Title: Transitus Aetas Chp. 4
Author: batling
Pairing: Remus/Harry
Summary: Harry time travels back to the time his father was a student. Forced to remain at Hogwarts for a while, Harry pretends to be just another student. He needs some information, but he has a hard time finding anyone to trust: Sirius is too rash, James is a worse prick than Draco Malfoy, and Peter might be harboring treacherous thoughts already...so who to trust?
Rated: Um...PG13, for now?
Author's Note: Yay! I got this finished much quicker than the other three chapters although, unfortunately, I think it's sort of shorter ;__; It's not beta'd, so you'll have to forgive me (or beat me with a stick, I don't mind). I got to ginuea pig this one off on JephiMykes, Sita Seraph and Orenji Kankiku(Sally!). I have to pawn it off on someone to read, or I'd never get it out from self-consciousness and thinking it wasn't good enough! Ack! Think about how horrible that would be!
Anyway, I'll try to have the next chapter out soon, enjoy this one, everybody! James Potter and the rest of the Marauders (excluding Remus since he's already there) finally make the scene!
Disclaimer: I don't own or make any profit from Harry Potter.
WARNING: THIS FIC WILL CONTAIN OR IMPLY SLASH, MALE/MALE RELATIONSHIPS, SPECIFICALLY HARRY/REMUS. IF YOU DON'T LIKE THAT, GO READ SOMETHING ELSE.
Chapter 4:
Two days later Harry was the first person to arrive at the Slytherin table for breakfast. Most students had returned to the school late last night or blindingly early this morning, and today classes resumed. Not many people were yet in the Great Hall for their first meal of the day, and that was quite the way Harry preferred it.
He had enough to think about that he was probably going to have troubles digesting without the noise of the houses gathered for a meal, he didn't want to think about the what would happen if the room were as crowded as it usually was. As it was, Professor Daawk's sole presence at the Head table was enough to make him very uneased.
Harry contemplated his first class, Potions, and the fact that he shared the class with Gryffindors, while he slowly sipped his coffee --one of the few things currently out on the tables.
He hadn't seen Remus since the library two nights ago, and he was looking forward to a chance to see one of the only things familiar to him here. Then also there was the fact that, with Gryffindors in the class, that he would also possibly see his father, mother, or Sirius. The thought made him tingle with anticipation.
Setting down his coffee cup, he worked a bit on his toast, before it became too dry to swallow and he began nursing the coffee again. His eyes took in every aspect of the room sharply, as it began to slowly fill, noting the differences that it held from his own time. When the room was about half full, Dumbledore entered looking a bit sleepy, but no less cheerful than he always was.
After about fifteen minutes, when the room seemed to be completely packed and Harry was finished attempting to eat, the Heamaster stood, and cleared his throat gaining most of the students' attention. Harry took advantage of the distraction to shoot covert glances towards the Gryffindor table, in hopes of catching a glance of a very familiar headful of mussed black hair.
"Now that you all seem to be here, and I have your attention, I would like to announce--"
Three more students burst into the great hall, quite suddenly. The first, a pudgy boy with a pointed nose, who was somewhat non-distinct and although he led the trio, he faded into the background easily. If anyone paid a bit of attention to him, they would have heard him complain in a somewhat high-pitched voice about not having been woken up on time by Remus, as hardly anyone but Remus did; however, it isn't really important.
The second, walked in much more slowly, with a confidence that was obviously ingrained. He strode towards his table, straightening his tie, though it seemed he had done nothing to straighten his short, touseled black hair. The last, with shoulder-length black hair, looked to be to putting a sock on and attempting to walk at the same time, which resulted in him hopping along oddly on one leg while bent over, a sock on one foot and his two hands tugging on it whilst his shoes dangled from his mouth from their strings.
Harry's breath caught and Dumbledore cleared his throat once more.
"It seems I was mistaken in thinking that you were all here, well, perhaps now you are... Boys, as I was saying," he glanced at the three, Peter flushed violently, while James and Sirius just seemed a mixture of amused and slightly embarassed, and then continuted on, "We have had a student transfer come to Hogwarts. And I hope you will all welcome him kindly. 7th Year, new Slytherin, Harry Granger."
Again, Dumbledore clapped, and most of the students clapped a few times for propriety's sake, the only somewhat willing welcome he recieved being from the Slytherins. And even their applause was miles away from 'warm'. Harry glanced around the room, trying not to stare at James or Sirius, and not to scowl hatefully at Wormtail. An attempt in which he was fast failing, but as he quickly swept his gaze over the room, he noticed that he was getting more than a few interested gazes.
Most from his own house that he didn't really acknowledge, but two that he wondered whether it was a good thing or not that he'd drawn, even though he'd wanted to. Still, he remembered the memory he had seen in Snape's pensieve and knew that at least that half of the Marauders considered Slytherins their worst enemies. Harry wondered if, despite his house, he could become friends with Sirius and James, the father he'd never had, and the father figure he had.
He also noticed that the one gaze he wouldn't have minded so much had he drawn and caught it, the one gaze he actually would have rather liked meeting his own, was studiously ignoring him and focused downwards, on the Gryffindor table.
