Harry Potter and the slytherin Prince

The next few days found Snape leaving early after breakfast and not returning until late in the evening for dinner, thus leaving Harry at home brewing potions. Snape said it was for all the times he had landed in the hospital wing and used up the supplies and for all the ingredients he stole from Snapes own potion cupboard at school over the last 5 years at Hogwarts. Out of sheer survival Harry was fast learning advanced potions not even on the NEWT exams. The threat of drinking his own concoctions was causing Harry to concentrate harder then he ever had before in Potions. Snape would never praise Harry, but Harry's satisfaction came from seeing Snapes surprised face every time he completed a potion correctly.

On this particular evening Harry was working on an essay Snape had set him on the correct way to brew Skelegrow. He had to write out the correct method and then make comments on why the method was so, and any improvements Harry could think of. This meant Harry was lying on the floor of the library using the light from the lit fire in the huge stone hearth as his light source, with reference books scattered around him. Snapes library was stocked full of every Potion or Dark Arts book anybody could ever want and Harry was fascinated by some of them.

Harry scanned his quill down a likely passage.

'Many wizards think that quick break boil brewing at temperatures of above 125 Celsius is the best method, but to react ingredients together and stop them forming components that could ruin a good potion the best temperature is 134 Celsius as this limits any other components that could form and creates the desired reaction quick, efficiently and purely.'

Harry dipped his quill in some ink and started to write this out. It was the last thing he needed to research before he re-wrote out the method with his improvements and comments before handing the final essay into Snape. Harry guessed he would be making this the following day and wanted to be prepared.

I never thought I'd enjoy doing schoolwork during the holidays, Harry thought, what would Hermione say.

Harry smiles as he imagines Hermione's voice

'Well done Harry. I knew you would understand how important your NEWTs really are.'

Rons reaction would be completely different of course.

'Are you mad mate? Do you need me to take you to see Madam Pomfrey?'

Harry laughed aloud at this almost wishing they were there. A noise of the door opening behind his makes him sit up and reach for his wand cutting off his laugh. He let his wand drop back down to the floor when Snape walks in and sits in one of the chairs in front of the fireplace. He doesn't bother even looking at Harry and throws another log on the fire as though it wasn't warm enough already in the room. Harry noticed as Snape sat down that he was shaking slightly and so Harry knelt up to look more closely at him.

'What's wrong.' He couldn't understand why he cared but he did. Snape had rescued him from the Dursleys, the least he could do was make sure Snape didn't regret doing that.

'Nothing.' Snape sneers at Harry, but Harry can tell he is trying to cover something up.

'Stop lying to me! Or do you want me to fetch the Veristium I know you have in the locked cabinet in the back room?'

'How do you know what's in my locked cupboard?' Snape asks astonished.

'There are long periods of time when potions just need to brew so I took the liberty of reading some of these books.' Harry indicates the walls lined with bookshelves 'Did you know there are 17 different spells to unlock doors and objects?'

'You learnt them all?' Snape seems to be impressed

'Well one of them was bound to work on the cupboard so I just went through the list.'

Snape sits and stares at Harry for a while. Harry looks at Snapes left hand and sees the ever so slight twitch. He stands up and goes over to him.

'What happened?'

'Crucio.'

Harry looks at Snape in shock. He quickly leaves for the door and disappears returning a few minutes later with some tea and chocolate on a tray. He puts it down on a small table beside Snape and pours out a cup and breaks off a piece of chocolate before handing it over.

'I suppose you think if you help me I'll let off and you won't be given any work tomorrow.'

'No.' Says Harry shaking his head 'I know what it's like to have the Crustaceous Curse used on you, and this is what always makes me feel better afterwards.'

Snape tilts his head to one side to study Harry for a moment before taking a sip of his tea and a small bite of the chocolate.

'I despise chocolate.'

'Only because it tastes so good and you hate people enjoying things.' Harry smiles down at Snape. There is a long silence. Snape continues drinking his tea and Harry sensing Snape is feeling slightly better lies back down and finishes his essay. When he has finished he rolls it up and puts it on the table next to Snape before throwing himself into the other chair opposite.

'I finished the essay and the second batch of Burn Plaster will be ready to finish brewing after dinner. It's standing to thicken up.'

Snape nods. His left hand has stopped twitching and he actually looks like some of the colour is coming back to him.

'Why the curse?' Harry asks curiously

'Results not happening fast enough. The Dark Lord has never had much patience. I was the unfortunate one who delivered the news.'

'Do you know in ancient Greece, they used to kill the messenger that brought bad news?' Snape looks at him daring him to continue.

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'That next time, let somebody else deliver it. Preferably Lucius Malfoy or Bellatrix Lestrange'

'You do not like them?' Harry snorts

'I love them.' He replies sarcastically. Snape nods. They sit in silence until the clock strikes the hour.

