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Why Should That Mean It Isn\'t Real?	By : HedwigsOwl Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 6714 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling nor do I own Harry Potter. I am not making money from this story, it is purely for entertainment.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
N/B: Chapter Two with some changes...please refer to prologue notes if you are confused :)
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling nor do I own Harry Potter. I am not making any money for this, it is purely for entertainment.

Chapter Two:
The sky was violent over the Scottish landscape as Harry stepped through the majestic gates of Hogwarts. There was no horizon, no centre, no visible boundary between land and sky. The grounds, with its towering forest and vast lake were submerged in complete darkness. Even Hagrid's hut, which normally emitted a welcoming light, showed no signs of life. Hogwarts Castle, however, was more than visible against the empty sky. With its jet-black turrets, light radiated from its many windows and the stone steps leading up to the oak front doors were bathed in a golden glow that spilled from the entrance hall. Despite the altered appearance to the once familiar landscape since the battle several months previous, it was like a beacon to Harry in the surrounding night. It was home.
Shaking off the effects of long distance apparition, Harry stumbled forward along the uneven road towards the castle. He distantly noted the deep, long grooves embedded into the mud beneath his feet, no doubt caused by the wheels of the carriages as the made their journey from Hogsmeade station. A roll of thunder reached Harry's ears from a short distance away, so loud the ground beneath him trembled. Even though he knew he was alone, he couldn't help but looking over his shoulder. Again, nothing was there but the long mark of his own shadow and suspicions. Gripping his lit wand tighter, Harry raised his eyes to the empty sky again as if searching for something and yet it was still and unchanging once more. It seemed there was a storm brewing tonight.
A cold wind propelled Harry forward, lifting his robes and causing his hair to stand on end. Shivering slightly, Harry wrapped his cloak tighter around his body and set off again, all thoughts of storms pushed to the back of his mind. As his thoughts instead drifted to the welcoming feast, he found his pace had quickened significantly and before long he was standing before the grand entrance hall. With a twirl of his wand as if wrapping himself with invisible rope, Harry felt a pleasant tingling radiate from the top of his head, through his body, to his feet as his disillusionment charm took effect. He could achieve the same effect with his invisibility cloak yet it was currently tucked away in his shrunken trunk. Considering, the haphazard way he had packed his belongings, Harry was sure it would have taken him twice as long to locate his cloak as performing the simple spell. Stepping into the entrance hall, Harry was hit with the loud babble of conversation and the mouth watering scent of food coming from the Great Hall.
Moving towards the double doors, Harry paused as he scanned the Gryffindor table. The cavernous room was filled with students and food and warmth. Candles floated above the tables, illuminating the animated faces of the students as the conversed with each other over dinner. The house ghosts moved along the tables, radiating a silvery glow as they past. Quickly locating Hermione and Ron Harry set off between the tables, catching snippets of talk as he passed.
"-weird being here, considering You-Know-Who died in this room! Not to mention Dumble-"
"-supposed to go to Corfu but the flights were so expensive and dad already got a warning from the Ministry about using his magic carpet -"
"-oh he's so handsome. I hope I'm in his class. What did the headmistress say he taught -"
"-who knew the greasy git had shampoo-"
"-defence against the dark arts tomorrow. Let's hope we actually have a decent teacher this year-
" -shame he didn't make over his personality. I say Potter was bonkers when he said he was a hero. Still looks like a right toss pot to me."
Harry stopped in his tracks as the muttered conversation of the students finally registered in his head. Looking over the stop of the student's heads to the staff table that ran along the top wall of the Hall, Harry quickly scanned the length of the table noting the many familiar and unfamiliar faces he encountered. He paused however, with a sharp intake of breath, on one familiar face in particular, one he had spent most of the summer trying desperately not to think about. While Harry was sure it was not Severus Snape that the younger girl was declaring "handsome" he was indeed striking. Though not drastically changed, the small differences he could see was more than enough to make the man look slightly younger, less terrifying and to Harry, much too appealing. His hair was indeed softer, cleaner and his overall complexion no way resembled his usual unpleasant demeanour. No sooner had Harry decided that he needed to move before the feast ended, Snape's eyes lifted from his plate and scanned the room with a scowl as if trying to frighten every student into submission. Harry felt his heart stop suddenly and then redouble when Snape's eyes ceased scanning the room and instead focused with a knowing intensity on Harry himself, as if he could see through his disillusionment.
