Chapter 2

The next day in potions, Snape stopped beside Harry's desk, not bothering to whisper as he spoke, "I hope the golden boy had a good time in Lockhart's detention last night. Were you able to bond over how much everyone loved you two Potter?"

Harry gritted his teeth, his cheeks flushing, "He just made me respond to his fan mail Professor."

"Yes well, I'm sure you had a great time at it. You and your new little friend. Must be nice to have everyone love you, Potter. You just can't get enough attention can you?"

Harry snarled at him, "Leave me alone!"

Snape smiles darkly, "Tsk tsk Potter. Talking back to a professor. That'll be detention tonight at seven sharp. And don't even think about convincing Lockhart to get you out of it this time."

The Slytherins snickered and Harry felt embarrassed. Who was he to make fun of a student like this? He hated Snape.

When he arrived at detention that night, Snape made him clean all the basins and made him organize the entire pantry. Harry was exhausted by the time Snape let him go back to his dormitory. Harry had barely spoken at all. He was still recovering from his summer with the Dursley's and he needed to get his strength back. He felt like he just wanted to lay in bed all day and sleep. His entire body ached, bruises and scars underneath the glamour. At least it was almost the weekend and he'd be able to rest. Quidditch was starting up again this weekend too so he'd be able to get some muscle tone back on his body as long as he ate a lot to bulk up.

As Harry left the classroom, Snape watched the boy. Something was off about him and Snape decided he wanted to know what it was. The boy was acting…unexpected. He wasn't talking back as much as last year and he looked tired, almost like he wasn't sleeping. He had always been skinny, but he seemed skinnier than when he left for summer break.

Snape wondered if Potter was trying to act all sweet and respectful to get Snape to lower his shields around him and then come back to full power with his insolent little bratty attitude. He didn't like the thought. He'd put an end to it before it even began.

The next week went by quickly and unfortunately for Harry, things were getting worse with Lockhart. It had gotten to the point where he was so focused on avoiding Lockhart's touch that his grades were struggling more than usual. He was having trouble paying attention in class and he couldn't sleep at night.

"Potter!" Snape shouted, slamming his hand down on the desk in front of Harry.

Harry realized the entire class was staring at him. He must've zoned out. His face reddened. He was in so much trouble.

Snape snarled at him, "Detention Friday night Potter. For not paying attention in my class."

Harry ducked his head and nodded, trying to get back to his work.

When Friday rolled around, he meant to go to dinner after DADA and then to detention but Lockhart stopped him on his way out.

Harry waved his friends on without him but immediately regretted it when he found himself alone with Lockhart, the blonde man smiling widely at him from across the room.

"Come sit Harry. Will you have some tea with me?" Lockhart said, patting the chair next to him.

"I should really get dinner before Snape's detention tonight sir. Maybe another time." Harry spoke, trying to get away.

Lockhart waved him off, and grabbed his arm, guiding him over to sit down. "I'll order you some food to eat here. I was hoping we could pick up where we left off last time."

He set a cup of tea down in front of Harry and sat next to him. Wanting something to do with his hands, he picked up the glass and began sipping it slowly.

Harry's head began to droop and he felt dizzy.

The cup slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor. He fell to the floor looking up at the pearly white teeth of Lockhart, "Professor?"