quickly ran through the Manor and managed to slowdown and casually walk into the large living room even though he was quite out of breath.

"Yes Gran?"

"You have a package for you birthday. Either someone has forgotten when it is or sent it early."

"A package? For me? For my birthday?"

"Yes. Do you know who would send you a birthday gift? You have told me that you don't really have friends."

"I don't know."

"Well, go get some owl treats and then take a look at the owl. She may give you an answer. She's too friendly to not be owned by a specific witch or wizard."

"Yes Gran." Neville said as he hung his head and left to get some owl treats. He hated the tone his Gran always used with him.

Once returning, Neville spotted the owl and gasped. He could not believe that Harry would send him anything so could not actually say that it was his owl. Harry could not be the only one with a snowy owl.

"Do you know anyone that owns a snowy owl?"

"Only one person, but I don't think that he would send me anything. I mean he is nice and friendly but I don't think he considers me a friend…"

"Well then read the letter that came with the package. In fact would you please remove it from my lap it is quite heavy."

"Yes Gran." Neville said as he quickly removed the package from her lap. Though he nearly dropped it on the floor due to the weight.

Neville sat down on the couch and stared at the envelope. He recognized the writing as Harry's and quickly but carefully opened the envelope, pulled out the letter and read,

'Neville,

I know that it might seem strange to you that I am sending you a birthday present. I have recently acquired my own place through an inheritance and found a few things here that made me think of you and I decided to send what I found, some of it is just samples. I am sure that this will have arrived early, I am hoping only a day early. I request that you wait for the 30th of July to open it but I will understand if you can't wait. I hope you like it. Oh, and I am having a little thing on the 31st and was wondering if you would like to come. I would truly like it if could come. If you can let me know and I will meet you at my Godfather's, Sirius Blacks', house which is located at #12 Grimmuald Place. I will meet you there in the morning. You might not realize it or think so but I do consider you one of my friends and I apologize for not spending more time with you, for not including you more and for not letting you know sooner that I do consider you a friend.

Oh, my Godfather has a house elf by the name of Kreacher, he's quite nice and respectful as long as you treat him the same. Also, just as a reminder or if you don't know, my Godfather's daughter, Violet and her respective mother figure, Marie live there as well. Sirius, Violet and Marie might be there when you arrive. If they are you'll have to wait for me, I'll have to bring inside. This might sound strange but I will explain it all to you the next time I see you.

Again I hope you like your gift. Although I am sure that you'll love it.

Your friend, Harry Potter.'

Neville turned a real pale white and could hardly believe what he had read. Then a small smile spread across his face. He could not wait another second to open what Harry had sent him.

"Neville…"

"Oh sorry Gran. It is from Harry. Harry Potter. That was Hedwig, his owl."

"Harry Potter, you say?"

"Yes. He has invited me to his birthday party on the 31st. Can I go, Gran?"

"I don't see why not. I think Harry Potter is a good friend to have. He just might be able to help you with your…accidents, to stop them from happening."

Neville turned a light shade of crimson at what his Gran had said and then opened the package. The first thing he saw was a small crate with several rare potions ingredients and rare plants that Herbologist's nearly never see in existence. He could not help but wonder how the hell Harry got his hands on them. And then his eyes fell on the book, the rare Herbology book. Neville had only heard and read of this book. He had longingly wanted to have it and now he did. And wondered again how Harry got his hands on it. Then Harry's note came back to his mind, the ingredients and the book were from his house. Neville was so thrilled about the gifts from Harry that a soft creamy, yellow glow surrounded him. The glow shimmered, shook and seemed to have exploded out from him filling the room with a creamy yellow hue for a moment and then it was gone. Neville was not aware of what had happened, he had opened the book and started looking through it. Augusta was frozen in shock. She had no idea of what happened, though she was not worried or scared. She did not fell as though it was a bad thing but was not sure what kind of thing or phenomenon it was.

Once Augusta snapped out of it she was going to ask anyone she could think and or saw that might have an explanation as to what just happened.

The rest of the day Augusta contacted a few she knew that would be most likely to explain what had happened. As each one replied Augusta became disgruntled as no one so far knew what she had explained meant. Though Augusta was hopeful of receiving Dumbledore's reply but it did not arrive that day.

