Author's note:

We have received several reviews expressing hate of the plot in this story concerning Snape's guardianship of Harry. While we do like constructive comments, any remarks containing character bashing will not be approved. The story is marked as a Severitis and will continue to be one. If you do not like the plot, do not read the story please.

"Where do you think you're going?" Snape, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, demanded.

A slightly startled Harry bristled and said, "For a walk. Hedwig needs to get out of the dungeons."

The old bat crossed his arms and raised a brow.

"Inside the castle," Harry said with a heavy sigh. Snape continued to bore his eyes through Harry, who said with annoyance, "I promise! C'mon, Snape! You can't keep us down here forever! Some of us actually like the sunlight!"

The man continued to stoically bar the door, his raised brow a silent accusation, for a moment, then said suddenly, "I have your word? You will not leave the castle without an escort?"

"I said I promise!" Harry snapped. "What more do you want?"

Snape appeared to be considering that, and Harry hastily added, "I need my arms and legs to play Quidditch."

"I suppose an Unbreakable Vow isn't necessary," Snape said. "But the consequences will be just as dire if you put so much as a toe outside this castle alone. Am I understood?"

"Yes Sir," Harry intoned dutifully.

Snape stepped aside, adding, "I expect you to return for luncheon, at noon. That gives you four hours of unsupervised 'walking'. Although I know it will be immensely difficult for you, at least try to stay out of trouble."

"How could I get into any trouble in an empty castle?" Harry snarked, rolling his eyes.

Snape snorted and said, " If there's trouble to be found, I have no doubt you will manage to find it."

"Huh," Harry mused. "And you always said I could never do anything right."

"Save your cheek for the classroom, Potter. You have no audience here," Snape said, his face scowly.

"Can I go?" Harry sighed.

"Yes, you may go," the old bat said grumpily.

Finally released to freedom, Harry, Hedwig clinging to his shoulder, quickly set out down the corridor. Harry reached the Entrance Hall in record time, and then stopped, unsure of how to proceed. He looked longingly at the massive entrance doors, wondering if he could just open one and just look outside, breathe in a couple lungfuls of fresh air? Surely that wouldn't hurt? A soft hoot from Hedwig and a squeeze of her claws into his shoulder, stopped him.

"Yeah, alright," he told her resignedly."You're going to have to fly out a window then, you know. There's nowhere else for you to...wait a minute!" Harry turned toward the staircase and said, "I know where we can go and both of us get some fresh air!"

Hedwig flapped her wings round his head, as if warning as she voiced her distress call. They walked on,taking two sets of stairs and several hallways.

Harry had just flung himself round the final corner to his destination, when Hedwig gave a loud squawk, lifting off from his shoulder, and Harry's laughter abruptly turned into his own loud squawk as he suddenly found himself sprawled on the stone floor. Slightly stunned, he looked round to see what he'd crashed into, and was astonished to find himself gaping at an equally astonished Draco Malfoy.

"Malfoy!" He blurted, wondering how hard he'd smacked his head. What was Draco doing here?

The other boy's expression quickly turned to a scowl as he rubbed his own forehead and said, "Potter! Must you hurl yourself everywhere? What are you even doing here?"

"What am I… what are you doing here?" Harry said sourly, picking himself up. "I thought you were at your Aunt's house."

"I thought you'd finally been placed with proper wizards who would teach you some manners," the blonde boy said disdainfully, as he stood and prissily brushed his clothes off.

"No such luck," Harry said in amusement. "I've been stuck with a real old bat."

Draco finished setting himself to rights, and eyed Harry up, saying, "So...what? You ran away to Hogwarts? Hate to tell you, Potter, but this is the first place they'll look."

"No," Harry said. "This is where they placed me. With the old bat."

Harry tried not to laugh at Draco's expression when the knut dropped.

"What?" the other boy howled in outrage, "They put you with Snape, while I have to endure being treated like a bloody house elf?"

"Of course you would think Snape was the better option," Harry said, shaking his head. "So, if you're with your aunt, why are you here?"

Malfoy heaved out a distinctly put upon sigh and said, "My uncle. He's the new Muggle Studies professor. They've given their house away to strangers and moved us all to the castle. I live here now"

"Gave their house away?" Harry said doubtfully. "You mean they sold it?"

" No, they moved us out, and are allowing some Muggles to occupy it. Can you imagine?"

"You mean they're letting it out?" Harry said with a laugh.

"Yes, Potter, that's what I said. They're letting someone else live there!"

