The muse seems to have made an appearance - hopefully it will stick around. A big thank you to my friend, Carrie, for editing this chapter for me as well. Enjoy :)


"While I certainly understand Harry's desire to tell his side of the story, surely you both must realize that this could be detrimental in regards to the Ministry."

Snape eyed the Headmaster as he gave a curt nod. "Of course, I am aware and Harry has been made aware." He refrained from adding that his delinquent was made aware with a paddle across his backside. "Permission was never given to do the interview. In fact, I had made it abundantly clear to my child that he was to do nothing of the sort."

Albus frowned at the words. Although he knew Harry to be a bit mischievous at times, he did not think that the boy would outright disobey Severus.

"The situation has been dealt with when it comes to Harry." Snape did not miss the look of disappointment in Albus' eyes as the man realized that Harry had disobeyed him. "I am more concerned about the Ministry and how they will react to this interview."

Albus gave a soft sigh as he thought the words over. "Harry is a child, though a remarkable child, a child all the same. I am optimistic that after a conversation I can assure the Ministry that Harry has acted on a childish whim."

Snape opened his mouth to reply, however, before he could get a word out the Headmaster's office door opened.

The man turned his head to see Dolores Umbridge standing in the doorway looking absolutely livid.

"Dolores," Albus forced his tone to appear carefree. "To what do I owe this surprise?"

"Albus. Severus." She stepped into the office, closing the door behind her. "I assume that you are discussing that dreadful child and the annoyance he has caused with his deceitful interview."

"Harry has been dealt with," Snape replied before he could stop himself. "He was quite thoroughly punished." The man felt a surge of guilt at the idea that he had just shared such a thing with this horrible woman. He was sure that his son would be appalled at the very thought.

Dolores let out a soft and uncomfortable giggle at the words. "I am sure that you were quite firm with him, however, it is the Ministry's belief that your child is completely obstreperous. That child would do well to be acquainted with a switch."

"Harry made a mistake, Dolores. He is a child," Albus' tone was firm, the twinkle in his eye long gone. "Furthermore, it is not the Ministry's decision or anyone but Severus' when it comes to disciplinary tactics that will be used on Harry."

"At the moment perhaps not, however, Cornelius is not happy about this interview in the least. If that child steps so much as a toe out of line even once more, the Ministry will be left with no choice but to explore the options of the boy's guardianship."

"Do not threaten me," Snape hissed.

"It is not a threat; it is an absolute promise." She turned her attention to Albus. "I will meet with you later to discuss this issue further."

Before either man could respond, she turned on her heel and left the office, the door closing loudly behind her.

Silence reigned for several long moments before Snape let out a low sigh.

"I cannot, I will not lose my child to the Ministry."

"You will not," Albus agreed. "You will speak with Harry, explain to him how serious his actions are. I am sure he will refrain from causing further trouble."

Severus gave a nod though there was no confidence behind it. Harry was currently downstairs asleep, angry at the world for having been punished and on top of that for part of his punishment taking place in front of Remus. Any talking would have to wait until the morning. Snape only hoped that the boy would wake in a better mood and that he would be able to get through to him.

"I cannot lose him Albus, I cannot."


Harry's brain woke before his eyes opened; the events that occurred several hours earlier flashed through his mind causing his anger to rise. Slowly he opened his eyes, half surprised to find his room dark. He glanced over at the clock on his bedside table noting that it was just after one in the morning. His eyes moved, lingering for a moment on the plate of dinner that he assumed had been delivered hours earlier. His stomach growled slightly but there was no way he was going to give Snape the satisfaction of eating. Instead, the boy slowly sat up, his feet hitting the floor a moment later. His right arm reached out, picking up his glasses and placing them on his face. A moment later, he reached over once more and grabbed his wand.

A small part of him knew that he should stay put but he ignored the feeling completely as he quietly moved across the room. Harry held his breath as he slowly opened his bedroom door. He stuck his head out of the door, looking down towards the parlor pleased to find darkness. Both Snape's door and the guest room door were closed and Harry breathed a small sigh of relief before he stepped into the hall.

