A Snape and Gryffindor Meet

Snape, to Harry's surprise, asked to talk with him alone a week later, when he reappeared. Harry agreed, and they went to talk alone in the lab. The professor cast Muffliato before starting their conversation.

"That's to keep other people from listening in."

"Do you think they would?"

"With this many people, undoubtedly.

"Harry, as I am going to stop calling you Potter, you do know who you're sending letters to?"

"Oh, its... you know, him," Harry said, gesturing to the man's left arm.

"Purposefully."

"I'm his father, which makes things complicated."

"Indeed."

"Sir, do you think he might be able to feel love now?"

"And how would you know about that?"

"I was told, sir."

"What makes you think I want you, as someone who has protected you now for years despite my feelings, to be in contact with somebody that could order me to kill you?"

"I... don't know, Professor."

"Nothing, as in foolishness doesn't even begin to describe what I feel, should have ever given you the desire to communicate to HIM. I do admit you have some brain within your skull as you didn't seem to desire this communication to befriend him, only to inform him of your current relationship. However, it seems you may have become fond of him, which fortunately is a sentiment that is while not able to love he was capable of and he may be starting to reciprocate. Be warned he doesn't have friends and doesn't revere such ties to human kind.

"As much as I would desire for you to end this idiocy, I must admit that is the wrong directive to give. It would only enforce in his mind that sentiment should not be given in actuality. Being sincerity in both word and deed may provide him proof that you should remain... alive. However, it is absolutely certain that he will take advantage of the situation. If you require guidance on anything, personal safety included, you may come to me and expect it."

"Thank you, as now I will need your help this year now."

Severus Snape pinched his nose. Of the few things that were typical of the Potter he was getting to know and separate from the Potter he knew, it was getting into interesting situations by trying to help, not harm. Only this one may have been started by himself, or was he trying to do the right thing with the information he had? He did seem to be a sentimental idiot. He started to wonder again how he would survive, seeing his life if not just sanity was tied to a protection vow to the same brat.

"Based on the last few years, I would agree, brat."

"Does he still want to kill me, do you think?"

"Right now, I do not know the answer. It feels less than previous.

"Harry Potter, do you know that I spent almost a week at your aunt's place? I'm not going to ask you to speak about it. I had a similar childhood, so I know about remaining mute. It's a vow you make to yourself. If you ever feel the need to, as I sometimes did, you can tell me and I won't tell or think you weak because of it.

"I am sorry for not listening to you when you tried to differentiate between you and your father. I am sorry for taking my hatred out on you. If you're wondering why I did, at first it was because you looked so much like your father. Later on, it was because I had grown to dislike you because I had kept my hatred for your father on you. Your father was my Draco Malfoy, only he and his cronies were more on the offensive and targeted me often, but were more of a mean version of the Weasley twins. I should have kept my hatred on him, and not targeted you like that. I am sorry."

"I forgive you, Snape, sorry, Professor. I...Thank you for telling me."

"Also, he is enjoying your letters and is looking forward to trying out what recipes you'll send."

The grin Harry Potter gave off at the end of that was enough for Severus Snape to look at him again. He had never seen Harry Potter smile. That must have been good news for Harry Potter to smile in front of him like that.

"Pot.. Harry, just so you are aware, when the Headmaster or any other teacher is around, I must not know what you and the Dark Lord are currently doing, unless proof could be found to indicate his healing."

"Thank you, Professor."

After Professor Snape took down the Muffliato, he stated, "Don't be a dunderhead, and I might proof your work. You may pass that on."

"Thank you, Professor."

As he rounded the corner, Tonks asked him, "So what happened that he offered to give you home work help?"

"He met Aunt Petunia."

"So he apologized?"

Harry shrugged and looked down.

"Ah, Slytherins."

A hand fell on Harry's shoulder and pushed him toward the kitchen. As he left he heard Snape's cutting remark towards Tonks. Yes, Slytherins. Also, Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors. He needed to hit the library after lunch. Maybe in the vast library of the Blacks there would be the information that he needed.

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Severus Snape sighed. He had mail from Lucius Malfoy asking if there was a way for Harry to meet with the Dark Lord before the end of summer. He had to admit that since getting the boy to quarters he was rarely left alone, in fact, the boy was reading in the library with him there and it seemed to be the least populated room besides people's rooms. So, no, while it may be desired, there would be no way of doing so unless they ended up meeting in Diagon Alley or someplace nearby. Actually, what day were the Malfoys getting Draco's school supplies? Was the Dark Lord willing to tag along to meet Harry for minutes at best? That seemed the only viable solution.