The next day as friends of Augusta and a few lingering relatives arrived she inquired with each of them and they also had no explanation of what had happened the previous day. That evening Augusta received Dumbledore's reply, she opened the letter a bit excited. She was eager to read what he said and thought that if Dumbledore couldn't explain it she was sure that no one could. She opened the letter and her excitement and smile faded quicker than it took the time to take a breath. Dumbledore had no explanation but that he would do his best to find out.

Out in Spinner's End a light brown owl glided through the open air, flew directly to a window that appeared to be open. Unfortunately for the owl it was not open and it crashed with quite a 'thud' into the window. There was a ledge of sorts just under the window so the owl did not slide down the window and house to the ground.

Severus heard an odd sound. Normally there weren't any sounds unless he or Beaker were the source of it with the one exception of when Lily's portrait had first been in his home. He got up and went looking for what had caused the sound. As he walked into the kitchen he saw a light brown owl sitting on the ledge just below the window on the outside looking quite confused. He could not help himself and softly chuckled. He proceeded to walk through his kitchen and open the window. The owl somewhat dizzy flew in and awkwardly landed on the table. The owl dropped the small package on the table and ruffled its feathers. Severus pulled down a small dish, filled it with water and gave it to the owl and then plucked a few pieces of bacon out of the frying pan and placed them on the table in front of the owl.

Severus picked up the small package, rolled it around in his hand and wondered what it could contain and who it was from. So far the only things he had received from anyone by owl was the letter from Lily sent by Gringotts and the portrait of Lily. Severus walked out of the kitchen and back into the living room. As he sat back down in his chair he thought that it had to have been shrunk there was no way anyone would send something so small to him. Anyone else looking for him or needed him for something they just walked right in or stepped out from his fireplace.

Severus pulled his wand from his robes and enlarged the package. On top of the package was an envelope with his name on it. The writing looked quite familiar to him but cast any thoughts as to who the writing belonged to and opened the letter.

'Professor Snape,

I am sure you are wondering who I am, in time I am sure you will find out either by me telling you or you figuring it out. I have full intentions of disguising my handwriting, of course if I have forgotten to do so you already know who I am. My intentions on disguising my hand writing is to prevent any misunderstanding as to why I have sent you what is in the package and to keep any dunderhead from accusing anyone of bribery. I just thought that you would like to look over the samples that are in the package. I know why not just tell you here…you have to open the package…just to be clear I am not trying to be a smart ass.

I hope you summer so far has been peaceful and relaxing without being surrounded by dunderheads.

Humble regards'

Severus set the letter aside with a smirk on his face. He realized that it was from none other than Harry Potter and was a bit surprised that he knew the child was not being smart ass and was a bit pleased with his use of the word 'dunderhead'. He also knew that Harry accidently forgot to disguise his handwriting. Severus did not believe that Harry was trying to bribe him for anything. Severus then begun to open the package wondering what kind of samples Harry sent him that would have himself wanting to look at.

Once the package was open Severus first noticed that it was a good sized crate, and then a few things from within the crate caught his eye. As his eyes fell on each sample he became quite intrigued and was a bit surprised that each sample was labeled, and correctly at that. There were so many different specimens that were extremely rare and were quite expensive. He could not fathom how in the world did this student of his to have had possession of such. Severus could not help it and wrote a reply. Once finished with is reply he walked back into the kitchen to see that the owl was still there.

"I sure hope you are ready to head out again. I suppose I should leave a window open." Severus muttered as attached his reply. He was not sure why he was being quite so nice but shrugged it off as though it was due to no being surrounded by dunderheads.

As evening fell on Wiltshire before Harry's birthday had Harry thinking about two of his friends. He could not take it anymore, he could not wait to see what happens and decided to talk with one of them in particular.

"Ron, I need to talk to you about something…outside."

Ron shrugged and followed Harry outside to approximately the middle of the grounds in back.

"What…"

"What is going on with you?"

"Huh?"

"Ron, why haven't you done anything?"

"About what?"

"I don't believe for one minute that you are that thick. I'm talking about Hermione."

Ron turned crimson and stuttered something that was incomprehensible.

"You now know that there is nothing romantic between me and her, there is no possible way that it could be the case of it being so. Hermione has kissed you twice and still you do nothing."

