Butterfly Effect

by Fugaa

Poppy Pomfrey takes seriously her job and notices Harry is underweight and small for his age and creates a butterfly effect. Severus Snape takes seriously his job and makes Harry Potter's well being his personal mission and starts another butterfly effect. Well, perhaps he takes it a bit too seriously. Set in the 2010 s Yes, that means social media and phones.

2. Crazy

Dumbledore was sitting on his desk, pensively, while Harry's eyes drilled holes into the floor. Snape stood by the window, observant. Dawn had broke, the soft morning light was casting a calming aura. All had a tea in hand, Harry's spiced with 6 drops of a calming potion.

"My boy" the old wizard began "it is my fault, I should have explained it to you" he regretted painfully. "I have failed you thrice this year" he sounded very tired.

"I heavily underestimated " Harry gripped the armchair he was sitting on tightly. "What a brilliant wizard you have become" the words brought no consolation.

"You must learn Occlumency, and soon." Harry hadn't heard about the subject and before he could stop himself he raised his head and gaze the older man questionably.

"The art of protecting one's mind" he explained "Severus is most proficient on the matter, after all he is our spy inside Tom's inner circle." Snape lifted a dark eyebrow.

"We have been strangely fortunate" Dumbledore began explaining "we have confirmed you can peek through the snakes eyes, and we know he remains ignorant of it" Dumbledore finished listing. "And of course it must stay that way."

Harry nodded, at the lack of something better to do.

"A strange room you say, and looking for something." Dumbledore turned to Snape who assented "He wishes to hear it himself" The low voice confirmed. Harry was lost.

"You know what he is looking for" he stated, not really asking. Dumbledore sighed and crossed his fingers over his lap.

"I do" he confirmed.

"But he must not find it." Dumbledore wasn't sure if he should say anything more, Harry could tell, but after a brief moment he came to a decision that would change everyone's life.

"He searches for a prophecy." Snape gasped, surprised Dumbledore would disclose the secret so freely.

"about you and him"

Harry was flabbergasted, he absolutely hated divination and now he finds out that a stupid prophecy had been dictating his life up until that very moment. What the fuck.

"Prophecies may not necessarily become real" he began, remembering his essay about them.

"Tom cemented it when he choose to believe it and target you and your parents" Harry felt even more stunned, all these was surreal. "He killed them because of a fucking prophecy?" He voiced incredulous, Dumbledore frowned at the curse but let it slide.

"He killed them because he felt threatened." Dumbledore corrected him "By you" he added "all prophecies are kept under the watchful eye of the department of mysteries. That is the dark room you described" Dumbledore explained "The prophecy was made to me, but it was regrettably overheard and recounted to him" he paused "still, he doesn't know it word by word."

Dumbledore made a gamble with his next decision but figured it would be for the best "that's where we are heading, right now"

"Albus you cannot be serious" Snape began protesting but shut up at his Master's raised hand. "Don't alert the order Severus." He instructed "only Harry can grab the prophecy, we must be swift before he realizes about the connection and forces visions into Harry's mind purposefully" and drives him even more mad than he already is.

"Let me accompany you" Snape pleaded "the boy is still shaken you can't possibly-"

"I can and he must" Harry squared his shoulders and stood immediately up. Feeling ready for whatever they were going to do. If he was risking his life, better.

"Upon our return you will begin with occlumency lessons but this can't be delayed" Snape began pacing.

"Harry your invisibility cloak, go and fetch it, unnoticed" Harry bolted towards the common room after casting a final look at Snape, who was growling angrily like a caged animal. He gave the man a small smile, and his scowl softened a bit. Then he was gone.

Harry cast a concealment charm over him and avoided teachers who might be the only ones that could see past his enchantment. He retrieved his cloak successfully and hurried back to Dumbledore's office.

Snape wasn't there anymore, Harry felt the need to ask.

"He will make sure no one suspects your absence" Dumbledore clarified "off we go"

---

Dumbledore was tremendously tall, Harry feared for a second his cape wouldn't cover him completely but of course the thing magically grew a few more inches and fit them both perfectly.

They entered the ministry through Mr Weasley's private office and head towards their destination with a second to waste. A river of wizards and witches flowed through the hallways, starting another day at work. They managed to avoid bumping into anyone and passed inadvertently. Dumbledore guided them with expertise through the bloody maze and when they finally reach the lift, they got in.

The annoying music made Harry restless, he felt that they were going down the very earth's core, after a few moments the bell rang. Finally the doors opened and Harry almost yelped when they encountered no other than Lucius Malfoy standing on the other side with a bored expression on his face. Dumbledore pushed them to the side and out of the lift, then they remained very, very still.

Malfoy must have suspected something was wrong when apparently no one exited the lift. He stood just before them and inspected his sorroundings, taking his time. His eyes swept every surface, he looked right past Harry, whose heart tripped over the next beat, but of course the royal blonde didn't saw him. His nose sticking up high, he hummed and entered the lift.

Harry exhaled with relief, Dumbledore nudged them forward through the corridor, one that felt awfully familiar. Finally they reached their destination. Dumbledore opened the door and they stepped into what appeared an enormous storage room with racks tall as trees full of hand sized divination balls that glowed softly. The room he had been dreaming of all this time.

Dumbledore guided them inside but suddenly Harry grabbed his hand and stop them. The tall wizard turned to him as if to ask what the matter was.

"I can hear it" he whispered "Just over there" he pointed down the dark row, shaking, so dark their eyes couldn't pick any detail up. Its voice was a creepy sound, it was mumbling apparent nonsense about killing. The snake was hungry. He felt his legs weakened but Dumbledore squeezed his hand.

"Don't worry, not even death could find us now" he assured him. Harry wasn't sure what he meant.

"It's guarding what we need" Dumbledore voiced their problem. "We have to create a diversion" he murmured.

"It must have heard the door open." Harry feared any direct attack on the animal would alert Voldemort. But then he remembered he had his headphones around his neck, and an idea came to him.

"Is it much far?"

"No just a few meters down the row" he hushed back

"I can leave my headphones here, we can go around the other way and when we are close I can play some music." It wasn't a foolproof plan, but it could work. If they cast any spell it would surely alert Voldemort, but music? It might not.

Dumbledore pondered on it for a second before nodding. "He will know it was you who took it anyway. But, I can buy us some time." They began to circle around the snake walking so quietly they might have as well hover over the floor.

When they were across the headphones Harry took out his phone and increased the volume as high as he could and even though they weren't speakers per se, he knew it would cut through this graveyard-ish atmosphere. He played something loud.

Muse's Supremacy startled the shit out the animal.

It's head whipped so rapidly Harry wondered how it didn't break its long neck. The snake hissed furiously and went to investigate. Dumbledore quickly lead him to the prophecy and took out a decoy, an exact same crystal ball, but a fake Harry supposed.

"Take it Harry and place this"

He needn't to be told twice, in less than two seconds he exchanged them and gave it to Dumbledore. Time to go. The Snake was attacking viciously his headphones and Harry saluted the fallen soldier as they passed them by.

Master. It hissed. Shit

"It's calling him." Harry said, Dumbledore nodded as, they waited next to the door.

8 minutes had passed when Lucius opened the door and as he stepped in, they stepped out. They hurried down the hallway that hunted him these past months and reached the lift in record time. A horrible feeling spread in his gut. Someone was coming. Harry gasped and almost tripped out of the cloak but Dumbledore anchored him firmly.

Voldemort stepped out of the lift. Harry's scar began to burn like wildfire and he rubbed it furiously trying to relieve the pain. He hastily closed his eyes, not wanting to give anything up. The last words he heard were:

"I am sorry Harry" then nothingness.

---

The first thing he noticed was that he couldn't move. His body felt heavy and there was a pressure on his chest that wouldn't let him breath easily. He tried to remain calm, but wasn't very successful.

"He is waking up" he heard someone, a woman. "Harry, easy" he was trashing on a bed.

"Hold him" two hands grabbed his face and something was shoved down his throat. He immediately relaxed.

"Follow my voice Potter" Snape, Harry would recognize him even comatose. "Try to wake up" Harry willed his nose to function and it didn't disappoint, the fresh citric smell confirmed it was indeed Snape.

"My eyes are heavy" he answered with a throaty voice.

"They are as lazy as you" it was Snape alright, Harry didn't know if he was grinning but he sure felt like he was. After a few more moments he managed to pry them open.

Madam Pomfrey and Snape were standing one on each side of his bed, Madam Pomfrey was gently stroking his hair while Snape had his arms crossed, wand in hand. The infirmary's white tiles were reflecting brightly the afternoon sun and it hurt Harry's eyes a bit.

"I will let the headmaster know we have been successful" and with that the woman left. Snape's eyes never left his face.

"What happened" Harry asked.

"The headmaster put you in a coma. A deep one, it took us 5 days to wake you up." Oh, 5 days.

"I missed our training, sir" Harry lamented. Both dark eyebrows shot up in surprise, then Snape's gaze softened and his mouth moved into an almost smile that made Harry's stomach flip and his heart soar.

What is this?

"Well, you always find some excuse to avoid your obligations" he followed. Harry gave him a joyful smile.

Their moment was broken when Hermione and Ron came running to his side.

"Harry what happened?!" The girl asked as she hugged him "the professor told us you fall off your broom" oh, a secret then.

"It behaved strangely and I slipped, I should send it for a checkup" Harry lied.

"Oh! what a shame, don't bother mate, the new thunderbolt is out" Ron happily suggested. And Harry was genuinely curious. Snape casted a last glance at him and nodded, then he left the trio alone to catch up. Harry felt a strange void inside with him gone.

He asked them to recount everything he had missed while being… indisposed. Ron told him how he had missed meeting graawp, Hagrid's brother, and Harry declared he would go and visit the half-giant as soon as possible.

Hermione recounted the most interesting topics, in her opinion, that had been discussed at their classes and offered her notes so he could catch up. Harry thank her (he was just going to take a picture and read them later)

A strange silence fell upon them, Hermione and Ron shared a worried look, that made Harry a bit nervous. What's up with these two? After a moment she nodded and grabbed Harry's hand, gently patting it.

"Harry, there's been a great battle at the Ministry." Harry's breath hitched.

"What happened?"

"The reports are vague and not very consistent, but apparently Dumbledore and Voldemort faced each other within the vicinity." So it was out in the open now. Voldemort had returned.

"How is Dumbledore?" He inquired

"No one has seen him since, we know he is at Hogwarts and that he is fine" Ron answered this time.

"Dad was there too, he was bitten by the snake, fortunately Dumbledore alerted the order. Just in time" Ron looked pretty blue.

"Is he ok?" Ron nodded

"He was released from st. Mungos two days ago. He will be fine by Christmas" two weeks till Boxing Day Harry mentally counted.

"Twitter is in mayhem. Social media in general, videos had been uploaded everywhere and Fudge has resigned" so now it was real. No more Harry the liar.

"I see, well. Anyone else's got hurt?"

"Puff pretty much everyone, but dad got the worst, Sirius had Bellatrix Lestrange for a moment but the bitch got away. He is fine, back home." Harry cursed himself for being so weak, but at least he hoped he hadn't been a burden to Dumbledore.

"Let's wait and see what they tell us" he declared resigned, the pair nodded in agreement. There was really not much he could do. The prophecy must remain a secret, and even though it pained him to lie to his best friends he would follow those orders.

Harry tried to change the subject and asked about his dueling club idea.

"Oh, Neville found the perfect spot" Hermione proudly announced, glad to talk about something else. "The room of requirement" ah! Harry had read about that in Hogwarts, a history.

"He found it!" Harry was impressed.

"McGonagall said that since the room had presented to us then we could use it" she was honestly excited and Harry shared her enthusiasm. "Our first meeting is next Wednesday"

And to think I almost killed himself.

They would have been so sad, what on earth had happened to him!?

"Thought of a name yet?"

"Oh you gonna love it mate, the poll its still open but the two finalist seem to be, Dumbledore's army" Harry made a face but figured it was passable. "And Fight Club" Harry immediately approved of the second.

"Wicked!" Ron grinned too, Hermoine rolled her eyes. "Let's watch the movie tonight." Harry proposed "go and pester Madam Pomfrey, I am feeling flawless." Harry begged "bribe her if you have to."

Ron, being the loyal henchman he was, set to the task immediately. After two hours of constant whining, the mediwitch let him go not before making him promise to take his new supplement potion for 5 days and a bowl of chicken soup for dinner.

---

Dumbledore summoned him the next morning. Harry walked through the sleeping castle, not minding to look ahead, while browsing for new headphones on his phone.

He was engrossed comparing specs between two sets but his body managed to alert him there was an obstacle on his way. Harry reacted instinctively, without looking up he pivoted around it with ease thanks to his quidditch and more recently boxing reflexes.

His nose immediately alerted him he was in presence of his favorite smell. Harry's eyes shot up to find Snape's scowl.

"You barely missed" crashing into me, was left unsaid "pay more attention to your surroundings, Potter" Harry ran his fingers through his hair sheepishly while putting his phone away. Snape followed the action with his eyes.

"But I miss still" he countered, resigning to the strange nervousness that recently set in his stomach whenever he saw Snape.

"Luck, Potter" Both knew it wasn't and stepped into a comfortable pace towards the Headmaster's office. Harry's tongue was tied, he wasn't the best conversationalist, as Snape often like to remind him, but he felt particularly speechless at the moment.

Too much had happened, Harry wondered if he should address his last fiasco. I should. He wanted to thank his professor, he officially owed him a life debt after all… yet, the thought didn't trouble Harry, he would do anything for the man since Snape had always been there for him. He stopped a few meters away from the headmaster's office. Snape turned to him and waited.

"I-" Harry began, frustrated with himself, words didn't come easy to him. "I can't think of a single thing I could do to repay you" he knew he was blushing and kept his eyes down not knowing how to face the man.

Had he looked up, he would have seen Snape's pained expression.

"I don't know how it scaled up so quickly" Harry tried to explain "I wasn't myself" he shyly forced his eyes to search for the obsidian ones, but the moment had passed and Snape's face was now unreadable.

What are you thinking? Harry wanted to ask. He hadn't realize he was biting his fingernails until Snape grabbed his hand and lowered it.

"Give me your phone" Snape requested after what felt an eternity, Harry immediately took it out and handed it to him unlocked. Snape texted something and gave it back. Harry's jaw dropped in amazement at what he saw, fuck his whole world shifted.

He now had a new contact labeled SS.

"If you somehow find yourself feeling suicidal again, do me the favor to text me beforehand" Harry looked up gleaming with happiness. "So I can smack some sense back into you" Harry's smile lit up the entire hallway, Snape answered with a compelling grin of his own.

"I will" it was a sealed promise.

A spark ignited something right there and then, both felt it.

"Lemon drop" Snape said, eyes still on him, the gargoyle moved and let them in.

---

Dumbledore was having breakfast in his personal parlour. He stood up and offered them a seat, tea and biscuits. Snape sat but declined the food, Harry thank him and grabbed a plate. He hadn't seen the man since their little adventure and was eager to know what had happened.

"Harry my boy, how are you feeling? You must forgive my last stunt" Dumbledore began, taking a sip of earl grey and leaning back on his armchair, looking at him intensely, as if trying to see past him.

"Just a bit weak, I'll be like new in no time" Harry replied "I completely understand why you did it, and I am actually glad you did, sir." He had been seconds away from a meltdown.

Dumbledore shared a looked with Snape that lasted a few seconds, Harry felt left out, like something was happening but they didn't want him to know.

"What happened at the ministry, sir?" He probed trying to bring them back, Dumbledore sighed and began recounting.

Dumbledore sensed Harry was being mentally attacked and inducing a magical coma was his first reaction. That way his consciousness would be throughly protected. The boy went limp but Dumbledore grabbed him firmly.

He hadn't seen Tom's snake face up until that moment. The man was truly mutilated in body and in soul too he suspected. He took out his phone and sent a text he had previously redacted.

Code red, department of mysteries

Voldemort rushed past them and Dumbledore stepped inside before the lift's doors closed. He took off the cloak and carry Harry with both arms. As the lift went up he pondered what he should do.

The doors opened and fortunately Kingsley was there ready for battle.

"Dumbledore!" He greeted surprised.

"Take him" he handed Harry's unconscious body to him and placed the cloak around them. He spoke to a now empty space. "Get him out of here, immediately" he ordered.

He pushed the button and headed down, again. The monotonous music felt a tad anticlimactic. When the lift doors opened, flashes of spells past right before his eyes.

Sirius, Remus, Tonks and Arthur were already there making a firm stand against the dark lord down the narrow hallway. Voldemort stopped attacking them as soon as he saw him.

He hissed and bolted the other way, towards the west lift.

Oh you don't, Dumbledore turned right and took a shortcut.

On his way there he encountered several death eaters. He recognized a few behind their mask as he wandlessly yanked them aside knowing full well that his friends behind him would take care of them. He reached the lift just in time to watch Voldemort trying to get in. He casted an explosive spell and destroyed it. The dark lord hissed again angrily and attacked full force. And so their battle began.

Dumbledore took another sip and told Harry Kingsley had handed him to Bill, who in turned had handed him to Charlie who brought him back to Grimmauld Place where Snape was waiting.

"Our battle went out of proportion, half the ministry is destroyed." Dumbledore said tiredly, rubbing his temple.

Harry felt totally worthless and contrite "I am sorry, I am such a burden" Snape tensed beside him but it was Dumbledore who spoke "oh no my boy! Never think that. You did excellent" Harry didn't buy it.

"I could have slip out unnoticed" Dumbledore offered. "But it was an excellent opportunity for us to uncover the truth right under their noses"

"I admit I didn't expect our battle to be so destructive, I am too old for this" his 110 years barely showed, the man looked 60 at most. Fit and strong. But he liked to complain.

"Severus" he turned to Snape who had his chin resting on one hand while his other was tapping his crossed knee.

"Your Occlumency lessons must begin immediately." He instructed. "Harry, let me clue you in, Occlumency is the shield you need against Legilimency."

"The power to read thoughts" Harry guessed.

"More like the power to invade other's mind" Dumbledore twinkled madly, changing abruptly from warlord to full scholar mode.

"Tom is an extremely skilled Legilimence" The old wizard pause and sobered rather drastically.

"and I am afraid after our little adventure he now knows about your connection and we can only assume he will torture you, and may even try to possess you" Harry groaned and covered his face with his hands, gripping his ebony hair tightly. And so his own personal inferno began.

"He told you, sir?" They all know whom he was asking.

"Yes, he has been trying to reach you, he actually did yesterday" Harry head shot up and turned to look at Snape.

"Mr Weasley fortunately let us know just in time" No wonder Ron was totally K.O. this morning.

"What did I do?" Harry didn't remember a thing.