After another twenty or so minutes, Harry was free to go get his satchel and supplies for class --that had been found in his room this morning, along with an empty journal, and a bit of money from Dumbledore, which he made a note to pay back in the future--, as the meal was officially over. The Great Hall emptied quickly, and Harry held back until the room was close to barren, but for a few stragglers (those who had come in late), not very concerned about being late as his room was on his way to class.
Finally, he stood, and made his way towards the door only to be stopped by a pale, long-fingered hand on his shoulder. Harry paused and turned to look at the person connected to the hand, only to find himself looking Lucius Malfoy in the eye. The one adult that tied Snape for his position as number 2 on his 'loathing list' they were both just under Voldemort, of course. Which was fitting for the snivelling bastards.
Harry lifted the other Slytherin's hand from his shoulder with two fingers, and dropped it as soon as he could without the possibility of the hand touching him again.
"Can I help you?" Harry pushed out the words through his dislike, with the coolest voice he could manage, keeping a disdainful expression on his face and taking vague note of Snape standing just behind Malfoy. He never noticed a certain trio of Gryffindors walking up behind him in the opposite direction from where he and Malfoy stood between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables.
"I simply wanted to welcome you to Hogwarts, Granger, as a fellow Slytherin. I am Lucius Malfoy," Malfoy pulled his hands together when Harry didn't make a move to except the hand he had extended for a handshake. "As well as give you some advice. No one can accuse me of not helping my fellow students, and as the Good Samaritan I am, I thought I would warn you. You have to know the right type of people, if you want to make it here. I hear you've spoken with Remus Lupin, is that true?"
Harry withheld his smirk at Malfoy's words, remembering Draco's words nearly seven years before. The apple really doesn't fall very far from the tree. Of course, Draco had made this proposition at the age of eleven, which really spoke volumes about Lucius' maturity. Considering Malfoy's last sentence, Harry briefly wondered if Malfoy knew that this was a school and not a muggle Movie-Making Industry. With a mental shrug, he decided it really didn't matter, his second choice would be the same as his first.
"So what if I have?"
"Well, Granger, he's really not the person you want to be friends with, if you get my drift. I, on the other hand, am just what you need in a friend at Hogwarts." Lucius extended his hand again.
Really, the similarities were beginning to become creepy, but Harry just raised an eyebrow and glanced at the hand before glancing back at Lucius, his own hands folded behind his back firmly.
"I can choose my own friends, thanks."
With another disdainful look at Malfoy's hand, Harry turned and upon noticing the three Marauders that were standing there, gave a slight nod at Remus, before walking away. He wished he'd been able to acknowledge Sirius and James as well, but as he didn't 'know' them, he couldn't. He couldn't help the smile that crossed his face, though, at the comment he overheard coming from Sirius.
"...brilliant! No one's ever spoken to Malfoy like that before!"
The Boy-Who-Lived wondered if Lucius was still standing there in shock at having been turned down, or whether the blonde was advancing on Sirius angrily for verbally applauding Harry. Well, Lucius wasn't really his problem at the moment, especially not if Sirius stuck his foot in his mouth.
Having wasted more minutes than he would have liked with Malfoy, Harry didn't stop at his room for longer than it took for him to 'Accio' his possesions to him, before hurrying on to class. He was sure that if he were late to any of Daawk's classes, he would regret it for a very, very long time. Seeing as Harry had more than enough regrets in his life, he thought it wise not to arrive late today or on any other day.
Harry arrived a few minutes early, and surreptitiously glanced around the room. It seemed that the entire room was partnered. It was also nearly filled, although there were a few empty spots here and there about the room, signaling students that hadn't yet arrived for class. Cautiously he headed toward the Professor's desk, and stood quietly for a few moments while waiting for Daawk to notice him.
"Yes, Granger?"
Harry startled and cleared his throat, speaking softly, "Am I supposed to have an assigned seat or partner, sir? I wouldn't want to impose on anyone..."
Daawk finally removed his eyes from the parchments in front of him and glared up at Harry.
"Partners were assigned at the beginning of the year, as well as seats. However, luckily for you, there is one person who is without a partner, and as such a free seat as well."
Harry flushed, although he wasn't really sure whether the cause was relief or chastisement and nodded.
"Who and where, sir?"
Daawk, who had returned to his grading, lifted his eyes to Harry again.
"Pettigrew. Over there." The Potions professor made a vague towards the right hand corner of the room returning his attention to his own work.
Harry slowly turned and glanced in the general direction of Daawk's gesture, and held in the curse that bubbled up in him. Wormtail. Vaguely he wondered how the dirtly little rodent had made it into a N.E.W.T.s potions class. Not that Harry had room to talk, he definately didn't belong in this room for lessons, but he was certain to be better at Potions than Pettigrew. With the things he had heard about the rat from his godfather before he had died, even Neville would probably excel at potions compared to Peter.
He slowly walked over to where the cowardly Gryffindor was waiting and sat in the free seat beside him, after moving it as closely to the wall as possible. The traitor looked at him.
"Hi, uh...I'm Peter..."
Harry snarled at him, and the other boy's eyes widened, his voice fading away into nothing.
"Don't talk to me, Peter," Harry sneered, his voice low, "because I'm not your bloody friend. We'll work on the assignments together and nothing more, so bugger off."