Draco said irritably. Harry decided it wasn't worth trying to explain, and said, "So...what are you doing? Where are you going?"

The other boy looked at him and said archly, "Escaping being treated as a common labourer. Yourself? I'm surprised Snape hasn't turned you into potions ingredients yet."

"Not like he hasn't threatened to," Harry grumbled. "I managed to make a break for freedom."

Malfoy nodded, and they stood there awkwardly for a few moments until Harry said, "Well, I was just going to take Hedwig and myself for an airing up on the Astronomy Tower. You can come along if you want."

"I'm supposed to walk..." Malfoy stopped, looking about with a scowl,

"Where did he get to now? Tony!" he shouted, "Big Tony! Get back here at once, you menace!" Harry frowned at Draco, wondering how hard he hit his head.

"Big Tony?" Harry said warily. "Are you alright, Malfoy? Who's Big..."

There was an ear splitting yowl, a sharp yipping bark, high pitched screeching, and Mrs Norris came zooming down the corridor, her lamplike eyes huge, a crazily yapping crup hot on her heels, and Hedwig flapping after them. Harry stared after them as Draco put his face in his hands, shaking his head and said, "That, Potter, is Big Tony. My cousin's horrid beast."

"Should...shouldn't we go get him?" a nonplussed Harry asked warily.

"I refuse to chase that..that...dog...around this castle again," Draco said with finality, "He's already slipped his lead twice and…"

"Just Accio him," Harry said reasonably. Draco's expression wavered between disgust and anger, his pale cheeks flushing, and mumbled something indistinct.

"What?" Harry asked.

"I said I can't!" the other boy suddenly shouted, clearly embarrassed," I don't have my wand!"

"Where's your wand?" Harry asked. "Why wouldn't…"

"Because, Potter," Draco ground out between clenched teeth, "My law-abiding aunt has decided to enforce the no under aged magic ridiculousness and confiscated it. Happy now? And even if I did have it, you can't Accio living things, you dolt. You'd know that if you and Weasley ever paid attention in class!"

Harry shrugged, pulled out his wand, aimed, and cast Immoblius on Big Tony on his and Mrs Norris' return trip down the corridor, stopping the crup mid bark.

Mrs Norris took advantage, and streaked off, presumably to tattle to Filch, and Draco snatched up Big Tony's lead. Harry cast Finite Incantatum, and Big Tony finished his bark with a surprised look on his face.

"Did you tell your aunt the underage magic rule doesn't apply at school?" Harry asked with a knowing smile on his face.

Harry snickered at Draco's look of surprise before he muttered, "Erm...no…I…I didn't think of that."

Harry wasn't going to admit he hadn't either. Snape had inadvertently told him so before handing Harry's own wand over.

Hedwig hooted and nipped Harry's ear as if reminding him of her needs, so he said to Draco, "Coming?"

He turned and headed up the stairs to the top of the tower. Draco and the crup followed him up, and they stood taking in the view, Harry inhaling the first breaths of fresh air he'd had in days.

Hedwig hooted again, and Harry told her, "Go ahead, Girl. Take a turn over the pitch for me"

He watched her flap off, gaining height and speed before braking to glide smoothly over the grounds.

"Don't you dare!" Draco suddenly said, and Harry saw he was talking to Big Tony, who was sniffing about in a circle, pawing at the stone.

"Why are we up here, Potter?" Malfoy said irritably. "Let's go down to the grounds. The beast needs to do his business."

Now it was Harry's turn to be embarrassed.

"I can't," he said, cheeks heating up. "I'm not allowed out of the castle."

"What did you do?" Malfoy snickered, "Don't tell me Snape has gone all mother hen over his new chick."

"It's your fault," Harry started heatedly.

"My fault?" Draco exclaimed. "How can it be my fault? I haven't even seen you in weeks! You can't blame everything on me, Potter!"

"It's your stupid relative!" Harry insisted, "My whole life is you and your stupid relative's fault! I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him! I'd have my parents if it weren't for him! He should have been kissed for what he's done!"

"Kissed? Are...do you mean Sirius Black?" Draco said with a frown. "He's got nothing to do with me. What's he got to do with you?"

"What's he got to do with me?" Harry asked flatly. "He was my parents' Secret Keeper. He betrayed them to Voldemort, and Voldemort killed them. Then he killed thirteen innocent people and another friend of his and theirs. That's why he was in Azkaban. And now he's escaped, so I'm not allowed out of the castle without an escort. He's the reason I'm placed with Snape. So he can protect me."

