"Merlin, what was that—the end of the world?"

Stunned, the three teenagers stared at the place where the professor had been standing, only ten seconds earlier.

"I don't know…" Harry said as he shook his head. Everything had happened too quickly. "Severus talked about an attack, but he was convinced that Voldemort couldn't try anything himself tonight."

"That's not what I'm talking about," retorted Ron. "Bloody hell, he gave fifty points to Gryffindor! Fifty! Since when does Snape give points to any House but his own, huh? Wait a minute…Severus?"

"Really, Ron!" Hermione said indignantly. "Hogwarts is being attacked this very moment; maybe we're safe, but that's not the case for the rest of the students, nor the professors!" she added with a sympathetic look for Harry. "There are more serious matters at hand than the use of a first name."

"I'd really liked to know where Snape went," Harry said, nervously twisting the corner of his tee-shirt. A hand came to rest on his shoulder, and he reluctantly looked away from the spot where the professor had disappeared.

"Not to Hogwarts, in all likelihood," the girl answered calmingly, gently pushing Harry toward an armchair. He felt into it heavily, while his companions sat a bit more carefully on the arms of the other chair.

"What makes you say that?"

"You can't Apparate into Hogwarts," she replied simply. "But I'm sure the professor knows what he's doing, Harry; you have nothing to worry about. He promised to come back quickly."

"There are promises that can't always be kept," Harry grumbled. "Blimey, and he didn't even take…he couldn't…" He stopped, annoyed. That was Snape's secret, and he doubted the professor would approve of him sharing it with his friends. But he knew perfectly well that the Potions master needed to take his potions regularly to have access to his powers. What was he intending to do like this?

He looked up and noticed that his friends were watching him worriedly.

"Harry, it'll be all right.  Professor Snape knows what he's doing."

"I suppose so…I, er… Do you want something to drink? Tea? I don't think we have any butterbeer left."

The two of them looked at each other then, even more disconcerted.

"No, thanks," Ron said at last. "You, er…seem really comfortable here, I'd say."

"Oh," Harry said as it dawned on him. "Yeah, I suppose. It's…a good place, really."

"This is probably a stupid question, but just to be sure…are we really where I think we are?"

"Ron…Snape Manor," Hermione told him, irritated. "What do you think—that we're at Honeydukes?"

"Yeah, Snape brought us to his home," Harry confirmed before Ron could answer. "There are special wards here; no one can attack us."

"Is this where you spent the summer? I mean, after…" the redhead said with an embarrassed gesture.

Harry nodded.

"As for a manor, it looks more like a first class dungeon. Just what you'd expect of Snape," Ron snickered.

"This is the laboratory," Harry said, annoyed. "The basement. The rest of the Manor is above, but I'd prefer to stay here just now. It's more secure."

"Did you hear that screaming earlier?" Hermione quickly intervened. "I've never ever heard anything like it before. I wonder what sort of creature could've made it."

"Not Death Eaters, in any case," Harry said. "It sounded more like animals, something big."

"And there wasn't just one, by the noise they were making; there were at least a dozen. I wonder if they only went after Slytherins, or if they attacked all of Hogwarts…"

"They couldn't get to the dungeons without crossing a goodly part of the castle," Hermione pointed out. "What I'm wondering is how they could've got in and gone so far without being stopped."

The three of them were silent for a moment, running the pictures through their heads.

"Maybe they were looking for me," Harry finally said in a grave voice. "That's what Snape anticipated."

"If that's so, why did he bring you?" Ron asked skeptically.

"So I could get used to it, I think…I…I wasn't in a much of a hurry to go back to Hogwarts; it was supposed to be a quieter way of starting term than the usual one. He wasn't expecting this, that's for sure."

"Rather botched, so far as the quiet part…"

"And the worst is that now that I want to go back, I hate not being able to do anything," Harry groaned. "Merlin, I hope no one was hurt."

"There was at least one, from the shouting we heard in the corridor." Hermione shuddered. "But you promised Professor Snape, Harry. It's not an option for you to leave."

"I don't intend to. But maybe I should try and Floo-call Dumbledore."

"Harry, I sincerely doubt that the Headmaster is in his office at this hour. He's certainly out fighting the attackers, whoever they are, and I don't think now's time to disturb him."

"And it's not like I could actually help," Harry sighed. "I suppose we're going to have to wait here."

"Wow, just wow," Ron said with a slight smile. "Not that I'm wild about riding on Thestrals, especially when I can't even see them, or running through Hogwarts' dungeons with a three-headed dog hot on my heels, but you're really talking about doing nothing?"

Harry shot him an annoyed look, not knowing if he should laugh or get angry.

"I don't know what Snape did to you during the hols, but I like it. No more giant spiders or traveling through time, and fifty points for Gryffindor. I think I'm going to like this year," Ron continued, wearing a big smile this time.

"…and a horde of monsters invading Hogwarts. And Snape gone off only Merlin knows where. Yeah, fantastic, thanks," Harry said dryly.

"Oh, he'll come back," Ron said confidently. "Good old Snape is indestructible, and it's not for lack of trying…"

"He's tried so hard that he almost died, just a few days ago!" Harry shouted. "And to save me, for a change! Not even counting everything that happened in the cemetery, when Voldemort tried to sacrifice me in his little voodoo rite! I don't know what you did during the hols, but Severus spent his time saving me and risking his life for me! So don't you dare say a single word about him to me… He's just saved you too, after all!"