Peter nodded and quickly turned his eyes towards his text in fright. Harry felt his contempt for the person he'd thought of as 'the rat' since third year, grow. How pathetic was he, not even standing up for himself? It was no wonder he turned to Voldemort, what with weakness leaking from his every pore, he was likely easy prey for the Dark Lord. With one last scowl towards Pettigrew, he turned his attention towards the lesson which was divinely free of brewing anything.
Unfortunately, being free of everything but practical studying, the lesson also ended ten or so minutes earlier than it normally did. Generally, this would make Harry ecstatic, but when the end of class actually came he was wishing it hadn't.
As Harry had spent most of the period in what seemed to the other students to be completely inexplicable rage, he hadn't taken much stock of his surroundings. He hadn't noticed the two people sitting in front of him, nor the two sitting behind. He hadn't seen the four people whom had witnessed and heard his outburst at Pettigrew.
Remus, had been somewhat stunned when he heard Harry speak in such a way. Granted, he'd only known the boy for only a few days longer than his friends and no mistake about it he was odd --the fact that he was near identical to James, for instance--, but he'd only witnessed Harry being polite, with only a touch of coolness to show he was displeased with something, or happy in a way that very much reminded him of Sirius and James. Sirius, being his partner, had told him about the spat in the Great Hall, so seeing this --what seemed to be seething hatred-- from Harry surprised him.
Sirius, on the other hand was a little disappointed, after witnessing the spectacle between Lucius (who was also in the potions class) and Harry only a scant hour before, he had almost been ready to believe that all Slytherins weren't completely bad. However, Harry's behavior towards Peter had him doubting himself a tiny bit. Although, not very much, because when he thought back to first year, he could remember the instant dislike he'd taken to Pettigrew, even though after a few months he had accepted the shy pudgy boy. It was pretty cool that James and Harry looked so alike. If he didn't turn out to be a complete prat the pranks they could play with that particular fact were unnumberable.
Lily, who hadn't had any interaction so far with the new boy didn't really know what to think. It was strange how closely resembled James and she guessed that Harry had perhaps made friends with a few other Slytherins and became aware of the inter-house rivalry. And so had decided to act out on that at poor Peter. She wasn't sure, however, and had merely frowned disapprovingly on the entire situation while reserving her judgement for another day.
James, however, was an entirely different story from his friends. From his first glimpse of the new Slytherin in the Great Hall before class, until he had walked into the classroom to see the Slytherin standing in front of Professor Daawk's desk, James had been greatly unnerved. This Slytherin wore his face. This other boy walked, talked, and looked like him. A strange, cold feeling had formed in the pit of his stomach and settled there, feeling very much like a foreboding. Since in James' experience, forebodings were not something to be glad about, James had felt wary with the new boy sitting directly behind him, and right beside one of his friends.
With Harry's first words to Peter, the wariness had deepened into innate dislike, and by the end of the lesson James had worked that into absolute loathing. And he was going to let the Granger boy know exactly how he felt.
As soon as they were dismissed James followed Harry from the room, waiting until they were safely away from the classroom, before shoving him against the shoulder with an open palm, making the Slytherin stumble a bit.
When Harry righted himself, he turned around slowly, dreading to see he had pushed him. He found himself staring into hazel eyes that were set in a face near identical to his own. He raised an eyebrow, forcing himself to ignore the not that was newly formed in his stomach.
"You think just because you're a bloody Slytherin that gives you the right to walk all over anyone? What'd Peter ever do to you?" James gave his shoulder another shove.
Harry looked past James at Pettigrew, eyes sparking in hatred. "Peter did nothing to me, however, your friend is weak --hearted and minded-- and I don't associate with weak people. They care for none but themselves and they're betrayers as well as liars." He watched as Peter's eyes grew wider with each word before turning his gaze back to James. "Gryffindor or not, mark my words, he'll betray you. He's nothing more than a rat."
James stiffened at the last words to pass from Harry's mouth, the look in his green eyes all too knowing, and James attempted, for a few moments, to stare the other boy down. Three other pairs of eyes were staring also. Two of them were scrutinizing little Peter Pettigrew thoughtfully, who reddened under their gazes, while the third was watching the stare down between James and Harry intently.
Remus noted the minute things that showed up in Harry's posture and attitude, differing from James, but resembling someone just as familiar although he couldn't remember who. Sirius and Lily were watching Peter carefully, remembering again how at first they had not trusted this shy boy.
"And you just know so much about Peter and the rest of us, do you?"James broke the stare first, glaring hatefully at the Slytherin.
"I know more than you would think, James Potter." Harry spat out, fairly uncaring if he let out that he was from the future.
James eyes widened. "And just what do you mean by that?" the Gryffindor straightened up defensively.
"Exactly what I said. I don't make a habit of saying things I don't mean." Harry scowled, shook his head, then turned, and walked away heading towards Dumbledore's office.
James, having been there many times before, and thoroughly unnerved by the new boy's emerald gaze called out after Harry. Expecting all types of treachery from the Slytherin, he figured it best to warn Granger that he would not back down, no matter what.
"You can go running to the headmaster, but it will only make matters worse for you, Granger!"
Harry's hands tightened into fists, but he continuted on his path to Dumbledore, figuring if nothing else he would perhaps be able to get a slip from the head master about missing his next lesson --Transfiguration-- as well as having someone to confide him, as he was the only person in all of Hogwarts who knew exactly who he was and where he was from.
