to write again.

Dear Harry,

The pumpkins sounds cool, we don’t have pumpkins here. Mom grew squash this year, but that’s it. I saw that pumpkins are a kinda squash, but mom’s aren’t big. They’re really small and she could barely cook with them. Dad got me a book for Halloween, but I haven’t touched it yet. I didn’t really want it, I don’t do great with reading instructions in it. If I can send stuff to you, you can have it. It’s a cookbook that mom wanted me to choose stuff to make out of, but I don’t want to tell mom to make something else. I like what she makes already, but she just won’t stop asking me about it. She gave it to me to look over, and the recipes are cool and all, but really I just wanna make them myself or not at all. The instructions are only fun when I actually do them. Whenever I go in the kitchen mom always shoos me out to go watch TV.

I like getting your letters, you should write more often. Hearing about Hogwarts is cool. Also, it’s not my imagination when weird stuff happens, right? Weird stuff happened a lot with you, so it’s not weird. But it is weird cause when I wanted to start losing weight but keep my muscles strong at the same time, suddenly I’m loosing a lot of weight? I’m still strong too. Mom got super worried about it too, which I don’t want her to do. She worries too much about me. I think she’s been worried since you left. Or when I didn’t want mom to pinch my cheeks, so whenever she did her fingers started hurting and swelling and getting red and her nails would turn slightly brown? I don’t know, but if I get to go to a wizard school, I would want to go to Hogwarts with you. It sounds fun and a lot better than Smeltings. The teachers constantly shove the others around, and we do it back, but I just feel stupid about it. I don’t understand it, and all my friends are getting super mean to other people more than before and I’m just always in my room cause I like studying recently and it’s all so stupid. My dad’s been pushing me to “defend myself” but no one pushes me around so I don’t really need to. I think he wants me to get into a fight but that’s so stupid.

Sorry about my parents, and shoving you around. I was afraid scared I was scared of my parents. They still scare me. Don’t let them see this. I’m sorry.

From,

Dudley

(P.S. what do you want for Christmas? Can I send something with your owl? What’s the owl’s name?)

——-

Harry blinked, then grinned so wide his cheeks started hurting. Reading the letter over three more times, Harry went through different emotions each time. First he felt relief over Dudley actually wanting to talk to him, then came the frustration over the Dursley parents. After that was a weird warmth that settled comfortably in his chest, like Harry actually feeling grateful that Dudley wasn’t like his parents as well as being proud of his cousin for standing up to them as much as he could. Lastly, Harry felt a sense of lasting worry over the magic Dudley may now have.

What if he had awakened in his past life and simply never told Harry? Or what if Harry knowing he had magic and only slightly intentionally using it to make his life over at the Dursley’s easier awakened him this time around? Oh, but what if he really did have magic, and his parents disowned him for that.

All of the Weasley kids and Snape had to watch as Harry went through all of this during breakfast the day after establishing Percy into The Secret. Good thing the prefect had enough of a mind to keep to himself when necessary, he continued reading his book in silence while finishing up his food that morning without paying attention to the breakdown in front of him. Harry wasn’t yet ready to explain just why Harry was distressed by the letter in his hands.

As Harry was digesting his letter and breakfast, having lost his appetite, Snape had summoned parchment, a quill, and a bottle of ink for Harry. Using his fork, he gestured to the items when Harry looked up at him in confusion. “Go on, won’t he want a response?” The professor said, going back to a Daily Prophet news paper, sipping most definitely a strongly caffeinated tea, the crazy insomniac.

With a slow nod, Harry got to writing back to his cousin, allowing Ron to see what Harry was writing by the red head leaning over his shoulder. The boy seemed surprised by the original letter, which Harry had allowed Ron to look at and read, then whispered to Harry about all the possibilities and helped with the wording on the new letter to be written.

Really, Harry didn’t realize how much he needed Ron in his life until right then. Still, the writing of the letter continued.

——-

Dear Dudley,

I’m glad you like my letters, and I will send more to you as I can. To answer some questions, yes, you can send objects with my owl Hedwig, they just can’t be too heavy. And no, I do not need anything for Christmas. I will be sending you a gift for Christmas that I think you’ll enjoy, but I won’t spoil the secret yet.

If any of your suspicions do turn out to be magic, you most definitely will come to Hogwarts as you live in the right area for it, and have a strong lineage of wizard and witches that will support your ability in the wizarding world. If you do have magic, and in the case that your parents don’t want you around after finding out, you can live with Professor Snape and I. I hope that doesn’t happen, but it’s good to have a plan just in case. Snape’s house is super big. My best friend Ron says that it’s as big as a mansion, I say it’s more of a small, spread out castle. It’s also super pretty with a really big lawn and a forest that goes in for forever.

If you like cooking, and you like your mom’s food, you should push for her to teach you. Use the cookbook to have you and her learn together, it’ll be fun. Snape also doesn’t let me in the kitchen, but I more like baking than anything, not cooking. I also like potions making, and it’s great that Snape’s the potions professor because I get to practice all the time at home with a good teacher as well.

I accept your apology, and I understand that you didn’t really mean it. I know how overbearing your parents can be, believe me. Just know that I don’t blame you, okay?

Make sure to stay safe,

Harry

(P.S. Hedwig likes any kind of bug or rodent as a snack if you wanna get on her good side, or just owl treats.)

——-

Once Harry finished, he had the help of Snape to seal it in an envelope and send it off with Hedwig immediately, giving her a few treats on the way.

The twins gave Harry a raised eyebrow at this, but Percy and Snape just left Harry alone, not caring. Harry simply just smiles back at the three then goes back to his breakfast, whispering with Ron about the letter all the while.

For the rest of the day, all Harry could think about was that letter he had gotten from Dudley. While playing games, Quidditch, and even while planning The Secret with the rest of his friends, he just couldn’t stop thinking about it. Did Dudley always feel that way? Did he truly not hate Harry? Was he truly sorry and upset? Well, in the end, Harry still kept partially in touch with Dudley once they were older anyways. Harry wrote his cousin letters, and Dudley always responded, often with a small muggle gift like chocolates or jewelry.

Dudley said that the jewelry was stuff he got from his mum, but he was pretty sure it was Harry’s mother’s, as it was kept hidden up until after Mrs. Dursley had passed. Harry always appreciated it, more than Dudley had ever known, and probably would ever since Harry never intends to tell him.

So that begs the question, had Dudley always felt that way? Wanting to get closer to Harry, but not knowing how? Because of his parents, he never got the chance to? Slumping in his seat, Harry huffed in frustration. He’d have to write another letter once Hedwig came back, maybe just to continue conversation with Dudley and truly see if this was all just a fluke or not.

Ron looked up from his homework, giving Harry a confused, yet worried look. Shaking his head, Harry simply sighed. He really didn’t need to tell Ron about his worries, they were too unnecessary to even be thinking about. Too paranoid to speak.

“It’s nothing, just pondering.” Harry said aloud, not making Ron’s expression change, but allowing him to go back to his work. The same homework that Harry had quickly finished by himself the first day of break. Now, Harry was there to help Ron, but there wasn’t much he’d needed help with so far, other than some spelling.

“It doesn’t seem like nothing if you’re frustrated, Harry. Just talk to me, I can listen and write, despite what Hermione says about me.” And Ron was right, of course. He really just never applied himself to his school work, but Harry knows he could’ve been the best if only he cared enough to study harder. This time he seemed at least encouraged to try, even without Hermione breathing down his back.

She was probably the reason he disliked studying, but Harry’s been trying to keep her obsessive study tendencies in check lately, so she’s been letting off of the whole fully scholar studying thing.

He’d also have to get her off of the elves’ tails for trying to free them without their consent. But that’s for a later date.

Letting go of another huff, Harry sunk further into his seat on the couch. Everyone else was with Snape to learn about potions, most likely getting shortcuts to everything and giving the twins more knowledge for them to scheme with.

It’ll be interesting to see what they make of their new lessons.

“It’s just that my cousin, Dudley, might be a wizard, and I’m worried his parents might disown him for it. You read the letter, they’re crazy. I bet they would’ve moved all the way to a remote island if they found out I got a letter from Hogwarts, or any wizarding school for that matter.” Ron hummed in acknowledgement, knowing the stories of the Dursley family from Harry and understanding just how intense they were. “And I just got that letter back from him, and he thinks he might be a wizard too. I’m just worried for him. He wasn’t mean in his letter, and he even asked me what I wanted for Christmas! Also, we need to go Christmas shopping tomorrow so that I can get everyone presents as well. But it’s just nagging at me how I’m just leaving him there and that he might be in a dangerous situation without fully understanding it. I mean, what if they throw him out on the streets just because they suspect him?!”

With another nod to his friend, Ron tipped his head up to the decorated ceiling, then went back to writing. “To me, you sound like a protective older brother. And besides, wasn’t he mean to you before? What if he’s messing with you?” Harry shook his head.

“Not exactly, no. And I don’t suspect he’s teasing me either. Dudley’s not that wicked. He did chase me around a lot when we were younger, but whenever he got ahold of me, it was more like a big hug while he swung me around like a doll with the occasional punch to the side, but I’m pretty sure that’s just his way of showing love, since he really never knew how to handle his emotions anyways. Besides, he always let me do it back, unless we were in front of my aunt and uncle, then I’d know not to.” Another look came from Ron, this time with an understanding nod.

“Alright, so it was the parents who were really the problem.” Harry nodded quickly, getting out a piece of parchment, ink and quill, and started writing a list of things he needed to do. “So, if Dudley really is a wizard, what is the plan? Are you gonna leave him there, or bring him here? Would his parents actually accept him if he was?”

“I’ve already talked to Snape, and I’ll bring him here. He’ll have the room right to the left of mine and I’ll teach him Quidditch. And I’m not confident about the Dursley’s accepting him. Either way, he’ll have a home.” Harry said with a smile, writing down a list of potion ingredients, then getting another piece of parchment to write down an order of gifts for his friends. He forgot that he could just mail order everything, though he’d have to go pick it up at the post office. Harry made a mental note to enchant a bag to be able to fit all of the items, and to stop by Gringotts the next day as well.

“Now you really sound like a big brother. He is younger than you, right?” Ron finally sat his quill down, leaning back in his chair and stretched his arms up. The boy seemed much more relaxed than he had when he first arrived, which pleased Harry greatly.

To have someone close to him be comfortable in his own home. His home! It felt so fulfilling in no way he truly knew was possible.

“Yeah, by a year.” Finishing with his letters, Harry took some coins out of his bag, set them with the letters, then spelled the letters away to the owls with instructions. Ron hadn’t noticed, or didn’t mention, instead he took out a book and used a quill as a temporary wand. He was practicing spells. Cleaning spells. “Still working on those? But I thought you wanted to be the one to help move the furniture around, not clean.” With a huff, Ron put his quill down.