'Are you up to eating?' Harry asks. Snape shakes his head.

'I will have an early night.' Harry nods. Snape stands up, picking up Harry's essay and heading for the door.

'Goodnight Professor.'

Snape turns back but Harry has already started putting away the books he had been using. Slowly Snape makes his way up to his room lighting the fire inside. He waves his wand over himself turning his clothes into a long nightshirt and carefully gets into bed. He unrolls Harry's essay and lies back to read it. Semut comes in with another tray of tea and some more biscuits. Snape glares at her.

'What is this?'

'Master Potter ordered it Master.' Semut looks frightened. Snape waves a hand dismissively and Semut disappears. He absent mindingly picks up another cup of tea and sips it whilst reading. Putting it down he takes a quill off his nightstand and circles part of the method and then puts a cross next to it.

'Good Lord Potter, why cannot you use this knowledge in my classes.'

Harry assumption was correct, the next day did see him making the Skelegrow from the instructions he'd amended. Snapes crossed out part had had to be corrected first and that only left him 5 hours to finish the potion before Snape returned, when it would take at least 7 hours to successfully brew. It was causing Harry some annoyance. He had worked hard at that essay and Snape hadn't even givem him extra credit for getting it mostly correct.

He would if I had been a Slytherin, just because I'm a Gryffindor and a Potter I get harder marking, Harry thought miserably.

Slowly Harry cuts up all of the ingredients he will need. He had found in the past few days it was much easier to prepare everything first even if it did take slightly longer, but at least he wasn't rushing during the brewing stages.

'Yuck.'

He slowly cut the intestines out of 10 dead flobberworms and puts them in a small wooden bowl next to him. He then carefully stored the bodies in a jar containing a brown liquid as Snape had had him writing an essay 2 days ago about preservation of ingredients. He hadn't been too pleased when he had come home and found Harry had thrown away some remains of the beetles he had been using.

The flame in front of him was just reaching 134, shown by the spell Snape had taught Harry that created a thermometer out of his wand. Harry carefully opened the stopper on a glass vial and poured the contents into the cauldron in the hearth. It immediately hissed and started to bubble, he then added the bat wings and the solution immediately settled down and turned blue.

'No wonder this potion tastes foul. What with bat wings, flobberworm intestines and the bone powder from a dragon.'

Last time I ever drink the stuff, Harry thought.

Time slowly ticked by and finally Harry added the most important ingredient, the bone powder and cried out joyfully as it turned to the clear solution he knew it should be. He turned the heat down slowly 5 degrees at a time like his research had uncovered. This took him 30 minutes longer then it normally would, but it would make sure his potion worked, instead of poisoned him when Snape made him drink it later.

Looking at the clock Harry realised it was 2 hours later then Snape had said he would be home. This confused Harry. He was never late for dinner, which Harry realised he too had missed. Frowning he left the study and went down to the kitchen where Semut turned to him upon entering.

'Do you need something Master Harry?'

'I was wondering Semut if Professor Snape has come back yet?'

'No Mater Harry.' Semut shakes her head her ears shaking. Harry nods and goes back up to the study worried.

I wonder what is holding him up? Was he on a mission for the Order or working for Voldemort? Was he injured? No he couldn't be. He had tricked Voldemort this long, no reason for him to screw it up now and he hadn't mentioned a mission for the Order. He tended to mention about things from the meetings. Harry pushed these uncomfortable thoughts from his mind and poured out his potion into vials and cleaned up quickly never really taking his eyes away from the clock. Once finished he went out into the hallway and sat at the foot of the stairs waiting for Snapes return.

'Pass the potatoes Molly, dear.'

Mrs Weasley picked up the potatoes next to her elbow and passed them over to Mr Weasley who is sitting at the head of one end of the table. Fred and George are sitting together opposite Ron and Ginny and are telling them stories from some of the accidents people had, had whilst in their shop in Diagon Alley causing them all to laugh aloud regularly. Hermione is sitting next to Bill and talking about some of the curses he had encountered in Egypt working for Gringotts.

'Those Egyptian priests sure knew how to make a good curse. I once ended up with all my hair dropping out from entering a tomb with my left foot first.'

Charlie was talking to Moody about plans to go to Diagon Alley for school supplies.

'Doubt the ministry will lend us cars. Bit busy at the moment.'

McGonagall, Dumbledore and Severus were sitting at the other end of the table from Arthur discussing school business. Lupin's head drops onto his empty plate causing him to start and sit up again quickly.

'Long watch Lupin.' Arthur asks gently.

Lupin looks to his left at Arthur and nods. Looking around the table he sees everybody looking at him. He rubs his eyes and yawns.

