The Friday Boy

CHAPTER 10

Harry slumped down on the bench his wet Quidditch leathers squeaking on the wooden slats. The rest of the Gryfindor team had come rambling in after him celebrating their latest victory over Slytherin. The entire team was covered in mud, they were soaking wet through and frozen to the bone but had smiles that practically lit up the locker room. Harry though sat gloomily on the bench his broom clutched loosely in one hand and the snitch still fluttering in his other. He wasn’t in the mood for celebrating. As victory speeches were said the team began to disperse into the showers to get changed for dinner but Harry remained exactly where he was slumped on the bench staring into space.

“What is with you?” A shadow fell over Harry and the boy knew immediately who it was. Ron had been patient with Harry all summer, and had certainly gone out of his way to be understanding with his best friend these last couple of weeks at school but finally he’d had enough. It was confrontation time.

“Don’t Ron.” Harry warned as he put his broom aside and tossed the snitch over to Ginny who was sitting waiting for it. The last thing Harry needed right now was to explain this all to Ron especially after the week he’d just had. If Harry had thought Snape had been bad before it was nothing compared to how the potions professor had been this week. Harry had spent every evening in detention for doing things so small and petty not even the Slytherin’s thought it amusing. He’d lost points for stupid things, like having a shoelace untied in class, or not keeping his desk tidy. Snape was out to get Harry and was pulling out all stops to make the boy’s life a misery. The change in the wizard hadn’t gone unmissed by the other faculty members, even McGonagall commenting on how many points Harry had managed to lose in Snape’s class alone.

“Don’t what? Ask you what the hells going on? Why you’re sour all day or perhaps why you spend most of the week in an entirely different world? You haven’t spoken two words to me or Hermione all week and Neville and Seamus said you walked right past them at dinner and didn’t even say hello. What is with you?” With his hands on his hips Ron looked the spitting image of his mother but Harry was too depressed and irritated to bother making comment. When Harry ignored Ron’s comment and continue unlacing his arm guards Ron snapped and punched Harry hard in the arm.

“Hey!” Harry shouted loudly as he stood up from the bench ready to defend himself should Ron hit him again.

“Don’t ignore me Harry. I asked you what the fucks going on with you and unless you tell me I’ll just jump to the conclusion that everyone else has already done and say you’re mooning over Professor Snape, you sad queer little boy.” Ron raised a challenging eyebrow in Harry’s direction and Harry instantly saw red as he landed Ron a firm punch on his best friends face.

“Shut up Ronald!” Harry spat angrily as Ron recovered and spat the blood from his split lip onto the tiled locker room floor. The smack of the punch had attracted an audience and now everyone was watching the two best friends stare each other down.

“So it’s true then Potter, did you go all mushy when you found out he was fucking Harry Potter look a likes every Friday? Did you offer yourself to him? Did he tell you to fuck off because he can’t get it up naturally anymore?” Harry’s face fell as Ron laughed in his face the sudden realization dawning on him that Ron knew everything. “Oh, didn’t you know?” Ron held his hand up to his mouth in a sarcastic mock show of sympathy. “Snape likes little boys Potter, and he’s had his eyes set on you from the moment you stepped off the bloody train that first year. Why do you think Dumbledore keeps such a close eye on you. Why do you think Sirius doesn’t trust Snape?”

“You’re a fucking liar Ronald Weasley.” Harry spat unsure himself whether to believe what his best friend was saying or not.

“Call me what you like Potter, but it’s the truth. The headmaster knows it, Sirius knows it, my Dad knows it, even Lupin spotted it the year he started teaching here. You’re the only one who’s to blind to see it. I would have helped you get away from him Potter but I can’t save you from something you want just as bad as he does….” Ron never finished his sentence as a curse struck him in the back, a bright blue light exploding in front of Harry’s eyes and sending him staggering back into the wall.

When Harry’s eyes had stopped flashing he managed to focus on the scene in front of him. Ron looked petrified his body frozen in an expression of agony his body leaning towards Harry as if the boy had tried to escape the curse that had struck him. There was a deathly silence in the locker room and Harry glanced around at the pale faces of his team members who were all staring at the wand bearer who’d cast the curse.