“Yeah, but I feel like it’ll be better for me to learn, like if everyone in the club learnt the cleaning spells. Like, everyone has to learn these cleaning spells before they join, and if they refuse, then they just won’t know what they’re missing out on.” Harry nodded in agreement.

“Like a judge of character.” Ron smiled, looking smug as he raised his chin. Of course, he loved to get attention for his accomplishments. Harry made a mental note to give the boy more attention while he was around, and make him feel wanted.

“Exactly! Now come help me out, these are kinda hard.”

——-

For the rest of the winter break, the Weasleys, Snape, and Harry had started a routine. Mornings they would eat breakfast, then do some homework straight away and get it out of the way. They only studied for an hour, and Harry mostly just studied his advanced books, trying to hide them from Snape, unsuccessfully. Sometimes, they’d go out to eat and visit some wizarding sights instead of homework, but Mrs. Weasley made Snape promise not to take them to the muggle world without her just yet, so they stayed away from those monuments.

After studies or an outing, they’d go for a late morning Quidditch match until lunch. After lunch, they’d go off to their own little plans of the day. The twins were often in the potions room with Snape making more of their diabolical creations, or outside doing experiments. If they weren’t doing that, they were starting prank wars with Snape, Harry, or Ron. They mostly left their older brother alone, unless they needed guidance for a potion he’d mastered or a spell he’d known.

Percy was always in his room studying, that or talking to Harry, or with Snape also in the potions room to practice. Ron often hung out with Harry as well, either helping him mess around in the garden, talking about whatever while walking around, or practicing spells they weren’t supposed to be and giggling all the way.

Before dinner, the group of kids had a planned hour of conversation about The Secret, writing in journals about what spells they wanted to learn together, what potions and charms they wanted to know or practice, and designs on a logo and a fun uniform with lots of defensive charms on it for the group. Percy was surprisingly good with his sketches, coming up with the idea of a practice uniform robe and safety charms to put on it while they practiced magic.

Harry almost thought that they’d maybe turn out to br a better group than the Order of the Phoenix one day, and smiled at the idea every time he heard a good idea come from one of his friends. Suck it Dumbledore.

After dinner they’d all talk some more, then clean up and go to bed. The day of Christmas was two of the only breaks in the schedule, the second being Yule where Snape lead them all in a sort of magical ceremony with charms and a bit of alchemy. Everyone got a gift from Santa (Snape and Harry both, the professor was very surprised to see more presents from Santa than he’d put out), from Snape (again), from Harry, their parents, and friends.

Harry got a gift from Dumbledore as well, it was a charmed locket with a supposed protection charm, but Harry later tested the locket and found a strong set of compulsion charms along with magic dampening charms as well. He quickly removed them and then put actual protection charms on the piece of jewelry, along with magical enhancing and performance enhancing charms to boost magic and accuracy. Suck it twice Dumbledore.

After working as an Auror for most of his young adult years, Harry knew just what would help him in serious or dangerous situations. Even with his already powerful magic, a good boost when in need could be a lifesaver, along with accuracy and efficiency.

The day after the celebrations, Harry and Snape had visited Gringotts per Harry’s request and had a meeting with Rinkon about the vaults Harry had in his possession. He needed to truly take account to the damage that Dumbledore may have caused and restrict everything of his that was possible.

During their meeting, Rinkon specifically singled out the Potter vault itself and urged Harry to be more sparing with who he lent his key to.

“My key? I thought Professor Snape kept my key?” Harry inquired, looking between Snape and Rinkon to understand the situation. The Professor himself looked troubled at what Rinkon was implying, his hands wringing themselves while his brow furrowed. Was Dumbledore really using Harry’s vault that freely? Did he think Harry wouldn’t find out or know?

Actually, he would’ve been right if Harry were truly a child.

Sucks it thrice Dumbledore.

Both Rinkon and Snape looked positively troubled by this information, their faces scrunching tightly together as they most likely were contemplating how much to say in front of Harry. Adults and their lack of awareness towards kids always miffed Harry beyond extent.

So, being continuously frustrated with the adults trying to hide everything from him, Harry, little child Harry, decided to just come out and say what he was thinking and make a rash decision as always, even without the help of Dumbledore’s compulsion charms.

“I don’t want someone I’ve never met to have access to my vault. I’d like either all of my keys to be returned to me or for all of the locks to my vaults to be changed and have new keys made if possible. Rinkon, I would also like to ban anyone else from entering any of my vaults under my command unless they have my consent and I must also be present. My presence will also require a blood test to make sure that it’s me, and a check over my possessions and body to make sure no compulsion charms are active.” Harry crossed his arms, puffing his cheeks out and looking down at a closed book in his lap. “I’m not stupid, I’ve read about the history of Gringotts and also about bad people from the fantasy books Snape gives me. I won’t be fooled, and I want this mysterious person who’s entering my vault without my permission cornered and caught.” Rinkon couldn’t have looked more proud.

Besides the goblin who was grinning like a maniac now, Snape looked absolutely stunned, his eyes as wide as could be while his mouth was slightly ajar. Rinkon, the absolute opposite of Snape, looked gleeful as a child on Christmas morning.

Of course Harry had known about Gringotts, or else he wouldn’t have asked for the locks to be changed. Not many know that they can be changed, or that even as a child, the owner or a Gringotts vault has full powers to their vaults and possessions in their vaults. Not even Sirius or Snape could override Harry’s decision now, especially not when he’s put it so bluntly. There are barely any loop holes, and if one tried, they’d have Harry to go up against, and he wasn’t going to hold back on any thieves or liars.

“I’m glad to have such an educated young man to ensure the safety of your vaults and valuables. Tell me, would you like to take full legal action against any who may try to access your vault without your absolute permission?” At this, Snape put a hand on Harry’s knee, looking seriously worried. Harry’s mind supplied that he was truly worried about Harry. Words like “are you alright?” And “I should take your books away when not at school” were circling through Harry’s head. Was that really what Snape thought? Was Harry already in tune with his legilimence? He’d have to find out for sure later in time.

“Gringotts is very strict, you do know. Potter, that means that if Dumbledore tries to enter your vault and lacks your permission or presence, Gringotts may arrest and turn him into the Ministry of Magic or they may simply banish him from Gringotts all together.” There was almost a fear in Snape’s voice. Did he fear Dumbledore? Is that why he both hated Gryffindor and also Harry? That was too much to unpack just then, so Harry said nothing.

Rinkon, of course, backed Snape’s claim up with his own statement. “Young Harry Potter, Gringotts does not take kindly to those who intend to take or steal from our beloved customers, especially those who may be seen as easy to take advantage of, not unlike children, the elderly, or disabled witches or wizards.” At this, Harry simply nodded and smiled at Rinkon.

Of course, that’s always been their policy. It’s why they are such a beloved and respected establishment in the wizarding world. Those policies are also why he wanted Rinkon, not specifically, but he was his top option for a goblin. The man knew Gringotts policies better than any stuck up elder goblin, or a green handed younger goblin. He’s also not as corrupt, if at all compared to the others. Harry struck solid gold with Rinkon and he couldn’t be happier.

“It’s good to know, but I don’t think it would be a good idea to get him arrested. Maybe just turn him away with a warning, and ban him from trying to access any of my vaults. Also, make sure to not give him any information on why this change is made and by who it was enacted.” Snape visibly relaxed in his spot next to Harry on the couch, his shoulders releasing tension with and his face becoming lax. Oh, okay, so maybe Harry needed to deal with Dumbledore sooner than later. If he wanted to keep Snape from having a heart attack with all that stress he’s got bottled up in his well protected head.

“Is that all, Mr. Potter?” Rinkon asked, writing things down in a notebook while Harry looked over his own book of records on himself. There was a small section of who were his parents friends, as well as his own which now stated Draco, Ron, Hermione, and each other person he’s been trying to get to know better like Neville and Blaise. There was also another spot that had changed since Harry’s last visit that made a large grin appear on Harry’s face.

Severus Snape - Living (1960-) Occupation - Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - Current Guardian

Tilting the book to make Snape see, the professor also smiled at the information. Just a brief smile that went back into a scowl, but a smile it was for Harry, and a point to the “getting Snape to like me” score that Harry was trying to keep track of. Really, he didn’t need to anymore since Snape had quite literally adopted him now, but it always felt nice to know that Harry had someone else to make proud now, not just Sirius, but Snape as well.

Goodness, Harry was gaining parental figures faster than he anticipated. And Snape! Of all people, his largest parental figure right now is Severus Snape! The fact only gave Harry more hope for positive change in the future.

Happy with his decisions, Harry nodded to Rinkon with a smile. “Yes, that is all Mr. Rinkon. Thank you for your time, and may your gold shine with plenty.” And soon the two were off to go back home for the day, Rinkon smiling happily as he waved them goodbye.

After Christmas and Yule, and that one necessary trip to Gringotts for Harry, the group went back to their normal routine once again, now simply studying cleaning charms as a team during their morning studying. Everyone had gotten so used to the early sessions that they didn’t really complain about having to do them every weekday. Of course they never did any studying on weekends, even being banned from it, which both Percy AND Harry were not happy about. The other three just made fun of the two for being book worms and dragged them outside to play.

On their last day, with their stuff already at the castle (thanks Snape), the group had one final talk about The Secret in their Secret room. Harry, with the help of Percy, had placed protection and silencing charms on the room. The brunette then went back and strengthened those initial spells, then added his own better ones on the room, then tried his best to add them to the entire estate.

It would take his whole summer break to put his own protection charms on the entirety of the Prince estate without Snape noticing, but he could wait. He just felt like he needed that extra reassurance, but it wasn’t truly necessary.

Besides, Snape had planned on taking Harry to the Potter estate eventually, so he could practice the charms there where they would be necessary.

“Everyone ready? All your things in order?” Percy nagged, checking in with everyone to see if they’re missing anything. It was the fourth time he’d asked this just that morning, and it was bothering everyone immensely. Really, how could he forget in such short time.

With Mischief meowing in Harry’s arms, Harry held back his own whine at Percy’s antics while the boy checked over everyone once more. He was almost as bad as Snape, who already baggers Harry about everything everyday, even if he can do it silently and sometimes even without looking.

“Alright, now that everyone’s set, let’s floo on out of here and back to school.” Ron, then the twins, then Percy, and finally Harry went through the floo into Snape’s own personal quarters at Hogwarts. They proceeded to split up on their own respective paths up to Gryffindor Tower once on the other side, taking secret paths and the like. Percy was on his own in finding out the secret hidden passage ways, so he might as well just go around with his hand on the walls of the Hogwarts castle saying “Open” in Parsletongue, but he most likely wouldn’t. At least, not during class hours or in broad daylight that is.