Quickly and quietly, Harry made his way down the hall, pausing in the parlor for all of a second to scoop up his trainers from where he had left them hours earlier. A moment later he opened the door and slipped into the hall.

He was sure his guardian would be livid if he was caught, Harry hardly cared though. Snape was already angry for absolutely no reason; Harry didn't care if he was caught. He didn't care what Snape said or did at all. Besides, if he was caught, he could always lie. Snape seemed to be fine with him lying about what happened in the graveyard, so what was the difference?

Harry moved through the halls of the dungeon with ease. He didn't dare illuminate his wand; he was sure the moment that he did he would attract Filch.

As quickly and quietly as he could he hurried up the back spiral staircase. He needed to avoid the main floor and make it to the Gryffindor Tower as efficiently as possible and the back staircase would take him directly to where he needed to be.

He paused at the top of the staircase, glancing around quickly to make sure the coast was clear. The Fat Lady's portrait was just around the corner and he was sure that he could make it there without an issue.

Taking a deep breath he moved quickly down the hall, skidding to a stop in front of the portrait as he cleared his throat in an attempt to wake her up.

"Mr. Potter," she said through a yawn. "Dangerous time to be out in the halls in the middle of the night."

He nearly snapped at her before he stopped himself. It wasn't fair, it wasn't her he was angry with. "Sorry," he replied sheepishly before spitting out the password. He didn't want to be rude but he also knew he couldn't stand in the hall much longer.

"Sleep well," she said softly as she opened.

"Thanks." Harry ducked inside the Gryffindor Tower as quickly as possible.

He breathed out a sigh of relief as he entered the common room. He had made it. He knew that Snape would likely be annoyed that he had left but he brushed that thought aside. He didn't plan on seeing the man aside from class anyway.


Harry awoke early the next morning. He sat up, reaching out for his glasses and slipping them onto his face. The moment the room around him came into focus, he spotted the envelope on his nightstand. Harry instantly noted that his name was written in Snape's script.

He leaned over picking up the envelope. He was sure his guardian was angry but Harry refused to let it bother him. He took a deep breath, forcing the squid in his stomach to vanish before he slowly opened the envelope.

He read the words as the squid appeared once more.

Harry,

I am not sure what you were thinking walking back to the Gryffindor Tower past curfew. Your behavior continues to disappoint me. I expect to see you this morning for breakfast to discuss your abominable actions.

-Severus

Harry read the note three times as he debated what to do. His guardian was clearly already angry. Ignoring his note certainly couldn't make matters worse. Harry crumbled the note up in his hand and tossed it into the waste basket across the room. What was Snape going to do? Drag him out of the Great Hall? If he did, Harry was sure he would never forgive the man.

He stretched before swinging his legs out of bed and onto the floor. Ron was still snoring beside him and he rolled his eyes before he reached out an arm and gently shook his friend awake.

"When did you get here?" Ron asked before his eyes even opened.

"It was late." Harry pulled a shirt and pants from his wardrobe quickly dressing.

Ron's eyes opened as he yawned loudly. "Snape understood about the interview?"

"Not really," Harry admitted as he pulled out a clean pair of socks. "Got into a bit of a row." He wasn't about to confide in Ron about the details of what had happened the previous night. As far as Harry was concerned, he would rather fling himself off the astronomy tower than divulge any of that information.

Ron sat up, now fully awake. "Shit," he muttered before yawning once more.

"It's fine. The interview has already happened." Harry slipped on his shoes, leaning down to tie the left one.

"Glad we don't have potions today." Ron stood and opened his own wardrobe. "He's probably in a shit mood."

Harry shrugged as he tied his other shoe. He was also thankful that he didn't have to see his guardian today. At least not until later in the day. He was sure that Snape wouldn't be in the Great Hall for breakfast.


Harry's eyes scanned the room as he took a bite of his eggs. As he predicted his guardian wasn't anywhere to be seen. He silently hoped that he stayed that way.

He swallowed his food as he locked eyes with Dumbledore. Harry instantly noted that the normal twinkle in the man's eye wasn't present.

"Snape wasn't happy about the interview?" Hermione asked in a hushed tone.

Harry shook his head, his attention leaving the Headmaster and focusing on his friends. "Not especially."