Snape pursed his lips but hold Harry's stare "you were rocking on your bed" he paused and turn to Dumbledore who gave a small nod. "Eyes closed, mumbling something" obsidian eyes locked on emerald ones "pressing you wand to your neck"

Harry released a shaky breath and began biting his nails anxiously. Snape grimaced at the action and again grabbed his hand and lowered it.

"Professor McGonagall sent her patronus" Dumbledore continued "and we successfully broke the trance" a sip of tea "he didn't possess you per se rather, he used his legellimency to make you think you had to kill yourself" he explained "you understand now the importance of Occlumency" Harry nodded. Perhaps, unconsciously, he had pushed him to commit suicide as well…

"A piece of advice, I can already tell it will be difficult for you, because you are an honest and kind person." Snape snorted. Harry glared at him.

"Just keep in mind, that there are three types of secrets, the ones we keep to protect, the ones we keep to deceive" Dumbledore made a pause.

"And the ones we must deceivingly keep in order to protect others… and yourself." He finished ominously.

"An Occlumens must master all three, just begin by tempering your emotions and impulses. It's pure discipline." Harry nodded a bit worried. He was explosive and impulsive as hell.

"You must start right now, but let's scheduled them every Monday after dinner shall we" there was no room for debate.

"Now go, you have much to learn." And with that they were dismissed and stood up, but Harry had one last question.

"Professor, the prophecy…"

"Oh!" Dumbledore began with his mouth full, spitting some biscuit on his beard along the way, he took another sip of tea and continued "I destroyed it, right before Tom" he chuckled while brushing the crumbs off "you should have seen his face" there was mirth behind those eyes as he recounted his actions mischeviously, Harry admired the man even more right then, a man who could find amusement in any situation.

He endeavored to do the same.

---

Harry fell on the floor, panting. They had been going for hours and Sunday was almost over, not even stopping for lunch.

"I can't believe this, you are not even trying" Snape was clearly exasperated.

"You are tearing me apart!" He whimpered through his gritting teeth.

"Then do something to stop it!" Snape readied his wand

"No no, stop" Harry raised his hand and tried to reincorporate. "I am too tired"

"Really?! say that to the Dark Lord tonight, while he drives you back to that Quidditch pitch" ow low blow.

"Fuck!" Harry cursed, he was right of course. "Just the basics, explain me the basics" he pleaded.

"Again?! What do you want me to do grab some apples and dumb it down even more?" Snape growled venomously but lowered his wand.

"Not my fault you suck at teaching" it wasn't true but they were past the point of civility and both were quite scornful "sir"

"Not my fault you are incapable of controlling yourself, just like your father" Snape spat back in full professor mode. And somehow that insult hurt even more than being called incompetent or stupid, Harry wanted the rest to see HIM, just Harry, and stop comparing him with James.

"It's just, you feel like a wave that keeps crashing down upon me" he began, trying to convey how overwhelmed he was "I keep drowning, I try to swim but" he lifted his emerald eyes and pierce Snape with them "you are unstoppable"

Snape lips parted, but no sound came. He frowned and tried again "good thing you are no poet, Potter"

Harry finally found the strength to stand up and took off his shirt, he was burning. He wiped his pouring forehead with it and throw it over his shoulder.

Snape too began unbuttoning his outer robe to reveal a plain white shirt underneath he rolled up his sleeves and removed his belt. "Let's eat"

Harry thanked the gods and tried to look at anything but Snape when his nervousness kindly set in again. He had been suspecting it for a few weeks but now, looking at Snape in such state he confirmed it.

I have a fucking, stupid, ill-timing crush on my Potions Professor. Well, now he had a secret worth keeping if he wanted to continue living with what dignity he had left.

Snape called for the house elves and a two full meals appeared on the side table. Snape's personal office was simply furnished, so Harry conjured an extra chair wandlessly and sat across the armchair that already existed. Snape eyed the display of raw power with mild surprise, but said nothing and sat on his own armchair. They ate in silence.

Harry dreaded the end of his break, Snape would surely find about his last realization if he didn't do something about it. He had tried clearing his thoughts and reigning his emotions but that didn't work. He needed another approach, quite urgently. Even though Snape always told him he was airheaded and stupid his mind was always working: he didn't know what a clear mind was.

"Following your metaphor," Snape interrupted his musings "you say you try to swim" he began wiping his mouth with the napkin and leaning back on the armchair, continued

"But swimming against the current is useless"

"So I just go with the current?" harry proposed.

"No, you need to guide it, become the current" Snape tried to explain in other words "you won't drown not by swimming, no, you won't drown because you have to be absolutely certain you just won't" Harry tried to make sense of his words but couldn't and it must have shown on his face because Snape elaborated.

"You have to believe yourself inmune, you won't drown not by resisting the crushing waves, that is inevitable, they are investable, but by your sheer will of being unaffected. Maybe you have felt this before" he took a sip of water and continued "no matter what happened, you will succeed, to be so convinced about something."

Harry leaned back on his own chair and propped his elbow on the armrest, resting his chin on his hand. Snape meanwhile finished his fish and fried chips.

"Sheer will" Harry repeated, it wasn't about fighting against the inevitable but to remain unscathed despite of it. "Could we try" he began "to practice with some music? it has always helped me concentrate" he proposed.

Snape eyed him curiously "I am willing to try anything at this point," he consented "there is a speaker on the shelf." Harry stood to retrieve it.

It took him less than a minute to pair with it, he searched for a specific song that reminded him of a bittersweet memory, one of his earliest. When he found it he looked up to check if Snape had finished.

Snape had a blank face but his fingers were fidgeting with his wand impatiently. He tried gulping his nerves down but of course didn't succeed so instead he grabbed his t-shirt, that had remain perched on his shoulder all this time, gave it a little shake while casting a cleaning charm on it and put it on.

Snape quirked an eyebrow "you are proficient at wandless magic" it was a statement. Oh, he was so used to do that without a wand that it didn't occurred to him it wasn't common.

"Little burst of magic without a wand go unnoticed by the ministry" he explained. Snape hummed. If he had something more to say, he didn't voiced it.

"Are you ready" he asked. Harry pressed play and nodded. Crazy by Gnarls Barkley filled the atmosphere. Snape's face never betrayed his thoughts, he stood up and readied his wand. Harry braced himself.

"Legelimence"

Snape's intrusion was painful, like Harry knew it would, he didn't fight it. Instead he concentrated on the music and brought a memory forward in his mind.

He opened his eyes and there it was. The year, 2006, little Harry was locked inside the cupboard, a split lip and a purple eye his only companions. Harry looked at himself fondly, the boy was happy anyway grinning at a worn device.

Earlier that day he had managed to fix Dudley's old busted radio, and Crazy was playing on it. He was so proud. Not even Vernon's beating had dampened his good mood. It was his own birthday present. He would play it at a super low volume that he had to almost press it against his ear but his life has never been silent since then.

He felt Snape trying to pull another memory by force, but Harry forced him to watch. He remained fixed upon the spot as Snape ocean-like magic pushed and pulled trying to move him. But he continued listening to the song.

When the song ended he felt Snape retreat.

He was back at Snape's office when he opened his real eyes. To his surprise the man, far from seeming content with his performance, looked livid. Harry frowned, confused.

"Sir?" Snape clenched his fist around his wand and scowled even harder.

"What. Was. That?" each word carried a hateful tone. Harry took a second to understand to what he was referring and answered.

"You mean the memory? My sixth birthday." Harry said with a timid voice, biting his lip.

Snape closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. The memory of that same expression on Madam Pomfrey's face a few years flashed before his eyes… Oh.

"I am ok now" Harry tried. Snape opened his eyes and send him a burning look. "You, are far from ok, Potter" Harry knew that but

"At least I don't sleep inside the cupboard anymore" he tried again.

Snape huffed and turned around, he rested his hands on his desk and let his head fall. It looked as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders, Harry felt sorry for him. He was such an imposition, he would definitly put more effort on the subject.

"You improved, that would be all for today." He sounded tired. "You felt my invasion and kept me fixed upon one memory." He recovered and turned back to him, his face blank once again.

"You need to recognize Voldemort's presence and force him to do the same" Harry nodded. He would ask Hermione if he could borrow her headphones.

"The headmaster has requested that you sleep on the infirmary at least for a week" Harry began protesting.

"What?! No!" he hated there. The beds were horrible and he would be the school's main conversation topic if the news spread. He was anyway, but he didn't want to fuel the fire.

"You need to be surpervised until we are sure you can deflect the Dark lords attempts on your mind." Snape pointed the obvious.

"Couldn't Ron tell you?"

"You are willing to sacrifice Mr Weasley's pretty sleep? What a good friend you are" ugh, Harry hated he was right, he couldn't burden his friend with this.

Harry slumped into his conjure chair, resigned "ok" he finally agreed.

"Good, go and fetch you stuff. Madam Pomfrey has prepared you a private room" Harry nodded and thanked his professor before leaving.

For all the inconvenience this new arrangement caused him, he was still happy he had managed to maintain his biggest secret as such from Snape.

He must never know… his vow sounded empty even to him.

---

Harry was attacked every night for the rest of the week. But after his now 2 lessons with Snape he had come to familiarize himself with the feeling of being invaded and so he willed himself to wake up each time, aided by the perpetual music playing while he slept.

Every morning he found himself hurrying down to the gym to work out his rusted body. Even though he had only been on a coma for a weak, he had lost muscle rapidly and needed to make up for it.

Snape, true to their arregement had trained with him, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. He would ask how he slept and what he had dreamt of before starting, Harry would answer truthfully. Then he would proceed to smack the shit out of him with the mitts.

When Friday was over and he sat on the common room pensively as Ron and Hermione chatted excitingly about the Christmas break, his mind began replaying all that had happened in the span of a few months.

"Mate" he was brought back by Ron's voice and turned away from the window.

"You were absolutely brilliant on Wednesday" oh, yeah their club was now officially open. And he was forced to teach the little he knew about DADA to the rest of the members, who had been quite a few.

Ron wriggled his eyebrows suspiciously, Harry frowned.

"I was just on my way here and guessed who I overheard speaking about you" Harry shrugged, everyone did.

"Cho Chang" oh, he had totally forgot about her. "She was in raptures, telling all about our first meeting to her friends" she had been there? He hadn't notice.

"Really?" Ron nodded enthusiastically, mistaking his flat response with interest.

"You should ask her out!" Harry glanced back at the window and sighed.

"I don't know, I don't feel like dating very much" not exactly a lie.

"Your idea of having those sort of tryouts to divide the club into three groups was amazing" Hermione joined, smiling happily.

"Yeah well, it was logical, we can't pair a seventh year with a first" he didn't like the new responsibility, but he had to admit it had been fun.

"Only three managed to get to your advance group." Ron bounced.

"Yeah, I am surprised that only 3 could cast a Patronus" Harry agreed, the Weasley twins and a Ravenclaw he met that day, Thomas Watson. All seventh years but their patronus hadn't been corporeal.

"I knew you were good at DADA but didn't realize you were so knowledgeable." Hermione musedm, Harry shrugged again "I like it." he replied simply.

"I was thinking that our meetings should last just an hour, half we practice something, the other half we duel" Ron and Hermione nodded, knowing full well their meetings would probably last at least two. Harry had to try, though.

"So, Harry" Ron tried changing the subject.

"You going to Sirius'? Christmas break is now official" both his friends were due to return home tomorrow.

"Nah, I will see him at your place on Christmas day. I will remain here like always" he liked Sirius, quite a lot, but the constant mention of his father would sometimes tire him. Besides… he didn't want to miss his training and he wasn't referring to quidditch. They let the subject go.

The next day he accompanied them to the carriages, he patted the nargle and wished them a nice break.

"Let's take a picture! Hey Luna would you mind?" Ron asked the blond girl.

"Hermione! you in the middle" the trio hugged tightly and began making funny faces, Luna took at least 5 photos and then some selfies with them.

"Tag me!" He yelled as the nargles began to move . "You know I will" with that they were gone. He walked back to castle but halfway there he changed his mind and summoned his firebolt.

At his usual spot by the highest quidditch stance he pulled his new headphones over his ears and lost himself in the music. He would visit Hedwig tomorrow, he planned, maybe even go for a stroll by the frozen lake.

The familiar feeling at the back of his neck alerted him he was being watched. He took off his headphones and turned around to find Snape casually sitting on the stance, eyeing him intently.

The nervousness punched him in the face quite hard.

Gods, why is he so bloody… Snape-ish. His mind was having a short circuit at seeing Snape with his black coat and dark green scarf on.

"Sir" he greeted with a slight nod.

"Not thinking about jumping are you, Potter?" he asked with amusement.

"Oh no" he leaned on the rail "I would have text you first" Harry inclined his head and looked at him through his bangs.

"I hope so" a small pause, his headphones still sounding faintly on his neck

"You don't seem like the type who likes classical music" commented Snape when he recognized the piece.

"I love it!"

"Is that so? I thought you were only into mainstream pop and such" Snape said with a face, surely refering to the music he playes in his Occlumency sessions.

"Well, not only. My preferences go wide and far" Harry smiled at him not solely referring to music, but Snape didn't have to know that.

"Indeed" he somehow knew.

"What do you like, sir?" Snape quirked an eyebrow, Harry guessed he liked music, after all he had a speaker back in his office.

"Rock mostly, I suppose" Harry was surprised he answered. He could totally envision Snape into classic and modern rock.

"I like that too, we should play it while we train you know" Harry crossed his arms and legs, feeling chilly even though he was sweating. "To pump us up"

Snape released a low chuckled that sent shivers down his spine "If you insist." Harry made a mental note to order a speaker from his favorite online store later.

"So, I heard Mr. Longbottom found the room of requirement"

"Oh yes! McGonagall gave them permission to use it for the club."

"Your club." Snape retorted, Harry frowned.

"Not my club," he grinned "The Fight Club"

"Oh, and tell me Potter did you told them rules?" Harry laughed at the reference, somehow the image of Snape relaxing on a couch, popcorn in hand, watching the movie seemed so foreign. He longed to witness it.

"Just the first one, but, they all broke it" Snape grinned too and Harry's heart took a wild leap. God he had it bad.

"Would you like to see it?" Snape raised an eyebrow "the room of requirement" Harry clarified. Not that he needed to… right? Fuck now he was blushing.

"Lead the way" Yes! Harry propped himself from the rail and they both descended from the stance. He would summon his firebolt later.

---

On their way to the mysterious room Harry gave Snape his impressions about the performance the rest of his classmates had had. "They can cast simple spells just fine, textbook like I suppose, but I think they don't quite grasp the theory behind and so they are quite weak." Snape listened intently.

"You haven't had a single competent Professor throughout your school years, it was to be expected." He replied.

"Lupin was fine," Snape snorted and gave him an incredulous look "Pity he forgot to take his potion at a school full of kids" Harry lamented.

"Yes well, to be expected really, he was always very easily distracted. Much like Miss Lovegood." Harry wondered how Snape was like as a student. He could ask, but decided against it, not finding the nerve to do it.

When they reached the entrance Harry voiced his needs and walked pass it three times so Snape could understand the dynamics "I need a place to train." he chanted, the doorway appeared and opened.

"You don't have to say it out loud" he clarified as they entered. Snape watched carefully and silently.

The room was breathtaking, its old English gothic style most magnificent. Snape took his time to admire the place, taking a turn around the room. Harry followed him with his eyes, admiring him. The man moved silently, his footsteps never made a sound, and his stride was elegant and refined. Like a black panther.

"I need a space for dueling" Harry asked the room and it shifted, making a classical duel platform appear.

"It is all very impressive" Snape admitted Harry told him about the room of hidden things and how to call it forward. "I can show you" he offered.

"Perhaps later" Snape began to take off his scarf, then his coat and finally his outer robe leaving him with his plain white shirt. Harry wasn't used to see him in white, but admitted it was a color that contrasted with the man favorably.

"Let's see what you are capable of Potter" he challenged while rolling up his sleeves. Harry's eyes shone in anticipation and he remove the excessive clothing as well. The day was getting better and better.

They got on the platform, marched towards the center, bowed and took their position without saying anything. Harry was eager to show Snape what he could do. Snape was as unreadable as ever when he counted back.

"3-2-1" immediately he fired what Harry suspected was a blasting charm by the color of the beam and casted the appropriate shield. So nonverbal, Harry didn't expect less from Snape. He could do it, Harry casted a freezing charm on the platform and glided toward his opponent with a tremendous speed, Snape barely had time to block his explosive spell.

The older man grinned maniacally, Harry was almost distracted by how dangerous the man looked. His skin prickled when he felt Snape's magic around him, reading him throughly.

They went to and fro for about a minute, casting various spells nonverbally and some, in Harry's case, verbally when they were complex ones. He saw an opening and cast an expelliarmus with all his might. Snape's wand flew right off his hand and into Harry's; he smiled triumphantly.

However his smiled vanished when Snape's grin got wider.

Snape's stance shifted to something he reckoned seeing on a karate movie and began to throw punches as if performing a kata. Magic bursting out of his bare fists like projectiles.

What the-

Harry never got to finish his curse because Snape was pouring offensive spells at him relentlessly. He didn't recognize any of the them and cast the general protego while dodging some others.

He was soon overwhelmed, Snape called both their wands from Harry's grip and caught them effortlessly. He returned to a classic stance and proceded to duel with a wand on each hand. Harry projected his magic to read Snape's movements in turn and managed to deflect the first attack wandlessly but the second thrown him violently several meters off the platform. The harsh landing knocked the air out of him.

Snape had wiped the floor with his ass.

Harry was flabbergasted, blinking stupidly at the ceiling, trying to draw breath. After the initial shock passed, he lifted his head and found Snape sitting on the platform's edge, smiling.

Just a plain, simple smile. Harry hadn't admired anyone as hard as he did on that moment.

He is fucking glorious, Harry concluded, he wasn't even ashamed of his crush anymore. Hell he even felt proud of it. The man deserved to be admired.

"You have incredible raw potential, Potter" he confessed "but you still have much to learn." Harry laughed on the floor.

"I have never felt so happy at having my ass handed back to me!"

"It's the adrenaline cursing through your veins" the response came. "You can get addicted to it" he mildly warned.

Harry recovered and stood up "let's do it again" his stomach then decided to growl loudly. Snape's eyebrow quirked. "Perhaps after lunch?" he proposed instead.

"Perhaps."

---

They dueled the entire day, Harry lost all the rounds but every single time he bounced back ready for more. The taste of Snape's magic against his skin was wonderful, he tried to follow him with own but he seldomly could anticipate his next move.

Snape called it quits by nightfall. He had wanted to know how much raw power Potter had in store and was surprised to find he had a limitless amount of stamina when it came to physical exercise.

Snape's white shirt was ruined but none would tell when he put his robe back on.

"The headmaster want us to spend these days before Christmas focusing only on your occlumency." Snape said mind absently.