"But how is that my fault?" the other boy asked with a frown.

"He's your relative!" Harry shouted in frustration, "Your mother and aunt's cousin! "

"Potter," Draco said. "My mother had nothing to do with him. Just because he's a Black doesn't mean anything. He wasn't even a Slytherin! My aunt had nothing to do with him either. He's a killer, not me. Not my mother or my aunt either. You can't blame us for what someone else has done just because we come from the same family!"

"Oh?" Harry snapped. "Doesn't stop you from blaming your aunt for marrying a Muggleborn!"

"That's hardly the same thing, Potter," Draco said. "She's a blood traitor, but she isn't a killer."

Harry snorted derisively and ssid,"Ironic that you feel that way, isn't it? I mean, Black did change over to your side after all."

The other boy sighed and said, "This again. You just don't get it, Potter, but then, you wouldn't. It's not about killing. It's about preserving our world. That's all. Keeping magic pure, keeping us safe. What do you think the Statute of Secrecy is about?"

Harry turned and looked out over the grounds. This was so confusing, and he wasn't sure what to think. He loved being a wizard, he loved magic, and he was aware enough to admit, it made him feel special. Different from his own aunt or cousin. But different, not better, like Draco thought he was. Harry hated that Aunt Petunia hated magic. Yet, he also hated that Purebloods hated Muggles. He didn't know what to think right now.

He sighed. He supposed, to a point, Draco was right. Harry couldn't blame him for what a relative of his did, unless he himself wanted to be blamed for what his own relatives did.

He turned back to the other boy, and noticed Big Tony had relieved himself while they'd been arguing.

"Looks like Big Tony has had his say." He snickered, nodding toward the corner.

"Oh…you filthy beast!" Draco moaned disgustedly.

Harry pulled out his wand and vanished the evidence with a laugh.

"Thanks," Draco said tersely. "You, you…animal!"

He admonished the crup, who barked in agreement. Harry swore Big Tony was smiling.

"Want to have a walk around the castle with me?" Harry asked. "I still have some time before I have to be back for lunch."

Draco sighed and said, "I suppose. There's nothing else to do. You can't leave the castle...is Snape going to allow you to play Quidditch? He can't stop you from doing that, can he?"

"He probably could," Harry said as they set off back down into the school proper. "But he isn't. He said Black isn't stupid enough or brave enough to come after me in front of the whole school. I wanted to get in some extra flying practice before school starts."

He shook his head and said ruefully, "He's going to allow me thirty minutes in the evenings, and he'll escort me. Thirty whole minutes!" Harry rolled his eyes, shaking his head again. "I can go out, but I'm not allowed to leave the grounds,"

Draco said, tugging on Big Tony's lead. "Why must he sniff every particle of dust in the place?"

They continued along the corridor, and several inhabitants of the paintings called out to them, asking when dogs were allowed as familiars. Several of them seemed confused about why there were students in the castle already.

"Nosey Parkers the lot of you!" Draco told them disdainfully. "We're here on special assignment."

Harry snickered, "Dumbledore asked us to decide who should go to storage and who should stay hanging."

"Right," Draco said, catching on. "But I think perhaps some rearranging should be done as well."

He handed Big Tony's lead to Harry, and began shifting the paintings about, as several of their denizens fled to their neighbours amid the general cacophony of squeals and protests, while Harry laughed.

"There," Draco said, satisfied with his work.

"Well done!" Harry applauded while Big Tony barked joyously. Both boys' heads snapped toward the end of the corridor, where they could hear the grumbling approach of Filch.

"Run!" Harry said, and fled to the other end, Big Tony barking, and Draco hot on his heels. They ran down two additional corridors to be safe, and collapsed against the stone walls, breathless with laughter. After they calmed themselves, Harry had used his wand to make a small fountain of water for Big Tony.

Draco said, "You know, my aunt is an artist. She paints those magical portraits. My mother has a few in her sitting room from when they were young girls. She's really very good too."

"Yeah?," Harry said. "My aunt just stays home and cleans obsessively all day. Well, she must do it now, seeing as I'm not there anymore."

"I suppose Muggles have no choice, without magic, " Draco said. "But...don't they have some sort of domestic workers or something?"

Harry stared at Draco, amused, trying to imagine what it must be like to have lived your life not ever having to do anything for yourself. "Does your aunt have house elves too?"