Hermione's brow furrowed as Ron shoved a sausage link into his mouth. She wasn't about to throw it back in her friend's face that she had told him that his guardian wouldn't be pleased.

"He's gotten loads of fan mail," Ron spoke with food in his mouth causing Hermione to make a disgusted face.

"I don't care about the fan mail," Harry sighed. "I just want people to know the truth and believe me about what happened."

"I'm guessing that Umbridge and the Ministry won't be happy about it though." Hermione frowned at her own words.

"You sound like Snape."

"Well, I'm sorry, Harry. I don't mean to but it is a necessary consequence that you have to give some thought to."

Harry made a face at her words. "They shouldn't be able to do or say anything about it. I told the truth."

"No, they shouldn't," Hermione agreed. "That doesn't mean that they won't though."

Harry briefly looked down at the words that were scared onto his hand. "Not much more that they can do to me. I won't let them try and take me into custody. I would make their lives hell."

It didn't matter how angry he was with his guardian; he didn't want to be taken from the man. He loved Snape, even if he didn't particularly like him at the moment.

"Did Snape say anything about them bringing up the custody again?" Hermione questioned with a worried expression.

"He always throws it back in my face that they could start up again, but he didn't say that they did."

"Did he talk to Dumbledore?"

Harry shrugged. "I left before I found out."

Hermione nearly rolled her eyes at the response. "You don't think it would be smart to go talk to him and find out? Maybe Snape isn't at breakfast because of all of this."

"Nah, Umbridge is here," Ron pointed out as he buttered a pancake. "If it involves the Ministry she wouldn't be here."

Harry nodded at the words. "Yeah, Ron is right."

Hermione was silent as she glanced up at the woman dressed head to toe in pink.

"It's all going to be fine, the interview is already done, they can't do anything about it now," Harry continued. "I got the truth out and anyone who doesn't see that is an idiot."

Ron nodded in agreement as he ate a bite of his pancakes.

"I agree with you, it is important that the truth is spoken. I just worry about the consequences of it," Hermione said softly as she looked back to her friends. "I don't want to see anything bad happen."

Harry opened his mouth to reply but closed it as Hedwig swooped into the Great Hall and dropped a note next to his plate.

He felt his hands sweat slightly as he immediately realized that it was from Snape.

He took a deep breath, silently praying that his friends could not see how nervous he was.

"Maybe it explains why he isn't at breakfast," Hermione suggested as Harry picked up the envelope.

He quickly tore it open, his eyes immediately scanning the words.

Clearly you had other obligations this morning. I would like to see you for supper, 6pm sharp. Failure to comply will produce unfortunate results.

-Severus

Harry folded the note and shoved it into his pocket before bringing his attention back to his friends. He hoped that his emotions weren't written all over his face.

Hermione raised a curious eyebrow as Ron threw him an exasperated look.

"What did it say?" The red head asked without hesitation causing Hermione to make a face in his direction.

"Nothing," Harry replied attempting to appear nonchalant. "Just letting me know he is catching up on some grading, that's why he's not at breakfast."

It was clear from Ron's face that he completely bought the small lie but Hermione looked apprehensive.

"We have to get going," Harry continued before she could say a word. "We have Transfiguration soon."


"I will be looking for the properties of the Inanimatus Conjurus Spell as well as complete understating and as always, proper punctuation and grammar."

Harry nearly groaned out loud as Professor McGonagall assigned the essay. It sounded as though it was going to be difficult, not to mention boring.

"I think that two weeks from today will be sufficient time and I expect them to be turned in no later than that date." She waved a hand, dismissing the class.

Harry stood, picking up his satchel of books before he began moving towards the door.

"Potter," McGonagall called after more than half of the class had exited the room. "A word, please."

Harry gave a slight nod as he moved towards her desk. He was thankful that she had waited until both Ron and Hermione had stepped out of the room to stop him. He didn't want to have to lie to his friends again if she said something that he didn't want to share with them.

"I read your interview," McGonagall finally spoke as the last student walked out of the room.

Harry studied her face for a moment before giving a nod in reply. She didn't necessarily look angry.

"I am assuming that you gave the interview in order to attempt to shed some light on the truth of the events that happened that evening?"

