Another Kind Of Magic

The following weeks kept Harry on his toes. He had cancelled the weekend meetings with Snape, being afraid he might not be able to study enough for his N.E.W.T.s. He was determined to pass his tests, not willing to risk the possibility of being student here for another year.

Finally the week of the exams arrived. The first one to take place was Potions, a fact he had surely hated two years ago. Now it felt like a good to start to sit in the dungeons with Snape in sight, even though he was there merely for observance and not for guidance.

Harry took a deep breath and started with the theoretical part of the test.

All the extra effort seemed to have been worth their while. With every question he could answer he grew more confident.

After two hours they had a quick break and then the practical part of the test was due. They had to create "Dreamless Draught" and Harry started with a smile in his face that didn't falter until they were done and he had his flask on the desk.

Together with Hermione and Neville he went up into the Great Hall to get a bite to eat.


After that the days began to blur into each other. Harry was heading up and down the floors and corridors, running from one test to the other. The only one he was really aware of was DADA, which happened to be the last one.

Like two years ago when Harry had taken his O.W.L.s, the examiner asked him to perform a Patronus to receive extra points.

Harry looked over at his classmates and frowned. "Will the others be asked as well so that they can get extra points?"

The examiner smiled at him. "Well, Mr Potter, surely you understand that I can't ask everybody. I am making an exception here."

"I don't want you to make an exception. Everybody knows that I can perform a Patronus it's been all over the bloody papers! I know for a fact that there are several other people in this room who can do it. And no, I don't understand why you can't ask them as well." Harry hadn't noticed that he had gotten louder with every word. The room was very quiet and everyone was looking at him.

"I assume I'm done, sir?" He didn't wait for an answer, turned on his heal and stormed out.

Harry was so tired of being treated differently it left him feeling irritated. It was not fair that he should be able to get some extra points while others didn't get the chance.
Still deep in his thoughts he rushed around a corner and crashed into the solid form of his teacher and mentor. The impact left them both struggling for balance and Snape had his hands around Harry's arms. As both of them were standing firmly again, Snape took his hands back.

"Sorry, Professor," Harry mumbled.

"That doesn't seem to be the appropriate mood for just having had the last exam. Did something happen, Harry?" Snape asked looking enquiringly at him.

Harry sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

"Want to take a walk outside with me?"

Harry tilted his head. "I know that might sound weird but somehow I had the impression that you would hardly leave the castle." He shook his head. That really was a stupid thought. "Yes, I would like that," he answered.

"I do indeed spend more time inside the walls of Hogwarts. But once in a while even I do need fresh air. Especially after some two-years have managed to drop dungbombs in the dungeons."

"Yuck!"

For some strange reasons smell wasn't so easily come by with magic as dirt.

"I bet anything that those particular students have seen Professor Snape at his best."

"Certainly, Mr Potter. It was an excellent way to polish my reputation, which has suffered so greatly that rumours have been spread about me laughing while I'm amongst students. Can you believe it?"

"No, Professor. This is too much of a stretch for my imagination, sir."

Snape snorted. "Rumours say that there had been Gryffindors in this very same room when I was supposedly laughing. Now that is just absurd!"

"Absolutely!" Harry slowly started to smile. The banter with Snape lifted his mood.

"Did I really laugh?" Snape asked quietly.

"As a matter of fact you did. Everyone was staring at you as if you had suddenly grown a second head."

"This is bad. Very bad." Snape sighed loudly. "But enough of me and my reputation. What happened?"

They were outside now and turned towards the lake. Harry told Snape about the incident with the examiner and how unfair he thought it was.

"I hope he doesn't fail me because of me yelling at him."

Snape glanced briefly at Harry. "Nobody would take him serious if he would fail you, Harry. You are the one who destroyed Voldemort. Do you think he could really fail you?"

Harry shook his head. "It probably wouldn't be a smart move."

"It wouldn't be. And in a way you used your fame to let him know that he is a toady. Which is not the worst way to be a celebrity mind you."

Harry grinned. "You mean as long as I don't act like Lockhart?"

Snape looked at Harry. "I don't even know how to describe him without wasting too many words."

Harry thought for a moment. "How about narcistic shell of nothing?"

Snape arched an eyebrow. "Not bad for a starter. But let's not waste our time over Lockhart."

They walked in silence for a while. Harry noticed the looks the two of them were getting when they came across other students.

"Professor, do you actually notice the amount of interested glances we get because you are seen with me?"

"Maybe people are wondering why the famous saviour of the wizarding world hangs out with the hateful Potions teacher. They probably believe you could do much better then that."

Harry snorted. "I don't give a shit what they think."

Snape looked at him. "Language, Potter," he said but winked at him before he looked ahead again. "But I'm glad you don't."

Harry smiled.


They turned back towards the castle and Snape asked Harry what he would be doing with his free time until the end of the term next week.

Harry sighed. "I should decide what I am going to do with my life. I don't want to me an Auror anymore. I've had enough of that to last a lifetime."