Swallowing against the lump that had formed in his throat, Harry looked down at his body, or what had been his body, for it now resembled the flagged stone floor beneath him and reaffirmed that his charm had not been disabled. Unwillingly, because he half hoped their attention had moved on, Harry raised his head and met Snape's dark eyes again, which now held faint humour and something more primal, more dangerous glittering amongst the depths. Harry felt the blood rise to his face and if he were visible, he was sure his cheeks would be red with embarrassment. The skin at the back of his right hand tingled where Snape's thumb had lingered during their not too brief handshake weeks before. Summoning his courage, Harry looked away from the hypnotising eyes and stumbled towards his house table, slipping onto the bench beside Hermione which had conveniently been left empty.
"He'll be fine, Hermione," Ron said placatingly as he shovelled food into his mouth. "He said he wasn't going to be on the train."
"I know but he's late," Hermione responded with a roll of her eyes, "and will you please close your mouth when you eat, Ronald."
Harry had to bite against the laughter than was threatening to escape as he heard the all too familiar argument. With a flick of his wand, and a slight chill down his spine, Harry became visible once more.
"It is disgusting, Ron."
As Ron's attention had been on his food and Hermione's had been on Ron, neither of them had seen the moment when Harry had reappeared. His sudden declaration caused Hermione to shriek loudly and Ron to jump so violently his fork of mashed potatoes scattered over several disgruntled Gryffindors and a younger Hufflepuff behind him who retaliated by throwing a bread roll at the back of his head.
"You bloody wanker, where did you come from?" Ron grumbled, rubbing the back of his head with a scowl. Hermione glared at Ron for his offending language before turning her attention to Harry.
"Honestly, Harry," She said hotly, "was that really necessary?"
"Not necessary but funny nonetheless. I was trying to keep a low profile but I guess that's out the window now." Harry finished, noting the number of faces now turned towards him with open curiosity at Hermione's shriek. He nodded towards Neville, Dean and Seamus who were currently removing potato from their hair and robes in greeting. Ignoring the rest of the eyes on him, Harry began loading his plate with chicken pie. "Did I miss anything?"
"You missed the sorting," Hermione said, her anger seemingly forgotten as she informed Harry of the news at Hogwarts. "There's not as many new students as in previous years and Professor McGonagall already gave her speech before the feast. Usual notices and she spoke about healing from the war and how inter house cooperation is vital especially in this fragile time. As Head girl, it is something I shall certainly aim for."
"Fat chance." Ron said with a snort, as he attacked his steak and kidney pie with indecent enthusiasm. "I didn't see many Slytherin's showing inter house cooperation during the war."
"They played their part." Harry responded, his eyes unconsciously drifting towards Snape again who was currently playing with his food more than eating it. "Who are the new teachers?"
"That's Professor Stone, the new muggle studies teacher." Hermione said pointing towards a portly, middle aged man who was currently brushing crumbs from his goatee which reached the middle of his chest. "Apparently he taught abroad during the war but transferred to Hogwarts once Voldemort had died."
"Ever the brave." Ron said, scrapping his plate with his fork.
"That's Professor Callow." She continued, pointing towards a handsome young man in deep purple robes. Leaning forward slightly so Professor Flitwick could speak in his ear, he sat with the confidence of a man who is respected by other men and sought by many women. "He's teaching Defence. I heard he went into research for a few years after he left Hogwarts but came back once the position opened up again. He's head of Gryffindor now that Professor McGonagall is Headmistress."
"And that, is Professor Hawker." she finished, pointing towards a sour looking women in pale green robes sitting next to Hagrid. She looked quite revolted as the giant in question was enthusiastically waving to Harry, knocking over his tankard in the process. Harry laughed and waved back at his old friend. "She's taking over Transfiguration. She's edited half the texts on the syllabus. She's world renowned in the field. I think she was asked here personally by Professor McGonagall.
"It's a shame Snape came back." Ron said with a yawn, stretching his arms over his head as the food before them vanished and was replaced by dessert. "I mean, I know he's not as bad as we thought but he's hardly going to favour any of us, is he?"
"Probably not." Hermione agreed hesitantly, her eyes scanning the length of the table. "He does seem different though."
Harry only nodded, focusing on his treacle tart rather than the man in question, afraid that he would betray his thoughts to Ron and Hermione. When all the students had finished eating and the noise level began to rise again, McGonagall got to her feet.
"Prefects please lead the first years to your dormitories." She said without flourish. "Good night to you all."
"She doesn't beat about the bush, does she?" Dean remarked as students began to rise from their tables and made their way to the double doors. "Good thing too, I'm bloody shattered."
Harry began to move with the other Gryffindors out towards the entrance hall when a small, warm hand grabbed his elbow. Turning to its owner, Harry smiled slightly as he met the brown eyes of his girlfriend. Pulling her to the side, Harry allowed others to pass and pulled away from a few students who were openly staring at the two.