"Harry…she's too smart for me. I don't have anything to offer her. she's not the type to go for someone because of money. I am not much to look at…I mean look at me. I'm not tall, I'm certainly not in shape, I'm rude most of the time, I don't think about what I say and how it could come across or…the bottom line what do I have to offer her? There is nothing that…"

"I'm going to stop you right there. You want to know what you have to offer her…well let me see, your friendship, companionship, understanding, supporting her, encouraging her, love, you obviously care, you are protective of her. I see it and I know she does even when you don't give her credit for being able to take care of herself or defend herself. She likes you, she wants you in her life. I get it you don't feel as though you are the right wizard for her, that you are not good enough for her. But she is interested in you…"

"Harry okay for now…but what about in the future?"

"There is no telling what could happen in the future. The two of could have a long happy life together or it could just be a school thing. You won't know unless you try. I am sure you were quite shocked both times she kissed you."

"Yeah…I never thought that she…wait, Harry how can you stand there and say that there's no telling what could happen in the future?"

"Because I can. So much is different now, what I know as a possibility may not go that way. I'm not sure if things will turn out how I remember them to be with Ginny…I know what I want but that could change somewhere along the line but I know that I can handle that. I'm not saying that you couldn't or that you wouldn't be able to handle it…"

"I know it seems like that I am relaxed and comfortable when Hermione is around…the truth is that it's only when in the friend capacity. I have thought about asking her…you know just me and her…a walk around the grounds at Hogwarts, or somewhere in Hogsmead but I can't seem to do it. In a setting that is more than friends I just…I don't know…I get nervous, can't stop thinking that she'll say now, that she'll laugh and say that we are only friends and nothing more not even remotely…she studies so intensely, I'd rather goof off…"

"Ron, friendships and other relationships are a bit of work. You have to find a balance, you help each other. Let her help you study and you can help her goof off…"

"I don't know. I don't want to mess anything up…I mean at least as friends I…she's in my life."

"But Ron, she's been so obvious that she wants to be more than friends. Just see what happens…if things are going down the drain then talk to her. I mean just because thing may not work out as a couple doesn't mean that the friendship is done and gone."

"I see your point, it makes sense and I do understand. Believe me I do understand. I'm just…"

"You're just so insecure?"

"Yes and she deserves someone who isn't insecure…someone who is confident in themselves. And I mean in various aspects of their life, I'm only confident at Wizards' Chess and at being a friend…well I'm not quite sure about the friend part, I haven't exactly been…"

"Ron though you are insecure you're going to…there is only one way to get over the insecurities. Ask her to go for a walk around the grounds her and take some food with, once term starts ask her to go for a walk around the grounds, sit with her more, sit a bit closer than a friend would. When Hogsmead visits come around as her to go with you, to go with you alone. Walk around the village, let her pick and choose were to go for a while. If she asks where you want to go be honest and tell her. I'm not saying right away take her to anyplace like Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, go to the Three Broomsticks, the joke shop, Honeydukes. Even if you don't talk about a damn thing I am sure she would appreciate the time spent without all out friends around. She'd at least know that you are interested in her as more than friends."

"No promises…I'll try. I'll try more than I have. I just get so nervous when alone with her…I know there haven't been instances that she and I are alone but I still get so nervous and afraid of saying something stupid…"

"Ron don't think about it, don't analyze and don't think anything negative. I know it's all overwhelming and difficult to not over think things to not think anything negative but still all the same."

Ron nodded and followed Harry back inside the Manor. Harry knowing that Ron was following him inside carefully sped up his steps but not noticeably at least it wasn't noticed by Ron.

Once inside the Manor Harry joined the rest of the occupants in the living room. He sat down on one of the couches and looked around. He realized that the only open spot was next to him. There would have been more options but Remus and the twins were being quite greedy with their spaces. Harry looked across form him to see that Hermione and Ginny were sitting next to each other on a small couch that would hold probably two maybe three people and an idea suddenly came to mind, the trick was getting the idea to work without being obvious. Harry kept his eyes on Ginny in the hop0e that she would look towards him.