"Harry," Hermione said, her eyes wide, "we had no intention of speaking badly of Snape; Ron was joking. Of course we hope he'll come back safe and sound. I'm truly sorry about all that's happened over the hols, but we didn't have any way of joining you. We asked Dumbledore to help with the search, but he refused. In fact, he asked us if we thought you could be an Animagus, but we told him no. I'm sorry, Harry, really, it must've been really hard for you."

The boy cut her off with a wave as he fell back into his chair, his anger extinguished.

"I know, 'Mione. You don't need to apologize; you had nothing to do with it. I'm just…a bit stressed recently," he said, staring at the fireplace, as if he expected to see someone enter at any moment. "The summer was horrible, but in a way, it was still the best one I've ever had. Thanks to Snape. It's…" he sighed. "I've got so many things to tell you."

Without a word, his two friends moved closer, as Harry tried to summarize his summer for them, avoiding the events and details that would've taken too long to tell, which turned out to be more complicated than he would've thought. When he finally was silent, a half-hour later, the two Gryffindors had at least as many question as when he'd started.

"So it's because of the bracelet that you were able to escape, both times?" Hermione asked, clearly moved.

Harry nodded. "I'll never be able to thank you enough, Hermione. I'll never give it up, in any case. Even when I'm in my cat form, it stays there, but as a necklace, oddly. I really don't know how that happens."

"I still don't understand why it didn't lead you to the Burrow," Ron interrupted. "I'd have thought that'd be the first place you would've wanted to go."

"It wasn't really a matter of what I wanted," Harry explained. "It has something to do with my mother… She wanted it to be Snape."

"Harry, this isn't easy to say, but are you sure you want to believe all these stories?  I mean, I know that ghosts exist, but…Snape? I don't see why your mother would want you to end up with him. He's not exactly the most pleasant person in the world," Ron said.

"It's a long story. My mother and Snape knew each other at Hogwarts, and even before that.  They were friends. And Snape's really taken good care of me; I can't tell you everything, because I don't think he'd be all right with that…but he's not like you think he is."

"After all you've told us, I don't doubt this was the best possible choice," Hermione said gently.

The two boys looked at her, one of them with relief, the only with surprise.

"Still…" Ron said. "Snape? After the way he's treated you since you came to Hogwarts? It's hard for me to believe he's totally changed."

"Me too," Harry admitted reluctantly. "But I have no right to doubt him. And…I want to believe him, I suppose," he said.

"I still say you have a screw loose, mate," Ron said amicably. "But if it makes him want to give points to Gryffindor…I'm certainly not going to be the one to complain."

"Does he really think Voldemort's been weakened?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "I saw him in a vision…I don't think he'll pose a problem for a while. But that still leaves the Death Eaters and the others. Dementors…do you think that could be them at Hogwarts?"

"I doubt it. I didn't get the feeling that a blizzard had come up, or that the last clown in the world was dead," Ron said. "I'd wager it was animals, maybe bears?"

"Anyway, this isn't the time for you to go back to Hogwarts," Hermione said firmly. "Professor Snape is right; it's too dangerous."

"That really wasn't the problem," Harry said. "I'm not afraid to go back, not because of that…but I'd have liked a bit of time to rest before going back to classes. Really rest, without attacks from Death Eaters, Voldemort, bears or whatever. Apparently, that's too much to ask…."

"Just rest by the fire, with your paws tucked in, huh?" Ron said sympathetically. "But imagine how great it's going to be to wander around Hogwarts in your cat form! Actually, what's with this Shadow stuff?"

Harry smiled. "It's the name Snape gave me before he knew who I was…but I'd prefer you don't repeat it, all right? It's just something between him and me."

"And now us," the redhead added. "Shadow…not bad. I think that'd make an excellent last name."

"Honestly, I'd like it better if you'd avoid using it," Harry confessed.

Ron rolled his eyes, but by the look Hermione gave him, Harry knew she understood.

"So what are we supposed to call you, then? Kitty?  Blacky?"

Harry shrugged. "Why not?"

"I sort of like Blacky," Hermione said with a smile. "And besides, I'd have never thought that Snape lived in a manor. How big is it?"

"Big," Harry said. "And the park around it is huge. It's a bit far away from everything, but I like it a lot. It's really peaceful. This is probably going to seem bizarre to you," he said. Then, after hesitating, he added, "Snape said I can come back whenever I want, that the room I'm in will stay my own. And I think I really want to accept."

"Snape offered you a room in his house?" Ron asked, flabbergasted. "Bloody hell, mate, what's going on between the two of you? Are you sure he's not…I mean…you know?"

"No, I don't know," Harry said, fairly sure he wasn't going to like what was coming.

"Interested? In you, I mean?"

"Excuse me?" Harry choked out.

"You know very well what I mean. He hasn't tried to…flirt with you or anything?

"Ron!" Hermione cried.

"Listen, mate, I'm saying this for your benefit. I wouldn't want you to find yourself in his bed without seeing it coming," the redhead protested.