Of course, he would probably be chastised for saying some of the things he had. If anyone really thought about it, it would be simple to figure out just where he was from. Reaching Dumbledore's office, he realized that he didn't know the password and simply stood there, staring at the griffin statue.
After a few moments, he shook off his reverie, and the sadness of not being able to get to know his father as he hoped threatened to consume him, but it couldn't be helped. Harry slowly moved on and headed towards the Transfiguration classroom.
----
For four long weeks, Harry had attended lessons with Hogwarts Class of 1978. He had managed to for the most part avoid Lucius, James and Pettigrew like the plague, other than during potions of course, and had made tentative friends with Lily, Sirius, and Remus. Likewise, he had managed to make every class, meal, and curfew on time.
Until tonight, that is. Now he was wandering around the dungeons far after curfew, trying to find his way back to his room. He'd been called into Daawk's class for a lecture on his abysmal potions grades and when he'd heading back to his room he'd made a wrong turn somewhere. And now he would swear that he was being followed, footsteps sounding behind him every so often.
Harry heard the footfalls behind him again, louder this time, and quickened his pace. Only to have, much to his dismay, whoever he was now sure was behind him do the same. Finally, after an unnumbered amount of steps, Harry spun to face his shadow.
"What to you bloody well want?!" He all but shouted, his caution forgotten in his agitation at being followed.
"Tsk, tsk Harry. No need to get testy. I was simply wondering why you were wandering the dungeons this late at night, seeing as you have your own quarters and all. Lumos."
A light appeared at the end of his stalker's wand and a shadow detached itself from the wall to reveal Severus Snape, the bane of Harry's Hogwarts existence, past and future, it seemed. Still, Harry relaxed, glad that it wasn't someone who wanted to do him serious damage like Lucius Malfoy or, worse yet, James who had become Harry's Draco Malfoy of this time.
"Snape." The name fell from is mouth bitterly but nothing else passed from his lips as Snape's cold, black gaze regarded him.
"You confuse me, you know. Any of your Gryffindor bosom buddies would use the nome de plume that James Potter so kindly," Snape spat the last word, "bestowed upon me." The Slytherin paused as if collecting his thoughts. "But you use nothing more than my last name; although, with a malice that I'm certain I did nothing to deserve. Why is that I wonder?" He mused quietly. "Why is that, indeed? You look very much like James, you know. Close enough to be related in some way, except for your eyes. It's a wonder that you don't act exactly like him."
"I am nothing, nothing like James Potter," Harry spat furiously, near enraged that Snape would suggest such a thing. After having had a few weeks to get used to this time, and having seen first hand how large of a prat his father actually was, he'd gotten over the initial sadness, hurt and confusion --even though he'd been half expecting the discrimination from James-- and had accepted the fact that he really was nothing like his dearly departed parent.
He'd come to see that James really was nothing more than a teenage delinquent in his time, although hopefully he'd outgrown it when he'd gotten older and had married Harry's mum. When he'd had a child, and had been a father, as short a time as that was. Thinking about it, though, Harry wasn't so sure. His parents had been married only a few months out of Hogwarts and had, had him only a few years or so later. There really wasn't enough time for James to grow up, in Harry's mind. Graduation was only a few months away and then another three years, and how long was that, really?
"If you're nothing like him, then, you must have a reason for hating me. James certainly doesn't. So let's hear it. Why do you hate me, hmm?"
Harry started at the question. He did, in fact, have a reason for hating Snape. But he couldn't exactly tell the Slytherin what that reason was. That would go over very well, saying, 'In the future, you're my potions teacher and you've made my life miserable with your vile demeanor for nearly seven years.' The whole school would hear about it and think he'd gone nutters.
"Well, er...you see, I don't actually have a reason. You just... remind me of someone and-- it was wrong of me to take it out on you. I'm sorry."
Snape stared at Harry in the dim light as if he'd suddenly grown a second head.
"Wha- What did you say?" the future Potions master stuttered --yes, stuttered-- out.
Harry scowled and crossed his arms, somewhat defensive and not very prone to repeating apologies, especially not ones given to the greasy git. "What? I apologized. Haven't you ever had someone apologize to you before?"
Solemnly, Snape shook his head.
Harry blinked. He hadn't been expecting that.
"Oh."
~*sparkle*~ Post Author's Note: This is the question answering corner! ^__^
To Arafel2: Hope you're happy with the level of Snape tolerable-ness. Don't ask me to make Pettigrew tolerable though. We have to have *someone* for Harry to hate. ^-^
To Orenji Kaniku (a.k.a Sally): *runs away at the mention of hardcore anything -- is a powderpuff*
To Quila: d00d. Of *course* there's going to be angst! Angst is the food of the soul. And if I do say so myself, there was quite a bit in this chapter ^-^
To Emma Lupin: I wasn't really planning on a certain persuer, it so happened that Harry started with the persuing, so it will probably continue that way. However, if I do any of the *blush* hardcore sex that Sally wants, Remus will probably top. But I think it's possible for a dominant bottom, really. And, nope. Definately no girly Lupin.
Also thanks to the rest of you ~ Arigazi, Doneril, gaul1, Jen, Kage Miko, Sita Seraph (I can't believe you reviewed! *swoon*), the person who left no name only a blank space (I didn't know it was possible to leave the name space blank), April, and Krylancelo ~ for all your wonderful reviews!!