Snape nodded beside him. "I don't blame you."

"Well, but I have no clue what to do. The only thing I was ever good in was DADA."

"I've heard you've improved in other classes as well after the war. Just look at how much better you've gotten with Potions now that you can concentrate on it instead of either getting into trouble or worrying your head of."

Harry laughed. "I did not get into trouble on purpose."

Snape snorted with laughter but didn't say anything.

"Maybe I should start with what I don't want to do. Which would be Divination-"

Another snort from the tall wizard beside him made Harry grin.

"And I definitely don't want to get any deeper into History of Magic. That is just so boring everybody falls asleep in Professor Binns' class."

Now Snape chuckled. "Let me assure you that you haven't been the first and will not be the last who happens to doze of in his class."

"Only Hermione had the amazing ability to stay awake and take notes. But then again she's brilliant in everything. She's just so smart. I envy her sometimes. She has every possibility and can do whatever she wants. And Neville will become a Healer." Harry sighed.

"And he will be a good one now that he's grown some backbone. But why aren't you taking your Master in DADA? Seems like a logical solution to me."

Harry looked thoughtfully at Snape for a moment. That thought had never crossed his mind. As a matter of fact, there hadn't been many thoughts at all about his future before Voldemort had been dead.

"That might be a good idea." Harry smiled at Snape. Even though he wasn't sure what he would do afterwards, he would have two years to think about it while being a trainee.

They had nearly reached the castle as Hermione came towards them.

~

Severus watched the young witch approach. He was surprised that she turned to him after she had greeted them both.

"Professor, could I have a word please?"

"Certainly, Mrs Granger."

"I better be of then. See you later," Harry said and left them.

Severus looked after him for a moment then he turned his attention towards one of Harry's best friends. She seemed to be a little nervous and he began wondering what she had on her mind.

"What can I do for you, Mrs Granger?"

"I was… well, no…" She took a deep breath. "I wanted to know if you think that I stand a chance in becoming a Potion Mistress, sir," she finally managed to say with pink dusted cheeks.

Severus tilted his head in surprise. Those were quite astonishing news. He had had no idea that Granger liked Potions that much.

"I don't see why not. Your skills are adequate if that is what you want to know," Severus replied. "I am rather curious about your choice, however. I've never had the impression that the art of potion making is that much to your liking."

The young witch's cheeks turned a shade darker but she hold his gaze nevertheless. "Well, Professor, to be quite blunt: you've never given anyone the chance to like it before."

Severus chuckled. "Pray tell, are you saying that I might possibly have scared of some genius potion maker?"

Granger looked him square in the eyes. "I don't know about genius but I'm sure that you have drowned a lot of curiosity and interest. You have changed, Professor."

Ruddy Gryffindor bravery, Severus thought and decided to change the subject. "So tell me, where will you go? Monsieur Dumont in France would be a good place, or Zubertrank in Germany."

Granger lowered her eyes and was now talking to Severus' chest.

"Well, you know I always go for the best. And I was wondering, if… well, if you could, or would… I mean would you take me in as an apprentice? I mean, I would understand if you didn't. But I thought I could at least ask. It's not hurting to ask, is it? That's what I thought. And that's why I asked. Maybe I got carried away with my idea. Well, thank you for your time. I better get going now."

She stopped sputtering, turned on her heels and stalked away before Severus even had the chance to say anything. Not that he had understood everything she had said. Had she really been asking if she could become his trainee?

"Mrs Granger?"

The young witch stopped.

Severus crossed his arms in front of him.

Granger slowly turned back around but didn't look at him.

"Correct me if I am wrong, but I just had the bizarre impression that you asked me to become your tutor. Is that accurate?" He gazed at the witch with narrowed eyes.

She simply nodded.

Severus stared at her for several moments taking the information in. It didn't happen often in his life that he was speechless but that certainly was one of these moments.
"Why?"

Finally Granger looked up with a frown. "I thought that's actually quite obvious," she said. "I'm getting called the smartest witch my age and you are the best I could get to teach me. Don't you think that's reason enough?"

Severus arched an eyebrow. "I'm sure you're aware of the reputation you might gain if I accept your application."

Severus' second eyebrow joined the other at the hairline as Granger started to laugh.
"Sir, with all due respect, but I kind of stopped worrying about my reputation after my first year here. I was and still am best friend with Harry Potter. Maybe you remember that he's famous for getting into trouble and breaking rules?"

Severus snorted. Was he ever? But that wasn't the topic at hand here, was it? Severus looked thoughtfully at the young witch. It should be possible to set up smaller lap close to his office where she could work. He would have to talk with the Headmistress about it.

"You are aware of me being a teacher at Hogwarts, which means that your summer holidays will be at the same time as the school holidays. I expect you in my office on the day the new school year starts. You'll receive further details by owl. Now, if you will excuse me I have matters to attend to."

Severus gave a curt nod and strode off, wondering what he had gotten himself into.