"No," Draco said disgustedly, "We have one here, but they didn't have one at their cottage. I offered to summon one from the Manor to ease my aunt's burden for the remainder of my stay, but she said no, most emphatically. I had to tidy my own room, and help do chores. My mother would be aghast if she knew."

Harry couldn't help it. He threw back his head and laughed.

"What's so funny, Potter?" Draco frowned. "Any self-respecting household has elves."

"The Weasleys don't," Harry pointed out.

"I said self-respecting, Potter," the other boy said, his lip curled, "Of course the Weasleys don't. Don't speak of them to me."

Harry bit his lip, curtailing the anger he felt at the spoiled little ponce's disparaging of his best friend. He couldn't wait to see Ron again, but until then, unless he wanted Snape's company all day, Draco had to do. He looked off down the corridor, telling himself that of course Draco hated the Weasleys, after all, Mr Weasley was why Draco was here. With some difficulty, he swallowed the hard lump of his anger, and stood up.

Draco did as well, glancing at Harry. "Oh, c'mon, Potter. You can't tell me you'd rather spend summer doing chores!"

"No, but at least it's something to do," Harry said, continuing their walk. "I don't even have a hobby other than Quidditch."

"You mean like my uncle," Draco mused, "I don't understand how what one does for work can also be a hobby."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, confused, "Your uncle teaches as a hobby?"

"No," Draco said with an exasperated sigh. "How would he...nevermind. No, he's really a manual labourer. He builds cabinets and wardrobes and other furniture on commission for a living, but then he also makes things as a hobby. He had a woodworking shop at their cottage, and now he's brought it with him here. He's only a Muggle Studies professor because Dumbledore asked him to be because Professor Burbage is off disrupting lives at the Ministry."

"Woodworking, furniture making, is hardly manual labour," Harry said.

"He works with his hands," Draco said, "That's manual labour."

"Your aunt works with her hands," Harry pointed out.

"That's different," Draco said haughtily, "She's an artist."

"So's your uncle if people commission him to make bespoke furniture " Harry said, "You have a really skewed view of the world, Malfoy. You can't look past him being a Muggleborn."

Draco ignored that and said,"At least we didn't have to bring my cousin with. She's the worst. Uncouth and vulgar. Mother would be appalled."

"Sounds like everything appals your mum," Harry said. He wasn't prepared for Draco's reaction, and was stunned when the other boy whirled around, grabbed Harry by the collar and shoved him up against the wall.

"Do not speak of my mother, Potter. My mother is a lady. She's perfect, and don't you dare think otherwise." He growled.

Harry frowned and pushed the other boy away. "You know, Malfoy, I've listened to you say things about my mother because she's dead, or because she was Muggleborn, and I haven't laid a finger on you. But if you think you're so hard, c'mon. I'll make sure Quidditch won't be an option for you this year. You want me to shut up about your mother, then you shut up about mine."

They stood there glaring at one another, and Harry added, "And call your dog off."

Big Tony was baring his teeth at Harry, a low growling rumbling through him.

"Stop," Draco snapped at the crup, still glaring at Harry.

"Let's just agree our mothers are off limits," Harry said in a hard voice.

"Agreed" Draco snapped back.

"Alright," Harry said, relaxing a bit. Another awkward silence passed between them before Harry turned to continue walking.

"Potter," the other boy said, stopping him. Harry turned around to face him, noting the grim look on his face. Draco said, and looked away. "I'm sorry your mother is dead."

Harry frowned; the other boy looked as if he may actually...cry?

"I'm sorry she's dead, and that you had to grow up without her, but...mine isn't, and now she's locked up in some filthy cell somewhere, and I don't know when I'll see her again, and...no offence, but you...you don't understand, because you've never had your mother…" he swallowed hard and then seemed to get a grip on himself,

"I overreacted, Potter, and I apologise for putting my hands on you." Wow, Harry thought, Malfoy was capable of being human after all.

"S'alright," He nodded and said. "You're right. I can't miss what I never had, but I'm sure you miss your mother. Best to just agree our mums are off limits."

Draco looked down at his feet for a long moment and then said, "Thank you, Potter."

They both turned and headed down the corridor. As they walked, Harry tried to think of something neutral to say that had nothing to do with mothers, blood status, or any other potentially argumentative topic. Not easy, considering his companion. Disagreement seemed to be a key factor in his dealings with Malfoy.

The other boy saved him the trouble, however, saying with his usual disdain, "I hope we get someone decent this year for Defence Against the Dark Arts."