"Yes ma'am."

"I am also assuming that you did so without your guardian's permission?"

Harry felt his cheeks prickle with warmth slightly. "Yes ma'am."

"I am sure that you are aware that this could cause quite a disturbance with the Ministry."

The warmth in his cheeks doubled as he nodded. "I know."

"I do not intend to hand down a consequence as this is not a school issue per se, however," she paused for a moment, giving Harry a serious look. "Be careful, Potter. The consequences of upsetting the Ministry are not ones that you want to bring on yourself."

Harry studied her face once more, noting that she still didn't look angry. "You don't approve?" He hated that his voice sounded as though he would be affected by her answer.

"I do not approve of you going against your guardian," she answered honestly. "Nor do I approve of you starting trouble with the Ministry. However, I do not disapprove of the truth."

Harry digested the words for a long moment before he gave a nod.

"You had best go before you are late for History of Magic."


"The whole class is barmy," Ron sighed as he leaned back in the large armchair. "And boring."

Harry gave a slight nod as he unwrapped a chocolate frog and took a small bite. He glanced over at Hermione who was sitting on the opposite end of the couch. She was staring into the fireplace, deep in thought.

He had half expected another note from Snape when he hadn't gone down at 6pm. It was late now, just after ten and there hadn't been so much as a peep from his guardian. Part of Harry was glad that the man had stopped, that he hadn't shown up in the Great Hall during supper or in his common room after. Another part of him was sad about it though. Had Snape really given up on him that easily?

"It seems like a waste," Harry muttered. "Going a whole year without learning any defensive magic."

"Well, you'll still learn," Ron replied as he ripped open a chocolate frog of his own. He took a large bite before continuing his thoughts. "Snape will teach you, Remus too probably."

Harry gave a slight nod despite the fact that he hadn't spoken to his guardian outside of class and he hadn't seen Remus at all. "I can teach you both what they teach me," Harry offered.

"What did you just say?" Hermione asked as her head snapped towards Harry.

"Huh?" Harry looked over at her. She hadn't spoken in nearly twenty minutes.

"What did you just say?" Hermione repeated in a bit more of a serious voice.

Harry's eyes shifted over to Ron as he gave his friend a questioning look. "Uh, I said that I can teach you both what they teach me?" The words came out more as a question than he had originally spoken them.

"What if you taught more than just us?" Hermione asked as she stood, her back now facing the boys.

Ron raised an eyebrow at her before looking over to Harry. "What do you want him to do? Teach a class?" The red head chuckled at his own words.

"Exactly!" Hermione spun around to look at both of them. "Why not?"

"Now you've gone barmy!" Ron laughed before taking a second bite of his chocolate frog.

"How am I supposed to teach a class?" Harry asked with a small chuckle. "I'm not a professor!"

"Well, no," Hermione agreed. "Perhaps not a traditional class but what if we found a space where you could teach others in secret. I am sure that there are tons of others who would want to learn! And we can't go a whole year without learning any defensive spells, you said so yourself, Harry!"

Harry made a face at her words. "I doubt anyone would want to learn from me. I'm just another student."

"I don't know, mate," Ron interjected as he sat up a bit straighter. "You can do a patronus."

"And didn't you say that Snape taught you the smokescreen spell as well?" Hermione questioned. "We are supposed to learn that later this year but clearly we won't be…unless you help us."

"I already said I would help you two. I just doubt anyone else would want the help from me." Harry frowned at his own words. He was sure he was right. He had friends of course, but he also knew that plenty of people thought he was lying about Voldemort. Plenty of people thought that he was not only a liar but crazy also.

"I think you are wrong," Hermione spoke softly. "I think you would be shocked by how many would want to learn."

Harry's nose scrunched up slightly at her words. "And where am I supposed to teach all of these people that you think would want to learn? We can't do it in a classroom and I can't think of anywhere that we could meet to do this without getting caught."

"The Room of Requirement," Ron muttered. "You said it doesn't even show up on Remus' map."

"Ron! That's brilliant!" Hermione smiled widely, causing a sheepish grin to overtake Ron's face.