"Oh, then he better not get a word about what we spent our day on" Harry casually replied. Shirtless again, sore, beaten and throughly satisfied. Just then the double meaning of his words dawn upon him, and he felt how his face was caught on fire. He turned away from Snape to hide his embarrasment.

"Just so" Snape conceded, his face burned harder "it is refreshing, after teaching you for many years, to finally coincide on a subject you are not terrible at" he teased.

"Hey! Don't cast aspersions on my potions, they have vastly improved, sir" Harry said defensively, grateful by the change of subject "I know from a trusting source my draughts of peace are pitch quality." He teased back, blush still on his cheeks.

Snape shook his head, trying to hide his amusement and said nothing.

---

The rest of the week was, regretfully, dedicated to Occlumency. They had even paused their morning trainings, sadly. Give Harry a hundred laps around the quidditch pitch everyday instead of 15 minutes of continuous Legelimence.

The size of his migraine was unbearable, but Harry willed himself to continue and hide his feelings for Snape. Depending on the song that was playing Harry would call forward a certain memory, the problem began when Snape told him to try without it.

"Please," Harry panted "let's take a breather" he collapsed on his conjured chair. He was sweaty, hungry, and tired.

Snape just lean on his desk and made for his glass of water.

"We are done for today anyway" He told him after his glass was empty. Harry half opened his eyes.

"So soon?" he asked, hopeful.

"You leave tomorrow don't you?" Harry had forgotten Christmas was tomorrow. He nodded.

"Rest, this will be your first night without us monitoring your REM cycle." Snape put down his glass and moved to his armchair.

"The mutt promised to keep an eye on you" Snape sneered "so I trust you understand you are on your own" Harry glared at him, bitting the inside of his cheek to refrain from saying something he would regret.

"I can handle a night away." from you…. Yeah he totally could.

"Let us hope so." Harry sat straight and went for his own glass of water. Snape hadn't dismissed him yet so, he tentatively stayed.

"Do you have plans for tomorrow?" Harry pried cautiously, intending to appear aloof. "Sir?"

"No" was all he got.

"I heard the entire order is invited" he tried again, Snape's eyes hardened at the insinuation.

"What could possibly make you think I would willingly spend the day around the mutt and the werewolf?" Snape asked as if Harry was daft.

"I can tell your hate is corresponded, but I can't understand why, won't you tell me?" He begged.

Snape scowled and tapped his fingers against the armrest.

"What's in it for me?" He wasn't Slytherin for nothing, after all he was head of house.

Harry titled his head pensively. What could he possibly offer?

"Well, quid pro quo. You may ask anything and I shall answer" fucking dangerous game, but Harry guessed Snape wouldn't want to know about his romantic life… right?

Snape considered it for a few minutes. "You first" Harry added as a proof of good will.

"The stupid piece of parchment Crouch Jr. prevented me from confiscating last year, what is it?" Oh well fuck. Harry tugged on his tshirt collar and sighed, defeated. "Dobby" he called, Dobby appeared with a snap and bowed to Harry Potter.

"Dobby, yes, yes hush" he pleaded trying to get the house elf off his trainers "could you fetch for me the mauraders map? It's in my trunk" at the mention of the name Snape tensed and his frown deepened.

"Yes sir, Harry Potter" Dobby snapped his fingers and the map appeared on his hand. "Thanks Dobby"

"It is a great honor to serve Harry Potter." And he was gone.

"Couldn't have you done that yourself?" Snape asked irritated. "Its a summoning charm that should be quite easy for you." ooh! Harry thought he hadn't learn that yet.

"Perhaps you could teach me later?" Snape rolled his eyes but nodded.

"Later"

He showed the map to Severus and the familiar insult appeared. Snape's faced remain impassive though.

"I solemnly swear" Harry looked up to find Snape watching him closely "I am up to no good" he finished, holding the man's stare and pouring more meaning into the phrase.

The map unfolded and showed the entire castle and its few inhabitants. Snape cursed "I knew it, those bloody—" he shut his mouth.

"I reckon it was created by my father and his friends, to make mischief. The twins gave it to me, they stole it from Filch's office" he recounted while Snape examined the paper.

"All that wasted talent, poured into something so childish" Snape commented more to himself.

"Your father, the mutt, the werewolf and the rat were my personal tormentors. We hated each other." Snape began still inspecting the map. Harry listened intently "Bullies who thought themselves above everything."

"We fought regularly, until" Snape leaned back and rubbed his temples. "Well we never stopped" he admitted "it resembled your animosity with Mr Malfoy" aah! now he understood.

"Your father, was jealous that your mother would often choose to spend her time with me." Harry's eyes widened, no one ever spoke of her mother. "She was my… friend" the pain in Snape's voice was evident.

Oh. Ooooooh.

The both stayed silent. Harry wanted to ask more about her mother but, he didn´t want to give up anymore secrets, at least for now.

"Thank you" Harry said. So that means Snape was like 19 years older than he?…Well, now this was awkward, imagine having your old friend's son pining for you…

And pining he did. But, when they got older maybe the age gap wouldn't be so noticeable? he mused, trying to cheer himself up. Besides Catherine Zeta Johns was 25 years younger than Micheal Douglas, the thought brought a smile on his face. Plus this was just a crush, right?

"You can keep it if you want to." Harry offered. Snape was shaken out of his thoughts and shrugged.

"This is ilegal. You shouldn't have it" Snape scolded "but take it, I reckon it might become useful in the future" Harry was surprised. Snape had allowed him to keep it! He folded it.

"I have a confession to make" Harry started and Snape eyed him with suspicion. "On my third year I often saw the name Peter Petigrew on the map" Snape's both eyebrows shot up.

"I showed it to professor Lupin" he paused "but I regret that" his voice broke a little "if I had showed it to you instead, you would have caught him, and he wouldn't have revive Voldemort and Cedric would still be alive." Snape's hand took his and lowered it. He had been biting his nails again.

"I wouldn't be too sure" Snape said "but stop thinking about it, regretting the past can become quite a burden on the longway" Snape would know.

"I am so sorry." Harry blinked away the tears and willed them gone.

"Is that what your nightmares are about?" Snape asked.

"Yes, for a while now, they change from time to time"

Harry wondered why Voldemort even bothered tormenting him at night, Harry's mind could do that on it's own just fine. He thought a change of subject was in order.

"The way you fight" Harry began, dropping tentatively the sir "where did you learn it?" Snape rested his chin on his hand and moved to a more comfortable position.

"Japan" He answered, Harry's eyes widened "using wands is most common on the west, but on the east magic is performed and viewed quite differently." Harry's world suddenly was very tiny.

"Did you travel there often?" Harry wanted to know everything.

"Just the last semester of my mastery."

"You learned to fight while studying for your mastery in potions?" Oh now that seemed interesting.

"Don't be daft Potter, I went to study curses and dark enchantments for my mastery in Defense." what?… wait what?

"You are not a potions master?

"I have both of course" now that seemed even more interesting.

"You can have more than one?!" Harry was shocked.

"We live for about 150 years, Potter" Snape looked amused. "That is plenty of time to have several, the headmaster has 8" 8 masters? Whaaaat? His world has just exploded.

"Though Potions is not one of them, he is still quite knowledgeable of course" Snape shared nonchalantly.

"Wow, you have just blown my mind, I know nothing!"

"You are still young" Snape reminded him.

Yes, and Harry hated it.

---

Harry left the dungeons shortly after when he ran out of excuses to outstay his welcome. He went to the owlery and visited Hedwig, then figured he should take her out for a stroll. Perched on his shoulder plate, she nipped happily at his hair.

He took her to the lake, and watched her soar happily through the air, he sat on a rock and took out his phone.

Hey, he texted you busy?

No the response came almost immediately wanna FaceTime?

Sure after a few seconds Hermione's face appeared on the screen.

She asked him how this past week had been and Harry recounted his torture at the hands of Snape.

"I'll never be skilled" he said "and least not spy level, like Snape. But he says I'll be able to close my mind and guard my thoughts at least."

"I want to learn, I'll search in the library about it when we return"

"Oh, talking about academics you'll never guessed what I learned today!" Harry told her all about Snape's two masters and Dumbledore's 8. Hermione too hadn't considered getting more than one, since that was the usual for muggles and was actually quite conflicted by her O.W.L.s. But now with the open panorama, she was super excited.

"But of course!" She was more than excited "that's is totally amazing!" she squeaked.

"Yeah! You are a scholar through and through, I bet you can beat Dumbledore" Hermione grinned at the challenge. Voldemort had to fall, they all had a long life to live and the mad man was just fucking everything up.

"Say hi to Ron" she asked when they boarded the Christmas topic..

"Sure, tell your parents I said hi too!" they bid their goodbyes and disconnected.

Harry's last day before Christmas soon ended and he found himself with his bag ready walking towards the infirmary, hopefully his last time there in a while. He greeted Madam Pomfrey on his way to his private room, he had to admit he kinda liked it.

It was a small room with a single bed. a drawer, a tiny desk and a chair. It even had a wardrobe, it was perfect and the view of the forest was amazing. However, it was lonely and he still rather be back at the dorm with his mates.

He placed his backpack in the wardrobe and undressed, leaving only his boxers on. He read for a while an old Russian novel and when he felt sleepy enough, turned on his new speaker and rest his head on the pillow. He was out 5 minutes later.

Since practicing Occlumency he felt like he could control his dreams, at the very least if he was anguished about them, he could concentrate and try to listen to the music which always guided him to back consciousness. Snape had ask him to try to build a room inside him, so that he could stay there instead of a memory in case of attack.

The terrible pain came out of nowhere sudden and violent like it always did. By then Harry could immediately sense Voldemort in his mind. He took a deep breath and pictured his room. He opened his eyes and the first thing he noticed was his music on the background. The second was that his mind-room was just a white space. Empty and simple.

He turned around and wasn't surprised to find the snake face glaring daggers at him, clearly frustrated his attempts were repelled each time.

"Harry Potter" he hissed "you are getting better."

"Or you are getting worse" he countered, the man scowled harder.

"Cheeky half-blood!" His voice echoed in the nothingness he had trapped him.

"What are you trying to do Tom?" he asked, "the way is shut, you shall not pry any further"

The man chuckled "Oh, you think you are strong enough to repel me?" The Dark Lord took out his wand and pointed at him.

"You are not" the pain ten folded and Harry dropped to his knees. It was like a needle piercing his brain through his eyes, Harry began to panic, he tried to listen to his music but the pain had was deafening.

"You are not match for me boy." Voldemort came closer "you are alone" Harry's vision was blurring, he felt his limit approaching, he is going to kill me, he thought.

Worse, he is going to make me kill myself.

Suddenly, the pain began to fade and he felt as if a wave of cool water put out the fire of his mind.

"He is not alone." The voice was melodic and beautiful, Harry felt a hand on his shoulder that gave him the strength to stand up. The pain began to fade.

"You!" He looked up to find Voldemort glaring at someone behind him. He could feel the hand steady on his shoulder and a confidence he had never felt before boosted his will to live, then a warm sensation spread through his body and mind.

"He is, and always will be, truly loved" the tables turned and Voldemort collapsed in pain on his knees, he was grabbing his bald head, clawing at his skull.

Harry felt pity for him, but the hand on his shoulder reassured him. "He is lost beyond redemption, don't worry about it my brave boy"

Harry began to turn his head to confirm who she was but before he could take a look he was yanked harshly back to consciousness.

Harry woke up gasping and thrashing on his bed, a familiar hand grabbed his, soothing. "It's okey now Harry, you are awake" Harry's eyes found Madam Pomfrey's and he exclaimed.

"I felt her Madam! she helped me!" Harry began clearly frenzied. "I could feel her hand, she pushed him away"

"Easy Harry" Madam Pomfrey tried to calm him but Harry was raving, his heart rate going dangerously up "Severus, do it" Harry didn't even acknowledge Snape's and Dumbledore's presence. His eyes fixed upon Madam Pomfrey's face.

"She was there.." Harry began to fell asleep again "my mom… she was there." he faded back to sleep. When the boy was out the three remained silent for a moment, the music continued playing.

"His heart rate is normal again" Pomfrey confirmed "I'll go and fetch a calming draught" she left.

Albus wandlessly moved the chair closer to the bed and sat. Snape leaned by the window, tired and worried.

"Well, he snapped out of it without our help" Albus began "that is a drastic improvement"

"The boy is good" Snape would only say so because Harry was out. "He grasped the concept within a day and kept getting better, he is quite talented" Snape paused and turned to Albus "do you think it was really her?"

Dumbledore sighed and began wiping his glasses "That would be something, whatever ritual Lily did to protect Harry was clearly a powerful one, until we discovered what she did, we won't know for sure" he finished and put them on again. "Or maybe it was just the need of a lost boy to be comforted by his mother"

Snape felt troubled by the thought, but it was a possibility. "Indeed" he conceded "do you deem it wise for him to go?"

"He deserves a happy Christmas Severus, if something were to happen we would be called immediately anyway" Snape grumbled.

"If you say so" he felt his mark began to burn "He is calling me" Dumbledore turned to him and nodded. Severus dissaparated in an instant.

"Be careful my boy" Dumbledore said to no one.

---

Harry woke up feeling totally battered and confused, he groaned and rubbed his forehead tiredly.

"Professor" he greeted Dumbledore, the old wizard smiled fondly "Harry, don't sit up, rest." Madam Pomfrey came in with a cup tea and some biscuits, surely spiced with something.

"Oh, Severus left?" She commented and placed the tea on the small nightstand. Harry's breath hitched at the mention of the man.

"He just left" answered Albus. "I can take it from here Madam, please rest" she nodded reluctantly and bided them goodnight

"Take your tea Harry" she ordered as she closed the door.

"What time is it?" Harry searched for his phone.

"It's around 2 in the morning" oh, no wonder he was still tired. "Harry you successfully repelled Voldemort's attempt on your mind, though you had us worried for a minute"

Harry sat up and took his tea and a biscuit. Dumbledore patiently waited for the boy to finish. Harry wolfed it down in seconds, anyway.

"I had help" Harry finally answered setting the empty dish aside. "It was different this time, I felt I had more control. So I didn't woke myself up immediately. Grave slip" Harry confessed, ashamed. Dumbledore listened intently.

"Professor Snape told me I had to build like a safe house inside my mind. I have only managed a white empty room though" Dumbledore nodded approvingly.

"He was there, so real, just like you are right now" Harry began biting his nails, this time, however, there was no Snape to stop it.

"He was angered by my improvement and I… well provoked him"

"You mocked him" Harry wasn't proud.

"I can be very cheeky at times" Harry admitted "Professor Snape can attest to that" Dumbledore hummed, suppressing a smile that would be entirely inappropriate.

"He began torturing me, I really can't tell you what he did, I was blinded by the pain" he continued "and then a voice coming from behind me told him I was not alone, she grabbed my shoulder and gave me strength" a paused "she told him I was loved"

It sounded bonkers even to his ears. It must have been his subconscious aiding him. Harry shook his head "I know she couldn't have been real… but I felt… well, safe" Harry felt small.

"The bond your mother had with you is the most powerful thing we humans can create. Such selfless adoration gave Lily the power to protect you from the killing curse." Harry's heart warmed at the intensity of the words.

"Don't dismiss this so lightly, Harry, for it is unknown what kind of magic she performed that night" Harry remained silent and reflected over Dumbledore's words. His mother, how he wished things would have gone differently.

"Rest, it is unlikely you will be attacked again anytime soon, you must have done quite a number on him, he called Severus immediately."

Oh well, now he would surely not sleep a blink, Snape wasn't safe with him. "He is going to be fine?"

"Oh, Harry he knows what he is doing, you don't worry about that" Dumbledore stood and head to the door.

"Professor McGonagall will help you get to the burrow in the morning, oh! I love that song!" and then he left.

Harry stared stupidly at the closed door, Dear Prudence playing softly on the speaker.

Harry had the urge to text Snape, but that would be unwise. If he received a text from him while in company of Voldemort well, suffice to say he didn't do it.

Harry rest his head on his pillow, completely sure he wasn't going to sleep, but snoring ten minutes later.

---

McGonagall apparated him to the burrow the morning after.

"Oh Minerva, please! Stay at least for lunch!" Mrs Weasley insisted.

"Molly I must return, there are students still left on the castle" McGonagall's resolve faltered at the sight of the apple pie though.

"Well I guess I could stay for a cuppa and a slice of that pie" she stayed for 6 hours.

Meanwhile Harry recounted his last experience to Ron, perched on the bunk bed and making lazy patterns in the air with his fingers. He liked the burrow, it was homey and comfortable. Music playing on Ron's speakers covered their conversation effectively.

The weasley's had always welcomed him sincerely. Things were a bit awkward with Ginny, though, and it reminded him of his first time here; she would blush every time she saw him and would try to be close to him whenever she got the chance. But he let it be and pretended not to notice. He could understand having a hopeless crush.

Was it hopeless? He rather not dwell on it.

"Whoa mate, it really sounds crazy. But at least Snape taught you just time, no?" Ron was weary about the Occlumency business. He figured he would be totally rubbish at it.

"Yeah, it was pretty tough but, he managed to make me understand how it worked and after spending some time with him I am convinced I will try to get as many Os on my OWLs as possible."

"Careful bro, you're sounding like Hermione" he teased, not meaning anything ill by it.

"It's true! I won't ever work for the Ministry that's for sure" Ron wanted to be an auror, he didn't answer at the time, but now he was certain he didn't share his friend's interests on the matter. Ron just nodded, not feeling disappointed; he had known Harry wouldn't be satisfied following orders.

"I think I rather compete" he remembered his duel with Snape "Yeah, like in the World's Dueling tournament"

"Whoaaa! Mate now that is a very ambitious goal! no one has been able to beat the Chinese for over 2 decades." Harry grinned at the challenge.

"Yeah, that would be nice or maybe I could compete in a muggle sport… like boxing" he continued "and meanwhile I could just work as a freelancer, I don't know in what yet" both laughed.

"But… first I need to face Voldemort. Until he is gone I will never be free" they both sobered rather quickly. "I have to become stronger Ron, end this stupid war"

"Harry, you are not alone, I will always have your back." Ron's words shocked him hard, he is not alone, she had said. Harry threw himself at boy and hugged him tightly, Ron hugged him back and patted him gently. His first true friend. He would make sure him, Hermione, Snape, Sirius and everyone else have a future.

He would get stronger. Mentally and physically, no more meltdowns.

Christmas was a cheerful and lively event, everyone arrived by noon and Sirius gave Harry another present, a new thunderbolt. "I heard that firebolt was acting all weird, you shall be the fastest now" and the lie now had a life of its own. Kingsley, Bill and Charlie shared a look.