" Anybody would be an improvement over Lockhart," Harry agreed.

"Snape should teach it," Draco said. "He's always wanted to."

"I'm sure he knows enough of the Dark Arts," Harry said with a heavy emphasis on the word dark.

"Father says Snape is quite brilliant at spellcrafting, " Draco said.

"Maybe he should teach Charms or something. Speaking of Charms, did you know Flitwick used to be a duelling champion?" Harry volunteered.

The other boy sighed and said, "I wish he had a real, duelling club here. Or fencing. Anything interesting . This school is boring. All we've got is Quidditch."

"A duelling club would be cool," Harry agreed. " Maybe you could ask Snape about it."

"Me? Aren't you Snape's Chosen One now?" Draco snickered, laughing at his own lame joke.

"You're a real riot, Malfoy," Harry said. "The only thing Snape chooses me for is a target."

"Oh boo hoo, Potter," Draco said. "He's just trying to help you be a better student, you know."

"But who's going to help him be a better teacher?" Harry retorted.

"He's a good teacher," Draco said with a little heat in his tone. "And a good Head of House."

"Well of course you'd think so," Harry snorted, "He's your Head, Arse kisser."

"I knew you would think living with him was a treat," Harry said with a disgusted moue.

"You know, Potter," Draco said, conversationally. "Your own worldview leaves a lot to be desired as well."

"Yeah, well, having a mass murderer after you changes things a bit," Harry said with a heavy note of sarcasm.

"You need to learn to recognise your opportunities, Potter, and then take advantage of them."

"Oh do tell," Harry said archly. "Impart your words of wisdom upon poor little me, oh Arsekissing One."

"Sneer all you like, Potter," Draco said loftily. "All I know is that if I were in your shoes, with a murderer after me, I'd be asking Snape all the questions I could think of about defence, duelling, dark arts, protection spells. I'd take advantage of living with my teacher,and learn a thing or two."

"Hmm, that's actually good advice, Malfoy," Harry conceded, then added evilly "what's your excuse then? You haven't learned a damn thing from your uncle, your teacher. Maybe when you start practicing what you preach, I'll take your advice to heart, yeah?" Harry felt a momentary sense of victory at, apparently, leaving the blonde boy speechless, even if only momentarily. "After all, isn't taking advantage what your House is famous for? I think your Slytherin is slipping, Draco."

"Strangely enough, Potter, I have no interest in the Muggle world. I'm a wizard, and don't plan on leaving the wizarding world," Draco said, "why waste my time? There's nothing Muggles can do better than wizards. Even with all my uncle's machines and tools, he still uses magic to improve the things he makes."

"Really," Harry said, curious now, "I thought we weren't supposed to enchant Muggle objects."

Draco looked at him as if he were stupid and said, " They aren't Muggle if they're made by a wizard, are they? He doesn't sell the enchanted pieces to Muggles, you dolt."

"Oh, right," Harry said, feeling as stupid as Malfoy obviously thought he was. "So, he has the whole shop he brought with him?"

"Yes," Draco sighed. "Noisy machines and all. Tools, cutting things, smoothing things. It's pointless if you ask me. He could accomplish the same things by waving his wand, and in a lot less time, with a LOT less noise and dust."

They had reached the Entrance Hall again, and Harry glanced at his watch. He had fifteen minutes. He should go back.

"Sounds pretty interesting to me," Harry said, "I'd like to see his shop sometime."

"You would think so, Potter '' Draco said, rolling his eyes. He huffed out a put upon sounding sigh and said, "Fine. I'll show you."

"Not now," Harry said. "I have to get back for lunch or Snape will go off his nut again."

Malfoy shrugged and said "Suit yourself. I need to take the beast here out anyway."

They stood there looking about for a moment, then Harry said, "Right, I'm off. Later, Malfoy."

With that, he headed back down to the dungeons to resume the torture that was Snape.

Once at the door of their quarters, Harry laid his palm on the thick, iron banded wood of the door, and it immediately swung open. He would never grow tired of magic. Even though he was five minutes early, he expected to see Snape standing, arms folded, eyebrow raised, on the other side, but the old crow was nowhere in sight.

"Snape?" Harry called out, tentatively. When only silence answered, Harry shook his head and muttered, "Typical, Snape. I rush back and you're not even here."

He wandered over to the table and sat down.

"Tea?" he said and immediately a steaming cupful appeared.

