Once in a Blue Moon

Disclimer: Not mine

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The next day the castle was a bustle, as the house elves prepared Hogwarts for the students’ arrival latter that night. As early

as 9am the over powering, simply delectable smell of tonight’s feast was wafting through the school. Severus was busy preparing for

the new batch of Slytherin First Years, so Draco dragged Harry down to the main foyer, where his remaining things were being sent.

Along with more baggage than Harry had seen in a good time was a rather posh looking pet carrier, which Draco carried protectively,

leaving Harry to deal with the rest. Shaking his head, he pilled up a few of the trunks on a trolley, and levitated the rest behind him,

following him down to the dungeons. After muttering the password so Harry couldn’t hear, Draco lead the way through the Slytherin

Common room, and down a narrow corridor, to his private rooms. Stacking up the trunks in the far corner, Harry ventured over to the

bed, where Draco was coaxing a tiny creature out of the carrier. He gasped when the animal finally emerged. It was beautiful. It was a

creature similar to a cat, with greyish, brown fur, and speckled with black spots. Its ears were tall and pointed, over large silver eyes.

Strangest of all though, was its two, fluffy tails, which it was now grooming gracefully.

“She’s beautiful.” He murmured, looking at Draco in astonishment.

“Part Kneasle. Name’s Pebble.”

Harry snickered, and the blonde glared at him.

“Do you have a problem, Potter?”

“No, it’s just…Pebble? That doesn’t seem like a…Malfoy type name.”

“It’s not. It’s a Draco type name.” He said stiffly, suddenly seeming withdrawn.

Harry frowned slightly. How easy it was to forget that Draco was more that just a surname.

“I’m sorry.”

“Forget it. Want to introduce your cat to mine? Maybe we can breed them.”

Harry made a face.

“Everything is sex with you, isn’t it?”

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“Ronald Weasley, you put him down!” Harry chuckled as Hemione’s chastising voice rose through the air, and he spotted

his ginger haired friend running through the crowds exiting the carriages, with the ball of fur that was Crookshanks, clutched by the

scruff of his neck.

“I swear Hermione, this thing is a monster!” He said, as Hermione caught up with him, snatching her pet back. Harry chuckled, trying

to get through the crowds rushing towards the castle.

“You’re the monster, Ron. He didn’t do anything. Did you Crookshanks?” She huffed, holding him protectively against her chest.

“Oh yeah! Nothing? Just look at what that bloody beast did to me, and tell me it’s not a monster.” Ron thrust out his arm, which

had several deep, long gashes, presumably from Crookshanks.

“Well honestly, Ron. You sat on his tail. He’s a cat; it’s in his nature to defend himself.” Ron rolled his eyes at Harry, who had

finally managed to push his way through the crowds to greet his two friends.

“Can you believe her? Honestly mate.” He shook his head exasperated. Harry chuckled, pulling Ron into a brotherly hug,

and then Hermione, who was a bit reluctant to let go of him.

“I missed you guys fighting all the time.” He said with a smile. Hermione rolled her eyes, and then looked at him seriously, as they

made their way inside the castle.

“Are you alright, Harry? Only, you weren’t on the rain, and we were worried.”

“’Course he’s alright. He’s here ‘ain’t he?” Ron ruffled Harry’s hair to prove his point.

“I’ve been here for the last little while.” Harry admitted, not really wanting to get into it. “I wasn’t allowed to write though.

You know, in case it fell into the wrong hands.” Ron grumbled.

“But you could’ve-”

“No, Ron. Harry did the right thing. Would you have wanted Voldemort to- oh for heavens sake Ron, get used to the name

already. How would you feel if Voldemort had gotten Harry, all because of you?”

“Oh, come off it.” Ron mumbled, but he looked slightly guilty, and didn’t bring it up again. “…And don’t say his name.”

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Sitting down at the substantially less crowded gryffindor table, everyone hushed up as McGonagal led in a cowering bunch

of first years. Everyone craned their necks to get a good look at the new batch, whispering and pointing out siblings to friends.

Professor McGonagal silenced the entire room with a glare, and set a faded wizards hat on a three-legged stool at the front of the

room. Everyone stared at it in silence. Suddenly a fold of material gave a short cough, and it began it sing.

“One hundred thousand years long past

A wizarding school had just been cast.

A school of wits, and school of brawn,

A school where courage was never withdrawn.

Alas. But one fault that I could see.

Upon whom to accept, the founder could not agree.

Dear Ravenclaw favoured those with brains and wit, with wings to fly.

While Slytherin preferred those of cunning, and occasionally sly.

To bold Gryffindor went the noble and brave,

Young ones who follow their hearts, and don’t always behave.

