Chapter Thirty Two: Confrontation.

Harry made his way down to the dungeons before dinner. He still had his bag and books with him, and he decided he'd catch up with Ron and Hermione later (after he'd spoken to Severus). He had to get this out in the open, and he had to ask why the hell Snape was going easy on him. Or if not that, then not telling him that he was starting to fall behind again?
He knew the last few weeks had been stressful. With Snape being injured and Harry looking after him, and then there was Professor Desiree. But to be honest, he'd actually gotten a lot more homework done than he would have with Ron and Hermione. Hermione would still force them to do homework, but being in the silence of the dungeons helped him get things done quicker. Not to mention if he needed help with a question he could always as Severus—a professor and a highly intelligent wizard. Not that Snape fed him the answers, but he sure as hell explained things well enough for him to understand it.
The office door was open, and he didn't bother knocking, walking inside. Snape was sitting at his desk, head down and writing onto a piece of parchment.

"Potter, what are you doing here?" asked the Potions master, looking up from his paper.

"I had a word with Professor Desiree just before," started Harry, "She asked if I could stay back, and that I need more private lessons if I want to stay in Potions class."

Snape lifted an inquisitive brow, lowering his quill. "And why would you need more private lessons?"

"I was hoping you could tell me that, Professor," said the Gryffindor tetchily.

Severus frowned. "I have not been teaching you for weeks, Potter, I can't very well see why I would know about your Potions lessons. Believe it or not, but Professor Desiree and myself do not make a habit of speaking to one another." Despite the fact that the part Veela had tried to get to know him, Snape was not interested, and he made it clear the last time they spoke on the weekend. He put a complaint in this morning about her and her attitude towards the professors and students. McGonagall took it seriously—turned out he wasn't the only professor to complain.

"She said that I'm falling behind, and that you've been lying to me about my scores because you didn't want to hurt my feelings."

Snape almost laughed, attempting to swallow his tongue. "And you believed her?" he finally asked. Merlin, why would he ever keep that from a Gryffindor!? Harry or not, he'd still damn well make it apparent that he was falling behind.

Harry shrugged, not knowing what to say. "Well… I don't know," he said, looking around the room. "I was hoping maybe you could clarify things for me."

Severus leant his hand beneath his chin, watching the Gryffindor. He always did enjoy when Harry looked flustered. "Well, I'd imagine it's quite obvious, Potter. Professor Desiree has been spoken to about her behaviour, and I'd imagine she is attempting to meddle in business that is not her own." That or she was trying to get Harry alone for some reason. He never trusted her to begin with. Could his gut be right? Could she really be some sort of spy, ready to sell something to the papers about them? He supposed if she were smart, she'd be hiding it until her position was over.
He'd also spoken about that to Minerva, but she said nothing could be proven upon his 'gut feeling'. She didn't trust her any more than he did, so at least that was somewhat reassuring. Minerva could easily spy on her in her Animagus form if she really wanted to.

"So…" Harry's eyes narrowed a little as he thought about it, "you're saying that she's just trying to get back at you for putting in a complaint about her?"

"That seems the logical reason behind her behaviour. Of course, I have not seen your grades recently, but I could always test you if you needed me to. I am still in control of the lessons, I am just unable to attend."

Harry hardly needed a pop quiz right now. He really missed Snape teaching, though. He never thought he'd ever have that feeling, but it was true. As sharp tongued and as strict as Snape was, he got the point across in his lessons. Shut up, listen, learn and pass.

Standing from his seat, Snape moved around towards Harry, his robes following. "Potter, it's quite clear what she wants from this. Either time with you alone, to get something from you, or to try and tear us apart for some unknown reason. Obviously she wishes to gain some sort of information. Considering I showed her no interest, she will most likely be after the next source."

"She's a Slytherin, Sev… she'll win either way with what she wants, and I don't want to have private lessons with her. I'm just a student and, technically, she can control me."

Yes, Slytherins were very ambitious and usually went to extreme lengths to get what they wanted, Severus knew this.
"Have you forgotten that I am a Slytherin, too, Potter?" he asked, raising a brow and folding his arms across his chest.

Honestly, sometimes Harry did forget that Snape was a Slytherin just because he could act so differently when not in public view.