Besides, the duty of mapping everything out would either be Hermione or the twin’s job, or both, but it wouldn’t be Percy’s. He was the person who knew who was in the group and what they were learning, but he turned out to be terrible with maps when they tried to at least see how good he was with them.

Never again is he allowed to draw anything so horrendous.

Since it was only mid morning when the group got back to the castle, Harry decided to settle down in Snape quarters, taking his usual spot on an emerald green couch while reading a book in his hand, Mischief sitting just above his head on the back of the seat.

The place had become somewhat of a home to Harry, like a home outside of home. It was a comfort place to him now, and for good measure and reason.

Soon after his nightmares started, Harry had made a space of his own in Snape’s quarters, always a few of Harry’s books on the side table, a warm, orange light lamp directly curling over the couch, and Harry’s favorite blanket draped over the back of the couch for when he’d get cold. There was also usually hot chocolate in a mug, now it was tea today. It was perfect, that is until his peace was somewhat interrupted by a bright, smiley blond headed boy.

“Harry!” Draco practically yelled for all the castle to hear, rushing over to him after slamming the door open to hit the wall its attached to. Harry had just enough time to lower his book onto the side table before he was embraced by a strong, warm hug from one of his best friends, Draco Malfoy. “Oh I missed you! Did you get my present? I have so many ideas for The Secret, you have no idea!” He excitedly whispered The Secret into Harry’s ear, and the brunette boy could hear the smile in Draco’s voice as he went on and on about his winter break after plopping himself right beside Harry on the couch. Sitting right against Harry’s side, Draco exclaimed in detail all of his adventures over the winter break.

The Malfoy family had decided to take a vacation during Christmas to France to visit some relatives, then stayed home as all pure blood wizards and witches do during Yule to prepare and enact their own family rituals for the holiday. Draco had been mildly upset that he couldn’t spend the day with Harry and Ron, mostly about missing Harry, but quickly made a deal with his father that he wouldn’t complain as long as he could practice Quidditch with Harry often during the summer. Lucious agreed, then even suggested that Draco spend more time over at Snape’s during the summer as that’s when the Ministry was the busiest and Snape was mostly free during that time.

Draco talked all about this in his present’s letter, the present being a new watch that had constellations that would sometimes be 3d when he pressed a button. The blond was now reiterating his letter to Harry in his excitement, forgetting that Harry’s heard this all before.

Harry let himself listen to his blond friend, content with the soothing voice after settling down a bit. Draco then mostly went on more about Quidditch, about how he was gonna join next year and finally fly with Harry, though they’d be flying together that summer. Then he went on about his gifts, asked Harry about his own, then went on about The Secret, though he was much quieter talking about that.

The boy was all over the place, almost going in circles while Harry simply sipped his tea and slipped a blanket over the two since the room was getting cold.

“I’m thinking we all should know cleaning spells, and a certain amount of defense and offense spells along with those, just in case The Secret Clandestine Clan needs to rise up against the forces of evil.” Harry nodded along, realizing the irony of Draco’s words. Yes, the forces of evil are among us, but even when Draco’s words were just teasing, Harry knew the real truth behind the matter and how true that worry would be.

After talking about The Secret, the boys got up and made their way down to lunch, joining Ron, Hermione, the twins, and Draco’s friends Blaise and Pansy at the Slytherin table. Apparently, Blaise had invited the four Gryffindors over to the Slytherin table in an offering of friendship, since they all seemed to be a friend of a friend, and the boy prioritized connections with anyone in the school. Since he was probably going to take up his mother’s seat in the Wizengamot, that would be an understandable goal to have for his time in Hogwarts.

The entire act made Harry smile warmly either way, so happy at the idea of his Gryffindor friends not hating Slytherin and his Slytherin friends not hating Gryffindor. Of course, there will still be a rivalry, but the most rivalry between his Gryffindor and Slytherin friends was when Quidditch became involved, and even then the conversation was more of a debate and leaned towards the national and regional professional teams, not always the very real rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin.

After graduating Hogwarts, Harry had done some digging in all four houses of the school to find out each backstory and the reason behind each rivalry and consensus. Apparently, Salazar Slytherin had wanted Hogwarts to be all pure blood, but not in the way that others may think. When he said pure blood, the term of the present pure blood did not mean the same. His stating of pure blood meant that he only wanted wizards, no matter if they came from magic or non magic folk, he just didn’t want muggle teachings.

The few books he’d written often talked about how he’d love to teach those from muggle parentage about traditions in the magic community, and he often mentioned how beautiful some of the muggle world could be, and how it was so sad that the wizarding and muggle world could never hold true balance together as a whole. Though, the man did realize that the balance was needed, his writing clearly showed that he was not happy with it.

Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were both mostly bystanders to Gryffindor and Slytherin’s dispute. Instead, Hufflepuff made sure that the school was welcoming and supportive, along with holding lots of peace. Sometimes they would get between the rivalry when it went to far, but not too often. Ravenclaw focused on finding any study and teachings possible to create a good, challenging school and adding a lot to the library.

After lunch, Harry and Ron went to Gryffindor Tower, making sure to tell Hermione, Draco, Ron, and the twins to meet at The Secret the next day for a meeting. Ron told Percy later in the day to attend the meeting as well.

***

“So, this is what you boys came up with?” Hermione went through the notebooks that Percy had written in, scanning through the ideas with her keen eyes. Percy sat across from her, his leg tapping nervously on the ground while he waited for her reaction to the material he’d written out.

Ron, Hermione, Draco, Percy, and Harry were all sitting on the couches in a circle, just having arrived back in The Chamber of Secrets, Mischief sitting on the back of the couch behind Harry, sitting up as if paying attention to the discussion as well. The twins were behind the group, taking things out of bags and setting them around a few tables they’d put together before the rest of the group got to The Chamber. They seemed to be in their own little world of creation and mischief, but Harry knew the two were tuned into the conversation as much as the rest of them.

Closing the third journal, Hermione smiled. “A book of members, a book of charms, of potions, of spells? We will need a book of designs for the uniform and symbols you designed, a book of rules, a book of the books collected here, and this book of inspiration is great!” Percy beamed at the enthusiasm and praise. Even if Hermione was a lower class man, she was still very smart and skilled in anything she did.

“I think we should have regular meet ups every week.” Ron said, grinning. Sitting back, Harry huffed, smiling as well as agreeing.

“Okay, but let’s start with an agenda. What exactly do we want to do first?” Draco lit up at this, bringing out his own book.

“I thought you’d never ask!” Opening his journal, Draco got out a quill and a bottle of ink to start writing, setting everything on the round table in the middle of their circle. “So, we start with the cleaning. Everyone needs to know the usual cleaning spells selected to take care of The Chamber. Next, we organize the journals and bring a few book cases out from The Room of Requirement to have a designated area for books and such. I bought a few books for The Secret, and I know Harry has too, so we’ll be able to start filling them up soon.” Harry nodded at this, knowing he still had a few more on the way as well. “Next, I organize the books while the rest of you start on the cleaning. Hermione will organize the furniture into what we agreed upon, and if anyone has any questions, comments, or suggestions on the layout, please come to either Hermione or myself.” Looking up, Draco had a serious expression laced with excitement in his face.

Everyone muttered their agreements then got to work. Ron helped teach the twins and Percy the cleaning spells, Hermione was moving around a few couches to line the walls, and Draco had gone off to the Room of Requirement. Harry decided to follow his blond headed friend to provide help with the large task, Ron would be happier teaching his brothers on his own.

“So, do you just want a few book shelves or an entire area dedicated to the books? What’s the plan?” Picking up a tall bookshelf with a Leviosa spell, Harry continued to follow Draco as he explained.

“I would prefer the seating areas be limited to just small love seats and tables with a few book shelves around. I think it’ll be good to have separate bookshelves have specific books to organize them.” Draco went on to move these bookshelf sections against the wall farthest from Slytherin’s statue, lining the wall until it reached the end where separate corridors were sectioned off to be mapped and cleaned later.

“So… one bookshelf will have books for charms, one will have books for spells, one for potions, and so on?” Harry contemplated the idea, cleaning off some pieces of furniture then letting Draco take them to place around The Chamber as he pleased.

“Yes, exactly that Harry.” Draco smiled in Harry’s direction, looking excited for his little plan. The smile seemed so natural on Draco’s face, so happy and at peace. The joy reached Draco’s eyes, unlike how each smile from adult Draco that Harry had gotten which was strained and full of regret, his eyes and cheeks never fully possessing any happiness or emotion other than guilt and shame. Even the thought that Harry could bring back the happiness in Draco’s life lit a spark under Harry. He could save his now friend, he could save them all.

Smiling back with just as much excitement, Harry followed along with Draco’s plans until Ron called everyone back to the circle of seating, now with a large round table in the middle. Percy seemed to have multiple charmed quills writing in books on a table just outside of the circle of couches, near the break of furniture. When Harry looked at what it was writing, it seemed to be listing books to get, and books already on the shelves. One book in particular was writing down whatever anyone said, articulating the person speaking, as well as their tone.

That would come in handy for meetings, having an easy secretary on hand.

“Right now, before we go off to dinner, I’d like to go over some things. First things first, the official Clandestine Secret Club will be established today, and everyone here is a core member of this establishment. Second, Hermione and Percy have come up with some safety stuff to go over, but we can talk about it next week, for now, just don’t do anything stupid. Third, anyone is allowed to use The Chambers at any time or for any reason, just keep it safe and secret. Fourth, no telling others about The Chamber until we’ve all discussed it. I know we accidentally excluded Percy from this rule, but no one else is allowed starting now.” At this point, Ron sat down on the couch, gesturing around to the rest of the kids. “Anyone else like to say anything?”

George decided to stand at this, nodding his head to Ron in thanks before looking around to the rest of the group. “As Clandestine, we will name positions for each founding member to take on a role in the group. If anyone would like a different position or something else, please let us know.” Taking a journal from Fred, George read aloud the names they’d all written down for their book of members. It had the charm on it to not allow them to talk about The Secret with anyone not written down in the book.

“Firstly, Hermione will be the keeper of books and will keep track of the library situation. Percy will keep track of members and rules, and have authority on consequences if these rules are broken. Fred and I will be keepers of any maps and will also map out all entrances and such, also, we will lead any large experiments anyone needs to do. Ron will be the recruiter of friends, all new members must go through him, and he will be the primary leader in meetings. Draco will keep track of any change in The Chambers and will also have final say on decor changes or creations in new or old corridors. He will also be someone to recruit, but we’d like you two to do this together. Harry will be the one to first learn spells and will have most final say on most large decisions regarding members, group wide projects, and anything else. He will also be the one to inform the rest of group meetings and when they will take place. Do note that these don’t have to be permanent and if anyone needs a break, feel free to ask others to fill in. Agreed?” Everyone murmured their agreement, smiling all around.

