Ron and Hermione came in after about an hour. Harry, Neville, and Luna had spent the time chatting about the summer holidays. Or to be more truthful, Harry had mostly been listening to Neville's account of visiting his Great-Uncle Algie in London and Luna telling how she and her father had spent a few weeks in Sweden looking for Crumple-Horned Snorkacks.

"Of course we didn't actually see any. They become invisible whenever people are near, you know, but we did see many signs, like trampled grass where they'd crashed through the underbrush and piles of twigs where they were building nests," Luna said complacently.

Harry blinked. "Um, that's good," he offered uncertainly.

Then Neville and Luna wanted to hear a firsthand account of Harry had beaten Voldemort and though he was tired of telling it by now, Harry thought that these two did deserve to hear it from him, especially after the way they had stuck by him at the Ministry battle last spring.

He had just finished when Ron and Hermione joined them, sitting down beside Harry.

"I can't believe he didn't tell me!" Ron exclaimed, flopping down on the seat beside Harry. "Oh, hey, guys." He nodded to Neville and Luna.

"Who didn't tell you what?" Harry asked, looking from Ron to Hermione.

Hermione sat down on Ron's other side, greeted everyone and said, "Well, at our meeting we found out who the new Defense professor is."

"Who?" Harry, Neville, and Luna all spoke at once.

"My brother Bill," Ron told them. "And he didn't let on at all, that sly dog. Although to be honest, I haven't seen much of Bill this summer. He's been in France finishing some job for Gringotts."

"I was kind of hoping it might be Remus again," Harry said quietly, but then he thought that might sound a little rude to Ron so he hurried to add, "But Bill will be really good, too."

"Well, you knew Remus probably wouldn't be able to come back. I mean, now that people know he's a werewolf, a lot of parents would be in an uproar," Ron remarked.

"But that's so unfair," Harry scowled at all the unseen parents who would bar Remus from teaching again.

"Remus himself probably wouldn't come back, even if Dumbledore offered him the position. He left Hogwarts on his own, remember. He was more upset than anyone when he forgot to take the Wolfsbane," Hermione added.

"I just haven't seen him in so long," Harry sighed.

Hermione asked softly, "Why don't you write to him, Harry?"

Harry had thought about it, but the truth was, he was afraid to. He knew that Remus probably blamed him for Sirius' death. Why wouldn't he? Harry was to blame. No doubt that was the reason he hadn't contacted Harry in so long. But still, if Harry wrote to him and Remus wrote back, telling Harry how much he hated him, that his stupidity and carelessness had killed Sirius...well, that would hurt more than Harry could bear. The only thing that might be worse would be if Remus didn't respond at all.

And yet he did want to see Remus again. He had always liked Remus, even though he never would let Harry become too close to him. And Remus was his last link to his parents and Sirius.

Well, it was something he'd have to think about, but Harry didn't want to discuss it right now, in front of Neville and Luna. As good friends as they were, there were some things he didn't want to share with anyone besides Ron and Hermione.

And Severus.

Perhaps he could talk with his father about contacting Remus. There was no love lost between Severus and Remus, Harry knew that, but he thought that for his sake, his father would try to help.

But for right now, he just nodded and said noncomittantly, "I might."

"Well, Bill ought to be a really good instructor, too, since he's worked as a cursebreaker for ten years," Hermione said after a moment.

Ron nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, remember when we went to Eygpt a couple of summers ago? Bill showed us this cave where he helped to kill a nundu. It had slaughtered a whole village of Muggles before they got it. Course the Muggles thought it was because of a disease. Then there was a pyramid that was infested with blood-sucking bugbears and Bill was the lead wizard on the team that captured them."

They talked about Bill Weasley's exploits and speculated on the skills he might teach for a little while longer and then began unpacking their lunches. There was a collection of meat pies, sandwiches, fruit, and biscuits, and a good deal of trading went on before everyone was satisfied.

As they were finishing and Hermione was vanishing everyone's trash, Ron remarked, "You know, I never did see Malfoy. Maybe he isn't coming back to Hogwarts."

"No, he's here. I saw him," Harry corrected.

Ron and Hermione both looked at him sharply.

"You did? Where? When?" Ron demanded while Hermione leaned over and asked quietly, "Did anything happen?"

Harry shook his head. "No, it was a bit of a letdown, actually. We came face to face in the corridor, but then he just went on into a carriage, just a little ways down in fact, and shut the door. We didn't even speak."

Harry noticed that Neville and Luna were watching them and realised that perhaps they were making too much of seeing the blond boy. He shrugged with pretended casualness. "It was no big deal."