Author: batling
Pairing: Remus/Harry
Summary: Harry time travels back to the time his father was a student. Forced to remain at Hogwarts for a while, Harry pretends to be just another student. He needs some information, but he has a hard time finding anyone to trust: Sirius is too rash, James is a worse prick than Draco Malfoy, and Peter might be harboring treacherous thoughts already...so who to trust?
Rated: Um...PG13, for now?
Author's Note: Yay! I got this finished much quicker than the other three chapters although, unfortunately, I think it's sort of shorter ;__; It's not beta'd, so you'll have to forgive me (or beat me with a stick, I don't mind). I got to ginuea pig this one off on JephiMykes, Sita Seraph and Orenji Kankiku(Sally!). I have to pawn it off on someone to read, or I'd never get it out from self-consciousness and thinking it wasn't good enough! Ack! Think about how horrible that would be!
Anyway, I'll try to have the next chapter out soon, enjoy this one, everybody! James Potter and the rest of the Marauders (excluding Remus since he's already there) finally make the scene!
Disclaimer: I don't own or make any profit from Harry Potter.
WARNING: THIS FIC WILL CONTAIN OR IMPLY SLASH, MALE/MALE RELATIONSHIPS, SPECIFICALLY HARRY/REMUS. IF YOU DON'T LIKE THAT, GO READ SOMETHING ELSE.
Chapter 4:
Two days later Harry was the first person to arrive at the Slytherin table for breakfast. Most students had returned to the school late last night or blindingly early this morning, and today classes resumed. Not many people were yet in the Great Hall for their first meal of the day, and that was quite the way Harry preferred it.
He had enough to think about that he was probably going to have troubles digesting without the noise of the houses gathered for a meal, he didn't want to think about the what would happen if the room were as crowded as it usually was. As it was, Professor Daawk's sole presence at the Head table was enough to make him very uneased.
Harry contemplated his first class, Potions, and the fact that he shared the class with Gryffindors, while he slowly sipped his coffee --one of the few things currently out on the tables.
He hadn't seen Remus since the library two nights ago, and he was looking forward to a chance to see one of the only things familiar to him here. Then also there was the fact that, with Gryffindors in the class, that he would also possibly see his father, mother, or Sirius. The thought made him tingle with anticipation.
Setting down his coffee cup, he worked a bit on his toast, before it became too dry to swallow and he began nursing the coffee again. His eyes took in every aspect of the room sharply, as it began to slowly fill, noting the differences that it held from his own time. When the room was about half full, Dumbledore entered looking a bit sleepy, but no less cheerful than he always was.
After about fifteen minutes, when the room seemed to be completely packed and Harry was finished attempting to eat, the Heamaster stood, and cleared his throat gaining most of the students' attention. Harry took advantage of the distraction to shoot covert glances towards the Gryffindor table, in hopes of catching a glance of a very familiar headful of mussed black hair.
"Now that you all seem to be here, and I have your attention, I would like to announce--"
Three more students burst into the great hall, quite suddenly. The first, a pudgy boy with a pointed nose, who was somewhat non-distinct and although he led the trio, he faded into the background easily. If anyone paid a bit of attention to him, they would have heard him complain in a somewhat high-pitched voice about not having been woken up on time by Remus, as hardly anyone but Remus did; however, it isn't really important.
The second, walked in much more slowly, with a confidence that was obviously ingrained. He strode towards his table, straightening his tie, though it seemed he had done nothing to straighten his short, touseled black hair. The last, with shoulder-length black hair, looked to be to putting a sock on and attempting to walk at the same time, which resulted in him hopping along oddly on one leg while bent over, a sock on one foot and his two hands tugging on it whilst his shoes dangled from his mouth from their strings.
Harry's breath caught and Dumbledore cleared his throat once more.
"It seems I was mistaken in thinking that you were all here, well, perhaps now you are... Boys, as I was saying," he glanced at the three, Peter flushed violently, while James and Sirius just seemed a mixture of amused and slightly embarassed, and then continuted on, "We have had a student transfer come to Hogwarts. And I hope you will all welcome him kindly. 7th Year, new Slytherin, Harry Granger."
Again, Dumbledore clapped, and most of the students clapped a few times for propriety's sake, the only somewhat willing welcome he recieved being from the Slytherins. And even their applause was miles away from 'warm'. Harry glanced around the room, trying not to stare at James or Sirius, and not to scowl hatefully at Wormtail. An attempt in which he was fast failing, but as he quickly swept his gaze over the room, he noticed that he was getting more than a few interested gazes.
Most from his own house that he didn't really acknowledge, but two that he wondered whether it was a good thing or not that he'd drawn, even though he'd wanted to. Still, he remembered the memory he had seen in Snape's pensieve and knew that at least that half of the Marauders considered Slytherins their worst enemies. Harry wondered if, despite his house, he could become friends with Sirius and James, the father he'd never had, and the father figure he had.
He also noticed that the one gaze he wouldn't have minded so much had he drawn and caught it, the one gaze he actually would have rather liked meeting his own, was studiously ignoring him and focused downwards, on the Gryffindor table.