The entire group seemed satisfied with their duties, stood up from their places on the couches and seats, yawning and stretching as they stood. Mischief, who was always either on Harry’s shoulder or following him in his shadow, also stretched in her place on the couch, pushing her claws out a bit as she pushed her paws into the cushion.

“Alright, let’s go get some food. Dinner is probably almost ready.” Ron said, already heading towards an exit with Hermione following. The rest of the group agreed, making their own ways towards different exits as they went. As each kid were going on their way to dinner, Draco stayed behind with Harry as the brunette strayed over to the edge of a corridor, right where Asmodeus’ shed skin lay heavy on the floor.

“Harry, what are you doing? Aren’t you hungry?” Draco asked his friend, picking up Mischief from the floor as the cat tried to poke at the dead serpent skin, his claw almost getting stuck in it. Smiling at his friend’s worry, Harry pulled out a brown leather bag from his usual bag and used a ‘leviosa’ spell onto the skin to move it efficiently into the brown bag, securing every piece through a few more spells. “Why do you need that?”

Once his task was complete, Harry stood and tied up the brown leather bag, then turned to Draco, a soft smile in his face. “Well, I heard that basilisk skin is difficult to find for a wizard, and even if it is found then it is priceless, which makes it even harder to get. So, since Snape has never been able to actually have some, I thought I’d give him a late Yule present for his troubles in trying to find it recently. Apparently, it’s in a complex spell he’s been trying to improve, but this ingredient is impossible for him to get ahold of, and there’s really no substitute.” Harry had started leading Draco over to the same pathway Ron had used, touching his fingers over the written Parsletongue words and commanding it to open.

As they walked, Draco seemed to debate Harry’s actions. “But didn’t you tell me about Professor Snape not wanting you to be taken advantage of? I mean, how will he know where you’d gotten the skin if not from monetary expenditures?” At this, Harry paused, stopping just before the door out of the hallway. Should he just tell Snape the truth? ‘Oh hey Professor Snape! Just wanted to tell you that I made friends with the local basilisk and she allowed me to collect some of these scales of hers and give them to you! She also says hi!’

Like hell that would happen, he would freak out!

Turning to his friend with a slight frown, Harry pondered just what he’d do. “Umm, do I just give them to him and tell him Santa forgot his other gift?” It was almost a joke, but Draco’s face told Harry that the boy took Harry’s answer seriously.

Uh oh, Harry could hear just how much Draco was thinking about Harry’s conclusion. ‘Snape’s not stupid, but would he really look a gift horse in the mouth? When it’s this priceless? Yes, yes he would.’ Harry had to stifle a laugh at hearing a small Draco voice say that in his head. Ah yes, that was totally Draco’s actually thoughts running through his head. Great.

Shaking his head, Harry decided to exit the secret corridor, ignoring his possible legimence abilities as he took Draco’s wrist and pulled him along to go to dinner with him. The young boy squinted at the brightness change from dark to light as they exited through the silent stone door, but otherwise just kept holding Mischief in his hands while he contemplated. Of course, Harry didn’t mind, the kid thought a lot, it was just his thing to sometimes stay in his own world while his brain worked out a problem.

So, when they got to the dinner table over in the Gryffindor section, Harry just simply sat his friend down next to him, took Mischief out of his hands, then pushed a plate in front of the blond. This was the only way to get Draco out of his world. Only by getting him into a comfortable, recognizable situation did you ground him back to Earth.

“Ah, I have an answer.” Draco exclaimed, now piling food onto his plate while Harry already had a full plate and was now pulling out a book of spacial charms. A fifth year or higher book, but nobody seemed to notice, or they just didn’t care enough to bother him.

Ron, sitting opposite from Draco and Harry with Hermione on one of his sides and Neville on his other, tilted his head at Draco’s words. “What was the question?”

Refraining from his first bite of dinner, Draco leaned into the middle of the table, prompting Ron to do the same. “Harry wants to give Snape some basilisk scales he found in The Secret, but doesn’t know how to give them to The Professor without being suspicious. I say we have a meeting and discuss bringing Snape into the fold. Either that, or anonymously donate them to him through a mail system. But I feel that would make him question the gift even more.” Ron looked over at Harry with a skeptical eye, then back to Draco. The two both knew that Harry was listening in on their conversation, even with all the noise around them and with the book he was still reading in his hand.

“Alright, let’s start with the meeting first before we go around lying about basilisk scales. My mum told me those are really rare and hard to get, and that they are basically one of the most important ingredients to some of the most powerful potions known to wizards and witches alike.” Draco nodded in understanding. Of course both of their wizarding families would know and understand the importance of such a rare and valuable magical item, it shouldn’t have surprised Harry as much as it had. Then again, that’s why those two were made to be the main recruiters for The Secret. They could be picky because they knew the most about the wizarding world.

Harry nodded with a sigh, setting Mischief down by his bowl to the side of the table. The place where they sat seemed consistent enough to have the bowl just by their seats; Harry thanked the elves for their convenience and made a mental note to visit the kitchen and give the elves some good gifts in return.

“Anyways, how was everyone’s holiday? Get any good gifts?” Harry asked, remembering each item he’d gifted every one of his friends. Everyone got a small piece of jewelry like a necklace or bracelet paired with a book and some sweets. Dudley had gotten some wizarding sweets and instructions on how to either eat them or what they may do. Along with sweets, his cousin got a few galleons just in case, along with a small Rememberal with instructions on what it did and how it was to be used. Hopefully, the boy liked it and took the olive branch that Harry was currently giving him.

Dudley also gifted Harry a few things as well. A few different muggle candies and a book with a few muggle fairytales that included their idea of magic. It made Harry smile, feeling a sort of warmth in his heart at each carefully wrapped gift.

Along the Gryffindor table was talk of gifts and parties that everyone attended or hosted. Draco especially was excited to tell everyone about his fun experiences, but once the others started to talk about their own holidays, the blond found that it was much more fun to listen to the other stories of the kids around him and became fully immersed into the conversation around him. The boy seemed to only partake when he truly deemed it necessary, maybe adding some educational information here and some personal experience there.

All of the peaceful activity made Harry’s heart swell with happiness, simply eating while he listened to many of the stories around him, even putting his book down to listen. He heard Ron express his joy of playing Quidditch and how his brothers actually started to show him tricks now. The boy was so happy to finally be included in their shenanigans and was bathing in all the attention each kid around him was giving him. Draco was immersed in George’s retelling of a prank he’d played on Percy while the aforementioned brother was red in the face while chatting with Oliver over off to the side of the group.

Hermione, who Harry was talking most with, had moved onto listening to Ron’s story while Harry went back to petting Mischief on the head. All of the peace surrounding Harry was so comforting, the kid’s mind started to wander to how life could be, if only this moment lasted forever. He imagined Sirius to his side, teasing Remus about something or another. Snape would be on Harry’s other side, making sure he ate and talking about a few new potions he was working on. Hermione and Ron would be around, and Draco would be right across from Harry. Hagrid would be somewhere too, and maybe Blaise and Pansy too? The whole Weasley family would be there, with Luna, Cedric, and Cho.

They could all be happy. All of them can survive if Harry goes along with his plan tonight. Yes, that’s the perfect goal to strive towards.

***

“So, you want to add the one and only Mr. I follow the rules and be mean to Gryffindor’s Professor, Severus Snape into the fold? To be apart of the Clandestine secret?” Fred exclaimed, standing swiftly before he spoke. Of course Fred would be the first one to oppose, Snape went after the twins more than anyone. They kinda deserved it sometimes though, but he didn’t have to actively seek them out. Truly, the man had calmed down in seeking them out since Harry had really entered his life, more a passing glare and a few less points taken off because they quickly became Harry’s friends, but still, that didn’t excuse Snape’s strict hand against them.

And of course, even with all this, Draco would still try to defend his uncle. So, knowing all this, Harry held a hand onto Draco’s knee before he could stand, quickly giving Mischief to the boy to hopefully calm him down. Standing himself, Harry motioned for Fred to sit back down, the older boy only doing so hesitantly.

They all sat in their circle of couches and chairs, The Secret hiding them from the rest of the Saturday. With Harry standing in the direct middle of everyone on the couches, there were Percy, Hermione, and Ron on one side with the twins and Draco on the other. George was between Draco and Fred, so at least that was a plus. He seemed much calmed than his brother, even with their few differences between, Harry could easily tell that Fred was the one getting worked up easily.

Looking around, Harry continued his previous statement on the professor in question.

“See it from my view, please. Snape was the one who took me out of my previously bad place and gave me a spot in his own. He’s been there for me, has helped me when I have my nightmares.” Everyone’s faces turned down with sadness. They all knew how intensely horrid Harry’s dreams could be, especially Ron, who continuously helps Harry to get down to Snape’s and comforts him unconditionally. The boy himself was by Harry’s side now, agreeing with his opinion on the matter.

“So, he’s done a lot for you. Why does he need to do anything for the Clandestines? What would he have to keep him in check?” George pointed out, getting Hermione to nod along with him. Of course she was against him, she thought that he’d tried to kill Harry.

Of course, these guys don’t know Snape’s alliance. They don’t know to what lengths the professor would truly go to help Harry, or protect him. None of them truly understood just how safe Snape truly is to Harry, and more importantly, to the rest of the group.

Quickly letting out a sigh, Harry straightened his back and pled his case. “Severus Snape is my guardian, you must understand that I could’ve rejected him being my guardian and made someone else take care of me. But no, I did not do this. I trust Snape. I trust him to properly teach me magic when I need it, to make food three times a day without worrying that it’ll be late or that there won’t be enough for me, and I trust him to be there to help me when I’m going through my toughest times. I know you all have a different, longer relationship that involves him, but please understand it from my view. He hasn’t told anyone about my nightmares, and keeps them hidden from everyone possible. He hasn’t even told Dumbledore. I truly believe he can keep this secret, and that he won’t even try to enforce his own rules onto the club, just make sure that we’re safe and all. He has also kept my secrets about my past, that I will one day share with you, and he protects me-.”

Hermione stood, her face red. “He wasn’t protecting you when he cursed your broom and almost killed you!” She shouted, her buck teeth upsetting her lips as she spit out the hateful and ignorant words. Still, Harry stayed calm, waiting for her face to recede back to almost its original color.