Professor Severus Snape stood in all his glory in the middle of the locker room, his back rigid and tall and his arms folded across his chest his wand held upright in his left hand. Harry had never felt so terrified in all his life as the piercing dark eyes stared right through him like knife blades.

“Mr. Weasley should learn to watch his mouth less someone remove his tongue.” Snape’s voice was icy cold and no one in the locker room dared move as the professor’s gaze swept over them pensively. Harry’s mouth was dry and his throat tight in fear as he watched Madam Hooch, Professor McGonagall and the headmaster come running around the corner into the locker room, all three of the professors skidding to a halt at the scene they’d walked into.

“Severus what has happened?” Dumbledore stepped out from behind his deputy and the Quidditch referee to come tentatively around to face Snape who was still staring at Harry.

“I believe Mr. Weasley was just enlightening Mr. Potter on the general consensus regarding my sexual escapades?” Snape’s gaze never waved as he replied to Headmaster not batting an eyelid at the tittering that broke out when he described what had happened.

“Oh, well that would explain that particular reflection curse then?” Harry was a little shocked as Dumbledore moved over to where Weasley’s frozen body was and carefully inspected Harry’s frozen best friend. “Frozen at that particular memory Severus, was that really necessary? The poor boy will never sleep again.” Harry frowned a little in confusion wondering what curse it was that Snape had cast on Ron. What ever it was the boy looked to be in agony but considering the circumstances Harry wasn’t in the least sympathetic. “Well I think we needn’t discuss this here, Severus I think you can escort Mr. Potter up to my office. Minerva, you and madam Hooch better take Mr. Weasley here to the hospital wing by the time this wears off he may be in some distress. The rest of you better run along, or you’ll all be late for dinner.” With a warm smile Dumbledore strode from the locker room leaving chaos in his wake. Harry didn’t know what to do but a firm hand on his shoulder guided him blindly out of the locker room and slowly up the path heading back towards the castle.

A stale silence hung between them as they both ascended the stairs into the castle and headed in the direction of Dumbledore’s office. It was only after Snape had muttered the password to the gargoyle and they’d both stepped onto the revolving staircase that Harry even dared glance up at the elder wizard. Snape’s face was a blank canvass, his eyes staring resolutely ahead showing no emotion what so ever. Harry sighed as he looked back down at his feet. Snape’s hand on his shoulder guided him to Dumbledore’s door and after a sharp tap to announce their arrival both of them stepped into the headmaster’s office.

“Ah take a seat and have some tea, I won’t be a moment.” Dumbledore’s head appeared from around the entrance to another room the headmaster smile warm and inviting as he gestured for both wizards to have a seat. Harry did as he was told folding himself up like usual onto the plush armchair beside the fire and serving himself a cup of lemon tea. Snape however stood facing the fire, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared blankly into the flickering flames. “What an awful day for summer but the rain is welcome.” Dumbledore emerged from his room dressed in a dry robe and adjusting his pointed hat. “Tea Severus?” Dumbledore sat down in the chair opposite Harry’s and poured himself a cup of tea before proceeding to put two large sugar lumps in it. Snape didn’t answer and Harry watched as Dumbledore sighed silently to himself. “I suppose we better get this over with there was a small part of me that hoped it wouldn’t come to this but considering the circumstances it was inevitable really.” Albus sipped from his teacup and smiled warmly at Harry from over the top of the rim. “You really must learn to respect other peoples privacy Harry, even if you don’t mean any harm.” Harry was surprised by Dumbledore’s chastise although he knew what the headmaster was referring to. Severus may have fooled Sirius with his crap about Harry being with him all that Friday night, but Albus was too smart for that.

“I thought he was going to meetings with Voldemort that you didn’t know about, I shouldn’t have followed him.” Harry muttered as he clutched the teacup in both hands to warm his cold fingers. Dumbledore nodded in understanding as he glanced up at Snape who was still standing rigid by the fireplace.