Sweet Hufflepuff, she took the rest,

Whose loyal hearts would always be best.

Sadly, I fear, though, year after year, I did as they’d say,

That I am only driving you further away.

So listen up now, be you lion or snake,

Great evil’s afoot. You must work together, for your own sake.

The darkness is gathering, there isn’t much time,

So please my dear students, take heed of this rhyme.

Divided you fall, but together, there’s hope,

So cut the bonds that hold you, that thick putrid rope,

And take up your place, side by side.

The end it comes.

The light, it will die.”

The Great Hall was silent a long while, except for a few first year girls, sobbing, and clutching each other.

“…That hat’s songs get more morbid every year.” Ron muttered. Professor McGonagal looked around unsure a moment, and then

called out the first name.

“Anubis, Aphrodite.” It was one of the crying girls, and her sobs grew louder as she approached the stool.

“Rough start for the newbies.” Harry muttered. Ron chuckled.

‘Tell me about it.”

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Once everyone had been sorted, Dumbledore stood, beaming out at the school.

“Welcome! Welcome! Both to those of you returning, and those who are joining us for the first time. Welcome to another year

at Hogwarts!I have a few introductions to make and then I’ll shush up, and let us get on with the delicious feast the house elves have

prepared for us.”

At the mention of the feast, Ron stood up, clapping loudly. “Thank you Mr.Weasley.” Dumbledore smiled, raising an eyebrow

and peeringat him over his half-moon glasses. Ron flushed and sank down in his seat.

“Sorry sir.”

“Not at all Mr.Weasley, not at all. Now, back to business. First of all, there are several new teachers joining our ranks this year.

Yet again, we find ourselves short one Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, and this year, Monsieur Gris has agreed to fill the post.

Harry nearly burst out laughing when he saw the man from the ice-cream cart stand up.

“I prefer Monsieur Lenny, if you don’t mind.” He said with a thick French accent. He looked quite different from the rest of the

teachers; his thin, slender form covered in a gangster style pinstripe-suit, complete with a black fedora over his spiky hair. An unlit cigar

rested between his teeth, and he chewed on it thoughtfully.

“Ah, yes. Monsieur Lenny, forgive me.” Dumbledore said apologetically.

“Think nothing of it.” Monsieur Lenny said, giving a gallant bow, and sitting down. If Harry wasn’t mistaken, he saw Dumbledore

roll his eyes.

“Next, I’m sorry to announce, that after Five-hundred and sixty-three years of teaching at Hogwarts, Professor Binns has…crossed

over.” The old man looked grave. He bowed his head a moment, but no one seemed overly upset by the news. On the contrary, they

seemed over-joyed.

“As such, your new History of Magic Professor will be a woman who has grown close to my heart, Professor Tonks.” All the children

of the Order members looked at each other excitedly, as the young woman stood up. At the moment, she was sporting chin length

purple hair, which was slanted angularly, so that it got shorter as it reached the back. She smiled at them, magenta eyes sparkling

with excitement. She caught the youngest Weasley’s eye and saluted to her, sending Ginny into a fit of giggles. Dumbledore smiled,

clearing his throat.

“Lastly, concerning all Sixth and Seventh years who have signed up for our newest class, Advanced Defence

Against the Dark Arts, I am very pleased to announce that your teacher will be none other then our own Professor Snape, in addition

to his position as Potions teacher.” He clapped proudly, and was joined by the whole of the Slytherin table and a few scattered applause

from the three remaining houses. Harry looked pointedly at Ron and began to clap just as loudly as the Slytherins, trying not to smile to

brightly. So that was why he’d been so busy. Harry couldn’t wait to congratulate him on getting the job after all these years. Severus

stood, with the closest thing to a smile Harry had ever seen on his face in public.

‘Yes, yes. We’re all very excited.” Dumbledore said with a smile, hushing those that were cheering. (And those screaming in out-rage.)

“And now, let us tuck in.” With this cue, the feast appeared magically before them.

Ron and Harry began to pile up their plates with food, but Hermione’s plate remained empty, as she looked seriously at

the brunette. Harry noticed, and quickly began shovelling some roast beef in his mouth.

“Harry.” She said sternly.

“Mmm?” He looked up, mouth stuffed so that he cheeks puffed out.

“We need to talk.”

“Wah about?”

“About why you were here for the past however long instead of at home.”

Harry sighed, swallowing.

“This is my home.” He pointed out, trying to avoid the question.

“Harry.” Hermione frowned, giving him a look. “You know what I meant.”

The Boy Who Lived sighed, suddenly sullen.

“Look, I’ll tell you latter, okay?” A moment passed, but she nodded her agreement.

“Alright.” She smiled softly. “We worry about you Harry.”