“Look Hermione, he wasn’t trying to curse my broom, he was trying to break the curse on my broom. When you looked in the crowds to see who was chanting a curse, did you see anyone else with un breaking eye contact and also seemingly chanting words? Did you look for anyone else besides Snape in the first place?” Harry implored, trying for his friend to understand. Instead, her face went ghostly pale, her body stiff, and she sat back down silently in her seat.

Now sporting a soft smile, Harry tried his best to console his friend. “Hermione, you know I don’t mean to be rude, but you have to understand the circumstances. You’ve been after him since the first day, only because the others put the idea of him being a stereotype “bad guy” in your head. I’ve seen him in his home, I’ve lived with him for a while now, and I just can’t truly understand why you hate my par- guardian.” Harry caught himself, making his eyes just slightly widen.

George, Harry’s current voice of reason, stood as well, nodding to Harry with a confident smile. “Now that Harry’s got his point across, let’s take a vote.” Harry sat down at this, ready to see just how people felt about Snape being in on The Secret. “All in favor of Snape being introduced into The Secret and becoming a Clandestine?” Everyone raised their hands, with only Fred and Hermione being hesitant. “All opposed?” No one said anything, and as a full five seconds passed, George nodded to them all. “It seems that the vote has a clear winner.” With George sat, Percy then stood, a notebook in his hand.

“For this ordeal, I would like to keep in mind one thing. You may not like Professor Snape, but if you have ever had the pleasure of glancing at a school textbook, you’d understand his worth. When I have tried the book version of the potions he teaches, I can almost never get them right, and almost always fail. When I try them in his class, he does not use the textbook, and also gives us many shortcuts or easier ways to make the potions, making most of us pass easily. This means that he’s actively making our jobs easier, and the reason he gets so upset with people failing is because he is doing everything he possibly can to help, and we still mess it up. Please, cut him some slack. Most teachers don’t have that kind of care for their work.”

This statement made Fred’s eyes go wide, and Hermione’s lips turn into a slight smile.

With a clap of his hands, Percy put on a big smile and a cheery voice to match. “So, how are we going to tell him?”

***

Harry had decided that he would be the one to tell him, and show the professor on his own with no one else around. But the others had also wanted to be apart of it, and Fred argued that it would seem too risky to show him everything just yet, like all of the members and their materials, but then Draco pointed out that it would be better to be transparent because if we were keeping more secrets on top of a large secret, then that would make him suspicious, and most likely upset.

So, they had all decided that the next weekend on a Saturday morning, Harry would give the basilisk scales to Snape, and when he asked when the boy got them, Harry would lead him to the Chamber of Secrets where the rest of the Clandestines would be there, waiting for them.

Harry, tasked with bringing Snape along, was finding it quite difficult to find the man in question, as he was not in his quarters, not in his office or classroom, and not in The Great Hall for breakfast either.

After looking all over the school, Harry finally found him in Professor Mc’Gonagall’s office, speaking in seemingly frustrated tones. Harry, ever the clever Auror, chose to stay just outside of the room, listening in with a few advanced enhanced hearing spells placed upon his ears.

“So, you’re worried that the boy is going to turn out to be a hermit? Why, isn’t every great wizard, Severus?” Professor Mc’Gonagall asked the potions master, confused by his being upset. Of course, Snape didn’t understand why Mc’Gonagall wasn’t understanding either, which only grew his frustration as it leaked out of his tone,

“Because Minerva, the boy needs an actual life, other than magic. He should be listening to Quidditch games, playing board games with his friends, and ranking his bloody Weasley friends. Absolutely nothing against the Weasley’s, but why did he have to make friends and get close to the twins specifically? At least they could teach him to focus his attention on something else besides books, but they’ve done no such thing! You’d think, Minerva, that I’d be happy about it, but I am not! How could a boy so young only focus on getting better with magic. Does he think that’s the only thing that will get him anywhere? And what’s with his focus on defensive and offensive spells? And the charms?! By bloody Merlin, he’s growing up to be an Auror.”

Professor McGonagall huffed, the squeak of her chair sounding as she must’ve leaned back. “I know that you of all people wouldn’t allow that boy to have a job that risked his life so.” A slam sounded, then the clacking pacing of shoes came forth.

“On Merlin’s life I shall not! He may be anything else but that. The boy could tame dragons for all I care, but he will not ever, and I mean never will he become an Auror. I would have to die ten times over for that to even become an option.” Another huff, and the pacing shoes stopped. “I would like him to have a respectable place in the Wizengamot, maybe a few friends if we’re lucky, and of course Draco will be by his side. He could have a nice job, or no job at all. His parent’s business is still up and running, earning him more than enough money, and Harry could live happily with the world at his fingertips. Truly, he will become a marvelous wizard, but to seemingly shut himself out of everything else but studying. That, I cannot allow.”

A hum came from Mc’Gonogall, her fingers tapping on her desk. “So, what will you do to have him achieve this future you so thoroughly envision for him?” Sighing, Snape continued.

“I don’t know. The boy, it’s like he’s already grown up. I try not to treat him so, but then again, what if I treat him too much like a child. He’s already playing Quidditch, but he’s not fully invested in it. I won’t take away his books, those seem to be his lifeline as of late. But then again, he’s been reading them up into the night just to stop his nightmares. I won’t get him to use dreamless sleep just yet, you know how addictive it can become, especially for kids. So, what do I do? I do not know.”

A heavy sigh came from Professor Mc’Gonogall, then more squeaking from her chair. “Severus, allow the boy into your life, and he will allow you into his. Connect with him, maybe through outings while you two are home, plan play dates with his friends, tell him about your day, and have him tell you about his. Maybe you two should have planned days to talk, do something together. How about you stop worrying and simply go with the how he wants to take it. The boy has already accepted you as his guardian, maybe you are the one not accepting that position in his life.”

At that, Harry had enough. His eyes were watering, and his nose was tingling. His whole face was preparing to cry, and he couldn’t do that now. Against his better inner Auror’s judgement, he walked a few steps away, then walked towards the Professor Mc’Gonogall’s office with loud steps, then knocked a few times on the entrance to the office. This had Professor Mc’Gonogall gently turning towards Harry, while Professor Snape whipped his head around, already glaring. His mean looking face soon turned soft though, as he found Harry standing partially behind the wall, looking as innocent as possible.

“Potter, what are you doing here?” Snape asked gently, already walking towards Harry. To his credit, Snape was trying to collect himself along the way, smoothing his hair back and fixing up his robe. He must’ve really gotten emotional, since his mental barriers were also putting themselves back up in uniform files. Huh, when could he know that?

Anyways, Harry just smiled, walking with Snape as he led Harry out of the office with a short goodbye to Professor Mc’Gonogall, who waved back with a smile.

“I got you a present.” Harry spoke as they walked, and once they made it to Moany Mertle’s bathroom, Harry stopped to pull out the basilisk scares. A gentle Leviosa spell was used to make them float right out of his brown leather bag and into Snape’s hands. The man looked stunned, moving his eyes from Harry then back to the scales over and over again.

“Boy, where in the bloody hell did you get these?” Snape tried his best to look emotionless, but when Harry gave him the bag with the rest of the scales, the man’s already pale face almost went even more so. Fainting in front of an abandoned girls bathroom would not be a good look for the professor though, so Harry simply put a finger over his own lips and made a shushing sound.

“Someone might hear you say bad words, and I’ll show you.” Harry started his way into the bathroom, his guardian following along mutely as he tried his best to be gentle with the scales, delicately putting them back into the bag to store away in his cloak. “Before you start asking, no, I didn’t spend money on them. Remember when I told you I’m a Parsletongue? Well, Draco said that I could talk to any snake, no matter big or small, a snake or related to a snake. As long as it has scales, it’s something I can talk with. And when I found this out, I started going around the school to find some snakes to talk to.” Harry paused before the entrance to The Chambers.

Jaw now dropped, Snape flinched at the thought. “No…” Turning around, Harry smirked towards his guardian, his smile becoming warmer when Snape relaxed just slightly.

“Oh yes! Open!” Harry turned back towards the sink with the snake and spoke in Parsletongue, making the entrance open swiftly and almost silently, the quiet sounds of stone against stone not leaving the room. Moving back towards Snape, Harry held out his hand to the man. The Professor took it mindlessly, seemingly still in shock. With a squeeze, Harry led the man towards the entrance, now supporting stares since the last time he’d visited. “I thought that the Head of Slytherin should know where Salazar kept his secrets, ya know?”

Still following Harry, Snape seemed to forcibly relax himself. It was probably to show Harry that Snape accepted this, but really, the man’s poker face is as good as his Occulmency. Stone cold as The Chamber, Snape’s face stayed neutral as it possibly could with this new information given. Clearing his throat, Snape took a look around, carefully not making eye contact with Harry.

“So, when did you first find this place, and why have you kept it a secret until now.” Harry looked up to think, still walking as he answered. This path was the longest to take, which is exactly why Harry wanted to take it in the first place.

“Well, I didn’t know what to do. So, I asked Asmodeus, the basilisk down here, and she gave me the okay to invite my friends so I first showed them. Then we found the Room of Requirement, and it let us take some furniture out of there, so we made a club room to hangout in! We’ve been playing games and experimenting for a while. I think I first found this place in the first week of school? It was a while ago.”

“You’ve made The Chamber of Secrets… into a club room.” Harry turned and smiled back at Snape, his teeth showing his slightly sharp K-9’s, almost like fangs.

“Yup! But you can’t tell anyone, it’s a secret. And the club has a name, we just call it The Secret, but we, as members, are called Clandestines.” Snape looked around The Chambers as they walked, still seemingly contemplating Harry’s request. Now feeling a bit nervous, Harry simply distracted himself by casting constant cleaning spells around them to disinfect the place and make it smell like lemons and strawberries. “Usually, we make new members learn cleaning spells before they’re allowed to even know about The Secret, but you’re an exception cause I know you already know all the cleaning spells required since you clean at home.”

Stoping in his tracks, Snape kept Harry in place for a moment. “Harry, you’re a very smart boy, but tell me the whole story.”

And so, Harry told Snape the entire story, still mindlessly throwing cleaning spells around, not realizing that he was doing them wandlessly as well as wordlessly. Snape seemed to notice, but didn’t say much about it, only asking questions about Harry’s story, then nodding along when it matched up with his own recollection.

Hand constantly rubbing the bridge of his nose, Snape finally let out a heavy sigh, eyebrows finally unfurling.

“I see now, and am not mad at you. But Potter, for future reference, tell me in advance when you decide to simply follow a sound you heard from the girl’s bathroom and start entering random holes in the walls of Hogwarts. And yes, I will keep your secret, but don’t expect me to keep my nose out of things. I will be coming down here to check on you and your friends.”