"Pumpkin juice," Harry said, and took a sip when it appeared.

He leaned forward and whispered warily, "Firewhisky!"

Instead of a tumbler full of liquid, Dobby appeared, arms crossed, ears flapping as he slowly shook his head from side to side, his brow furrowed over his large eyes.

"Dobby!" Harry said happily.

"Harry Potter knows he should not ask for alcohol, Harry Potter Sir," Dobby chided him.

"I don't really want it," Harry said defensively, "I just wanted to see if it would appear."

"Not until you is seventeen," the house elf said , "Dobby must return to the kitchens now, Harry Potter Sir. We is busy making lunch for Mr Hagrid!"

With a nearly inaudible pop! Dobby disappeared.

Harry drank his juice and waited for Snape to return, which he did a few moments later, his normally neutral expression showed a fleeting glimpse of surprise to see Harry already there.

"It's about time," Harry said, "I'm starving!"

,"Then why didn't you eat?" Snape frowned at him and then nodded at the juice and tea and said "You know how to do so"

"Amazingly enough," Harry said, his voice heavy with sarcasm, "Aunt Petunia did manage to install some manners in me, so I waited for you."

"I had to wait for a potion to finish brewing, " Snape said, sitting down, gracefully.

"Luncheon" he said without making eye contact with Harry, and two plates full of fish and chips appeared, curry sauce, mushy peas and all.

"How did you occupy yourself these past four hours?" Snape asked.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Harry laughed.

Snape looked at him, eyes narrowed and asked, "Why exactly wouldn't I believe you?"

"I went with Draco Malfoy while he walked his dog," Harry laughed.

"Very funny,"Snape scowling going back to his lunch.

Harry waited a few moments, munching his chips, til eventually Snape asked, "What did you actually do all morning?"

"I actually walked a dog...well, a crup..with Draco Malfoy," Harry said with amusement. "Don't believe me ? Go ask him."

Snape's black eyes bored into Harry for a moment, and then he said, "Very well. I'll bite. Where did you encounter Draco Malfoy?"

"I crashed into him at the foot of the astronomy tower. Knocked us both on our arses," Harry said, enjoying himself. "We went up the tower with Big Tony, that's the crup, and I Iet Hedwig out to fly. Then Big Tony crapped in the corner and I had to vanish it because Draco doesn't have his wand." Snape stared at him incredulously before sputtering, "Oh for...at least try to make it believable, Potter! Draco Malfoy with a crup."

"Named Big Tony," Harry added, laughing.

"Fine " Snape said. "As long as you didn't leave the castle, or cause irreparable damage, which I would have heard about either way, indulge in your fantasy world, Potter."

Harry laughed and said, "How do you not know this? I thought you were friends with Charity?"

"Miss or Professor Burbage," Snape said automatically. "And what does she have to do with anything?"

"She placed Draco with his aunt and uncle."

"She did not. Bellatrix and her husband were sentenced to life in Azkaban, thank Merlin," Snape said dismissively.

"Right, but his other aunt."

"Andromeda?!" Snape said in astonishment.

"And uncle Ted," Harry added, "He's the new Muggle Studies professor, so they've all moved here to the castle. I would have thought Dumbledore would have mentioned that at least."

"Professor Dumbledore," Snape said automatically, if a bit more thoughtfully. "Why doesn't Draco have his wand?"

"He says his relatives are sticklers for the law, no underage magic." Harry began "

That doesn't apply at Hogwarts," Snape said, "I told you that."

"And I told him." Harry said. "Maybe his aunt doesn't know."

"Perhaps," Snape said.

"Do you know them?" Harry asked.

"Andromeda was a Slytherin," Snape said. "She was a seventh year when I was in the first year. I knew of her, but I had no more than a passing acquaintance with her."

"But you know Draco's mum, right?" Harry asked. "Did my mum know her?"

"At school, Narcissa was ahead of your mother and myself, and although she was also a Slytherin, I did not come to actually know her until later years."

"What's she like?" Harry asked. "Draco said she's a lady."

"In the manners and etiquette sense, very much so," Snape said, " She is very refined and proper, and she made sure Draco was raised to be the same."

"Proper ponce" Harry muttered. Snape heard him, judging by his expression, but said nothing.

"Was my mum a lady?" Harry asked. Snape's expression softened, and he said, "Very much so, but not in the same vein as Narcissa Malfoy is. Your mother was, of course, well mannered, proper, but she had a spark, a somewhat fiery personality. She did not allow your aunt, try as she may as the elder sister, boss her around. Narcissa Malfoy is also a younger sister, youngest of the three, but she was intimidated by her equally ill-tempered elder sister, whereas your mother was not."