Time seemed to stop for an instant. Harry saw a quick flash of that evening, when he'd opened the professor's door and slipped in, searching for the comfort and security the man gave him. And the times when Snape had got up in the dead of night to comfort him after a nightmare, taking him in his arms as he would a little child, watching over him night after night.  How could it even cross Ron's mind, to see something unhealthy in all that?

A rage such as he'd rarely known took hold of him, and a moment later, a black cat, fur standing on end, jumped onto the boy with all its claws out.

Screams filled the room, bouncing off of the stone walls.  Ron cried out in pain as the sharp claws slashed his skin, while a panicked Hermione tried to trap the bundle of fur and rage ripping into the boy, the young cat growling in anger as it went after its best friend.

Hermione was the first to gather her wits. "Animagus Revelio!" she said desperately.

An instant later, the two boys were rolling on the floor, before suddenly stopping, Harry pinning Ron firmly to the ground, his fist clenched in his shirt. He was even paler than before he'd transformed, and the murderous look in his eyes left no doubt about his feelings.

"Don't. Ever. Again. Say. A. Word. About. Snape," he articulated, his voice shaking with anger.

A gentle but firm hand closed on his shoulder, and Harry quickly pulled back, still watching Ron.

With a worried look for the boy stretched out on the floor, who was watching them, stunned and speechless, Hermione gently pushed Harry away.

"That's enough, Harry. Ron said something stupid, but he certainly doesn't believe it," she said in her most soothing voice. "Calm down, please, I can't stand seeing you like this. The situation is already worrisome enough, don't you think? Please, Harry."

His eyes suddenly unfocused, the boy took two steps backwards, trembling slightly. "I…I'm sorry, I…"

Deciding that the worst was over, Hermione went to kneel next to Ron, who'd not dared to move yet.

"Nothing serious?"

"No," Ron said, still looking at his friend. "But I can't say I appreciated it much, being attacked by some sort of enraged puma. I don't want you to jump at my neck again, Harry, but seeing how you reacted, there really is something wrong."

"You can't understand," the boy murmured, his eyes looking lost as he contemplated the fireplace.

Why was it that every time something good happened to him, it all went pear-shaped? Wasn't that what was going to happen? If he went on seeking out Snape's presence and protection, people were going to think they were in a romantic relationship.

Clearly, he was no longer a ten-year-old looking for a parent, or something similar. And if he returned to the Manor without good reason, everyone would think he was sleeping with Snape. With Snape. All right, he wasn't a child any longer, but to make the leap from that to.... Merlin, Snape could've been his father. How mixed up was his life?

He closed his eyes, trying to feel the warmth of the fire on his face. All he wanted right now was for Snape to come back. For Ron and Hermione to go, and for him and Snape to finally be alone, safe, without anyone deciding what was good or bad for him.

Behind him, he could hear the murmur of conversation between his friends. Hermione seemed irritated, Harry thought. But she'd not contradicted Ron, had she? She probably thought the same as he did, without daring to admit it.

He heard her make a move toward him, probably to talk to him, but she didn't get the chance. Green flames appeared in the fireplace, and he was on his feet in a fraction of a second, his heart pounding. An instant afterward, he took a reluctant step backward from Dumbledore, whose robes were in disorder and his hair disheveled.

"Thank Merlin, you're here," he said, his voice full of relief.

"Professor, please, what's happening?" Hermione urged, stepping forward as quickly as Harry'd stepped back.

"Children, I'm afraid that Hogwarts suffered a new type of attack. Is Professor Snape with you?"

"No," Harry replied. "He Disapparated right away. He didn't tell us where he was going."

"Good, good," the Headmaster said, seeming not to believe a word of what he said.

"It's not good at all," Harry protested. "He can't…you know… He shouldn't have left again!"

Dumbledore rested his ever-kind eyes on the teenager facing him, his own flooded with worry. How could this boy, who'd only two months ago refused to drink a single one of the professor's potions without being forced to, be standing here in front of him, so concerned about the same professor as if his own life depended on it?

Oh, Harry had an enormous capacity to love, that was certain…and Severus was truly fortunate. No, he corrected himself, the word fortunate didn't apply to the Potions master. Severus had simply earned the right to a bit of peace, and he'd paid a heavy price for it. Hopefully, nothing would happen to spoil it all once again.

"Professor Snape knows what he's doing, Harry," Dumbledore said at last in his most confident voice. "I’m persuaded you have no need to be concerned."

"But he's not in any shape for this," the boy retorted. "He didn't take anything before he left. Merlin…does he always have to play the hero?"

The Headmaster couldn't help but smile. Yes, Severus and Harry definitely had every reason to get along…

"Harry, Professor Snape is an adult, a member of the Order, and an excellent fighter, among other things. I'm convinced he knows his limits perfectly, and all that implies."

His firm expression brought the boy's protests to an end. But not his worrying, the Headmaster noticed, watching as the boy turned his stubborn eyes toward his friends.

Something was wrong there as well, the Headmaster deduced from the embarrassed demeanor of the two teenagers.

But for the moment, there were more pressing problems.

"Harry, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, I don't like having to leave you here alone."

"We've nothing to fear, with the wards," Harry interrupted him.

"You have nothing to fear," the Headmaster corrected, "but the wards only respond to your presence. Can I count on you not to leave the Manor and put your friends in danger?"

"For sure," the boy grumbled.

