.

Harry breathed a sigh of relief when he opened the door to the boy's dorm to find everyone asleep. He had been slightly worried that he was going to be met with an angry Hermione if Ron had said that he wasn't there.

He walked over to his bed and opened the curtains before hiding his bag in his trunk along with his cloak. He looked around and decided that being early on a Sunday morning really did suck when you had no plans or weren't with anyone. This led him to sigh and looking over at the time he saw that breakfast would be served in a few minutes. In the mean time he decided to wander round in Jade form for a little while, he smiled when he knew he could lay uninterrupted in front of the fire.

He had fallen into a light sleep when he felt a hand petting him and he shot up onto his feet in fright until he saw it was Hermione and he relaxed a little.

"Thought you'd gone walk about again." She said and went to sit on the couch.

"No ones here." She said again and he stood into a full sized Harry before joining her on the couch.

"I'm sorry if it seems like I'm hiding something from you, Hermione but I'm really not." Harry said. He knew they had cleared the air but he wanted to make sure that she really was pacified.

"Yes, it does seem like you're hiding something. You're my friend, Harry so I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt on this one." She replied and he smiled at her in relief.

"Just so you know, if there was any time where you needed to speak to someone, I wouldn't judge, you know this right?" She continued and Harry nodded.

"Yeah, I know." He replied but even as he said it he knew that she'd have kittens if she found out who he was seeing.

She suddenly jumped up and announced she was going to breakfast so Harry joined her. It was nice to be with someone today, he didn't think he'd be able to cope if he was by himself again.

They walked down towards the Great Hall in silence and when they arrived made their way to the center of the Gryffindor table. Harry had opted to sit facing away from the Slytherin's today; he didn't think he could deal with Malfoy's remarks about that night in the corridor.

It seemed however, that this was to no avail as ten minutes later when the hall was starting to fill, including Ron, Malfoy sneered across the room and started joking about Harry having a nose that stood out. Harry's head snapped up when he heard Severus's name associated with a big nose and he turned angrily to face the Slytherin only making the situation worse and they all laughed at him.

"Shove off, Malfoy." Ron said coming to sit next to Harry and across from Hermione.

"Ooh, Harry's boyfriend finally speaks out." Malfoy laughed along with the rest of the older Slytherin's.

"Ron just ignore it." Hermione tried but the red head was up and out of his seat, advancing on the Slytherin table.

"I said; Shove. Off." Ron hissed angrily as he approached the blonde and landed a punch straight at his nose.

Harry and Hermione were up and out of their seats and Harry ran to grab Ron, pulling him back just as McGonagall and Severus came striding up to the group.

"Ouch, bloody inbreed! Look what you've done!" Malfoy cried holding his nose, his voice muffled by the blood and his hand.

"Mr. Weasley, explain yourself." McGonagall shrilled and the hall went quiet as they all watched on with interest.

"You leave, Harry alone, ferret!" Ron spat, fighting Harry's hold but he couldn't move.

"Is this you finally coming out, Potter?" Malfoy snarled and this time Harry it was him who advanced on Malfoy and gripped him by the collar.

"Are you, Malfoy? You seem to take an immense amount of pleasure in calling me out. You trying to tell me that you're into me? Hmm, I'm sure Crabbe and Goyle will be most upset that they won't get to suck you off anymore not to mention Bl – "

"Enough." Severus bellowed and dragged Harry off Malfoy, leading him out of the hall, pulling Malfoy's arm as he went.

Once Harry, Malfoy, Ron, McGonagall and Severus were all standing in the corridor out of prying eyes and ears McGonagall started on telling Harry and Ron off for their lack of self control and indiscretion. During this speech, Harry looked over to where Severus was telling Malfoy off as well. He heard Severus tell Malfoy to go to the Hospital Wing before he turned towards him and give him a most disapproving look that made Harry's heart sink. He knew he'd done the wrong thing, hell, he'd even vowed not to sink to this level during the summer, yet here he was.

"As for you, Mr. Potter. I will not tolerate such foul language in this school again. You understand me? I am disgusted and embarrassed by your actions this morning." His Head of house directed at him and he nodded, looking downwards.

"Right, now the both of you need to consider your actions. Severus, have you seen Mr. Filch in your travels this morning?" McGonagall asked.

"I have not, however," Harry looked up at this, "I do believe I have an extremely dirty classroom that could do with a clean." Severus finished and Harry looked up at him to see his glare seemingly penetrating straight through him.

