Standing Against the Tides
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
47
Views:
31,701
Reviews:
50
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
47
Views:
31,701
Reviews:
50
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter and company and make no money from this endeavor.
Chapter 2 Reinforcing Perceptions
Last time I looked at my driver’s license, it did not say J. K. Rowling. Yep, it’s just me, an unpaid and unknown aspiring writer. The characters of the Potterverse do not belong to me and I am making no money from this endeavor.
A/N: Spoilers through OotP. As I am still in denial, I refuse to acknowledge the events of HBP or DH at this point.
Unbeta’d as BabyGurl is busy with her own life.
Chapter 2 Reinforcing Perceptions
‘Power of the broken child melds with that of the broken man: twice powerful. Evil twice-defeated, finally vanquished with the power of the two.’ Albus reread the obscure prophecy he had found years ago. Satisfied that he had correctly interpreted the passage, the wizard accepted that he was doing the right thing.
Schooling his features into a nearly impenetrable mask, Severus Snape rode the spiraling stairs up to the Headmaster’s office. Despite the fact that he had been required to attend these little sessions every week for the past 15 years, the dark haired man had never enjoyed the experience. In truth, Severus was still unsure as to which was the worst fate: having to face the Dark Lord in all of his fury or Albus Dumbledore with his offers of tea and biscuits.
Entering the door, Severus politely greeted his mentor. As usual the office was filled with its strange and unique gadgets, some spinning in place, others softly whirring or humming as they sat. Shaking his head at the apparent inanity of the Headmaster’s furnishings, Severus resigned himself to yet another tedious tea.
“Ah, Severus, my dear boy. Please do sit down,” Albus cheerfully told his protégé. “Tea, cream, no sugar as usual. And do try one of these new lemon biscuits.”
Silently obeying the older wizard, Severus took the offered cup and one of the confounded treats. The Potions master had learned years ago the futility of trying to refuse any offerings. It was one of those small concessions in life that just made things easier for the beleaguered spy.
Albus smiled as his young protégé sipped his cup of hot tea. As the obsidian eyes began to cloud, the Headmaster started his usual speech. “Now, my dear boy. I do hope that you have not been too hard on our dear Mr. Potter. After all, he cannot help it if he is exactly like his father. Now I know that young Harry is rather, shall we say, exuberant. But, really, that is to be expected in one as special as he. I have heard from the other professors that Mr. Potter is simply a charming, witty young man who cannot help but be the center of attention. I am certain, Severus that you can afford to cut the poor boy some slack. After all, he is simply too busy with his fame and popularity to spend much time on his studies.”
Foggily, Severus heard the words wash over him, reinforcing his dislike for the young Potter brat. Yes, he thought, he is just like his father: just as arrogant, just as self-centered, just as thoughtless as James Potter had ever been. Shaking his head in an effort to clear his mind of the cobwebs that always seemed to pervade his thoughts when he was forced to endure these little teas with Albus Dumbledore, Severus took another sip of the thrice-damned tea.
After some length and more sweetly derogatory comments about the Golden Boy, the men finished their teas and the disgustingly sweet biscuits. Albus stood; the unspoken signal that the meeting was over. Standing somewhat shakily, Severus gathered his wits about him and quickly left the Headmaster to his busy gadgets and the remaining lemon biscuits.
Smiling grimly, Albus watched as the Potions master retreated from his presence. As usual, his spiked tea and not-so-subtle comments about Harry Potter would serve to keep the two apart for at least a little while longer. Regrettable, yes; but necessary in the Headmaster’s opinion.
Harry wondered what he had done to warrant an invitation from the Headmaster. Looking back over his week, he could find no obvious wrongdoing on his part. Well, there was ‘that’ incident, but no one had gotten hurt and he didn’t think anyone knew he had been involved to begin with...
Accepting that he would just have to wait to find out the reason for the summons until after dinner tonight, Harry sent his answer back with the school owl. Already this day had seemed endless, what with double potions first thing in the morning and then with history of magic afterward. Well, at least he was able to catch up on a bit of sleep in that class. The young Gryffindor just wished he knew what the old wily wizard was up to. Harry wasn’t sure that he had ever had a pleasant visit with the Headmaster. Sighing, he had to acknowledge that this time was likely to be no better.
Pulling his wayward thoughts in about him, Harry was determined to occlude his mind as best he could before his meeting with Professor Dumbledore this evening. Now that Harry had decided to make his own stand he didn’t need the Headmaster finding out beforehand. At least today was Friday and he would have all of tomorrow to seek out the Potions master so that they could hopefully come to an agreement if not an actual truce.
Nervously straightening his robes for the umpteenth time, Harry looked at the stone gargoyle and spoke the password, “tootsie roll.” The gargoyle leapt aside and Harry rode the stairs to the top. As usual he didn’t even get a chance to knock before the Headmaster’s voice called out a welcome.