"It seems safer to leave you here for now, but you must not hesitate to contact me in my office at the slightest problem. Fawkes will find me right away if I'm not there. Could you tell Professor Snape to contact me as soon as he returns?"

Harry nodded reluctantly.

"Professor," Hermione said insistently. "What exactly is going on at Hogwarts? We heard shouting… Was someone hurt?"

There was an instant of silence, then a sigh. "Indeed, Miss Granger, there were wounded. I suppose it's senseless to hide it from you any longer. Hogwarts was attacked by a mixed horde of wolves and werewolves, led by Fenrir Greyback."

"Werewovles?" Ron gasped. "Ginny…is Ginny all right?"

"Your sister is safe and sound, Mr. Weasley; she's safe in Gryffindor tower, even as we speak, under the care of Professor McGonagall."

"We heard someone getting attacked just outside Professor Snape's office, Headmaster," Hermione explained calmly. "Are there many wounded?"

"There are, yes. The attack was sudden and very widespread; that's why we had to make certain that the attackers had left the castle. You understand that I cannot stay any longer; I'll come back and check that all is well, once things are a bit calmer. You should be able to quickly return to the Tower, rest assured. Do you need anything before I leave?" the Headmaster asked courteously.

"Where's Remus?" Harry asked slowly and icily.

The Headmaster appeared to stiffen. "That I do not know, Harry."

"You're lying. He was on a mission to the werewolves; he had to tell you something! Where is he?" His tone of voice was almost threatening now.

"Harry!" Hermione said desperately from behind him, but the boy didn't back down.

"I would've definitely preferred for Professor Lupin to inform us of this attack before it took place, but that evidently wasn't the case. I'm totally ignorant of what's become of Remus Lupin, Harry, you must believe me. We're currently trying to question the werewolves we've captured, but given their state, it's difficult to communicate with them."

"And if Remus was one of them?"

"No, his magical signature would've been recognized. He was not one of the assailants this evening," the Headmaster finished evenly.

"Which means he's in trouble…" Harry murmured.

"It's useless to draw premature conclusions…"

"If Remus didn't alert you, and he wasn't part of the attack, that's because he was caught, or maybe killed, you know that very well!" the boy shouted. "Why do you always have to play with the lives of people who're important to me? Why Remus? Why Snape?"

He knew he was on the verge of tears, and even closer to having hysterics, but he was completely incapable of stopping now that he'd started.

"I am sorry, Harry," the Headmaster said gently. "I've committed numerous offenses toward you, more than I could've ever realized, no doubt…but I beg you to consider this, my boy. Remus was a friend of your parents, but without the position that was offered to him at Hogwarts, he would've never had the chance to get close to you and form a friendship with you. In the same way, Professor Snape and you would've never had the opportunity to become close, and you must believe that I'm the first to be happy about that. But these are fully trained, adult wizards, Harry, Order members, and that before you were even born. We're in a war…and as much as I'd like, it's impossible to keep them out of combat. That would, however, be my dearest wish, my boy, for them as well as for you…."

"I don't believe you," Harry replied weakly as he closed his eyes. "You just want to win the war. Just win it. You couldn't care less about me, or Remus or Severus.  You just want them to fight for you. And die, if they have to. Oh, not me, of course, since I'm supposed to kill Voldemort first, isn't that right? But Remus or Snape, how important are they? Remus is because he'll help you get the werewolves' support, but that seems to have turned out badly, huh? And Severus for his potions. You're like Voldemort, exactly like Voldemort…"

A deathly silence answered him, and after a moment, Harry regretfully decided to do the only thing that was still possible: open his eyes. He'd expected to look into the Headmaster's hurt, blue, perhaps accusing eyes, but it was black and familiar eyes that answered him, making him jump up.

"Severus!"

The relief swept away all the emotions crashing together inside his head, and he rushed toward the Potions master before he stopped hesitantly, a step away from the man. Very well, he could hardly throw himself into his arms, especially given the circumstances.

"You're here," he said flatly.

The Potions master's lips thinned, before releasing a sigh.

"It would appear so. And we're going to have to have a serious conversation when I return, but I don't have time for that now. Albus, I must speak to you immediately, in your office, if it's possible?"

The old wizard nodded, before turning to the two Gryffindors who'd remained still and silent since the beginning of the scene. "Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, Professor Snape will take you back as soon as all the danger has passed."

With a quick nod of his head, he threw a handful of powder into the fireplace and disappeared, leaving the two teenagers still in shock, and a Harry flushed with confusion, as well as a Potions professor whose face was inscrutable.

Silence spread through the room once again, even heavier than the moment before. Harry could feel the blood pounding in his ears as he stared at his feet and, just a step away, the toes of the black, muddied boots of the professor.

He would've given anything to be able to Disapparate, preferably to the other side of the country, or to a desert island, but that wasn't an option now. Gathering all the typically Gryffindor courage he could muster, he finally decided to look up and meet the black, impassivel eyes of the Potions master.

He stood there for a moment, trying to read something in them: disappointment perhaps, as well as anger and disgust. The moment he felt sure he was about to liquefy into a little puddle of shame on the laboratory floor, a hand lifted slowly and reached out for his face.