"Perfect. Twenty points each from Gryffindor, now detention, the both of you." She snapped before walking off shaking her head.

Severus turned and stalked towards the Dungeons with Ron and Harry following some distance behind him. Harry couldn't really work out what he was feeling currently, although he supposed he was glad to be spending time with Severus, even if he was going to be washing the floors or cauldrons. Then again, he felt foolish for nearly outing Blaise in front of everyone, but definitely not for outing Malfoy, however he wondered what the consequences for that would be. He was sure there would be pay back, now all he had to do was wait.

They came to a stop outside the Potion's classroom and Harry followed Severus inside before he found himself with a large bucket in his hands with a brush. Looking to his left, Ron had been lumbered with a pot scrubber and he did not look happy.

"Potter, you're scrubbing the floor, Weasely, wash that pile over there. There will be no magic, no talking and no communication of any kind until this classroom is spotless, you hear?"

Harry stood there just staring at the man somewhat stunned.

"Are you deaf, Mr. Potter?"

"Uh, n-no, sir." Harry squeaked and went to fill the bucket from the sink that was off to the side.

When he went back past Severus the man was reading a book, from where he got it, Harry didn't know but he didn't wait to find out and dropped to his knees by the door to the room and started scrubbing. He knew he was going to have red raw knees by the end of this and he risked a glance over at Ron who turned his head slightly to look at Harry and gave him an annoyed look, but it was about the situation, not angry at Harry.

It kind of reminded Harry about the past and how the three of them would serve detentions together for something they'd been caught dong after curfew and he had to smile as he sunk the brush into the warm water, he definitely missed those days, but he didn't miss the rough detentions such as this one.

About an hour had passed and Harry had done half of the room, now he was heading towards the front where Severus was sitting and he was a little nervous about it. He'd been doing too much thinking about what had just happened over the course of the hour and he definitely regretted his actions. He looked up at Ron again and could see his fellow Gryffindor was on the last cauldron. This made Harry's heart speed up a little and he wondered if he would soon be left alone with Severus, he hoped so because then he could speak with the man.

Another ten minutes later and Ron turned around and announced he was done. Severus then stood and walked over to him before giving him the all clear to leave.

"What are you looking at Mr. Potter, you haven't finished." Severus commented as he saw Harry watching the two of them.

Harry ducked his head in relief and tried very hard not to smile as he saw Ron leaving the room and Severus coming to walk in front of him before going to sit behind his desk. Harry kept up the pretense of scrubbing for another minute before he sat back on his heels and looked up at Severus, who in turn looked up from his book giving him a hard look. Harry heard the door slam close and he gulped not liking the look on Severus's face.

"I'm disappointed in you, Harry." He said and Harry's hopes were dashed for not having to complete the task.

Harry shoved the brush angrily into the bucket and went about continuing to scrub the floor with a little more force than before. He heard Severus's chair scraping backwards but he didn't stop what he was doing, not even when he saw Severus's polished black shoes in front of him.

Severus knelt in front of Harry and then took his chin in his hand forcing Harry to look at him, what he saw was sadness and regret so he took pity and helped Harry stand. Harry brushed himself off and then looked up at Severus hopelessly.

"What you did was uncalled for no matter how much Mr. Malfoy teases you." Severus said and Harry nodded.

"Come here." Severus said again and took Harry into a strong hug for a few minutes before breaking the contact.

"I'm sorry." Harry said softly looking away.

"I know, but you cannot undo what has been done." Severus said evenly before waving his hand to the side and the bucket with disappeared over to the sink with the brush.

Looking back at Harry, he put a hand on the back of his neck sweeping down to give Harry a soft kiss. It didn't last long with Severus conscious of the fact that someone could walk in at any moment and bust them.

"Your detention has been served. You may go." Severus said pulling away and Harry nodded but didn't move.

Instead he moved to get closer to Severus and wrapped his arms around the man's waist, squeezing tightly before letting go and giving him a tight smile and walking away.

"Harry?" Severus called when Harry was by the door and he turned around.

"Try and stay out of trouble." He tried to lighten the mood by sounding amused and Harry's face softened a little.

"I can't guarantee that, but I'll try." He said before disappearing through the door.