He gave everyone a little something that Hermione had helped him pick a month ago. And everyone gave him a little something in return. Charlie's present was surprisingly thoughtful.

"It's a Leica, used but, works perfectly it has been enhanced magically" Harry examined the camara with wonder. "Create many memories, Harry" He was touched.

"Let's get my first! all gathered around the table!" Harry placed his new camara over the fireplace and took his first photo. A cheerful memory. His mother's words sounded at the back of his mind.

He is loved… now he believed it was true.

Yet, someone was missing and he wasn't thinking about Hermione. The adults had proceded to drink themselves into oblivion, the twins were out first, much to Mrs Weasley's disapproval. Ron, Ginny and he were sent to bed at 3 in the morning.

"Harry" Sirius slurred "want me to accompany you?" Harry raised an eyebrow, very much like Snape. "Don't worry Sirius I shall be fine, Snape taught me the basics, I can get away now"

Sirius frowned at the mention of Snape but nodded. Remus' voice called him to the living room and he yelled something back before disappearing through the threshold.

Harry's own heart constricted at the thought of his Potions Professor, he had been trying to remain calm the entire day but the truth was he was worried and still wanted to text him.

Fuck it.

Harry took out his phone and opened WhatsApp… just to stared at it. What to say? He lowered the phone and glared at the crooked ceiling, after a few seconds he looked at the screen again and gasped.

SS is online

Shit. Fuck. Shit. Well at least he was alive.

SS is typing

He bolted up and sat on the bed. Ron snored loudly beside him. The sudden rush made him breathless and he got extremely nervous to the pointing of screaming. He felt Snape typed for an eternity before a message appeared. Harry was giddy with happiness and felt all flustered.

Do rest Potter, I won't go easy on you just because you failed to sleep properly.

Harry's blushed like a girl and grinned like a fool. Such a Snape like text. He had been staring at his profile too then. The thought left him elated, maybe this wasn't as one sided as he thought. But before his thoughts ran wild he tried to calm himself and texted back

Wouldn't dream of it sir

Cya soon, happy Christmas.

Harry was satisfied, Snape was ok… and why not tell him so.

I am glad ur ok.

Harry turned off the screen not really expecting another text, he was surprised however when an answer came.

Stop gutting the English written language. Harry grinned.

Why wouldn't I be? Rest now.

Yes, sir. Harry's excitement didn't let him sleep for the next hour.

---

It was 5 in the afternoon when he requested to be taken back to Hogwarts, Mrs Weasley insisted he stayed for the rest of the Christmas break or at least the rest of Boxing Day, even Sirius offered him a room back at Grimmauld Place. But Harry warned them that he was still a novice at Occlumency and felt everyone would be safer if he just stayed at Hogwarts… with Snape and Dumbledore close.

And he would come back on New Year's Eve anyway. So much fuss.

"Very well then, let me get you back." Sirius offered but Remus reminded him that he was still a fugitive and he would go straight back to the order's quarters. The man reluctantly agreed.

"I can get him back" Remus offered

He apparated them just outside the castle, he walked Harry to the entrance but before leaving he asked.

"Harry, how are you coping with everything, is Snape giving you a hard time?"

"Just the usual" he grinned through his bangs "he is strict but efficient" there was fondness is his voice and Remus picked it up.

"Yes well, he has always been a very skilled wizard"

"You don't seem to like him" Harry carefully inquired, he wanted another version of the past so he could sketch Snape's character better.

"Oh, I am okey with him, but we gave each other such a hard time back in the days that…well, getting along now would be just awkward."

"You fought?" Remus laughed

"All the time, it began the very first day, the moment James saw your mother he was completely blown away. He offered to help her with her luggage but before she could answer Snape rudely snapped at him." Remus reminisced.

"She would follow Snape everywhere, even after being sorted in different houses, James couldn't fathom why."

"And why she did?"

"I think she looked up at him, he was her equal in brains and I think they knew each other since they were very young. They were neighbors or something, I am not sure." Harry nodded and added this info into his mental jigsaw puzzle.

"Thanks for sharing that with me"

"Anytime kid, I love to gossip" he ruffled fondly his hair and pulled him for a hug.

"I know Sirius and I can get on you hair with all our James' stories, but we just miss him, don't be too mad at us." he mumbled into his hair. Harry nodded and hugged him back. He could understand that.

"You no longer look like an exact copy of him" Remus said before stepping away, "and that is just fine, you are not him, I'll tell Sirius to work on that." Harry's soul felt a bit lighter at his words. The pressure of filling in for his father lessen.

"Thank you Remus."

"Anytime, now go and sleep some more." Harry nodded and bid him goodbye.

Harry however didn't feel like sleeping, he actually felt quite restless, and he knew exactly why.

I want to see him. Fuck it! he would. even if the man cursed him and send him to his dorm, or his room in the infirmary whatever.

He set for the dungeons, Hogwarts castle was built on a cliff so the dungeons had this long light entries that stripped the hallway beautifully on the afternoons. The castle was amazing. He almost walked past the potions classroom, but stopped when he saw light coming from below the door slit.

He entered without a second thought, not knowing how deeply he would regret that…

Snape had his back turned on the door, busy chopping some ingredients by one of the four cauldrons he had running.

"Mr. Potter" Snape again didn't even turn "I have my hands full as you can see, if you need something state it and leave" Harry's brain promptly proceeded to shut down.

The man was out of his black robe wearing only his plain white shirt and his black trousers. Harry was captivated by his broad shoulders that without being overly muscular were certainly very attractive.

Shit, am I gay? He couldn't be just gay, he often looked at girls too. In fact he had never ogled at a man before.

"Potter" oh yeah

"I —- ahm— just" Snape exhaled exasperated and glanced over his shoulder.

"We really need to work on your fluency"

"I got you a present" he had? Oh, yeah.. he sort of had.

"You what?" Snape stopped chopping and wipe his hands with a towel he conjured.

Harry had seen this on his vault sitting pretty next to hundreds of heirlooms that had belong to the Potter family. It caught his attention and he just grabbed it. That had been 2 years ago. It was quite simple but elegant, a plain silver chain, but even he could sense it bored some kind of magic.

He had stuffed it into a plain box and, after getting everything ready for Christmas, wrapped it with the paper he had left. He had had it on his backpack ever since, the thought of Snape always on his mind. He wasn't sure he would give it to him on Christmas but now it would save him from being throughly humiliated.

He took it out and placed it on Snape's desk. "I'll just leave it here" trying to seem casual about it, but failing quite miserably.

Snape was eyeing him suspiciously but did not comment.

"So, you need a hand?" Snape's eyebrow quirked.

"A capable one, I am not sure yours qualifies as such" the man teased, they both knew Harry was capable. "But I suppose you could help with some Pepper up potions, if you are serious about being useful" Harry eagerly nodded and placed his backpack on the rack.

He removed his ugly jumper, sorry Mrs Weasley, and began washing his hands on the sink. Snape returned to his task while Harry prepared the cauldron and went for the ingredients.

"Set two cauldrons, we need to make several for the infirmary. There is a virus floating around apparently" Harry took out the extra cauldron and prepared it.

Since his capability to focus was improved by the supplement potions he had rediscovered the subject to be profoundly calming. He knew the recipe by heart, it was a simple potion. He began humming while brewing the concoct.

After half an hour of working in amenable silence, except for Harry's humming, Snape cast a sided glance at him and said nonchalantly "There is a speaker on the desk's left drawer, use it if you want to" Harry smiled and went to fetch it.

He paired with it and played his Totally epic playlist, all verified super hits, Master of Puppets opened the concert. If Snape liked or disliked the music, he didn't say and just continued working.

After finishing the pepperup potions Snape asked if he could brew a more complex bone repairing potion, and Harry grinned at the challenge. And so his afternoon passed him by without him noticing, he would have continued but Snape told him it was time for dinner.

"Are you sure? I could stay and brew some more"

"You have done plenty. Eat and rest, I am sure you didn't sleep properly last night" yeah because he had been texting him, Harry felt fuzzy all over gain at the memory.

"Very, well then" he cleaned up and muttered a tiny bye, before he reached the door though, Snape, who was still brewing the same four potions, casually said "you didn't have to get me anything" his back to Harry.

"I know" Harry left grinning from ear to ear. He hadn't addressed him as sir, not even once, and had not been scolded for it. He was breaking the ice.

---

A notification buzzed in his pocket, Harry took out his phone and paled.

Hermione had sent to their group, golden trio, a most disturbing video going viral on twitter. 10 muggles being tortured to death by none other than Voldemort himself.

"We declare war to anyone who decides to stop us from returning the wizarding world back to greatness" oh well…shit

Hell of a glamour snake face is wearing. He commented, Tom Riddle looked practically normal.

Really mate? That your first thought? Typed Ron

I really don't want to discuss the torture of 10 Ron he answered.

Why is he so hateful anyway?

Muggles rule the world guys, wizards are but a tiny fractrion of the human population, muggles have all the money and all the power. Hermione smart assessment was accurate, as always.

He uses the blood purity and our apparent superiority to hide his true motives, he wants power only the Queen has. To be acknowledged and respected by all. Muggles and wizards. Hermione's theory was sound.

These are modern times, his shitty politics are like 70 years outdated. Harry commented.

Be careful Mione, Ron began my father thinks he might attack muggle London any day now.

Yeah, I will. I think he is already attacking, murder and kidnap rate are going up rather quickly with no explanation at all.

The ministry is silent, fucking Scrimgeour is the same shit as Fudge. Harry texted.

Harry had you been attacked? Hermione asked

Not once since last time, I think he got scared, just a feeling though. Harry would ask Dumbledore later.

Has professor Snape been there? Hermione asked,

I reckon he has

not that Harry was keeping tabs on him or anything… but, they have been training occlumency every afternoon and boxing every morning. Actually he had just returned to the common room after spending almost all day with him... He was over the moon, whom he was kidding. He needed to tell his friends soon.

Why? He inquired

It's just, I thought he would be a more active death eater… Hermione mused.

Well, I know he belongs to Voldemort's inner circle, I figure they don't get their hands dirty… no? Harry proposed.

Yeah maybe. Do you trust him?

With my life Harry never even doubt it.

That sounds heavy mate Ron commented

It's true, though. It was.

Is he coming with you tomorrow? Ron asked he is invited

Don't think so, I know he doesn't want to spend time with Sirius and Remus, so probably not.

I see, not that i am not glad haha, the guy is fucking scary… Mione you should come to the burrow tomorrow and spend new year with us, Ron proposed, bring your parents.

What? I couldn't

Why not?

… you sure?

Absolutely! Bring them over, we have plenty of room, Bill has set like a hundred tents outside.

I'll tell them

Wicked! Commented Harry, he might have both friends with him tomorrow.

He'll miss Snape. And Harry wasn't even sure why, his snarky remarks and crude comments were often acid and nasty. But not full hearted. Maybe he'll miss how his criticism would make Harry feel grounded. Or maybe because in his own way, he would let Harry know he was a capable wizard. Or perhaps it was the way he looked at him when he said something smart. Or the way he would push him to the limit every morning with the mitts.

Or the way he fought, damn he was like the devil himself unleashed, and Harry was sure he hadn't seen anything yet. The man was so powerful and a mystery, when he projected his magic while fighting it felt so fresh, like a violent gust of wind. And he was always there when he needed him. Like he had a sixth sense that told him Harry was going to do something stupid.

He figured this was not only a simple crush… maybe I have some sort of complex..

The next morning he was on his way to McGonagall's office, since they would apparated together for the celebration, when a voice behind him called.

"Harry!" He turned to find Dumbledore and Snape walking his way, one smiling cheerfully and the other blank as usual.

"May you give us a moment of your time" a rethorical question

"Of course" an unnecessary answer.

"Harry how did you sleep last night?" Dumbledore went straight to the point as soon as they reached him.

"Slept like a baby" Harry felt marvelous "didn't feel him at all"

"I see, well there is your answer Severus" Snape huffed and diverted his eyes angrily.

"I still think we are taking an unnecessary risk" Harry was lost. Dumbledore sighed tired.

"Harry, Severus warns us that today, being Tom's birthday, he will host a party of… obscure thematics" Harry shuddered "he might try to attack you again"

"He will, he said so" Snape's remark was ignored. "He wants him to see"

"Severus believes you will be safer, with me" Harry heavily contemplated staying… but wait… only Dumbledore?

"I am expected to assist obviously" Snape had read his mind. Harry began to worry "you will be fine?"

Snape face softened almost imperceptibly at Harry's concern "of course, don't be a fool"

Harry was a fool for him.

"Oh, I well…I have been feeling okey, however if you believe it's best for me to stay, then I will, I rather not risk anyone at the burrow." Snape gave him a proud turn of lips, and proudly he felt.

"It is settled then, I will tell them myself." Dumbledore announced and entered McGonagall's office. Harry stood awkwardly at the mercy of Snape's gaze.

"I thought you will put more of a fight" Snape told him.

"I know better than to argue with you about this" Harry gave him a shy smile. Snape shook his head and tried, and failed, to hide his grin. Harry recognized that after his recent fiasco, when it came to his life, Snape knew better.

"Well, seems it's back to the infirmary with me" he tried to joke.

"It is still early" Snape noted and Harry saw an opening.

"It is" he laid the bait "What is needed for you to consider a friendly spar with me?"

Snape quirked his characteristic eyebrow "Not much, I have been wanting to visit the Room for a few days now." Harry beamed and began walking towards the 7th floor.

---

Harry ended shirtless again, panting on the floor and feeling totally content. Snape ended throughly amused at his poor attempts of taking him by surprise.

"Whoa, you need to teach Defense instead" the wild thought appeared.

"Careful what you wish for, it might become true" Harry's head lifted at the comment.

"You are not serious" Snape grinned.

"No way! Who will teach potions?"

"It is not my place to say" at last! A good teacher, god he could hardly wait for the holiday to be over.

"This school year keeps improving" but Harry's mind conjured the screams of the 10 tortured muggles and it wiped the smile off his face. Harry sobered up and sat leaning on one of his arms.

"You…" he began, while watching Snape fix his battered shirt. "Will be fine right?" Worry crawled back to him. Snape began buttoning his black robe while giving him an unreadable look.

"I won't return for the rest of the holidays, he" Snape hesitated sharing but sighed and continued "he will have a wild hunt that may last several days"

All the missing and murdered muggles made sense now "he kidnapped them to be the game?" Harry could sum two plus two "as if they were less than animals" and connect the dots.

"Strengthen your shields and meditate in your white room" was Snape's way of confirming it.

"Don't go" Harry didn't like to beg but he would for him.

"I can't compromise my seat in his circle" Snape finished and sat on the edge of the platform. "It's for the greater good, as the headmaster often likes to remind me" Harry moved to sit beside him.

"Why is everyone allowing this" he began "the ministry-

"Is terrified of him" Snape finished.

"Your dumb luck" Harry could argue about that "has managed to beat him several times" Snape asked for a chair and the room provided. "And so you think he is a normal villain"

"But he is an extraordinary wizard" he said while sitting on the chair "and a psychopath through and through"

"Dumbledore could beat him" Snape's lipped thinned.

"Dumbledore is 110 years old" Harry sighed heavily, it was true "maybe if he were to face him alone, but the coward is never alone and Dumbledore is no one-man army."

"So we just stand aside and let him do those atrocities?" Harry asked to the floor

"Until we know everything that happened the night he tried to murder you we have no other choice" Harry's head shot up and questioned him with his eyes.

"What kind of magic your mother did in order to render the killing curse useless, and what has he done to himself that he just whithered instead of dying" Harry pondered for a moment about it.

"Dumbledore says it's love" Snape rolled his eyes.

"Don't be daft Potter, she performed some kind of magic to shield you from any harm, love of course was the motivation behind her actions, but she casted something incredibly powerful on you" well love did sounded a tad unrealistic.

"Do you think I might remember what happened?" Snape's tilt of his head was almost imperceptible.

"You were a baby, no child has memories this young" Harry cleaned his tshirt wandlessly and put it on.

"I remember her scream" Snape's eyes widened in surprise. "Whenever a dementor is close, I hear her screaming my name and a flash of green, like, blurs my vision"

They both considered his idea on silence, while making themselves presentable again.

"I'll teach you how to organize and unlock your memories" Snape finally told him.

"Maybe there is something useful inside that brain of yours" Harry nodded. "But I warn you, you might remember things that your unconscious chose to hide in order to protect you." The Dursleys.

"I can handle it" Snape snorted "well, if not, I can always text you right?" Harry said with a mischievous look. "And you will smack some sense into me" Harry couldn't read Snape's expression at his own words. But after a pause he said.

"Yes, I will"

---

Harry was passing time sitting comfortably on his infirmary bed while playing with his phone when Dumbledore entered abruptly.

"Well, what are you waiting for let's go!" Harry just stared at him "sir?"

"To the burrow, the sun is down and we are late"

"But wasn't I supposed to-"

"Oh we told Severus I will keep an eye on you, and I can keep an eye you at the party" Harry had never felt so grateful and Dumbledore had never acted so grandfatherly as he did then. He grabbed his bag and was ready in an instant.

"Here we go" the man offered his arm and apparated them to burrow's front door.

Harry laid on the couch languidly a hot cuppa on his hand as he contemplated fondly the scene unfolding before him. Dumbledore's presence had done wonders for everyone's mood. The old wizard was openly laughing sitting on an armchair retelling some old and funny story while the rest was gathered around him adoringly.

Harry cautiously took out his cámara and snapped some photos with various settings, he would later review them and select his favorites. He was still getting the hang of it but he immediately realized the craft was something he could grow to love.

"Did you take a good one?" Hermione propped beside him and he smirked

"Not masterpieces but I hope so." she nodded and snaked an arm around his.

"I am happy you accepted Ron's invitation" the girl blushed and Harry noted she looked rather pretty in her dress.

"My parents couldn't believe it, they agreed immediately" she sighed and turned to them "all this seems like a fairytale to them"

"It seems like that to me too" Harry had spent most of his life miserable in the cupboard at holidays.

"Dumbledore's boosting everyone's morale" she, of course had noticed too.

"As a leader should" Harry added. At the mention of war Hermione's smile dissolved a bit but didn't entirely disappear.

"How are you doing?" The question was open for any kind of answer, giving Harry the opportunity to talk about whatever he felt more comfortable with. It was the same openness that nudge Harry to be more honest.

"I am worried sick" Harry pause, Hermione waited patiently, the loud laughs around them gave their hushes some privacy.

"Snape..." he faltered "is with him, and I feel anxious" if Hermione thought odd that Harry would worry about the nasty man, she didn't comment. If she wondered what was going on between them, she didn't ask. She, instead, comforted him.

"He is strong and capable Harry, you said so yourself" she knew that wouldn't be enough so she continued. "Dumbledore trusts he will be fine" Harry sighed.