"As a professor here, she may be able to make simple suggestions, but I assure you, the Headmistress has the final say when it comes to anything we wish as professors here." After all, he didn't want to take Harry into private lessons himself at the beginning of the school year, but here they were, with Christmas nearing.

Harry felt a little bit relaxed at that. Not by much, because he had a feeling that she was going to hound and harass him, but at least she didn't really have that much power over him. She could give him detention, though. The thought of that wasn't good. Especially if she really was looking to get information about his and Severus' relationship. He'd have to make sure to keep as silent as possible about everything.
"What am I supposed to do, then?" he asked. "Do I just… take what she says? I mean, she doesn't really have the right to give me lessons if I'm not failing. But I can't very well prove that I'm not, because she's the one keeping my scores…"

"Do you wish for me to speak to her? Those lessons are more mine than they are hers. In fact, I can get your results from her right now if you wish?"

"No!"

Snape raised a brow. "So you wish to be harassed?"

Harry frowned. "No… I just don't want her to feel like she's winning."

This time Severus smirked. "Very well. What do you wish to do, Potter?"

The Gryffindor felt his shoulders slack. "I guess the right thing to do would be stand up to her and tell her I'm not failing."

"But you are unaware of your grades. I assume you don't wish for her to know you have informed me of this, so I cannot give them to you," explained Snape in an amused manner. Scheming with Potter was actually quite enjoyable, and a surprise to him.

True. Harry groaned, his shoulders slumping. "When are you coming back? Potions sucks with her, Sev."

Well, Snape would have thought Hell had frozen over when Harry Potter claimed that he was a good Potions professor. "Two more days, Potter, and I will be back in class."

Thank God. Harry couldn't wait until then. But then why would Professor Desiree start asking about private lessons, as if she were staying longer than that? Harry felt an awful feeling in his gut. And then he heard a knock on the door, seeing Professor McGonagall standing there. Oh Great, he bet anything that she was here because Professor Desiree told the same story to her.

"Good, you're both here," said the witch, looking back and forth between the two. Both Severus and Harry turned their attention towards her.
"I just received word that you have been 'going easy' on Potter previously in classes," said the Headmistress.

Harry instantly grew angry. "She's lying, Professor!" How dare she go and spread these rumours!? Harry and Snape had had a hard enough time with other rumours let alone these ones spreading around the school. No doubt she'd told other students as well, just to get the word going and get Snape into trouble over it.

McGonagall gave a questioning look to the Harry. "Potter, is there something you wish to tell me?"

"It seems that Professor Desiree is out for revenge from the complaint that I put in about her," stated the Slytherin, his hands going together in front of him. He was positive Minerva didn't give names when she spoke to Desiree, but the other witch was smart enough to know he didn't like her.
"You don't honestly believe that I would go easy on Potter simply because I am in a relationship with him? That's preposterous."

No, McGonagall actually didn't believe that at all. She knew very well that Severus would not do something like that. Especially not to a Gryffindor. Despite Harry being one, he still didn't favour them.
"No, I don't believe it, but I had to investigate it either way," she noted, seeing Harry relax. "Potter, I have been looking at your grades, and there has been a slight fall in the last few weeks, which does make things look suspicious."

Snape's brow furrowed and Harry mentally growled. "It's her," he said. "She's doing it on purpose."

"Each professor does have their own teaching method," stated Snape, looking to the Headmistress with a shrug.

"I've been doing everything you taught me!" Harry protested. "She makes us learn from the books, which I know now are half the time wrong, and she doesn't put instructions on the board like you do. Wouldn't everyone's grades be going down!?"

Potter did have a point. "Your grades had increased during private lessons with Professor Snape, Harry, which makes it look suspicious. I believe the both of you," she quickly added as Harry's mouth twitched, "but you must understand what this may look like to others."

Harry couldn't control the tight knot in his stomach which was boiling. He was pissed off that Professor Desiree would go and do something like this and make the both of them look like cheats. No one would have ever believed that Snape would go easy on him, but now that they were in a relationship? Everyone probably would.
"I'm not going to get kicked out over this am I? Or Severus lose his job? It's a lie! She can't win like this!" he continued to fight. It just wasn't fair! She was just being bitter because nobody liked her the way she wanted them to. Because they were in a relationship!