"You weren't on the train?" Ginny said with a slight pout. "I haven't seen you all week, I was hoping we could spend a bit of time together."
"Sorry," Harry replied offhandedly. "I didn't really want to deal with the 'that's him' looks. I visited Teddy instead."
"Oh well," she recovered with a suggestive smile. "I'm sure we can find some private time soon?"
Harry was saved from answering with his name being called loudly. He turned as saw McGonagall moving along the throngs of students, waving for his attention over the head's of the crowd. Despite her newly elevated position within Hogwarts, she had changed little since Harry had knew her as a professor. Still as stern as ever.
"Mr Potter," She repeated once she had stopped within speaking distance. "If you could come with me. I need to speak to you in my office."
"Off to bed, Miss Weasley." McGonagall finished with a wave of her hand once she noticed Ginny hovering nearby.
With a small scowl, Ginny turned and moved with the rest of the school to the staircase. Harry fell into step beside McGonagall as the took the familiar path towards Dumbledore's office. Now McGonagall's office. When he reached the end of the corridor, he noticed absent mindedly that the gargoyles had been repaired over the summer and now stood strong at the entrance once more. It wasn't until Harry had stepped onto the moving staircase than the older woman spoke again.
"The Minister is here, it seems something has happened."
Harry sighed internally. So much for blending in.
McGonagall opened the door and motioned for Harry to enter. No sooner had he stepped into the familiar circular office than the Minister for Magic stepped forward, his hand held before him in greeting.
"Harry." Kingsley said warmly, his hand gripping Harry's tightly. "It's very good to see you again."
"You too." Harry replied with a hesitant smile, suddenly nervous about his meeting with the new Minister. "How've you been?"
"Busy." Kingsley laughed, his golden earring glinting in the firelight. He motioned the small party forward with an outstretched hand. "The Ministry was left in quite a state since Voldemort's reign and its taking some work to repair the damage."
Harry nodded in understanding as he took a seat in the chair opposite the large desk, one he sat in many times before and turned to Kingsley expectantly. McGonagall took a seat behind the desk yet Kingsley remained standing, his back turned to the fireplace. "Has something happened?"
Kingsley opened his mouth to respond but a knock on the door interrupted her and Snape swept into the room, looking as intimidating as ever in his black robes. However, he no longer wore the high necked robes he had been so known for and now fashioned a more modern open collar cloak that exposed the long column of his neck. He paused in his steps when he noticed Harry sitting across from McGonagall, his eyes narrowed. Harry gulped.
"Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for an hour and already something has gone awry." Snape said sardonically. "This must be a new record."
"Severus." McGonagall said tightly, warningly. "Have a seat."
With a flourish, Severus occupied the empty seat to Harry's left and crossed his legs elegantly. Kingsley cleared his throat and turned to the other occupants in the room.
"I appreciate you both coming here, I'm sorry to pull you away from your rest but I have been made aware of certain developments." Kingsley paused and took a deep breath as if steeling himself. "We have a number of aurors undercover in attempts to bring death eaters that have gone into hiding to light. One auror in particular has received information regarding a plot for revenge."
"Forgive me, Minister." Snape said after a moment of silence. "You have come to inform me that a death eater is currently plotting my demise. That is hardly newsworthy. I am well aware that there are many who wish for my death."
"You were not specifically named, Severus. It could be anyone from the Order but it is not something that should be ignored. After all, you and Harry were the most instrumental in bringing Voldemort down. It very possible that the plot is against either one of you."
"What should we do exactly?" Harry spoke finally, a little underwhelmed. As Snape said, having a death eater wish for his death was hardly newsworthy. "Hide under a rock until every death eater is caught?"
"Of course not." Kingsley replied consolingly. "The fact that you are both staying here is reassuring. I just want you both on your guard and try not to leave the castle alone. Even though Albus is no longer with us, Hogwarts is still one of the safest places to be."
"The wards are not as strong as they used to be." McGonagall volunteered, glancing towards the portrait of Dumbledore, who was currently dosing peacefully within his frame. "Hogwarts is still healing from the war. Many who fought in the battle have returned here."
"Yes that is some comfort." The Minister nodded. "Others are with the Ministry itself. I will be speaking with the Weasley family, Aberforth-"
"Andromeda." Harry straightened in his chair, panic rushing through him. "Teddy. My godson-"
Kingsley held up a hand to calm him. "I have already spoke to Andromeda, wards are being placed on her home as we speak. She was more concerned about you."