"But the horrors he might be experiencing" Harry had told them both, Ron and Hermione, about Voldemort's reunion and its source of amusement.

"He is strong, have faith in him, as we all have in you" Harry's eyes widened in surprise, he turned to face her and was met with a sincere and open smile. He smiled back.

"Thank you girl" he focus briefly on her eyes but a sudden move behind force his stare past her face onto the back of a retreating Ginny. He turned left to Ron but his friend was embellished with Dumbledore's tale.

"What?" Hermione followed his gaze

"Ginny" he began "I think she saw us and got angry" Harry wasn't stupid, he knew of Ginny's feelings for him.

"Oh, let me see what I can do" Hermione stood up and went after her. Ron turned at her leaving, then at him and he mouthed what?

Harry patted the now empty space and Ron promptly sat where Hermione had been moments ago.

"Ginny saw us talking, I think she got upset" Harry told him, Ron sighed and shook his head.

"She is always jealous of us even though she knows how unreasonable that is." Harry shrugged he was interested in one person alone; he didn't care how many hearts were breaking with his indifference. Harry took a sip of his hot chocolate.

"If only she knew your heart is with Snape" Harry almost choke on that sip of chocolate

"Easy there Harry" Sirius patted him the back as he casually passed them by and sat where Ron had been.

"What?! How?" His hushed panic was met with merry eyes, Ron released and low chuckle at Harry's expression.

"It was a wild guess" Ron leaned back smugly, when it came to interpersonal relationships he was sharper than his two best friends.

"I noticed how you look at him since the beginning of the year, and of course there was this time I followed you to the pitch's gym" Harry was absolutely speechless.

"You both were so focused on each other that didn't notice me" Ron inclined his head towards him and with a comic look he added "at the sight of Snape of course I ran away, but it explained a lot" Harry was still recovering.

"…it's just a crush" he admitted and felt an immense weight disappear from his chest, it was finally out in the open.

"Can't say I see what you see in him but hey, I won't tell, not even Hermione, mate" Harry exhaled a shaky breath.

"Thanks mate" he could have kiss Ron right there.

"He looks at you too by the way." Harry's heart rate went up "I have watched him carefully, dunno why though, but maybe…" he trailed off.

"I can't get my hopes up, I am a fucking kid, he would never take me seriously" Harry tried to pull his wild imagination back to the ground.

"Yet" Ron innocently added and didn't help him getting his hopes in check.

"I don't even know he is into blokes, fuck I am not, but then there comes him" Harry combed his hair with his fingers and began biting his nails.

"Harry come on" Ron began "you have even the most straight guys questioning themselves about their sexuality" Harry grimaced "even if it's just an inclination, the fella is not blind" Harry had the decency to blush.

"You could use a haircut, there is this new trend that might fit you nicely" Harry considered this and nodded.

"Yeah had been thinking about cutting it for a while anyway, it's wild and have a mind of its own." Ron grinned excitedly.

"Yeah! The twins can help us there!"

"Oooh! It's time it's time" Arthur turned the tv volume up and the countdown began, they were broadcasting the fireworks down at London. All began counting back in sync.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" The hugging business started and everyone felt joyous around him.

Harry stood in the middle of the living room, paralyzed and silent looking at the apparent empty space where he could very well see Voldemort grinning at him. Harry began shutting his mind down and the rest of the living room fade to black; the loud voices were muffled into silence and he focused on keeping it that way.

"I can see you Potter" the excruciating pain pierced his head, but Harry could handle pain. He felt himself being pulled towards the mad man's mind but resisted. He knew he wanted him to see what he was doing, but Harry wouldn't give him the pleasure. He stood rooted to the spot and began calling his white room.

It was a tug of war, they where both pulling each other inside their own mind. For brief moments Harry saw several death eaters, flashes, they were laughing at something, but then he would pull back and his white room would engulf them both.

Harry knew if he could hold Voldemort just for a brief moment inside his room, his mother would help him. He pulled with all his might and Voldemort's grin faltered. The man was losing.

"Harry, show him" Dumbledore's voice echoed around him. "Show him you are not alone."

Harry took the hint, he forcefully projected all the happy moments in his life, all the warm feelings. All the love. Voldemort screamed as if he was being hit with a cruciatus cruse and cut the connection.

Harry sighed and began opening his mind, the black fog dissipated and the living room appeared around him once more. They were all silent and weary, Dumbledore's hands clasped on his shoulders, a worried expression on everyone's face.

Harry gave the old wizard a little smile and the man gave him a wide one. He had prevailed. Dumbledore began laughing and he joined him, the rest relaxed and congratulated him.

In the midst of their celebration though he still felt worried about Snape.

---

"God this is the last time I listen to you about my bloody hair" Ron was walking next to him grinning madly, Hermione even had the nerve to laugh. The three of them were fully dressed on their school robes ready to resume their daily routine.

"Oh hi Harry!" Another one "hello Harry" and one more "hey, handsome?" And an older one. The fuck did they had no shame anymore? Harry missed the times when they were shy.

"Easy mate, let them get used to your new look" his short mesy mullet had completely change his face, without the messy long mop, his refined jaw, high cheeks and amazing eyes stood out more than ever. And so did his scar, that far from being a hideous sight it gave his face a characteristic appearance.

"Ugh, guys really, I am catching with you later, I can't sit in the great hall looking like this" Harry stopped and explained, Hermione placed her hands on her hips disapprovingly.

"Harry you need to eat!" She pointed the obvious.

"Here" he waved an energy bar in front of them "I promise I won't skip supper, but I really can't do this right now" before Hermione could protest any further, he fled towards the dungeons.

It was still early so the classroom was obviously locked and the hallway deserted, he leaned on the wall and began eating his bar mind absently. Harry guessed he wasn't bad looking, but this was getting ridiculous. Besides it was only because of his fame, there were many handsome boys in the school but he was pestered the most because he was seen as a prize and he hated that.

A pang of guilt hit his heart when he remembered Cedric had had some of the unwanted attention, like him.

He would be a seventh year now. He mused sadly.

He was lost in thought when he sensed someone coming and only stood straight and wiped his mouth when he saw an old funny looking man rushing his way.

"Oh boy! Am I late?" He checked his old pocket watch, but Harry answered anyway "no sir, class begins in 20 minutes" true, Snape had implied there could be a new potions professor.

"Ah! Very well then, how come you are not at the great hall?" The wizard inquired with a suspicious tone while searching for his wand.

"I was not hungry"

"I see, well let's get inside then, your name young man?" The professor opened the door and entered.

"Harry Potter" the man finally looked at him and stared at his scar, he had expected the surprised look on the man's face, what he had not was the pained looked that came afterwards but soon the wizard schooled his features and invited him in.

"I reckon most of you haven't got the chance to buy your new school books, grab a spare copy from the shelf before they are gone" Harry nodded and selected his copy of intermediate potion making. He sat again and asked,

"Professor I regrettably missed your introduction, would you be so kind as to tell me your name"

"Oh! True, Slughorn, Horace Slughorn. I had retired but well, we both know the headmaster can be very persuasive." Indeed.

Soon the class filled and Professor Slughorn began his performance, Harry found him less biased towards the Slytherins than Snape and more easygoing. He even opened the curtains and allowed fresh air to circle around the classroom. Hermione beside him scribbled her notes furiously while he just sat and listened.

"OWL's are serious business I expect great things from my students" they all nodded. The class went by without any incident, even Neville's cauldron produced a passable attempt.

"Harry, you missed Dumbledore's speech" his friends proceeded to tell him all about it: Slughorn was the new potions professor and yes, Snape was their new DADA teacher.

"How was he?" Harry shyly asked, his friends didn't hesitate to comfort him.

"He was just fine Harry, same as usual" he nodded and felt his legs getting heavier as they approached his classroom. His heart beating so wildly that he almost felt it was gonna break his ribcage. Hermione entered without a second thought but Ron tugged him by his sleeve.

"Man get a grip" Ron urged with a grin, clearly amused.

"How do I look?" Ron snorted

"Mate you look good!" Harry wasn't convinced "Harry, believe me when I say, you look absolutely kingly with your wild hair gone, don't worry" Harry's fingers fidgeted with his headphones, perpetually stationed around his neck.

"Come on" Ron entered and left him alone in the corridor. Harry cursed under his breath and summoned all his courage.

Harry's breath hitched when he finally saw him, leaning on his desk with his arms crossed over his chest, fucking butterflies flapped a hurricane in his stomach. Snape's eyes turned to him the moment he entered and it was as if the rest of the world around them didn't exist. They looked at each other intensely, some even turned around to see who had caught their professor's attention.

"Late, Potter?" He called. The bell rang and the door shut loudly behind him, Harry distantly heard some curses on the other side.

"Not quite, sir" he remained fixed on the spot.

Shit he had it bad.

"Mate" Ron snapped him out of it, he hurried to his seat beside him and removed his headphones. They usually sat very near the front at DADA but since Umbridge happened the last row was their row.

Snape's face never even twitch but he didn't blink either. He hold his stare for a few seconds and proceeded to ignore him the rest of the hour. Harry thanked the mercy he was given and managed to focus on the lesson.

Their Occlumency sessions were to resume next week, and that was perfect because Harry wasn't sure he would be able to hide his secret from Snape in the state he was in.

When the day was finally over Ron casually sat on his bed while he undress and whispered.

"Mate, I am certain you definitely have a chance" Harry's eyes darted around to make sure they were being ignored by the rest

"Hush Ron" he, however, allowed himself a little smile, it felt so good that at least Ron knew about his thing with Snape, he hadn't realized he was drowning until he wasn't.

"Yeah I mean, even I could feel the tension" a pillow to his face. Ron laughed and stood up, his friend had always been taller than him, but now they were the same height 5'9", Harry hoped he would at least grow to be a few inches shorter than Snape, the man was at least 6'1".

"Sooo, training tomorrow" the words put him in a rush, Harry felt incredibly stupid.

"Yeah"

"Better sleep" Ron grinned.

"Right" as if he could.

---

Harry was up and ready when curfew was lifted, the rest of the guys were snoring, in Ron's case rather loudly, none had the habit of waking up before 6:45.

He practically ran to the gym, excited that it was Tuesday, giddy about what that meant. Rested because no nightmares and no Voldemort had pestered him last night. He opened the door and entered.

Snape was, as usual, giving the heavy bag a hard time, at the sound of the door opening he stopped and turned to Harry. He was all sweaty, his black t-shirt hugged his frame tightly.

Harry diverted his eyes before he was caught staring and dumped his things by the door as he always did, this time however, he took out his new speaker and selected some classic rock playlist.

Snape raised his eyebrow but said nothing as Harry began to wrap his hands, Snape to unwrapped them. The song played in the background and filled the silence between them, after a minute the older man spoke first.

"I heard my concerns were ignored and you assisted the party anyways" he casually dropped, Harry knew he was being scolded and looked down ashamed.

"Well, Dumbledore figured a way around it" Snape hummed.

"His faith in your abilities to deflect the dark lord was perilous, but not unfounded I suppose" Harry wasn't sure he was being insulted or praised. He supposed both. As always.

"I.." he began and cursed himself for his stupid stammering "was worried" he continued "are you ok?"

Snape paused and without rising his head, looked at him through a curtain of black hair; Harry must have sported a very consternated face because he was dignified with an answer.

"As expected" Harry frowned but let the topic be, maybe one day he will tell him about.

"Today you will warm up with the heavy bag, cross-hook" their training began.

By 6:20, Harry felt sweaty and sore but not tired, he had done the same combo throughout their entire training and was confident that he could pulled it out without thinking. When their time was up Snape headed to the showers and Harry stayed behind tackling the 100 pushups Snape had demanded. When he finished he went for a shower as well.

To his surprise Snape was still under the stream, he was getting faster with the pushups he supposed. He grabbed a towel and picked the shower across Snape's.

He willed his erection down not feeling quite comfortable wanking when the source of his fantasies was in the same room and instead focused on shampooing his hair. It was easier now that he had lost a stone of it and was quite shorter. He stopped hearing Snape's shower and figured that the man would be gone in a few minutes.

Imagine his surprise when he turned off the water and stepped out with nothing but a towel around his waist only to find the man sitting casually on the bench tying his shoes old style.

He almost yelped like a girl.

He gathered his brains and tried to be super natural about the situation. With another towel he dried his hair and when the older wizard looked up he gave him a little smile, as his brain couldn't think of anything else to do. He went for his things, that were incidentally beside Snape and enlarged his school robes.

Without looking at the man he started dressing, only when he had put his briefs and trousers on he untied the towel around his waist and walked to the mirror by the entrance while buttoning his shirt.

When he was done he cursed and went back for his tie as he had left it on the bench but was stunned in place when Snape, who had been watching him the entire time, began walking towards him with it in hand.

They didn't speak, for Harry's part, he couldn't, for Snape's, he needn't.

Snape tossed the thing around Harry's neck and began making the simple knot as if this was an everyday occurrence.

Harry's brain ceased to function. His lungs ceased to breathe and he was pretty sure his heart stopped beating. His eyes meanwhile scanned Snape's relaxed face for any sign of madness, but the bloke seemed as sane as ever. The man was done in an instant, only when he made the final tug he finally met Harry's gaze and hold it while his hands finished adjusting the shirt collar.

The moment passed and Snape gave him a little grin before disappearing. Harry remained there unmoving for at least 5 minutes. When at last his brain began rebooting he felt an undeniable heat creeping all over his face and neck, he turned back to the mirror and confirmed he was red as a Weasley.

His tie perfectly knotted around his neck.

He smiled madly to himself and began hoping. He could do it, he could break the ice and get to know the man behind it.

He would. No room for shyness now.

---

"Harry, are you done yet?" Hermione was, as usual, herding Ron and himself out of the great hall. His renewed training regime had awoken in his stomach a hunger that constantly needed feeding. Ron always needed feeding.

"Coming" he wiped his mouth and gulped his lemonade in one go.

"Hermione is our own club, what does it matter if we are late?" Ron protested

"Because we made a commitment Ronald and we must stand by it" Harry smiled fondly at her, so ready to give the 1000% Harry mused that if he wasn't so in loved with Snape he might have fancy her as well.

Wait? What? In loved?

"Let's go"Harry said as he stood up abruptly, Ron ceased protesting and followed them out of the great hall.

Half of the members were already waiting for them, including Ginny and Cho Chang "Ladies" Harry greeted as he passed them by, both smiled adoringly then sent daggers at each other.

Without calling, the group gathered around him and waited for instructions. Harry sighed and asked if he could begin, Harry counted quickly 50 students, and figured they were complete. Before anyone could answer 6 more entered the room.

Too many, Harry frowned, he would have to talk to Hermione later.

"Make groups of 7" the bustle started. After a few minutes the groups were complete.

"Make little circles and pick the member who will start" 8 circles were made and the 8 guinea pigs were chosen. Harry began explaining while picking Neville as his dummy.

"Very few of you can feel magic properly" he conjured a blindfold out of thin air and began covering Neville's eyes. The little burst of wandless magic wowed his crowd.

"Circle around him" he instructed his team "now take out your wand" Neville began trembling "you" he pointed at Luna "cast a lumos"

Luna whispered "Lumos" and the tip of her wand began to glow.

"Neville, can you point the direction of the magic's source" Neville shook his head "try to feel it" he encouraged him to try again, the tall boy bit his lip and pointed at Lavander brown, who was standing across Luna. Harry laughed and removed the blindfold. Neville's shoulder hunched when he realized he had guessed the wrong direction.

"Harry that's impossible" One of Cho's followers commented. He shrugged and placed the cloth around his own eyes. "Try me"

Neville's group grinned and began casting lumos in turns as hushed as possible. Harry never hesitated and never failed to point in the right direction. The rest were impressed, some even clapped. He stopped and removed the cloth.

"The trick is to reach out with your own magic, then you will have no problem picking it up. If it's too difficult stand closer and begin with a smaller circles" and so they began.

By the end of the hour some could sense the magic without a problem and so he merged the circles into larger ones for it to be more of a challenge, he even varied the spells and asked them to point towards the lumos only. He gave them a few more tries and asked them to stop.

"Okey" he grinned "let's fight" 4 dueling platforms appeared and excitement spread across the room. The students who had managed to master the previous exercise dueled notoriously better than the rest. As if, there was a mile gap between them. Harry never fought he only watched proudly.

By the end of the second hour he called it quits. "Sensing magic is crucial for a wizard that intends to defend himself, try practicing on your own, search for ghosts or something" their meeting was adjourned and he felt relieved.

"Harry that was boss!" Ron commented as they entered the common room.

"Well that would keep some busy for a while." Harry turned to Hermione.

"Girl, they are too many" Hermione sighed and nodded.

"I'll see what I can do" she place a finger on her chin pensively "I'll open another day for fifth graders and up, you can teach that group" Harry agreed.

"But who would the other one?" Ron asked.

"I'll pick someone different each week" Harry proposed and it was settled.

"Mate, when did you learn that?" Harry chuckled and shook his head.

"Ronald that exercise was on our first year book" Hermione chastised him.

"Don't be too harsh, Snape is right we haven't had a good teacher in like, never" Harry defended him "and it was on the footer" Ron's face turned red, he puffed and went up to their room.

"And there he goes" Harry would have to pep him up later.

"He is head boy Harry, he can't be so lazy" Hermione was right but Harry still cuddled him a lot when it came to academic performance.

"Sooo, another letter from Krum eh?" He had noticed the eagle-owl at breakfast, a beautiful bird that always arrived with gifts and letters for Hermione every now and then. The girl blushed and nodded.

"He says the UK is too dangerous, that I am welcomed to visit him at anytime, parents included." Harry frowned, so the news about Voldemort had spread all the way to Bulgaria. "You should visit him"

"What? That would be like fueling the fire"

"Would it be so bad?" Harry knew how Ron felt about their friend even if he wouldn't accept it.

But he couldn't help to think that Hermione would be very frustrated with that kind of relationship with him. She would turn into a second mother the moment the honey moon fase passed. Krum, though not an academic prodigy, was a strong and capable young man that would make Hermione feel secure. He was brilliant at what he did and it was obvious he loved her.

"I.. you think? I don't know?" Hermione too had a thing for Ron but he knew she wasn't stupid and could see they weren't for each other.

"Just tell him that if you were to accept his offer what would he do" Harry proposed "if it sounds like fun you should go" Harry wasn't blind either and Viktor was very good looking. They would make an excellent couple.

"You know, yeah why not" Hermione gave him a small smile and took out Krum's letter.

"I'll go and check on Ron" she nodded.

The boy was lying on the bed wearing his headphones and eating some candy, he took them off the moment Harry entered.

"Mate, save it, I know what you are gonna say, that Hermione is Hermione and that I shouldn't take it personally" Harry smiled and sat on his bed.