“I know.” He gave a smile for her benefit and went back to his meal.

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Glancing up at the Head table Dumbledore caught his eye, and he motioned for Harry to follow him, as he heading out

into the hallway. Harry excused himself and followed after, confused. Did he know about him and Severus?

“Harry, my dear boy. I pride myself in knowing the students in my school, and I’m worried.” The younger boy avoided his gaze.

He did know. Severus would be sacked for sure.

“I need to know, Harry. What happened at your Aunt’s house?” Harry blinked. That was the last thing he’d been expecting

him to say. After the first few weeks had gone by, Harry had assumed it just wouldn’t be brought up; something for which he

was grateful.

“I want to help you, Harry.” The man continued. “But I can not do so if you don’t tell me what took place. I have protected

Severus from the Ministry, because I trust his judgement, but I need to know what would lead him to commit such acts against

a defenceless muggle. Those were dark curses, Harry. One does not risk Azkaban for nothing.”

No, don’t make me, I can’t. Harry thought furiously. They couldn’t know. They couldn’t know how weak he was.

How he’d let a stupid muggle do that to him. He was dirty; a slut. The hero of the wizarding world couldn’t be impure.

“…I can’t.” He managed to choke out, trying to keep his breathing calm, and trying to ignore the tightening in his chest.

“Harry-” The older man began gently, reaching out a hand to grasp his shoulder.

“No!” Harry wrenched himself away, pressing himself against the wall. Dumbledore’s eyes filled with sadness, the sparkle

that normal resided there lost. He sighed heavily, and nodded.

“Very well, Harry. I won’t press you tonight. But I would like to speak with you tomorrow before classes.” Harry nodded,

still shaken up, and retreated back into the Great Hall, drawing a great many looks. With a blank look on his face, he sat down

and began to stab absently at his peas. Ron opened his mouth to speak, but Hermione shook her head softly. For once, Ron

heeded her advice, sighing and pouring some gravy on his potatoes. The rest of the meal was spent in silence.

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It seemed ages before the school was dismissed, and when they were, Harry left faster than anyone else did, and took

a route that was now pleasantly familiar to him. When he reached the painting that stood before Severus’ rooms, he was unsure

of what to do. The portrait of Salazar Slytherin looked at him expectantly, and then rolled his eyes when it became obvious the

boy did not know the password. He stroked the small silver snake that was wrapped around his wrist and chuckled.

Severus’ little whore does not know how to get in, my pet. He whispered, in what Harry realised to be Parseltongue.

I do not appreciate that, Sir. He hissed, in a deadly calm voice. The painting looked surprised.

xxx A snake talker? Here? After all these years? xxx He seemed pleased. xxx Severus has chosen well, even if you are

an…unclean one. xxxHarry eye narrowed slightly.

xxx If you are referring to my mother, she was a brilliant witch. xxx

xxx But a mud blood all the same. I can smell her stench on you. xxx

xxxWhy you-! xxx

“Harry?”

The Boy Who Lived spun around, irate, and was surprised, for a moment, to see Severus.

“I…I wanted to see you he mumbled, trying to calm down.

“Did that git of a painting insult you? Severus asked, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. Harry nodded, remembering suddenly

that it was only a painting, and smiling.

“You mustn’t mind him. Nothing at all like the real man, I assure you. The painter did a horrible job on his personality.” The smaller

boy was confused by this.

“What do you mean?”

“I thought it was obvious. The artist always paints the personality of a painting first, its “soul” if you will, and this man did a

rather awful job, if I do say so. Probably used too much black.” Harry frowned.

“Oh…I didn’t know it was such an involved process..” Severus looked at him apologetically.

“I’m sorry. I keep forgetting you didn’t grow up in the wizarding world.” He gave the password and let Harry inside.

“What are you doing here anyways? If someone had seen you-” Harry smirked, advancing on Severus until his back was against

the wall, and then he pressed himself up against him, wrapping his arms around his neck, and trailing kisses down his neck.

“What? I can’t come visit my favourite teacher?” He said innocently. Snape made a face.

“I’ll thank you not to remind me that you’re my student while you’re doing that.” Harry shrugged and backed away obligingly.

The Potions Master looked affronted.

“I didn’t say stop.” Harry smiled, and pulled him closer, capturing his mouth with his, while his seeker’s hands tangled themselves

in his long black hair. Severus moaned, probing the young boy’s mouth with his tongue, and sliding a skilled hand under his shirt.

“What a day.” He muttered, pulling back a moment. “Advanced DADA, and now a sexy young man, naked and in my bed.”

“But, I’m not-”

Severus smirked and the boy’s eyes lit up with recognition.

“Ohhh.”

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