McGonagall put her hand up. "Potter, calm yourself," she said, shaking her head. "I do not believe Professor Desiree's claims, and I have known Severus since he was a boy. I assure you, I am well aware of his feelings towards Gryffindors."

Snape just inclined his head. It was no secret.

"Severus, do you think you could return to classes tomorrow? I think Professor Desiree has overstayed her welcome, and I do find her behaviour unacceptable for Hogwarts." After the discussions she had had with multiple teachers (and students), it was very much time to let Severus back into his position as Potions master.

"I would have to check with Poppy, but I do believe I am well enough," said Severus. He saw Harry relax at the thought of that from the corner of his eye. Well, it was good to know at least someone would be looking forward to his return. He doubted anyone else would be—not that he cared.

"Excellent," said the Headmistress. "I believe I am needing to have another talk with Professor Desiree. Oh, and I have spoken to Longbottom. He will be entering classes tomorrow. Please be gentle with him, I'm afraid he might burst at the news…" She clicked her tongue.

Severus eyed Harry for a moment before giving a formal nod of the head as McGonagall left once more, closing the door behind her. He turned back to Harry. He almost felt like saying 'I told you so' but he knew it wouldn't get him anywhere. Clearly Potter had spoken with her about Mister Longbottom wanting to retake Potions.
He was, of course, very curious to the conversation that McGonagall and Desiree would share. Of course, he wished he was there to see it happen, but these things were meant to be private. He usually trusted Minerva's judgement, and was more than thankful that he could possibly be returning to classed tomorrow. The look on Desiree's face would be very satisfying for him to see. He doubted he would, though. A disappointment.

"Look, I'll partner up with him if it helps any?" the Gryffindor suggested, feeling a grin cross his face. Now that Professor Desiree was off the job (he figured), his whole body had loosened at the thought and gone straight to Neville joining classes tomorrow.

"Potter, Mister Longbottom is a lost cause, so unless you wish for your own grades to lower-,"

"He's not a lost cause!" Harry protested angrily, "You just don't give him enough credit."

Snape felt a hot slap in his gut as Harry defended the other boy. "If he wastes my resources, you will be joining him in detention, too," he warned. "Ingredients don't just walk into my personal stores, Potter, they take effort to collect."

Harry knew that. "I'll help him."

"Why is it so important for you to help Longbottom?" asked the Potions master, taking a seat back at his desk.

"Because he's my friend. And because he is good at it when he puts the effort in. You just scare him a lot."

Severus rolled his eyes. It wasn't honestly like he did it on purpose. Longbottom was just a bumbling fool when it came to Potions.

Moving forward, Harry leant his elbows down onto the desk. "Please be nice to him when he comes back, Sev. I offered to help him, and I don't want him regretting it. He wants to be an Auror just like me."

"I was under the impression that Longbottom wanted to work with Herbology…" Snape muttered, trying his best to look back down at his work. He hated when Harry did this, with those large, green eyes of his, looking at him, wanting something out of him.

"Yeah, he does, but I think that's more of a hobby thing… "

Severus looked up, his eyes halving. "Do you even know your supposed friend, Potter? Or are you just trying to make him do things he doesn't wish to so you can have that odd little trio trend you have when you and Granger part ways?"

"It's an opportunity of a lifetime," explained Harry. "Besides, if he changes his mind, then at least he's still got the experience." He stopped for a moment. "And what trio thing?"

"Weasley, Granger, Potter, and now Weasley, Longbottom and Potter?" Merlin, even Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. "I don't know what it is about your generation, but they seem to travel in packs of three." At least Harry was being smart about his ideas on opportunities, though. Having the most experience one could get was a very good thing.
He mentally sighed, rubbing his forehead when Harry just gave him an odd look. "I promise nothing, Potter. If Longbottom behaves and works well, then he should have nothing to worry about. If not… that is a different story."

The Gryffindor shook his head. "Fine, I can't tell you how to teach-,"

"You're bloody right you can't."

Harry smirked, Snape's face stern. "Alright, alright. I'll try and help Neville the best I can. I'm sure I can reassure him that you're not as scary as you used to be."

Severus just returned to his papers. "If I am to return to class tomorrow, then I best get myself sorted and check in with Madam Pomfrey. Dinner will be served soon enough, Potter, you best head to the Great Hall."