After another twenty or so minutes, Harry was free to go get his satchel and supplies for class --that had been found in his room this morning, along with an empty journal, and a bit of money from Dumbledore, which he made a note to pay back in the future--, as the meal was officially over. The Great Hall emptied quickly, and Harry held back until the room was close to barren, but for a few stragglers (those who had come in late), not very concerned about being late as his room was on his way to class.
Finally, he stood, and made his way towards the door only to be stopped by a pale, long-fingered hand on his shoulder. Harry paused and turned to look at the person connected to the hand, only to find himself looking Lucius Malfoy in the eye. The one adult that tied Snape for his position as number 2 on his 'loathing list' they were both just under Voldemort, of course. Which was fitting for the snivelling bastards.
Harry lifted the other Slytherin's hand from his shoulder with two fingers, and dropped it as soon as he could without the possibility of the hand touching him again.
"Can I help you?" Harry pushed out the words through his dislike, with the coolest voice he could manage, keeping a disdainful expression on his face and taking vague note of Snape standing just behind Malfoy. He never noticed a certain trio of Gryffindors walking up behind him in the opposite direction from where he and Malfoy stood between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables.
"I simply wanted to welcome you to Hogwarts, Granger, as a fellow Slytherin. I am Lucius Malfoy," Malfoy pulled his hands together when Harry didn't make a move to except the hand he had extended for a handshake. "As well as give you some advice. No one can accuse me of not helping my fellow students, and as the Good Samaritan I am, I thought I would warn you. You have to know the right type of people, if you want to make it here. I hear you've spoken with Remus Lupin, is that true?"
Harry withheld his smirk at Malfoy's words, remembering Draco's words nearly seven years before. The apple really doesn't fall very far from the tree. Of course, Draco had made this proposition at the age of eleven, which really spoke volumes about Lucius' maturity. Considering Malfoy's last sentence, Harry briefly wondered if Malfoy knew that this was a school and not a muggle Movie-Making Industry. With a mental shrug, he decided it really didn't matter, his second choice would be the same as his first.
"So what if I have?"
"Well, Granger, he's really not the person you want to be friends with, if you get my drift. I, on the other hand, am just what you need in a friend at Hogwarts." Lucius extended his hand again.
Really, the similarities were beginning to become creepy, but Harry just raised an eyebrow and glanced at the hand before glancing back at Lucius, his own hands folded behind his back firmly.
"I can choose my own friends, thanks."
With another disdainful look at Malfoy's hand, Harry turned and upon noticing the three Marauders that were standing there, gave a slight nod at Remus, before walking away. He wished he'd been able to acknowledge Sirius and James as well, but as he didn't 'know' them, he couldn't. He couldn't help the smile that crossed his face, though, at the comment he overheard coming from Sirius.
"...brilliant! No one's ever spoken to Malfoy like that before!"
The Boy-Who-Lived wondered if Lucius was still standing there in shock at having been turned down, or whether the blonde was advancing on Sirius angrily for verbally applauding Harry. Well, Lucius wasn't really his problem at the moment, especially not if Sirius stuck his foot in his mouth.
Having wasted more minutes than he would have liked with Malfoy, Harry didn't stop at his room for longer than it took for him to 'Accio' his possesions to him, before hurrying on to class. He was sure that if he were late to any of Daawk's classes, he would regret it for a very, very long time. Seeing as Harry had more than enough regrets in his life, he thought it wise not to arrive late today or on any other day.
Harry arrived a few minutes early, and surreptitiously glanced around the room. It seemed that the entire room was partnered. It was also nearly filled, although there were a few empty spots here and there about the room, signaling students that hadn't yet arrived for class. Cautiously he headed toward the Professor's desk, and stood quietly for a few moments while waiting for Daawk to notice him.
"Yes, Granger?"
Harry startled and cleared his throat, speaking softly, "Am I supposed to have an assigned seat or partner, sir? I wouldn't want to impose on anyone..."
Daawk finally removed his eyes from the parchments in front of him and glared up at Harry.
"Partners were assigned at the beginning of the year, as well as seats. However, luckily for you, there is one person who is without a partner, and as such a free seat as well."
Harry flushed, although he wasn't really sure whether the cause was relief or chastisement and nodded.
"Who and where, sir?"
Daawk, who had returned to his grading, lifted his eyes to Harry again.
"Pettigrew. Over there." The Potions professor made a vague towards the right hand corner of the room returning his attention to his own work.
Harry slowly turned and glanced in the general direction of Daawk's gesture, and held in the curse that bubbled up in him. Wormtail. Vaguely he wondered how the dirtly little rodent had made it into a N.E.W.T.s potions class. Not that Harry had room to talk, he definately didn't belong in this room for lessons, but he was certain to be better at Potions than Pettigrew. With the things he had heard about the rat from his godfather before he had died, even Neville would probably excel at potions compared to Peter.
He slowly walked over to where the cowardly Gryffindor was waiting and sat in the free seat beside him, after moving it as closely to the wall as possible. The traitor looked at him.
"Hi, uh...I'm Peter..."
Harry snarled at him, and the other boy's eyes widened, his voice fading away into nothing.
"Don't talk to me, Peter," Harry sneered, his voice low, "because I'm not your bloody friend. We'll work on the assignments together and nothing more, so bugger off."
