By your side

Snape pov

My eyes rake over his body as I rethink the headmaster's words carefully. Even if I had agreed to it, the chances of Potter actually agreeing to this predicament were unlikely. Of all the wizards capable of teaching the savior of the wizarding world— keening even to get a chance to interact with him, much less teach him; Me? I would probably be the last one on his mind. Dear gods..what is that old coot up to. But then again, that brat has somehow managed to make me question my teaching skills, that scar of his probably affecting his intellect. Although it is commendable the job he did with the Calming Draught. In such a short time as well. Perhaps he isn't as dense as I had initially thought.

I hear someone clearing her throat, obviously catching on to my staring.

"If you're that worried that he's going to say no, then just ask him,"she raised an eyebrow at me. What in the world is Mcgonagall going on about. Why in Merlin's name would I be worried that the foolish brat would say—or much worse, give me reasons why he does not wish for me to teach him. My heart was pounding so loudly against my chest, and sweat trickled down my forehead. I visibly swallowed. Oh god, I was worried.

Pushing all the unnecassary doubt aside and unknown feelings currently swirling at the pit of my stomach, I made my way over to the Gryffindor table. Making sure that each stride was filled with an unnecassary amount of sass, but yet with a certain firmness.

The boy's eyes look up at me with clear confusion. Huh, so was I. As I stood there, my shadow looming over his lithe body—I stood awkwardly by his table,unsure of what to say. Right. The tuition.

"Mr Potter, I know this may be a bit random and sudden, but I bring good news and bad—depending on how you wish to perceive it." The boy raised an eyebrow at me—clearly trying to imitate me. Also failing. "As I will no longer be your potions professor—" I pause, giving a sigh to Weasley's cheers,"and will be teaching DADA from tomorrow onwards-" this time a groan could be heard, "I will be providing tuition for you from tomorrow onwards—specifically for potions, however, I have been informed by the headmaster to help you with any other subjects that you may require assistance in." I finished, looking into those emerald eyes. Weasley audibly gasped and gave a pitiful look towards Potter. Must he be so expressive every time.

The silence that followed was more uncomfortable than I had expected. Unknowingly, I braced myself for the worst outcome. His lips parted, the frustration was clear on his face. What could possibly be so frustrating about having me tutor him?

"That-I.. I think that would be nice...I guess..? I mean, I have been trying to focus more on my studies now, and since you're willing to provide the assistance needed...why not?" Potter finally responded, resolution clear in his words. I released the breath I hadn't even known I was holding. I tried to hide the shock I felt. However, by the look on Potter's face, it was clear I wasn't doing a very good job.

"Very well then, you are to meet me in my chambers after dinner every day, and we will be going through your notes. I'll be revising your syllabus with you to prepare you for your N.E.W.T.s. Surely you remember what is expected of you. There will be no need for you to come tonight. However, you may if you wish to do so." I drawled out. He may if he wishes to do so? What was I thinking. Since when have I ever been pleasant to Potter. The boy's only response was a small smile. However, for whatever reason, that smile seemed to make me feel a sense....of hope? No, this was joy. The boy's smile was so contagious it made me feel... joy.

With that, I nodded and headed back to the teacher's table. Tonight will either be me drowning these feelings in scotch or finding something to teach the boy—shouldn't be hard, I could teach him how to tie a tie, and he'd still learn something. What am I going to do..

Harry pov

Well... that just happened.

"Wow, mate, you're truly unlucky. I'll only see Snape during DADA, my best subject, and you'll see him then and every night;for potions no less!"Ron gave me a pitiful look like the one he had given earlier. Right, no shit sherlock. On the one hand, I'll be receiving some much needed tutelage. On the other hand, It's Professor Snape.

"Hopefully, he won't be as dour as he normally is. The conversation earlier was quite civil, and I had expected a sneer. So, maybe this isn't so bad. Besides, you know I need it." I sighed out. I probably won't be able to sleep tonight—like any other night. So..maybe I'll just go tonight.

"But why can't 'mione or Malfoy teach you?" Good point.

"Look, Ron. It'll be fine. Besides, I don't want to burden either of them. And since Professor Snape seems to be fine with it... then I'll just do it, " I shrugged stupidly, still unsure why I agreed.

"Oh well, if that's the case then.." Ron mumbled before shoving a huge turkey leg into his mouth and taking a big bite. At least he has an appetite. I looked down onto my untouched plate, my stomach feeling nauseated just by the sight of it.

"Not hungry, Potter?"I raised an eyebrow to my side,"No,I don't really feel like eating,"it was clear he wasn't convinced even one bit, but thank god he didn't press the issue."I've gotta use the loo, see you guys later, yeah?" They nodded in unison.

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Snape pov

Not hungry? What is that boy up to. He's been acting so weird these days. Shocking how I'm the one noticing it when he has a group of friends following him every day and multiple fans. Slowly, I get up from my seat, I was unsure why—but this foreboding feeling that kept engulfing me only made my worry rise. Worry? Of all people, why am I worried? Now is not the time to be questioning emotions, Severus! I hurry to the dungeons where Potter would probably be only to be met with a ghastly sight.

Potter was on the floor, his back resting against the walls. His face bloody and the puddle of blood around him only seemed to increase. Blood oozed from his nose. His face swollen. Without thinking, I carried the boy in my arms and rushed him to Poppy.

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Snape pov

"POPPY! PO -"I shouted only to be interrupted.

"There is no need to shout Severus. Everyone can hear you quite cle—" she abruptly stopped before taking the boy in my arms. My arms were covered in blood, and the scent of it filled my nostrils."Severus! There isn't a time to waste. Potions! Stat!" Now I'm the one being shouted at. Quickly, I flooed to my dungeons and grabbed a couple that I brewed for myself. Before flooing back to the infirmary. When I came back, what shocked me most was not the rapid healing done by the boy's magic but the scars that tainted his body.

I squinted my eyes, trying to make out the words that seemed to have been carved into his body. Freak? What is all of this?.. the boy couldn't have done it to himself, and the scars seemed old. Those dursleys are as good as dead the next time I see their  muggle faces.