Harry moved his hands across the desk, moving the parchment and ink out of the way. "You're trying to get rid of me?"

Looking at those gorgeous green eyes of Harry's, Severus lifted his hand to take the young wizard's chin, lifting it with his index finger. "Always, Potter," he smirked, pushing the Gryffindor's face away.

Harry pouted, rubbing his chin. "Fine," he muttered disappointedly. As he turned around to walk out, he was yanked back by his collar, Snape behind him. He stiffened as he felt the man's warm body against his back. Just from the scent and feel of Severus, he was already excited and wanted more.

"I look forward to sharing my classroom with you, Potter," Snape hissed gently into the Gryffindor's ear. He could see a warm blush on Harry's face, and he smirked—despite his own flushed cheeks (he was getting more confident, though). He nudged Harry towards the door, and the both of them were left flustered. Sometimes Severus wondered if he enjoyed making himself suffer.

*****
The following morning, Harry and Ron had a free period together. They were sitting out in the courtyard when Ron nudged him in the side, making him look up. Oh, no. It was Professor Desiree, and she wasn't wearing a very friendly expression.
He hadn't heard of anything since last night with Snape and McGonagall (which he'd told Ron and Hermione about). He knew she was getting the sack, but he didn't think she'd still be here. Obviously the train had been scheduled this morning to take her back to London. He wondered if Severus knew about this. He and McGonagall were tight, he probably did. Severus didn't miss much.
"Professor, what can we do for you?" he asked curiously as she stormed her way over. Clearly the complaint had hit the roof. She looked fuming! Her trunk was trailing behind her by an invisible force.

"I suppose you think you're smart, hm, Potter?" she indicated rudely. "I should have known you'd go whispering to your boyfriend about the discussion we had. Gryffindors can never keep their mouths shut."

Harry really didn't enjoy hearing that word. Ron was gawking beside him, pale and obviously unable to think of anything to say.
"Excuse me?" he asked, raising a brow. "You never said anything was confidential, and I have all the right to talk to Professor Snape. He's my teacher for Potions, and he knows my grades better than you do."

"Don't be so daft, he hasn't taught in weeks!" she snapped. "I should have known Hogwarts was corrupt and bias anyway. Why would they believe me? A substitute, when you're all so tight nick together? Doesn't matter anyway, I got what I came for," she said, holding a few rolls of parchment in her hand.

Harry eyed the documents. He knew it! Snape had been right, she was here to sell a story to the Prophet!
Immediately, he tried to grab the papers, but she was much taller than him. A familiar hot feeling bubbled in his gut. "Give them over! You don't have any right to talk about me and my relationship!"

"You think the world is fair, Potter?" laughed the witch. "You're just a boy. A boy who was forced into a hero. And now that everything is over, your life will be plastered all over the tabloids. Even though I am a qualified professor of Potions, there is always room for a little extra cash. And why not considering I was already coming here? And this is the juice that they want. Harry Potter, the Gryffindor hero being bonded to his protector, Professor Severus Snape. A former Death Eater."

"Hey, shut your mouth!" Ron yelled, ears going red as he realised he'd actually yelled at a teacher, let alone defended Snape.

Desiree smirked at the two of them. "Always did have your faithful sidekick, didn't you, Potter?"

Harry couldn't control the anger that was now surging its way into his shaken fists. He was about to outright lunge at the professor and rip out his wand when he felt Ron grab his arm and nudge his head towards the figure who was quickly approaching.

"Professor, is there a problem here?" said the very cool voice of Professor Snape. He quickly eyed the two Gryffindors. Harry was beyond furious, wild green eyes narrowed beneath his fringe.

"She's got clippings!" Harry said darkly. "She's been writing about us and is going to sell them to the Prophet." Ron was silent beside him.

"You're going to listen to a boy?" asked Desiree, giving Severus her best smile. "Oh, come now, he's just upset at the fact that I questioned his grades. You've seen them; you know very well that they have dropped."

"Yes, I have seen them," Snape stated bluntly, both Harry and Ron tensing. "However, I do believe the fall of Potter's grades is the result of a poor professor's teaching methods." Despite his calm composure, Severus was furious inside. If she weren't a woman, he may have cursed her already. How dare she come over and torment Harry? That did not sit well with him at all, and he could feel his magic burning at his fingertips. Damnit, Harry really did have a way of making him lose control of himself.