Harry nodded, sighing with a smile at the information. “Thanks Snape. Oh! But be nice to the twins, Fred’s got a grudge against you and was against the idea of bringing you into the loop just yet, and so was Hermione cause she thinks you tried to kill me that one time at Quidditch, but don’t worry, it was a group decision to let you know and they all decided to give you a chance. Oh, and I’ll have to have you learn how to say Open in Parsletongue later today as well. Let’s go!” Dragging a bumbling mess of words over to the main Chamber, Harry’s smile widened with each step.

Finally, when the two were in the main Chamber, Harry let go of Snape to properly introduce him to the rest of the group who were already sitting in their circle. Some were smiling, some were glaring, and Percy just looked constipated.

Probably just stress.

Nodding to everyone, Harry gestured towards the professor, a proud smile on his face as he introduced him. “Everyone, you know Professor Snape, and he knows you. He has agreed to keep our secret-.”

“Sign the book.” Fred interrupted, already holding the book and a quill out for Snape. The professor’s brow quirked up, looking at Harry for information. Giving an O with his mouth, Harry took the book to show Snape, opening it to the names of the Clandestines already in on The Secret.

“Right, so we all have signed this book to make sure that we can’t tell others about The Secret. We can talk about The Chamber of Secrets, but we can’t talk about The Secret inside The Chamber. Percy and I put the charms on it to make the person who signs unable to speak about The Secret.” Harry looked worried as he held the book, unsure if asking the professor to sign would be going too far.

Instead of being angry, however, Snape simply sighed again, taking the book and quill out of the boy’s hands. Sitting in a chair near the small entrance, Snape leaned forward over the book to signed it, quick and simple. After signing, Snape leaned slightly back into his seat, glancing over the entire group while Harry took his own seat near Draco.

“So, what do you want to know?” Ron asked, taking his job as meeting leader seriously, even in the face of a professor. Especially in the presence of Professor Snape. Another sigh, and Snape was rubbing the bridge of his nose while he spoke.

“I’ve gotten Potter’s story, so I don’t really need yours. I do wish to know how you plan to run your little organization, and what you plan on doing in the first place.”

A nod, and Ron stood to introduce himself. “I’m Ron, and I am the meetings leader and one of the Clandestines to recruit friends.” Sitting, Ron passed off the introductions to the others.

“I’m Hermione, I am the bookkeeper.”

“I’m Percy, I keep stock of who knows about The Secret and the rules. I also decide punishment for the rule breakers.”

The twins stood, Fred looking far more relaxed than before as the two both talked in unison. “We’re Fred and George and we take care of mapping and large experiments.”

Smirking, Draco stood tall as he spoke. “I’m Draco, and I take care of any changes to The Chambers, decor, and also recruit friends.”

Finally, it was Harry’s turn to stand, outwardly calm as he spoke. Really, his nerves were twisting inside of him. “I’m Harry, and I’m the one to learn the spells before we all learn them together. I also inform every one of meetings, and have final say on most things involving The Secret.”

Sitting, Harry gestured to Ron, the boy nodding in return. Facing Snape, who was leaning back in his chair with his head resting on his arm, Ron looked him directly in the eye as he spoke. “I know this is sudden, but what is your plan with this new knowledge? You can’t tell anyone, but you can use the room. Oh, and you can’t show anyone either.”

Closing his eyes, Snape thought before he looked back at Ron, serious in this endeavor. “I would like to be informed about whenever you all learn your spells, and when you plan to do large experiments that involve anything you’re not experienced with. I won’t tell you not to, and won’t ask about why or what those experiments are for. Me knowing about those things though, are only for safety. You all may not know how to save yourself from a potion gone wrong while I do.” Shifting in his seat, Snape sat up a bit straighter. “Also, I’d like for you all to include me in meetings. It won’t matter if I have no say, but I would like to stay informed about your actions.”

Standing, Fred seemed to reel in his frustration while still looking serious. “What if we’re planning a prank and happen to mention it in the meeting to make sure that any Clandestines don’t get caught in it? Will you try and stop us?” Slowly, Snape shook his head at Fred, looking tired already in the morning.

“No, I will not. I’ve been too busy to even try, and now I’ll be even more so.” Pausing, Snape sighed again, then continued. “I might have been more intuitive towards all of your schemes, but that’s just because I don’t want you to go too far and hurt someone. I won’t let some pranksters go overboard on my watch and almost get a student killed.” There was history behind that, and Harry could feel everyone notice that past that was subtly implied. For them, it might’ve been that a student that got hurt or killed on his watch. Harry knew better, that Snape was the real victim.

Everyone seemed to pause at that information, but Snape took one glance at Harry’s solemn face, then quickly continued. “That is, to say, I know none of you would stoop so far, or so low, it’s just that I want everyone to be safe while they play fun. Do you understand now?”

Slowly, the rest of the group mumbled their understandings, agreeing on what Snape was saying. Once everyone was done with their response, there was a pause in the moment. Just silence for a moment, then Draco stood, a clap from his hands to get everyone’s attention.

“So, should we show Professor Snape around?” A raised hand came from the Professor.

“Please, if I’m going to be apart of this, I’ll have to give up my Professor title while we are down here.” The others seemed alright with that. It made Snape seem like he’d be letting go of his Professor role and fully committing to the role as a Clandestine.

“Wait!” Percy stopped Draco, motioning for the boy to sit. The blond did so, if with but a bit of hesitance. “Do we need to give him a job? Like how we did for everyone else? Like, have him near whenever we’re doing dangerous things and keep us safe?”

Ron put a hand on his chin, thinking about the suggestion. “I think he could be a guardian of safety. Oh, it would be best to also give him a code name. It won’t really matter if we’re talking about each other, but if someone knows that a teacher’s involved, that could put more at stake for him than for us. I mean, I don’t think Dumbledore wants Snape helping kids get away with disruptive pranks in a secret place that he can’t monitor. He’s kinda a control freak.”

Everyone nodded. “Definitely a control freak.” The twins said in unison.

Another sigh came from Snape before he sat forward, finally seemingly taking this all seriously. The fact that Snape was taking it seriously made all the others, especially Harry, sit up straighter as well, their faces hardening slightly. He also seemed a bit nervous, a slight twitch in his eyebrow and a picking at fingernails alerted only Harry to this emotion.

That, and the quick way his mind was starting to unceremoniously rush into Harry’s, making him slightly dizzy.

“Alright, call me The Half Blood Prince. Few know who that actually is, and none of them are here besides you all now. As for the protector thing, I’d be okay with that.” Snape leaned back again, pulling his left foot up to sit on his right knee. “Hogwarts has needed a new secret society as of late, and this one seems much more promising to keep their secret this time. So, I’ll help you, whether it’s pulling off a potion or pulling off a prank, just don’t get caught and it’ll be alright.”

Harry’s wide smirk made Draco and Ron match the look, Hermione nervous, Percy get a chill down his spine, Fred and George smile with realization, and Snape to proudly smile, though it was a small one that no one else at Hogwarts would truly recognize as a proud smile except for Harry, Mc’Gonogall, and Draco.

Great, with Snape in the game, maybe they’ll actually be able to pull some stuff off. Maybe a few new potion ideas from the Weasley twins, maybe some confidence from Ron to actually start being healthily confident from the beginning. Maybe Draco can learn to express himself even more, now that he actually has a chance for a better support system. Maybe Percy can try and be better when it comes to the Ministry of Magic.

And maybe… maybe Harry could save them all.

But first, Harry needed to take care of something bigger than The Clandestines, first and foremost.

***

Fluffy was easy to handle, just add a few new instruments with their own charms and the dog didn’t suspect a thing as it’s paw was removed from the trap door and Harry made his way down into the Devil’s Snare. Relaxing his body while it hung in the snare, Harry soon fell through and made his way towards the other challenges awaiting him. The key one was easy, just a bit of zipping and zapping on a broom to get in and out with the key, and the chess one became easier this time around from his adult experience.

Long nights trying to reconnect with adult Draco were spent usually over some tea and a chess board, and as always, Draco was brilliant at chess. This experience made the game easy, barely causing any casualties among the pieces, as that was always the blond boy’s strategy.

When Harry finally found Quirrell standing in front of the mirror, he didn’t hesitate to start his plan of attack. The small boy looked so innocent as he calmly walked up to Professor Quirrell, asking what was going on and about the tests.

“Were they a secret Defense Against The Dark Arts test, sir? Or a test of bravery?” Harry asked in such a calm tone, Quirrell took a step back in surprise. But the man was too late, and also unable to speak as Harry’s hands quickly met his face, his shoulders, his head. With a quick, wordless spell to transport the stone he felt had landed in his pocket and his invisibility cloak away, he allowed Voldemort to come screaming out of Quirrell’s head and through his chest, knocking his somewhat frail body to the ground and causing the boy to lose consciousness before anything else.

No one would know just how intentional Harry had killed Professor Quirrell. Even Voldemort wouldn’t have a clue, seeing as he couldn’t see. Maybe he’d assume that he couldn’t even go near Harry, which Harry could exploit from the man later.

Of course, when Harry woke up in the hospital wing with his friends by his side, he wasn’t all that surprised. He had Draco sitting up near his head on Harry’s left side, Ron and Hermione on his right side with Ron being the closest to his head.

“Harry? Harry! Are you alright?” Ron asked his waking friend, a look of pure fear in his eyes as he searched Harry’s face for anything that could calm his nerves. When Harry gave him a tired smile, the red head seemed to relax immensely, his shoulders dropping and a deep sigh escaping his lungs. He collapsed against Harry’s body, spreading out on the bed with a big huff and some grumbling about being safer. Hermione was right beside Ron in his worry and relaxing gestures, except she could keep it together and simply sigh in relief.

Their blond on the other hand, was not as reassured.

With his arms crossed in front of his chest, Draco scowled to try and hide his evident worry. “Are you dull, Harry? Going into that place with no back up? No warning!” With a loud, upset sounding huff, Draco continued. “Truly, if you weren’t so smart, you’d have been dead by now. Fully stuck with no way out.” A large sigh came again, and now Draco too, deflated into a mess of relief and worry. Turning his attention from his feet to Harry’s eyes, there was a burning flurry of care in Draco’s silvery greyish white eyes. There was the slightest glint of blue hue that Harry seemed to chase around in the worried eyes, almost like a game to reassure Harry’s nerves. “You will not leave me out of your schemes again, got it, Potter?” Of course, with the care was also the frustration.

With a slow nod that popped a few joints in Harry’s neck, Draco backed off and leaned back in his chair, fingertips near his lips as if to chew them but not quite. His fingernails were so pretty, Harry hoped Draco never had to worry so much enough to try and ruin them.

