Young Potter

"And they are powerful enough that you would condemn a young boy to abuse," Severus stated skeptically.

"Of course not, Severus. But as long as we have no compelling reason to believe Harry is in danger at the hands of his relatives, he will remain with them for his own safety."

Severus nodded very slowly, ignoring the unease coiling in his chest. He scowled. He wasn't worried. Of course not. Certainly not about a Potter.

"Now, Severus, I must ask, how has young Harry been fairing in Slytherin House thus far?"

Severus could not help the sour look that came over his face. "Is there anything...specific you were wondering about, Headmaster?"

"Well, from what I have heard from the other faculty members, Harry Potter is an intelligent, polite young man who is eager to learn. The picture that has been painted for me is that of a model Hogwarts student, filled with curiosity and showing promise in every aspect of magic. He has managed to impress every member of my staff. He's even managed to charm Minerva quite thoroughly, and we both know what a challenge that is."

"You sound...unconvinced."

The Headmaster smiled grimly. "Not at all. I am convinced that Harry Potter is, as they say, a polite and intelligent young man, but like all of us, Harry Potter cannot be reduced to two words. No one can."

"I must confess, the boy is...not what I expected."

"I cannot say I am surprised at that, Severus."

"Whether he is as arrogant and foolish as his father has yet to be determined, but he is neither loud nor crass, and...does not seem to have the makings of a bully."

"High praise, Severus."

He grimaced. "Apparently he actively participates in his classes, but outside of class the Slytherin prefects refer to him as withdrawn and quiet, and...from what I have seen, this is an accurate assessment. He doesn't stand out except within the realm of academics."

"And his friends?"

"...I am not sure. He seems to spend most of his time with Nott."

"Theodore Nott?"

He nodded. "They sit together in Potions and at the Slytherin table... but if I didn't know better..."

"Yes?"

If I didn't know better, I'd say Nott was afraid of him.

"Nothing, Headmaster."

"I see. And, Severus, what are your personal thoughts on Harry?"

"My...personal thoughts?"

"What do you think of his behaviour?"

"It's...not surprising, Headmaster. It's not unusual that a magical child that has been exposed only to muggles would have difficulty making friends. And if his unexplained injuries were dealt on account of bullying, it's would be strange if he was not a little reserved."

"Indeed."

"Summarily, I...think very little of his behaviour, Headmaster."

The elderly man nodded.

"He's nothing special, Albus. I don't believe there's any reason to expend energy speculating on a child's behaviour."

The Headmaster looked at him sharply. "You must keep an eye on the boy, Severus. He might be an innocent child, but he is the only one who can defeat Lord Voldemort."

"Headmaster, do you really think that...?"

"After the break in at Gringotts, Severus, I have no doubt."

"Which reminds me..."

"Yes?"

"Poppy's interactions with the Potter boy came on account of him nearly collapsing in his first Defence against the Dark Arts class. It would appear that he's been suffering from headaches – apparently, his scar was inflamed."

The elderly man's eyes widened, and he looked rather alarmed at that. "Then, Severus, you must keep a close eye on Quirinius as well."

"Of course, Headmaster."

"I don't want to be a tattle-tale, sir..."

"Out with it, Potter," he snapped.

"It was Malfoy's fault, sir. Neville Longbottom dropped his rememberall in the grass, and Malfoy, upon finding it, decided to hide it instead of return it."

"So you, in your infinite wisdom, decided to cause a scene, humiliate your fellow Slytherin, and nearly get yourself killed."

The boy had the decency to look ashamed at that, but met his eyes nonetheless. "I was under the impression that thievery would not be tolerated at Hogwarts, sir."

Severus stared at him for a long moment, and was, grudgingly, impressed by the fact that the boy did not fidget under his harsh glare.

It was at that moment that Flint chose to knock on his office door.

"Ah, Flint. Good of you to join us."

"Sir? May I ask what this is about?"

"I believe, Flint, that I have found the Slytherin House team a new seeker." He nodded toward a very gobsmacked Harry Potter. As much as he disliked the boy...his skills on a broom, from what he had seen just a few minutes ago, were impeccable. And, it just so happened that Slytherin required a new Seeker this year. As a bonus, this would be a good opportunity to gauge how big the boy's head really was.

Flint stared at the boy appraisingly. "Potter? He's a first year."

Severus smirked a bit. "I'll take care of the technicalities, Flint. Focus on whipping your new seeker into shape before the first game of the season."

Flint smirked back at him. "Of course, sir."

He spared a glance at Potter, who was still gaping at him, and felt some degree of satisfaction at finally getting the better of the boy.

Take that, James Potter. Your son would be winning points for Slytherin at the next Quidditch game.

....

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