Peter nodded and quickly turned his eyes towards his text in fright. Harry felt his contempt for the person he'd thought of as 'the rat' since third year, grow. How pathetic was he, not even standing up for himself? It was no wonder he turned to Voldemort, what with weakness leaking from his every pore, he was likely easy prey for the Dark Lord. With one last scowl towards Pettigrew, he turned his attention towards the lesson which was divinely free of brewing anything.
Unfortunately, being free of everything but practical studying, the lesson also ended ten or so minutes earlier than it normally did. Generally, this would make Harry ecstatic, but when the end of class actually came he was wishing it hadn't.
As Harry had spent most of the period in what seemed to the other students to be completely inexplicable rage, he hadn't taken much stock of his surroundings. He hadn't noticed the two people sitting in front of him, nor the two sitting behind. He hadn't seen the four people whom had witnessed and heard his outburst at Pettigrew.
Remus, had been somewhat stunned when he heard Harry speak in such a way. Granted, he'd only known the boy for only a few days longer than his friends and no mistake about it he was odd --the fact that he was near identical to James, for instance--, but he'd only witnessed Harry being polite, with only a touch of coolness to show he was displeased with something, or happy in a way that very much reminded him of Sirius and James. Sirius, being his partner, had told him about the spat in the Great Hall, so seeing this --what seemed to be seething hatred-- from Harry surprised him.
Sirius, on the other hand was a little disappointed, after witnessing the spectacle between Lucius (who was also in the potions class) and Harry only a scant hour before, he had almost been ready to believe that all Slytherins weren't completely bad. However, Harry's behavior towards Peter had him doubting himself a tiny bit. Although, not very much, because when he thought back to first year, he could remember the instant dislike he'd taken to Pettigrew, even though after a few months he had accepted the shy pudgy boy. It was pretty cool that James and Harry looked so alike. If he didn't turn out to be a complete prat the pranks they could play with that particular fact were unnumberable.
Lily, who hadn't had any interaction so far with the new boy didn't really know what to think. It was strange how closely resembled James and she guessed that Harry had perhaps made friends with a few other Slytherins and became aware of the inter-house rivalry. And so had decided to act out on that at poor Peter. She wasn't sure, however, and had merely frowned disapprovingly on the entire situation while reserving her judgement for another day.
James, however, was an entirely different story from his friends. From his first glimpse of the new Slytherin in the Great Hall before class, until he had walked into the classroom to see the Slytherin standing in front of Professor Daawk's desk, James had been greatly unnerved. This Slytherin wore his face. This other boy walked, talked, and looked like him. A strange, cold feeling had formed in the pit of his stomach and settled there, feeling very much like a foreboding. Since in James' experience, forebodings were not something to be glad about, James had felt wary with the new boy sitting directly behind him, and right beside one of his friends.
With Harry's first words to Peter, the wariness had deepened into innate dislike, and by the end of the lesson James had worked that into absolute loathing. And he was going to let the Granger boy know exactly how he felt.
As soon as they were dismissed James followed Harry from the room, waiting until they were safely away from the classroom, before shoving him against the shoulder with an open palm, making the Slytherin stumble a bit.
When Harry righted himself, he turned around slowly, dreading to see he had pushed him. He found himself staring into hazel eyes that were set in a face near identical to his own. He raised an eyebrow, forcing himself to ignore the not that was newly formed in his stomach.
"You think just because you're a bloody Slytherin that gives you the right to walk all over anyone? What'd Peter ever do to you?" James gave his shoulder another shove.
Harry looked past James at Pettigrew, eyes sparking in hatred. "Peter did nothing to me, however, your friend is weak --hearted and minded-- and I don't associate with weak people. They care for none but themselves and they're betrayers as well as liars." He watched as Peter's eyes grew wider with each word before turning his gaze back to James. "Gryffindor or not, mark my words, he'll betray you. He's nothing more than a rat."
James stiffened at the last words to pass from Harry's mouth, the look in his green eyes all too knowing, and James attempted, for a few moments, to stare the other boy down. Three other pairs of eyes were staring also. Two of them were scrutinizing little Peter Pettigrew thoughtfully, who reddened under their gazes, while the third was watching the stare down between James and Harry intently.
Remus noted the minute things that showed up in Harry's posture and attitude, differing from James, but resembling someone just as familiar although he couldn't remember who. Sirius and Lily were watching Peter carefully, remembering again how at first they had not trusted this shy boy.
"And you just know so much about Peter and the rest of us, do you?"James broke the stare first, glaring hatefully at the Slytherin.
"I know more than you would think, James Potter." Harry spat out, fairly uncaring if he let out that he was from the future.
James eyes widened. "And just what do you mean by that?" the Gryffindor straightened up defensively.
"Exactly what I said. I don't make a habit of saying things I don't mean." Harry scowled, shook his head, then turned, and walked away heading towards Dumbledore's office.
James, having been there many times before, and thoroughly unnerved by the new boy's emerald gaze called out after Harry. Expecting all types of treachery from the Slytherin, he figured it best to warn Granger that he would not back down, no matter what.
"You can go running to the headmaster, but it will only make matters worse for you, Granger!"
Harry's hands tightened into fists, but he continuted on his path to Dumbledore, figuring if nothing else he would perhaps be able to get a slip from the head master about missing his next lesson --Transfiguration-- as well as having someone to confide him, as he was the only person in all of Hogwarts who knew exactly who he was and where he was from.