"By the one Draco is placed with?" Harry asked.

"No." Snape said grimly, "By Bellatrix. It was she who convinced Narcissa to turn her back on Andromeda when she married."

Harry thought about that for a moment, pushing his chips around on his plate as he did. He popped one into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully , then said, "But...if there's bad blood between sisters, why did they place Draco with her?"

"I imagine Andromeda must have applied to have him," Snape said. "The same as I did you."

"Yeah, why did you do that again?" Harry asked, not really expecting an actual answer over a snide remark.

He was therefore a little surprised when Snape said, "I will not lie. It wasn't because I felt any particular emotion toward you. Potter. I do, however, recognise your importance to our world, and the need for you to be protected at all costs."

He paused for a moment and continued quietly, "As well as…for the memory of your mother."

He added cryptically. "I let her down once. I will not do so again,"

Before Harry could ask what that meant, the man abruptly changed the subject. "I will have a word with Draco's aunt and uncle about the issue of leaving him without his wand. Not only does the no magic outside school rule not apply here, it is inadvisable to leave him without the means to defend himself, particularly if you and he keep company. You are a target, should Black manage to break into Hogwarts, he is a liability to you without his wand."

Harry snorted and said, "I don't need Malfoy to protect me."

"My concern is not him protecting you. My concern is your proclivity for saving others and disregarding the danger to yourself."

Harry looked at the man, who cocked his brow and said,"You would not hesitate to save him, and you know it. Whether he would save you, is debatable, but his self preservation instinct is strong. He will choose himself first, which negates the issue of you having to do it for him."

Harry thought about Draco's taunting of Hermione when the Chamber had been opened, his words about ridding the school of Muggleborns. His calling her a mudblood, and all his regurgitating of his father's pureblood values. He supposed Snape had a point. Draco would probably save himself first, and while Harry couldn't fault him completely for that, he still knew he himself would always try to save everyone.

"At least with his wand he can clean up his own dog's mess," Harry quipped.

"I confess, I cannot picture Draco Malfoy with a dog," Snape smirked.

"Well, a crup," Harry said. "I think he said it actually belongs to his cousin."

"Ah...Nymphadora," Snape said with a tiny grimace.

"Nymphadora." Harry snickered. "What is it with names in that family?"

"Believe me, she hated it. She insisted on being called by her surname, even by her friends."

"You know her," Harry stated.

"I had the misfortune to teach her." Snape acknowledged.

"Well, apparently she left her dog..crup, in Draco's care. One of his chores."

Snape uttered a loud snort, and Harry was surprised to see a distinctly amused expression on Snape's usually grim face.

"He complains a lot about chores," Harry said. "He thinks it's beneath him to tidy his room or help with dinner."

"As it is a completely alien experience to him, I'm certain he does," Snape said, his amusement coming through in his voice.

Harry couldn't help his surprise at this. At Snape's attitude toward Draco. He'd expected Snape to defend Draco, yet he'd as much as said Draco was self-centred and spoiled. Harry knew this, but he'd thought Draco was Snape's golden boy. Not only that, but the man seemed to be in a fairly good mood, sitting here chatting over lunch, answering Harry's questions, not having insulted him even once. In fact, he seemed to, if not agree, at least understand Harry wanting to keep everybody around him safe.

"So...was Draco's cousin a bad student?" Harry asked.

'"In theory, no. In practice...let's just say she'd give Longbottom a run for his money in accident potential clumsiness," Snape said wryly.

"You know Neville is afraid of you, right?" Harry said a bit belligerently.

"As well he should be," Snape said. "That boy's inattentiveness may well be the death of us all one day."

"It's because you intimidate him," Harry said defensively. "That makes him nervous, and then he makes mistakes."

"I suppose Granger 's constant nagging whisper in his ear has nothing at all to do with that," Snape said sarcastically.

"She's just trying to help," Harry said lamely. He had to admit to himself sometimes Hermione could be more of a hindrance, but he'd never tell Snape that.

"Do you understand that she is not helping him? The only thing he is learning from her constant interference is that if he doesn't do what she says, she'll never shut up. Her whispering answers to him is preventing him from learning, for thinking for himself, finding the answers himself."

"Still, " Harry countered. "you needn't be so hard on Neville. Scaring him is only going to make him more nervous."