Luck seemed to be in the air, Ginny looked over at Harry and smiled. The more she watched him she realized that he was trying to covey something to her. Ginny gave him a questioning look and in return she received a nod from him. Confused and curious she got up and walked across the room to the other couch. Harry gently patted the couch next to him and she sat down just looking at him. Though when he smiled she looked in the direction where his eyes were and saw her brother who was looking around with a slightly frightened looked on his face. Ginny gazed around the room and then she looked at Harry with a knowing but accusatory expression.

"What?" Harry asked her softly with a look of 'I don't know what you mean with that look.'

"You know it took you long enough to intervene. It's known that my dear brother is quite an insecure person. Honestly it's about time someone stepped in to attempt to help him get over it." Ginny said just as quietly, smiling the whole time.

Harry and Ginny both looked over as Ron slightly jittery sat down next to Hermione. Harry and Ginny knew that this was quite a big step for Ron, he sat right next to Hermione and not all the way on the other side of the small couch.

Hermione glanced over to say something to Ginny. At seeing Ron she smiled and her face lit up. Ron smiled sighed and smiled back. He really felt like an idiot but did not know what else to do. The only thing he had been thinking was 'just sit next to her'. He had not thought about what to say or do once he had sat down and for should she notice.

Hermione caught Harry smiling and when he looked over at her, she gave a small smirk and shook her head. She was not mad since Ron had actually sat down right next to her.

Without complaint or any kind of protest everyone headed to his or her room. Harry had gotten up first, he had to be over at Sirius' in the morning. Though he had yet to find out if Neville would be coming he thought that he would still go over in case Neville forgot, in his shock and possible excitement, to let him know that he would be there. Just as the kids reached the staircase Hedwig and the light brown owl soared over and landed on the railing closest to Harry.

"What the bloody hell." Ron grumbled.

Harry removed the notes, one from each. As the light brown owl flew off Harry told Hedwig to go to the kitchen and that Sparky or Muri would get her something. Harry quickly opened the note that Hedwig had brought and smiled.

"What?" Ginny asked curiously.

"Neville will be meeting me at Sirius' in the morning. I invited him to come over, my birthday. I told him in a letter that I would like it if he could make. The note I included with the samples and the book."

"And the other one?" Ron inquired.

"I know who it's from. I have to admit that I am nervous…I am not scared in the slightest. Honestly I can't believe I forgot to put the spell that changes your handwriting on the note…I know you are all wondering but…sorry…I'll tell you the gist of what it says tomorrow."

No one bugged Harry or insisted that he read it right then and aloud. They all trampled on up the stairs to the third floor. Each retiring to his or her room. Harry shut and locked his door before flopping on his bed, face up. He cautiously opened the one from his Potions Professor. There was no doubt who the second note was from, he had seen Snape's writing enough to know and besides he knew where the light brown owl had gone.

Mr. Potter,

I am quite surprised to have received such a thing, a gift. I am sure that you know who I am and what you did, or what you didn't do. I do not except bribes from anyone, I do not believe that is what your intensions are. You did explain why you intended to disguise your hand writing in you note, but words are well just words. I believe you never the less, mainly due to the fact that you did not sign your name. You know the type of Wizard I am so I think that you will realize how extremely rare this is…thank you for the samples of such rare potions ingredients and Herbology plants. As you know, or well you should know, that Herbology plays quite a roll in potions. I must say that I am curious as to how you were in possession of such rare specimens. I would most certainly like to know and how. I am sure that you have your reasons for not divulging this information to me as of yet. I am not a patient man but for the answer to my questions I suppose I could try to be patient.

Why I am telling you, I do not know, but yes the quiet and no dunderheads around is an enjoyment indeed. The fact that you used one of my favorite words, twice no less, is amusing. I do hope that you are enjoying your summer as well, if not enjoy it. Enjoy it while you can. When term starts I will not tolerate any slacking off or disruption of any kind and that includes not paying attention.

Professor Snape.

Harry was quite surprised as to how kind and polite his Professor had been in the letter. And not to mention things that had been said. Though Harry knowing exactly the type of man his Professor is Harry still did not ever think that Snape would ever admit to finding anything amusing. Harry grabbed hold of his wand and turned the short note from Severus Snape into a small pile of ash. After placing his wand on a little table next to his bed he brushed off the ash, got ready for bed and climbed on under the covers.