'Yeah. Not much chance for a rest either.'

'You're working too hard.' Molly says putting a hand over Lupin's.

'I would probably think the main reason for his lack of sleep would be the fact that the full moon is in two days time.' Everybody turns and glares at Snape. Snape calmly picks up his goblet and takes a sip oblivious to everybody's glares.

'He's quite right. I always get nervous around this time.' Lupin puts in.

'You are taking your potion every night?' Dumbledore asks.

'Yes.'

'Well then no need to worry.' Dumbledore speaks with a note of finality in his voice. Everybody turns back to his or her previous conversations.

'We could get Tonks to go with them you know, disguised as Molly. That way they would have an Auror with them all the time.' Charlie says to Moody. This causes Hermione to break from her conversation to Bill and asks

'Where is Tonks. I haven't seen her for a while.'

'She's on a mission for me. It shouldn't be for more then a month.' Dumbledore replies.

'A month! On her own! With no backup! Albus I am surprised at you.' Minerva says.

'She was quite willing to undertake the task. I think she is enjoying herself.' Dumbledore smiles to himself.

'What can she possibly be doing that will take a month?' Ron enquires curiously.

'Oh a little undercover work.' Dumbledore's eyes twinkle in Ron's direction. Hermione frowns.

'Oh before I forget. Mr Weasley, Miss Weasley and Miss Granger I have your school book list now that your options are in.' Dumbledore pulls out three letters from the folds of his clock and passes them down the table where Hermione quickly opens hers, where as Ginny and Ron puts there's down carelessly on the table.

'Do you know what Harry picked, Professor?' Minerva looks at Ron.

'Yes, Mr Weasley. He's doing a few more subjects then you though.' She doesn't look amused. Ron shrugs at her.

'What did you pick Ronald?'

'Defence, Magical Creatures, Charms and Transfiguration. What did you pick Hermy?'

'Potions, Arithmancy, Defence, Herbology, Charms and Transfiguration.'

'Are you mad. That's 6 subjects!' Ron is outraged.

'Mr Potter is doing the same except he's doing Magical Creatures instead of Arithmancy.' McGonagall informs them. Ron's mouth drops open.

'He's mad too then. 6 subjects! And he'll have quidditch as well. How will you fit it all in?'

'Hard work all year.' Hermione informs him. Ron looks disgusted.

'That reminds me Mr Weasley, here.' McGonagall hands over another letter to Ron who puts that one too down on the table.

'I think you will want to open that one.' She sounds amused. Ron picks it back up and opens it. A badge falls onto the table.

'I made Quidditch captain! I made Quidditch captain! I made Quidditch captain!' Rons voice gets louder each time he repeats his chant. There is a round of congratulations. Ron sits back down and turns the badge over in his hand and then frowns.

'Why didn't Harry get it?' McGonagall looks at Dumbledore who answers

'Harry is going to be busy this year. I have a few extra things I want to teach him. Besides you are the one who beat Minerva's giant chessboard in your first year. You are a much better strategist.' Rons ears turn red at the compliment. He pins his badge onto his robes.

'Will Harry be able to meet us in Diagon Alley to purchase his school things with us. We haven't seen him all summer Professor?' Ginny asks.

Dumbledore looks over at Ginny thoughtfully.

'If we can guarantee his safety yes. But unless I am sure there is no threat he will not be allowed from his aunt and uncles until the new term. You'll just have to wait a little longer Miss Weasley until the school train perhaps.' Ginny, Ron and Hermione do not look happy. Snape stands up causing everyone to look at him.

'I'll be off. I'll leave before this concern over Mr Potter puts me off my breakfast like it has my dinner.' Dumbledore holds up an envelope to Snape who takes it before sweeping from the room.

'I bet he's glad he's still got Harry in his potions class.' Fred grins at George.

Everybody snorts into their cup including Minerva and Dumbledore.

Harry is still sitting on the steps in the hallway. Suddenly the hall is filled with a green light from the fireplace and Snape steps out. Harry scrambles to his feet. Snape looks at him clearly surprised to see him there.

'Where have you been? You said you would be back hours ago. I've finished the skelegrow.'

'You are not my keeper Potter. I do not have to give you a time schedule.'

Snape waves a hand and the lights from the candles along the walls flare higher casting longer shadows. He unclips his cloak and makes his way for the front study to sit down but is stopped by Harry.

'Do not walk away from me!' Harry snaps angrily. Snape turns around quickly sneering.

'Listen to me Potter. This is my house. I tolerate your presence because the headmaster dumped you on me. That gives you no reason to order me around. Do you understand?'

'I thought you might have been hurt by Voldemort.'