It was too much for Harry; before he could control his reflexes, he'd jumped, sidestepping backward to put himself out of reach…then he changed his mind, his face even redder, and moved back into place, letting his eyes drift to the floor again. Not so quickly that he missed the look on the professor's face, though: faint, really, just a slight tic of the cheek, his lips twisting as if he'd just received a slap…

Then the calloused palm came to rest lightly on the boy's forehead, making Harry look up, confused.

"Are you all right?"

The professor's voice was measured and calm. No anger, or scorn, nothing like Harry'd expected.

Feeling his shoulders slump as if a weight had just left them, Harry nodded, incapable of saying a word. The fingers on his forehead played with the unruly locks that covered his scar for an instant, and Harry closed his eyes, letting the relief course through him. He was there. Snape had come home, safe and sound, and he wasn't going to throw him out, or shout at him. He was certainly due for a good lecture on behavior, though, and even a punishment, perhaps, but everything was going to go back to normal. Mostly. As much as possible.

"I must go, I cannot stay any longer. Go up and fix something to eat for yourself and your guests. I'll be back in a few hours, at most."

Wetting his lips, the boy finally found the ability to speak again. "I'll set a plate aside for you. Come back, all right?"

His tone was much more pleading than he would've liked, but he couldn't care less. Ron and Hermione could think what they wanted at this point, and that was perfectly fine with him.

The professor took his turn to nod. "No nonsense. And Harry…thank you for not trying to leave."

Without a glance for the other two Gryffindors, he stepped into the fireplace.

Harry stared for a moment at the flames that'd returned to their normal color, breathing in and out deeply.

"How long was he there?" he finally asked as he turned toward his friends.

"He Apparated in just at the middle of Dumbledore's little lecture about the war and the professors," Ron answered. "Rather discreetly, but I don't know how you managed to miss it."

"Splendid," Harry sighed. "I'm in for the full lecture on respect for one's elders and how to behave in a crisis situation. Just what I was need."

Ron didn't answer right away, but something in his eyes caught Harry's attention. Something akin to hesitation, and a certain amusement.

Shifting from one foot to another, Ron finally decided to say, "Listen, mate, this might seem a bit strange, since we were just scratching each other's eyes out a few minutes ago, but…maybe I said something stupid before."

Lifting an eyebrow, Harry faced him, his arms crossed in front of him. "Maybe?"

His shoulders shaking with a small, embarrassed laugh, Ron finally decided to look him in the eyes. "Admit that's it's not very easy to imagine what you and Snape could have in common all of a sudden…I don't know how to start. When you're in your cat form, it's not as bizarre, but seeing the way Snape looked at you just now, and what he said…  I suppose I understand, all right? A bit," he offered with a smile, and an apology in his eyes.

"And what is it that you understand, exactly?" Harry asked, only half-convinced.

Once again, Ron had that little mocking glint in his eyes. "Let's say that if he wants to play mother hen with you and you're agreeable…I suppose everyone's happy with that, then. And, fifty points for Gryffindor, after all!"

"Excuse me?" Harry choked on the words. "But what…that's ridiculous!"

Ron and Hermione exchanged a knowing look without trying to hide their little smiles.

"You're completely off the mark!" Harry protested.  "He's simply…he's taken care of me this summer, and really, we get on rather well when no one meddles in our affairs. That's got nothing to do with…  Do you have other stupid ideas like that one?"

He could feel his face flush to almost purple, but apparently waving his hands in the air wasn't enhancing his credibility. Taking a deep breath, he made it a point of honor to assume an open attitude, his arms crossed and his eyes as neutral as possible.

"Harry, there's noting wrong in that," Hermione said gently. "It's even good news if you…"

"That's enough," the boy interrupted. "You're both my friends and I adore you, but if this conversation goes any further, I'm going to end up angry. Please?"

"All right," Hermione gave in. "It's probably not a good time anyway. Professor Snape said something about eating: I'll admit I'm not really hungry, but if tea were possible, I'd not say no."

Harry nodded. "We ate just before we left as well. I suppose he just wanted to give me something to do. I'm still going to make something in case he…"

This time, Ron and Hermione tried to hide their knowing looks, but they didn't escape Harry's notice; he rolled his eyes.

"Come on, let's go. I'll give you the grand tour," he said with a wave toward the stairway.

Slightly relieved, they went up into the Manor with a lighter step. It was almost like going back up to Gryffindor tower after a Potions class, Harry thought…except he already missed the dungeon.

"My room is here," he said, pointing to his door on the landing,' and Snape's is just opposite. The dining room's at the end."

Ron let out a little whistle of admiration. "Rather impressive; it's really big and well-kept. I suppose there're house-elves."

"No, they wouldn't be of much use anyway. I don't think Snape uses many of the rooms when I'm not here. And even when I am…we sort of stick to the downstairs."

"That's strange," Hermione said pensively as she advanced down the hallway. "It doesn't look like the old family manors you see in magazines…"

The two boys stared at her in disbelief.

"Oh, enough, I don't see what's wrong with reading 'My Wizarding Home' or 'Magical Décor.'"

"Don't tell me you're already thinking about your future home," Ron groaned. "That's the sort of magazine my mother reads."

"She lends them to me when she's finished," Hermione confirmed. "Whatever, there're magnificent photos of old wizarding family dwellings, but nothing like this place. It's like it came directly out of a catalogue."