“Harry, my dear boy. Thank you so much for agreeing to see me this evening. I know that you are quite busy with your schoolwork and studying for your upcoming N.E.W.T.s. Do sit down and relax. Tea? Oh, and do try one of these delicious lemon biscuits,” Albus said merrily.
Gingerly sitting down in one of the overstuffed chintz monstrosities the Headmaster called furniture, Harry reluctantly took a cup of tea and one of the biscuits. Shrewd blue eyes watched as the young student sipped his tea and nibbled on the treat. All too soon emerald eyes glazed over and the Headmaster nodded to himself.
“It has come to my attention that you and Professor Snape have been rather at odds lately. It had been my hope that the two of you could have learned to get past your petty differences, but alas, that has not come to be,” the Headmaster sighed.
Struggling to remember his resolutions and his convictions, Harry murmured his apologies to the older wizard. Something was off and Harry instinctively realized that the Headmaster was the cause of his current befuddlement. Closing his eyes for a moment, the young wizard silently pulled his thoughts back into his core. After a moment he felt more clear-headed and in control once again. Harry realized that it would not do to let Dumbledore know that he had overcome whatever influence he had been under. Carefully taking a cleansing breath, Harry reopened still-glazed eyes and considered his companion.
Smiling at his student, Albus continued, “Harry, I know that Professor Snape hates you with a fierce and unfounded vendetta, but I must ask that you try to ignore his behavior. In spite of his undying hatred of you, I do need both of you to work together. This is one case where you must be the adult here.”
Nodding distractedly, Harry wondered why the Headmaster insisted on stressing how much the Potions master hated him. Though he could not yet take the time to ponder this information, Harry filed it away for later scrutiny. “Sir,” he hesitantly began, “I promise that I will do everything in my power to work with Snape, regardless of his attitude towards me.”
“Professor Snape,” Albus automatically corrected. Good. It seemed as if Harry was as disrespectful of the Potions master as ever.
Unsteadily getting to his feet, Harry asked if he could be excused as he was feeling less than well at the moment. At the Headmaster’s acquiescence, the young man left the circular office and rode the stairs to the bottom. Cautiously he made his way back to Gryffindor tower and securely enclosed himself in his bed before relaxing. If he had suspected before that Albus Dumbledore was not to be trusted, now he had irrefutable proof. There was definitely something in that tea the Headmaster so freely handed out. And Harry didn’t even want to contemplate those innocuous biscuits. Now more than ever, the young Gryffindor was determined to speak with the Potions master.
A/N: Spoilers through OotP. As I am still in denial, I refuse to acknowledge the events of HBP or DH at this point.
Unbeta’d as BabyGurl is busy with her own life.
Chapter 2 Reinforcing Perceptions
‘Power of the broken child melds with that of the broken man: twice powerful. Evil twice-defeated, finally vanquished with the power of the two.’ Albus reread the obscure prophecy he had found years ago. Satisfied that he had correctly interpreted the passage, the wizard accepted that he was doing the right thing.
Schooling his features into a nearly impenetrable mask, Severus Snape rode the spiraling stairs up to the Headmaster’s office. Despite the fact that he had been required to attend these little sessions every week for the past 15 years, the dark haired man had never enjoyed the experience. In truth, Severus was still unsure as to which was the worst fate: having to face the Dark Lord in all of his fury or Albus Dumbledore with his offers of tea and biscuits.
Entering the door, Severus politely greeted his mentor. As usual the office was filled with its strange and unique gadgets, some spinning in place, others softly whirring or humming as they sat. Shaking his head at the apparent inanity of the Headmaster’s furnishings, Severus resigned himself to yet another tedious tea.
“Ah, Severus, my dear boy. Please do sit down,” Albus cheerfully told his protégé. “Tea, cream, no sugar as usual. And do try one of these new lemon biscuits.”
Silently obeying the older wizard, Severus took the offered cup and one of the confounded treats. The Potions master had learned years ago the futility of trying to refuse any offerings. It was one of those small concessions in life that just made things easier for the beleaguered spy.
Albus smiled as his young protégé sipped his cup of hot tea. As the obsidian eyes began to cloud, the Headmaster started his usual speech. “Now, my dear boy. I do hope that you have not been too hard on our dear Mr. Potter. After all, he cannot help it if he is exactly like his father. Now I know that young Harry is rather, shall we say, exuberant. But, really, that is to be expected in one as special as he. I have heard from the other professors that Mr. Potter is simply a charming, witty young man who cannot help but be the center of attention. I am certain, Severus that you can afford to cut the poor boy some slack. After all, he is simply too busy with his fame and popularity to spend much time on his studies.”