“Yes, despite all my evidence to the contrary you still don’t trust Severus do you Harry?” Harry shrugged his shoulders silently, Dumbledore wasn’t trying to make him out to be a fool but that was how Harry felt at present. There was a long pause before Dumbledore spoke again. “Why was it you changed your mind about the lovely Miss Chang and the youngest Weasley, Harry?” Harry knew what Albus was talking about and Harry silently wondered just how the headmaster found out so much. Harry shrugged his shoulders not really wanting to dissect the fucked up world he currently lived in.

“I didn’t change my mind, I guess I was always like this I just didn’t understand it until someone spelled it out for me.” Dumbledore nodded in agreement as he reached over and refilled Harry’s cup before refilling his own.

“I am assuming from the incident earlier in locker room Harry, that you are now aware of Professor Snape’s affection for you?” Dumbledore looked seriously at Harry over the rim of his teacup and Harry swallowed nervously as he glanced up at Snape still standing by the fire. The elder wizard made no attempt to acknowledge Albus’ statement and Harry knew then everything his best friend had said was true. Not willing to find words to voice his opinion Harry nodded simply in reply. “Well then it is now up to you how you act. While I have insisted this information remain private for the past few years to protect you in your formative years, I understand that you are now entitled to an explanation if you so wish Harry. Severus is also aware that he will be dismissed, as professor here at Hogwart’s if you believe his staying will harm you in any manner. Further more you should know that while student, teacher relationships are not against the law, they are frowned upon by the Ministry. It is also my unpleasant duty to inform you that because you are still a minor you are no longer permitted to be in the company of Professor Snape alone, under any circumstances and while I understand you may wish to discuss this privately with Snape, I am bound by my position to remain with you.” Harry nodded in silence not really understanding what was expected of him now. So Snape liked him, it had come a surprise but not entirely an earth shatter shock as Harry thought it would be. Harry twisted his hands in his lap and shifted awkwardly as he glanced up at Snape again, who still had his back to the room.

“I want to play a game, a question for a question.” Harry watched as Snape turned around slowly to face him his face still expressionless but his eyebrow slightly quirked in interest.

“Oh, that is one of my favorites. Severus is quite good at it.” Dumbledore chimed in quickly as he finished his tea and put his cup aside.

“I learnt it from the best.” Those were the first words Snape had said since they’d entered Dumbledore’s office and Harry didn’t miss the mischievous twinkle in Dumbledores’ eyes as he smiled at Snape knowingly.

“Indeed my boy, but as I always say asking questions are the best way of learning new things” Dumbledore rose from the chair and flicked a crease from his robe casually. “If it’s okay with you both I might just go and read, take your time, consider my office yours for as long as you need it.” With a warm smile Dumbledore padded off into the shelves of his extensive personal library. Harry rolled his eyes, the headmaster was close enough not to break the rules but had given them the privacy he knew they needed. Slowly Snape moved around and sat down opposite Harry in Dumbledore’s vacated chair, his legs crossed over and his hands resting in his lap waiting for Harry to start.

“Tell me why you really pay to meet those boys who look like me?” Harry inquired watching as Snape closed his eyes and sighed heavily before reopening them when he was ready to reply.

“I do it to create real memories, so that should Voldemort ever successfully break me the fantasies I have for you will be covered by the real memories I have of them and thus it hides my desire for you.” The truth hit Harry like a sledgehammer to the chest and the boy slumped back in his chair. Voldemort’s involvement in this hadn’t even registered in Harry’s mind and to hear that Snape had been hiding it from his master only served to make Harry realize just how big a secret this had been and how much was at stake. “Do you want me to resign?” Harry didn’t hear Snape’s question the first time but when he repeated it Harry had recovered enough to manage his reply.

“No.” Harry replied firmly before continuing. “Who else would be bothered trying to teach me potions. Besides I’d miss spending weekends cleaning out cauldrons or losing house points just because you were pissed off.” Harry smiled cheekily at Snape who rolled his eyes and folded his arms across his chest defensively as he waited for Harry’s next question. “Tell me why you treated me so appallingly making me think you hated me, when the opposite was true?” Harry inquired.