'This hero complex of yours….' Snape doesn't get chance to finish. After hours of worrying Harry's temper gets the better of him. His green eyes flash dangerously. He grabs his wand involuntarily and points it at Snape. Snapes expression turns nasty.

'How dare you pull your wand on me!' Snape sneers. Harry looks down at his wand hand pointing out at Snape but doesn't lower it.

'For the past few days all I have done is brew potions you are supposed to be brewing this summer and write essays to stroke your ego. I have had enough.'

The lights start to flicker. Snape raises one eyebrow and says in a deadly voice.

'Watch what you are saying Potter. You are in my power here. There is no Dumbledore to come and rescue you this time. Do not anger me, you will not like the consequences.' Snape pulls out his wand and points it at Harry. The hallway goes still.

'What are you going to do Snivellus? Wipe your greasy hair on me?'

Snaps face turns red. He starts walking towards Harry raising his wand as he goes

'Never call me that! Leviacorpus' Harry quickly raises a block and deflects it. Harry throws a flame spell at Snape who easily blocks it with a cooling charm causing ice to hit the floor. Without thinking Snape yells a disarming charm followed straight away by a blasting curse. Harry's wand is thrown behind him and he stares at the blinding red flare of the blasting curse. Panicking he raises his hands in front of him to try and block the spell. To his great surprise the red flare stops and hovers just inches from his hand. Snape cancels the spell quickly. Harry drops his hands and looks in horror at Snape who is standing silently.

'W..W…What happened?' Harry stutters

Snape looks at Harry oddly.

'You threw up a block without a wand.'

'That's impossible. Isn't it?' Harry looks at Snape his eyes seeking reassurance. Snape walks over to Harry slowly talking gently.

'No it's not impossible. It means your magic has developed sufficiently for you to ignore your wand.' Snape reaches Harry and puts a hand on his shoulder.

'But…But only older wizards can do that. I've never heard of somebody my age doing it before.'

'Potter, most wizards your age do not have to fight a Dark Wizard to survive every year at school. Your magic has developed quickly due to the pressure you have been under.'

'So what does that mean?' Harry asks anxiously

'It means you are going to have to learn to control this. Most wizards if they ever learn this, pick it up over decades of life. You are picking it up through sheer survival.'

'Can you do it?' Snape nods.

'Dumbledore can too. As can the Dark Lord. Others can do simple spells, but very few can block or do the more powerful charms.' Harry nods. 'It simply means you are going to be quite a powerful wizard when you grow older.' Harry looks horrified at the thought. 'Don't you want to be a powerful wizard Potter?'

'No. Power corrupts.' Snape smiles. Harry looks up at him frowning. 'This isn't funny you know. It's something else the press will have a field day with.'

'They do not need to know.' Snape says logically.

'But if I use it at school…' He trails off clearly horrified at the thought.

'Then you will have to learn to control it quickly. And also remember which hand your wand is in. This is something I can help you with in the next few weeks.' Harry nods.

'I'm sorry about loosing my temper.' Harry looks up at Snape again and smiles faintly. 'I was worried that's all.' Harry rubs his hand through the back of his hair clearly embarrassed by what he has just said.

'I apologise for loosing my temper.' Snape stops and swallows 'I would of hated to face Dumbledore had that curse hit you.' Harry grins amused.

'Dumbledore? It's Madam Pomfrey and Mrs Weasley you have to worry about.' Snape shudders at the thought causing Harry to laugh. Snape takes his hand off Harry's shoulder and walks back over to his cloak pulling out the envelope Dumbledore gave him earlier.

'I assume this is your book list.' Harry takes it off him eagerly and opens it.

Dear Harry Potter

Thank you for making your choices for your NEWTs. For the upcoming year you will need the following:

1 Black Wizard Hat

2 sets of Black Everyday Wizard Robes for weekends

(If you wish to bring any other colour everyday robes you may)

Advanced Potions by Libatius Barage

Herbology for the Specialist by Lilly Pond

Standard Book of Spells Grade 6 by Miranda Goshawk

Very Hard Defensive Spells by Blast N. Curse

Transfiguration: Advanced Level by Gary Change

Complex Charms by Charles Christingdon

Creatures Great and Small by Dragon S. Kin

Etiquette For the Modern Witch or Wizard by Grace N. Poise

We look forward to seeing you on September 1st.

Best Wishes

Professor McGonagall

'That's a lot of books. Not to mention the extras most people end up buying.' Harry says.

'I'll teach you a charm to make your books smaller and lighter tomorrow.' Snape informs him. Harry nods

Snape carries his cloak into the front study and Harry follows him and starts a quick search on the shelves to see if they're any books that match his list. Snape carefully watches him.

'I had better go check your skelegrow.' Harry doesn't even look up from his search as Snape leaves the room.