Foggily, Severus heard the words wash over him, reinforcing his dislike for the young Potter brat. Yes, he thought, he is just like his father: just as arrogant, just as self-centered, just as thoughtless as James Potter had ever been. Shaking his head in an effort to clear his mind of the cobwebs that always seemed to pervade his thoughts when he was forced to endure these little teas with Albus Dumbledore, Severus took another sip of the thrice-damned tea.
After some length and more sweetly derogatory comments about the Golden Boy, the men finished their teas and the disgustingly sweet biscuits. Albus stood; the unspoken signal that the meeting was over. Standing somewhat shakily, Severus gathered his wits about him and quickly left the Headmaster to his busy gadgets and the remaining lemon biscuits.
Smiling grimly, Albus watched as the Potions master retreated from his presence. As usual, his spiked tea and not-so-subtle comments about Harry Potter would serve to keep the two apart for at least a little while longer. Regrettable, yes; but necessary in the Headmaster’s opinion.
Harry wondered what he had done to warrant an invitation from the Headmaster. Looking back over his week, he could find no obvious wrongdoing on his part. Well, there was ‘that’ incident, but no one had gotten hurt and he didn’t think anyone knew he had been involved to begin with...
Accepting that he would just have to wait to find out the reason for the summons until after dinner tonight, Harry sent his answer back with the school owl. Already this day had seemed endless, what with double potions first thing in the morning and then with history of magic afterward. Well, at least he was able to catch up on a bit of sleep in that class. The young Gryffindor just wished he knew what the old wily wizard was up to. Harry wasn’t sure that he had ever had a pleasant visit with the Headmaster. Sighing, he had to acknowledge that this time was likely to be no better.
Pulling his wayward thoughts in about him, Harry was determined to occlude his mind as best he could before his meeting with Professor Dumbledore this evening. Now that Harry had decided to make his own stand he didn’t need the Headmaster finding out beforehand. At least today was Friday and he would have all of tomorrow to seek out the Potions master so that they could hopefully come to an agreement if not an actual truce.
Nervously straightening his robes for the umpteenth time, Harry looked at the stone gargoyle and spoke the password, “tootsie roll.” The gargoyle leapt aside and Harry rode the stairs to the top. As usual he didn’t even get a chance to knock before the Headmaster’s voice called out a welcome.
“Harry, my dear boy. Thank you so much for agreeing to see me this evening. I know that you are quite busy with your schoolwork and studying for your upcoming N.E.W.T.s. Do sit down and relax. Tea? Oh, and do try one of these delicious lemon biscuits,” Albus said merrily.
Gingerly sitting down in one of the overstuffed chintz monstrosities the Headmaster called furniture, Harry reluctantly took a cup of tea and one of the biscuits. Shrewd blue eyes watched as the young student sipped his tea and nibbled on the treat. All too soon emerald eyes glazed over and the Headmaster nodded to himself.
“It has come to my attention that you and Professor Snape have been rather at odds lately. It had been my hope that the two of you could have learned to get past your petty differences, but alas, that has not come to be,” the Headmaster sighed.
Struggling to remember his resolutions and his convictions, Harry murmured his apologies to the older wizard. Something was off and Harry instinctively realized that the Headmaster was the cause of his current befuddlement. Closing his eyes for a moment, the young wizard silently pulled his thoughts back into his core. After a moment he felt more clear-headed and in control once again. Harry realized that it would not do to let Dumbledore know that he had overcome whatever influence he had been under. Carefully taking a cleansing breath, Harry reopened still-glazed eyes and considered his companion.
Smiling at his student, Albus continued, “Harry, I know that Professor Snape hates you with a fierce and unfounded vendetta, but I must ask that you try to ignore his behavior. In spite of his undying hatred of you, I do need both of you to work together. This is one case where you must be the adult here.”
Nodding distractedly, Harry wondered why the Headmaster insisted on stressing how much the Potions master hated him. Though he could not yet take the time to ponder this information, Harry filed it away for later scrutiny. “Sir,” he hesitantly began, “I promise that I will do everything in my power to work with Snape, regardless of his attitude towards me.”
“Professor Snape,” Albus automatically corrected. Good. It seemed as if Harry was as disrespectful of the Potions master as ever.
Unsteadily getting to his feet, Harry asked if he could be excused as he was feeling less than well at the moment. At the Headmaster’s acquiescence, the young man left the circular office and rode the stairs to the bottom. Cautiously he made his way back to Gryffindor tower and securely enclosed himself in his bed before relaxing. If he had suspected before that Albus Dumbledore was not to be trusted, now he had irrefutable proof. There was definitely something in that tea the Headmaster so freely handed out. And Harry didn’t even want to contemplate those innocuous biscuits. Now more than ever, the young Gryffindor was determined to speak with the Potions master.