*

It was close to dinner and most of the Gryffindors were gathered in the common room chatting happily. Suddenly the door burst open and Hermione came in, running towards Harry and Ron after she had spotted them sitting in a corner.

"I can't believe it, he said yes!" She panted out of breath. "He really said yes!" She fell into one of the chairs.

Harry furrowed his brows and looked to Ron. He had no idea what Hermione was talking about. Ron apparently did. He looked gobsmacked at his girlfriend with his mouth gaping.

"You are joking, right?" Ron asked her.

But Hermione shook her head. "No, I'm not. I'm dead serious." She grinned. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it. I was so sure he would refuse."

Harry asked whom they were talking about but neither Hermione nor Ron paid any attention to him.

"You must have misunderstood him," Ron said feebly. "This can't be."

"You better get used to it, Ronald Weasley, because I'll start with the new term. He'll owl me the details."

"Hermione, what will you start and who is he?" Harry wanted to know. "What's going on?"

But his questions were ignored as Neville and Ginny came to join them. Ginny looked closely at Hermione and started to grin.

"Blimey! He said yes?" The youngest Weasley offspring asked.

Hermione just nodded with a huge grin that might make her head split if she kept it up for much longer.

"That's just great! Congratulations!" Ginny bent down to hug her friend.

That was enough. "Would anyone care to explain what you are all so excited about?" Harry asked loudly.

Finally Neville took pity and turned to Harry. "Snape is taking her in as an apprentice."

Now Harry understood why everyone seemed to be so flabbergasted. "Wow, that's a first. Congrats!" He grinned broadly even forgetting to be miffed because everybody except him seemed to have known that she had wanted to ask their professor.

"This must be a bad joke," Ron said. "Even if he would take somebody in he certainly wouldn't choose a Gryffindor. Snape hates Gryffindors."

"He doesn't hate us," Neville said. "Or at least not anymore. And who knows, he might actually have had reasons for it."
"I have the feeling that's something from the past." Harry agreed with Neville and then looked at Hermione. "I'm happy for you. I'm sure you'll learn a hell of a lot more."

*

The next couple of days went by and Harry stayed away from Snape but he had written him a short note saying that he was afraid of not being able to restrain himself from bouncing on him.

It was only a matter of hours before he received a short answer:

Harry,
Thank you for letting me know why you avoid me. I assume it means that you haven't changed your mind and still consider me to teach you in a more practical way as well?
Best regards
Severus Snape

Harry blinked a few times. Snape must be joking. Harry grabbed his bag and searched for the quill and some ink. He quickly jotted:

Changed my mind? Are you kidding? I'm dying to kiss you senseless and then some!

Severus snorted softly as he read Harry's answer. It was blunt and without any sign of subtlety. It was so Gryffindor. It was… Harry. Severus sighed and leaned back in his chair, still holding the ripped-off piece of parchment in his hand. His eyes moved once more over the two simple lines. It was blunt, no doubt about it, but it had an impact nevertheless.

He had no idea where this would lead to; well honestly, he didn't even really know how it had come so far in the first place. Hadn't he been quite happy only four months ago? Hadn't his life been in order, neat and uncomplicated the last year? Granted, his life had also become rather dull, but that had been an appreciated change compared to his life as a spy. This was certainly not something he would want to have back.

But why he had let Harry in his life as much as he had, he still didn't know. Harry Potter stands as a synonym for chaos. Maybe Severus' life had become a tad too boring?

If it hadn't been for Harry's interest in BDSM Severus would have continued to act indifferent towards the young wizard. But back then when Severus himself had been looking for someone to teach him, he had been grateful for his mentor. He knew he had been very lucky to find a person who had the knowledge and patience to teach someone like him. Severus smiled softly as he remembered his mentor.

He had sworn to himself that if someone would approach him that he would try and be as good a mentor as the one he once had had.

Severus enjoyed teaching Harry. He was not only interested but also alert. And Severus actually enjoyed the more private conversations (if talking about BDSM and sexuality isn't private enough that is) and Harry's company. He had been looking forward to their meetings and curious to find out more about the young wizard.

Severus sighed. After all those years of hatred they both had grown to respect each other and they had seen that neither of them had been what the other had believed him to be. Then they had found that they had a common interest (besides getting rid of Voldemort), which had lead to some kind of understanding. From there it had gone downhill, now he liked the insolent brat. And – even worse – he desired him.

Severus wondered how it would feel to have Harry's lithe body against his own, skin on skin, or underneath him. He thought about how it would be when Harry moaned with Severus actually doing something to draw that sound from his lips.

Severus could feel his body react – once again. He hadn't pleasured himself as often in the last years as he had in the last few weeks. He sighed and looked at his calendar. How many days were left?

Severus shook his head. Instead of sitting around and doing nothing (except waiting) he could just as well go and do something useful like for an instance refresh his ability with the flogger.

tbc

Zuber = tub
Trank = drink/potion