"It's not a family estate," Harry agreed. "Snape's said some rather odd things about the Manor; I'm not exactly sure how he came by it, but he doesn't seem to like it much. I wonder why he keeps it. It's much too large for a single person."

"Maybe," Ron said, "but it has class. Snape Manor…has a rather nice ring to it, and it's Snape's sort of…well, you know," he finished, embarrassed.

Harry shook his head. "I don't know, but there's something about it that isn't right. I'll have to try and learn more if I have the time. Who wants tea?"

Opening the doors in the kitchen, he took out a few pots and quickly began to fix an evening snack.

Opting for the warmth of the dining room, where a fire still burned in the grate, they sat around the table.

"I'm not complaining about being here, safely sipping mint tea, but I'd still really like to know what's going on at Hogwarts," Ron admitted. "Werewolves…if students were bitten, then parents are going to want to take their children home as quickly as possible."

"And they might want to have Hogwarts closed," Harry added. "Bloody hell, I really hope nothing happened to Remus; I can't believe he didn't sound the alarm beforehand. There's really something wrong there, no matter what Dumbledore says."

"It's the full moon, Harry. Maybe he's not really conscious just now."

"It's not just that. I know Remus, and if he'd known I was in trouble, he would've come right away. It's been a month since all of this started, so that means Dumbledore wasn't able to contact him, don't you think?"

Hermione fidgeted in her chair, ill-at-ease. "I'm sure he would've come if he could've…but apparently, the situation with the werewolves is rather complicated. No use in imagining the worst, Harry. Best to wait until you know more."

He shook his head. "At least if they close Hogwarts, I'll have someplace to go."

"Here, you mean?" Ron asked. Then, when Harry confirmed this with a nod, Ron added, "You know, my parents wanted you to come our house when they heard about the Mug…your family. Our door is always open, all right? You don't have to stay here."

Before Harry had the time to answer, Hermione jumped into action. "Harry, when your uncle and aunt died, the Weasleys offered to be your guardians, but Dumbledore said it was impossible, that you wouldn't want …"

The boy was silent for a long moment, staring at the wall in front of him. Dumbledore…

"He was right," he admitted at last.

"But then who? It's not the Ministry, is it?" Hermione pushed him. Then, seeing her friend's face pale, she added, "Oh, I'm sorry; it's really tactless on my part, I shouldn't have asked you that…"

"No," Harry interrupted. "It's fine. It's just…don't tell anyone, all right? If it were to get out, it would make things more difficult…bloody hell, I wonder how the Slytherins would take it."

Hermione let out a gasp. "It's not really Professor Snape?"

"No. Not really," Harry replied. Then he added with a sigh, "It's Dumbledore. He's obtained temporary guardianship, for the time it takes for things to calm down and until I can go back to Hogwarts. I suppose it'll last until my next birthday."

"Wow, but that's great!" Ron exclaimed. "You're officially the Headmaster's pet! But you're right, I don't think the Slytherins will appreciate the news," he said, bursting into laughter.

Harry sat frozen, staring obstinately into his cup.

"Are you all right, Harry?" Hermione asked softly. "This doesn't seem to please you very much."

He shook his head. "It's not that. It's…complicated. And in a way, you're right. It's Snape who'll be making decisions about me, if there are any. Dumbledore promised him. It's just paperwork, nothing more."

A long silence stretched out after his declaration.

"Harry," Hermione said at last. "I know it's confusing right now, but I'm certain they're doing their best for you. Everything will work our, I'm sure."

He shrugged. "It's not really important. Once I'm at Hogwarts, it'll just be another year like any other. With werewolves on top of it all, apparently. By the way, you've not told me about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," he said, in an effort to redirect the conversation.

"Because there isn't one," Ron answered. "It's totally bizarre. With Snape absent, and one fewer professor at least, the High Table was rather empty. Dumbledore said he'd handle the classes until someone else takes over. He didn't say anything more, but the other professors didn't seem happy. McGonagall was livid…"

"With the curse, that's not surprising at all. But it doesn't make much sense—he'd not be here for a full year anyway. No one must want the position, after what's happened to the others."

"I don't know," Hermione said, "I had the impression that it was something else." She shook her head. "A Defense professor would've come in handy this evening, in any case. Oh, did you get your OWL results, Harry?"

He couldn't help but smile at her eagerness. "Not really, outside of my Potions mark, but I suppose I can guess yours! Let me see… O's in every subject?"

Hermione had the good grace to blush, all the while shaking her head in frustration. "Not in Defense, no."

"I wonder how many I got," Harry murmured. "I didn't get my marks, but I suppose Snape must have them."

"Do you think the owls lost track of you in your cat form?" Ron asked, interested.

"No idea," Harry laughed. "Hedwig is still at Hogwarts, but with the Fidelius Charm on the Manor, no owl can deliver post.  Snape must know about my marks, I suppose; I wonder why he didn't tell me."

"Maybe because you didn't ask him?" Hermione suggested.

Harry'd opened his mouth to ask her what she meant by that, when he heard a door close in the hallway. In an instant, he was on his feet.

"Harry, wait!" Hermione cried, pulling him back by his sleeve. She and Ron had already drawn their wands and pointed them at the door.