"Actually I was gonna say that if you like her you should tell her" Ron's face reddened again. Harry thought that they should talk about it and clear the air between them.

"It's just a crush" he mimic Harry's own reply.

"Mine it's truly a crush, I like Hermione but I definitely don't short-circuit like you whenever Snape is around" Harry glared at him but couldn't deny it.

"I mean, I know we are not perfect for each other" Harry was surprised at Ron's own insight "but it still angers me to think about her with anyone else" so he had noticed the letter too.

"I understand, he is a good guy" Ron agreed through gritted teeth

"Maybe I should date and give her up, we would be miserable together in the long run." Harry was amazed at Ron's maturity.

"I am proud" Ron gave him a funny look "you know, I am certain that this two girls are into you, Lavander Brown and Allegra Rossi" Ron made a face when the first one was mentioned so the second one it was.

"Allegra dances very well" Ron said and Harry agreed remembering her at the Yule ball last year. "Yeah, maybe some Latin moves are in order?" Ron gave him a little smile and nodded. He could try, it was for the best, he rather have Hermione as a friend the rest of his life, than a short lived romance.

---

Harry hated playing quidditch in the cold, despite the charms keeping his clothes warm, the misty cloud he produced every time he exhaled could attest to the low temperatures. The match was going to be hard one.

"Harry, you can't catch the snitch until we score at least 70 points" ugh he hated playing like this. Umbridge had wrecked his entire house and they were last at the house cup. They needed to beat Slytherin and score 220 points minimum to recover the 3rd place.

"Roger" he would use his new thunderbolt for the first time, that could give him some edge against Malfoy's nimbus r5. His mission was simple, fuck Malfoy's game and catch the snitch when Angelina said so. He could do it.

They marched towards the pitch and began formation. Harry knew Snape would attend since his house was playing but he couldn't spot him at the Slytherin stand. Maybe…

Harry turned towards his favorite spot, the tallest stand where Dumbledore sometimes watched the games (the stand where he almost committed suicide) and there he was, sitting next to the headmaster. Their eyes met, Harry's lips curled up and turned back to Madam Hooch before he could see Snape's reaction.

They were at odds right now, supporting their own House, Harry sighed heavily. Malfoy across him smirked smugly, Harry gave him a little wink that wiped the smile from his face and replaced it with a frown.

The snitch flew past by him, he paid no mind to it, his game was Malfoy. The blonde tried to follow it his eyes, amateur. Madam Hooch whistled and the game began.

Harry closed his eyes and reach out with his magic, the true reason he got so good at sensing magic was because with his defective eyes he could barely follow the snitch. Following it with his instinct was something he was naturally talented at. He supposed it was in the Potter blood.

His eyes weren't defective no more though, and he was twice as dangerous. He sprang into action and followed the strategy closely. This was a game he needed to win.

Half an hour had passed and the twins were smashing the Slytherins chasers off their brooms while Draco and Harry were battling shoulder against shoulder giving a spectacle that had the public on an uproar. However, a sudden pain stabbed the spot behind his eyes and blinded him for a moment. But a moment was enough for him to lose focus and almost crash against one of the rings, Draco took the lead and followed the snitch, leaving Harry behind.

Fuck, not right now! he raised his shields but by doing so he wasn't able to follow the game properly. Harry looked at the score

50-60 Slytherin winning.

If he caught the snitch right now then they would have the same amount of points as Hufflepuff. A tie he could break later in classroom. Harry projected his magic as wide as he could and sense the snitch faintly by the ranvenclaw stance. If it continued flying in the same direction then it would be just below him in a few seconds.

Harry acted without thinking, as was typical of him, he flopped over and ceased pouring magic onto his broom, falling free style.

The crowd gasp, some screamed, Malfoy almost collided into him as Harry extended his hand and caught the golden snitch. He had seconds, barely enough time to reanimate his broom and cushion his landing before crashing dramatically against the ground.

He tried hard to keep Voldemort out of his head but the fall had left him physically injured and mentally weak. He rubbed his scar and tried to calm himself down, just enough to call his white room.

He opened his eyes and the snake face man was floating right above him. Enough.

He had had enough of this shit.

Harry dragged Voldemort into his white room with all his strength and locked him there. Once inside the pain subdue, Voldemort growled and tried to cut the connection but Harry forced him to stay. He had never attempted to attack him in here but before he knew he was running towards the wizard full of determination.

He punched him where a nose was supposed to be, hard and true, with all his might, projecting his will to protect everyone against him. The hit must have been a fine one because he pushed him out of his mind and forcefully cut the connection.

Harry passed out immediately.

---

"Two broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder" he knew that voice, it was Madam's "those were easily fixed, what worries me the most is his head trauma"

"What do you mean?" He knew that voice too, Snape.

"It doesn't quite matches a physical injury, he was mentally attacked"

"Why the worry Madam?" Dumbledore inquired.

"Well, before, Harry healed almost immediately after being invaded, but its not healing right now" Snape cursed

"Maybe the fall really hurt his head?" Dumbledore suggested.

"I don't know, he must stay here for observation" ugh Harry figured it was high time he made himself present.

"I attacked him" he still had his eyes closed but continued"I must have hurt myself with the recoil of the attack"

"Harry! My boy" Dumbledore took his hand and gently pat it "what happened?" Harry figured he wasn't referring to his obvious stunt with the snitch.

"I force him to stay in my white room and punched his stupid noseless face into oblivion" a pregnant silence descended upon them. A moment went by, then he heard a low dark chuckle that warmed his insides.

"Severus this is serious!" Madam Pomfrey's attempt to scold Snape was funny enough. "Harry," she said to him "are you in pain?"

"My head is killing me" he answered

"I had to start an IV in your arm, let me pass you a pain reliever" his arm suddenly began feeling quite cool.

"This is not uncommon after a failed attempt of legelimency, you need help to sort out your mind. Let's wait for the pain to subdue and Severus will help you" Dumbledore instructed.

Shit he was done, he will realize how he feel about him... well fuck it all and let him know, he had intended to stop hiding it anyway… yeah whatever, it would be easier that way in the long run.

He tried to call his white room but couldn't, Snape was his only choice. All his internal debate went unnoticed, the three of them were arguing about something that Harry had no interest in knowing. Thy waited for the IV to work and ask again.

"Harry how's the pain?" Harry opened his eyes and his migraine grew back. He groaned and clutched his head.

"It's not getting any better" he answered

"It's because he has a rupture Headmaster, my presence could cause more harm than good" Snape's protests were in vain and everyone knew, once Dumbledore's mind was set, nothing could dissuade him.

"Severus, Harry is familiar with your presence. If Voldemort attacks now, and he might, he has no way to fight back. You must help him." Snape sighed in defeat.

He sat on the bed and look down at Harry, had it been any other time Harry would be nervous and excited by the proximity, but now he could do nothing but to groan when Snape's weight setting down beside him felt like an earthquake.

Snape took out his phone and played one of Harry's favorites, Blackened. Madam Pomfrey made a hilarious face; Harry's lips curled a bit. Their eyes locked and Snape entered his mind cautiously.

He must have done so very gently because Harry felt nothing but relief at the intrusion. Or maybe the pain was too great, inside his mind his thoughts and memories were a mess.

Harry could see flashes of everything and nothing, wherever he turned he found a different scene all merging or breaking, like two galaxies colliding. Harry began to panic and tried to get away, he felt back on that quidditch stance, ready to fall and die all over again.

"Look at me" Snape commanded, Harry turned and there he was standing on a place he wasn't seconds ago, Harry felt less lonely. He tried to focus on Snape's eyes.

"Listen to the riff" The man instructed, Harry tried to pick it up under the loud noise his memories were making. He tried and tried but failed each time, panic took a hold on him again, Snape must have sense his terror because he softly took his hand and intertwined their fingers.

"Harry" He kept him grounded, Harry's name coming out of his lips was the final tug he needed to calm down, the riff overpowered the fuzz and Harry felt his ragged breathing normalize again. He searched desperately for his white room but couldn't call it to him.

"I can't find my room" Snape nodded and turned around, Harry felt a small tug as he guided him through the maze of his own mind. Harry felt like he was walking, but how? His legs weren't moving and neither were Snape's, it was all surreal, suddenly Snape stopped whatever he was doing and turned back to him.

"Try again" Harry did and relief washed over his face when the memories fade and the white space engulfed them both. The relief lasted nothing though, there was water everywhere, it covered his ankles.

"What is this?" Snape's eyes never left his face, worry dripping from them, as Harry looked around trying to make sense of their surroundings.

"A rupture" his answer was simple but Snape said it reluctantly and resigned.

"A core memory is broken, you need to find it and face it" Harry took his time to process the instruction. A core memory? Harry hadn't read about them in the book Hermione had given him.

"A pilar of your persona" that term he did recognize, the Pilars were memories of events that shaped him the way he was.

"It has something to do with water I guess?" He sorta asked. Snape gave him a firm nod. Harry's eyes wandered absently to the right as he tried to figure out what it could be.

He began calling memories he suspected were related.

The second task of the triwizard tournment, the lake… no. That memory was fine.

The time a dementor attacked him in the middle of a quidditch game, clouds burst open and thunders roared all around them. No, not that one.

The broken faucet at Myrtle's bathroom, the entrance to the basilisk's lair. Nope.

"Core memories are often acquired on our early infancy" Snape said as if the very words caused him pain, oh Harry now understood. Snape was weary of his time with the Dursleys, the abuse.

Harry could do it, he had already done it anyway. He gave the man's hand a little squeeze before calling them.

10 year old, Harry lay on the floor, his grey shirt stained red thanks to his bloody nose, broken glass around him, water spilled.

"Stupid boy! Look at this mess!" Petunia had hit him with the frying pan, at least it hadn't been hot.

"Sorry, I'll clean it immediately"

Nope, that wasn't a pilar.

A 7 year old distressed Harry scrubbing the bath tub desperately appeared, Vernon on the back, belt in hand. "I want it spotless boy" a whip, Harry cried out in pain but never ceased to scrub.

"Yes uncle Vernon" Harry rinsed the soap and continued scrubbing until his hand bleed.

Not that one.

On that same tub a weeping sound made him turned right and there he was, 4 year old Harry crying, naked and curled tightly into a ball.

"Stop crying!" Petunia yelled "be thankful I am doing something about that stupid fever of yours. I should let you die! Good riddance!" The water was freezing, his body ached as he sneezed.

Nope. What was it? He searched deep within himself, and suddenly he knew! He turned to Snape, whose face was hard and closed as he relived the memories with him, but his worry leaked through his fidgeting fingers that clench and unclenched around Harry's hand.

"I know!" The man teared his eyes away from the awful scene and locked them with his green ones. "She had been crying that night"

The bathroom faded and an unknown room materialized. The details were foggy, many things blurry, the only thing that was sharp was his mother's red hair as she gently rocked him on her arms, her voice clear and soft.

"I am sorry my love" she was crying "I am so sorry I won't be there."

"Lily!" His father! "He is tearing down the wards!" He approached them and gave them both a last kiss. "I'll buy you some time" he left, never to return.

Harry felt Snape's grip tightened, the scene continued to unfold.

Lily cleaned her own tears from his chubby face and gave him a little a kiss, Harry protested when he was placed in his crib and his mother caressed his head.

"I know, don't you worry. It'll be alright" Lily took out her wand and gave it to Harry, he took it and, successfully distracted, played with it cutely. She gave him a final smile and began chanting some words Harry couldn't understand.

Maybe a minute, maybe five, passed when the door was blasted open, lily turned and shielded Harry with her body as she made her final stance. It was useless of course, the killing curse struck her right in the chest and she collapsed screaming his name.

Voldemort's face was blurry, but he had a nose. Baby Harry looked up at him very distressed as he raised his wand.

"Avada kedavra" the flash of green and a rushing sound came out of Voldemort's wand, the spell hit the baby square on the head. Baby Harry absorbed the magic and fall on his back crying loudly, the scene began to fade as Voldemort's scream of pain shriek around them.

They were back in Harry's white room. Harry, Snape, the water and something else.

What the fuck is that? Harry tugged Snape closer to the thing, refusing to let him go. Snape went without resistance. He stepped closer and shrieked at the sight.

Lying on the ground was a mini Voldemort, Harry recognized him because that was the appearance the man had had before Wormtail made the potion. It was a revolting sight, it was suffering.

"What is he doing here?" Snape pulled Harry closer to him, away from that thing.

"Harry, it doesn't belong here!" There was an urgency in Snape's voice, his calmness gone as a frown curved his eyebrows.

"You must find its place" what? Harry stared dumbly at those obsidian eyes for a few seconds, computing Snape's words carefully. Then it dawned on him.

"It belongs…" he paused briefly "…here" he touched his scar and the white room suddenly became black, odd because even though now everything was dark he could still see Snape, the water and the thing as if they were glowing.

"What is this place" he asked aloud.

"A place you have no business in" Snape answered quickly "take us back Harry, leave them here, take us back!" Snape urged him. Harry called his white room back and it responded.

Only Harry and Snape remained, the water and the thing were no more. Snape looked around and exhaled in relief.

"Good" he began to disentangle his fingers from Harry's but the latter resisted. Snape paused and stepped closer, letting his free hand rest on Harry's shoulder.

"You need to stay here and meditate."

"Don't leave me" the young man pleaded. Snape's hard face softened.

"As if I could, Potter" Harry didn't quite grasp what he meant by that, but his grip tightened. Snape quirked his eyebrow and tilted his head, Harry's heart melted with adoration, only he could find Severus Snape cute… well, he hoped so.

"You need to heal or Madam Pomfrey will keep you in bed for the rest of the week." Harry winced, lowered his eyes and reluctantly let him go.

Snape hesitated, clearly conflicted, but after a few seconds whatever inner war he was having was resolved because he moved the hand on his shoulder, very slowly, and tilt Harry's chin up, forcing the green eyes back on his. A hitched sob stuck in Harry's throat.

"You are safe now" Harry took in Snape's declaration and let his eyes roam over his face. When he saw no trace of lie, he nodded. Snape released him and disappeared.

Harry sat down and focused on the music.

---

Snape came back to his own mind and watched Harry's peaceful expression. His real hand was still intertwined with the boy's, he looked up to headmaster's somber eyes. They were alone in Harry's private room.

"It took long?" Snape asked, not releasing the boy's hand yet.

"Half an hour at most, Madam Pomfrey will be back soon, a first year fall of the stairs, again." If Dumbledore thought Snape's touch was out of character he didn't comment.

"His mind was torn apart, but he" Snape turned back to Harry's calm face. "He is gifted and very mature" and with good reason, those bloody muggles never let him be a child.

They will pay, Severus swore, he was going to kill Petunia and his husband that was a promise.

"I figured, you found the core memory very quickly" Snape snorted.

"I barely talk him through the process, he found it himself" finally he released his hand and walked closer to his mentor.

"You have to see this, we need your pensive" Severus said in a hushed voice, Dumbledore nodded. Madam Pomfrey entered and gasped when she saw Snape leaning on the window.

"So soon!" She took out her wand and projected Harry's brain onto the air in a red holographic like image "oh! He is healing!" She beamed. "Rather fast! As usual!"

"Madam we need Harry's speaker, would you be so kind as to let Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley in, seeming as they are standing on the other side of the door when they can be of better help in here." Dumbledore twinkled madly when Madam Pomfrey opened the door and the teens yelped at being caught snooping.

Weasley's face flared red the girl however opened Harry's backpack and took out his phone and speaker.

"Professors" she greeted them as she entered and placed the speaker next to Snape's phone, then she unlocked Harry's phone and selected his favorite playlist. Snape recognized it obviously.

"You know his password?" Ron asked incredulous.

"Of course Ron, in case of emergency, I know yours too" the boy made a face and looked at her indignant but said nothing. Snape's lips curled up lightly, the girl was very practical, he liked that.

"Well, he might wake up anytime now" Dumbledore began "please keep him company, one heals faster when is not alone" the teens nodded and stationed themselves near Harry, the boy sat on the bed and the girl on the chair.

"Madam please call us if anything happens" with that Dumbledore left the room. Snape grabbed his phone and followed the old wizard out, but before crossing the threshold he stopped, his worry didn't let him leave in peace.

"If he asks" he said without looking at them "tell him I'll come back later" not waiting for a response he exited the room and closed the door.

Dumbledore was waiting for him by the fireplace, they stepped in and flooed to the Headmaster's office.

Finally he let himself relax and rubbed his temples trying to relief his own headache. It had been an afternoon that left much to be desired, to say the least. Slytherin lost, Potter crashed and the fact he had to help him fix his head and relieve those glimpses of his childhood had been the cherry on top.

Snape wondered why he hadn't been called, Voldemort surely was in a worst state. But he wasn't about to complain.

A glass of fire whisky was placed in his hand and he nodded gratefully to the headmaster. The whisky was gone in seconds and refilled instantly. Dumbledore waved his hand and the wall moved to reveal the pensive hidden behind. Snape took out his wand and placed it on his temple.

For brief moment he considered showing Dumbledore Harry's abuse so the torture of witness it would be inflicted upon both of them, yet he extract only Harry's core memory and what happened next. It would have been quite petty on his behalf.

The headmaster handled it with extreme care and place it on an empty vial, he turned to him for a debriefing before watching it himself. Their dynamics needed no voicing after all these years.

"He remembers faintly what happened the night Voldemort attacked the Potters" Dumbledore's bushy eyebrows lifted with surprise. "It is obviously foggy with little detail, but lily's voice is crystal clear. She chanted something in what I believe was Icelandic or a related language. You might pick it up better" he finished.

"Most impressive! This is excellent yes! Wonderful news" Dumbledore's excitement was contagious and Snape allowed himself a faint grin, they had been searching for this info for years. To think it had always been there, inside Harry's own mind as the boy had suggested barely over a month ago.

"After we reviewed the memory something appeared but I don't want to give my impression of it yet, see it yourself first" Dumbledore frowned and emptied the vial on the pensive before plunging his head inside.

Snape collapse in the armchair and closed his eyes while he waited for the headmaster to finish. He began sorting his own mind, cautiously hiding anything related to Harry that might compromise his position with the Dark Lord. Manipulating his memories and feelings, creating proxies that would protect the real ones. It wasn't an easy task but he was more than capable.

After he finished he drank his whisky, slowly this time. The headmaster continued reviewing the memory, surely he had replayed it several times by now. With nothing left to do, Snape allowed himself to muse over the past events.

His hate towards Potter senior had lessened, just a bit. The bloke hadn't hesitated, like a true Griffindor, they must have known something like that could happen… they had been prepared; whatever Lily did it wasn't the result of the rush of the moment, it had taken time. Snape smiled fondly at her memory.

Lily was always a step ahead, even now he suspected…. What would she think about him if she knew how he felt about her son?

