A Time And Place To Grow

Chapter 12 : Banter

Hermione's letter was as Hermione-like as it could be: honest, straightforward, and ringing with good intentions. She inquired after Harry's health, was he enjoying his summer, and had he started on his schoolbooks yet? "Because, really, Harry, sixth year is one of the hardest, and you want to do your very best to prove yourself capable of Auror training which I know you'll begin as soon as you leave Hogwarts. In my spare time, I've constructed a chart that we should study by in autumn. It's very detailed, and if we follow it strenuously, it will add seven extra hours of studying a week so we can excel at our subjects. I'm thinking about trying to squeeze in another class or two."

And so on she went for two pages. Harry folded her letter glumly, thinking about all the work they had to do for the next year. If Hermione knew he was staying at Snape, after her initial gasp of surprise, she would point out the advantage of staying with a professor and the enormous amount of learning Harry could accomplish if he would just put his mind to it. Hermione would think living with a professor was a dream come true, the very best thing that could happen to her over the summer break.

Ron's letter started off complaining about the weather and grumbling about life at the Burrow without Fred and George. His letter was short, barely a whole page, but Harry could not help smiling as he read the messy handwriting. Good, ol' Ron - ever complaining, moaning, and sulking, but always a loyal friend. Harry could picture Ron's horrified expression when Harry told him about living with Snape. Ron would be the person to give the greatest sympathy, to understand Harry's feelings about putting up with the nasty potions professor. At least, Harry sometimes felt that way. Lately, he was not hating Snape as much as before, though he did not like Snape anymore confusing. well, it was all very

"Anything interesting from your two greatest fans?" Snape inquired as he poured Harry a cup of tea.

"They're not my fans," Harry retorted, taking the tea. "And they're writing about their summers, not much happening though Hermione's studying enough for ten people. How did they know I was here?"

"All the owl postings to your house are now being routed here," Snape replied. "It's part of the wards at your relatives' house and the manor. Anything you send them will appear to have come from Privet Drive."

Harry nodded absentmindedly. That sounded about right. He tucked both letters back into their envelopes. Snape was reading the paper, and he looked to be in a fairly descent mood so Harry ventured,

"My birthday's in two weeks."

"Yes, July 31st, is it not?" Snape replied though his gaze looked a bit suspicious.

"I'll be sixteen, you know," Harry tried to look very casual and bored as if it were not a big deal. "I was thinking maybe, you know, if you like, I could see Ron and Hermione sometime that day?"

"You want a birthday party?" Snape asked bluntly.

"You don't have to look like that," Harry put down his fork with a clink. "Most people do something for their birthdays, especially if they are underage. I don't think I should have to defend wanting to see my friends on my birthday. Just because you're too old to like birthdays -"

"There's no need to get insulting," Snape interrupted. "You jump to anger and offense quicker than anyone else I know. Not everything I say to you is a criticism. If you want to celebrate your birthday, I understand. You may invite Hermione and Ron over for the day, and I will arrange the necessary arrangements. However, if you don't behave between now and then, I reserve the right to change my mind."

"You expect me to be perfect for two weeks?" Harry protested. "I act just the way you want, or you don't let them come? That's blackmail."

"No, that's coercion," Snape replied. "And to start, you can help me stock the potions lab with the supplies we bought yesterday."