"This is ridiculous," the boy protested. "It's…"

"Unnecessary, in fact," Snape interrupted calmly as he stepped into the room. "But I appreciate your caution, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley. You can lower your wands; Harry has nothing to fear here."

The two of them quickly put away their wands, slightly confused despite the professor's approval. The memory of the night when they'd attacked Snape in the Shrieking Shack in third year seemed to hover between them for a moment.

"Nothing out of the ordinary while I was gone?" the professor casually asked at last.

"No," Harry replied. "How's the situation at Hogwarts?"

"The assailants were pushed back, and the wounded taken to St. Mungo's. Most of them, at least."

"Most of them?" Harry asked suspiciously.

Snape considered him for a long moment. "We'll have certain matters to discuss. But for now, I'd like to take these two Gryffindor prefects back to their tower, so they can fulfill their duties and demand some order of their little housemates."

Hermione suddenly took a frantic step forward. "I'd almost forgotten. Merlin, it's our first day as prefects and we're here, peacefully drinking tea while…"

"Miss Granger," Snape intervened, "Professor McGonagall is in control of the situation; your primary role will be that of quelling the rumors concerning your death and Harry's."

The three teenagers froze at the words.

"Concerning that," the professor continued, with a pointed look for the startled dark-haired boy, "I'd appreciate if what Harry's told you—whatever he's managed to tell you—stays within these walls. Outside of the fact that he's alive and well, all the information about him must remain an absolute secret until he returns. Have I made myself clear?"

Ron and Hermione nodded vigorously, not inclined to challenge the professor.

"Mr. Weasley, your parents have been informed, and unless you do not feel safe at Hogwarts, they want you to remain at the castle for now."

"That's fine with me," the boy muttered.

"As for you, Miss Granger, your parents have not yet been reached, but if you would like to go home, the arrangements will obviously be made."

"Thanks, Professor, but I prefer to stay at Hogwarts," Hermione replied firmly.

"Gryffindor," Snape murmured. "Very well. In that case, if you'll follow me…"

"One minute," Harry interrupted, then turned to his friends. "Listen, I know that Hedwig can't come to me, but if you have something to send, ask Dumbledore, all right? And stop by and see if Hedwig's all right, if you can. I haven't seen her in a month."

Snape sighed, but not in irritation, Harry sensed. Something was bothering him…

"Mr. Potter will indeed not be returning to classes right away. However, I believe I'm not wrong in saying that you'll see him at Hogwarts very shortly."

Harry shot him a sideways glance. "I thought that was up to me," he objected.

"Completely," Snape confirmed. "That's exactly what's bothering me right now."

The boy opened his mouth, but before he could speak, the professor raised a hand for silence. "Later."

Harry reluctantly nodded and turned to his friends. "See you soon, then," he said with a shrug.

Both of them told him goodbye, their eyes bright and slightly tinged with regret as they followed the Potions master into the laboratory. He reappeared a moment afterward, alone, and hurried back to the dining room where he'd left Harry.

Harry'd sat at his place again, and seemed lost in the contemplation of his teacup. Tired, thought Snape as he met his eyes. He could easily understand it. Seating himself opposite the boy, he served himself a cup of tea.

"I suppose this quiet return wasn't as calm as I'd foreseen," he finally said.

"You knew something was going to happen," Harry said softly.

"I thought there might be an attempt this evening," Snape corrected. "But I thought it would take place at the feast, if at all, and certainly not that it'd succeed. I'd have never taken you if I'd foreseen that, Harry," he said, his black eyes fixed on the boy's.

"I know," Harry answered. "Ron and Hermione told me to come back here, but I didn't want to listen to them. I couldn't leave them there while someone was being attacked just outside."

Snape grumbled, "Clearly. I suppose I should've anticipated that. But we had an agreement, Harry, and I don't appreciate seeing you set it aside so negligently."

Toying nervously with his cup, the boy shot him a look that was both guilty and imploring. "Please…tell me what actually happened. Who was hurt? Where is Remus? Where did you go?"

Severus thought he could decipher a slight note of reproach in that last question. "Very well," he finally said. "First, the complete account, then the lecture on your behavior, I presume."

Harry smiled weakly. "I’m sorry about that scene with Dumbledore, really, I was…please, Professor?"

Snape nodded. "The attack took place just after we'd arrived. In other words, once the students had left for their respective common rooms, and the professors had dispersed. It would seem the wolves successfully got into the castle through several entry points. Most of them came from the garden, others from various underground tunnels. However it was, they attacked several parts of the castle at the same time, making defense more difficult, especially given their number."

"There were only wolves, weren't there?" Harry interrupted. "Dumbledore said something about werewolves."

Snape gave him an irritated look. "Werewolves and wolves, indeed. May I continue?"

"Sorry," Harry offered.

"Be that as it may, it was difficult to counter the attack. Fortunately, the pack that undertook the assault in the Slytherin dungeons wasn't looking to attack students."

"Wait a second, there's something I don't understand," Harry interjected. "How did the wolves, or the werewolves, while we're on it, how could they get into the common rooms? You have to know the password."

"They had them," Snape calmly replied.

"But that doesn't make sense! They can't even speak, they aren't really aware of what they're doing."

"Believe me, these were. And they could speak as well, at least enough to say the passwords."