"That's rather odd," Hermione murmured. "He must be in there all alone, because we saw Crabbe and Goyle sitting with Pansy Parkinson and some other Slytherins in another carriage, but Malfoy wasn't with them. That's why we thought he might not be back after all."

"Why wouldn't Malfoy be back?" Neville asked. "And wasn't he at the prefects' meeting? He's one of the Slytherin prefects."

Ron shook his head, looking smug. "Not anymore. Blaise Zabini's taking his place."

"I suppose Dumbledore took that away from him after he hit Harry with that unknown spell last term," Luna said calmly. "But that does seem a bit harsh." She gazed speculatively at Harry. "Unless there's more to that spell than we know."

For a second Harry froze. For all her otherworldly feyness, Luna had a way of recognizing truth. He forced himself to relax and appear unconcerned. "No, but casting an unknown spell is against the law. How did you know about it anyway?"

Neville gave him a bemused look. "Well, you were unconscious and in the infirmary for the last couple days of the term, Harry. It would have been rather hard for us not to notice. We all went up to visit you. Ron and Hermione practically lived in the infirmary. We were really worried about you but Dumbledore said you would be fine."

"And I am," Harry said firmly. Then he had to smile at them. "But thanks for visiting and for...you know, worrying."

"Of course we were worried, Harry. You're our friend," Luna said with simple sweetness.

Harry could feel himself turning red. "You're my friends, too," He said quietly, and was glad when the witch pushing the trolley cart came by just then.

They chose an assortment of Cauldron Cakes, Pumpkin Pasties, Bertie Bott's Everyflavour Beans, and Chocolate Frogs, and spent the rest of the afternoon munching on their snacks, playing gobstones and Exploding Snap, and gossiping about minor school matters.

The train steadily climbed northwards, wending its way through fields and woods. They left the rain behind and pale sunlight peeked through the clouds before dimming as the afternoon grew late.

Hermione checked the time. "We'd better change into our robes. We'll be there soon."

She and Luna left to go to the restroom and when they returned a short while later wearing their Hogwarts uniforms and black robes, the boys had changed as well. Not long after that, the train slowed and pulled into the Hogsmeade station.

Harry stood and helped Neville with his bags...Neville had his hands full trying to hold onto his toad Trevor...and they pushed their way into the aisle, joining the throng of other students. Severus appeared from the neighboring carriage and even though the aisle had been crowded, students hurriedly jumped out of his way as he came towards Harry.

"I suppose you wish to ride up to the school with your friends?" Severus asked.

Harry nodded and Hermione offered, "You could ride with us, sir, if you'd like."

Neville gaped at her, but Severus either didn't notice or forebore to mention it. Instead he simply inclined his head at Hermione.

"Thank you, Miss Granger, but I will Apparate to the school gates once I've seen you all into your carriage."

Trevor chose that moment to give a great wriggle and managed to escape Neville's clutches. The toad leaped into air, bounced against Severus' chest and fell to the floor, where he sat, seemingly content, on the professor's gleaming boots.

Neville turned as white as a ghost. "Sorry, Professor Snape," he said in a strangled voice as he hurriedly snatched at his pet.

"I suggest you learn to control that beast, Longbottom, before it ends up in my stock of potions ingredients," Severus said coldly. He glared at some nearby students who had paused to stare at them. "Move along!"

As they made their way down the aisle to disembark, Severus laid his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Have you had a good time?"

Harry nodded and smiled up at him. "Yeah, I did." He glimpsed a movement out of the corner of his eye and glanced over his shoulder to see Draco Malfoy, standing alone in the now empty aisle, watching them with a strange expression on his pale face.

But he had no time to dwell on Draco Malfoy. The platform outside was crowded with youngsters rushing every which way, and Severus quickly ushered Harry and his friends into one of the thestral-drawn carriages.

"I will see you at the castle," Severus told them before he Dis-Apparated.

Their carriage began moving, one in a long line that crawled along the lane leading to Hogwarts. Harry saw Hagrid calling for the first-years to follow him to the boats for their traditional lake-crossing, and waved to him before settling back against his seat. Soon the great castle itself came into sight, its turrets a black outline against the darkening sky and its lighted windows casting a welcoming glow.

When their carriage pulled up to the doors, Harry and his friends piled out and followed the horde inside. Severus, along with the other professors, stood in the front hall. Bill Weasley was among them, his long hair pulled back in a ponytail and wearing dark brown robes. He looked more professional than Harry had ever seen him.

Ron darted over to him. "Bill! Why didn't you tell us?"