“Aside from the fact I genuinely hated your father, I honestly didn’t realize I was treating you any different than I did my other students. I was probably unconsciously punishing you for my own failure to control my feelings for you, besides the fact you really know how to piss me off.” Harry smiled proudly at the fact knowing that he alone knew how to rub the professor up the wrong way. “Was it really you who stole the potion ingredients from my store in second and fourth year?” Harry laughed at Snape’s second question and shrugged his shoulders not willing to get others into trouble.

“I didn’t actually take them from the store, but they may have been used by me for certain things.” Snape’s gaze narrowed pointedly at Harry but the boy shrugged it off as he continued. “What do you like about me so much?” Harry whispered cheekily watching as Snape’s gaze narrowed even further and his lips thinned in irritation.

“That for one.” Snape muttered as he rolled his eyes. “Your ability to throw cheek daringly at anyone with not an ounce of care for the consequences.”

“Continue.” Harry prompted quickly not letting Snape off easily.

“Your general disregard for any authority or rules. Your ability to find trouble and escape unscathed. The way you laugh at your godfathers crap jokes even though no one else does. Your selfless self-sacrificing bravery for everyone, even me on occasions. The way you walk after a Quidditch match. The smell of you when you’ve been outside walking in the snow.” Snape paused and raised a questioning eyebrow at Harry who was now smiling at him strangely. “Would you like me to go on?” Harry shook his head slowly having heard quite enough to realize Snape had taken a hell of a lot of notice of him, even if Harry hadn’t realized it. “Did you enjoy kissing Ginny Weasley and Cho Chang?” Snape inquired quickly so that Harry didn’t have time to change his mind on the last point.

“No.” Harry screwed his nose up and shook his head. “It was never right, I don’t think I’m cut out for kissing.” Harry shrugged his shoulders before smiling wickedly at Snape, who looked mildly concerned. “Can you get it up naturally or is that the reason you don’t wank like you told me before?” Severus snorted in disgust his lips pressed tightly together as he glared at Harry who was smiling cheekily.

“As far as I am aware every part of my anatomy is working fine Mr. Potter, and the reason I choose not to masturbate is the fact I’m surrounded by a school full of hormonal teenagers doing just that and I consider myself above the age where I need to do so. That and the fact contrary to your best friends accusations, I don’t get off on little boys.” Harry nodded impressed that Snape had kept it together to rush all of that out without even batting an eyelid. Harry was rather jealous knowing he couldn’t have done it without blushing just as he was doing now. “Now how about you tell me why you came in soaking wet to dinner last Friday?” Harry looked at Snape in surprise who clarified himself quickly. “Yes, I do know about that it was still circulating in the gossip of the staff room on Saturday.”

“It had nothing to do with seeking relief or anything, I just needed to calm down after you pissed me off with your detentions and nit picking all week.” Snape shrugged his shoulders apologetically at Harry who brushed it off casually. Harry had come to the end of the questions he could think of and only one remained stubborn in his mind. Harry wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to ask or even if it was the right time but if he didn’t say it now he’d lose he guts to do it later. “Do you want to go out with me?” Snape’s expression darkened instantly, his light smile fading as his brow creased together and eyes narrowed.

“This isn’t a game Potter.” Snape growled dangerously but Harry ignored it.

“I was being serious, would you like to go out with me, say Friday night? I’ll pay?” Harry raised a stubborn questioning eyebrow in Snape’s direction watching as the man considered it his expression no betraying what he was thinking. “I’m offering you a chance Professor, I suggest accepting it before it expires or I have second thoughts.”

“I’ve made arrangements Friday night.” Snape replied coolly watching as Harry rolled his eyes.

“Then we’ll go together, I like it there.” Harry smiled breezily at Snape who at length sighed and nodded in agreement. “Good, now if you’ll excuse me I’m starving and if I don’t go downstairs now Neville will have eaten my share.” With a sigh Harry stood up from his chair and having finished what remained of his now cold tea headed for the door, leaving Snape sitting stock still in the chair staring at him. “Bye, sir see you at dinner!” Calling to Dumbledore who was still in his book stacks, Harry breezed out of the headmaster’s office and with a slight satisfied spring in his step headed back downstairs for dinner.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>