Harry didn't go back to the tower straight away, he made his way outside and wandered around the grounds to clear his head and to sort himself out. He couldn't let Malfoy's jibes get in the way of his recent good behaviour. He just so wanted to get the boy back but he didn't know what to do… There's always the Charms book, he thought as he remembered the gift from Flitwick that he had been given. He thought that he might give it a read and see if there were some harmless things that he could do to get back at the blonde. It was certainly worth a try.

After about an hour, Harry arrived at the tower and found Hermione sitting over by the window with Ron sitting in front of her, she looked pissed and Harry sighed. All he wanted was for them to get back together and be the Golden Trio once more… being a Golden solo wasn't much fun.

"Hey." Harry said as he sat down and Hermione looked over at him sadly.

"Oh, Harry." She said sadly and took him into a hug but screwed her nose up as she pulled away.

"Phew, you need a shower but that can wait." She said again sadly and Harry frowned, what had he missed?

"What's going on?" He said looking at her in concern.

"You need to thank Professor Snape for stopping you uttering that name, Harry." She said and he had to stop his jaw hitting the floor.

"Excuse me?" He settled for and she shook her head.

"You were about to drop Blaise in it. I think you should apologize, he was quite upset when you guys left the hall."

"Dragged you mean." Ron muttered angrily and Hermione hissed at him.

"Honestly, I feel like we're back in first year again with the two of you behaving like you did." She scolded both of them and Harry looked over to see Ron looking at him.

There was an awkward silence for a few minutes before Ron cleared his throat and turned so his whole body was facing Harry. Harry looked up at this movement and looked straight into the remorseful eyes of his once best friend.

"I'm sorry, Harry." He started but Harry nor Hermione made any move to say anything.

"I know that… Well, you know…" He sighed and messed his hair up by running a hand through it before he started fidgeting.

"Look, I'm trying to say sorry because I know you're gay and I haven't been the most supportive friend this year and I want us to be friends again." Ron finally rushed out and Harry sat there with a pained look on his face whilst he tried to figure out what had actually been said.

"I don't care you like blokes. I want my friend back." Ron said again and it snapped Harry out of his thoughts.

"Took you long enough." Harry finally said and Ron looked crushed.

"But apology accepted." He continued and Ron looked up like he'd just won the Quidditch game.

"Oh, thank Merlin." Hermione huffed before standing and walking away to find someone to talk to.

Harry and Ron smiled at each other for a few minutes before Ron started verbally abusing Harry's ears with his non-stop chatter about the latest Quidditch gossip and the rumors circulating around the school about various things. Harry wanted to stop him and remind him that he had in fact been there when he heard such rumors but he let the red head continue.

"So are you into this Blaise guy? Zabini I mean?" Ron suddenly asked and it took Harry by surprise.

"Oh, uh… He's not… bad." Harry said unsurely.

Sure Ron had apologized but he wasn't sure he could openly talk about such things with the teen. He certainly wasn't going to flaunt it in front of him anyway.

"Okay." He said and then it got awkward so Harry trudged forward trying to make him comfortable.

"I know this is weird for you." Harry said and Ron nodded his agreement.

"It is… but you're my friend and I want to support you." Ron said and it made Harry smile.

"Thanks, Ron." Harry said and was surprised when Ron leaned forward and gave him a brotherly hug.

"Boys are so weird." Ginny whispered off to the side with Hermione who was sitting next to her.

"Agreed." Hermione whispered back nodding.

The trio were making their way to dinner that night and for the first time all year he felt accepted by his friends and it relaxed him a little. After lunch Ron and Harry had gone outside and played around on their brooms mucking round until it got too cold and they headed back inside to play some chess.

Now though, as they walked into the hall for dinner, Harry spied Blaise sitting with the Slytherin's but noted Malfoy wasn't with them. He decided to go after him when dinner had finished and talk to him as he hadn't had a chance that afternoon with spending time with Ron.

Once he was seated, Harry then looked over to the head table and saw Severus watching him with interest. He realized the man must have been wondering why Harry was smiling happily walking next to Ron so putting his hands under the table he gripped his wrist and sent a message to appease Severus's thoughts.

Ron apologized, guess we are friends again.

Harry then set about piling his plate full of food as did Ron and when he looked up at Hermione from across them she was smiling madly at them.

"What?" Harry said defensively but she simply shook her head and went about getting some food for herself.

The rest of dinner went smoothly and Harry saw Blaise standing without the entourage of Slytherin's following him so he knew this was the best time to talk with the teen.