Snape let his head rest on the armchair and groaned, no he wasn't ready to face that. Later, he would worry about it later, when he wasn't sitting on the headmaster's office.

The man thankfully saved him from his own thoughts and reemerge from the pensive. The wizard sighed loudly and poured himself a glass of firewhisky.

"Old Norse, she mentions Freyja and a promise, I am of course not fluent, but I could pick up a few words" Dumbledore took a sip and collapsed beside him on the other armchair. Severus rested his chin on his hand and crossed his legs.

"Mmm, you know some would argue that Frigg and Freyja were one and the same" Dumbledore took the hint and assented.

"Frigg failed to protect her son" Dumbledore challenged, the old myth abouth Baldur's death was well known.

"Lily wouldn't make any omissions" Severus confidence in his old friend was unwavering. She had been after all one of a kind. "However, how on earth would she get such knowledge?"

"The Potters have a vast and old collection of nordic artifacts, they are in fact descendants of a Viking tribe, Fleamont Potter once showed it to me. The answer must lay on Harry's vault, where all his legacy is guarded."

Dumbledore smiled and continued "Our theory is sound, Lily's and James' sacrifice match with the requirements for a favor of the goddess." The thread could be closed, but Dumbledore would surely be interested in seeing it through.

"Do you think Harry may be persuaded to search for it in his vault?" Snape knew this old man like the palm of his hand.

"He will do whatever you ask, he adores you" was his reply.

"Hmm I may not be the only one" Snape didn't like the direction this conversation was taking and brought the other issue up.

"What about the corruption?" Snape asked, Dumbledore sobered again and took another sip from his glass before responding.

"Yes, what did you sensed?"

"It was pure evil, death, pain and suffering. I have examined cursed artifacts before but not even the most perfidious ones bored such a stain." Snape shivered involuntarily.

"The boy is accustomed to it, he was barely affected and even curious. He didn't notice what an evil aura it projected" Snape lamented, the boy was used to pain.

"It was not a curse, that thing was a piece of a broken soul." Snape's eyes widened.

"A horrocrux." He gasped, it couldn't be.

"I first suspected Tom had done the unthinkable when Harry brought me his corrupted diary, but now I can confirm it."

"That would explain why he didn't die that night, he had that thing as a backup" Snape was afraid of what this all meant for Harry.

"Do you know why I brought Horace back to Hogwarts?" Dumbledore inquired, this was a test.

"The dark lord is searching for him" that was common Knowledge "he is not particularly strong, he already has me as his potions master… unless, the old man knows something the dark lord doesn't want him to divulge…" Dumbledore nodded with pride.

"Indeed, he and Tom were close back in the day. I think Horace knows something that could tip the balance" Dumbledore sighed dramatically and gulped his firewisky.

"However, he won't tell, believe me I have tried, and you know how insistent I can be" Snape knew indeed.

"He even gave me a fake memory, it was a very poor attempt, even Harry would notice the alteration." The dim candlelight flared with Dumbledore's annoyance and reminded Snape of the power the old man had inside him, dormant but present.

"Potter" Snape cautiously began "has it perfectly isolated, away from his own mind." Dumbledore took the hint and gave Snape a look full of pain.

"Severus…"

"Albus just… don't" they both knew where this was going. "There could be a way" to save Harry.

"Very well, I will task Sirius to search throughly about the subject, even inside his vault, when he can mange a visit to Gringotts." Snape felt he was being humored, the mutt had been a good student but Snape wasn't sure he was up to the task, but that was enough for now.

There had to be a way to exorcise Voldemort's soul from Harry's scar without killing him. If there wasn't then he would invent one, but the boy would live to see old age that was the only thing he was sure of… Lily, it occurred to Snape, her ritual could be the answer.

"The dark lord must have made more than one, I don't think Harry was on purpose, that means his soul was too weak and it chipped" Dumbledore correctly concluded.

"How many? That remains to be known. Our goal is to find them, destroy them and finally kill him."

Amen, Severus added.

---

By the time Snape left the headmaster's office the moon was smiling mockingly at his misfortunes, through the castle's corridors circulated cold gusts of wind. February's chill was unforgiving with anything that dared to be outside without the proper clothes or charms.

Thankfully it was Friday, well Saturday, and meant he didn't have to wake up early. And despite he only needed 4 or 5 hours of sleep he was dying for some quality time with his bed.

His ever present worry, however, made him paused his way to his quarters and wondered if he should visit the boy. He snorted at himself; wasting time feigning indecision when his mind was already set. He turned right, away from the dungeons and towards the infirmary.

His presence was welcomed and wouldn't alert Madam Pomfrey, he quickly crossed the open wing and reached the private rooms, he entered Harry's silently.

The boy was sleeping, the moonlight casted a shine filled with nocturnal magic through the windows, it illuminated the soft features of his face in an almost ethereal way. Snape sat down beside him and questioned his existence.

Gods, even asleep the boy is truly beautiful. He allowed himself no more thoughts about it and took out his phone. No five minutes passed when his doom scrolling through social media was interrupted by tiny moans of pain.

Snape's worries were confirmed as Harry began wailing in distress, he knew this would happen. Remembering his time before Hogwarts was bound to trigger back flashbacks of his torment when unconscious.

He pondered what he should do.

As much as he was dying to, he wouldn't touch the boy if it wasn't necessary, not because it might be improper or uncomfortable for Harry, but because he was afraid what the touch would do to him. He was in deep enough already. Instead he began projecting his magic towards Harry, he wished to transmit a sense of safety and comfort.

"No… please…" each word Harry whimpered landed a heavy blow on Snape's heart, why? Why did he have to suffer that much? How unfair life was with the innocent. He, the real culprit of his parents' death, had been pardoned and given a somewhat comfortable life, and the boy had been sent away to live in a cupboard under the stairs.

He wished to beg him for forgiveness, perhaps one day he would, and knowing the boy he would be forgiven before his knees even touched the ground.

He projected his magic with more intention and it began to work, Harry ceased to move however, his frown remained in place. Severus sensed him waking and felt no surprised when the boy's eyes opened.

Gods, those eyes.

"Sir?" There was hope in his tone, the frown completely dissolved. To an outsider it would appear the boy was the one being comforted by his presence, but it was the other way around, his troubles weight lighter on his shoulders the moment he heard his voice.

"Potter" what more could he say? really?

"I am sorry" what was the boy apologizing for?! What a number those muggles had done with his self esteem. Harry remained in bed, tucked under the covers, Snape's magic wrapped securely around him.

"If you persist with this self loading Potter I will smack you with the mitts so hard you will forget about everything else." Snape hated himself, why was he unable to comfort someone he cared about like a normal person?

Despite his harsh response the boy smiled, and snuggled against his pillow reaching tentatively to him with his own magic. Snape hesitated, that would be crossing a very dangerous bridge, but his resolve quickly faded when he felt a glimpse of the warmth Harry was projecting. Their auras intertwined, and Snape's breath was taken away by the pure adoration that caressed his soul. He felt closer to him than ever before.

So much for his self restraint.

Snape's crossed legs and easy posture didn't betray what he was thinking or feeling. Harry's blown out pupils and hooded eyes did. Their situation forced Snape, in the privacy of his mind, to finally admit it felt wonderful, the boy's magic engulfed him with many sensations that in other circumstances he would call stupid and useless but right now they were burning his skin in the most provocative way. Fire. The boy was fire and if he stood too close he was gonna get burned. He had suspected about the boy's crush even before the rupture, what he didn't expect was that he didn't mind. Not in the least.

Harry's hooded eyes widened when he felt Snape's magic retreat, the frown returned.

"Meditate for a while" he tried to ease Harry's worries "sort your mind and tuck those memories away Harry, I don't want you to taste dreamless potion. It is highly addictive." And you highly prone to addictions. That last bit he didn't said.

"We will train on Monday?" So insecure.

"Unless you find some excuse that brings you back to this room, yes" Snape stood and turned to leave.

"Your speaker is dead, recharge it and go back to sleep." It was a simple spell and perhaps one of the reasons Harry had been having nightmares to begin with.

He left, fearing his will to let go would dissolve at any moment. What he didn't realize was that the damage had been done.

The seed, planted.

---

Harry thought he knew what torture was, after all he was constantly reminded by his traumas and weird quirks that he hadn't had the best when it came to childhoods, but nothing could compare to this urgency of having a fix.

A fix of Severus Snape.

The man had woken in him something he didn't know he craved. That feeling of being comforted in the most wonderful way. It was like a soft blanket around his shoulders, a glass of cool water after exercising under the hot sun, a pain reliever potion for a migraine. A band aid to his broken heart. Snape's magic around him was that and more.

Before, he had only projected his magic for quidditch and while dueling as he had been taught to do, but had never actually used it for any other purpose. Now that he had gotten a taste, he wanted more.

So he tried rather cautiously at first, not invasive at all, to persuade Snape to do it again. When training early in the mornings he would poke him with his own magic, not when they had their gloves on, because Harry wanted to get better not thanks to magic but his other senses. No, after, when they were alone in the showers and each would take their time to get ready, far gone were the days when the Snape hurried to get away after finishing. He would project a bit magic when Snape nodded a 'see you later' and Harry assented a 'be safe', then he would try to reach out to him with his aura, hoping for a response. None came the first three months after his mental rupture. Not even at their occlumency lessons when he didn't try so hard anymore to hide how he felt.

But then, one day, out of the blue he felt him at the middle of a random DADA lesson.

They were examining three identical artifacts in pairs, all of them cursed one way or another. They were to assess each curse and cast the correct counter curse. Harry was tasked with figuring out which curse it was, Ron would try to cast the counter curse and meanwhile Harry would fill the report due by the end of the hour. He was describing in detail the powerful confunding charm the second vase had when he felt him at the back of his neck.

Harry was so taken aback he gasped aloud and stopped writing.

"What?! What? Fuck bloody hell where am I?" He had startled Ron who was casting the counter curse and failed, getting himself all confused.

"Shit." Harry muttered and wandlessly threw a lucidity charm towards Ron's head, his mate shook his head and muttered a little sorry.

"try again mate" he encouraged Ron. As the guy tried to calm himself and recast the spell, he peaked over his shoulder and spotted Snape leaning against the wall clearly amused.

Harry turned back to his piece of paper and tried hard to hide his blush. He projected his magic towards Snape, expecting to be ignored again, but he was totally surprised when the bloke accepted it and melded their auras.

Harry had to place down his pen and grip hard the edge of the desk to hold back a moan of delight. It felt exactly how he remembered, he felt so safe.

The moment was gone before he could savor it, the connection cut. He felt Snape brush his shoulder as he passed him by. He didn't lift his eyes to follow him, he was afraid he would try to reach again and with so many classmates between them anyone could notice.

He grabbed his pen and continued like nothing had happened. The smile didn't left his face for the entire weekend.

---

"Harry? Can I talk to you for a sec?" Ginny requested when he turned to leave the room of requirement, Ron and Hermione shared a look, he clenched his fist, the three nodded.

"Sure Ginny" the girl smiled smugly in triumph, Cho gasped in indignation and moved closer towards them.

His friends hurried the rest of the club members out of the room, even the reluctant Cho who was trying to find an excuse to stay. Harry quickly noticed she wouldn't leave so he proposed instead,

"Care to accompany me to the owlery? I bought my girl some treats." He phrased that on purpose; Ginny's smile, as expected, turned a bit stiff but sincere.

"Sure!"

Their small talk was light and a bit awkward, when they arrived Harry enlightened Ginny about the dried meat he had ordered online that was supposed to be top quality. When the chatter couldn't be filled with any other unimportant topics he sighed and asked.

"So Ginny, what's on your mind?" The girl tried and failed to control her blush and instead ignored it with dignity.

"Well, you know, there is this Party in two weeks" yes, that he knew, but he had been pretty sure it was an under the water affair, to be held in the room of requirement right after their final O.W.L. practical exam. After all the twins had promised some booze to spice up the mood. Surely she wasn't going to ask him to be his date or something.

He nodded.

"Well, I am pretty sure Dean is going to ask me to be his girlfriend, so well I was hoping you could" she sighed and paused, Harry's stomach knotted "well, I just, I don't want to." She tried to explain.

"I don't know what I want"

"Why not tell him that?" Harry asked.

"I have tried but he insists, I don't want to hurt him." She seemed truly conflicted.

"Could you chaperone me? You know, don't leave me alone with him?" Harry quirked his eyebrow Snape-like. It could work for both of them actually, he would watch over Ginny and her presence might repel any attempts on him.

"Of course girl, what are friends for?"

"Yes, friends" she muttered bitterly but her resigned smile remained.

---

The next Monday after finishing his Charms practical exam he walked towards his scheduled meeting with Snape. All his classmates were afflicted with stress, panic attacks and burnout. Harry went with the current but the only thing he could really complain about was how irascible Hermione was.

He couldn't blame her, but by the end of the day all he wanted was to get away.

He knocked three times and the door opened.

Snape was sitting behind his desk, grading some papers, end of semester was causing havoc among the students but also among the teachers who needed to grade the work of at least 600 students. Really? This school was heavily understaffed, with all the taxes the ministry charged for everything the least they could do was give all of them a good education and the teachers a good job.

Harry said nothing as he sat on his usual chair, the one he had conjured and had upgraded to a more comfortable armchair, he leaned back and crossed his legs content to admire Snape from afar.

"Did you find your first O.W.L. exam enjoyable?" His voice dripped sarcasm. Harry laughed, the man had a witty sense of humor that he feared was clearly undervalued.

"Charms is one of my favorite subjects, it was the written part that had me on a tight spot, really hiccoughs? I spent the entire night studying about memory charms" curing hiccoughs was a first year charm.

"You expected them to be more difficult?" Harry shrugged, he kinda did. After all the fuss about them.

"It's just, we have the potential to do extraordinary things, why hiccoughs?" Snape put down his quill and leaned back on his chair.

"Your mother said the exact same thing" Snape's gaze was penetrating his soul, Harry took a deep breath and braced the intensity of those obsidian eyes.

Under his stare Harry couldn't hold back anymore, he projected in his magic all the warmth the man made him feel. Snape closed his eyes, as if to savor Harry's magic, and when he opened them again, he projected back the sensations of safety and security Harry was addicted to.

Snape stood and sat across him, the papers on his desk forgotten. He summoned two empty cups and a boiling kettle, Harry summoned some biscuits. Snape had finally taught him the seventh year summoning charm the house elves performed all the time.

Their magic stayed intertwined, it was the longest time so far, Harry forced his focus to remain present and tried not to lose himself in Snape. Unknowingly Snape was trying to do the same.

"How.." Harry's eloquence had gotten better but under these circumstances he was having a relapse of stupidity. "How did you do in your Owls?"

He really was trying to focus.

Snape grinned and Harry could feel his amusement as if it was his own. This connection was amazing, why wasn't everyone communicating like this? Was this somehow forbidden? It must have been.

"Twelve O's, of course" Harry's eyes widened in surprise.

"You did!" He hadn't expected anything else really.

"Your workload must have been tyrannical" Snape shrugged rather uncharacteristically, and Harry noted with joy that the man was finally letting his guard down around him.

"Not really, I seldom handed in my homework, I compensated with perfect scores at tests" Harry grinned, he thought the man would have been the perfect student seeming how strict he was as a teacher.

"How then?"

"I have eidetic memory" Snape simply said.

"Oh, well, how convenient" Harry slumped back in defeat. Impossible to compete against such a gift. "I am positively jealous"

"Don't be. It's more of a burden than anything." Snape closed his face, but his aura projected an ounce of pain. Harry tried to soothe him, it must have worked because the pain numbed.

"You have an excellent natural memory too" it felt odd to be praised by Snape without the following insult, but it was happing more often now and he really could get used to it.

"It's high time your white room evolves into something more complex" Snape added, Harry felt extremely curious.

"For the next step of your training, it'll be faster if I just show you what I mean" Snape's quiet voice finished. Harry took his time to comprehend what he meant, because surely it wasn't what he was thinking… or was it?

"You want me to enter your mind?" Snape gave him a crooked smile.

"You know the spell." He said, Harry hesitated.

"I don't want to hurt you" Snape's firsts attempts had left him with a migraine of biblical proportions.

"Then don't" Maybe it hurt because it had been his first time… having his mind invaded that is… yeah, Harry hoped he wasn't projecting his nervousness and embarrassment.

Snape chuckled, of course he was.

"You sure?" Snape leaned his head on his hand and Harry felt him relax.

"Are you deaf?" The words were harsh but they carried no ill intent, as usual. Harry took out his wand and pointed it at Snape. The older man could cast the spell nonverbally and wandlessly but he didn't want to mess anything up.

"Legelimence"

Harry felt his consciousness being pulled into Snape's, after always being the one mentally attacked it felt extremely weird to be the one invading.

Harry didn't know what to expect but a strange batcave-ish place was definitely not it. It was dark, but not gloomy; almost silent, he could hear a distant stream. Harry inspected Snape's cave and realized it kinda looked like a zen garden, but with rocks and crystals instead of vegetation, various artifacts were displayed and arranged carefully around, he finally spotted the man and walked closer.

Snape was standing in the middle of the cave before 6 large monitors hovering above the ground, all playing different videos at once. Harry recognize some of them and realized they were Snape's memories

"This is your white room?!"

"It's hardly white, perhaps Madam Pomfrey didn't heal your eyesight after all" Snape teased, Harry combed his hair with his fingers sheepishly.

"Well, you know, your place"

"It is" there were many things besides the floating monitors and the crystals, he could see some books and in the distance there was even a car. Not the Batmobile though. Ron would laugh so hard if he ever knew about this, he had called Snape a bat since their first year. The place was amazing nonetheless.

"Why is mine so blank? Am I really that simple and stupid?" He mused out loud. Snape frowned and look at him as if he was mad, then he slowly lowered Harry's hand from his mouth when he began bitting his nails.

"No, Harry" his insides warmed at the sound of his name "you are not" he could still feel Snape's magic all around him and the external feeling of validation that engulfed him reflected how highly Snape thought of him. Even if he didn't say it with words their meld let him feel it.

"A blank canvas is a rare thing to have, no biased opinions, no constricting traumas, that you, of all people, should be able to conjure one, is an attest to your resilience against hardships." Harry shyly lowered his eyes and stared at his trainers in embarrassment.

"And besides, yours is never silent" Harry's eyes shot up to find Snape sporting a rare simple smile he had seen perhaps only twice in his life. He smiled back, his depressing thoughts successfully contained.

"My good memory, allows me to do something very few are proficient in" Snape resumed, all 6 monitors synced and played an enlarged single memory, the day he did a duel demonstration with Lockhart. Harry felt the memory being called and soon there he was, a few years back in time.

Harry was amazed at the amount of detailed the memory had, Harry could have sweared they had used a time turner to travel there.