Bill grinned. "Well, I didn't know for sure that I'd get the job until a few days ago. In fact, I didn't think I would. There were several other candidates with more teaching experience. Then it seemed a shame to ruin the surprise. And it's Professor Weasley now."

Ron groaned and turned to Harry and Hermione. "Give them a little power and it goes right to their heads."

"You lot run on and get seats," Bill told them. "I'll see you in class tomorrow."

Harry stepped close to Severus. "You didn't even tell us, either."

"I did not know until today that Bill Weasley would be on staff," Severus replied. "Albus always enjoys springing the Defense professor on us at the last minute. Now do as he said and find your seats."

Harry could feel his father's gaze trained on him until he was safely ensconced at the Gryffindor table, surrounded by friends. For a while the Great Hall was abuzz with chatter and laughter as students reunited with friends and called to one another. Harry couldn't help but remember the last Feast and how different the mood had been then.

Eventually Dumbledore, resplendent in emerald-green robes, led the professors in, except for Professor Sprout...Harry supposed that it must be her turn to greet the first-years. The last straggling students headed for their tables. Harry had been keeping an eye on the doorway to the front hall, watching for his father even as he talked with his friends. He noticed that Draco Malfoy, still all alone, had been lurking in the shadows near the door. When Severus appeared, the blond boy approached him and started to speak, but Severus seemed to cut him off sharply and gestured for him to join the other Slytherins before stalking away to the staff table.

Malfoy stared after him, with that same expression that he had worn on the Hogwarts Express, before his shoulders slumped, just for an instant. Then he lifted his chin and went to the Slytherin table where he slid in beside Crabbe and Goyle.

Harry turned away then, though, for Dumbledore had begun to speak.

"Good evening. I am delighted to see you all again. Our first order of business is, of course, to welcome the newest members of the Hogwarts family. Professor Sprout, please show our first-year students in."

Plump Professor Sprout led in the line of first-years while Hagrid joined the rest of the faculty and Professor McGonagall brought out the ancient Sorting Hat. Soon the sorting process had begun. Gryffindor acquired its share of new members, as did the other three Houses.

When the last tiny eleven-year-old had scurried off to sit at the Hufflepuff table, Dumbledore stood again and addressed them all. "Welcome to Hogwarts. I know I always have difficulty paying attention on an empty stomach, so now; our feast."

He clapped his hands and enormous platters of food rose through the table: lamb chops, pork roasts, grilled chicken and fish, every kind of vegetable, pitchers of pumpkin juice, and then plates of puddings and treacle tarts. Everyone set to eating and for a while conversation was sparse.

When at last everyone had eaten their fill, Dumbledore gave his opening speech. He introduced the staff, reminded the students about staying away from the Forbidden Forest, and gave the dates for Quidditch tryouts.

Then he caught Harry's eye and cleared his throat. Harry quickly looked down at the now empty table. He knew what was coming and dreaded it. He really didn't want Dumbledore to talk about how he had won against Voldemort but he supposed the headmaster would almost have to say something about the end of the war.

"We have a special reason to celebrate this year. I'm sure that by now you have heard of how Mr. Potter faced and defeated Voldemort. I know that he does not want any extra attention, but we would all be most remiss if we did not acknowledge Mr. Potter's courage and show our gratitude, at least this once."

Dumbledore began to clap and a heartbeat later all the other professors, including Severus joined him. Then the students...most of them, at least...began cheering. Some of the Slytherins glared and pointedly kept their hands in their laps. Harry glanced at them and was surprised to see that Malfoy was not one of those glowering at him, but instead was sitting quietly, staring blankly into space.

The applause went on for several long minutes and Harry wished he could sink through the floor. He was glad when Dumbledore held up his hands for silence.

"And now another exciting year lies before us. But it grows late and classes are early. So good night."

Everyone stood and began making their way towards their respective dormitories. Hermione called to the Gryffindor first-years while Ron leaned over to Harry and said in a low voice, "I know you've got to live with Sn...Professor Snape, but do you think you could come up to the Tower til curfew?"

"I'll ask," Harry said, and he and Ron pushed through the crowd to get up to the staff table. Severus had apparently anticipated his request because as soon as Harry opened his mouth to ask, his father quietly slipped a small bag into his hand.

"Floo powder," Severus said. "I would prefer for you not to wander alone through the corridors, especially in the dungeons. Please do be aware of the time. Curfew is in one hour."

"Thanks." Harry beamed as Ron pulled him away.

"Yes, thanks, Professor," Ron called over his shoulder.

They caught up with the other Gryffindors and led the way up to their Tower dormitories. Harry learned that the password this year was Semper Virtus and the Fat Lady even offered her congratulations to him as well.