"Nevermind Longbottom. Or Granger for that matter, and worry about yourself," Snape said with a dismissive wave of his fork. "And speaking of yourself, have you given any thought to the classes you'll be taking when term starts?"

"Not really," Harry shrugged, "Defence, Charms, Transfiguration, Astronomy, Divination..."

"You will not waste your time with Divination, " Snape interrupted."Divination in general, and the instructor in particular, are not something you need subject yourself to. You would be far better off learning something useful."

"Such as?" Harry asked archly irritated by the high-handed way Snape spoke to him. "

Such as Arithmancy, or Ancient Runes," Snape said, "I recommend Arithmancy."

"I don't even know what that is!" Harry protested.

"It is the study of the magical properties of numbers," Snape said.

"Maths?" Harry asked with a despairing note creeping into his voice. "I hate maths! It's so boring! I had it in Muggle school and that was enough, thanks."

Snape had cocked his brow again, never a good sign, and was scowling at him. "It is not 'maths' per se, although it does involve numbers. Numbers have magical properties. You have heard of the Muggle term 'lucky number seven,' have you not? There is a reason for the use of that particular number, although not one Muggles would ascribe to or even know about for that matter."

Snape assumed a more pedagogical tone as he said, "While arithmancy is a form of divination, using the magical properties of numbers, it is not the same as divining the future from such inane objects as tea leaves and crystal balls. Arithmancy is more akin to statistics, which is a science involving the analysis of numerical data."

"It sounds boring. And hard," Harry said as he sullenly picked at the remnants of his peas.

"On the contrary," Snape said with a frown. "It's quite fascinating. It will teach you to develop critical thinking skills, something that will benefit you in every phase of your life."

Harry was still doubtful. It sounded mind numbing to him.

"It will help you become better at Quidditch as well," Snape said with a little disgusted tilt of his lips. "Critical thinking will help you to quickly analyse the advantages or disadvantages of certain moves, to play more efficiently, which will better your chances of success."

Harry perked up a bit at that. He loved Quidditch, and wanted to be the best. Maybe even someday play professionally, but he and Ron had planned on Divination so they could skive off for the class. One less bit of schoolwork meant a few more hours of free time.

"Yeah," Harry said, "I'm just going to go with Divination."

"No, you will not," Snape said with an insulting amount of calm. "You will take Arithmancy."

"No, I won't," Harry said hotly through gritted teeth. "You can't tell me what classes to take! They're called electives for a reason, so you can choose, and I choose Divination!"

"You will not waste your time with a completely irrelevant class like Divination," Snape growled. "You will take Arithmancy. There will be no further discussion." "

You can't tell me what to do!" Harry shouted, springing to his feet, outraged now, his chair clattering over behind him. "Who do you think you are, Snape! You're not my parent! You're not anything to me!"

"I am your guardian, Potter, and as such, it is my duty to see to your best interests. You will take Arithmancy. I will not approve Divination, or any other soft option." Snape remained seated, still scowling, but calm. The only thing to give his irritation away was the way his fingers clenched the spoon in his hand, his knuckles white.

"You don't have to approve anything!" Harry shouted back, "I'm taking Divination, whether you like it or not, Guardian!"

Suddenly Snape's scowl disappeared, and he shrugged. "Very well. Take Divination. You can use all the time you won't be going to Hogsmeade to study it."

"You can't..." Harry sputtered, outraged all over again.

"Ah, but I can, Mr Potter " Snape said calmly, "Parental and/or guardian permission is required for Hogsmeade visits. You didn't know? Signed permission. Which you will not receive if you insist on this foolhardy choice of Divination over Arithmancy. It's your choice, Potter. Choose wisely."

Harry stood there staring at the loathed old bat, fists clenched at his sides, seething and speechless with rage. He would do it too, Harry knew, and take pleasure in watching Harry left behind while Ron and Hermione traipsed off to Hogsmeade without him. He felt helpless with his rage, a lump rising in his throat, eyes burning.

"I hate you!" he choked out.

"I'm sure you do," Snape said with a tired little shrug of his shoulders, "make your choice. I have work to do…"

"Fine!" Harry spat, "I'll take your stupid class! But I want a copy of that signed permission thing so you can't change your mind, you hateful old bat!"

Harry didn't wait for an answer, running to the door and slamming out, running to get as far away from the bastard as he could before his tears fell.

Thanks for reading. Please take the time to let us what you think with NO character bashing.