Behind Hermione, someone cleared their throat to break into the conversation. With each child turning their head to the new figure, they were surprised to find Dumbledore standing next to the candy trolly at the foot of the bed. Harry was expecting Snape, but from the way Dumbledore was approaching him, Harry guessed that Snape didn’t let the headmaster anywhere near his new child.

He’d have to check for any charms or spells put on his person later. For now, Harry would comply to a certain extent with Dumbledore. The man wouldn’t want to argue with one of his students for something irrational, especially in front of the others.

“Dinner is soon approaching, you don’t want to be late now.” The headmaster told them all, getting Hermione and Ron to stand and start heading out of the infirmary. Draco on the other hand, gave their headmaster a stern glare before looking back to his feet, avoiding eye contact with everyone. The words of “that stupid man” and “how could he be so calm” were heard by Harry as they were spoken not aloud, but in Harry’s head in the voice of little Draco. This time, Harry had to admit that his legilimence was kicking in at his young age, and quickly chalked it up to his older intelligence that awakened it at all.

That, and the fact that his mother was also a legilimence and that once he fully understood the concept he had started to hear voices when he was older too.

Damn it all, this’ll give him headaches if he doesn’t start learning to control it soon.

Dumbledore, who was patiently waiting for Draco to leave the room, strode towards the cart full of candy, seeming aloof when he truly was the opposite in Harry’s mind. “Not in the mood for dinner, young Malfoy?” The elderly man questioned. His words were soft spoken, but Harry could see the way the man was trying his best to make casual eye contact with Draco and how his brow furrowed when the young Slytherin refused to acknowledge the attempt.

Too bad for Dumbledore, all Clandestines signed the member book which protects against telling anyone about The Secret, through intent or otherwise. So yeah, legilimence won’t work on it, and it won’t even leave a trance to follow to see if something is hidden or not.

Suck it Dumbledore.

Shaking his head, Draco simply continued to stare at the ground, his eyes only moving between his feet and Harry’s hands. The boy’s gaze was tightly grasped onto Harry’s hands in particular when the brunette went to put on his glasses, making brief eye contact with his friend and smiling before the blond looked back to the ground. All of the worry that collected in Draco’s eyes easily made it’s was into Harry’s mind and made wary, but he kept those emotion down as best he could while he put on a calm expression to face his current headmaster.

“Sorry Professor, but I also would like to go to dinner. I think that Draco was waiting for me, as I might not be up to full health and need his help.” Harry explained, looking at Dumbledore’s forehead while he explained. The headmaster seemed to try and tilt his head up, but it was of no use. Harry’s occlumency was not yet ready to take Dumbledore on, and he’d be damned if the old man got his grubby hands on any of Harry’s secrets. Even if he couldn’t access The Secret, he could still see how Harry has memories from the future, and the boy didn’t want to know what the idiot headmaster would do with that kind of information.

Harry might just have to take the man down right then and there if he ever got that close to that special hidden secret.

“I would like to have a word with you, Mr. Potter.” The headmaster said, his body turning fully towards Harry with a bit of a sharper tone to his expression. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Draco’s eyes widen then fall, acting as if he’d failed in a mission. Was he trying to get Harry away from Dumbledore? To make sure that he’s never alone in a room with him?

With a slow nod of his head, Harry smiled as he swung his feet and legs towards the side of the bed Draco was on. “If that’s so, we can talk later. The thing I need right now is some food, then I’m going straight to bed.” Going to stand, Harry felt himself wobble, then be caught by Draco who had stood up to lend his arm to his friend while they made their way out of the infirmary, ignoring Dumbledore’s gleaming eyes as he watched the boys go, unwavering in his stare.

As the two exited the infirmary and made their way towards the Great Hall, Harry contemplated what Draco knew. Sure, the kid was smart, he’s been practicing potions with Snape since he was a child, and his father was ever a cunning one, even if slightly manipulated and manipulative. But those kinds of people being around him as he grew could affect his bias towards certain information, and if his bias effected his judgement…

“You should stay away from that man, he’s no good.” Draco mumbled quietly, holding onto Harry’s arm as the brunette used his free hand to pull an extra school robe out of his leather bag, which he had previously summoned with an Accio. “Especially with your amount of knowledge and ability. Seriously Harry, that’s a third year spell you just easily used as a first year. Of all people in the world, he’s the one most likely to use you if he knows about it.” The way Draco’s tone sent a shiver of truth down Harry’s spine did not help his mind stop its spinning cycle of emotions and weird words.

Hesitating, Harry nodded back to Draco. “You… are right. I’m sorry, I won’t be so careless.” Stopping in his tracks, Harry thought about his carelessness as he pulled his school robe over his hospital pajamas in order to hide them.

How could he allow himself to go unconscious? How could he just let Voldemort go? Honestly, was he losing his touch? To not worry as much about the threat at hand and stuff his nose into books to cope? Well, maybe the books were better than constantly hurting himself almost on purpose during Quidditch or while he practiced magic.

Yeah, it’s much better than that kind of self destruction.

Now with his nose held high, Draco smirked as he took Harry’s arm back in his own to continue their walk. “You better not do something like that again, you’re a crucial Clandestine, you know? Who else is going to teach us Parsletongue? Snape? I dare say no to that!” At that moment, the two burst into giggles, arriving in front of the tall, beautifully crafted doors to the Great Hall. Already waiting in front of that door was the aforementioned Professor of potions, Severus Snape, currently tapping his foot against the stone floor and his arms crossed in front of his chest.

“Speak of the devil and he shall appear.” Harry remarked, catching Snape’s attention with the comment. An immediate wave of concern, surprise, and joy came crashing into Harry’s head, all emotions not of his own making but of the older man in front of him. With the slow caring hum of Draco’s voices and now a whole flood of voices from Snape, the young Harry Potter tried to reconsider even attempting The Great Hall at all and instead just crashing in his room.

Alas, he was too late and his headache was already subsiding, so he ultimately decided to not try and test fate further than needed tonight.

Of course, there were still actual spoken words he needed to pay attention to and have totally forgotten to do so.

Whoops,

“Are you listening, Potter?” Snape snapped, now standing in front of Harry, sitting on one knee to directly face the boy. When did he get there?

“Huh?” Was the only response Harry could muster, trying his damned hardest to tune out the voices in his head.

The only reason his legilimence hadn’t worked in his previous childhood was because of the horcrux, so why is it coming in such a large force so soon? He shouldn’t have to deal with this until after graduation! The horcrux is still there god damnit!

“Gee Harry, where’d ya go just now? The stars?” Draco teased, refraining from shaking Harry out of his stupor. Instead, he started a small pulse of squeezing his fingers around Harry’s arm to try his best to ground his friend. Harry had to admit, the action worked wonders to bring him back into reality. Good thinking.

One shake of his head and Harry was intently focusing into Snape’s eyes, trying his best to push some Occulmence and put up barriers. Thinking of his father’s patronus worked, keeping most of the uninvited thoughts out of his head, only barely allowing a few of the quieter, closer voices to hum in the back of his mind.

His head shouldn’t be doing this, but people originally born legilimence tend to have the easiest ways of reading someone’s mind, even without constant eye contact. Heck, Harry’s heard of some who can do it just by one time of eye contact, then continuously read people’s minds even afterwards.

Snape’s eyes widened when Harry created his, understandably weak, Occulmence barriers before the professor stepped back and towards the large doors again. Harry could almost hear the words “interesting” in his head before he quickly shut everything out again.

“Let’s be off, dinner has just begun.” And the three were off into The Great Halls for dinner.

***

The points were tallied for the House Cup, and the lack of trouble Harry and his friends made was shown through Gryffindor’s winning score. This was especially true along with the fact that Snape never really took points away from Gryffindor when Harry was in his class, even if it didn’t stop him from taking them away from other Gryffindor’s in his other classes, it was still a bonus.

So, with the House Cup won by Gryffindor and all of the school testing just finished for the year, the students of Hogwarts were preparing to leave the school and go home for the summer break. Each child and teacher have their things packed up, every person made the halls buzz with excitement while they all awaited their leave.

For Harry, the mood was different. Already, his things were at Snape’s house and Mischief lying in his hands. The Potions Professor had left the boy in his own teacher’s quarters and went off to guide the seventh years to the train. He’d come back to help guide the first years as well, including Harry.

Before Snape had left, he and Harry had a long conversation about the future. About where the boy would go, do, and anything about his arrangements.

“You will keep the room you previously stayed in, along with your own belongings and clothes to stay in there as well. I will also be home with you for most of the time. If I am to leave, either Professor Mcgonogall will come by to watch you, or you will stay by yourself when you get a bit older or more mature. Quidditch is allowed when I am present to supervise, and I have one, very important rule for this summer.” With a pause, Snape let out a long sigh as he leaned back in his chair. He took a long sip of his tea before he continued. “You are not allowed to study all day. Only three at most, and never on weekends. There are no exceptions.”

At this, Harry stood in a rush, his small face with sharp features already poking through his child chub, clearly looking betrayed. “But why?! There’s nothing wrong with studying in the summer!”

“That may be so, but I know for a fact that you have already completed your second and third year books, as well as your attempts and successes in using that level of magic. Harry, there is no need for you to study any further into the summer than to simply finish your homework to get it out of the way, then do things that normal children your age do. You can have your friends visit, or you could visit them yourself. I’m sure Draco would love to see you and play Quidditch, as well as the Weasley family children. I am also sure that your little meetings in the winter was about The Secret, so you all would probably also like to continue those as well.”

This calmed Harry down a bit, making him sit back down on the couch with a huff. While his whole body continued to relax into the sofa, Snape continued explaining.

“Also, we’ll have to start preparing for a new house mate soon.” This caught Harry’s attention faster than anything else. He didn’t find words to express his surprise though as Snape continued on talking quickly. “Your cousin, young Dudley Dursley, has been chosen to become a student at Hogwarts in this upcoming year.”

The look of pure and utter shock that was smacked onto Harry’s face made Snape smile, just slightly. “That being said, I’m sure that his parents will not be happy about the situation.” At this point, Harry’s emotions drained out of his face while he leaned back into his seat. This would be a mess he’d be forced to deal with. Great.

But, at least he’d have Harry as a support system, and maybe… maybe Dudley could support Harry as well… maybe. Anyways, they still didn’t know about everything. All the variables that the Dursley’s could apply to the situation. Damn.

“Sooooooo, what? We pick Dudley up when he gets his acceptance letter? It’s not like he can just ignore it.” Harry shut his mouth, his face displaying confusion. “What would happen if he just said no? Or if his parents said no?”

The question got a scowl out of Snape before he stood, collecting g his things and whisking away his dishes with his wand. “If a wizard or witch was to suppress their magical power and refuse to use them, then their magic would collapse in on itself, destroying the person in their entirety.” Harry nodded, a hard frown stuck on his face.