Harry was quiet for a moment as he thought over what his best friends were proposing. "Wish I had Remus' map," he finally muttered. "It would make this all a lot easier."

"He's staying down with you and Snape." Ron shrugged. "Find it."

Harry's eyes moved over to his best mate as he thought over the words. It probably wouldn't be that hard to find, except he wasn't about to talk to his guardian just to get the map back.

"Does that mean you'll do it?" Hermione questioned, ignoring the mention of the map altogether.

Harry gave a slight shrug. "I'll teach you two, if others are there, I would teach them too."

"Just leave it to me." Hermione smiled.


The next two days passed without a word from Snape. Harry had seen him in Potions class, of course, but the man had all but ignored his child. He hadn't called on Harry to answer a single question or even made eye contact with him.

Harry was sure that his friends hadn't noticed. Snape never treated him any differently in class than he had since his first year. Even when Harry complained about it, the man was insistent that he wasn't going to have anyone accuse him of favoriting his child.

He couldn't help but feel slightly hurt that his guardian hadn't tried to talk to him yet the larger feeling of still being furious with the man was outweighing that. He was angry that Snape hadn't been understanding about the article. The man lost his mind if he lied and yet wanted him to lie about what happened in the graveyard. He understood why but he also couldn't help but feel as though Snape was being hypocritical. He was also mortified at how the events had played out. It wasn't the first time that he had been swatted in front of Remus. Snape hadn't just swatted him though; he had practically given him a full walloping in front of the man. Harry felt the heat creep up his face as he thought about it.

Harry shook the thought from his mind as he laid back on the couch in the common room. His friends had gone up to bed nearly twenty minutes prior. He had a small stack of letters that have arrived that morning from people who had read his article. The letters hadn't stopped coming and Harry had noticed that his guardian had yet to have any reaction when Hedwig had dropped them off to him each morning.

He glanced up at the clock, noting that it was nearly midnight. He knew he should probably head up to bed. He knew that his guardian would be annoyed if he knew how late he was up on a school night. He wasn't tired though. Sleep had not been coming easy for him and the less time that he had to lay in bed trying and failing to fall asleep the better.

Harry tore open the envelope on top of the pile and unfolded the piece of parchment, smiling as he read the words of encouragement and praise. He silently swore to himself that if he ever spoke to his guardian again, he was going to make Snape read every letter.

He folded the letter back up before he ripped open the second envelope, his stomach sinking as he immediately recognized his guardians handwriting.

I am growing quite tired of your shenanigans. I expect to see you at 6pm sharp for supper. If you are unable to follow this simple request and handle this issue as a mature adult, I will have no choice but to refer to tactics I would employ with a child.

-Severus

Harry swallowed hard. This letter had been delivered at breakfast. He had missed the mark by hours, not that he would have gone anyway. He was sick of Snape giving him ultimatums and letters. He wasn't a child and he was tired of being treated like one. Besides, hours had passed and Snape hadn't done anything.

His eyes scanned the words of the letter one last time before he smushed it into a ball and tossed it into the fireplace.

If Snape thought a few letters were going to have him running back down to the dungeons, he was dead wrong.


"It's all set!"

Harry looked up from his essay to see Hermione smiling brightly at him.

"What is?" Ron asked. "Did you finish the essay for us?"

Hermione made a face at his words. "I did finish the essay but that doesn't mean I am sharing it with you. McGonagall will know if you cheat."

"How? I will change things around."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You have hardly tried to do it yourself."

"We've been working on it for almost an hour!"

"I am not just giving you, my paper. I will help you with yours if you need help."

Ron grinned at her. "You are wonderful, I hope you know that."

"Uh...what is all set?" Harry questioned all but ignoring the typical banter between his two best friends.

Hermione's attention went back to Harry as her smile returned once more. "The lessons. I was thinking we could call it Dumbledore's Army," she spoke in a hushed tone. "Unless you would prefer Snape's Army. That could work as well."

"For what? What lessons?" Harry raised an eyebrow at her as he tried to make sense of what she was saying.

"We talked about this." She quickly looked around to make sure no one else was listening in the library. "The defense lessons."