"I'm going to catch, Blaise. I'll see you guys upstairs?" He didn't know why he was asking but he felt a lot better when Hermione nodded and he jumped up following Blaise out into the corridor.

"Blaise?" He called out and jogged to meet up with him.

"Harry." He said stiffly and continued walking.

Harry knew then and there that he was obviously upset so he grabbed the Slytherin's arm and stopped him going any further, looking at the hurt eyes that were gazing through him.

"You're upset with me?" Harry asked and he nodded.

"I am. Outing Draco is one thing, but using my name like that isn't okay."

"Yeah, I'm really sorry Blaise. I was angry and reckless by not thinking. Please forgive me." Harry tried with his best puppy dog face and he saw Blaise considering his comment.

"Draco is furious." He said and Harry nodded in understanding, he knew the blonde would be.

"I guessed he would be." Harry said softly.

"So I'm going to need your support, and Hermione." He said and Harry was a little surprised at the admission.

They both turned when they heard voices coming towards them and Harry was led down the corridor towards the Dungeons, he didn't resist though and let Blaise lead him away.

"Draco is interested in me. That's why he's been rather weird lately. He said to me that when he came to visit he just saw me in a different environment and liked what he saw." Blaise said when they were in a little alcove by the Slytherin common room.

"Is he going to take this out on you?" Harry asked cautiously but Blaise shook his head.

"No. He's angry at you, and only you but he has kept his distance from me all day."

"I hope he doesn't hurt you." Harry said suddenly, not really knowing where it came from.

"I hope not too."

Next thing Harry knew, they were hugging and Blaise held on to him tightly and Harry welcomed it not even flinching about the fact that if Severus caught him right now he'd probably be in trouble.

"Thanks, Harry." He said and Harry smiled at him as they let go.

"You're more than welcome to sit with us. Ron and I had a talk and he will be okay with it, not that I need his permission but the atmosphere won't be awkward like it was before."

"Oh, okay. I'll keep that in mind." Blaise said and gave Harry another quick hug before he stuck his head out into the corridor.

"I better get going, but I'll see you tomorrow." He promised and Harry agreed before the Slytherin disappeared down the corridor.

Harry stayed where he was for a little while before he transformed into Jade and snuck out into the large corridor with the intention of making his way up to the tower. He was glad that he transformed because he passed several suspect Slytherin's on his way and it was at this moment that he wished he were a fierce lion or something to the same effect so he wasn't picked up and tortured. Luckily for him though nothing like that happened and he found himself in the main entrance hall with many people dispersing into their different directions. He happened to look up and found Ginny walking with Lavender and he jumped on her foot to get her attention. He knew she'd seen him in the tower before and he was glad when she cooed and picked him up.

"Hello little guy." She smiled and Harry purred with the warmth of her hand on his

belly.

"Aww he so cute." Lavender piped up and Ginny held him close to her chest as they ascended the stairs.

"I have no idea who's it is, he just appeared one day." Ginny explained and refused to pass him over to Lavender who wanted to hold him.

"No, he chose me." She said petulantly but smiling and they giggled as they walked the length of the hall to the Tower.

"Oh, hey." Hermione said coming up to Ginny who was making a beeline for the couches.

"Haven't seen you in ages, Jade." She cooed patting him and then took him from Ginny who looked a little put out.

"Jade?" Lavender asked and Hermione nodded.

"Suits him don't you think?" She said and took him upstairs opening the door to the boys dorm and putting him down.

She waited a few minutes before Harry came back out and he thanked her before they sat on the stairs to have a chat.

"So what did he say?"

"Malfoy's pissed, but I already knew that and he said he was upset with what I said so I apologized. I said that he should sit with us at meal times, I know Ron won't mind will he?" Harry asked her and she shook her head.

"No, he came to terms with him being your friend ages ago. It's just taken him till today to fess up." She smiled and Harry laughed.

"Oh good. It's really good to be the three of us again." Harry admitted to her and she agreed as well.

"Feels like old times. You guys eating like pigs, getting detention whilst I study in the background… oh yeah, great." She said sarcastically and he swatted her arm.

"Hey! It wasn't all my fault." He tried but she wasn't buying it and stood up.

"Whatever." She sung as she descended the stairs and he had to shake his head at her actions.

Definitely feels like old times, he thought to himself.