Harry sagged in relief at the news, he was already a bag of nerves regarding the health of his little godson, it wouldn't take much for full blown panic to set in. There were few who Harry truly cared for, few who saw beyond the title and the fame he had acquired since he had returned to the wizarding world at eleven. He couldn't bare losing someone else he loved. In spite of himself, Harry felt his attention drift towards the man at his left and somehow felt reassured by his presence as green eyes met black. He felt his breath catch as he caught a hint of admiration and something close to longing glittering in their depths. Snape blinked and Harry was sure he imagined it for a second later they were calm and calculating once more.
"Every measure will be taking to ensure your safety. The wizarding world owes you more than we can ever repay."
Kingsley turned to McGonagall and bowed his head in farewell. "I will be in touch shortly, Minerva. May I?" Kingsley enquired, pointing to the fireplace.
"Of course, Minister." McGonagall said rising to her feet to see him out. However, when Kingsley had left she fell into her throne-like chair in an undignified heap. "This is most upsetting."
"I'm sure nothing will come of it, Minerva."
Harry felt himself shift uncomfortably in his seat as the moments passed in silence, the heat of the man next to him was consuming, relentless. "May I go, Professor?"
At his request Snape stood smoothly and moved towards the door. McGonagall straightened in her seat once more, becoming the composed professor that Harry had come to know so well in his previous years. "Just one more moment of your time, if you don't mind?"
Harry didn't turn around but the defining click of the door closing told him that Snape had left the room. Releasing a breath he wasn't aware he had been holding Harry allowed himself to relax, ignoring that unpleasant twisting in his gut whenever he was around the other man.
"Now that everything has returned to normal. Or as normal as we can wish for," McGonagall said with a twist of her lips, "I had hoped you would return as quidditch captain this year?"
"Oh, um..." Harry was shocked at the request. He had loved quidditch but it felt like a lifetime that he had even thought of such things. After a moment, he nodded. "Yes, I'd like that."
"Good." McGonagall said, smiling slightly. Harry watched as she pulled something from one of the many desk drawers. Reaching a hand out, Harry realised it was the captain's badge. "Naturally, as Headmistress, I have no personal favourites any more but it will be nice to not lose this year's wager to Severus if Gryffindor lose. He will be most relentless."
Harry laughed despite the thump in his chest at the man's name and took the badge, running his thumb over its face. "Yes, Professor. It...It will be nice to get back to simpler things."
McGonagall gave Harry a knowing smile and nodded towards the door. "I believe it's past curfew, Potter. You should return to your dormitory."
Harry was at the door when McGonagall spoke again. "Please do take Kingsley's advice seriously, Mr Potter. I would not like to see you hurt again."
HPHPHPHPHPHP
Harry had made it half way back to Gryffindor tower, finding his feet taking him the long way back as he thought of quidditch and Ginny and normality when a deep voice startled him from his thoughts.
"Wandering the corridors on your first night back, Potter?"
Harry spun around on the spot and came face to face with none other than Snape. Arms crossed over his chest, the man stood in semi-darkness, the moonlight illuminating his stern face yet Harry could see that his eyes were not cold but soft, teasing.
"Are you going to deduct points, Professor Snape?"
Taking a step forwards, Snape leaned closer until Harry could feel his breath on his face. He smelled of firewhiskey and the chocolate cake they had served at dinner and something more. Something uniquely Snape. "Don't tempt me."
Harry felt a smile creep over his face in spite of himself. This man really was a mystery at times. "You came back."
Snape raised an eyebrow. "Obviously."
"I'm surprised. I thought you hated teaching?"
"I have my reasons for returning, Harry." Snape said, his eyes boring into Harry's. After a pregnant pause, Snape cleared his throat and brushed past Harry. "Come."
Harry didn't know whether he had meant the command to sound domineering as it often had in the past but instead, it sounded warm, enticing. Cursing the fluttering in his stomach, Harry blindly followed the man not knowing if he were about to be punished for not returning to his dormitory immediately or not. For whatever had happened in the past, Harry trusted him. He would follow him anywhere. As they turned another corner, Harry blinked in surprise as he found himself standing before the portrait of the Fat Lady and realised that Snape had walked him to his dormitory.
"Despite what I may have said to the minister, do be careful. There are many wizards that would love nothing more than to claim the title of killing the Chosen One."
Harry frowned at the seriousness he saw in the man's face. He looked genuinely concerned. "Afraid you'll have to save my life again, Sir?"
Snape smiled slightly. "I'll always save you, Harry."
Swallowing against the lump in his throat, Harry could only gape as Snape turned and disappeared into shadows once more. It wasn't until he had left that Harry realised that he didn't know the password.

N/B: Thanks for reading and please review.
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Why Should That Mean It Isn\'t Real?