Harry's eyes grew wider as he digested her words. He had forgotten all about her idea and he certainly hadn't expected it to go further than their conversation the other night. He was sure his guardian would be furious about the idea of secretly teaching his friends defensive spells. The idea of Snape being annoyed with it only made it more appealing to Harry.

"People are interested?" Harry asked in a dumbfounded tone.

"Of course they are!" Hermione's voice rose before she quickly lowered it once more. "A ton of them are, at least thirty!"

"Thirty?" Ron's eyes grew. "That's amazing."

Harry couldn't help the small smile that graced his lips. He had expected five, maybe even ten, but not thirty. Thirty was impressive.

His mind quickly weighed out the scenario. Snape wouldn't approve of it; he did not doubt that. He also wasn't speaking to his guardian though and what the man didn't know couldn't hurt him. He also knew how detrimental it would be to go a full year without learning any defensive spells. It didn't matter who believed him or not, Voldemort was back and being able to protect themselves was going to be important, even if the Ministry couldn't see that.

"In the Room of Requirement?" Harry clarified in a hushed tone. He had to be sure that they wouldn't be caught.

Hermione gave a nod. "I was thinking we could start meeting next week. It will probably have to be at night though, when everyone is free from class."

"You have to get the map, mate," Ron made sure his voice was low.

Harry thought over the words. The map would make things easier but that would require him to steal it from Remus and before he could even do that, he would need to talk to Snape so he could go back down to the man's quarters.

"I can try," he finally muttered.

"In the meantime, we will just need to be careful," Hermione said softly giving a firm nod with her words.

"Yeah, we will be careful," Harry agreed.


Remus sat on the couch having abandoned the thought of his tea not long after Snape had started his tangent about Harry. Although Remus could certainly understand the man's frustration with the teenager, he also did not see the issue quite the same as his friend did.

"He's fifteen, Severus," Remus spoke softly, looking over towards the window, gazing out to the lake. "He is likely embarrassed by what occurred. He will come down when he is ready. I am sure he will be down here in the next day or so."

Snape gave a frustrated hum at the words. "The problem is that he does not see me as an authority figure at all. If he did, he would have immediately obeyed my words."

"How in Merlin's name do you believe that he sees you then?" Remus leaned back on the couch as his eyes moved back to Snape. "You are as close to a father as he could possibly have – legally as well."

Snape let out an exasperated sigh as he shook his head in frustration, searching for the right words. "He thinks I am his best mate!" He finally declared in an annoyed tone.

At the words, Remus barked out a laugh unable to contain himself. "You must be joking, Severus!" He shook his head, resting his arm across the back of the couch. Remus continued to chuckle; despite the serious look his friend gave. "You would not even make the top five of his 'best mates'."

"The child is completely out of control and you are laughing about it," Snape shook his head. "I had hoped that you would take this conversation more seriously."

Remus' chuckles quieted down as he gave his friend a small grin. "He made a grave mistake in regards to the article and now he is avoiding you as well as me due to embarrassment. I would hardly call that being out of control."

"I have asked him to come down here repeatedly. No," Snape shook his head. "I have told him to come down here repeatedly and he has completely ignored my requests. Aside from that, he left these quarters during curfew which he knows is completely unacceptable."

"I will say it again, he is embarrassed, Severus." Remus couldn't help the sympathetic look that crossed his face. "I do not blame you for how the situation was handled, Harry did not give you much of a choice in the matter. Harry must be mortified by how the events played out though. He is also likely still upset that we were not pleased with him for doing the interview. I am sure he is hurting."

"I should go up to his dormitory and turn him over my knee for his disrespect alone!"

Remus shook his head at the words. "Doing so would not solve anything. You would only succeed in making this poor situation worse. As I have said, I believe Harry will come down when he is ready and, in the meantime, perhaps he just needs some space."

"If he acts on his anger and finds himself in trouble again, the Ministry could very well step in and attempt to remove him from my care."

Remus frowned at the words that he knew to be true. "It is rare for Harry to act out so soon after being in trouble. Furthermore, we both know that every member of the staff of this school goes to great measures to be sure that any disobedience is well hidden. I do not imagine he will do another interview or anything else quite so catastrophic."

"I sincerely hope that you are correct, Remus."

TBC...