"I don't understand…"

"Neither do I," the professor admitted. "The fact is that the werewolves present were as aware as any human. Perhaps not as intelligent, but completely masters of their will. This is an ominous development; it means they've found a way to use their strength in a reasoned manner…and even more destructively."

"Remus definitely knows something; he had to have tried to warn the Order and get himself caught; he was on a mission with them!"

Snape sighed. "Which brings us to your other question: the wounded."

Harry felt a lead weight drop to his stomach.

"Lupin took part in the attack," the professor continued. "When the werewolves came out of the Forbidden Forest, they went straight for Hagrid's hut. Lupin, ever the good Gryffindor, tried to protect him."

"Hagrid?" Harry murmured. "No! They didn't… Remus…"

"Before you twist your brain in two, Lupin is in the infirmary at Hogwarts, under Madam Pomfrey's care," Severus said. "He's not in very good shape just now—he's unconscious—but he should recover. You'll be able to see him when he regains consciousness."

"And Hagrid?" Harry murmured.

The professor's lips thinned.  "Hagrid was no longer there when I arrived."

"No longer there? What's that mean, no longer there?"

"There was evidence of a struggle, and…Hagrid's dog had been killed."

"Fang?" Harry choked out. "But he's the size of a cow!"

"Harry, he was attacked by a pack of wolves and werewolves…he didn't have a chance."

"But Hagrid…maybe he ran off into the Forest; other creatures could've come to his rescue. The centaurs, for example…"

"The centaurs don't get mixed up in these matters," Snape interrupted calmly. "I might be wrong, but I think Hagrid was kidnapped."

"Kidnapped?" Harry gasped. "But that doesn’t make sense."

"It does if he knew something that might betray them. Hagrid is the first person I thought of when I wondered how this bunch of degenerate fleabags could get into Hogwarts."

"So, that's where you Disapparated to…"

Snape nodded. "Into the Forbidden Forest, about a hundred meters from Hagrid's hut."

"Straight into the wolf's mouth," Harry pointed out.

"That was more or less the idea, actually. But I arrived too late."

"Oh really," Harry hissed, "you would've been brilliant in the middle of a pack of wolves, without magic. Perfectly brilliant."

"The werewolves were all at Hogwarts," Snape replied dryly. "There was no longer anyone near the hut, and even so, I certainly wouldn't have had any trouble getting rid of them. Your confidence in my abilities is truly flattering," he said sarcastically.

"You know very well what I mean. You didn't take any potions before leaving; you could very well still be there, if you'd been attacked!" Harry shouted. The cup he was holding seemed about to break, but he couldn't seem to loosen his grip. There was no question that Snape saw his fingers shaking…either from frustration or fear, he realized afterward.

"Very unlikely. Whatever, that little expedition enabled me to take Remus Lupin back to Hogwarts before it was too late. I suppose the stakes were worth the risk," Snape said nonchalantly.

For a long moment, student and professor remained motionless, Harry searching Snape's eyes for all he could find there, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

"Please don't do this," he ended by saying.

"Excuse me?" Snape said as he raised an eyebrow.

"Don't ask me to choose between you and Remus, all right? Because I can't lose you, either one of you."

The professor stayed silent for an instant, thoughtful. "Was this the topic of that little fit of hysterics earlier, in the laboratory?"

Harry looked away. "Doesn't matter. You promised to be here. Do you intend to keep that promise, or do you plan to charge headfirst into every single trap until you get yourself killed?"

"Harry, there was nothing as dramatic as you seem to think there was."

"Yes, there was," the boy replied stubbornly. "You and Remus, you're both the same."

"A comparison that I'm decidedly not certain I appreciate," Snape retorted. "Now, could you remind me of the reason why you didn't return straightway to the Manor when the situation deteriorated?"

"I've already told you, I couldn't leave—" Harry began before stopping abruptly.

Snape raised an ironic eyebrow.

"It's not the same thing," the boy muttered.

"No, indeed, I don't lapse into unnecessary heroics," the professor replied.

"It wasn't…"

"No matter. We'll discuss your personal notions of safety rules, and that little outburst with the Headmaster again tomorrow. It seems to me that a good night's sleep wouldn't be amiss to calm both our minds."

One in particular, Harry understood. Perhaps, yes, maybe he was slightly emotional and susceptible lately. Merlin, a cat's life was much less complicated.

"But before we do, I'd like you to promise me something," Snape continued.

Harry looked up at him in question.

"Stop putting yourself deliberately in danger.  I cannot fight effectively if I must think that you're perhaps off risking your life by playing the hero. You're sixteen, Harry. Don't do any more than is necessary, and do it carefully. Promise me to think before acting, to think of how to stay safe and sound above all else."

The boy stayed still, staring at him, his mouth hanging open. This was very nearly what he would've liked to make Snape promise. The idea struck him forcefully, and for an instant, he was simply incapable of answering.

Then the professor spoke again, his voice softer and lower than Harry'd heard it in a long while.

"I can promise to come back, Harry. But that would be useless if there were no one waiting for me."

And with that, the pieces of the puzzle seemed to finally fall into place in the boy's mind. Harry felt a smile overtake him. "Come home safe and sound. I can do that, if you do."

Severus slowly nodded without looking away.

"Home," Harry murmured.

This time, it was Snape who smiled. "Yes, home."

And for a few moments, it was almost easy to believe it.