Desiree's teeth clenched. "You're questioning my teaching abilities?" she hissed, obviously embarrassed, "And in front of my students!?"

"Your students?" Severus asked with a snort. "I don't know how you managed to weasel yourself in here without the Headmistress knowing of your goals, but you are nothing but an idiotic witch posing as a professor to get pathetic information for a story that only moronic people would believe and read. They were never your students to begin with, they are mine, and anything that happens in my classroom is my business and it will stay there. Now, hand over the parchment."

Ron was still stiff, as if too worried to move, and Harry just watched. Snape's eyes were dark despite how calm he looked. He knew very well that he wasn't going to let Professor Desiree get away with this, and he was thankful for that. Severus was very serious. And very angry.

Desiree scoffed, clutching the papers into her hand that she had attempted to hide from the Potions master mere seconds ago. "Oh, Severus, you know us Slytherins. We always get what we want."

"Yes," Snape smirked, "we do." Within a flash, his wand had slipped from his sleeve and a jet of light struck the papers in Desiree's hands. Instantly, they turned to ash. "You should know better than to wave your pride in the face of a dangerous wizard."

The other Slytherin hissed. "You think I won't remember what I wrote down!?" she snapped. "You have no idea who you are dealing with. I can write anything about you in the papers! And those 'moronic people' will believe it! Do you understand?"

Severus didn't slip his wand away, but he did give the woman a very dark glare. "I don't think you have any idea who you are dealing with," he said dangerously as he approached her. "Get off the school property or I will have you arrested. Now that Potter and I are bonded, who do you think the majority of the wizarding world would believe? It would be wise to keep your mouth shut, 'Professor'. Don't you know Potter has his 'faithful sidekicks'? And let me tell you, they are willing to go to extreme lengths to get what they want."

Desiree glanced quickly to the younger boys who were now looking at her with determined faces. She huffed, taking a step back from the other Slytherin, whose glare was almost as deadly as a Basilisk. She was no fool. She knew Severus could be dangerous.
"I was leaving anyway," she muttered. "Don't think any of you frighten me. You don't." She flinched when Snape's wand pressed against her cheek. Without another word, she quickly turned her heal and walked towards the boathouse.

As Desiree walked away, Severus turned back to the Gryffindor's. "Get to class, the both of you," he muttered hostilely.

"We have a free period," Harry said when he realised Ron wasn't going to say anything.

"Well then get inside."

"Professor, she's gone."

"Potter, I don't bloody well care, I said get inside. Now do so before I take five points from each of you for making me come over here and sorting out your stupid mess."

Ron grumbled and grabbed his things. "Professor?" Harry murmured in a whisper just so Severus could hear him. "It's alright, she won't really write that stuff, will she?"

As Harry's hand went against his arm, Severus felt himself relax momentarily. He didn't know why the whole thing had made him so angry, but he hated the thought of anyone bother Harry and getting up in his face. "Harry, we can discuss that later. Now go, the both of you," he said, his voice calm. "I will see you in class."

When Snape walked away, Ron gave Harry a surprised look. "Bloody hell, is he always like that?" he asked, heading into the castle. He didn't hear what Snape and Harry had said to one another, he was too busy grabbing his things.

Harry smirked a little. "He's a little protective…"

"A little?" Ron raised a brow, shaking his head.

Harry felt his cheeks warm. "Well, it's the bond, really. It sort of makes us… hostile, jealous and protective of one another. Well, more so than we usually would be."

"Harry, Snape protected you for years when he hated you… Don't you think now that he has feelings for you that's he's gunna be even more intense? Bloody hell, he looked like he was this close to cursing her!"

Harry made no illusion to how protective Severus could be. "Hey, at least he told her, didn't he?"

"You're not wrong," Ron said in a surprised awe. "Never thought I'd be thankful for Snape telling someone off."

Harry just grinned as they headed back inside. He wondered just how protective Severus could be, though. Ron was right. He'd protected him when he hated him, and looking back, even though it was spiteful, Snape still did it. Now that he was bonded to him and liked him? Who knew just how dangerous a protective Snape could really be.