Snape continued, looking nervous as he wrung his hands, an eyebrow twitching as well. The professor must not want to upset Harry, then. “That being said, your cousin will likely want to go to Hogwarts, and, he will be excited.” Was the reassurance for Harry or the professor? With another sigh, Snape made his way to exit the room, seeming very uncomfortable with the even thought of a witch or wizard refusing to use their magic. Looking back from the door, Snape relaxed as he found Harry simply sipping on his hot chocolate, unfazed by the news. “Have a good ride on the train. I will meet you at the station to take you home.”

For some reason, those words made Harry’s heart swell heavily, his smile just as wide.

***

The room on the train was crowded, to say the least.

Harry was sat in the middle of the seating, sitting on Draco’s, Ron’s, and Hermione’s luggage cases all stacked up to allow him to be the same height as the rest of his friends around him. In the seats to his left sat Draco, Pansy, Fred, and George, the twins being closest to the door and farthest from Harry. On his right sat Ron, Hermione, Percy, and Blaise in a similar order.

Neither Blaise or Pansy had been involved in The Secret just yet, but that was because of their own personal opinions, not because the group didn’t want them included. The only reason the two were not yet involved in the group was because they refused to learn the cleaning spells that were required to learn before they were to be told. Of course, they weren’t just being stuck up about it and saying that it was beneath them, but they had their reasons.

“Of course, I’ll have to clean my own secret rooms one day. I can’t having anyone but myself knowing about it. But I must continue to focus on my school studies before then. Maybe you can tell me of the book you learned those spells from and I will learn over the summer.” Was Blaise’s response when Draco tried to convince him. Instead, it convinced Draco to not pressure his friend and instead, he bought Blaise the book and gave it to him as soon as possible. The boy was currently going through it on the train while the others talked, wording out the spells but not casting them.

Pansy’s response was less rational as Blaise’s, but equally alright in the Clandestine’s eyes.

“Okay, but if you want me to learn these advanced spells then I’ll just come over during summer to have you teach me. Oh, and we should all go over to Harry’s too, I miss the Quidditch field Snape has.” She was currently in an intriguing discussion with Ron about Quidditch in the train car as well.

Looking around at all of his friends who were talking about anything and everything with one another, cutting in each others conversations, and overall smiling and laughing like nobody’s business, gave way to more comfortable squeezes on Harry’s little heart. He relished in the atmosphere, joining everybody in their conversations, and starting a game of Exploding Snap that had the twins playing subtle tricks and pranks on everyone who happened to try and play them. It just made everyone laugh and try harder to beat them at the game.

After a few rounds of the game, which had Ron running in a competitive streak and winning almost every round, the game finally ended when Mischief jumped out of Harry’s arms and onto the cards, setting off snaps while he simply stood over them, not scared at all.

“Well, at least he’s not a scaredy cat!” Ron exclaimed, making an uproar of laughter explode in the room.

***

Not much happened on their way home, a few more games of Exploding Snap and a game of chess here, then a snack break when the trolly swung by. Truly, the ride was simple and happy for everyone inside. But soon enough, the train got near the station, it started slowing down, and finally, the fun had to end as it stopped.

“Well, I’ll make sure to send an owl everyone’s way, and we’ll certainly make plans to meet up during the summer!” Hermione sounded cheerful in her words, but there was evident worry in the way she held her eyes. So, taking the initiative, Harry swung an arm around her shoulders, Ron doing the same.

“Course Hermione! And…” Harry started to whisper, pulling the two friends into a huddle. “We can plan some stuff for the Clandestines as well, while we’re at it.” The two others nodded, then both boys broke off from Hermione after a little squeeze of encouragement.

“Alright! Let’s get on going home!” Ron exclaims, marching his way out of the train car with everyone else following. That is, except Percy staying back, holding onto Harry’s shoulder to hold him back too.

When Harry turned to face Percy, the boy had a peculiar look in his eyes. There was so much hesitance that even the thoughts that Harry heard from Percy were full of stuttering and worry.

“Percy? What is it?” Harry prompted, nudging the guy in the side and getting a flinch out of him.

“Ah! Yes, right! I was going to ask… will you continue living with Professor Snape? I mean, over the summer break as well.” Oh, this must be Mrs. Weasley’s worries. Percy must be mailing her about the situation. The boy was more like his mother than he truly knew.

Giving a warm smile, Harry picked Mischief up and into his hands with ease. “Professor Snape is my temporary guardian, but I’m not waiting for anyone else to fill in. Maybe that other guy, my godfather, but I now know that no one really gets out of Azkaban, even without good reason. And the people I was with before are much, much worse than Snape could ever be.” This got a scowl from Percy, but Harry continued. “I will continue to make my wants clear to everyone who questions me, and I want to stay with him. Professor Snape is my best option now, and I’ve already weighed most of them. Besides, he’s basically my forever guardian now, and I don’t want anyone else.” At that, Harry started his way out of the train, walking fast to catch up with the rest, Percy right on his heels trying to continue the conversation.

“Wait! What about the people before! Who were they? What did they do?” The urgency in Percy’s voice only made Harry walk faster, not wanting to relive those memories for a third time.

“Percy, I’ll tell you about it next year. For now, I want to go home and sleep.” Almost running off of the train, Harry’s eyes searched desperately through the crowd. If Snape was there, he would intimidate Percy out of this conversation. Even with his help in The Secret, he was still scary to most of the Clandestines, and could easily just get Harry out of this grueling situation.

Instead of first seeing Snape though, Harry met eyes with one cheerful Mrs. Weasley. She was decked out in old raggedy muggle clothes, the colors clashing and throwing themselves about her. Immediately as eye contact with her was made, Harry tried to continue looking around, away from her, but to no avail. Even her thoughts were rushing into his head now, begging him to come over and talk to her.

“Harry! How lovely to see you again my boy.” Mrs. Weasley came rushing over to Harry, holding her arms out for a hug. Harry allowed it, but put minimum effort back into the lady. He could hear her thoughts as though she were speaking them out loud to him since he made eye contact, and he wasn’t pleased one bit.

Her head was spinning with: “So this is the boy Dumbledore wants me to keep an eye on? My, he’s quite small” and “well, if I take care of him for some time in the summer to check in, I’m sure he’d be a pleasure.” None of the thoughts were abnormal at all, since Harry long ago realized that Dumbledore ordered a lot of the adults in Harry’s life to take care of him, or more like, keep an eye on him.

It’s one of the biggest reasons that Harry distanced himself from everyone, effectively giving up his Wizengamot position because of his dedication in avoiding them.

The only one who truly stuck to actually caring about him so quickly this time was Snape, and Harry was pretty sure that Dumbledore was upset with the professor for taking Harry in and was giving the professor some trouble because of it. That’s the most likely reason that Snape was so busy lately, because of that old, bloody idiot of a headmaster.

Trying for his best smile, Harry nodded and pat Mrs. Weasley’s back gently. When she pulled away, Harry was already turning to look for Snape, getting worried each second Mrs. Weasley kept him here from his guardian. “Yes, good to see you too.” The lack of attention seemed to bother Mrs. Weasley, but not so much annoyed as more worried than anything.

“Are you looking for your guardian, Harry? I’m sure Dumbledore is around-.” Mrs. Weasley tried to say, but was swiftly cut off with a polite shake of the head from Harry.

“No, Professor Dumbledore isn’t my guardian. Professor Snape is.” With this new information, Mrs. Weasley’s face went wide with shock and worry. She turned to see Percy panting as he made his way to his mother, also looking worried.

“P-Professor Snape? The potions teacher?! The head of Slytherin?!” The face of Mrs. Weasley could almost be compared to the color of her barely off white headband, and contrasted even more heavily with her hair. “But what about the family you were staying with before? Your uncle and aunt?” At that, Harry’s face shot straight to Ron, who looked surprised at his mother, then held his hands up at Harry when they met eyes in surrender.

“Who did she learn that from?” Ron’s mind raced with, and Harry knew that he was not the culprit. Of course he wasn’t, he was still the only one who truly understood the things that went down in that house on Privet Drive. Still, Harry’s eyes caught each and every Weasley there, including Mr. Weasley, who smiled at Harry before his own face turned surprised. Of course the man would have Occulmency, so Harry only lightly touched his eyes before he tried to read everyone else’s minds, ignoring Mr. Weasley’s confused face.

Neither of the twins were the culprits, they were also surprised and slightly upset with their mom for the mention of Harry’s blood family. Percy was still immensely confused but calmed down when Harry told him he’d tell him over letter later. Mr. Weasley seemed also confused, but Harry refused to out himself and his abilities when he’s so close to his new goals. Ginny was just happy to be there, looking around at everyone and laughing at something the twins said.

And Mrs. Weasley… she has a compulsion spell tied up in her head. Harry would have to tell Bill to check for that later, maybe “coincidentally” run into him while in Gringotts.

“Umm…” Harry didn’t want to talk about them, but he also didn’t want to upset Mrs. Weasley. So, he chose the easiest answer he could. “Well, my muggle family doesn’t really do the whole magic thing, so they let me stay with Snape till I’m all done with schooling.” Ron, Fred, and George hid a laugh by coughing, but their minds were going crazy. They all knew the real story, and from all the lies Harry’s had to come up with, they can’t help but laugh as they remember all of the old ones.

Also, Harry purposefully changes the story on why he doesn’t live with his actually living family all of the time, so it’s more just been a game of who can tell the most convincing lie, and most of them are hilarious.

Her shoulders dropping, Mrs. Weasley seemed to melt a bit at the answer. “Oh, alright then dear.” With a quick straighten of posture and a smile slapped on her face, Mrs. Weasley piped right up and started looking around the station. “Well then, where is that Professor Snape of yours?”

“I am right here, Mrs. Weasley.” Snape said in a cold tone, walking calmly over to Harry’s side. Making eye contact with his Professor, the man didn’t even try to hold up any barrier to Harry’s blatant attempt at reading his mind.

Of course, Harry wants Snape to be the first to know about Harry’s very strong Legilimence ability, and the man doesn’t disappoint when he pries back at Harry, testing each other’s waters before Snape let his mind speak.

“Keep that to yourself, don’t let anyone know.”

“Did you know?”

“I had suspicions, now I know.”

Harry sighed, then turned back to the Weasley’s. Quickly, he said his goodbyes to everyone. The twins got to completely hide Harry with a hug, and the rest of the kids joined in, even Ginny and a begrudging Percy as well. Soon after that, everyone went their separate ways. The Weasley’s probably to their bewitched muggle car, and Harry with Snape to teleport home.

Good, this summer would be full of fun, and plans.