Once inside the older students claimed the sofas and chairs in the common room and the next hour sped by in a happy boisterous daze. Everyone crowded around Harry, talked about the holidays and the upcoming year, and in spite of having eaten a huge dinner, ate sweets and drank bottles of butterbeer that Seamus Finnegan had brought up.

Harry couldn't believe how quickly the time went by and he was surprised when Hermione lightly poked him in the arm.

"Harry, I'm not trying to be a spoilsport, but it is almost curfew," she told him regretfully.

He sighed and stood. "Yeah, I guess I'd better get going then."

Some of the others had obviously not heard the news that he would be living with Severus from now on.

"Go? Where are you going?" Lavendar Brown asked and a few others looked puzzled as well.

Harry realised that he really didn't want to have to go through the explanations again...well, the phony explanations anyway. He hated lying to everyone, but he just couldn't see any way around it without having to explain about the spell, and he certainly wasn't about to do that.

He stepped towards the fireplace. "Ron and Hermione can explain," he said, shooting them a pleading look. They nodded and Harry Flooed away.

***

Severus was sitting on the sofa when Harry tumbled out of the fireplace in their parlour. The clock on the wall chimed and Severus smiled at him.

"Right on time."

Harry nodded. "Yes, I'll be right back."

He went into his room and sat down on the bed. He didn't really have anything to do in there, but for some reason, he was feeling a little upset about having to leave the Tower and he didn't want his father to see it.

He was just being silly, and Harry himself was surprised at his sudden melancholy. He had been in a good mood most of the day. It had been fun to see all of his friends and to know the new school year was beginning. He didn't know why he was so sad all of a sudden. It was crazy because he loved Severus; he loved the room Severus had created for him; and he loved having a father and a real home. That was a million times worth the sacrifice of not living in the dormitory.

But just this one night he wished he could have stayed up in the Tower with everyone else.

He could have, if only he weren't a slave.

"Harry? Is everything all right?"

Harry looked up to see Severus standing in the doorway. Apparently he wasn't very good at hiding things.

He forced himself to smile. "Sure. I was just...looking for my pyjamas."

"Oh. May I come in?"

Harry nodded. "Of course."

Severus came and sat beside him. "You know the spell does allow you to be away from me for three months of the year. There are times when you could stay up there overnight."

Harry considered, but then shook his head. "But we've already told people that I have to be monitored every night. Everybody thinks that's why I'm here. Wouldn't it look strange if some nights I was able to be away, but not all the time?"

"We'll give the matter some thought," Severus promised. "Perhaps we could come up with a plausible reason."

His father was so determined to help him, so determined for him to be happy, that it brought a lump to Harry's throat.

He turned and flung his arms around Severus.

"I love you, Severus."

Severus looked startled, but he returned the embrace. "I love you, too, Harry."

Harry sat back and looked at him, his face serious. "And I love living with you. I really do. Having my own home...and having you...it's what I always dreamed of. And I don't mind living here instead of the Tower, at least I won't most of the time. It was just tonight, with everyone back together for the first time...it was kind of hard to have to leave."

Severus nodded. "I understand, and I'm sorry."

Harry hugged him again, wanting to be sure that his father truly did understand. "But I do love living with you."

Severus patted his back. "Yes, Harry. I do understand what you're saying. I'm not hurt that you wanted to spend more time with your friends on the first night back at school. It's very normal and understandable."

Harry leaned against him. "Thanks, Severus."

"Why don't you come back out to the parlour with me and we'll have a cup of cocoa before bed?" His father offered.

Harry thought of all the sweets he'd had that day and for once, hot cocoa was not appealing. "I'd love to come back out to the parlour with you, but maybe we could save the cocoa for another night."

"Ah, the students are gorging themselves on chocolates and butterbeer, are they?" Severus commented. "It is a mystery to me how you all are not sick as dogs by the time school actually begins. The advantages of youth, I suppose."

Later that night, Harry lay in his bed, warm and drowsy and feeling much better. It did help a lot to know that Severus loved him and wanted him to be happy.

He was looking forward to classes the next morning, and thinking back over the events of the day when he remembered the expression on Draco Malfoy's face when he had seen Severus and Harry together on the Hogwarts Express and later on, when he had tried to speak with Severus and the Potions Master had brushed him off. Both times the Slytherin boy had looked lost and lonely, and...more. There had been a look in his eyes that Harry had recognised, a haunted look of grief and unbearable pain.

But no, he must be wrong. If Draco Malfoy were upset about anything, it would just be that he was in trouble with Dumbledore. That was all.

Surely.