Of course, he would probably be chastised for saying some of the things he had. If anyone really thought about it, it would be simple to figure out just where he was from. Reaching Dumbledore's office, he realized that he didn't know the password and simply stood there, staring at the griffin statue.
After a few moments, he shook off his reverie, and the sadness of not being able to get to know his father as he hoped threatened to consume him, but it couldn't be helped. Harry slowly moved on and headed towards the Transfiguration classroom.
----
For four long weeks, Harry had attended lessons with Hogwarts Class of 1978. He had managed to for the most part avoid Lucius, James and Pettigrew like the plague, other than during potions of course, and had made tentative friends with Lily, Sirius, and Remus. Likewise, he had managed to make every class, meal, and curfew on time.
Until tonight, that is. Now he was wandering around the dungeons far after curfew, trying to find his way back to his room. He'd been called into Daawk's class for a lecture on his abysmal potions grades and when he'd heading back to his room he'd made a wrong turn somewhere. And now he would swear that he was being followed, footsteps sounding behind him every so often.
Harry heard the footfalls behind him again, louder this time, and quickened his pace. Only to have, much to his dismay, whoever he was now sure was behind him do the same. Finally, after an unnumbered amount of steps, Harry spun to face his shadow.
"What to you bloody well want?!" He all but shouted, his caution forgotten in his agitation at being followed.
"Tsk, tsk Harry. No need to get testy. I was simply wondering why you were wandering the dungeons this late at night, seeing as you have your own quarters and all. Lumos."
A light appeared at the end of his stalker's wand and a shadow detached itself from the wall to reveal Severus Snape, the bane of Harry's Hogwarts existence, past and future, it seemed. Still, Harry relaxed, glad that it wasn't someone who wanted to do him serious damage like Lucius Malfoy or, worse yet, James who had become Harry's Draco Malfoy of this time.
"Snape." The name fell from is mouth bitterly but nothing else passed from his lips as Snape's cold, black gaze regarded him.
"You confuse me, you know. Any of your Gryffindor bosom buddies would use the nome de plume that James Potter so kindly," Snape spat the last word, "bestowed upon me." The Slytherin paused as if collecting his thoughts. "But you use nothing more than my last name; although, with a malice that I'm certain I did nothing to deserve. Why is that I wonder?" He mused quietly. "Why is that, indeed? You look very much like James, you know. Close enough to be related in some way, except for your eyes. It's a wonder that you don't act exactly like him."
"I am nothing, nothing like James Potter," Harry spat furiously, near enraged that Snape would suggest such a thing. After having had a few weeks to get used to this time, and having seen first hand how large of a prat his father actually was, he'd gotten over the initial sadness, hurt and confusion --even though he'd been half expecting the discrimination from James-- and had accepted the fact that he really was nothing like his dearly departed parent.
He'd come to see that James really was nothing more than a teenage delinquent in his time, although hopefully he'd outgrown it when he'd gotten older and had married Harry's mum. When he'd had a child, and had been a father, as short a time as that was. Thinking about it, though, Harry wasn't so sure. His parents had been married only a few months out of Hogwarts and had, had him only a few years or so later. There really wasn't enough time for James to grow up, in Harry's mind. Graduation was only a few months away and then another three years, and how long was that, really?
"If you're nothing like him, then, you must have a reason for hating me. James certainly doesn't. So let's hear it. Why do you hate me, hmm?"
Harry started at the question. He did, in fact, have a reason for hating Snape. But he couldn't exactly tell the Slytherin what that reason was. That would go over very well, saying, 'In the future, you're my potions teacher and you've made my life miserable with your vile demeanor for nearly seven years.' The whole school would hear about it and think he'd gone nutters.
"Well, er...you see, I don't actually have a reason. You just... remind me of someone and-- it was wrong of me to take it out on you. I'm sorry."
Snape stared at Harry in the dim light as if he'd suddenly grown a second head.
"Wha- What did you say?" the future Potions master stuttered --yes, stuttered-- out.
Harry scowled and crossed his arms, somewhat defensive and not very prone to repeating apologies, especially not ones given to the greasy git. "What? I apologized. Haven't you ever had someone apologize to you before?"
Solemnly, Snape shook his head.
Harry blinked. He hadn't been expecting that.
"Oh."
~*sparkle*~ Post Author's Note: This is the question answering corner! ^__^
To Arafel2: Hope you're happy with the level of Snape tolerable-ness. Don't ask me to make Pettigrew tolerable though. We have to have *someone* for Harry to hate. ^-^
To Orenji Kaniku (a.k.a Sally): *runs away at the mention of hardcore anything -- is a powderpuff*
To Quila: d00d. Of *course* there's going to be angst! Angst is the food of the soul. And if I do say so myself, there was quite a bit in this chapter ^-^
To Emma Lupin: I wasn't really planning on a certain persuer, it so happened that Harry started with the persuing, so it will probably continue that way. However, if I do any of the *blush* hardcore sex that Sally wants, Remus will probably top. But I think it's possible for a dominant bottom, really. And, nope. Definately no girly Lupin.
Also thanks to the rest of you ~ Arigazi, Doneril, gaul1, Jen, Kage Miko, Sita Seraph (I can't believe you reviewed! *swoon*), the person who left no name only a blank space (I didn't know it was possible to leave the name space blank), April, and Krylancelo ~ for all your wonderful reviews!!