Harry watched himself duel and winced, so clumsy and ridiculous, at least Malfoy looked far worse. The blond boy summoned the serpent and the crowd panicked around him.

"Don't worry Harry let me handle this" Lockhart said with confidence.

"Vipera evanesca" the animal began to disintegrate just as he remembered. Harry couldn't understand a thing. The memory froze.

"That's not what happened" Harry pointed the obvious, Snape rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in an elegant manner.

"You think?"

"I know!" Harry hesitated "you casted that spell" right? It looked so real, though, even Lockhart's charming smile after dealing with the serpent looked legit.

"I am Dumbledore's and the dark lord's spy because I excel at this" Snape finally admitted.

"At changing your memories?"

"At lying" he corrected "none fully trust me, yet they keep me close anyway. Because the information I provide is always accurate." Harry felt confused, he thought Dumbledore trusted him without a doubt but Snape just said he didn't.

Snape sensed his inner turmoil and sighed. "I am loyal to Dumbledore and his cause. He knows this, but that doesn't mean he is not cautious around me. As he should."

"He knows" harry parroted, Snape looked at him intently, assessing his reaction.

"Serving him, means I can fight for what she died" Harry turned to him surprised, amazed about what those words implied. Fighting for Dumbledore meant he was fighting for his mom's last wish: protect him. Snape was fighting this war to protect him.

A new wave of adoration washed over both them, but for the first time Harry didn't know who the source was, him or Snape. His eyes blurred with tears and he lowered his face to hide them. He loved him. He finally could admit it standing before him. Perhaps that wasn't what his mom had intended, but it worked just fine for him.

He needn't to say anything, he was sure Snape could feel it all, he had made his peace with his feelings for him and besides he could sense that the man really cared for him too; Harry wasn't sure if in the same way but for now it didn't matter.

Snape cleared his throat and continued.

"Since I can remember the events so clearly, I can modify the memories perfectly. Keeping the details that matter the most intact, everyone's else reaction, Lockhart's expressions, the tone of his voice, the repulsion I felt. Those things are hard to fake, better to keep to them and focus on other things." Snape explained while making other tiny changes.

"Once my fake memory is created I tag it so I know it's a lie and then I just store it with the rest. For me, a computer like device makes it easier to sort my mind, the headmaster has an enormous library; the dark lord, a palace" Snape finished as he pulled them out of the memory and back to the cave.

"Wow, how is it you are still sane?" Harry was awed that Snape knew so much about the subject, no book described what he just did.

"Who says I am?" Snape clutched his arm and turned to Harry.

"Now, your turn" Harry took the hint and retreated carefully to his own mind.

Back in his armchair he closed his eyes and selected a memory. Snape patiently waited, their magic around them settled in a comfortable buzz that helped him relax. Ten minutes later he opened his eyes and grinned proudly.

"I think I managed to pull something" Snape who had been sipping his tea quirked an eyebrow.

"Show me" Harry welcomed him into his mind.

Inside his white room Harry materialized the same furniture Snape had in his office, his conjured armchair, the coffee table and Snape's own armchair. On the table was his speaker, playing Chopin's piano nocturnes. Harry figured he wasn't a visual type of person, he preferred his ears. He sat down and took out his phone, well his mental projection of it.

The music stopped and the sound of batting wings echoed loudly, he called the memory and pulled Snape with him.

"So Ginny, what's in your mind" the girl blushed just like the first time. Hedwig was enjoying her treat immensely.

"Well as you know, exams start next week" a subtle change, he hoped he had nailed Ginny's voice. Harry nodded in the memory.

"Well, I am pretty sure Dean is going to ask me if he can help me with my DADA essay, so well I was hoping you could" she sighed just like the first time "well, I just, I don't want to.

"I don't know what I want" the girl looked at him intently.

"Why not tell him that?" Harry asked.

"I don't want to seem rude." She seemed truly conflicted.

"Could you chaperone me? You know, don't leave me alone with him?" Harry quirked his eyebrow Snape-like.

"Of course girl, what friends are for?"

"Yes, friends" she muttered bitterly but gave him a smile.

The memory faded as they returned to the white room, the music played in the background once again.

"So? What do you think?" Snape sat in his mental armchair and leaned back while crossing his fingers over his lap.

"It could be a passable attempt if I didn't know Ginevra Weasley. The girl wouldn't get so flustered over such a simple matter." He raised his crossed hands in front of his face in a movie villain fashion.

"You need to carefully meld the real conversation with the fake one and be mindful of the personality of the ones staring in it. The rest was adequate, there were no changes in her voice at all" Harry frowned and nodded, he would practice.

"How did you store it?" Snape inquired.

"I created like a new playlist in my head and just added it there" Snape shook his head

"No, don't set it apart from the rest. Mark it someway and place it next to the original one" Harry's head titled cutely, he nodded and tried again. His speaker stopped playing Chopin and the celesta, an instrument he associated with Hedwig, played on a different scale he had envisioned in the original memory.

"It's hard to mark the distinction" Harry frowned in effort.

"It is, think of a way to mark them all in the same manner, so you can always identify the proxies. You'll lose your mind if you don't." Harry nodded.

"I always associate my memories with music and it often plays on a diatonic scale, I'll remove some notes from the fake ones and play them on a pentatonic scale." Harry altered the fake memory and returned it to the original playlist.

"I have been inside many minds over the years, but yours is the first one I have encountered to be so purely auditory." Snape's pride caressed his soul, Harry blushed and grinned stupidly.

"That fact alone gives you an enormous advantage" Snape said softly.

"Our Occlumency sessions now come to an end, you need to practice on your own." Snape retreated and Harry found himself sitting on the real furniture instead of his mental projection of it.

Harry felt conflicted, he was delighted he had finally learned occlumency but he didn't want his time with Snape to end. His aura reflected his bittersweet emotions and Snape reflected satisfaction at his accomplishment and successfully soothed his turmoil. Harry sighed in defeat and took a biscuit.

They ate in comfortable silence until he felt Snape's curiosity and turned to the man questionably.

"What?" He asked when he saw Snape had no intention to voice his doubts. Snape averted his stare and fixed it upon his tea.

"Ginevra, what was your conversation really about?" Snape inquired not looking up, Harry smiled happily. Snape could have forced the real memory out, but he had asked instead. His respect was most appreciated.

"I shouldn't be telling you this, but there is going to be a wild party when the exams are finally over" Snape's lips thinned disapprovingly.

"Dean wants her to be his girlfriend, she doesn't." Harry took a sip of his tea.

"So she asked you to chaperoned her?" Snape concluded, Harry nodded.

"It works for me as well" both knew about Harry's popularity and how insisting the girls and even the guys could be.

"I wasn't planning on attending because they always want to get me drunk" Harry's eyes widened at his slip, Snape wasn't supposed to know about the booze. He projected his nervousness before he could control it. He half expected Snape to laugh at his clumsiness but the frown in his face deepened.

"Hasn't it occurred to you that the girl might be the one looking for a shot" to get him drunk and make her move, the last bit he almost read from Snape's magic.

"Ginny wouldn't do that…" Snape set down his teacup rather loudly, Harry could feel his displeasure and tried to calm him down.

"Only juice for me, I promise" Snape snorted. Not convinced in the slightest.

---

Nine O's for his nine owls exams. Shit if he had known you could present the owl without attending to the class he would have tried to tackle the other 3 even if he didn't get a perfect grade in any of them.

Hermione beamed with joy at her ten O's and one EE, the rest were annoyed by them. With Harry, for managing to get good grades with considerable less effort than the rest; Hermione, for being so perfect at everything she set her eyes on. But the spirits were still high with the exams finally over.

The common room was a mess, the girls were getting themselves ready as if they were a pack of wolves going out for hunt. The boys, were a mixture of awkwardness and excitement, some just wanted to prove themselves against the liquor, the older ones wanted to get laid or at least make out with literally anyone they could. Harry finally took out his camera and snapped some pictures of his friends getting ready and messing around.

The hormones were high and rampant. Harry stood up and left, suddenly feeling out of place when condoms where handed out by the seventh years. He wondered if all common rooms were the same, after all you only needed to know about the party in order to assist. He wouldn't be surprised if even Dumbledore knew about it at this point. He was climbing down the stairs when he remembered his promise to Ginny and stopped abruptly.

Harry covered his face with hands and groaned loudly, he rather be with Snape playing chess or training. Even brewing. Or dueling, Harry's felt a burst of excitement shot through him. Yes especially dueling.

"Hey Harry" Dean casually greeted him as he passed him by. Shit.

"Hey Dean!" Harry hurried down, everyone turned around when he arrived, he pretended not to notice and continued on his way. He was the final prize, a most desired trophy, it sickened Harry to the core.

"Harry!" Ginny approached him and devoured him with her blue eyes. He had dressed in a simple manner, black jeans, a white T-shirt and Chelsea black boots, his ever present headphones around his neck. Harry gave her a sheepish grin and searched for his friends.

Hermione was crowded by a flock of girls who were trying fix her hair.

"Hermione stay still" Parvati scolded her.

"It hurts!"

"Being beautiful hurts, so stay still or my wand might just trim a little further up!" Harry winced.

Ginny wrapped her arm around Harry's, Harry sighed but let her be. They walked towards the entrance where Ron was waiting for them. Ron gave him an apologetic smile when he saw his sister perched on his side but said nothing about it.

"The twins left an hour ago, let's go!"

"Ron, this got out of hand, we are gonna get years of detention" Ron grinned.

"Nah, don't worry Harry, Neville found a way to hide the party if a teacher comes in!" Even Neville had been corrupted by twins idea. It was their final year at Hogwarts, what did they care if they got expelled. They entered the room of requirement, happily and innocently. Not realizing they were gonna leave scarred forever in different ways.

What had started as a normal party, soon transformed into a wild celebration when the booze began to make itself present in their system. Harry had stick to his promise and had insisted on coke and water when a drink was offered to him.

Therefore, he couldn't fathom how on earth he had gotten so drunk.

Ron had invited Allegra to the dance floor and as the four of them enjoyed the music the girl introduced them to the raggae style of dancing. The party had transformed from there, Neville was shirtless on a table, dancing with Luna. Seamus was making out with two seventh years at the same time. Dean had prevailed, Harry never knew when or how, and was grinding on Ginny at the music's beat, the girl was reciprocating with sensual moves of her own.

Malfoy and his gang had showed up and were dancing clearly doped but cheerful. Making the most surreal scene. Even Hermione was having fun with some Hufflepuffs.

He had deflected at least ten attempts of various girls and boys to make out with him, including Cho's, but someone must have put something in his drink because from one moment to another he felt ready to throw up.

His head was foggy however he was lucid enough to realize he was being groped ruthlessly and without consideration. He tried to focus and noticed Romilda Vane sensually dancing extremely close to him. So close she was practically rubbing herself on him… wasn't the girl a third year? This new generations were getting wild younger and younger. He tried to get away but she clung to his arm with a vicious grip, whatever she had giving him was working because he couldn't get away, he felt weak.

Yet, even with all the uproar and willing girls around him he could only think about one person. He took out his phone and texted him.

Help

"I'll just go to the loo" Romilda didn't budge,

"Let me accompany you." She grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the room of requirement. They didn't get far, she was trying to make out with him at every corner, he resisted with all his might.

"No, Rom-" a pair of lips were smushed against his, and hand was fondling his soft prick so forcefully that it felt uncomfortable, he gently untangled her arms from his neck and pushed her away, the girl fumed and pull him down to her level by his tshirt.

"I don't understand you took the potion!" She voiced in frustration.

"That's because they only work on the mentally weak" Snape's cold voice behind them caught her by surprise and almost gave her a heart attack. She released Harry who leaned heavily against the wall. Snape's voice sounded angelic on his ears. He was safe.

The girl paled as the silence around them stretched. Finally she gathered her wits and said.

"I was only helping Harry get back to the dorm" she tried to lie to the master of deception.

"Indeed" Snape sneered "you weren't assaulting him at all?" He sounded murderous.

"I, well" the girl stammered

"Since you are such a Good Samaritan perhaps you could warn your classmates, Professor McGonagall is on her way" the girl yelped and ran back so quickly she almost tripped.

Snape's expression as he watched her leave made Harry wondered about the wretched fate she had brought upon herself. The man looked ferocious, in fact he was sure that from the scale of fucked up potion to damaging the old whomping willow he was surpassing the latter.

The vexed eyes turned to him and Harry flinched. Snape's magic crashed down upon him so harshly that he almost sobered up at once. Almost, he still felt rather drunk.

"You have no idea of the consequences your lack of caution may have had!" Snape admonished him. Harry projected his apologetic magic in a submissive way, his head hung in shame.

"I am sorry." he muttered. Snape snarled but calm down.

"Let's go" Snape clawed his shoulder firmly and leaded him through the corridors. Neither stopped projecting their magic and it meld around them. He soon recognize the route to the dungeons and was relieved, for a moment he thought he would have to face Madam Pomfrey's ire as well. They entered Snape's office swiftly, the door closed behind him with a loud thud.

"Sit, you fool" Snape ordered as he released him. Harry barely managed to reach his armchair stumbling his way there, he leaned back and sighed. The room was dark and dimly lit by candlelight, had they been in any other situation he would have deemed it romantic.

"Your arm" Harry didn't resist when Snape extended his arm and pressed the tip of his wand against the inside of his elbow. He didn't complain when he drew a bit of blood, Snape place it in a phial and Harry closed his eyes tiredly.

He was dozing off when Snape shoved a potion into his hands, Harry jumped in surprise and grabbed it.

"It's a love potion antidote" Snape had the courtesy of telling him. Harry didn't hesitate and drank the entire thing.

"You need to make a formal complaint against the girl." Harry savored the potion in his mouth and focused on Snape's eyes, his senses began to sharpen.

"But, that could get her expelled" Harry weakly protested. Snape's frown returned full force.

"You fail to realize the implications of her actions and the possible outcome if you hadn't been a powerful occlumence." The harsh voice should have frightened him but his stupid heart only focused on powerful occlumence. Harry had to bite down a smile, it wouldn't have been appreciated.

"That girl drugged you with a forbidden potion, assaulted you and given the chance would have raped you" when he phrased it like that it did sound serious.

"She needs to face the consequences of her actions and get help" true, Harry couldn't argue against that. In fact Harry couldn't argue against Snape at all.

"Okey" he conceded "what do I have to do?" He had never filled a complaint before.

"Nothing, your approval is enough. You are speaking to Slytherin's head of house, my memory of the events and your blood test will suffice." Harry nodded, yeah, he was in love with a very important man. Harry let some of his admiration spill into the magic he was projecting. Snape rolled his eyes and unbuttoned the collar from his black robe.

"You should return to your dorm" Snape leaned against his desk and crossed his arms. Harry stood up, perfectly sobered from the potion but high with adoration. He walked closer to the man instead of the door. A lock of hair was covering Snape's left eye and it taunted Harry.

Time slowed around them, the flickering embers froze still, their magic's static sparked and snapped with total abandon it added to the tension between them.

Through their meld Harry could faintly feel an anticipation that wasn't his own. Harry raised his hand very slowly, giving the man enough time to stop him if he wanted to. He did not. Harry gently tucked the lock behind his ear, this was the most intimate action he had done with anyone, the kissing and the groping merely hours ago were nothing to him.

Snape stopped breathing as Harry cautiously let his hand wander and deliver a soft caress to his cheek. Snape's own hand shot up at an amazing speed, grasped Harry's hand firmly in place and he almost imperceptibly leaned his head against them. He exhaled tiredly, as if resigned, the anger evaporating like hot steam.

"If you only knew how dangerous that was" worry and something else Harry couldn't quite name leaked through their magic meld, Snape's deep voice was so low and grave he hardly disturbed the silence around them. Harry adored that sound, a cello, Snape was then tagged in his mind with a cello.

"I had foreseen this would eventually happen" Snape whispered "you have half the school chasing after you" for the first time his eyes where hooded instead of Harry's and the latter committed the sight to memory.

He looks so hot.

Despite his self control a brave wave of arousal coiled lazily in the pit of his stomach. Harry was obsessed with all that power he knew Snape commanded, all the knowledge he possessed; there were many issues he had to attend to and Harry felt honored he chose to focus on him instead.

"I hardly notice them" he whispered back and leaned even closer "no one compares to you" they were so close he heard Snape's breath hitch, he wanted desperately to close the inch between their lips and it took all his will power to not kiss him. He casted a last glance at those lips then teared his eyes up to meet Snape's dilated pupils, so black and beautiful.

He lowered his head and rested his forehead on Snape's shoulder, inhaling deeply the citric scent he loved so much. Snape wrapped an arm around him at let his free hand rest in the small of his back, Harry felt him bury his nose in his hair, which was regaining a bit of his wild appearance. Encouraged, Harry placed his other hand on the man's waist and rubbed his face on his neck in a cat-like manner.

Had he been able to purr he would have done so. They had no need for loud declarations, their magic humming around them in pure bliss was more than enough. This wasn't going to be a fairy-tale romance in the least, but Harry had found a safe place in his arms, he only hoped Snape would eventually find the same in his.

---

The world had gone to hell next day, Dumbledore took upon himself to scold every single soul present in the great hall with a booming voice that drilled his disappointment in the hungover students' brain. Harry had never seen him so angry. If Neville had known of a way to hide the party, by the time McGonagall arrived he had no wits to do so. His head of house had almost transformed into her cat self and clawed the twins' drunk faces.

As the main culprits of the booze's presence they were detained and their case taken to the directive board. They might get expelled as Harry predicted, but even if they were groaning in pain from their migraine along with most of his classmates, well third year's up, they had at least casted an age line, the lads were happy everyone had had a mostly fun time.

Romilda Vane wasn't present, neither were Snape and McGonagall. It was too big of a coincidence.

"And so another year ends" Ron's head rested on the table, a daunting expression on his face.

"Well, considering how it started I reckon it wasn't so bad" Harry cheerfully added, Ron glared at him failing to understand how Harry was in such a good mood, Slytherin had won the house cup and the quidditch cup. Plus Harry had told them about the love potion and how he almost got in a situation that could have ended pretty badly.

Harry's mood had nothing to do with school affairs. He and Snape officially had a something that hadn't been discussed or named but existed and wasn't platonic at all. Their hard pricks pressed between them as they had embraced could attest to that. Yet Harry had gone back to his dorm like a good boy and didn't press the matter. For now.

He was still 15 after all, he didn't want to risk Snape thinking it through just yet.

"Last night was fun" Harry and Ron turned to Hermione to check if she wasn't still drunk or high, she slapped his shoulder and Harry laughed "it was! We should have a party like that every end of term" and so the twins had left their legacy to be remembered for eternity.

"Well from now on let's get permission first, we have ascertained that asking for forgiveness later is not quite as fun as we had envisioned." Harry suggested with a lopsided grin.